Queen The Books

I'm going to be honest: I kind of hate this novel.

Why? Because someone else was reading it, and when I was fourteen I picked it up and literally could not put it down until I finished it.

I'd never read about the Tudors/been into historical fiction before, and this book served to instantly addict me. I've torn through any books I came across on the era, I majored in European History (rather than something PRACTICAL that would actually have made me money), and you know what?

I have never found its equal.

This was simply an amazing, deep, addictive book, which amazing writing. The dialogue was brilliant, the innuendo and doublespeak of courtiers so well-captured. It sets the standard, and unfortunately nothing I've read, and I suspect nothing I'll EVER read, about Elizabeth or the Tudors will live up to this book.

There. Thanks, Susan Kay-- and no thanks for both addicting and ruining me.

I have read over a thousand historical novels,and this definitely is the best. Not just in court history, but it falls into the category of the most well written book ever to grace print. Could not put it down...

I have read many fictionalized biographies of Elizabeth I, but this one is the gold standard. It is quite remarkable that Kay is able to detail Elizabeth's entire life in under 500 pages, yet I did not feel anything important had been overlooked or shortchanged. This would be a terrific first read as well as entirely satisfying to someone already very familiar with the details of the Virgin Queen's life and reign. Kay's depiction of Elizabeth's psychology rings very true and, although she answers the age-old "did she or didn't she" question differently than many historians have, her portrayal of Elizabeth's intimate relationship with Leicester is completely believeable. Kay has managed to synthesize the "feel" of the period without bogging down in unnecessary, dry historical discourse. I felt I understood Elizabeth and her motivations and inner workings more intimately than in any other biography of her I have read. There is no white washing of her shortcomings or exaggeration of her virtues. In my opinion, this author comes as close as possible to capturing the essence of this queen, both as a woman and as a ruler. Remarkable and exceptional writing. Very highly recommended.

Unlike the trash heaps by Philippa Gregory or Laurien Gardner, Susan Kay actually wrote a compelling novel AND kept history intact. A tough balance act but she managed it. Ever the master of human emotion Kay builds up Elizabeth's emotional turmoil from Anne Boleyn's miserable end to the execution of her last favorite, Lord Essex. Chilling and colorful this book brings Elizabeth to life like no other novel I've read before or since. One can hate this Queen Bess at one moment only to love her at the next, like the real life queen Kay's Elizabeth keeps you guessing and when she reaches the emotional breaking point over having Mary Stuart executed one cannot help but feel for this woman. EXQUISITE in every way!

This book absolutely deserves all the glowing reviews it has received on this site. I am so happy my local library had a copy of it. I was hooked from the very first sentence and I didn't put the book down all day.

I have read many books on the life of Elizabeth I, but this book ranks at the top. Susan Kay's prose is stunning and her story-telling capability is masterful. Kay truly transports you back to the time of Elizabeth to such a degree that you can smell the rushes on the floor of the palace, feel the piercing gaze of Elizabeth's eyes on you, and feel the tension and danger of court intrigue.

It is a brilliant book and a must read for anyone interested in Elizabeth I. (Or anyone who appreciates exceptionally good writing) Oh, and this book has no business being out of print! It is far superior than most Elizabeth I books that are on the shelves of bookstores right now.

My 2 year old loves this book! And it's so wonderful to see a book that says, yeah, be a princess, but that doesn't mean you can be fun and make messes too! You can still be a real person. This book is fantastic!

Don't get me wrong....I find the Fancy Nancy books adorable, especially since my oldest granddaughter is definitely a little princess. That's why this book makes a good duo with the Fancy Nancy books. It provides a measure of "all around girl" to the Princess Craze. There's also one about kissing frogs and another about scraping knees.

I just absolutely love this book and other books by this author. I think I got it more for me than my baby girl. I love it so much that my husband and me are buying for all the little girls in our family this Christmas.

This is a cute story and a must have for a girl's collection. All of the "Do Princesses..." are really nice stories with good illustrations.

My daughter is really into the princess craze. As a reluctant queen (I was a tomboy), I was excited to see this book, that emphasizes the beauty of all princesses (not just the ones in pretty dresses waiting to be kissed by the prince). I also recommend the Paperbag Princess if you like this book.

This book is a nice journal about the events of Episode l through Padme's (a queen in disguise) eyes. The book keeps you interested from beginning to end and! leaves you wanting more. It's a very quick read, and I've read it several times and still like the story. The pages are photo quality, with faded images of events in the background of each page. The text is a larger print and is very easily read. I wish they had journals by Padme from Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith.

Queen Amidala is a brave young lady who must rise up to an evil Phantom to save her people, in this book it has pictures of most of her costumes and lots of fun reading for children 9-13.

I wasn't quite sure what to expect when I first bought this book. I can say now that reading it was a most pleasurable experience. Jude Watson has done an admirable job with this journal. It is the deep introspections of a young girl, told shrewdly with a great deal of empathy, not only for Amidala, but for all the characters that she interacts with. The journal displays Amidala's keen insight, and sharp mind, and examines her motives and decisions with great sensitivity. It tells us a little about her background, and her relationships with the people around her. At the end, I felt as though I had discovered a real person.

Though Luke's journal was my personal favorite of the Journal books, this one was definitely the best written. It was better than Anakin's especially, since this one truly got into the mind of Queen Amidala, whereas Anakin's wasn't as good at bringing out his character (what little he had) or anyone elses. This one however, not only lets us get to know Amidala, but also brings out the other characters in a way that made Episode 1 seem much more interesting than it actually was. It was fascinating to find out more about Amidala,(I didn't previously realize she was only fourteen, in the movie she seemed older!) who I found a very intriguing character in the movie, though I was confused about where and when she was Amidala/Padme. This book answered my questions about that also, tying everything together in a satisfying knot. Also, I found Anakin's character much more interesting in this book than even in his own journal. In the movie especially he irritated me, because he just seemed too cute and sweet, but here he is much more likable. This book would be good for any Star Wars fan, especially those twelve and under.

Relive the movie "Star Wars: Episode I" through the eyes of the newly elected Queen Amidala. This young teen begins this journal before the movie began. Readers see the training Amidala went through in preparation for her future post. In the book we find out WHY Amidala puts lipstick on her upper-lip fully, yet only a slash on her lower-lip. We see the defenses that were made by the guards, such as a decoy, but never dreamed would ever have to be used. (Oh come on, you did not HONESTLY think those handmaidens were there for LOOKS, did you?)

**** Not as magnificent as Princess Leia's journal, but just as enlightening! In the movie, Queen Amidala had to keep her face blank so her adversaries could not read her. In this book, we see all the thoughts, fears, and strategies that went on behind the royal mask. In fact, this book made Amidala's character more impressive than the movie did. It can also be used as a quick refresher before you flock to see "Episode II: Attack of the Clones" in the Summer of 2002! Very good reading! ****

James Thurber was one of the funiest authors of all time and this book cements his reputation. I enjoyed it many years ago and after re-reading it, I enjoyed it again.

Should be required reading for all folks of any age looking for an introduction to life in these United States, for those learning to overcome despair and disaster with humor and grace, for any and all learning the English language.

Thurber is a great favorite of mine, and this was another fun book to read.

Take your mind back half a century and read these mildly amusing essays about life in the 1920s and 1930s. The style is so different from modern prose, but it is well worth the read.

I am 52 yrs. old. I read this book in High School and couldn't put it down. When I read it again as adult, I laughed even harder because somehow it made having the weirdest family in the whole world a joke instead of a hardship. It made Thurber's family, the Coneheads, the Simpsons, and the Osbornes seem like life is good as long as you can laugh once in a while, and even better if you can laugh at yourself.

This book is fabulous through and through. I love the creative, quirky illustrations and the imaginative storyline, but what really sets this book apart is the beautiful message: that the right prince for a princess is the one who shows kindness and consideration for others. A great message for girls among the princess-fantasy filled world of books.

A reprint of a children's classic - entertaining storyline, whimsical illustrations, timeless moral lessons. It recently captured and held the attention of my son's entire kindergarten class as effectively as it did mine over 40 years ago. The lesson: compassion and thoughtfulness is worthy of the biggest rewards in life.

I've looked for this book for years, wanting to read it to my own children. How lucky I am that it has been republished and that I still have children young enough to properly enjoy it, and how sad that my older children missed it when they were in the prime audience age range!

This is a beautiful, thoroughly enchanting story which illustrates how woefully wrong it is to sacrifice the well being of others in striving for your own personal joy and success. I recall how taken I was with the colony of artist mice painting mini masterpieces and the pie making creature, how much I would have wanted them for my own even without the promise of a princess' hand in marriage (or prince's for that matter, though at age six I wasn't interested in either) as a reward. I was awed by Bernard's show of respect for creatures I would have had difficulty recognizing as anything other than toys before learning they had lives and purposes of their own. Some people go through their entire lives without learning that.

I had this book when I was a little girl and it's always been my favorite kids book! I'm in the process of getting one to read to my kids also. Seeing the cover on here takes me back 20 years and that's very cool :)

This was, without question, my favorite book from childhood. I lost track of it and have been searching for a replacement for over 10 years now. I haven't had much success. All I'd found were some tattered old copies that were extremely overpriced. When I saw the deal Amazon was offering I couldn't believe it. I bought it immediately and it arrived in mint condition. It took me right back to my younger days and now I'm sharing it with my 8 year old son, who loves it, too. What a fantastic purchase I made with this one. Thank you so much! I would highly recommend this fun and unique story to anyone and everyone! You can't go wrong with this one. :o)

Kathy Patrick's book was a quick read but one which kept me coming back to re-read it. It is an entertaining and inspirational account of how to change directions in life and make the most of it. Kathy invites us into her life, then sits us down and gives us a make-over. It is sprinkled with notable quotes from the famous and not-so-famous, and lots of book recommendations. It is a springboard book, because now I have another stack of books to read! It is also a springboard book because it inspired me to start my own book club and to spread some literacy. Oh, and it contains some good recipes too!

Kathy Patrick is a force of nature. She's generous, funny, and life affirming. She created the Pulpwood Queens, the largest book club in America and she's a definitely the head queen. If you don't know about her you'll want to. Her book is a must read. So what are you waiting for?

Kathy Patrick is one of the great souls of Texas--an inspired writer and personality. This is a great book--a true celebration of life and literature--and I can't think of a better way to spend the day than by reading it!

The book is written as if I was having a private conversation with Kathy and she was my best friend. I became captivated from the beginning to the end and wanted more. She drew me into her life-her hopes, dreams, joys, and sorrows. The Pulpwood Queens' Tiara-Wearing, Book-Sharing Guide to Life.(Book review): An article from: MBR BookwatchI am looking forward to Kathy's next book.

Kathy Patrick has written a wonderful excerpt of her life and times. This book was a walk down memory lane for me in a lot of the chapters. I really feel like this book underlines where we as women get our strength in good times and in bad. Support of each other, and I read it loud and clear in the pages of Kathy's book. Women share their sisterhood and support with their family and friends and then most of us will reach out to anyone we see in need. Faith, family, friends is what it is all about but said in such a warm and humorous way!

I read this book when I is was in 8th grade but I still like to go back and read things over it is a wonderful book if you like fantasy dragons and a girl hero.

Since I am not good at explaining things I will type what it says on the back of the book:

There is a story about Kara and dragons. When she was four, she came down with vermilion fever. Her parents, thinking there was no cure, left her in a cave to die. A month later she walked back into her parent's home as healthy as if she had never been sick. It is said that a mother dragon lived in that cave, and she nursed young Kara back to life. Now, eleven years later, the only reminder of Kara's illness is a small scar on her cheek. Of her contact with the dragon, there is more. Her eyes, which once were blue, are now green. And she can call down birds, which many believe is a sign that she can also call down dragons, for the two are distant cousins. Only Kara has her doubts. How can a beast as huge and terrifying as a dragon be related to a sweet, gentle bird? But could this explain why the king has sent for her? Does he think she has powers over dragons? For Kara, the answer to this question means life or death- not only for her, but for all the dragons, also.

I loved this book. Susan Fletcher has done it again. However, I did prefer the first and third books to this one. But this book is very important to the series, and it's amazingly good, too. This is the best trilogy ever written!

:-)

The story is about a young girl named Kara,who is sick as a small child and was brought to a cave to be buried. Instead of dying,dragons fed her milk,which nursed her back to heallth. This milk also gave her speial powers. Kara meets the royal family ofthe land of Krag because of her powers, which throws her into the middle of a of a blood war between dragons and this royal family. Kara has mant adventures as she
tries to do the right thing for the family and the dragons. The prince of this
famly,Rog,threatens to kill two childrenif Kara doesn't sumomon dragons for him to kill. She gets help from the kiing and his army,the birds that she summons,and her friends. They defeat Rog,and her falcon flies off with dragons. Kara goes back to the king dom of Krag with king Orrik as his summoner.
I like this book because there are plenty of suprises. It issuspenseful and exciting.

I enjoyed this second book of the Dragon Chronicles more than the first for several reasons.

Susan Fletcher does very well with the first-person narrative of Kara, and the language used by the character makes the story all the move believable. Its a more intelligent read than the first book, with a more interesting range of vocabulary. Also, Kara as a charcter is much more interesting to read about than Kaeldra. Kara's pride and her fears, and even her hypocracy at times, make her a real human being. And what's more, she has a fire-cracker temper that I found refreshing after reading about the droll,ho-hum, stick-in-the-mud Kaeldra.

In this second book, there is a bigger cast of characters and Fletcher does well to make sure these people all have personalities of their own. (The first book, had more character 'types',and less characters with personalities.)

I agree, the book's main relationship is a little stale. It wouldn't have been if we had not seen a similar build up in "Dragon's Milk"'s major relationship. If they had not been mirror images of the same stormy and mistrusting courtship then I would have been much more entertained.

All and all, "Flight of the Dragon Kyn" was a better written book with a more interesting array of charcters. Well worth the read.

A Review by Jessica

One day log ago a girl named Kara got Vermillion fever and almost died, but a dragon saved her. This book takes place many years after this incidence. The thing is that Kara remembers nothing that happened. The only things that remind her of the dragon is a name, Flagra, which she screamed in the middle of the night and the gift of being able to call birds down from the sky. A king named Orrick sends for her to come to him, and she dose. What Kara doesn't know is he wants her to call down dragons. The Problem is that Kara has never seen a dragon let alone call one down from the sky. Kara and a group of warriors go out to seek dragons. Kara calls for Flagra and she comes what she doesn't know it that the men are going to kill this dragon, the one that saved her life. As the dragon becomes visible the arrows rise to the deep blue sky and they shoot.

In this book I really enjoyed the suspense and adventure. The main character, Kara tells this story in first person. Susan Fletcher is a great author. One thing I like in her books is there is a little hidden love story within them. There is one in this book. It is between Kara and one of the king's men named Kazan. I also like the extreme detail that Susan Fletcher uses. An example of detail is when she describes a falcon she calls. Kara says, "I steeped back startled, the gray falcon screamed, tightened her grip on my hand. One wing clouted my head, and then she was flying." The vocabulary in this book is not too hard but not to easy. I also found the dialogue to be very easy to follow.

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good adventure with suspense and action. It's a real great read! This book keeps you in the edge of your seat the whole time your reading it.

I first read this book when i was 15 now at 17 i still love this book its such a good read the main character is engaging and clever. You can see in this story what a post traumatic stress disorder may do to a person. It really makes you feel for this character

Ellen Emerson White is fast becoming one of my favorite authors. Her central character Meg is a strong-willed survivor who can also be an irritable, smart-aleck teen, not a typical heroine, to White's credit! The description of her time with her captors is harrowing. The story of her road to recovery is compelling. All the books in this series are worth reading.

I read a lot of books as a young adult but these books really stand out in my mind. They are incredibly gripping and well written. I have been trying to track this series down for awhile and could not be more happy to have located them. I read them in the early 90's but still loved the 80's culture (Tab and Joan Jett included) and recently purchased a pair it Tretorns because Meg owned them. All in all, great books for anyone to read!

In my opinion, this is one of White's best works. Although this is technically a YA book, the only real "teen" thing about it is Meg's age. She, her siblings, parents and various White House personas are thoroughly fleshed out, as well as the multitude of psychological issues that come along with being the child of a president. Here, when Meg's position in life leads to her abduction -- an incredibly grave situation -- White combines it with the thoughts running through Meg's mind, which are usually humorous and sarcastic. A thoroughly enjoyable read.

I think I first read this book back in middle school, in the late 80's; and immediately bought The Presidents Daughter so I could read that too. I'm now 29, and after a LONG search, have FINALLY recovered an original copy of White House Autumn to complete the trilogy. Wonderful writing, who could not love Meg and her family? And I find as I get older, each time I re-read I manage to pick up more detail, more emotion, more understanding. These books are wonderful for teenagers and adults alike. I recently read that a fourth book, titled "The Queen Lives On" will be released this fall; but have yet to get confirmation from any of the publishing companies. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE reprint this series and release the next book!!! I am dying to know how Meg's life has turned out, I would love to read about her college years (and find out if she ended up dating Josh again, LOL).

I read this book as an assignment for an extra reading group I'm in. There are definately some funny lines in the book, but I don't think the overall story was that interesting. I suggest it to kids ages 11-14. The reason I suggest it to older kids is because younger kids wouldn't understand it so much. I really did like it, though. Give it a try, you might love it!

I have got to say this is a Book of great comedy. It has an interesting flow of characters a lively narrator and hilariously funny pictures. All who I have recommended this book to, loved it. the only problem that I have found with it is the ending. He stops making every one laugh. I thought that he was sort of like Peter Pan and would always be funny. But he turned serious. Still it is absolutely awesome, A must read.

I remember sitting in class in third grade while the teacher read us this book. I always liked the books she read us but I LOVED this book. I remember after school one day, I couldn't wait to see what happened so I actually went to the library and read the rest of the book. I haven't read it in a while but I would really reccomend it for anyone or their kid. It was a truly enchanting and humerous book.

This is a fun book, a sort of send up of fairy tales. The writing style is very loose, and the book is filled with illustrations.

I liked it because it moves quickly. It lacks focus, but at least something is always happening, and the story is strange and quirky. The characters are engaging, and the writing is enjoyably casual.

It's about a prince who makes everyone happy, a princess so beautiful she turns anyone who looks at her into stone, a clumsy giant, and a hunter who shouldn't even be in the book but stays in it despite the author's protests.

It's a quick read, very fun. Recommended for kids and adults, especially if you're looking for something different.

In the beginning Roger is a prince, but not a normal prince. Roger has a strange effect on people. If he gets too close to a person, they could die laughing. When J. Wellington Wizard tells Roger to go on a quest, Roger asks, "Isn't a quest where you have to go somewhere or find something?" J. Wellington says that he sees him entering the Forever Forest, and tells him to take a sack of magic powder, and whenever he sees someone, to dust a little on himself, so that Roger can turn into a thing, maybe even a leaf. Then, whoever he is near won't laugh. Roger sets out on his quest, gets stuck in the Forever Forest, and meets a lot of new people, such as little Lucille, Andrew, and Tom. Some are evil and some are nice. Roger hates it in the Forever Forest, but he knows it will get better and he will be the happiest man on earth.

This was a very funny book to read because the author pretended that he doesn't have control over his book, such as when, in chapter 5, Night of the Frogs, he says that he was just trying to fool Tom because chapter 5 is really called Tom. Tom is a character who is supposed to leave on page 9 but he refused. The author always talks about how Tom can walk in and out of the book, and come back at the perfect time. I thought this book was hilarious, engaging, and thoroughly entertaining.

This book was one of my all-time favorites when I was a kid! It was so exciting... very mysterious and magical. And full of goo! What kid doesn't love goo? Every kid needs a book like this.

An excellent item and although the cost to get it here quickly was expensive, it was worth it. Thank you

I had loved the book as a child myself. So I bought it for my neice. We read it together and she loves it as well. I haven't met a child (or adult) that doesn't like Dr. Seuss!

This was a gift for my niece. The adults in the room enjoyed it as much as she did.

I bought this book because it brought back such good memories of my child's childhood and my own as well. I look forward to sharing it with my grandchildren someday. This is a great book to read!