Literature Books

Purchased a lot of 8 books. All were in perfect condition, arriving in a timely manner. Great seller!

My husband and I both loved the Grinch as children. The book is wonderful and when read, you can't help but think of the animated short film and its music. Our son had his first Christmas this year and we've made reading about the Grinch part of our Christmas Eve traditions. It brings back such fond memories while creating new ones.

who doesn't love this book also love the shinny new cover

What I love about Dr. Suess is that he makes moralistic points without being preachy. And in "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" Seuss creates a villian as enduring as Scrooge. Like Scrooge, the Grinch shows all of us that change--real, sincere change--is possible. That's a great message for young and old alike!

Also recommended: Christmas Gifts, Christmas Voices--another story (however, definitely not for kids) about an individual who ultimately is healed and transformed.

How The Grinch Stole Christmas is a classic tale about greed, materialism, and the kindness of man for his fellow man all wrapped up in one great big package! The illustrations are wonderful and the rhyming text impresses me. This is a story by Dr. Seuss that is so popular it was made into a Christmastime TV special; and it deserves every bit of recognition that it gets. (Note: this story is very popular; and because many, many people know it all the way through there are spoilers in this review.)

When the story begins we are introduced to the Grinch. He hates Christmas with all celebrations down in "Who-ville," a village he can see from his home on a mountain. The Grinch hates the noise, the caroling, the sharing of presents and the feast of "roast beast."

Eventually the Grinch gets an idea--he dresses up as Santa Claus and uses his dog Max for a reindeer; and this perverse take on the real Santa Claus tale is meant to strike people as ugly. The Grinch comes down from the mountain with his sled and his dog Max made up to look like a reindeer. Soon the Grinch steals all the presents, the stocking hung with care on the fireplace mantle, the roast beast, the Christmas trees--and even the firewood!

The Grinch gets quite a surprise when on Christmas day the "Whos" of "Who-ville" celebrate and rejoice anyway--without any material things to mark the holiday spirit. This shocks the Grinch and he must consider the possibility that Christmas doesn't just "come from a store."

Of course, once the Grinch learns his lesson he returns everything and there's quite a huge celebration with the Grinch leading the way as he carves the "roast beast." It's a very positive ending.

The moral of the story for our children is, of course, that Christmas DOESN'T just come from a store. The importance of Christmas with its religious significance and its message of good will toward all mankind is stressed without banging the child on the head too aggressively. The story overall makes for a fascinating experience for the children. I have many fond memories of watching this TV special and reading this book when I was a very young child.

As with many Dr. Seuss books, children can use this book on a concrete, literal level to improve their vocabulary and reading skills. Older kids will learn the importance of Christmas and the need for all mankind to respect each other and share the beauties of the world together.

I highly recommend this exceptional children's book.

This book enlightened me and really got to me, much more than I expected. I was delighted to read about the life of a 102-year old african american man from the south, as I am a 30-something white woman from MT. He has a lot to teach us, and a lot to remind us of and has a way of doing so that makes us thankful for what we have. George Dawson is a gem and I am pleased that someone took the time to put his story on paper. What a great book!

Even though this book was published six years ago, the message of "Life is so good" is timeless. It is a window into a world that we are all a part of, but some of us rarely see. Truly memorable! Dawson sees literacy as an incredible gift and he in turn gives the reader numerous ones in return.

Richard Glaubman's "Life Is So Good" is a real comeuppance for anyone whose outlook towards life runs along the lines of "I wish I had done X, but I'm too old to start now." Here's a man, George Dawson, who learned how to read at age 98. As a USA Today review aptly summarizes, "Dawson has become a literary hero, a testament to the power of perseverance." First-time author Glaubman expertly fleshes out Larry Bingham's award-winning 1998 Fort Worth Star-Telegram short story.

Dawson's tales of life in the Jim Crow-era South, his unquenchable work ethic, and his travels throughout North America make for compelling reading. Here is a man who was never given a shot to read when he was younger - economic circumstances forced him into full-time manual labor at a very early age. Despite significant hardship, his optimism and sense of self-worth never waver. The title really sums it up well here. Glaubman's final words from Dawson are "Life is so good and it gets better every day."

As other reviewers have noted, Chapter 1 of this book could stand alone as among the best short stories you'll ever read.

I like the memoir because George Dawson never gave up his dream to read and write. George was born in the late 1800's. His parents were not slaves, but his grandparents were once slaves. George was raised in Texas. His family was poor, and he never attended school. Georges started working at a very young age, drawing water from the well each morning for the house. George worked alongside his father in the fields. The work was hard, so was their life. They had to watch what they said and went in fear of the K.K.K. Twelve year old George went to work, and stayed with a white family to help out at home. His cousins came to live with his family because their parents died, so George was needed at home. George left home at twenty-one and worked in Tennessee building levees. It was two years before he returned back home.

Life is So Good is a story about George Dawson's dreams of receiving mail, learning to read and write at the age of ninety-eight, and his work ethic. I can relate to George's hard work and his work ethic. I beleive in hard work and doing it right the first time.

This book is sad and tells of struggles he had to go through. It is not easy reading at first because the chapters jumped around. But overall, it is a good book to read.

"Life is good just like it is"(233). "Don't worry about what someone else thinks. Just do the right thing and take pride in yourself"(214). The owner of this optimistic way of thinking toward life was George Dawson, the grandson of an African American slave, who worked hard his whole life but was illiterate until he turned 98 years old. From the time George Dawson was a young boy, he learned the importance of hard work from his father and gave up going to school to help raise his younger siblings since he was the oldest son of five children. Dawson felt that school was only for children, and he was never aware of adult education classes until he attended an ABE (Adult Basic Education) program. He was ashamed of his illiteracy, but no one around him knew it, not even his children, until Dawson told them. When signing a sheet, he had to mark his name with an X.

Dawson grew up in South, Texas, where there was a prevalence of strong racial discrimination. As a grandson of an African American slave, he suffered social injustices his whole life, including racism and poverty, but his cheerful view of life was the key to his mental and physical health. Dawson's wholesome life philosophy despite a racist society was transmitted to him from his father who taught him how to get along or deal with white people without friction; this was a realistic and functional survival skill. However, throughout the book, strong racism was well represented in every story and left me feeling sad and angry.

Nevertheless, their family worked hard so they could make enough to feed the family. Moreover, he left home to travel and work for about nine years here and there, not only inside the USA, but also in Canada and Mexico. These experiences away from home let him become acquainted with the ways of the world. During his lifetime, Dawson did not waste his time and tried as best as he could in any situation and he did not lose his warm heart nor fall into any misbehaviors under difficult circumstances.

He married four times and had seven children, but he sent all his children to college; for his life, he had always valued the importance of education. He had lived in three different centuries, from the end of the 19th century to the beginning of the 21st century. His life's journey in education as a member of the labor class and minority is a prime example of the American history of adult education in the 20th century. Interestingly, he traced back in memory to important social events or movements by looking at old photos or listening to past historical stories. Because he could not read the newspaper, he received the news from other people or the radio. His excellent memory enabled him to become literate in an ABE program at the age of 98 years old.

All through the book, I learned many actual philosophies of life. I thought that every ethnic group has its own specific life style, but I am reminded that the basic philosophy of life is not different between different races or classes; Dawson said that "...Every colored man had the same talk with his children: how to get along, how to survive in this world" (202). His philosophy was that, "A man is born to die. You got to keep that in mind and don't do no wrong" (257). This thinking was not new, but hearing these advices have produced a profound sense of meaning for me. He also said that, "You have no right to judge another human being,"(12) and "People forget that a picture ain't made from just one color. Life ain't all good or all bad"(233). He did not complain toward social injustices but kept his composure illustrated by his ability to keep calm. For example, when he was gardening for a white woman, he refused to eat a meal she served when he discovered she provided the same food to her dog.

However, I think that many parts of his optimistic perspectives towards social inequality were influenced by his illiteracy and non formal educational background. Without education, he was unable to articulate his human rights and desire for social reform. Criticisms directed towards social injustice were out of his realm of concern.
"I want for people not to worry so much. Life ain't going to be perfect, but things will work out" (246). "I guess the heat doesn't bother you people. You're fortunate that you can just keep working"(209). These positive thoughts were the cause of his long life; this book was published when he was 101 years old.

The school started at nine, but he got up by five-thirty and made his lunch, packed his books, and went over his schoolwork. He had always gone to school early and had not ever been late for three years since he began to attend the adult education program. When he turned one hundred years old, Dawson could read on a third-grade level.
I would definitely recommend this great book for any student over ten-year old children to let them know the importance of education, the value of literacy, and the sadness of a distorted social and racist environment. I also would like to recommend it to older generations who have been afraid of learning something at their age. I already handed this book to my teen-aged child with a brief explanation.

Those of us who are literate and highly educated people do not know the difficulties of illiteracy, but it is a shameful secret for many illiterate people. I think that illiteracy is mentally as debilitating as poverty. As a non-native English speaker, I have a similar sense of shame in many situations as Dawson might have had; this feeling is well synthesized into the story. This easy to read, meaningful, and impressive book kept me reading non-stop from the beginning to the end.
"Life is so good and it gets better every day" (260). I always would like to remember this philosophy of life.

I love SARK. This is another addition to the wonderful collection of whimsical, colorful, and insightful books she has written.

Very easy (and fun) to read, if i'm ever feeling down, I just read a few pages of SARK and I always feel a little better.

This book is a good introduction to the world of SARK and great gift if you know any woman that needs a self esteem boost. It's witty and deep without being tedious to read or annoyingly sweet. Sometimes we all need to be reminded that we are wonderful and creative beings and need that little inspiration to connect with our spirit to create and do things that make us feel alive.

SARK shows us that attitude and small actions can make positive and unexpected things happen in our lives. she gives many examples of this from her own life. Love it! every woman should own a copy.

My finding this book was quite the happy accident. It was like making a good friend. It's colorful and creative presentation didn't prepare me for the possibilities I could explore inside. On those days, when you want or need something more to hold on to, pick up this book. Every page holds something of value!

Nice book....I appreciate the author's writing style, however the use of multi-colored text combined with the funky fonts makes it difficult to read.

This is a great book!!! Buy it for yourself and other women you know. I gave this book to several women as gifts and all of them have told me how much they love it and many have passed it along or bought copies for their girlfriends. This is an easy and fun read and hits on issues that many women deal with in a comical and realistic way. You should definitely buy this book!

This book is a must have for any woman or young lady. I kept checking out this book from the library over and over again anytime I felt pressured by friends, family, or even pop culture to become something I wasn't. I finally realized that with all of the late fees I racked up I could have purchased the book five times over.

It encourages women to live life to the fullest and be who they truly are. If you are having even the slightest bit of confidence issues, this book is for you. Dive In!

This book is about a girl (miaka)with an strict mother. She runs away to a library and is sucked into a magical book. She meets a male hero named xong giu-sui (Tamahome) She turns out to be the priestess of a mysterious land, and loves Tamahome as her hero. He, on the other hand, is destined to protect her, and loves her like a little sister. But when a mysterious and mean woman comes to the palace to help miaka with a royal quest, she falls for the emporer. The whole story is romantic, yet strange. :S It's not that great, but I read it twice.

-Mangafreak

Fushigi Yuugi is a wonderful series. I have read the entire manga series and love it. Miaka and Tamahome are a great couple. They have a wonderful love story. Miaka and Tamahome's story is wonderful, romantic and touching. This series is very touching with lots of romance, wonderful characters, wonderful couples and a wonderful story. Miaka and Tamahome have lots of romantic kisses and lots of romantic scenes. This volume is one of the best volumes and has some of my favorite Miaka and Tamahome scenes. This volume is wonderful, romantic and touching and a great volume.

This book was very romantic and entertaining! I really liked the action parts, since there was usually a lot of romance mixed in with them. I do think that some parts were unnessecary and simply used to add some inappropriate content to the book. Being that I love romance, this was one of the best Japanese comics I've ever read! For me to truly enjoy romance manga (and I know I've said this before) the main boy has to be someone that I would like if I was a manga character. Tamahome reminded me of Darien from "Sailor Moon", risking his life to save the main girl! It was those parts that I enjoyed most.

Overall, if you love romance and Japanese comics, I recommend this to you! It is very absorbing and enjoyable! But keep in mind that there IS unnessecary content such as Tamahome walking in on Miaka when she's shirtless.

I got it for christmas and boy is it good! I like it just as much as Ceres! It's beautifully drawn, like anything by Yu Watase it's full of romance too-God I Love it.

Some friends at school recomended this manga, so i got it out from the library. I loved it!!! :) Once I started, I could'nt put it down. I read until I finished it, and then went straight to the library to get out the next book. About a month later, and I still love it (although I'm pacing myself now). In fact, its growing on me, I'm seriously considering buying the whole manga series (and thats saying somthing: I'm a picky buyer), and can't wait to get a hold of the anime.

However, there are few things to consider before you buy. Later in the series, the plot gets fairly serious, including family and friends turning on each other, murder, rape, and the like. I've found that almost any manga not geared towards 10-year-olds involves at least a slight bit of nudity etc, and Fushigi Yugi is no exeption. If that is something you can't stand to see, don't buy. But don't worry: Yu Watase does not dwell on this overly, it does not get too involved, and most are just romantic "awwwww! too cute!" situations.

By far the best part of this series (besides BEAUTIFUL illistrations) is the characters. Miaka and Tamahome, the main characters, can somtimes get boring or too predictable and their romantic moments can be drawn on too long. But the other characters more than make up for this, especialy (my personal favorites) Nuriko (who is absolutly HILARIOUS), Tasuki, Chichiri, and Mitsukake.

Fushigi Yugi has just the right amount of drama, romance, and comedy. The plot is great, the art is beautiful, the characters are amazing. What can I say? I'm addicted, and you will be too.

And if you already are addicted, I recomend Inuyasha, by Romiko Takahashi.

these books are so wonderful, and makes you feel like you are in the book itself.

The movies of these books are good; however, these books are better and wroth of your time to read. If you like reading books, you should concider reading these series.

I loved this series of books! Janette has such a magnificent way of drawing her readers into the past! Love it!

I may be a bit biased, as I grew up reading Janette Oke books with my mom as a young teenage girl and they hold special meaning to me because of that. But I'd never read this series of books before. I purchased the first two books in the series at a local (offline) store, and was immediately hooked. Within hours of beginning the first book, I found myself on Amazon eagerly searching out the rest of the series.

That was just a couple of weeks ago, and I'm now halfway through book six (of eight). I can hardly put them down! Janette Oke is a fantastic writer that keeps the story going without leaving the reader feeling overwhelmed or confused. Never a chance to get bored! It's easy to get lost in these books and forget that, while historically based, they ARE just fiction.

While there are multiple references to prayer, church, faith and God, I didn't find the religious theme to be too overpowering. It weaves itself quite nicely within the characters' personalities.

Overall I give this series two thumbs up. I'm actually dreading finishinng off the series! I guess I'll be searching out another Janette Oke series very soon!

Because the set qualified for no shipping, the cost of the 4-book set was less than buying all 4 used books. In addition, I received the books much sooner than I anticipated. This was an excellent deal!

"I think I shall be a great poetess or a distinguished novelist."
That is Emily Starr talking, the young blossoming writer, that will touch your heart, with her creative and interesting, ways and ideas.

Within just the first chapter of the book, you'll already be intrigued by Emily's charm, and her topsy-turvy imagination. All through the story, Emily meets new people and friends. Some will help her on her way to becoming a writer, "a painter that uses words". Others will shoot her dreams down, as if they were nothing but mere dust. Just watch her take on all the distressing incidents that she overcomes with an intellect beyond her years.

She's always on a new enchanting romp, that'll keep you guessing. From giving up her beloved cat, to clashing with Miss Brownell (her unjust schoolteacher), to unraveling an age-old puzzle with her whimsical mind, you'll stay right by Emily's side the whole time.

Here's a small excerpt that I especially enjoyed:
"But there is a destiny which shapes the ends of young misses who are born with the itch for writing tingling in their baby fingertips, and in the fullness of time this destiny gave to Emily the desire of her heart---gave it to her, too, on the very day when she most needed it."

Personally, I have to state that this book is very inspirational for anyone endeavoring a priceless dream. I have read the entire set of the "Anne of Green Gables" books (that are written by the same author), but in my opinion, "Emily of New Moon" is much more enthralling! It is at the top of my list of my favorite books.

It is difficult for me to write an objective review about this beloved classic. Emily is like a childhood friend to me. Created by the author of Anne of Green Gables, she is a more complex character than Anne - introspective, determined, and deeply sensitive to life's joys and shadows. Her love for writing, or her need to write, defines her; indeed, much of the story is told through her writing. And yet this first book of the Emily trilogy is mostly lighthearted, though not without its passages of intense experience. Emily is orphaned in the beginning of the book, and moves to the farm of New Moon to live with two estranged aunts and one uncle, their brother. She thrives and flourishes in the beautifully prosaic, quaint world of New Moon and Blair Water on Prince Edward Island. Though she is a private and secretive person, she gives lavishly of herself in her closest friendships.

Montgomery's writing is at times indulgently over-descriptive, but not without vividity, wryness, feeling, and rich character development. Perhaps the most eloquent aspect of Emily of New Moon is its flavorful honesty about life both light and dark. Emily is a complex character, full of both faults and virtues, neither of which are expressed simplistically. The reader's sympathies are always with her. Montgomery's indirect insights into the writing life are also very valuable. Emily has writing in her blood, sees it as something intrinsically personal and sacred but wants to share it, does it with abandon yet later throws it away, and yearns to climb the ladder of fame. In this sense, I feel more kinship with her than with her more popular sister Anne Shirley.

Sheltered by her loving father, 10-year-old Emily Byrd Starr has never minded her isolated life. What child notices poverty and a lack of playmates when her intelligence and imagination make each day special and exciting?

Then one terrible day, Emily finds herself an orphan. A mass of never-before-met aunts and uncles descend upon Emily, criticizing and making plain the fact that whoever takes the child is only doing so out of their sense of duty.

Still reeling from the loss of her father, Emily must also leave her beloved little home and pets for New Moon, her mother's childhood home, where unmarried aunts Elizabeth and Laura currently reside. It is with stern matriarch Elizabeth, gentle, loving Laura and "simple-minded" Cousin Jimmy that Emily must now learn to form a family.

Despite the hardships, Emily's new life is quickly filled with many joys, as she makes friends at the village school and develops her interest for writing. Emily also experiences -- at the most unexpected moments -- "the flash," her word for the brief startling glimpses of other-worldliness, which has the power to change both her life and the lives of others around her.

Ask most people what they associate with L.M. Montgomery, and they'll likely say Anne of Green Gables. Yet despite the fame of Montgomery's "other orphan," the Emily books are quite possibly even more memorable and beautifully written. Like Anne, Emily is thrust into an unfamiliar world, where she must make the best of circumstances; but unlike Anne, Emily is possessed of a strangely adult maturity even at the tender age of ten, a glimpse of darkness which will accompany her through the years. This streak makes readers both more concerned for her well-being and perhaps more able to relate, as she is not nearly as happy-go-lucky and childlike as Anne in her early years.

If you enjoy this book, be sure to read "Emily Climbs" and "Emily's Quest," which follow the girl through her years at high school, through romantic relationships and her writing career as a young woman.

It's a shame that most people like either Anne or Emily; I've avoided the whole question by loving them both. The Emily books give a picture of a girl with lights and darks, reacting naturally (and therefore not always cheerfully) to the events of her life. She is far from perfect, but as L.M. Montgomery says about her, you may like her, you may hate her, but you'll never forget her.

If what you love about Anne is the sparkling, bubbly world she creates around herself, then you probably won't like Emily. But if you like L.M. Montgomery and would like to see her go a different route, the Emily trilogy is a great read!!

From the opening pages the reader is submerged in Emily's world.

In my mind Emily of New Moon is the begining of one of the best book trilogies ever written. A story about the courage it takes to be true to ones self no matter the opposition, the power of real determination and true friendship. One cannot help but be moved by the powerful truths, and innocent loveliness contained in this book. EONM is quite simply a multi faceted masterwork that could hardly be improved upon in any way. A deeply moving and relavent novel who's beauty only grows with time. Mothers, sisters, daughters, aunts, read this book then gift it to someone you love.

The definition of the word `requiem' is a musical service or hymn in honor of the dead. How fittingly that word rests with the subject matter of this novel. `Requiem for a Dream' is just that, a musical hymn in honor of those crushed and shattered dreams. When reading Selby's phenomenal (and I mean that in the most extreme sense of the word) novel about abolished hope and sheer desperation the reader is forced to face the ugly truth about our horrific society.

You ever read that novel or watch that film that just eats away at the pit of your stomach and pains you to your very core? You ever struggle to turn the page or fight to watch the screen because the onslaught of negativity is picking away at your spirit and bringing you to a dark and lonely place you never wished to visit? That is the feeling experienced when reading (or subsequently watching the Aronofsky film adaptation) this novel.

The novel opens by introducing us to four people. We have Sara, an older Jewish woman who lives for television. The opening scene depicts her son Harry, strung out as usual, stealing her television to pawn it for money in order to get his next hit. Harry also has a girlfriend Marion as well as a best friend Tyrone C. Love. The three of them enjoy a nice taste of heroin every now and again and will do just about anything to get it. Sara dreams of one day being on television, and when she gets to opportunity she grabs it by the horns. She is convinced to lose enough weight to fit into her favorite red dress, the one she wore to Harry's bar mitzvah. This leads her to diet pills which she quickly and dangerously forms an addiction to. Harry and Marion on the other hand begin to develop a plan to buy and sell heroin for a profit, that way they can one day by that little coffee shop and make a life for themselves. This little plan involves Tyrone as well, and as the dope starts pouring in, their idea of a small taste begins to grow until they can't stomach the thought of selling any of it but feel compelled to keep all of it for themselves.

The novel brilliantly portrays the mind of an addict; the `I'll never get that bad, I can stop whenever I want to' mentality that cripples the mind and fortifies the very essence of the domination of the soul. All four of these individuals are taken over and beaten down by the disease that is addiction. There is a scene where Tyrone is arrested and spends some time in the jail cell with an elderly addict, a man who is so far gone Tyrone is disgusted by him. Tyrone is determined never to be that man, never to become that dependant on the taste, but the first thing Tyrone does when he gets out is cop him that taste. He doesn't realize that he is already there.

The novel, like I mentioned, is horribly depressing and utterly frustrating, especially as the novel comes to a close and everything begins to spiral into oblivion. As we watch Sara, Harry, Marion and Tyrone's lives completely fall apart in a gradual yet perpetual tumble towards rock bottom we are left with the bitter taste of pain and misery in the back of our throats. Experiencing Sara's mental deterioration at the hands of the pill; watching Marion degrade herself to escape the sick feeling of withdrawals; seeing Harry cast aside his own well being in order to keep that high; watching Tyrone come to realize he is no better than the men he despises; all of this eats at our very being and transports us to a place unlike any we've ever been.

Like the movie, the novel excels when focusing on the female characters. Sara and Marion are by far the most sympathetic and interesting characters in the novel; with that said they are also the most depressing and utterly devastating to read about. Their final outcome is far from pretty and makes the reader feel helpless and alone; much like these characters.

`Requiem for a Dream' is far from pretty. It is dirty, gritty and at times unbearable; but there is no denying that it is a masterpiece; literature at its finest. Hubert Selby Jr. is a deeply controlled and phenomenally capable writer who understands the appropriate darkness of his subject; an author who takes something so terrible, so bleak and painful and makes it quite frankly one of the most important novels ever penned. In my humble opinion this is the type of novel that should be mandatory reading at any substance abuse rehabilitation center. After reading this grisly novel (and of course watching the equally grisly film) I could never even stomach the idea of drug use. In a world that glamorizes any and everything harmful to the soul, `Requiem for a Dream' stands apart as a very real depiction of all you stand to lose.

If you've seen the film, better fasten your seatbelts. Aronofsky went easy on you. I can't adequately describe what Selby achieved in this novel, or in "Last Exit to Brooklyn". He is capable of describing the most brutal things with apparent (but ONLY apparent) objectivity, but at other times he writes with astonishing delicacy. I can't even think of another writer who can do that half as well as Selby.

If you found the last 20 minutes of the film as horrifying as I did, Selby's account of the fates of Harry, Sara, Marion, and Tyrone will make you want to cry for all of them.

This is not going to be an easy read for a lot of people, but it's a masterwork.

It's just that good.

If you've read "Last Exit to Brooklyn," you'll be familiar with Selby's habit of not using quotation marks when he writes dialogue. But even if this is your first exposure to Selby, you'll figure out who's saying what pretty quickly.

And don't skip Selby's prologue.

As an aside: ELLEN BURSTYN WAS ROBBED! (As Sara in Requiem for a Dream, she really should have gotten an Oscar. I'm just saying.)

Hubert Selby Jr writes with in a way that is astounding. Bringing a story like this so heavily to life, to a point where it completely envelopes and engrossing you, all the while disgusting you is a great fete. I saw the movie, which is great in its own right, but not near comparison to the language of the book. Definitely recommended!

Selby's ability to capture inner monologue is incredible. You not only empathize, but you believe with each one of the characters. You hold on to the dream and it crushes you. Should be read in highschools everywhere.

You need to be ready before you read this book. Upon finishing this little dandy I was physically shaking. I can't think of any other book that has made of shake. The manic style and never ending punch in the face flow of this Hubert Selby Jr. masterpiece will stay with you for the rest of your life. If you saw the movie and so decided to not read the book, you are making a mistake. The book is a totally different experience then the movie. Each is a masterpiece in a completely unique way. It's amazing how real this book is. You will feel insane compassion for the lowest of individuals. You will want to reach out to these amazing characters. I don't know how Hubert Selby Jr. does it. His mind must have been a dark but beautiful and loving realm. If you want to be a book this one will make you its own. Read it.

Ms. Keisha worked it in this book. This book was so good I had to read it twice.

TORN!!! How many go through this? Never can decide on what's best!!! Read this book and you'll have a new insight on love, trust and loyalty. If it hits close to home for you, you'll LOVE IT!!!

This is the best book that I have read in a long time!! The stories were not so far over the top that it was unbelievable, in fact I think Ms. Earvin owes me some risidules because that was my life she was writing about (LOL). I saw me in Mo all the way to the end. I could not put this book down. I read it in one day. I was at the red light turning pages to see what was gonna happen next. Great job, keep up the good work.

This book was a easy read and kept my attention through out the whole book. Within two weeks the book has been passed on to three friends.

When I first saw this book, I wasn't sure I wanted to get it, but I did, and I was NOT disappointed. This book was so real and well written, that it had me trippin'. I read it in a day, and I went through so many emotions, I started to feel like Mo herself. We all say, I wouldn't have gone through all of that, or I would have left a long time ago, but Keisha kept it real and showed you why its not always so easy to just walk away. Thank you so much for this book Keisha, it was well worth it!

Enhance your dining pleasure by reading this most enjoyable and entertaining book about the restaurant business. It has added another dimension to our frequent visits to our favorite eateries.

John Galloway excels in the area of sardonic wit. His writing is stunningly succinct and his snappy writing style infuses this book with an impressive energy. His astute observations are deliciously poetic and he seems to have a photographic memory. His descriptions either infuse your mind with vivid pictures of complete chaos or shock you with laughter. He claims slavery still exists in America and at times this book does border on a study of human debauchery. John Galloway has a finely tuned sense of justice and not only has the ability to analyze his past work environments; he is at times almost expressing a calculated view of modern life.

In the first section we read about John Galloway's induction into culinary hell and then he delves into the topics of tipping, memorable waiters, celebrities and his views on patrons galore. Nothing escapes his shrewd observations skills or his critical review.

Everything from his sage advice to restaurant owners, to his views on the environment and veal leads me to believe that his reasons for writing this book are at the heart, healing. I was amazed at how many of the unspoken rules members of my own family have broken while dining out. I now understand why waiters are not especially interested in worrying about large parties and why they hate it when people fight over checks or despise the "can we have separate checks" question.

The hilarious, yet wicked revenge tactics and kitchen adventures might make you wonder how any cooking is ever accomplished. It did occur to me that the world John Galloway so despised was also one he actively helped to create. There are moments when a call for solidarity and the complete lack of regard for patrons clashes sharply with the obvious undercurrent of concern John Galloway wants to show to the world. His writing may dissuade a few innocents from entering the food service industry and then again it might even encourage the adventurous to take up a new challenge.

This book is filled with tales of inebriation as a survival mechanism, not so tantalizing descriptions of food preparation, drunken crazed chefs enduring overwhelming stress levels, descriptions of waiters, extreme chemical addictions, insensitive patrons and all the true thoughts waiters never reveal in glowing detail (swearing included).

I loved the idea of just putting a pepper mill on every table! Salad lovers unite. I also love the fact that throughout this book the reader is scathingly admonished to the extent that even I may never eat bread again before ordering my meal. Although, normally the bread is served after we order. I'm definitely not drinking the water anymore unless it is in bottled form.

John Galloway sheds light on various levels of society who seem to lack all consideration for human dignity. Although, I have to say I've heard of chefs who were voted husband of the year (I've also sampled their cuisine at the restaurant), waiters and waitresses who actually enjoy their job (some relatives and friends) and take pride in their appearance and have a definite work ethic.

I think John Galloway focuses on a extreme environment in which "the love of money" truly does become the root of all evil.

On the other side of the world, over here in the other Washington, chefs enjoy cooking with organic ingredients, support recycling efforts and contribute recipes to cookbooks that help to feed the hungry. There is another side of the story and this book presents the extreme comedic view of "dining out" as it dishes up all the dirt about the negative side of human nature.

"I would like" to say that if you enjoy reality shows or all the negative reviews for movies you disliked, then this might be your book. The writing in this book is impressive for a first-time author. I hope he will take on American culture in general and bring to light many of the issues that need to be addressed in a refreshingly honest and yet somewhat brutally candid way. He does address the issues of animal cruelty, gluttony, food waste and pertinent issues of homeless situations.

I can almost guarantee you that some parts of this book will cause the warrior in you to rise from the dust, but overall it is a humorous read. If you have a good sense of humor, you will be able to overlook the obvious arrows hurtled in all directions.

Since we all eat out, know someone who has worked in the food industry, or may have worked in the food industry at some point in our lives, this book contains information that will be of interest to almost everyone. As long as you have a strong stomach and a willingness to wade through a few moments of extreme revelation you can gain an entirely new perspective on culinary culture.

~The Rebecca Review
Author of Seasoned with Love: A collection
of best-loved recipes inspired by over 40 cultures

Truth, Humor, Edge, and Energy, December 17, 2004
Reviewer: FurSanhomera "furjomharnen" (United States) - See all my reviews
This book was simply outstanding, for a first work. The only book I liked better, was John Galloway's phenom new effort-
FINE DINING MADNESS ((Universe, January 2005),a 5-Star masterpiece which is maybe the best nonflction book I've ever
read {I purchased an advance copy at an Alzheimer's fund-raiser dinner in NYC}. With the rules of restaurant engagement
clearly laid out, FINE DINING MADNESS is turbo-charged, Vegas-centered new edition of his last book,"Dry, Up, with a
Twist." "Dry, Up, with a Twist" never attained it's full best-seller potential because Galloway's original publishing house
[Gardenia Press] went out of business after the death of its president, P. Elizabeth Collins <who herself authored "Wild
Gardenias" and "Secrets Unbecoming";.. Galloway knows his stuff,and and his words have edge and energy. His "rules of
fine dining" not only apply to restaurants, but to/for life. There will be much noise made about FINE DINING MADNESS
I'm sure all of it will be positive. '

John Galloway, Jr. has led an incredible life in the business of fine dining... He has brought that journey to life in his book Dry, Up, with a Twist. The stage is set by his autobiographical story, where he speaks of the personal tragedy and victory which lead to his career in the food service industry.

John then leads us through the characters, personalities and celebraties he has befriended and served in his travels. He tells the story of life as a waiter from a very open an honest point of view, sparing no words and no one. This book is a must read if you want to know how to "get in touch" with your server and enjoy the best dining experience possible.

It is also inspiring to watch as John struggles with tragedy, matures and rises above those around him who settle for their given lot in life. Read it for your self, give it to a friend. It will inspire you as well.

This memoir was good, but unpolished. FINE DINING MADNESS, Galloway's subsequent book, which was made from the ashes of this one, is best seller caliber.

Whereas the novel I mentioned in my title left me feeling cold (not to mention the author was a small child when she writes about her experiences, which must be grainy), this powerful account is simply written, but also written well. It's deliciously descriptive and emotional. I felt like I did walk in Irene's shoes, for I saw everything through her eyes (true, it was written in first-person point-of-view), instead of like watching a movie.

By the way, I think this would make a great film, though I am not sure if there is an actress beautiful enough to play Irene (who really should be played by a young, unknown girl, age appropriate, not a trashy pop starlet, who would degrade).

Through it all (being raped by two Russian soldiers and left for dead, becoming a German officer's mistress to protect her Jewish friends, etc.), Irene maintains an innocence that is refreshing, and when she loses her first truelove before they have a chance to marry, it broke my heart.

I will say I have an even dimmer view of the Catholic Church than I did before (not Catholics in general, just some of the politics of the religion), because when Irene goes to a priest to confess being a German's lover to save the lives of her friends, he says, "They are Jews", and I could actually hear the inflection in his voice that said, "They're just Jews", like they weren't worth saving. This un-Christlike priest refuses to give her absolution, which, from a doctrinal standpoint I understand, but not from a spiritual standpoint. Yes, Irene was sinning, but she was not committing crimes against humanity, and I believe my God is a merciful and just God and that He understands for He can see Irene's soul.

This deeply religious, courageous woman has earned my respect and her chronicle is hardcover worthy.

My 14-year-old daughter read this book and insisted that I read it. When I finally agreed, I could not put the book down. The story is so well told that you can can truly understand the experience of a 17-year-old girl in the midst of the horrible events. A compelling book that everyone should read and discuss.

I often think of this woman in my day to day life. She serves as a testament to all mankind that we must put others first and fight for the just cause. What she went through herself is quite harrowing. I am happy that she has been honored with a tree planted in her name at Yad Vashem in Israel. An easy read and a book that you cannot put down. She is truly inspirational.

Unlike most characters featured in such books, Irene Opdyke had no vested interest in helping the Jews during the Nazi occupation of Poland. She began her work in small, timid steps, gradually growing more bold and forceful as she matured. The story is told in an entirely credible and sympathetic way, without forcing young readers to wade though long narratives of graphic atrocities. I found the afterward to be the most moving and memorable part of the entire book.

In my hands is a wonderfully written account of the difference "only one girl" can make. Irene Opdyke lived 7 years through the war and was subjected to many wrong doings herself, but she continued to put herself in mortal danger without thought to herself for the sake of saving the lives of a group of Jews.
A very important book in helping to teach the next generation of the horror of the second world war, but also in teaching us that one person can make a great deal of difference to the lives of others.