Seven Books

Fast-paced intro to the Trojan War

Author/artist Eric Shanower will be the first to tell you (in the afterword to this marvelous "comic book") that the story of the fall of Troy has had many tellings, not all of which can be harmonized. In his sources, the age and lieage of a character can vary. And authors over the millennia have not always been careful to kep their own accounts consistent with the rest, as when 12th century minstrels created a romance between an entirely new character (Cressida) to complement a peripheral character (Troilus) known from more ancient texts. More recently, the work of archaeologists has taught us much about life in the Age of Bronze, from which can be reconstructed the preoccupations, dress and habits of people who lived thousands of years ago.

From this mélange of sources, Shanower has crafted an epic tale in graphic novel format of the leadup to the Trojan War that is endlessly fascinating and impossible to put down. His tale begins with the youthful Paris, the restless firebrand who dreams (in spite his state as a cowherd) of martial glory. Soon, we are introduced into the word of Trojan and Achaean warrior-kings, and to their world in which economic advantage, solemn oaths and ever-to-be-propitiated gods and goddesses all meet in complex and interlocking ways. As the tale ends, Agamemnon, high-king of the Achaeans, has assembled his armada of a thousand ships and is headed to Troy to avenge the breach of hospitality opened by Paris, now a Trojan prince, when he abducted the beautiful Helen, wife of Agamemnon's brother Menelaus.

Shanower gives us a plausible Bronze Age world that may well be the closest we can get to the original. The warrior "kings" are all young or youngish men -- strong, virile and hale of heart and mind. The deities they beseech are notably absent from sight -- other than in visions and dreams; their activity is assumed (and their presence feared) when events occur in concert with prayerful pleadings. But these young men have more than war on their minds, and there is plenty of sexual energy pulsing through the tale. Women play important roles as wives, mothers and seers. The erotic element is kept mostly to a PG-13 level, but there is enough kissing and fondling of the female upper anatomy to heat all but the coolest of hearts. Amusingly, Shanower keeps to the North American aversion to showing aureoles and genitalia. This aversion grows to almost ludicrous proportion as he strives manfully to hide his characters' naughty bits -- even when in full gallop -- with wisps of conveniently-draped hair.

Shanowers' black and white artwork is bold, strong and consistent. He gives his main characters identifiable features -- dark hair or light, full or balding, etc. -- that stay short of caricature. His storytelling is quickpaced and usually easy to follow. The worst I can say is that his story moves so quickly and is so engaging that the reader skips too quickly over his wonderful art.

All told, A Thousands Ships is fabulous on its own merits, and a valuable as an introduction to the Homeric masterpieces -- the Iliad and the Odyssey. Highly recommended for the age 13-and-up set.

I just ripped through A Thousand Ships and the second book in the series, Sacrifice, in two days and I'm bowled over. What a tour de force these books are. Shanower seamlessly incorporates all the myths entwined in the Trojan War. An incredible feat by itself, it's even more impressive because he achieves this without bogging down what is, after all, a ripping good story.

In the course of the book, Shanower offers some interesting insights on some of the more puzzling and disturbing events (Iphigenia's sacrifice comes to mind). I also was impressed by how he developed the characters. For instance, he convincingly portrays Odysseus changing from a clever Trojan War draft-dodger to a gung-ho warrior by the end of the second book.

I can't wait for Shanower's next book in the series. Until then, I'm pressing these books on everyone I know. They're THAT good. Bravo!

This book reprints the first nine issues of the Age of Bronze comic books. It's a beautifully drawn, well written comic book about the Trojan War. The only problem I have with the comic, and it'a a minor problem, is that there are so many characters, it's hard to keep track of who's who. Highly recommended to fans of graphic literature.

A Thousand Ships is the first in a series of comics which retell the story of the Trojan war in comic book form. It begins with Paris, the lost prince of Troy who has been raised by farmers as a farmer, making his first ever journey to the capital. He tells his girlfriend it's a short trip, but even before he leaves the oracles are speaking and don't seem to agree. Meanwhile, Achillies is just leaving boyhood and, when confronted with the choice of short life and fame in war versus a long life that won't be remembered, he is very much for the short glorious life. His mother has other plans and struggles to save him from himself.

The plot is extremely intricate. It all comes from mythology, and there's a lot there to pull from. Doing the Illiad in seven comics makes sense. One book would only have allowed for the outline of the story. By breaking it into more books, the story is more complete and here the Illiad has been adapted well to the medium.

Graphically the book is well drawn. I'm guessing that the big challenge here was to keep faces consistent so that all the characters can be told apart. There are many, many characters and they are recognizable from frame to frame, if that helps to tell you the level of detail. The storytelling and how layouts play into that is good too. Layouts help to blend in and reveal characters's backstories (and everyone has a back story in mythology) and to communicate oracles and messages from the various gods.

This is a good read as a comic book. Being a modern take on the Illiad, which concievably someone might someday make you read, is an added bonus. Libraries should definitely stock this series. For individuals and families this is a good buy for a comic book, and a pretty good read. You should already know this, but if you don't then here goes, many of the classics have a lot of sex and violence. So, don't buy this for your four year old if you don't want them to see naked people and drawings of smeared entrails.

Eric Shanower does a fabulous job of bringing the Mycenaean world and the story of the Trojan War to life. Shanower has a different perspective on many of the characters than I might choose, but still I find his protagonists credible and compelling. With a combination of strong characterization and historically accurate settings and costumes, this is simply one of the best reimaginings of the myth I've encountered.

Highly recommended for fans of graphic novels and aficionados of the ancient world alike -- as well as for those who just love a gripping story!

My daughter and I both loved this book. Traditional Greek myths are retold through the eyes of Atalanta, Andromeda, and Psyche. The tales are fairly true to the originals, with a few slight departures. The mortal characters are wonderfully human, and even the gods and goddesses are rendered as multifaceted beings. These are love stories but there isn't any overt sexuality. I enjoyed the author's notes at the end, as Ms. McLaren provides information about the myths, ancient Greek culture, and women's roles. If you are considering this book for a young reader, you may wish to know that these notes do refer to homosexual relationships, which were a well documented part of the ancient Greek culture.
I recommend this book most highly to all myth lovers at a 4th grade or higher reading level.

McLaren's other book "Inside the Walls of Troy" is better than this one, but I really enjoyed this short book.

Atalanta has been raised since birth to be her a son to her father, rather than a daughter. So when her father proposes a marriage, she is furious. She outruns all her suitors in a marriage-or-death race, but one.

Andromeda is betrothed to someone whom she wants nothing to do with. Her mother makes the mistake of proclaiming that both she and Andromeda are more beautiful than the goddesses. Andromeda is sent to death, but something happens that changes that.

Psyche is one of the most beautiful women alive. One day, a nameless immortal asks for her hand in marriage. Psyche goes to the man's home and is never happier, until she makes a horrible mistake.

I LOVED Psyche's story and I wish that McLaren had made Psyche's story a book alone. While this is not my favorite Greek myths book, it is worth reading.

~Atalanta

I loved this when i first read it back in 8th grade. Now that i bought it and re-read it again, i love it even more! I have loved greek mythology and romantic stuff for a long time and this book provides both. It first inspired me to write my own greek mythology love story back in 8th grade. But now that i have re-read it and another one of the author's books, i'm going to fix my story and make it better.

This book was pretty good. I definitely enjoyed reading it. Aphrodite's Blessing is a book about three Greek myths. In these myths, Aphrodite plays a main role in the lives of the main characters: Atalanta, Andromeda, and Psyche.

In the first myth, Atalanta is of an age to marry. But she doesn't want to be married off and to get out of it, she races against her suitors. If Atalanta wins, her suitors will be executed. If she loses, she will be married off to the winner. Atalanta ends up winning most of the races and tying only one time. She stays unmarried, until Aphrodite decides to change all that.

In the second myth, Andrommeda is going to be thrown in a loveless, arranged marriage. Until her mother brags about them being more beautiful than the water nymphs. In consequence, Andrommeda must be sacrificed to a sea monster. Until her secret hero comes and saves her.

The third myth is my favorite out of the book. It's about Psyche, who's beauty is enough to make Aphrodite herself jealous.
A prophecy has been made that Psyche is not to marry any mortal being and so she's ends up being married to an immortal. But there are sacrifices she must make. Psyche is not allowed to see the face of her husband and must trust him. But thanks to the meddling of her sisters, she breaks that trust and finds out he is Eros, a.k.a. Cupid. Now she must complete three tasks for jealous Aphrodite, Eros's mother, to ever see him again.

These are great stories and it gets more in depth than the original myths. I found out that some of the stories contradict the original myths, but i liked them anyway.

This book has got to be one of the best books I've ever read, and I liked it so much that I'm now absolutely obsessed with all Greek myths! My favourite has got to be Psyche's story, for it's the story with the most feelings. When I read retold myths, they are somehow rather vague. I recommend waiting for Oddyseus too.

First book to a spell binding series.

At first when I started the book I thought it would be all about a teenage outcast trying to fit in at a new highschool.

Soon I found that it was not the case.

I absolutely love the way she uses a totally realistic teenage life senario and adds her dose of gothic fantasy.

Obbie, the main character, is one of the Sons of Dark in a ancient legend. He is also the historically oldest of the group.

This book is all about his life.

Known throughout highschool as a 'loner' he is also apart of a band, finding that music is the only real escape from this time.

As the book progresses, we find out that he will remain the same age forever, he is eternal, moving around when he graduated from highschool and then going to another, imagine stuck in highschool forever.

As strange and mysterious events are put into place, he finds out the truth of his father murder and knows he must avenge his death...what will befall this mysterious youth and his gothic adventure...

You find out...

Book:

It starts out with your average teenage boy, or so you may think.

Obie isn't just any teenage boy, he comes from the third century of our earth and was part of a people called the Visigoths. Obie can't stand where he is and the only realease he seems to have is music. He plays in a band with guys much older than him but, he doesn't care.

He takes a specail intrest in Alison a girl that has it all, the popularity, the friends, and the star football player.

In the end Obie finds out who killed his father and he has been seeking revenge every since. He was inslaved a alternate dimentio called Nefandus and thats where he was made imortal.

Obie and his friends set off to destroy the one that murdered his father.

Read and find out...
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My opinion:

This book was easy reading and I couldn't ever put it down. The story is so unique and theres so much to it you think that you'll never get it but the infromation fits together so perfectly and it makes you root for the heros.

I really enjoyed this book and I definately recoment it thats why I give it five out of five stars.

Ok i am really behind in my reading... this book came out in '04 and I got it in '05 and didn't finish it until '06 LoL ~~ Anyway about the book: This is a great book. It really is a fun read and the situations Obie gets into are quite funny. Since he's from a different time he doesn't exactly fit in in the modern world. I enjoyed Obie's courage in the story, Berto's recklessness and Kyle's protection over them both. LoL I also liked that Catty was slightly mentioned, but it was a bit sad to know what happened between her and Kyle. Well anyway I reconmend this book to everyone guys and girls! Thanks to DOTM i met a great guy... yes he actually reads DOTM haha... This was a great book and i can't wait to get started on the others. If you wanna chat AIM: yugi naruto girl ~ Lata

I liked Barbarian and how it started a new plot and concept in the same world that Daughters of the Moon took place in. Ms. Ewing has managed to write a story from the male perspective quite well. Good book, I recommend it if you liked the Daughters of the Moon series.

A very good book. It explains a lot more about Nefundus and it's kind of cool how Lynne Ewing connected the Daughters of the Moon to The Sons of the Dark. It was a enjoyable book.

A series has to be something special for me to invest in buying the manga... particularly when, at cover price, the cost will ultimately be over $250. O_o
Basara is that special. It is an epic story with believeable characters that you really become attached to. It moves quickly, but not so fast that it sacrafices the details and moments that flesh out the feeling of a scene. With a healthy mix of action, intrigue, and romance, one is easily caught up what is an amazing and beautiful story.

Although the art isn't your typical fluffy art, it is by no means ugly or unattractive. I think the people reviewing this comic have spent too much time eating sugar-coated candy and reading over-decorated comics. Calling Tamura's art anything short of "amazing" is insulting and inaccurate.

Also keep in mind that this comic was made several years ago, meaning there's a generational gap in artistic trends. The art style is raw, skillful, and radiates the epic tone of this series. I hope to see the rest come out here in the US. The story is great and not a single volume falls flat, not even up to volume 27.

If you want a story that hits you deep in the heart, BASARA is for you. There is deep social, romantic, political, and even spiritual commentary and meaning in this comic. It is a masterpiece and truly exceeds the medium it is written in.

Basara is perhaps my absolute favorite manga. The art may not be the most stunning, but the characters and story are excellent. I had seen the anime series years ago before the manga was released here. I enjoyed the series bu forgot about it until I was watching the movie 'Whale rider', I was reminded of Basara. I immediately went out and bought the available volumes and have been addicted ever since. I will not go on to describe the series here, but I would highly recommend Basara to anyone who enjoys a good story (also a great love story). The main character is neither whiny nor weak and Yumi Tamura weaves her tale so wonderfully.

How can i convince you: the purchaser of manga, the one with a credit card to begin colleting this manga? What if i just said...OMG THIS MANGA IS FREAKIN AWESOME YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT!!!

Maybe you need more convincing than that. i mean it is atleast 26 volumes. and there are so many options these days it's hard to know what to buy, i've made mistakes lately too based on the exuberant exclamations of reviewers on this site. but i can honestly tell you who will love this book and who wont.

If you;re an older audience you will appreciate this manga.
If you like fantasy adventure you wil like this manga.
If you like complicated romances you will like this manga.
If you like strong, intelligent female leads who fight their own battles you will like this manga.
If you don't mind older works you will certainly not mind this one.
If you like manga that pulls you in, grabs your heart and never lets go...you will like this manga.
One of the most popular manga's of 90s and for a reason.

I HIGHLY RECCOMEND THIS BOOK.

Basara is not your typical shoujo manga, and Sarasa is a very atypical shoujo heroine. I was initially attracted to this series through the anime. I had read a review in which someone mentioned that it was a shame that not all of the manga volumes were animated. Having seen the anime, and now having started on the manga, I find that I am in agreement. When Sarasa and her twin brother Tatara were born in their village, the prophet Nagi declared "here is the child of destiny". Of course, everyone assumed they meant Tatara. Sarasa grew up in his shadow, with nobody expecting very much from her, and everyone expecting Tatara to lead them to salvation.

When Tatara is killed and Byakko village decimated by the forces of the Red King, Sarasa takes up Tatara's name and guise to exact revenge. This volume chronicles her attempt to reclaim the sword of Byakko, which had belonged to Tatara and which her female hand was previously never allowed to "defile", as well as a couple more attempts to strike at the Red King's forces.

The supporting cast, particularly Ageha and Shuri, is interesting, and the secrets concerning their histories are doled out very sparingly. The art is sometimes a little odd (I find the blurry eyes rather distracting), but I completely adore how Tamura-sensei draws little kids. This series (and the anime if you can find it) is highly recommended.

hello readers! i love katherine applegate!ive been tring to find a good book series for years!i use to read baby sitters club but now im older and i need books i can relate to!i pick zoe fools around out by pure chance and i read it and now im on book 11 and i cant stop!my mom says i should go to the libary to read them but i refuse because the money you spend on these books are worth it!i cant put them down!i wish i would of found this seires a long time a go! when i get older i wanna be a writer and i wanna be just like her(apple gate)but i wish i knew who michael was that name is always in the front in the decication page but other wise i love these boooks and i will read them in till the day i die or ms.applegate stops writting them!

I would really recommend this book to anyone looking for a goodbook to read. You might have to read the books before it in the seriesto get a better feel for the characters but you do get the whole story in one book.

Aaron is quite sneaky. He wanted that confrontation between himself and Lucas to take place. Lucas is so blinded by the anger that he doesn't see it. However, I am sure that Claire knows what it really going on for she plays games more than a little bit.

I am pulling for Benjamins surgery to be a success. I do not know what to say about Jake or Lara.

And, oh yeah, please be believe Aaron wants Claire every bit as much as Claire wants him. He likes Zoey cause she is naive and untouched.

This whole series is great!I finish each book in about 2 1/2 hours.I can't put them down!And Ben is by FAR my favorite character!If you haven't,I definately suggest reading these books.

For supposedly being a book about 19-year-old Benjamin Passmore (one of my favorite characters in the Making Out series), "Ben Takes a Chance" seldom revolves around him. Instead, it follows the various love problems brewing among the other Chatham Island teens. For starters, Zoey Passmore was found making out with Aaron Mendel in "Nina Shapes Up" (#10) while she was still dating Lucas Cabral (major déjà vu here; remember her cheating on Jake McRoyan at the beginning of this series in "Zoey Fools Around"?). Next is Aisha Gray and Christopher Shupe. He's recently proposed to Aisha and has been pressuring her to give him a yes or no answer before he ships out in January. (He's in the army.) Personally, I don't think they should marry, but we'll see.

And, although Benjamin had been debating for the past couple of books whether or not to proceed with the experimental laser surgery that may or may not restore his sight, the actual operation doesn't start until the end of this book. Major disappointment! From what I assumed from the synopsis on the back of this book, it should have occurred within the first dozen or so pages. Perhaps the result of his operation will be in the succeeding book, "Claire Can't Lose" (#12). I hope. (fingers crossed)

So, overall, this was a pretty good book (thus my 5/5 rating). However, I was a little bummed Benjamin was rarely the star of this book. I would think something as important as regaining one's sight would entail a few more pages or chapters than what was allotted. Still, "Ben Takes a Chance" is worth reading if you're into the Making Out series.

This book is part of the Betsy-Tacy series by Maud Hart Lovelace, a heartwarming saga featuring Betsy Ray, a girl growing up in small town Minnesota at the turn of the twentieth century. The books follow her from kindergarten to marriage. In this particular book, Betsy is twelve and on the brink of high school, but she and her friends Tacy and Tib are still enjoying childhood and all that comes with it. Betsy's interest in writing is blossoming, and her world is expanding yet still endearingly safe, composed of seeing plays in downtown Deep Valley, seeing the town's very first automobile, meeting a long-lost uncle, befriending a lonely former actress whose daughter died, and visiting the new Carnegie library. Visit Deep Valley if you want a refreshing respite in the innocence and charm of Betsy's world.

We first meet Betsy, Tacy, and Tib's school friend Winona Root in this book, and the four of them make a wonderfully real crowd of friends. I especially enjoy Winona's addition to their group.
Where the first two BT books were almost little collections of stories, from Big Hill on, there are larger themes to them. Betsy's writing and her uncle, Keith Warrington, are tied up together along with her friendship with Mrs. Poppy in this story, giving a great purpose to the book.

These are the perfect books to read with my granddaughter. The times they lived in were much like my childhood. My granddaughter still relates to their adventures and it givbes her a glimpse of the world I grew up in.

I first read Betsy Tacy Go Downtown over 40 years ago. This book and all the Betsy/Tacy books have had a huge impact on my live. Imagine, finding out I was not the only one. Through the wonders of cyberspace I have found a whole communinty of Betsy/Tacy fans. There have been trips to "Deep Valley" and discussions of the books and characters. It is wonderful to find others who love the books as much as I do.

Betsy Tacy Go Downtown is a sweet book and colorfully paints a picture of a simpler, gentler time. These books have stood the test of time and are a wonderful read for all ages. I read them out loud to my daughter when she was 4, over 17 years ago. She enjoyed them and I am sure most people will.

I first read the "Betsy" books 4 years ago and am currently re-reading the series. Is there not a more delightful set of books for any age? 'Downtown' is my favorite of the younger Betsy books. So many plots and subplots wind their way around in this wonderful book. For those who love the theatre there several chapters on that theme. Do you enjoy Christmas traditions? A chapter on that. And how about Betsy's short story in chapter 9 "The Pink Stationery"? Hey, Robert Ludlum--move over! The relationship between Mrs. Poppy and Betsy is my favorite theme of the book. How mercy and compassion can transend the difference between age, cultural upbringing and social status. A sweet, sweet book. If you read only one Betsy book (and that will be impossible!!!!) this is the one to read.

Jonah Black's, The Black Book is a very educational, but exciting book. Everybody loves to hear about the funny teenage stories in high school, and this is just what this book is. Jonah is a junior in high school and loving it. This book goes along with the Black Book series, but it may go by itself. It is Jonah's first had experience with high school. Jonah runs into many problems and many celebrations, so be ready to ride the emotional and ego filled lifestyle of a teenage boy. I am not one to talk though, because I just explained myself.

These books were some of the best book I've ever read. They're so realistic and keep you wanting more. The fourth book pretty much ties up all the loose ends the first three books made, except for one. The author never reveals who the mysterious "Watches Boys Dive" is. This was one of the mysteries throughout the book, and we never find out? Did I miss something? Jonah found the matchbook she dropped, but it leads nowhere. Anyone have any clues as to who she is?

I thoroughly enjoyed all the books in the Jonah Black series, right up until the end of the fourth and final one. The author introduced several problems and never resolved them, and I personally don't like books like that. If you do, then this is an amusing and interesting series to read, it just doesn't end the way it could've.

Ok, so let me just say that I just finished reading Volume Four of the Black Books series and I loved it just as much as I love all the others. I received the first one as a present and had to rush and get the rest just so I could find out what happens. If you are reading this, than you are probably like me and want to know if the answers to all the questions that have been buildng up over the first three installments will ever appear and all I can say is "Yes, definitly, Yes!!!" If you have a doubt in your mind about getting this book then you should erase it immediately, because in the end you finally understand everything. I'm not saying that you won't still be wishing for a fifth volume once you are done reading, but all your big questions will be answered, and in my opinion they are answered in a good way. So in short I loved it!

For some reason, I always have a knack for buying books out of order, like I did with this one. But when I found "Faster, Faster, Faster" the other day in a used bookstore, I had to buy it, remembering it was one of the titles Amazon.com had recommended to me. (Amazon.com rarely lets me down.) Now, after just finishing this book, I'll certainly be looking for the other three.

Anyway, Volume IV takes place in Pompano Beach, Florida, where eleventh-grader Jonah Black currently lives with his sexually liberal mother and scary-but-genius sister, Honey. This book/series is set up to read like a diary with date logs instead of chapters, but, as I've mentioned in other reviews about teen diaries, it's obvious this book/series isn't a real one. For starters, it's too coherent. Conversations and details are written in-depth, which would be nearly impossible to do if you were really writing in a diary. But the first-person viewpoint does create a closeness to Jonah, and the use of AOL chats and e-mails are a nice touch, which most young computer-savvy readers will like.

About halfway into the book, Jonah and Honey make a road trip to Pennsylvania to visit their father and his new wife, plus check out dorm rooms at Harvard for Honey. Jonah uses the trip as the perfect opportunity to visit his old school and "save" Sophie O'Brien from herself, an institutionalized girl friend who has been plaguing his mind for a long time. It's no real surprise that he's attracted to her; he's a little out there himself, which is obvious right from the first chapter, where he's daydreaming about her while taking the SATs.

Jonah is just your typical spaced-out, horny teenage boy, which should probably appeal to the same crowd. I, however, didn't care much for Jonah, probably because 1) I'm not in this age or gender group, and 2) Jonah and his friends reminded me a lot of the guys I knew back in high school, as well as a few that I know now--and, no, they rarely mature past puberty (though Jonah does mature somewhat by the end of this book).

Despite these character flaws I complain about, they are what make this book/series work. It's realistic, truthful, and quite refreshing from most of the other teen books out there. The ending is fairly good as well (Jonah finally discovers who Northgirl999 is), but it does leave you hanging a bit, especially since this is the last book in the series.

I got this book for my 3 kids, ages 11,18 and 22 who are all Harry Potter book fanatics and used to sit around and make up trivia questions to try to stump each other (especially the older 2). They all have enjoyed taking the quizzes and it is both challenging and entertaining. I would definitely recommend it for those who think they are well versed in Potter minutia--you might be surprised!

As a huge Harry Potter fan and considering myself a fairly careful reader of the books, I was pleasantly surprised by how this book managed to not only stump me but also helped me to recall facts about the series that I never realised I actually knew.

Some of the inconsistencies of the Harry Potter world can make a book like this difficult but the author does an excellent job of explaining these issues. I particularly like how the answers to the questions cite the book and chapter that the information came from. Very helpful to settle disputes amongst fellow Potter fans :)

This is a must-have book for anyone planning a Harry Potter-themed party or event. The three levels of difficultly make is easy for both the casual reader of the books and the hardcore fans to test their knowledge, start discussions or spark debate.

I'm greatly looking forward the rest of the books in this series.

Having just finished this book, I'm going to skip ahead and say: I am delighted.


Skipping backwards, however:


- The simple skill levels provide an excellent ladder into the suprisingly voluminous information within: Young fans will be thrilled to be quizzed as Salamanders (Level 1), drawn on to learn more and graduate to Phoenixes (Level 2), and even adult fans will be challenged by Level 3, the Dragon.


- Hint boxes on almost every page make sure the reader isn't left to flounder if they're lost (or tempted to cheat!). They don't chivvy, scold, or insult, but instead encourage lateral thinking to get at the answers.


- However, the best part might be the extras. The answers are not simple, dry solutions; they are complete and filled with additional content and facts, making it a surprisingly useful reference.


- Trivia Tidbits! Never let it be said that curiosity, once fanned, was allowed to fizzle. The "tidbits" are actually quite meaty asides that often bring in real-world comparisons, point out the historical fact and mythology woven through the Harry Potter books, and encourage outside research and reading.


A wonderful idea for parents might be to purchase the book prior to a birthday and use the questions as a party game. This would work equally well for teenagers, and even adults. Harry Potter appeals to nearly everyone, and this book makes it fun to share trivia and thoughts on the series with friends.

I'll come right out and admit that I expected this book to be a cakewalk. I've read the entire series of books multiple times, and I was convinced that I'd have no problem answering even the difficult questions. Well, I've been well and truly humbled.

Ms. Maltese has gathered an incredible range of facts and tidbits from seemingly nowhere. The book itself is divided into individual quests, or areas of knowledge, then further broken down into three levels of difficulty: salamander, phoenix, and dragon. I knew I was in trouble when I started missing phoenix questions!

Fortunately, the answers are supplied at the end of the chapter, along with some fun trivia bits. I actually went and double-checked some of those answers for accuracy, and the book was right every time.

This book would be a great at a party, or for a fund-raiser trivia quiz. I think this would also be a great idea translated into other languages, since many of the character names are completely different in each country.

My hat is off to Ms. Maltese and her impeccable research skills. I challenge all Potter fans to try their hand and test their Potter knowledge!

Man, I thought I knew a lot about the world of Harry Potter before I read this book. Racheline Maltese's well-written and informative book provides hours of amusement (and in my case, frustration, because I was sure I knew the answers! Stupid Quidditch!). I highly recommend this book for any Harry Potter fan - it's an excellent addition to my library.

Its Jess's first day back at school, and he is ready to run. He had practiced every day all summer for this, races every recess between all the boys in his grade. Every thing seems to be going well, until a new girl at school out-runs all the boys. After this, running just wasn't fun anymore. Although Leslie (the new girl) and Jess are almost completely different, and Jess has "disliked" Leslie for ruining the fun of racing, the two of them seem to become good friends, best friends. And then there was Terabithia. A magical land that Jess and Leslie created, with good and bad creatures. When tragics occur, Jess remembers what Leslie has taught him about imagination.

The Newberry Award winning Bridge to Terabithia touches the heart as only a story influenced by real life experience can. The book is dedicated to the author's son David Paterson and his childhood friend Lisa Hill who was killed by a lightning strike. The book was written while the author was coming to terms with this tragic loss.

Jesse Aarons is boy growing up in the 70's in a rural area outside of Washington D.C. that time forgot. He is the middle child of five, the other four children being girls who his mother appears to favor. He has an artistic nature which his father attempts to discourage as not fitting to a boy. Mr. Aarons is gone from dawn to dusk working in the city, leaving little time for his son who gets stuck doing all the farm work.

About to enter the 5th grade, Jess is determined to be the fastest runner at Lark Creek Elementary School this year. Winning has become symbolic for everything he feels everyone expects from him. This dream is shattered when a new family moves in to the place next door.

The new neighbors are city folk, the parents both writers who have decided that the city is no place to raise their child, Leslie. Leslie is just plain different. Disdained by the girls because she wears pants to school, Leslie enters the recess races traditionally designated for boys only and wins. When a classroom assignment forces Leslie to reveal the fact that her family has no television, Jess finds it in his heart to forgive her transgression and the two misfits become fast friends.

With Leslie, Jess can be himself and he reveals his love of drawing to her. Leslie has a fertile imagination, no doubt inherited from her parents and tells stories that Jess just itches to draw. When Leslie decides that the woods need exploring, Jess swallows his fear of the place and together the pair creates the magical kingdom of Terabithia where they are King and Queen.

Aside for his time with Leslie and recess, the only other thing Jess enjoys is their Friday music class. He has a crush on his teacher who is unique as well. The parents have labeled Ms. Edmunds a hippy because her appearance is different and the songs she teaches are often political in nature. Ms. Edmunds was the only other person besides Leslie that Jesse could show his drawings. She'd understood his need to draw and had even been complimentary.

Days of rain has swollen the dry creek bed between their homes and their imaginary kingdom. Jesse who is unable to swim is consumed by fear of crossing the creek. The excuse he needs to avoid the situation comes when Ms. Edmunds offers him the chance to visit the National Gallery with her. The invitation makes Jess feel important and even though a little guilty about missing his playtime with Leslie and for not thinking to invite her along, he enjoys the day immensely.

He expects to face the music when he gets home, but instead returns to unthinkable tragedy. Jess goes through all the stages of a person who has experienced a horrible loss, guilt, anger, and crushing grief and comes out on the other side a richer person for his experience. He has new insight when it comes to others and views his teacher, his family, and even the school bully with new eyes. He also realizes that in order for Terabithia to retain its magic it must be shared with others.

This story reflects the joy and pain that all humans experience while growing up, finding our own identity and coping with those who would keep us from it. While the tragic aspect of the plot is painful to read, it brings home the fact that every friendship is precious and that even if short lived can profoundly affect the person we become. Jess and Leslie are every child, filled with imagination and living in a world of their own creation, one which can't be crushed by the mundane aspects of everyday life or even the tragic ones. They live in all of us.

Note: the movie for the most part stays true to the book (David Paterson the author's son was one of the producers), some of the nuances are lost because the story is told as if it occurs in 2007 instead of the late 1970's, and some of the scenes have been changed but overall there was little poetic liscense take with the original text. I will admit that I cried more reading the book even though I knew what was going to happen. The movie though slow paced at times moved fairly quickly through Jesse's grief to the scene where he recreates Terabithia for his little sister. The imagery was beautiful. Nice touch making putting the school bully's face on the Terabithian giant!

Reviewed by Leslie Tramposch for PNR Reviews

Thirty years after its initial publication, Walt Disney Pictures spat out a sanitized version of Paterson's powerful novel, stripping it of almost everything that made Bridge to Terabithia one of the defining childhood experiences of my generation. Issues of class, gender nonconformity, religious blasphemy, and defiance of American patriotism (all made deftly pint-sized by Paterson's incisive pen) are scrubbed from the Disney film, transforming it from a story about the social upheaval of the `60s reaching rural America into a smarmy tale of kiddie friendship and removing the significance of the fantasy world the children create as an empowering sanctuary from their real-world fears.

Katherine Paterson, with vividly beautiful prose, tells a story about the friendship between a young boy and a young girl, and how that friendship transforms the life of that boy from something dull and normal to something as spectacular as a imaginary fantasy land. The book itself is short and an easy read, but what the book really says to the reader is quite a bit bigger than its page count. Much like growing up, this book is both sweet and painful, and Paterson truly has a great handle on what its like to be a ten year old, fifth grade boy. So for all those readers who aren't afraid of a book that will make them cry (for both sad and warmer reasons) than I recommend this book. It doesn't matter if you're a child or an adult, "Bridge to Terabithia" is universal.

10/10 Classic.

This is not a book I would read over and over agian. It is a well written story but sad, very sad. My husband read it in 4th grade and didn't care for it and I just recently at the age of 29 read it, I cried. I couldn't believe the ending, I wish I had stopped in the middle of the book. If you want a true touching tear jerker, you've got it in this book. Do not read if you want a happy childrens book.

This is a good book to just sit back and enjoy. It tells a unique story of adult and teenage interaction. Well written. Well worth the cost.

I originally purchased Chestas Way because my daughter is a teen in 4-H. As a mother of teens myself I can identify with the teenage angst and the way this book is written you just get right into it. I figured my daughter would appreciate this book not only because she raises animals for her 4-H project but because of the ages of the girls in the story. She is still reading it (I have finished),my daughter has read books in the past that spring to mind when reading Chestas Way.It has a "Sarah Plain and Tall" quality to it and though it is set in a different time the values remind me of "The Little House" series of books.I believe if Michael Landon were alive today he would be able to do justice to this wonderful story in the form of a mini-series. I hope Disney gets wind of it and makes a movie out of it,I think teens need all the good role models they can get and this book was so good it just left you hoping for a sequel (hint, hint).Please consider writing another book to give us fans of Chestas Way an update.God Bless you Mary Jacobson,and thank you again for a beautifully written story that tugged at these heartstrings.I would highly recommend this book to anyone with teens, anyone who loves animals or anyone who works with teens. Chesta can teach a lot and it really helps you to understand and have compassion for troubled teens.There is a wealth of knowledge in this book.

I sat down to skim Chesta's Way one night, being too tired to really read it. Well, much later, wiping tears from my eyes I was thankful I'd taken the time while my family slept and the phone didn't ring to complete the book. As a Registered Nurse who has often dealt with obnoxious teen patients I was enchanted with Chesta's determination and her approach. It made me reflect on my own sense of compassion ( or occasional lack thereof!). Thanks, Ms. Jacobson.

Chesta's Way is an inspiring and heartwarming true story that captured me from the beginning. Through smiles, tears and intense moments, this is an uplifting account of how one woman's compassion and perserverance helped fill the void in troubled city kids hearts. This book is a "must read" for anyone concerned about kids today, anyone who is called in their "own way" to make a difference in the lives of others, and for animal lovers everywhere who know and cherish the gifts animals bring to us through their need, companionship and love. City Kids and Calves...what a wonderful combination! Chesta's Way is beautifully written and it's story rekindles one's faith in the human spirit. It is the kind of book you will want to share with others. The perfect gift. I have given this book as gifts to others with the greatest of joy. Thank you, Mary, for sharing this story.

The author does a great job of catching the lives of the people in the book. From the troubled youth, the family with it's own internal relationships to the agency people working with the program. I enjoyed the book very much and would recommend it for all ages of readers. Additionally, it gives a perspective of 4-H that many people are not aware exisits. Maybe a screen play next for this story?