F Books

Sid is a favorite at our house! Even when my daughter is in a foul mood, by the end of Sid we're all laughing again. The pictures are extraordinarily expressive and the story is endearing. We've even taken to call one of our cats who likes to overeat Sid!

My kids and I both love this book. The art is pretty without being distracting. Sid is drawn very expressively, and as a real character, without being a talking animal. The message of sharing, openess, and flexibility are important and come in handy in our lives.

The book, Six-Dinner Sid (Aladdin Paperbacks, purchased in 2008) included an advertisement for Cheerios printed on the inside back cover of the book. So every time you read the last page of the book, your child will see an advertisement from a cereal company. No, thank you. We prefer not to have advertisements in our children's literature.

This is a delightful story of a friendly cat! My students like to listen to this book over and over again!

Sid likes six different kinds of dinners, being scratched six different ways, and he sleeps in six different beds. He's just that way!

And... when everyone talks to each other... everyone knows, so no one minds.

An awesome polyamory fable, great for kids and adults.

I grew up with Melinda's maternal and paternal family, even though the author was a tadpole when last I saw her. As an author myself and a retired English teacher, I find Melinda's talent with her craft endearing, stimulating, hilarious, and very sensory. So many of her adventures were (and are) my own, even though we're a generation apart; she makes me see, hear, smell, and taste my own childhood in that small Alabama town.

Melinda reminds many of us that we're not only "GRITS" (Girls Raised in the South) but also "SWAGs" (Southern Women Aging Gracefully) and damn proud of it!!!

I have laughed and cried (from laughing) through this book! I feel like this is the story of my life sometimes. Great read...especially for 40-somethings and up! Or mothers of any age...I'll be reading more by this author.

I purchased this book as a Christmas gift for my sister. I enjoyed the book when I read it. I am still waiting to hear if she enjoyed it as well.

Everything about this book was great. So TRUE! If you are a woman in the South, you will really dig this book!

Though I am from a different region of the South than the author, the truisms smack you in the face like the humidty on a hot Southern summer's day. She has captured the essence of all of us who were reared in the South. And it is true, that most of us over a "certain" age prefer red lipstick. After all, Revlon wouldn't lie to us, would they?
I vary between gales of laughter and nodding in agreement while reading and wish someone were here so I could read it aloud to them.
She has captured our little customs, the SOP of our daily lives in a way no Yankee could ever do, but still it is an inspiration to those women who grew up North of the Mason-Dixon line and want to understand the mystique of Southern women. Men should read this as well. It is full of insights on how to survive with a Southern woman in a close personal relationship.
G Hileman, Middle TN and now FL

I purchased an earlier version of this book when my first child was an infant. I continued to use the book until they were teenagers. It was the most used of my parenting books. I purchase this book for shower gifts for soon-to-be moms. They will find it useful, when their child is ill, in making decisions about when to call the doctor and when not to worry.

I still have the copy of the book my mother-in-law gave me 30 years ago, and the worn cover reminds me of how often I referred to it while my now-adult children were growing up. I'm ordering 3 copies of the updated version today; it's the perfect gift for all the brand new parents I know. Want to know when to alienate the doctor by calling at midnight and when to wait until Monday morning? This book is The One..... Want to walk into the pediatrician's office with a clear, concise idea of what symptoms to convey? It's The One. Want to avoid a trip to the doctor's office or urgent care center altogether? This book can help you do that with confidence and a clear conscience. It's definitely an excellent buy for any and all parents.

This is a great guide. I received my copy in 1977 when my daughter was born. I used it for years! Loved the flow charts. Definately eases the panic of parents. Explains so much! I have bought several copies of this book-first for friends in the 70's having their children, and now the updated book for the next generation of new parents....our children having children.

This book is like having a doctor in the house. My pediatrician took me more seriously when I called because I only called or visited when it was truly necessary. This book is so helpful in the way it works you through the problem and informs you of what to expect when you do have to visit the doctor. I highly recommend this book to new parents; it will give you more credibility when you visit the doctor and you are not seen as an anxious new parent.

I bought this book 27 years ago when I had my first child. I loved it then and love it now. I give it to every expectant mother I know. Our doctor was surprised that a new mom would know exactly what to ask and what information to have on hand. It has an easy to follow format with questions and guidelines for the taking care of your child. The book helps the parent know when to call the doctor or when to head to the emergency room. The book of course has been updated but the information from my original book is just as valuable. I still use it today to answer those important questions...virus or bacterial infection?

In response to comments made by Mark Wilson in his review that Susan Fromberg Schaeffer stole Ms. Brodman's (Anya's) life story, the events detailed in "Anya" are common in some way or another to nearly every other Holocaust survivor. An idea, account of events or even the ability to relate those events verbally is entirely different than actually crafting that idea or account into a well written story or engrossing movie.

Writing/directing well is not easy. I'm sure Ms. Schaeffer likely spent hours, days, months and years researching, writing and rewriting her book. Why should Ms. Schaeffer not receive credit for all the hard work she put into the book?

That being said, I'm not a huge fan of the book. The prose is beautifully descriptive but is too wordy for me (more like a romance novel - not really my taste). Also, the main character, Anya, comes off as preening and fairly unsympathetic. I prefer works like "The Great Gatsby", "Shawshank Redemption & Rita Hayworth", "Fight Club", "Atlas Shrugged", "I, Legend", "The Thief of Always" and "Red Dragon" - to name a few.

The books listed above are not special because of the tag line. Those books are worth reading because they are exceptionally well written. It's all in presentation. An idea/account is only an idea/account until someone puts time and sweat into making the idea/account into something tangible.

Give several authors/directors an idea/account and each will mold that idea/account according to individual talent, personality, background, education, etc. Look at the differences in the way "The Shining" as a movie was directed by Stephen King (awful) versus Stanley Kubrick (genius), in the Harry Potter movies(some darker, some lighter) and in the Thomas Harris movies(Hannibal was a comedy compared to the first two).

There really are no new ideas (themes, characters, plots, etc.)-just new ways of presenting/mixing. In fact, most stories are covered or at least alluded to in the Bible and mythology. Look at how Jane Austen's "Emma" was modernized in "Clueless" or how differently J.D. Salenger and Sylvia Plath portray young people dealing with growing pains in "The Catcher in the Rye" and "The Bell Jar". There are lots of other examples.

The bottom line is that Ms. Brodman, unless she voluntarily chose to execute a nondisclosure agreement, had the opportunity to take the time to write her own book in her own words in whatever language she desired so that her book could be judged on its merits accordingly.

ANYA is one of the best modern novels I've ever read. Susan Fromberg Schaeffer does a great job getting inside her protagonist's head. Wonderfully atmospheric, ANYA sets you right down in Anya's world from the first paragraph. I first read the book as a teenager and spent the days reading it and several days afterward in a fog--I was completely in Anya's world.

I am a 16 year old sophomore in high school and I came across this book for a book report.As I read I was drawn in as if I were an eye witness to the events happening to Anya Savikin Lavinsky, her daughter, and her family during the holocaust. It really gave me a first hand experience of the horror,hope, and determination of the victims of the holocaust. It was moving and touching.I would recommend it highly. Bravo Susan Fromberg Schaeffer!
Lyn Shakespeare "Jacki" (Illinois,USA)

I first read this novel after reading "First Nights". I must admit, I was attracted to "First Nights" by pure marketing and cover art, but was I a lucky consumer. I completely fell in love with Susan Fromberg-Schafer's style of writing and have read and loved almost everything she has written (Buffalo Day Afternoon was not a particular favorite). "Anya" has become my favorite novel of all time. I have re-read it at least 3 times. This comes from someone who loves to read and has almost never read a book twice. I can't say enough about it except that you should also give "Autobiography of Foudini M Cat" a try if you have ever loved a pet.

Happy Reading!

I moved across the street from Mrs. Brodman (Anya) in Sarasota, Florida in 1979. She lived there with her husband until the day she died. I have been gone for two years now, but believe Mr. Brodman still lives there.

The story is riveting because it is true! It did not come from the imagination of Susan Fromberg Schaeffer. Mrs. Brodman and her husband told me that a lawsuit was filed against Ms. Schaeffer and that Ms. Schaeffer lost. I was told they never wanted the money from the settlement and gave it to an fund for orphans in Israel.

It is shocking to see it listed here as one of Ms. Schaeffer's novels. Mrs. Brodman told me that the book was the result of a series of tapes she dictated and that were transcribed by Miss Fromberg. Though Anya spoke many languages (including English), she said it was too difficult for her to 'write' in English and so she dictated her story. This is what I was told.

Mrs. Brodman told me it hurt her greatly that Miss Fromberg took credit for her life story. Yes there are facts that were changed to also protect others (i.e., she changed the name of her husband, Mr. Brodman, for obvious reasons). My understanding was that the outcome of the lawsuit was to stop Ms. Schaeffer from continuing to take credit for 'Anya's story'.

When I found an out-of-print copy (many years ago) I asked her to dedicate and sign it. I will treasure this forever!

I too heard Anya tell me many stories. I took Mr. Brodman's advice and started reading one of Ms. Fromberg's books. I put it down... no comparison.

Mark Wilson

I know longer have to feel ashamed because I don't know how to utilize ABA vocabulary. This book gave examples on how to use terminology appropriately. On the job training is no longer stressful, because I can communicate better with supervisors and school staff effectively.
Although a few of the definitions were rephrased or shortened (by my managers), they were in the ballpark
Thanks for your help

As a parent with a child with autism in a behavioral program, one of the many areas where I have had to hit the ground running is learning the many specific terms and definitions related to this instructional model in a way that is quickly accessible. Behaviorspeak fulfills that need splendidly as a thorough glossary of behaviorism and ABA. I found the definitions to be accurate and precise without being overwhelming, and I appreciate the authors' kindness in putting cross-referenced definitions in CAPS so that was able to quickly find other terms to flesh out my understanding.
I appreciate that the authors respect the audience enough to not only include common terms, but to include more advanced terms and concepts such as identity matching vs. arbitrary matching, Sdelta (in addition to the usual Sd), etc. and to explain social validity, statistical significance and other terms which are useful to parent and professional in contemplating programming and effectiveness of intervention questions.
There are touches of humor, but none distracts from the serious nature and content of this book. A nice thorough job. Thank you Newman, Reeve(s) and Ryan.

Behavior Speak is a pithy yet elegant introduction to the terminology of Applied Behavior Analysis. Written by four behavior analysts, all of whom have impeccable credentials, as well as long standing personal commitments to children with autism, this book fills several needs. It is a pragmatic attempt to make the specialized vocabulary of the field more accessible to a general audience. The practical yet droll writing style makes it a perfect resource for new teachers or students beginning the study of behavioral interventions. Parents too can benefit. Parents often say that when their child is first diagnosed with autism it feels a lot like stepping on to a moving train. This is the book to help you get up to speed quickly. The slightly offbeat humor never overshadows or waters down the material. I've given this book to teachers new to the field, behavioral therapists new to home ABA programs, other parents of children with autism and, increasingly, to older siblings of kids on the spectrum. It's helped my older son, who doesn't have autism, know what we're talking about around the home and has empowered him to use behavioral concepts to make sense of his (middle school) world as well. While a lone, humorless reviewer uses the pretext that "autism in not funny" to slam the book (and in a petty manner, the authors) most seasoned autism parents know that there are plenty of reasons to smile at our kids and our lives. The authors' use of humor signals their collective appreciation of the challenges and successes, the struggles and the joys of life with a child with autism. Life with autism may not always be easy, but it has many rewards for those who know where to find them. This book, by demystifying the language of behavior analysis, empowers readers to work effectively with children with autism and their teachers, and thus to all move forward together happily.

DR. NEWMAN'S ABILITY TO RELATE TO PARENTS OF AUTISTIC CHILDREN IS UNLIKE ANY OTHER PROFESSIONAL I HAVE MET IN THIS FIELD. HIS IN DEPTH KNOWLEDGE RELAYED TO US IN HIS MANY BOOKS BREAK DOWN THE COMPLEX WORLD OF TEACHING AND UNDERSTANDING AUTISTIC CHILDREN AND ADULTS, TO THE LEVEL IN WHICH MOST CAN RELATE. AS THE PARENT OF AN AUTISTIC CHILD I FIND ALL OF HIS WORKS EXTREMELY INFORMATIVE. THERE IS CERTAINLY NOTHING FUNNY ABOUT AUTISM BUT WHAT DR. NEWMAN PRESENTS TO US IS A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE THAT HAS BROUGHT SMILES TO MY FACE TIME AND TIME AGAIN DURING THIS VERY DIFFICULT TIME IN MY LIFE.

Behaviorspeak is an excellent book for everyone involved in the lives of children with autism. The authors take the technical terminology of Applied Behavior Analysis and make it accessible and understandable to the layperson. The authors also provide professionals in the field of ABA with a deeper understanding of common terms and procedures. As both a parent of a child with autism and a professional in the field, I find the book indispensible.

This is a decent book. About what I expected. Gave it a 3 instead of a 4 because editing was a bit shoddy.

My man BFG. Nice tunes , nice beard, real nice cars, but MAN: those guitars are incredible!! Sharp dressed indeed...!

You dont have to be a ZZ Top fan to like this book , that's just an added Bouns . This book showcases both
Billy Gibbons one of a kind collection of Car's , and Guitars . One especially famous Guitar by Houston legendary Luthier Huey "The Axehandle" Wilkinson . I bought 6 of them , and gave them out as Christmas gifts .

Hey if you play guitar you need to buy this book and soak yourself in the aesthetic and philosphy of the Reverend Billy G. If this guy and Little Steven were running the world, (or just the record and radio industries), we would all be a lot better off. Cool cars and cooler guitars... what more do you want??

WOW. Awesome pictures and great stories. My husband is a ZZ Top enthusiast and I am so glad I bought this book for him. It also has some great pictures of cars Billy collected and since my family is a "racing family" this book was perfect! Well worth the money!

The following is the commentary from WRITER'S DIGEST on Mr. Murphy's book:

"EDGE OF ALLEGIANCE contains all the elements expected in a great spy thriller. There are plenty of exotic locations, well-described. All the characters are three dimensional and believable--as well as being unusual and developed in such a way that they seem real.

"The plot is multi-layered with one intriguing complication after another with plenty of action and excitement. Definitely a page-turner. Great job!"

On a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 meaning "poor" and 5 meaning "excellent," the book rates 5.

I highly recommend this book! It's got all the suspense and excitement of any great thriller and Mr. Murphy has put quite a bit into it! Well written, the book has all the makings of a commonly read spy novel. Mr. Murphy is accurate to a "T", without a doubt, an authority on this subject. I look forward to his next work!

Thomas Murphy's "Edge of Allegiance" is a fascinating journey into the intruiging world of international espionage. The story is dramatic, informative, and appropriately deceptive, and is brought to life by the well-researched, vivid detail of each exotic setting and the development of each complex, yet realistic character. Murphy allows the reader an opportunity to delve into the intense and furtive lives of the intelligence operatives of the era. The brilliant culmination neatly ties each intertwined plotline together, but leaves adequate room for a much anticipated sequel. This is an absolute must read!

Thomas F. Murphy's novel has it all. "Edge of Allegiance" is packed with thrilling action and a great romance story while being entertaining throughout its entirety. Mr. Murphy makes it easy to get into the main character's (Frank Manion) shoes as he begins his journey with the CIA.

The plot is very well thought out and all the characters come together at the end making it an excellent story. "Edge of Allegiance" was an easy but very exciting read. It was difficult to put the book down, as I constantly wanted to know what would happen next. The accurate description of the many locations make it even easier to picture yourself right there with the characters. I should also mention that the author is also quite funny at times.

I highly recommend this book not just to anyone who is curious as to how the CIA works, but also to readers who would enjoy a great thriller and love story. You will be pleasantly amazed at how ingenious the plot and characters come together and operate. I very much hope the author writes a sequel to this book.

Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (6/07)

Thomas Murphy's experience in the CIA gives authenticity to his cold war novel "Edge of Allegiance." This is evidenced in the well-developed details of his writing. Murphy understands the predicable cycle of espionage, the hours of surveillance and counter surveillance, the adrenaline rush of danger, the fear of discovery, the suspicion of peers, the drive for promotion and a desire to excel to please the agency brass.

Frank Manion, a newly trained CIA agent, is assigned as a case officer to recruit a Russian diplomat to provide classified information to the CIA. Adept and quick thinking Frank soon learns the danger involved in espionage work as he confronts KGB members as well as an undermining current of deceit within the office of CIA headquarters. The mission takes him to countries on three continents before final resolution and closure is reached in the case.

It is also obvious that Murphy has an in-depth knowledge and understanding of human nature. His carefully-developed, authentic characters make it easy for the reader to identify with, relate to, despise, or embrace them. His characters include highly intelligent, dedicated, focused agents who are committed to take risks, idealists, willing to sacrifice, and those genuinely concerned for the citizens of our country.

Other characters are susceptible to greed, deceit, and misuse of position and power. He allows his characters to become vulnerable, to show their fear, loneliness, boredom, rejection, and the need for affirmation.

This careful introduction of his characters sets in motion a complex plot including, interpersonal relationships, suspense, romance, mystery, and drama. Murphy's fast-paced action plot holds the readers attention right up the dramatic, climactic end. The book is both exciting entertainment and an informative narrative, filled with insights into the behind the scenes inner workings of the CIA.

"Edge of Allegiance" is going to establish Thomas F. Murphy as a best selling author in the genre of espionage adventure thrillers. I look forward to reading more of CIA Agent Frank Manion.

This product is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you so much.

My friend wanted it for Christmas, so I got it for her as a surprise, and while I'm not a big fan of Josh Groban, she loves him. I've never had a Christmas gift make someone so happy, she absolutely loves everything about this book.

This sheet music is great. My husband loves to sing and to play the piano. This sheet music is fabulous.

I am not nearly as gifted in the vocal department as Josh is, however, I do play the flute, and after getting hooked on his cd, I got this book. The wonderful things about this book is that since the melody is there, I can play the melody. The songs are in an easy enough key, and the notes are never out of reach. Josh Groban is young still, and I simply can not wait to see what his voice will be like in 10 years. If you like to play excellent music, this book is wonderful. You may find, however, that it will be necessary to raise the songsb y an octave (mainly due to the limitations of your instrument) but the result is the same, and still powerful.

Uh, I'm not sure what the last person was talking about...Josh handles the high notes very well. His voice is so beautiful. Clearly, he's gotten as far as he has for a good reason. If he was the same as the rest of the young vocalists in this country, then tell me why exactly he's famous and selling MILLIONS of albums. Yeah, that's what I thought.

The summer of 1944, Gretchen Gilman was only thirteen. Yet thanks to the shortage of available workers, she is able to land a prize opportunity -- working as a reporter for her hometown newspaper.

Delighted to cover even mundane stories, Gretchen never imagined she'd find herself at the center of the biggest crime ever to hit her sleepy little Oklahoma town.

Faye Tatum, Gretchen's neighbor and mother of her friend Barb, was brutally murdered in her own home. Her husband Clyde, a soldier on leave, is nowhere to be found -- a fact that convinces most area residents he's responsible.

As the days pass, Gretchen is torn between her duty to cover the story for the newspaper, and between loyalty to Barb, who is staying with Gretchen and her grandmother. She's also struggling to deal with her widowed mother, away in Tulsa working for the war effort, as it seems Lorraine may have a few changes in mind for the Gilmans.

As narrator, Gretchen's voice alternates between two phase of her life -- that summer when she was 13, and present-day, when she's an older woman, who's had a successful journalism career. Hart does an excellent job, combining the elements of a mystery and that of small-town fiction.

I enjoyed this book and will read more Carolyn Hart mysteries. I found the ending - the mystery's solution - particularly satisfying. But much of the story called on way too many all-too-familiar and overused cliches of small town America. Which we all know (yawn) is narrow-minded, hypocritical and suspicious of those artistic types. The book's Children of the Corn mob scene is way over the top.

Nearly all of the characters fall into two rather obvious piles - the saints, and the villains. Grandmother is a perfect, selfless saint a la Ma Joad; the victim, Faye, is the Saintly but Misunderstood Artist. And the preacher, of course, is a slimy, evil purveyor of hell-fire-and-damnation. And then you have the silly side plot about the townfolk veering into vigilantism over what everybody clearly assumes is a domestic murder. HUH? And I had to stifle a snicker when, at the city council meeting, the leathery-faced, tobacco-chewing farmer yells out, "How come you ain't found Tatum yet?" How imaginative.

The mystery itself could have held its own without having to take these detours into such overworn territory.

and I have read a lot. I very much enjoy Carolyn Hart's other books, but not as much as this book. The imagery is as compelling as the dialog. The characters are drawn lovingly & realistically. Her use of the letter, the preset & the past in each chapter keep me racing to read more. I felt that the "mystery" serves as a backdrop for the story of the characters, unlike most thriller/mystery works where the plot is the most important part of the book. I love mysteries, but for those who do not, this is just as wonderful a book showing the slice of life for these characters. This is the first review I've ever written, but this book compelled me to share my thoughts. It really is the best book I've ever read. Ms. Hart has my respect... and thanks.

The descriptions are so vivid that you can almost smell the starch in the doilies,taste the crunchy watermelon and feel the blast of hot air through the window.

Not only does Ms. Hart place us amidst the happenings, seen through the eyes of Gretchen, she manages to make the story twist and turn so that at the end, we are truly surprised at the outcome.

The two young girls, Gretchen and Barbie, follow very divergent lives, and their story is told through fragments of a letter sent to Gretchen and her thoughts as she looks back to that time long ago.

This book should satsify any mystery fan and those who love stories from the 40's. We get a feel for the times with women doing war work, rationing and young boys from the town that are killed.

And one great thing about this book is that a young girl is given her break into journalism by a crusty old editor. A concept that in those times was remarkable indeed.

Gretchen Gilman is only thirteen the summer of 1944, but she's managed to get a summer job at the local newspaper. With all the men off fighting the war, the editor was desperate. It's hard work, but she's enjoying herself and gaining great experience.

One night, her friend and neighbor Barb comes to her window asking for help. They return to find Barb's mother, Faye, murdered in the living room. Immediately, the rumors start about Faye's dancing at the local tavern every night while her husband is off at the war. But Gretchen finds herself getting more caught up in events that will scandalize a small town and change her life forever.

I'll admit this book took a chapter or two to fully get. Each chapter starts with part of a letter the grown up Gretchen has received, a few thoughts of her own, then flashes back to the third person account of the story as it unfolded. Once I got into the story, I was hooked. Foreshadowing keeps the suspense up, while the writing style pulls you in. I felt like I was in the small Oklahoma town that summer with its problems, prejudices, and pride. The ending is as surprising as it is logical and extremely powerful.

In spite of all I've heard about her, this is my first Carolyn Hart book. It won't be my last.

F.F.Bruce has written a good History of the New Testament. H explains the topics in the book well.

FF Bruce was thorough and brilliantly so. His adeptness in the biblical and related languages is second to none. This volume is a must for all serious studies of the Bible. There is so much here to be gleaned and treasured.

I read this book 25 years ago. It is an excellent overview of the historical period in which the New Testament was born. After reading this, you will have all the important basics you need to understand the Greek, Roman, and Jewish historical, cultural, and political backgrounds to the New Testament. It reads as a no-nonsense history of the period, with the student of the Bible in mind.

One of the most balanced history books on Bible history available. Dr. Bruce is a phenomenal historian with a great deal of objectivity for an evangelical. He's not afraid to write about the controversial, but certainly remains faithful to the basic tenets of the Christian faith. This book is a must read for anyone who wishes to understand early Christianity in the context of its historical setting.

I really liked this book because it was historical and gave all the sources. I particularly liked the section where Professor Bruce documented Jews claiming to have killed Jesus Christ -- Jewish Talmud and other Jewish sources take credit for Jews killing Christ Jesus. Anyone who doubts that Jews killed Jesus Christ is refusing to take Jewish documents from the ancient world seriously.