Literature Books

Any edition of this masterpiece is a must-have for any teacher, parent, or human being connected with reading in any way, shape, or form. Mr. Trelease presents a convincing argument for the importance (and joy!) of reading aloud, with plenty of case-studies and touching stories to give an emotional and logical edge.

Trelease says that reading aloud is something that should continue beyond the early childhood years of bedtime reading; just because a child can read on his own does not mean reading aloud is a bad thing--quite the opposite! Reading aloud is a pleasurable activity for people of any age. After all, who does not love to hear a good story? Reading aloud also shares a correlation with improved individual reading skills and overall intelligence. Maybe we can't prove anything, but there are absolutely no down-sides to reading.

This book extends the read-aloud concept to all aspects of learning, from childhood to special education.

Another bonus is a list of recommended read-aloud books.

This is a well-researched and very convincing book that is written with a sparkling syntax. Heck, it's just as fun and fascinating to read as anything else. Definitely a keeper.

This book is a must have for every parent, grandparent, teacher, administrator out there! I went to a seminar in our area that was based on this book and immediately ordered it. I read this wonderful guide and talked my school into having the speakers come to our school district for a Family Night to spread the word about this book!

The parents and teachers who attended our school's program loved the presentation and we gave out copies of the book. Sometimes we know we should do something (like drink 8 glasses of water a day and exercise 30 minutes/5 days a week) but how many people do it until someone, something really drives the message home? Everyone knows or should know that as parents we are supposed to read to our children. It's common sense right? But how many people actually do it regularly and at what point do parents stop reading TO their children? It isn't surprising that most parents QUIT reading aloud to their children as soon as they themselves can read. This book shows the benefits of continuing to read to our children as they mature into teenagers. It does a great job in showing how much children who are read aloud to throughout the grades benefit and how the children who are left behind are usually the children who never were taught how to appreciate the art and pleasure of reading.

It is frightening to me as a parent that alot of parents leave it up to our schools to do it all. We as parents need to take up the responsiblity of helping our children succeed by arming them with the best tool known to education--- READING! If parents can't help their own small brood at home how on earth can they expect a teacher to succeed with a classroom of 20 children?

My family started a Read Aloud program in our home the very evening I attended the seminar and we have gained so much. Not only does it help our son learn but it gives us family time that we will always remember fondly as we grow older.

I recommend this book most definately! ENJOY!

I always carry this book in my minivan so that I'm never without it in the event of an impromptu stop at a bookstore or a library. And I always give it as a gift at baby showers (along with some board books recommended by Jim Trelease as well). Clothes get outgrown, toys break, but books are gifts that just keep on giving --- especially this one. My three sons and I have been introduced to authors and illustrators we would never have even heard of if it wasn't for good ole J.T. Highly recommended; you won't be sorry!

What a wonderful book!!! And what a fantastic resource!! I am so glad I found this while my children are still babies. Their father is grateful as well since this book has inspired him to take an active part in reading aloud to them.

I do wonder if I read the same book as some others!?!? Trelease isn't against phonics. (He says over and over that he's not suggesting we do away with worksheets entirely.) Nor does he push whole language instruction. He simply suggests that the traditional methods of piling worksheets in front of children be balanced out with reading aloud and sustained silent reading. Perhaps some people will find that a scary or threatening proposition. In that case... BEWARE! I for one find it quite refreshing though I don't agree with every one of his social positions. Even if I'm wrong about his positions on phonics, I'd still recommend this book. Regardless of how you choose to teach your child to read, reading out loud to them is STILL a wonderful, vital, bonding thing to do. Kudos to the author for driving that point home.

I have been reading to my babies since the day they were born and I plan to continue through the grades. I thank Jim Trelease for an inspiring and wonderful book.

I read to my kids and I read for pleasure (a lot!)but this book rocked my world. Someone loaned an older copy to me and I thought "Why do I need this? I already read to my kids." I did need it and every parent and teacher needs it too. This book does far more than telling you to read to your kids. It shows you how to do it the right way and it shows you what reading can do for everyone, the very poor, the prison population, special needs children, etc. I have never been so moved by a book. I am not sure how or where but I feel a calling to start or participate in a read-aloud program. This is an excellent book for parents and teachers. I plan to give it again and again.

This book will keep your little one occupied for several long minutes and then some. Great book to keep in the car or at Nana's house.

I have a 4 year old and a 1 year old, and I'm ordering another copy of this because the first is already worn out and ripped. If you have a curious child or want your child to be curious, then this is the book for you. Younger kids like to look at the pictures, and I read the text to the older one. This book and "Cars and Trucks and Things that Go" are his favorites and have been since about age two. We have many many Richard Scarry books and videos and they're all a hit.

The title of this book, Richard Scarry's What Do People Do All Day, pretty much sums it all up! Here are page after page of action packed illustrations and clever little stories of how people work!

Even young children who haven't learned to read will be able to follow along, understanding the activities being described. Richard Scarry's books have entertained and educated generations, and this book is proof of his amazing abilities!

My 3 year old loves this book - even "reads" it to herself after we read some of the stories to her. She loves the "How bread is made" story, especially. Richard Scarry knows how to weave silly stories into real life and make it fun.

It's big enough to capture attention for a longer time period than simple board books, and entertaining enough that you'll like reading it too.

This man knows how to generate the interest of preschoolers in reading books with his expressive drawings and funny stories. It's fun to elaborate on all the things one sees in each page to develop conversation with your little ones!
Grandma Approves!

Trice Hickman's debut novel Unexpected Interruptions was an unexpected treasure. While surfing the net for new books for my book club I happened upon Trice's website and decided to read the first chapter which she had posted. Within minutes of finishing the excerpt I was emailing Trice to tell her my interest had been peaked. A week later I received a copy of the book in the mail and read it over the weekend and since then I have been singing her praises to all who enjoy reading.

In the story, Trice takes us to a place we've all been: praying for a good man. While some of us wait...and wait...and are still waiting, Victoria Small receives not 1 but 2 men who appear to be answers to her prayers. After ending a relationship that was devastating, Victoria is finally ready to venture out and try her hand at love again. That's when CEO Ted Thornton and surgeon Parker Brightwood both show up determined to win her heart.

Through the course of the book Victoria finds herself torn between two men whom she loves. This poses the age old question, "Can you love two people at once?" I found myself engulfed in Victoria's dilemma. I pitied her in some situations then I envied her in others. I also found myself torn between rooting for Ted then Parker then Ted then Parker. Trice does a great job of pulling the reader into Victoria's world. Throughout the story Victoria goes through numerous emotions and Trice's writing style helps you to appreciate and even experience them all with her.

As you read the story you can tell that Victoria is a smart, savvy, beautiful, independent, positive person who is also a go-getter. But you soon find out that she has inner conflicts that are interrupting her happiness. She has conflicts with her family that goes from "making daddy happy" to "who am I in this skin I'm in". Trice challenges her readers to explorer their own views on topics such as: dating outside your race, accepting your "shade" of blackness, pursuing your dreams no matter the costs. During the story Victoria ends up on a path of self-discovery and as you read this, you will start to discover things about yourself as well.

This novel is very well written. The characters are well developed and intriguing. The storyline is captivating well put together. What I love most is that Trice can be descriptive without being too wordy. Her writing touches on social, racial and even ethical issues. This story brings forth drama and comedy. Unexpected Interruptions is the continuation of the tale we all knew as young girls. When we were young we heard stories of Prince Charming and we all grew up wanting him. Searching for him. Well, this story is fairytale meets real life. Not everyday will be sunshine and daisies and not every man will ride up on a white horse. But maybe he'll be sitting is the same restaurant on an awkward blind date when you see him. Or maybe he works in your building and you've never noticed him. He's out there and he shows up when you least expect him to. He comes in and interrupts all that you know. And this tale is brilliantly told by one of my new favorite authors Trice Hickman. If you read only one good book this year, make that book Unexpected Interruptions.

Nickie J. Rosier, President
Phenomenal Women of Color Book Club
www.pwocbookclub.org

This book, as its title suggests, was an unexpected interruption for me. I found myself trying to steal moments whenever I could just to see what was unfolding in the life of the lovely Ms. Small. She was such an amazing character-easy to identify with, and dynamic to say the least. As I got more and more immersed into her life, I didn't want her story to end.
Ms. Hickman's writing style is immaculate, giving you just what you need, but at the same time, leaving you with the hunger for more. I loved every page of this book, and cannot wait until I'm turning some more by this astonishing, and skillful author.
Thank you Ms. Hickman, for giving me just what I needed, and when I was least expecting it. Keep up the awesome work!

This was a very well written book. The characters seemed real. Everyone has a friend that is very flirty. The book touched on so many hot topics. Interracial dating, Infidelity, Light skin dark skin battle, Stereotypes of races, Corporate America, and entering the dating world after a major break up. The book flowed well. I was all smiles to the end. I couldnâ(tm)t wait to see which guy she choose, Parker or Ted. The book really showed that you should follow your heart when it comes to relationships. I cannot wait to read the sequel.




Michelle Riley

Unexpected Interruptions is a witty, intelligent, provocative, humorous, socially candid, and emotionally gripping journey through life's love lessons. This beautifully written masterpiece offers intense socio-economic commentary on race and classism through three epochs, feminism, and provides a controversial worldview of some of the other cast of characters that bring the book to life. Hickman masterfully writes in the tradition of her Harlem Renaissance predecessors. Her refined contribution to the literary world is highly anticipated. Her human and mundane portrayal of the black bourgeois in mainstream society is not only boldly realistic, but courageous among limited, mediocre, and stereotypical urban writers often endorsed by the media.

Unexpected Interruptions

I was very hesitant when I purchased this book from the author because it's a little different from the books that I normally read. I had the pleasure of meeting her at book signing in my neighborhood. I am impressed this is her debut novel and the plot and the suspense will keep you on edge. I am glad I read this book and will recommend the book to my fellow readers. I am looking forward to a sequel to see where Victoria, Ted, Parker and the rest of the characters end up. This book also opened my mind about interracial dating. Great Read!!

I gave this book to my three year old grandson after talking to him about how to call 911 and reasons to do it. The book has a phone pad so 911 dialing can be practiced and memorized. The dialing is answered with the sound of sirens; it would be better if a voice said, "What is your emergency, where do you live and what is your name?." The siren is very loud. Overall tho, I think the book is helpful in giving examples of what conditions would require a call to 911. My grandson knows his name, his address and how to hold his hand under someone's nose to see if they are breathing. The book is sturdy and colorful and will help children learn when and when NOT to call.

My daughter loved pushing the 911 buttons and the sounds. Would not recommend for children over 5.

I purchased this book for my 3 year old for Christmas and it was a great choice. After reading it twice he was able to grap the concept of what 911 was and when to use it. The only downside was when the book did come in the mail the batteries were dead. I had to go out and by new ones on christmas eve. It brought the book from a $7.95 purchase to $20.00, the batteries were $4 each and it takes 3 of them. I hope they last as long as they say they do. Battery issue aside it was one of the best book purchases I have made.

The book is written very well. My son loves using the toy phone. It really helped him get the numbers down pack. He used to mix them up.

This book seemed to be well-written and a good presentation for my twin 5 year olds. However, shortly after reading this book, one of my children in conjunction with another child actually called 911 unbeknownst to us until the police officer showed up at the door. Thankfully he was quite understanding, but I'm still not sure if this book covered the importance of only calling 911 when necessary. I would definitely recommend it, but might want to have an additional discussion with your child after reading the book that calling 911 is serious and not something fun to do!

This book explains in details on how to make beads and just the basics of setting up your own torch, etc.

This book is just fantastic for the beginner. Fully illustrated step by step, it takes you through the basic steps of how to get started lampworking, and what you can make. Working with glass needs to be experienced, so while no book can substitute for classes, this book INSPIRES you to explore the subject further. Just great!

The book was very good at describing in broad terms how to make your first glass bead as well as some of the general things you need to know about flameworking beads and the equipment neccessary. "Making Glass Beads" did not provide the detailed pictures and instructions for each step that would have been very helpful as a neophyte. However,"The Complete Book of Glass Beadmaking" by Kimberley Adams provides detailed step by step instructions with pictures of what you should be seeing as you form your first bead. Now that I have completed several successfully "Making Glass Beads" is a worthwhile book to have.

This is an excellent book. I've had it for a long time and decided to buy one for my grandson. He is just getting started in bead making. The instructions are very good, with a lot of pictures to show you how to do the techniques. I would recommend this book to anyone getting started in glass bead making.

This is a great step-by-step 'how-to' book. The explanations and pictures are very detailed. I feel like I am prepared and know everything I need to know to get started making glass beads!

Japan. 1912. Japanese society is divided, or at least complex. Still with most of it's body and soul in the ancient tradition of the East, but with ever increasing impulses towards the "Western culture" (In the unsemitically correct reality, we of the "West" have infinitely more in common with the traditional culture of the East than we do the current world-wide Weimar Republic, but oh well). Mishima, the author, was more or less a Japanese representative of the "conservative revolution", and appears to have been quite well read. His life reminds me in many ways of Corneliu Codreanu and Julius Evola. His well-known dramatic ritual suicide as a protest against the betrayal of tradition in Japan, and the Japanese submission to American rule, followed him and his radical "right wing" organization's (The Shield Society) failure to arouse the Japanese Defence Force into rebelling.

The book is the first in a tetralogy, and follows Kiyoaki Matsugae, a young student from a family of the lower nobility in his relationship with Satoko Ayakura, the daughter of one of the 28 families of the higher nobility, her being the daughter of a count. The book in many ways actually reminded me of the excellent "Victoria" by Knut Hamsun, with the constant back and forth in the interaction between the characters, sometimes they love each other dearly, and at other times torment each other. Such is the nature of difficult relationships, I guess! The book paints a very vivid picture of the end of a noble era, and the translation I read was excellently done. The moral teaching of this period, and it's sometimes less noble effects is excellently portrayed.

Through certain misunderstandings, Satoko ends up being future wife of one of the royal princes, and Kiyoaki is driven to despair. Long story short, as all the books in the series, there is no happy ending, but that is basically the ending of all our lives. This is a book I highly recommend, and apart from a few minor flaws, it is all in all an excellent tale, and I look very much forward to reading the rest of the series. 4,5 stars.

(I read a different edition)

Maybe it was a bad transalation. Maybe I could not relate as a westerner to an old Japanese story, but I really did not enjoy this book. It was maudlin and unbelievable. Story was boring. Character development was terrible and it was poorly written/transalated. I recommend Murakami's Norwegian Wood for those who want to read books by Japanese authors.

Mishima's Spring Snow is a coming-of-age tale for nouveau riche Kiyoaki, whose naive childhood crush on the more mature Satoko grows into something much more powerful, beautiful and, ultimately, destructive. Kiyoaki's failings are human and familiar; acting on rash impulses, immaturity, a failure to realise what he wants till he has lost it. Mishima's characterisation is finely drawn and accurate. The scheming Tadeshina turns out to have her own secret heartbreak, enervated Ayakura lacks guile but not luck, the ancient loyalties of the Abessess make her a formidable eminence grice. The characters are at once individually drawn and representative of a unique and fascinating era of flux and change in Japan, as ancient modes of behaviour gave way to modernising forces. Mishima's novel is both of its time and timeless. A true masterpiece.

Just finished reading an excellent book, just a few minutes ago, and I feel compelled to write a review, while ideas are still fresh in my mind.

This is the first book I've finished reading for my Summer Reading. The book is called Snow Spring (Haru no Yuki) by Mishima Yukio and its the first book in his masterpiece, The Sea of Fertility or Hojou no Umi. The Sea of Fertility is a series of four novels by one of Japan's greatest authors. The book I have is the Vintage International edition, translated by Michael Gallagher.

This novel really moved me. In the last 100 pages, I couldn't do anything but finish it. Just like a short story by Edgar Allan Poe, where the reader hangs onto every word until the truth and mystery is finally revealed in the last word, so does this novel grip the reader.

On the surface is a conventional tale of the Japanese idea of unrequited love, a theme that is done over and over again in Japanese fiction. What sets this piece apart from others, is Mishima narrative drive and richly detailed characters and the psychological insight into every major and minor character involved.

Kiyoaki begins his ill fated relationship with the beautiful Satoko, whom he has known all his life. At first he disregards her and then he is on fire to obtain her love after she is engaged to a Prince. Wealthy families are invovled in making the Wedding ceremony a success and any type of scandal leaking out to the press must be avoided at all costs. But Kioyaki single minded determination to pursure Satoko, despite such obstacles, causes the reader to want him to succeed.

On the one hand, Kiyoaki lets his desires and emotions rage out of control and on the other all those emotions put him into action. He used to sit around in his room all day, lonely and depressed, until he just decided to pusure love. Its his drive to obtain love and his selfish quest for Satoko's heavenly beauty that pushes him along page after page. These type of overly romantic novels can quickly turn unwittingly comical in lesser writer. But Mishima combines the richness of Japanese traditional and culture with romantic ideas of love and realistic views, based in concrete reality, that prevent the work from becoming a low form of soap opera.

The novel is both realistic novel and emotional charged romantic that causes the entire work to be a cleverly crafted paradox. For example, Honda is Kiyoaki's best friend in high school. Honda has a revelation that he must prevent Kiyoaki from pursuing Satoko becomes of his friend's harmful obession. The fact that Honda can't bring himself to hurt his friend by giving him a cold rational arguement, shows love between friends that isn't distorted by irrational love. Kiyoaki's love for Satoko is more based on his own selfish fantasy. It is this fantastic love that wins out between Satoko and over Honda, who had good intentions but failed to act on them. Irrational love wins out over the gloom of reality.

Without giving away any more of the story, let me just end with how this book took over my imagination and wouldn't let it go for 2 whole days. All day Saturday and all Sunday afternoon, I cared more about the characters in this story then my own family. I couldn't do anything else except finish reading it.

It starts out slow but builds to a breakneck speed in the end. It is highly recommended for anyone who wants to read an excellent novel this Summer. Forget about it being Japanese and look past all that exoticism and you will see the novel for all its beauty.

Today I will start on the second novel in the series, called Runaway Horses.

I can't wait.

In "Spring Snow," Yukio Mishima has chosen the perfect title for his novel. The narrative is as gentle and as beautiful as wet snow on spring blossoms, and indeed there is a poignant scene where two lovers have a tryst in a rickshaw under such conditions. It was my first foray into the world of Mishima -- indeed, of Japanese literature -- and will not be my last.

The story of a young and handsome aristocrat, Kiyoaki Matsugae, and the beautiful and mysterious Ayakura Satoko, comes from the same time-honored tradition of as more familiar star-crossed lovers such as Romeo and Juliet, Pyramus and Thisbe, Tristan and Isolde, and Lancelot and Guinevere. Set just after the Russo-Japanese War in the early 20th century, the novel offers intriguing insights into a Japanese culture that is at once in flux and clinging to traditions.

If you love a writer whose strength is description of nature, Mishima is not to be missed. His words are as fit as any Nature Channel special on the wonders of Japan and he is equally adept at describing the contours of his young lovers' bodies. In addition to the sensual and sensuous wonders, the inner psychology of passion-plagued minds is a point of expertise for this writer. He deftly avoids sentimentalism while walking the thin line between hatred and love, between passion and pain.

Symbolism, description, psychology, and a gentle narrative pace. What's not to love? Readers looking for a fast-paced plot might not be overwhelmed, but those who love it when they stumble upon a "writer's writer" will be glad they tried Yukio Mishima. It is the first book of the tetralogy, "The Sea of Fertility."

I've read a number of books on Zen, which technically can't be written about. Zen Flesh, Zen Bones by Reps and Senzaki is a good example of the pithy stories and poems that teachers use to "point toward the moon" while helping students not to confuse the finger for the moon.

The selection of material and translation are very good.

I have the Shambhala edition. It is a shame that one of the few good-quality translations in Shambhala's Pocket Classics series is out of print. If you can find one you should buy it, because it really can be read again and again and it really does fit in your pocket.

For a different sort of introduction to Zen I recommend D. T. Suzuki's Introduction to Zen Buddhism (An Introduction to Zen Buddhism).

For a fuller treatment it is hard to beat D.T. Suzuki's Essays (Essays in Zen Buddhism: First Series).

What strikes me as I read many of the reviews here is that most of the reviewers have a truly fond feeling for this book and that many have also read and re-read it over the years. Both of these experiences are true for me too!

"Zen Flesh, Zen Bones" is a collection of Zen tales that touch the heart and mind in the true spirit of Zen.

It was the first book that I ever read about Zen and it is invaluable still. I purchased my first copy in my early college days and over 20 years later I bought this book again, because I had lost my taped up and worn out copy in a move. I simply had to have this book once more, which in a strange way is an Attachment, yet not... which sounds like some half-baked Koan or humorous Zen twist like those that are so wonderful in the stories in this book. ( "What is the sound of one page turning?" )

If I had to choose one book on Zen it would be this one.
There are many, many fine books that delve deeper into the subject of Zen, but "Zen Flesh, Zen Bones" has the friendly essence and simplicity that is Zen. If you had no other introduction to Zen, somehow I think what is in this book would suffice.

The title of the book is no lie, it is telling the truth!

Peace

a great starter book. The parables are easy to read and simple to understand. I first read the book in larger size format 10 years ago. Today, I still appreciate every content of it. The best feature of the pocket size format is that you can carry them anywhere or leave it beside your bed when a bit of zen is needed in your life. I don't know why Shambhala Publishing stopped printing them.

I don't know why I find this book such a comfort. But it is one. I have read and reread it for over thirty years now. Zen is very foreign to American life. And it is hardly the answer to that life. But it is a partial answer -- if its influence on me is any indication.

Zen Buddisim doesn't have an official set of scriptures like all the other great religions of the world, but I consider this little dandy my set of Zen scriptures. These wonderful little Koans will considerably expand your mind and give you plenty to ponder upon or not to ponder upon. Each one can be read over and over again with new meaning sprouting forth each time. The book itself is a nice size and feels good to hold. I recommend this to anyone wanting to be at better peace with themselfs and everything around them. Beautiful.

We LOVE this book, we play out the little roles of each animal and along with it learn the parts of the body and the movements. We have a lot of fun with this and laugh every time we read it together.

I used this previously to teach body part recognition to a student with severe autism. He loved it! Now I use it with one and two year olds and it is there favorite, plus doing the actions with the book helps them work out the wiggles.

My son is 2 and we love this book. Its great for teaching body parts and involving him with action during reading.

if you want to see your child's real personality come out, buy this book! I bought this book after we purchased "Brown Bear, Brown Bear" by Eric Carle, which our 32 mo. old son loves! Well, "head to toe" is now his favorite book. we call it his exercise book. we all do the movements together & my son cracks us up with the way he moves, especially when he wiggles his hips!!! - way too cute! it's a great book to read during the day or at bedtime, then we read him 2 other "quieter" books before bedtime to settle him down. my son can't read yet, but i find him looking at this book on his own & imitating the movements!! that is really cute. our son has become so animated when we read this book to him - it is really hilarious. our 20 mo. old twin girls also enjoy it, too! i'm thinking of buying a 2nd copy for grandma's house. i can't say enough good things about this book, except that it will be as entertaining for you as it is for your child!

The From Head to Toe Big Book by Eric Carle I ordered through Amazon.com arrived in record time. The Large colorful hard back book is beautiful and I am sure it will be enjoyed for years to come. We are replacing some very favorite books distroyed in Hurricane Katrina for a pre-school in Long Beach, Ms. I was so excited to send this on. We will be ordering many more books.
Francy Bull
Rotary Club of Inyokern Ca.From Head to Toe Board Book

I first read this book in the early 1960s when I had just become a believer the year before. There are things in this book that will help anyone to become a NORMAL Christian. It is not entitled How to be a Super Christian. It tells it like it is, turning to our spirit where the Spirit of the living God dwells will enable Him to permeate your fallen self and conquer the devil's influence in your life to become an Overcomer. I bought 15 to give to young people who love the Lord but are struggling to "be a good Christian". I gave them to someone to give to them anonymously. The Lord directed me. I don't want thanks.

This book has really helped to change my life in a positive way. Brother Nee does repeat things a lot, but you have to relish that repeating because it gets the truth down into you and helps you to see things you've probably not realized so deeply before. This is my favorite book of his I've read so far and will read it again and again. It is very helpful for anyone not happy with their own spiritual walk. It is a little slow to read because the translation is a little choppy, but I think it is good that way because you have to absorb what you are reading and it is definitely worth the time to read - again and again!

This is one of those "life-changing" books we hear about that should be a must for every believer...even, and perhaps, especially new believers. There are 36 reviews posted before this one, so, I will make this short.
If you've struggled in most of your Christian experience, with trying to 'die to self', truth expounded upon in this book will set you free! Watchman Nee through revelation from the Holy Spirit, speaks to this issue more accurately than any I've read.

This wondderful book, is biblically sound, and goes right to the heart of the truth about the Christian walk. It clears up the question of, why do true believers sin?
The book is deep, but not long. It should be read slowly, and with thought.

The top values when reading Watchman Nee are depth in Bible exposition and insight. The drawback of reading Nee is lack of hermeneutical restraint. He sometimes "reads in" meaning that may or may not be true, but is not warranted under a grammatical-historical hermeneutic for the passage in question.

This book is his best. His conclusions are all well reasoned and exposited from the text of Romans. Nee has a delightful grasp of the grace of God and what a living relationship with him should be like. You get the depth of insight, but without allegorizing or undue license.
-Dennis McCallum, author Organic Disciplemaking: How to promote Christian leadership development through personal relationships, biblical discipleship, mentoring, and Christian community

I read this book along time ago, but I can still remember it. It is an awesome story about the struggles of life years ago in the appalachian mountains. This story left me on the edge of the bed every night until I finished it. I want to read it again soon.

Silas House has written a beautiful book that is so descriptive that you'd swear you could smell the wet leaves as the characters walk through the woods after a spring rain. This love story between Irish Saul Sullivan and Cherokee Vine is not to be missed. Wonderfully drawn characters, (my favorite is Serena, the wild midwife who befriends Vine), and lyrical, evocative writing make this a story not to be missed. If you enjoy this as much as I did, read House's The Coal Tattoo next, followed by Clay's Quilt. This will follow the whole family's saga from start to finish. All of these are wonderful stories, but this is the best of the batch, followed closely by Clay's Quilt.

This is a beautifully written, beautifully told story of Vine, a young Cherokee woman in Kentucky of the early 1900's. Vine is a three dimensional character, well-defined and very real.

While the story is slowly paced, it does not lag in any way. House does a great job of describing what "Holler" life was like during that period of time, and especially what life was like for Native Americans. Esme, Aidia and Serena are also well written characters and add a great dynamic to the story.

I did find that the characters of Saul and Aaron needed a little bit more defining for me. Why did Aaron become the type of person that he did? Other than Saul being described as a man of few words, I never got a good sense of him. I'm not sure it was an entirely good idea to have written him out of so much of the book. I would have liked to have read more about the relationship between him and Vine. Regardless, this is still a great book that I highly recommend.

Silas House writes beautiful novels. He teaches rich American History many of us would never learn if not for his books. I love to read about the Appalachians.

One of the best novels I have ever read. This book has everything a good read should: characters that become real to the reader, a wonderful sense of place, a sense of history and knowledge. Not only do you get completely wrapped up in the world of Vine Sullivan, but you also learn more about yourself in the process. A truly beautiful book that I can't recommend highly enough. I've bought a copy for everyone I love.