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Mary Kay's autobiography tells of a woman with indomitable spirit and profound emotional intelligence. How she reached the pinnacle of success despite the tragedies and measly capital is a life lesson we should all learn from. I like Jim Underwood's writing style. His closeness to Mary Kay and his first-hand knowledge of her leadership style certainly provided credibility to this book. Highly recommended!

I was really impressed with the work that Jim Underwood put forth to create this woderful book. One of the most inspiring things for me is the fact that he shares insights that I didn't know about the company that I am proud to represent. I left each reading session with an added sense of pride and inspiration.
More Than a Pink Cadillac...is a great tool for sharing with prospective team members and their spouses/spices as it comes from a person who doesn't represent MK Inc and shows how much corporate does care about those who represent MK in the field.

When I decided to start my own business, my goals were lofty and to the average person unattainable. Many people in my life were unconvinced that I could accomplish them. Desperate to grown personally, I began working my way through self-help books and the like. By mistake I picked up MORE THAN A PINK CADILLAC" and my life was forever better. Jim Underwood offers us a look into the life of a remarakable woman who refused to let anyone hold her back. Not only does this book share her personal/professional journey, it shares the journey's of women just like myself. It's not just about business, it's about people. It reminds us that this world is nothing without the people in it. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has ever thought they couldn't make it work...no matter what "it" is. Pure inspiration!

Mary Kay, Inc., is perhaps best known for two things: the cult of personality surrounding its founder, Mary Kay Ash, and the fact that it rewards successful salespeople with pink Cadillacs. In this illuminating book, management expert Jim Underwood delves into the guiding principles of Mary Kay, Inc.'s daily operations, which remain, 40 years later, true to Ash's founding vision. Countries or corporations founded by a charismatic leader often sag or sink when that leader inevitably steps down. Mary Kay's leadership was unique in that she built a solid foundation for the company so it could continue without her day-to-day guidance. This corporate biography represents the first time the privately owned company allowed an outsider complete access to its managers and employees, enabling Underwood to persuasively illustrate nine leadership rules with testimonies from members of the "Mary Kay family." We recommend this to anyone who aspires to leadership. Mary Kay may look fluffy, but it's all about the firm.

I cannot say enough great things about this book. Mary Kay Cosmetics is truly a wonderful company and Mary Kay Ash was a very inspiring businesswoman. Even for those people not in leadership positions, this is still a fantastic book. This exceeded my expectations. I was very thrilled with my purchase.

First let me say that this book is very well written and easy to understand. It gives the reader wonderful info on MP3's and other music file formats as well as the comparsion from the standard CD format vs. MP3 format. Before reading this book, I had well above average knowledge of the various types of music files, playlist, jukeboxes, and MP3 and WMA and other music file formats. However, it did fill in some gaps that I had overlooked and I learned even more after reading the book. This is a very good reference book for the beginner. However, since it was written several years ago, it only touches on WMA's. Not that this book was written with more info on MP3 formats. Today we have in many Internet online stores the WMA/DRM (protected music). These types of music files need a newer MP3/WMA/DRM player that will handle the WMA/DRM music file format downloads, which many online music stores have. This is a great book, however, a bit historic. The MP3 players as described in this book (available at that time) came with only 64 meg flash drives and 64 meg flash cards. Now the norm is at least a 1 GIG flash player, and many MP3 players today have huge hard drives. However, this book still has good overall BASIC information. I highly recommend this book to a beginner just learning about MP3 music.

MP3's have become one of the hottest new things on the 'Net, to the delight of music lovers everywhere and most likely to the chagrin of the music industry. This book covers a wide variety of topics regarding MP3's, starting off with a brief description of how mp3's came to be, where to find and download mp3's, Internet radio stations, etc. The chapter on digital music and copyright law also contains useful information on just what it and is not legal with regards to having and/or downloading mp3's.

It also tells you what software and hardware is the best for playing mp3's and "ripping" your own mp3's. The descriptions of the software and hardware you can use are quite good. Next are three chapters describing in detail digital audio, along with MPEG audio. Then comes the section any mp3 "ripper" will be most interested in, ie converting music into mp3 form, by first converting it into a .wav format, then into mp3 and finally recording your own CD's.

The book's final chapters are a 'tutorial" on various mp3 software ripper programs like Audio Catalyst and Cool Edit. There's also some info about using WinAmp, which is one of the more popular mp3 players (and the one I use). There's also further information about related web sites, other books, even a glossary.

The future still looks bright for mp3. Not only is it a way for music lovers to download their favorite songs, it also is a way for new artists to "break through" by offering their music on various web sites in the form of mp3s.

This book offers quite a bit of good information about the MP3 phenemenon.

This is an outstanding book on Internet and personal computer audio with emphasis on the MP3 audio-encoding format. It covers the whole range of online audio from the Internet or CDs as well as streaming audio.

Starting with an overview of digital music and the Internet, the book explains why there's so much excitement over MP3 and online audio, discusses how to find music on the web, and reviews Internet Radio. The authors include the best discussion of digital music and copyright law I've seen anywhere.

The chapters on how to prepare your computer for digital audio discuss everything from what software is needed to what to watch for in selecting the best computer hardware, from CD drives, speakers, sound cards, and the cables that connect these things together or with your home entertainment system.

The portion of the book on understanding digital audio contains one of the best overall discussions of how sound and digital audio technology works anywhere. Especially valuable is the discussion of the tradeoffs involved in different selections of parameters in digital audio, such as bit-rates and sampling rates.

The book wraps-up with several excellent tutorials for basic computer tasks used for digital audio. In addition, there are tutorials for common tasks using several popular computer audio software programs.

Bruce Fries is a technology consultant & writer and an Associate member of the Audio Engineering Society. He also is the founder of TeamCom, a new media publishing company. Marty Fries is an audio engineer, technology consultant, and blues pianist. His audio engineering work includes designing and building studio sound equipment systems.

This is the best-written and edited book I've read on Internet audio and streaming audio to date. It's easy to read and explains complicated terms and concepts in terms anyone who can use a computer can understand.

Throughout the book are excellent links to additional resources, as well as an extensive index of websites on the topic of Internet audio. While the focus is on MP3 and audio files (vice streaming audio), much of the information applies to Internet radio as well.

I strongly recommend this book for anyone interested in working with MP3 audio files, whether beginner or experienced "ripper." I also highly recommend it for anyone who is interested in how to improve the recording, playing, or streaming of audio files from their computer. Finally, I recommend this book for anyone concerned about what is and what isn't legal in working with digital audio files.

Review by Mike Powers, Internet Radio Guide, October 1999

I'm the author of the MP3 and Internet Audio Handbook and I've just finished a new book, Digital Audio Essentials, that has approximately twice as much information plus detailed chapters on editing audio, digitizing vintage records, and setting up an Internet radio station. It covers both Macs and PCs and has instructions for using iTunes, Musicmatch Jukebox, Media Jukebox, Sound Forge, and Peak.

... This book by Bruce and Marty Fries covers THE FOREST and THE TREES - concerning all things about MP3 music technology - equally well! In other words, you will no longer be lost in THE FOREST about all things MP3 because of THE TREES! The authors cover the OVERVIEW (The Forest) of all things MP3 just as well as they cover all the minor DETAILS (The Trees). ... The authors make EXCELLENT teachers: they KNOW their subject well, and they know how to PRESENT it to you so that you NEVER get lost or feel left behind! The book is VERY well ORGANIZED. It is layed-out logically and flows from one chapter to the next in a natural and easy-to-follow way. Reading this book is NOT HARD, and because it is so easy to understand, you will learn faster!

... I can't say that I knew NOTHING about MP3 music and technology BEFORE I read this book, but after having read it I feel like I REALLY understand everything I need to know to make the right choices about how to record, play, and listen to music in the MP3 format. Most importantly, the authors do not only tell you ABOUT MP3 technology, they tell you HOW to use it, DO things with it, and WHERE to go on the world wide web to get more INFO on whatever you might be interested in concerning all things MP3. The book is packed to the gills on almost every page - cover-to-cover - with web site URL addresses where the reader can further their search for information about MP3 technology!

... The book is VERY thorough and detailed, with an easy-to-follow lay-out, easy-to-read text and design, and very helpful photographs and illustrations that make it almost impossible to NOT "get it"! After reading this book, if you don't know just about EVERYTHING concerning MP3, you just were not paying attention - because the authors have left NO STONE UNTURNED! ... The only regret I had was that they wrote the book (as they themselves confessed up-front!) for the IBM-compatible, PC crowd - and I am driving an APPLE iMac computer!!! ... I recently wrote to the authors about this, and they said that they are working right now on a revised edition that will have more information in the HOW TO SECTIONS for people using APPLE computers. This will be a welcome relief!

... Even so, there is a lot of helpful mention of places and products that concern the MAC CROWD (of which I'm one! : ), and they DO agree that the SOUNDJAM MP software by Cassidy & Greene "is one of the best for the Mac." (page 69). So, even if you're a Mac-man like me, you really can't go wrong reading this book because it covers all the bases. It's MORE than just an introduction. It's a great REFERENCE book to keep by your computer at all times - whether you're a consumer interested in LISTENING to MP3s or a musician who is interested in CREATING MP3s in order to upload onto musical web sites, over the Internet, on the world wide web so that ANYONE in the world can listen to and/or purchase one's music! ... My hat is off to the authors for a job well done! ALSO: this book is FUN to read! ..

Wow! I have read many books on negotiation over the years. This is the one that quickly succinctly and immediately does the job.

His ten tips and the supporting examples are exactly what any salesperson absolutelt needs to know and use.

1. Develop "Negotiation Consciousness"
2. Be a good listener
3. Be prepared
4. Aim high
5. Be patient
6. Focus on satisfaction
7. Don't make the first move
8. Don't accept the first offer
9. Don't make unilateral concessions
10. Always be willing to walk away.

There is more much more in this tiny treasure. Buy it, read it regularly and do not lend it!

Here's a great way to learn the basics of bargaining. The author's writing flows nicely, he gets right to the point, and he clarifies his advice with innumerable entertaining anecdotes. You could hardly hope for a more enjoyable way to learn skills that have so much use.

While emphasizing the importance of a cooperative approach, a fair bit of trickery is also discussed - including bluffing and making straw demands. However, if you and your opponent find yourselves playing the same tricks, you might conclude that you have both read this book, and you'll no doubt have to resort to more cooperative tactics.

Nonetheless, the sneaky stuff is fun to read about - and it's important to know about, in case it's ever used on you. For example, if you can quickly recognize when you are being taken by surprise, you'll have a better chance of resisting. And the author does explain how to resist.

Manipulative tactics are more likely to work if your opponent's confidence is weak, as the author points out. But they can be problematic in long-term relationships - such as in a workplace setting. Even if you can get away with using them, negative manipulative tactics won't help build healthy self-esteem or morale. You'll more likely undermine your team with resentment, repressed anger, and passive resistance. This won't boost your firm's productivity. Worse still, your intended victims might see through your tactics, and simply conclude that you are obnoxious and socially clumsy.

While bluffing, posturing, and trickery can be effective in appropriate circumstances, you won't go wrong if you adhere mainly to the author's core advice: Try to question your own assumptions about what can be negotiated; understand your opponent's needs, not just her position; communicate clearly - with emphasis on listening; and keep a cool head. These are just some of the pointers this book covers in depth - pointers that you will likely put to daily use. In fact, whether you are hoping to increase your sales or improve your family relationships, this book has a great deal of helpful advice to offer. And it's a lot of fun to read.

Paul Francis Musgrave, author of Indispensable Marketing Strategies - How to Outwit Your Competition, Attract and Retain Customers, and Multiply Your Profits - Marketing Strategy Secrets for Profitable Small Business Management

I got the audio for this book and truly enjoyed it. It is informative, easy to understand and has excellent information. This book is a must read for every consumer, even if you don't utilize the techniques to negotiate it will help you to recognize when others are "playing" you.

Brodow provides a very useful summary for those needing to negotiate - eg. for a raise, starting salary, buying or selling a house or car, etc. Overall suggestions are made (eg. the most important trait is listening, with the ability to ask good open-ended questions also important; be willing to walk away; have a pre-thought minimum acceptable, target, and high target prior to beginning), followed by specific suggestions for certain situations and involving specific personalities.

I would suggest giving the book a quick read, then keeping it handy to refer to in future negotiations.

I liked this book a lot. Most negotiating books are either so complicated that you'd have to be an ambassador to understand them or so aggressive in their tactics that you wouldn't want to use them. This book is a perfect balance of ethical methods that will make you a winner. Ed Brodow is a competitor of mine on the negotiating lecture circuit and he has done an excellent job of distilling his all-day boot camp into a highly readable book. From Roger Dawson, Author of "Secrets of Power Negotiation."

This was given to me as a gift and am not sure I would've bought it on my own. But I listened to the entire unabridged Audio CD set and it was fine. I think about 70% of the material I already knew; there were a few new bits of information and insight that I gained. If nothing else it gives you a sense of how accurate the Patton movie starring George C. Scott is. One way in which the Patton movie may NOT be accurate is that Axelrod's book states that the slapping incident(s) in Sicily were NOT the reason that Patton was not given responsibility for, or direct involvement in, Operation Overlord. Apparently the decision to put Bradley in charge was made before the slapping incident occured.

This would be a good book or tape/CD to give to a young man or woman in their teens who wishes to begin to learn about this particular great American military man and the times in which he lived.

General George Patton was a great, aggressive leader who had no fear of death. He could lead people where they thought they could not go. He was devout believer in Christ, a fatalist, and really believed himself a reincarnation of a past general. He loved war like Napoleon loved it, and when in one, always was attacking.

I knew little about him before I read the book, and now I feel I have an understanding of his character. He was a man full of contradictions as the book will explain - things you wouldn't expect - like his inner self-doubt and depression, and his outer utter-confidence.

Although they had minor differences of opinion, the conservativeness of Eisenhower and the aggressiveness of Patton with their similar beliefs and background made them a great team during the war.

Patton was a natural leader, and the book reveals his character with all his idiosyncrasies. I would recommend the book to anyone who has general interest into Patton or WWII.

I generally thought that this book was not particularly well written, I spotted a typo in the first of the book that could have been corrected with some editing. The writing was certainly not complex: more like a middle school text. However, I found the facts of Patton's life extrodinary.

This concise but authoritative biography of General George S. Patton, Jr. is the perfect text for the person who desires a penetrating biography of this legendary General without the length of some of the more complete biographies out there.

As others have already posted, this is an easy-to-read biography that makes a great introduction to Patton's life, and for many readers this is complete enough to stop here. Alexrod does a great job of capturing the essence of Patton's life and philosophy in such a brief biography.

The book starts out strong with the introduction by General Wesley K. Clark, and I can't help but agree with his sentiment that Patton was a winner, a morale- and team-builder who adapted quickly and sought to master every challenge and that we need leaders like Patton today.

Axelrod has written an excellent concise biography of General Patton. I recommend it to anyone who wants a quick overview of his life and desires an introduction to this great general. I also recommend it to those that have read more exhaustive biographies on General Patton as I have. Sure, I was familiar with what was written because I have read the longer texts on his life, but I enjoyed this quick read about one of my favorite generals. If you like Patton or want to know more about him, this is a great little book.

Reviewed by Alain Burrese, J.D., author, speaker
Hard-Won Wisdom From The School of Hard Knocks, Hapkido Hoshinsul, Streetfighting Essentials, Hapkido Cane, and The Lock On Joint Locking series

In my humble opinion, this title is one of the best biographies I've read in a long time. While the book contains only about 180 pages, the account is thorough and does not get bogged down in a dry summary of war strategy and tactics that afflicts other books.

Axelrod is able to describe in appropriate detail many aspects of Patton's life:

1. His early childhood in California, time at Virginia Military Institute, and ultimately graduating from West Point.
2. Involvement in the expedition against Pancho Villa and World War 1.
3. Rise to fame in World War 2.
4. Relationship with Eisenhower, Bradley, Montgomery, and other WW2 officers.
5. Relationship with enlisted men (including the 2 slapping incidents).
6. Tempestuous marriage to his wife Beatrice and his supposed reputation as a ladies' man.
7. The automobile wreck that led to his untimely death.

The part I enjoyed reading the most was probably the author's description of this highly effective general and most complex individual's personality. On the one hand, there is no doubt that while Patton played a significant role in WW2, many people disliked him. However, no one can argue with his point that Russia should have been dealt with much more firmly at the conclusion of WW2. Events from the 1940s - 1980s proved him to be correct.

A highly recommended read. Read and enjoy learning about one of our nation's greatest generals.

Wow! I liked Dawson's other books. But this one. . .She blew me over. I laughed and cried, but mostly I hoped if I ever found myself in the place she put her characters I'd find Bathroom Friends like that.
Buy it. Keep it. And thank Dawson for being a sensitive woman, an articulate spokesperson for all women.
Jody Payne

I have to admit I picked up this book because of its title. But a few pages into this book, I was so riveted that I simply couldn't put it down, I couldn't stop reading. Then I went back and re-read it slowly and carefully, to the very last page, because this is one of the best books I have ever read.

This book *is* about "The Make a Wish Foundation", and about breast cancer, but on the other hand, it is also about so much more, and it was so well-written, so beautifully and realistically categorized, that, like some previous reviewers, I would love to see another book on these characters. Ms. Dawson, Encore, please!

This book starts off about Holly, but she quickly meets Maggie and Grace, and they soon turn into a three-some of good friends, cemented by the fact that they are all going through some kind of crisis in their life. Holly is twenty-five, Maggie is forty-five, and Grace is in her mid-sixties, so that we get a very good snapshot of three women at three very crucial stages of their life - Holly, who is entering adulthood, Maggie, facing her empty nest, and Grace, dealing with the inevitable problems of aging and sickness. We also get some very cute conversations as they explore the generation gap - and their different attitudes towards work, marriage, husbands, children.

I loved, loved, loved this book. I have to admit that I like books with more than one plot-thread, I tend to get bored easily and I like books like this that have more than one primary character that can keep my interest. Add to that some extremely realistic characters, and excellent writing, and I, at least, have found a real keeper. There is something about each of these three women's dilemma's that ring true, that feel real. While I have been in Holly's shoes, and I can tell you that that is *exactly* how I felt, I can feel that Maggie and Grace, too, were extremely realistically portrayed.

I did not feel that this book had too little of the men-in-their-lives, I think that that would have made it a little too complicated, and besides, this book was all about the women.

No matter what your tastes, I really don't think that you can go wrong with this truly exceptional novel!

The Pink Magnolia Club, a wonderful story of women's friendships, is one of the most moving books I have read. I have never felt the need to review a book on line before, but it is my duty to praise Dawson for her service to the special friendships that we as women have and the magnificent work of the Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation.
I have learned so much about this organization and its good works from Dawson's Book. The Pink Magnolia Club not only touched my heart but also my soul. I cried at the ups and downs in the friendships among the three women and recalled such friendships with older and younger women that I have been blessed to have. I am ordering this book for those women, ages 17-82, I am lucky enough to call my friends for 1 year to 43 years so they can have a good cry, remember our friendship and learn what to do with those rings still stored in their drawers.

It begins with Holly setting out to check off to check off at least one and maybe two goals on her life list. When she reaches the room where she plans to begin this goal, having sex in an improper setting with her boyfriend, Justin, he ruins it by proposing to her in front of a ballroom full fo people. She reacts by running from the room and getting sick in the bathroom. There, she meets two older women. Both are there as part of the Dresses for Dreams sale, where old wedding gowns are donated and sold to make wishes come true for breast cancer patients. Grace, the elder of the two, is working there, and Maggie has donated her dress, though it was hard for her.

They get to witness a spectacular to do when Jusin follows Holly into the ladies room then storms off, leaving the girl confused and hurt. They form a bond and continue to meet, sharing their problems and woes. Maggie's big problem is she and her husband Mike have drifted apart, so much so that he forgot their twenty fifth annerversary and has now bought a boat, intending to sail the Caribean for a few months, alone. He needs some time. Grace and her Ben are still happily married, except for one problem. He is in denial about her fatal prognosis with cancer.

As the story progresses, the three women work on putting together a fiftieth annerversary party for Grace and Ben, though Holly and Maggie secretly plan for it to be a second wedding to make up for the big one she did not have. Maggie tries dating and also has a few attempts at dealing with Mike, while Holly confronts the fear that keeps her from marrying Justin, or anyone, with a clear mind. They make more life lists, go to jail together, and eat lots of chocolate.

***** A favorite author makes a change of pace in this heart warming, sometimes funny, sometimes painful novel that no woman should miss. This is one of those books where a lot happens, but it's hard to describe. It is a gentle walk that will renew something inside you and make you appreciate life. Does Grace get her dream wedding? What happens to the two estranged couples? Read it and find out, just keep some tissue and chocolate handy. *****

Reviewed by Amanda Killgore.

In Fort Worth, three women meet in the ladies room of the Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation meeting hall. Middle aged Maggie Prescott is giving away her wedding gown that she wore twenty-five years ago because she believes her husband Mike no longer cares about her. Holly Weeks is stunned because the man she loves has proposed, a request that goes contrary to her life list and heats up her fears following her mother's death years ago from breast cancer. The third bathroom buddy sixty-five year old Grace Hardeman suffers from breast cancer.

Though from three different generations, the trio becomes friends. Grace provides a role model for her younger buddies as her philosophy of "today is a gift that's why it's called the present" resonates in all she does. However, even she fears dying as it is a matter of time before she must enter the hospital with her beloved loyal husband and her two pals providing her support.

Readers who enjoy a wonderful relationship drama that emphasizes the importance of loved ones during a health crisis will want to read THE PINK MAGNOLIA CLUB and donate to the Making Memories Foundation. The story line moves the audience through the three women confronting varying traumas in different ways. The characters seem genuine and fans will hope for the best whatever that might be for each one. Geralyn Dawson provides a powerfully emotional tale that will bring her much praise from fans and reviewers (and tissue companies) for this courageous tale.

Harriet Klausner

Thought I cancelled this but the system didn't cancel it. I returned the book and am waiting on my refund. It toook an extra week to get to me. I no longer needed it then.

The Power of Acknowledgement is a direct, easy to read, and engaging book with a powerful and inspiring message. We rarely acknowledge what others do for us--but when we do--we all benefit. The act of acknowledgement is a powerful communicative tool, for the one who uses it and for the recipient. The author provides examples from everyday life that illustrate how the act of acknowledgement transforms our interactions with others and, in turn, transforms our relationship to ourselves. Simply inspiring!

The Power of Acknowledgment.

Thank you for providing the tool, in one tome, to improve lives -- mine, yours, and those around us.

I've learned that everyone needs recognition, and voicing appreciation -- of accomplishments, talents, wisdom and humanity -- is one positive step. This practice truly helps transform.

Written simply and directly, sharing valuable professional and personal experiences, the book provides easy access to inspirational wisdom.

Merilee Kaufman
Actress/Poet/Vocalist

An easy and pleasurable read. Such a simple concept that can change your life as well as those around you.

The Power of Acknowledgement will have you improving your business and personal relationships. The ideas in the book will take just minutes to implement and will make a difference in all of your personal and professional relationships.

Summary: A comical story of what first appears to be a threatening dragon who the setting's people want to slay. The dragon, however, is of no threat. When St. George is sent to "take care of it" the dragon cowers. When faced with this threat he sullenly, but humorously, replies ". . . Say he can write if he likes, but I can't give him an interview. I am not seeing anybody at present" (page not numbered). The three end fast friends and an uncertain threat is no longer a bother.
The author creates a believable character of a harmless dragon. What usually is portrayed as evil and dangerous, the persona of the dragon generates into a believable story. The twist of the dragon being afraid of St. George adds to the imaginable meaning the writer wants to evolve. Carefully setting the story, the author helps establish the voice of the characters. It evolves into a theme that proves that "things aren't always as they appear."

this is a great kids book. and even i love anything that rhymes. thank you so much.

The original "St. George and the Dragon" story is a frightening tale. Depending on which version you read, the townspeople give the scaly, stinking, vicious, dragon tribute of two sheep per day, and, when they invariably run out of sheep, they begin feeding it their own children. The King is obviously horrified, but what can he do? However, when the lottery selects his own daughter, who should appear but Sir George, (later the patron Saint of England) just in time for the king, if not for the subjects. The daughter worries for his safety, but the knight spears the dragon in its one vulnerable spot, then in a gallant display, borrows the daughter's girdle to drag the wounded dragon down to the town. For his own tribute, George asks only that the citizens become baptized; after this, he cuts off the dragon's head. Not a good ending for the dragon, but then, he wasn't a very nice dragon.

Like others before him, Kenneth Grahame modified this bloody tale for the consumption of the very young, and turned it completely on its head. This dragon would rather sleep than slay, purr than prey, and his true nature is discovered by a tow-headed young boy who gradually becomes friends with the pacifist, poetry-loving beast ("why I wouldn't hurt a fly."). Lay low, he advises him. Naturally, though, St. George arrives, and everyone acts as expected--except for the dragon. He simply refuses to attend his own demise:

"Well, tell him [St. George] to go away," said the dragon. "I'm sure he's not nice. Say he can write if he likes. But I won't see him." The boy, however, understands the underlying social pressures (which echo those of the British class system during Grahame's time) and replies: "But you've got to," said the boy. "You've got to fight him, you know, because he's St. George and you're the dragon."

The dragon, the knight, and the young boy, a person with neither power nor social distinction, make a plan. The plan is simple: Fake it. And so, like one of Vince McMahon's TV "wrestling" matches, St. George and the Dragon have it out, with flames and fury, and, as St. George just barely pierces the dragon in a pre-arranged safe spot. The townspeople, who have brought picnics for the presumed slaughter, were satisfied with the spectacle: "And all the others were happy because there had been a fight, and-well, they didn't need any other reason."

The original story, one of several short studies published in Grahame's "Dream Days" (1898, ten years before Grahame's most famous and beloved work, "The Wind in the Willows") may be found at http://etext.lib.virginia.edu/etcbin/toccer-new2?id=GraDrea.sgm&images=images/modeng&data=/texts/english/modeng/parsed&tag=public&part=7&division=div1. Grahame wrote "The Reluctant Dragon" long at times, and one sees his concerns with religion and nature so evident in the river adventure scene of Wind in the Willows. Inga Moore takes out most of the slower, descriptive narrative (which might be enjoyed by older readers), and focuses instead on the dragon/boy/St. George relationships and the exciting battle. Compare the following excerpts (the first is Grahame's); this is great abridgement except for the inexplicable deletion of the last sentence, a very funny, modernist touch by Graham:

1. Then a cloud of smoke obscured the mouth of the cave, and out of the midst of it the dragon himself, shining, sea-blue, magnificent, pranced splendidly forth; and everybody said, "Oo-oo-oo!" as if he had been a mighty rocket! His scales were glittering, his long spiky tail lashed his sides, his claws tore up the turf and sent it flying high over his back, and smoke and fire incessantly jetted from his angry nostrils. "Oh, well done, dragon!" cried the Boy, excitedly. "Didn't think he had it in him!" he added to himself.
2. Then a cloud of smoke billowed from the mouth of the cave, and out of the midst of it the dragon himself, shining, sea-blue, magnificent, pranced splendidly forth; and everybody said, "Oo-oo-oo!" His scales were glittering, his long spiky tail lashed his sides, his claws tore up the turf and sent it flying high over his back, and smoke and fire jetted from his nostrils. "Oh, well done, dragon!" cried the Boy, excitedly. "Didn't think he had it in him!" he added to himself.

Moore also displays great taste and talent in her beautiful colored pencil and ink drawings. She draws landscapes and houses in a traditional style with meticulous shading and detail, trees show the undertones of illustration from a 1912 publication. The friendly, easygoing dragon is drawn showing an easy confidence and an engaging smile, but he's actor enough to look ferocious when required. He's drawn in one of the most striking shades of blue since the ceramic in the movie "Diva." Overall, Inga Moore honors the original Grahame story while making the story and pictures maximally entertaining for young children. Publisher Candlewick has done it again; this is an extraordinary book.

Fanciful and charming. I enjoyed reading it to my nephew and he loved it too. The artwork is lovely also. I'm looking forward to reading it again, with or without my nephew.

I bought this book for my future child (due Feb 2006) as part of my growing library. I read it through and thought it was cute, if a bit antiquated (what do you expect for a book that was written over 100 years ago?) Basically, a young boy befriends a dragon. When the townsfolk realize the dragon exists, they call upon a champion to vanquish him, blaming the dragon for crimes that he didn't commit. The boy talks to the champion about his friend and they all agree to stage a fight, rather than fight to the death. Once the play fight is over (the champion only gives the dragon a small flesh wound), it is agreed by all that the dragon will not harm anyone and the townsfolk will stop telling lies about the dragon. Nice moral story.

My only problem with the book is that it has been "sensitively abridged". I'm not sure what that means for "The Reluctant Dragon", but my "sensitively abridged" copy of "The Wind in the Willows" (also by Kenneth Graham) edits out silly things like "splashes of whitewash all over his black fur". If the book has to be so politically correct that it can't even refer to the color of an animal's fur, I'm not sure that I really want to associate with the edition. I'd be curious to compare this edition of "The Reluctant Dragon" with the original text now.

I loved this as a child and my son loves it just as much now that I have introduced it to him. A true classic for kids.

A continuation of a great book. To be able not just to find these houses, but to actually get to live in one... I'm fairly sure this is where my dream of buying an old Victorian fixer-upper came from. It's not a sequel that you wish had never been written, it's one that you're extremely grateful was written. It continues with the same air of mystery - things to be found, adventures to be discovered - all while providing a very happy ending for all of those involved. Definitely a classic that I plan on sharing with my own children someday.

I am spending this summer re-reading all of my favorite children's books. I have a copy of Gone Away Lake, and was thrilled to obtain a copy of the sequel. I also have other books by Elizabeth Enright and hope that my granddaughter will enjoy them as much as I did (and still do). Ms Enright is a great writer.

I discovered this sequel to the original "Gone Away Lake" just recently, and was surprised because I never realized it existed! Having read "Gone Away" as an adolescent, I was caught up in the story immediately, and always wondered what happened after the story ended. Well, now I know! In fact this sequel is just as good as the original, and actually seems like more of a continuation of the original story than a sequel. You will fall in love all over again with not only the story but the characters as well. Miss Enright just seemed to know exactly how to tell a story to hold a reader's interest and make the characters unforgettable. While written for children, these stories will also capture the imagination of adults, many of whom will remember the original story from their childhood. Kudos to Elizabeth Enright...she will be sorely missed!

I loved this book as a child, looking forward to giving my nephew a copy. Give your children a break from video games and violent movies...

This book has a wonderful message about being yourself. My four-year-old daughter loves the illustrations and asks for this to be read to her often.

Ruby is a new girl in a new class. She is afraid to be herself. She finds a girl and little by little starts dressing like her and supposedly doing the same things as she does. This other girl is Angela, who gets very upset with Ruby and tells Mrs. Hart the teacher.

Ruby is a little girl who is nervous and insecure about herself. She is afraid she will not be accepted or liked if she is who she really is.

I have mixed feelings regarding this book. On the one hand the book is funny and deals with a real life problem of kindergarden and primary school children ("he is a copycat" is a regular accusation at my house). However, reading this story after reading Peggy Rathmann's three other books: "Gorilla", "Officer Buckle and Gloria" and "Ten minutes till bedtime" is a little disappointing. The three books mentioned are totally hilarious and I feel they are all unique and special works of art. This book however, although very good, does not come to their masterpiece level.
"Ruby the Copycat" is written with a neutral voice without "taking sides" - just telling the story as it is. Reader can understand both Ruby, the copycat, and in a way even understand why she is copying (Ruby is the new kid and Angela's ribbon is so very charming) but also see the point of view of those being copied - as Angela, whose every act (red ribbon in hair, rainbow painted shirt) is copied by Ruby. At first this is nice and Angela whispers back at Ruby "I like your ribbon" - but after a while Angela does not whisper any more... Ruby is stripping her of all individuality. These are an adult words but the book is written in a language every child can understand and the pictures are there to strengthen the words. Ruby wins the readers heart in the end when following the teacher's advice (don't we all wish for such teachers) finds her own unique "thing" and now the children copy Ruby's "hopping".

We read Ruby the Copycat in my second-grade classroom, and the kids really gravitated toward it. The illustrations are appropriately stylized to clearly deliver character emotions, and there are subtle details in the pictures that breathe more life into the characters. Ruby reminds me of the nervous child in all of us that seeks to fit in. I highly, highly recommend this book for in-class reading. Buy a class set!

Ruby, in this delightful story, starts school new and finds an iconographic fascination with a girl who does everything easily and beautifully, Angela. Angela for lack of a better way to explain this is simple sugar and spice and cheer squad and Peggy Lipton all rolled into one dynamite girl. Miss Hart, the teacher, in time observes Ruby as each day she escalates levels of imitation and pure fixation on Angela,from wearing an identical red bow as Angela has on when she comes back to class after returning from home lunch, to bending the truth to say she was "also a flower girl in her sister's wedding"(oh no, teacher silently realizes real lying is starting) to painting a rainbow on her clothes to make her outfit match Angela after another lunch break home. Ruby even, when absolutely rejected in a very strong and rather cruel manner by Angela who is clearly yucked out by this sad little gadfly sycophant, tries to reattach the need to just be someone else (and thus matter) Ruby even stoops to imitation of Miss Hart's nails. Now that's pretty complex stuff for kids.I'd say heavy, wouldn't you? If you read it to a class they will be glued to their spots as if in a trance. This, they get. The problem is resolved in a manner I call SIDEWAYS resolving. It isn't as if Angela suddenly in epiphany sees Ruby as her equal, learns her true worth and harmony results. In a classic distraction the teacher finds a way to generate a Ruby based skill, make it fun and the class enjoys her for herself. How the next day went is unaddressed. In my teaching life as a classroom leader it is likely the teacher would mediate the social interaction for a good long while to build the skills for Ruby, the confidences and to open up Angela to understanding she may indeed write nice poetry, wear her clothes well, speak with ease and have power but she's a long way from having the kind of fragile willingness to be vulnerable and reveal inner insecurities and present that mirror up to Angela. Ruby is , in my teacher lingo-a child that tells us by her doing well or not the barometer for our class's social/emotional health.WE ARE ALL RUBY , I'm afraid. If we learn the lesson of this book, being a copycat is insignificant really, what we are addressing is how we perceive others, our selves, our talents and worth in relationship to others, acceptance, grace, vulnerability these constructs ride at the heart of this wonderful book. Peggy Rathman who went on to win awards on her next book, Officer Buckle and Gloria, surely did a great job here. And if you read her first, Bootsie Barker Bites, written with Barbara Bottner you have quite a triple play. I'm going to share a tip. This book, as well as Bootsie Barker was made into a VCR by Shelly Duvall in a series called "Bedtime Stories" , I think now sadly just available used. This series was just about the best I ever saw for children after Reading Rainbow. This particular story was narrated by Shelley Long (from Cheers) with a great guitar riff in background and is just such a treat for children. It is a Great way to hear Ruby the Copycat. Incidentally if you want the best straight up copycat story out there read Ramona the Brave. You'll love it too.

A light-hearted look into a Christian's struggle to be of more service to God, even though he feels completely unprepared, ill-equipped and lacking in talents and traits that would be so useful in ministry. It's a great moment when he realizes that if God called him into service, God knew what he was doing, and it is God's problem that he has all these deficiencies, not his.

This book is very easy to read. I finished it in two afternoons.
I can't remember the last book I read that made me laugh so hard. This is really, really funny! Regardless of your denomination or doctrine, I think anyone would really enjoy this book.

We both thouroughly enjoyed this book. Funny, without being sacreligious. Probably funnier to an active Christian as many of the jokes are 'insider' jokes that wouldn't be funny to a non-christian.

I'm planning to buy/read more of Mr. Plass' books based on this one.

Friends in the UK sent us this book a few years ago, and I can't thank them enough. Adrian Plass has now outranked Frank Peretti and Max Lucado as my favorite author of all time. He has an amazing ability to make the reader laugh out loud, and on occasion, even cry. I am an avid reader and no other writer has ever touched my soul the way that Plass does. Whenever I am having a particularly rough day, I read a few favorite parts of this book and I find the stress melting away.

Do yourself a favor and start building a library of his works. I am doing that now, and can honestly say that I have not been disappointed by anything I have read so far. If you live in the US, it can be hard to find Plass's books. But it is well worth the investment and the time.

Excellent, excellent book!

I've read this book about three or four times now and I can safely say that it is the absolute funniest piece of Church humour I've ever read.

Scratch that. This is THE funniest book I've ever read. The first time I read it, I was rolling on the floor and crying. My wife and I will still sometimes just pick it up and start reading bits from it to each other for a few minutes of hilarity.

I cannot recommend it highly enough.

Your enjoyment will be greatly increased if you've spent time attending an evangelical church. It also helps to know that the book was written by a Brit and includes a number of references to people and practices that may be lost on those not from the UK.

Buy this book. It may not change your life but it'll be sure to give you a much needed break from your read through Calvin's "Institutes".