Characters Books

Eye of the Cricket is the 4th Lew Griffin novel and begins similarly to the others with Lew attempting to locate a missing person. Although Lew has no real vested interest in finding the brother of one of his students, Lew naturally takes on this role even if it interferes with his job as a college professor. The irony is that Lew's own son is missing, and he has no clues where to look until a bum appears at a local hospital with one of Lew's books that he'd given to his son years ago.

As with the other Lew Griffin novels, the focus is not on the mystery but more on the inner struggle that Lew goes through, having dealt with the loss of so many loved ones and trying to reconcile. This book is really more of a social commentary, and the noir feeling to it beautifully highlights the struggles that Lew and all of us have to deal with. Lew just allows himself to sink to lower depths than most people would ever consider, giving him a different and well-rounded perspective.

The writing here is outstanding. Occasionally I'd have to pause in my reading just to bask in the perfection. For lack of a better word, it's just so poetic. The words and tone are spot-on, and many scenes are so wonderfully illustrated that I found myself smiling with satisfaction after reading them. Sallis doesn't waste any words yet still conveys the emotions and impressions of his characters so well. These novels leave such an impact that I'm always left wanting to read the next one.

New Orleans, old demons and a continuing search for the missing David. How could you go wrong? Lew Griffin is many things but never predictable. Everytime I read another Lew Griffin book I'm left wanting more....

Now that he is in his fifties, African American Lew Griffin would prefer to just quit fighting the tide and go with the flow. Instead, Lew finds himself investigating the cases of several missing children, including the half-brother of a friend, the son of another friend, and his own son, David. To perform his search of New Orleans, Lew must enter the crummiest neighborhood areas where it's known that a teenager could drop out and turn on.

EYES OF THE CRICKET is the serpentine (try flow charting the plot) twisted fourth entry of Lew Griffin. As with its three predecessors, this novel is well written and filled with numerous twists and turns. Lew is an extremely lovable chap, whose new philosophy of "I Quit" clashes with his reality. Jim Sallis has written a book that will please most mystery afficiandos, except perhaps those who prefer a linear story line.

Harriet Klausner

This is the 4th book in the exceptionally dark Lew Griffin series. Before heading between the pages of this series it would really be a good idea to work out how susceptible to depression you are. If you prefer happy, light-hearted mysteries then believe me, this book will not be for you.

EYE OF THE CRICKET is an example of southern noir or, to be more precise, it's New Orleans noir told from the first person perspective. Lew Griffin is a black man who teaches French and English literature in between occasional flurries as the author of several novels. He is also known to be quite adept at finding missing persons and so he moonlights as a sort of private detective. He is a man who seems to care a great deal for others, to the point where he has difficulty saying no to people's requests, often to his own detriment.

It is in his capacity as a teacher that he is approached to act as a private detective by a student who had heard of his ability at finding people and asks Griffin to try to find his half-brother. Griffin immediately agrees to help, no questions asked, a typical response.

What is revealed is that Griffin himself has a son that is missing and the tragic irony is, although he is able to find other people's missing loved ones, he can't seem to find his own son, not even a clue of where he might be.

That is, until a vagrant is brought into a hospital emergency room and the only item in his possession that might identify who he is, is a copy of one of Griffin's books - a book he had inscribed for his son. Suddenly he feels he might have the clue that he needs to continue his search.

Although the storyline seems straightforward enough, it is littered with flashbacks, dreams and memories, all of which managed to keep throwing me completely off balance. It was not always clear which parts were actually happening and which parts were just memories. Often times they interrupted the flow so badly I had forgotten what the original storyline was about.

As it turns out, the actual detective work done by Griffin is inconsequential and is given only minor importance as the focus is more squarely placed on Griffin and the question of how he would survive his demons. The missing persons case serves to remind him directly of his own missing son, a fact that he dwells on constantly. Combined with this is the beginning of a new relationship with a wonderful and understanding woman. But this prompts endless memories of LaVerne, his dead wife. Dreams, memories and reality become intertwined as Griffin fights thoughts of his own failings, the results of which form the body of his (Griffin's) latest novel.

Towards the end of the book, Griffin allows himself to sink to incredible depths in his quest to find his son. His willingness to do this typifies the man who, for all his dark thoughts and introspection, is a deeply caring person. There are some points where some truly moving moments can be found. But it is also at this stage that the maximum attention must be paid as Griffin's consciousness becomes distorted and consequently, so does the narration.

As far as the characters other than Griffin are concerned, although there are many of minor players, there are only 2 who play any substantial role in the story, or who are given any real substance. The first is Don Walsh, a police detective who is equally as jaded as Griffin making him a perfect friend. He has seen too much of the seamier side of life to hold any real hopes of happiness and exudes an air of tired desperation whenever he meets Griffin. The other character is Deborah O'Neill, Griffin's new girlfriend and the shining light in the book. She represents a chance for Griffin to break out of his miasmic haze of self doubt and is a breath of fresh air each time she appears.

If you're a devotee of noir fiction, particularly those involving troubled loner detectives, then this book will appeal to you. It reminds me a lot of James Lee Burke's early Dave Robicheaux books. A lot of that has to do with the Louisiana setting, but is also due to the depth of turmoil going through the protagonist's mind.

This is a story that is carried on the shoulders of Lew Griffin. Its darkness is generated by the demons inside his head, but there is a distinct feeling of optimism by the time we reach the last few chapters. While the book doesn't exactly finish with a happy ending or an ending with any real climax, it probably comes as close to one that we're going to get in this moody series.

Am a regular reader of mysteries. How I'd missed Sallis I don't know. I am pleased to "discover" him and his wonderful characters. He has a fine feel for my favorite city to visit: New Orleans, and gives a sound psychological sense to his characters. Even the minor characters stand out as people I would be interested to know. I took several quotes from the book and introduced them to a class I was teaching on Human Identity. The words just fit right into the context of the class. Now I've read Black Hornet and am waiting for more.

Lady Appleton is on trial, now, and must discover the real murderer if she is to survive the accusations. There are times I have to ask myself if Emerson was actually alive during this time period and froze herself to be brough back during our time period to write so well. (Of course not, I'm just being silly!)

For a look at the cover of this book and other news about the series, visit my website. I have my own domain name, so I'm easy to find. I also have a newsletter, Face Down Update, for those interested in knowing more about Lady Appleton. P.S. I couldn't submit this without rating the book. I do think it's the best in the series to date, but I hate the idea of rating anything. Much too subjective!

Officially, he died from drowning. Though eighteen months have passed since that declaration, the deceased's spouse Susanna Appleton rejects the finding. She knows that she has been married to Robert for too many years for her to be so easily rid of him. Her belief is proven accurate when Roberts sends her a note demanding she bring a large amount of gold to him. Though she no longer loves her husband, Susanna feels bound to honor her marital vows. She leaves Leigh Abbey to travel to London for her rendezvous with Robert.

When Susanna arrives at their appointed locale, the innkeeper mistakes her for another woman who was kissing Robert while sitting on his lap. Susanna learns that Robert has already left the sleazy Black Jack Inn. She leaves to find lodging in a better neighborhood. While looking at the nearby Eleanor Cross, Susanna sees a man fall to his death. Based on what she observed, the noted herbalist feels someone poisoned the victim. The innkeeper testifies that Susanna was the last person seen with the dead person. The police arrest her, placing her in Newgate while awaiting trial for murder. Her good friends in high places obtain her temporary release, but Susanna plans to uncover the truth before she is burned at the stake.

Kathy Lynn Emerson has written another exciting Elizabethan mystery that stars a memorable and likable heroine. FACE DOWN BENEATH THE ELEANOR CROSS has been so meticulously researched it feels as if Ms. Emerson was there to document the tale. Reminiscent of the best of Gellis and Penman, this novel deserves awards while encouraging readers to find the previous three tales in a rewarding series.

Harriet Klausner

If you read the "Face Down" series purely for the Whodunit, than this one is as strong as the others - in fact, harder for me to figure out than some of the others have been. I have to admit - I'm a bit disappointed in how Emerson resolved some relationship issues in this one. I don't want to spoil it for anyone, but I felt that some things were a bit rushed and seemed out of character for two of the players - but all in all, I love how Emerson continues to grow the the characters of the supporting crew to Susanna - another fun mystery.

This time Susanna, Lady Appleton is suspected of the murder of her husband, and, as the author makes clear, this is hardly the best century in which to be a murder suspect. Susanna fights against time to find the real murderer and escape a gruesome death. A riveting mystery with authentic and fascinating period details, well drawn characters, and always a plucky heroine. Fans of Anne Perry should check out this series!

This was one of the best mysteries I have ever read. I came upon it by accident, not even knowing if it were a mystery or not. It is a wonderful successor to the great writers of the original English mystery. George Felse ranks up there with Poirot and Holmes, but shows a bit more humanity. The other characters, also, show qualities that make you forget that you're reading. The plot, I'm sure, will perplex you and will have you back for more Ellis Peters. I will say that after reading most of the Felse mysteries and a few Cadfael that Felse is better, but this one is the best in the lot.

I have read and loved all Ellis Peters' Brother Cadfael mysteries, and for that reason I had been reluctant to start her equally well-known George Felse series. I am very glad that I did decide to begin this series. It's been awhile since I actually read a Brother Cadfael, and I had forgotten what a marvellous writer Ms. Peters was. Her characters in this series are just as well-rounded and realistic as the ones in the Cadfael series. The time and place are much different, but Ms. Peters' wonderful plotting and story-telling are the same. I truly believe that Ms. Peters is still in a class of her own when it comes to authorship. In this book the main sleuth is not George Felse himself, but his protege of a son - Dominic, who is 13 years old. Ms. Peters has written a coming of age mystery book here with her usual great skill. Dominic and his sidekick Pussy are two youngsters that readers will not soon forget. Also, George's wife Bunty is another wonderful character that I can't wait to read more about. They mystery too is ingenious and such a pleasure to uncover. Can't wait for more George Felse.

After reading almost all of Ellis Peters' Cadfael mysteries, I decided to give her other works a try, just to see if they could possibly compare. Well, to say I was surprised at what a fantastic novel this is can only be appreciated by those who have read and marveled at the brilliant Cadfael series.

Peters has created not only a very suspenseful and intriguing whodunnit, but a work of great depth, warmth, humor, and tragedy, full of complex character studies and profound insights into human nature, the effects of war, and how the murder of a man whom everyone hated anyway still rips apart the fabric of a small, close-knit community. And above it all emerges a playful, lighthearted banter between a precocious 13-year-old and his loving parents which is absolutely delightful to read. Somewhere around the middle of the book, after she has painted a vivid picture for us of the people, place, and times, young Dominic becomes central as the book's primary protagonist, and I cannot think of a more well-suited character to carry this novel.

As for the mystery itself, it was simply ingenious, better than many of the Cadfael mysteries, some of which are fairly easy to solve. This one had me on my toes until the very end, and threw some whopping surprises in along the way.

This is truly a work of genius, many-layered, lovingly crafted, and brilliantly well-told. Good luck finding another modern author who can come close to this level of accomplishment. Peters' work deserves much more acclaim than it has received.

Behold, he travaileth with iniquity, and hath conceived mischief, and brought forth falsehood. He made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch which he made.
- Psalms 7:14 - 15

In these days after WWII, England is no longer the place the young men left when they went away to fight. The mining industry has been nationalized, and even Comerford's old slapdash efforts at opening up its shallow coal deposits are about to be reopened, with a flood of new faces coming in to operate the new machinery. The men who went away, of course, aren't those who came back: Jim Tugg, the hired man at the Hollins farm, with daring exploits as a paratrooper; Chad Wedderburn, the pacifist classics master who spent years in guerilla fighting; even Charles Blunden, son of Selwyn Blunden of Harrow, fought all the way across North Africa and Sicily.

Expatriates from all over Europe are common enough, even ex-POWs who still slip and say 'Heil Hitler!' if they forget. (And get beaten up, maybe, by somebody whose brother died in a Stalag.) Helmut Schauffler, though, has been asking to be murdered by going far beyond that.

Gerd Hollins had lost her entire family in the concentration camps. Haunted by memories of horror that won't stay suppressed, she asked her husband to hire Helmut, because if she could learn to see one German as a human being, it would help her to let go of her nightmares. Unfortunately, Helmut is a creep - an actual Nazi who enjoys psychological torment (though he's not stupid enough to try it in front of her husband or hired man). When he's fired and takes a job at the quarry, he still harasses her in a slimy way, while causing discord everywhere else he goes.

Sergeant Felse isn't surprised when Helmut finally turns up floating in the brook, head bashed in, although he's less than thrilled that his 13-year-old son Dominic found the corpse. Despite George's best efforts, Dominic gets interested in the case, especially since his classics master is a suspect.

Best known for her "Brother Cadfael" series, Ellis Peters (1913-1985) was also the author of thirteen novels featuring Inspector George Felse. Published in 1951, FALLEN INTO THE PIT is first novel in that series--and easily the best.

Most of the Inspector Felse novels run approximately two hundred pages; FALLEN INTO THE PIT runs over three hundred. To a certain extent this is due to Peters' establishment of the main characters and locales--but in simple fact the novel is much more densely written than her other Felse novels, so much so that at times it has an almost poetic quality.

Set in England following World War II, the plot focuses on a young German prisoner of war named Helmut Schauffler, who has remained in England after his release. Unfortunately, Helmut is a nasty bit of goods: a bully who attacks only when reasonably certain that there will be no retribution. Needless to say, he makes enemies right and left--and no one is greatly surprized when he is found with his head crushed in and thrown into a country stream.

Peters' plots are typically contrived, and although handsomely written and more than usually entertaining this is no less true of FALLEN INTO THE PIT than it is of her other works; long-time mystery readers will likely spot the killer through the way the author draws out her plot and sets forth the characters. Even so, this remains a particularly fine title in the Felse series. Recommended.

GFT, Amazon Reviewer

I enjoyed this collection of short mystery stories very much. It is especially satisfying if you are of the same faith as the writer - Roman Catholic.

There is no better way to get that vital first experience of G. K. Chesterton than by reading his famous "Father Brown" mystery series, and short of buying the whole set, there is no better selection of Fr. Brown stories than that provided here by John Peterson and Ignatius Press. Peterson's choices were excellent, and his discreet footnotes and commentary make the subtlety, richness, and humor of GKC shine through undimmmed by the passage of 75 years since they were first penned. Clean, intelligent reading for kids, too! I did as full review of Peterson's excellent collection in the "National Catholic Register", 15 February 1998, p.8.

There is no better way to get that vital first experience of Gilbert Keith Chesterton than by reading his famous "Father Brown" mystery series, and, short of buying the whole collection, there is no better selection of Fr. Brown stories than that provided by John Peterson and Ignatius Press. Peterson's choices were excellent, and his discreet footnotes and commentary make the subltety, richness, and humor of GKC shine through undimmed by the passage of 75 years since they were first penned. Clean, intelligent reading for kids, too! I did a full review of Peterson's excellent collection in the "National Catholic Register", 15 February 1998, p.8.

I happened upon this collection of short mysteries and got hooked! What unconventional and creative mysteries for Christians or non-Christians, Catholics or Protestants. My boyfriend (catholic) and I (protestant) tossed out our television sets in search of more constructive entertainment. We started reading these short stories to each other--fun evenings of mystery!

Read Chesterton because he is a great master of language and will raise your standard of good writing and good mystery! I'm online now looking for more Chesterton....

G.K. Chesterton's writings are often compared to those of John Henry Newman in their beauty and eloquence; Chesterton's "Edwardian" prose is particularly amazing and tends to focus more on Divine mirth than on Divine sorrow (as does J.H. Newman in his wonderfully Victorian way). "Father Brown and the Church of Rome" is a perfect example of Chesterton's love of Divine joy, and is a wonderful playground of the imagination. His various stories of the exploits of Fr. Brown are beautifully written, and his prose is unbeatable. Children should read (or be read) this and other volumes on Fr. Brown, for Chesterton writes as an artist paints, and will greatly influence their use of the imagination. A definite winner!

The principles outlined in this book are simple yet often overlooked by Christians. This book is well written and easy to understand the concepts given. Arni Jacobson has done well in conveying the heart of God in this little book.

I have read the book and liked it so much that I gave away several copies to friends. Like the book says you need to ask God for favor, after doing so many things have just happened in my life for the better. This is a great and easy read I think anyone can get some good stuff from this book.

I've read this book a couple of times now and I am amazed at the insight and enlightenment that the author is able to bring to this subject. I have read the book of Nehemiah many times, but the current application that he brings to this great story is fascinating. It is almost as though you are right there beside Nehemiah and you are able to sense the the determination, perseverance, and dedication that he had to accomplish this daunting task. Even if you aren't an incredibly religious person, if you practice the principles as they are laid out in this book, you will begin to experience favor in your life. A definite thumbs up on this one!!

Arni has done a great job of bringing universal Christian truths to light. This is a book that people of all faiths can apply to thier lives. I specifically appreciated his comments about truth vs. tollerance, and how righteousness will always find opposition.

When I finished reading "The Favor Factor", my first reaction was, "How in the world didn't I think about this before?" I thought everything was presented so well & in a way that is powerful yet easy to grasp. It was intriguing and kept me wanting to read more. The basic concept is giving your life wholly to God, sitting back, & waiting to be blessed. Who wouldn't want to make this a key aspect in their life? It also really made me look at Nehemiah (the book & the person) in a different light; "Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man" (Neh. 1:11). The entire premise is incredible. Arni Jacobson's stories also encouraged me that even if blessing doesn't fall upon me at first, it will in time. Patience. Patience is just as important as giving my life to God. I recommend this short read to anyone who wants God's blessing in life. Period. Excellent, relevant book!

Private eye Thomas Kyd makes a welcome and very satisfying return in Timothy Harris' new novel. Mr Harris, for my money, is the worthy successor to Raymond Chandler and Ross MacDonald in examining Southern California through the honorable and appropriate prism of detective fiction. For those of us who live here, Mr. Harris' Los Angeles is vividly recognizable in all its ambivalent messy glory; for those who don't, it's an invitation to witness a sun-drenched car wreck where you actually care who survives.

Like Chandler's Marlowe and MacDonald's Archer, Mr. Harris' Thomas Kyd has become not only older and wiser over time, but also even more haunted by his past. Salvation appears in the person of a 14-year-old boy, a surrogate son, who offers at least a glimpse of hope for some kind of future. While the mature Kyd might be more reluctant to pull a gun, inflict a beating, chase a skirt, or crack wise, his observations of people and place are sharper than ever.

While the traditional elements of the genre are solidly on display, what sets this novel apart is the author's ability to always keep Kyd's moral sense in focus - the difference between right and wrong, just and unjust, pathetic and contemptible. Like those other great crime writers, Mr. Harris has a unique talent for tackling serious moral issues without being in the least bit moralizing.

A few years ago I was staying at a friend's house in England when I came down with the flu, and had to spend several days in bed. Once the worst part of it was over, my friend gave me a couple of detective novels by Timothy Harris to read, which he assured me I'd love: Kyd for Hire and Goodnight and Goodbye.

I've been waiting for a third one ever since, and now it's finally here. Fortunately, I only had to wait five years rather than 20, like some people. Unfaithful Servant picks up Harris's PI hero, Thomas Kyd, a quarter of a century after the first novel, in foggy Santa Monica. Kyd still hasn't entirely got over his Vietnam days, and the 1990s were apparently lost to booze and bad memories. (Maybe that's why we didn't hear from him.) Anyway, the good news is that the third book was well worth the wait and may even be the best in the series.

The basic story reads a bit like a cross between Hamlet and About a Boy. One evening Hugo Vine, a spoiled 14-year-old Hollywood rich kid with a face full of jewelry and a $15,000 wrist watch, shows up in Kyd's office hoping to get him to spy on his movie star mom and newly arrived step-father. Hugo thinks his late father, an old-school movie industry titan whom he worshiped, was murdered by his step-father, Raj, a suave arriviste with a talent for flattery; trouble is, no one else in the family seems to share his concern. Initially, Kyd brushes the boy off -- he's not about to take money from a teenager -- but a few months later they meet again, and this time he is dragged into the case.

This is very much a Hollywood novel, as well as a Los Angeles one, and Harris uses the inside dope he must have picked up as a screenwriter (he wrote Trading Places, among other movies) to superb effect. The scenes showing what it's like to share a house with a world-famous actress are brilliantly done, and the ability of hangers-on to gradually take control of the person who supposedly controls them is chillingly demonstrated. Also memorable are the various minor characters -- Corelle Lamb, the buff black female police officer with a heart of gold who helps Kyd out; Ken O'Doul, his alcoholic lawyer; and Serafina, the Mexican housekeeper who functions as Hugo's surrogate mom. There are also dead-on descriptions of Venice Beach poetry readings (the poets are nude), AA meetings in which half the people present are Hollywood big-shots, and many wonderful descriptions of L.A. itself.

What makes the book so genuinely moving -- and how many detective novels can you say that of? -- is Kyd's growing love for young Hugo, and the often very funny relationship that develops between them. Though he initially dislikes Hugo, he soon realizes that the boy needs a father figure in his life as desperately as he himself seems to need a son. What happens between them as Kyd solves the mystery of Hugo's father's death is what gives this novel its tremendous emotional punch. If you're a fan of detective fiction, or indeed any kind of fiction, you should definitely take a look.

As an old drinking buddy of mine used to say: "It's like a desert out here!".

Fans of good, literate crime fiction and the work of Timothy Harris in particular (and there are many: see Steven Rea's "The Coolest PIs", Hardboiled Mysteries and Thrilling Detective online reviews, not to mention those here on Amazon.com for Harris' "Goodnight and Goodbye") will appreciate that sentiment, as it's been 25 years since P.I. Thomas Kyd has been on the scene.

That's one looong dry spell for any reader, but Harris has made it worth the wait by bringing our hero back , newly sober but having lost none of his sere sense of humor. And as ever, the descriptions of Los Angeles and its denizens are, by turns, devastating and poetic.

If you haven't yet read the first two novels in the series, consider adding "Kyd for Hire" and "Goodnight and Goodbye" to your library along with "Unfaithful Servant". I guarantee you, Kyd's a character you'll want to get to know better.

It was very exciting to see that Timothy Harris had pulled his L.A. private eye, Thomas Kyd, out of retirement, and "Unfaithful Servant" is even better than his two excellent adventures in the 80s, "Kyd for Hire" and "Goodnight & Goodbye". He's once again offered a large number of fully developed, vivid characters especially Kyd himself and the city of Los Angeles.

This is character driven, p.i. fiction very much in the Raymond Chandler tradition and not the sentimental and insipid who-done-its that have recently been making their way onto the best seller lists. Kyd is very much like Marlowe without sinking into imitation and self-parody as so many have. Like Marlowe, guilt and self-doubt eat away at him, and he is prone to getting beat up.

"Unfaithful Servant" never lags, and Harris' prose remains exciting throughout. Apparently Harris took a break from fiction to write screenplays, and Hollywood provides the background for this novel about the death of a producer, his widow, a major star whose career is about to fade, and his teenage son who forms a close bond with Kyd. The relationship between Kyd and the boy is very moving without ever becoming sentimental, and unlike the sanitized version often found in fiction, the boy feels real and very believable.

Here's hoping that Harris keeps the Kyd series going without taking another lengthy break! With all the detective fiction being published these days, this is the real thing -- the best I've read in years.

Recovering alcoholic Thomas Kyd has stayed on the wagon for six months, but knows that each moment is a challenge. Fourteen year old Hugo Vine visits the Santa Monica based private sleuth to hire him to investigate his mom and step-father. Thomas refuses to accept the teen as a client because he is underage. Hugo storms out of Thomas' office.

Not long afterward the lawyer to Hugo's mother renowned actress Sally Vine threatens to have Tomas arrested for aiding to the delinquency of a minor. Not concerned by the intimidation, Thomas tells Sally's retinue to go pound sand. However, Sally hires Thomas to keep an eye on her son who she worries is doing illegal things. However, Thomas soon learns that Hugo has deep questions as to whether his mother and his stepfather killed his father. The sleuth plans to learn the truth.

Thomas is an intriguing protagonist who is a combination nurturing hard boiled soul. The who-done-it takes awhile before it surfaces, but once it does it is fun to follow. Much of the early segment of the novel introduces the audience to Thomas. Readers who remain patient for the case to commence will enjoy this solid Southern California private sleuth tale starring a solid lead character and a delightful support cast.

Harriet Klausner

Founding Character: The Words and Documents that Forged a Nation opened my eyes to the whole picture of our origins. First, I hadn't read the Declaration of Independence nor the Constitution since college. And, the original draft of the Declaration by Jefferson? It was never mentioned in high school or college, so I missed its relevance altogether!

Then there is the Treaty of Paris which I know see in a whole new light - it's the formal recognition of our country after all. And, I had never read the full text of George Washington's farewell address until Founding Character; what an eye opener!
The significance of a peaceful transfer of power every four to eight years now seems trivial, but it really isn't.

But, the most eye-opening part of this book is the Causes and Necessity of Taking Up Arms; written a year before the Declaration of Independence, this resolution from the Continental Congress called for armed resistance to the crown. I had completely missed this in my history studies.

This is much more than a copy of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, with the additional content, this is a complete picture of the character of our nation at its founding.

If you are tired of the tiny pocketbook edition of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, and want a version with more substance, then Founding Character: The Words and Documents that Forged a Nation is the book for you!

Not only do you get the Constitution and the Declaration (both final version and Jefferson's original version), but you also get the Articles of Confederation, The Treaty of Paris (a very important document where the United States are recognized as a nation by England!), as well as the Causes and Necessity of Taking Up Arms (never included in other books, but oh so important!) - a document from the Continental Congress that predates the Declaration by a year!!

This is a book that I have given to each of my teenagers as well to take off to college!

I found this book "Founding Character:The Words and Documents That Forged a Nation" to be outstanding. In todays climate of Red States vs Blue States and the Division that the last election has wrought, it was uplifting to read the words that
formed our nation.
I highly recommend this book for every American whether they are liberal or conservative. It gives you pause , makes you think and appreciate what we have today.

I really like this book. It almost has everything you need. If the editors had included "Common Sense" it would have been perfect. Still, though, it is the best all-in-one reference I have found.

Found this book while doing a search for the Constitution and was pleased to find that it had everything in it I needed for my American History class. Saved me from having to buy a couple other books.

This is the tenth book in the Freddy the Pig series, and it is classic Walter Brooks, fun and insightful. Two animal adventures are interwoven in this book. One is, of course, the start-up of the barnyard newspaper, and the other is a scrap metal drive. The scrap drive puts into perspective the time line for the book; the metal will be "shipped off to make guns and ships to help our fighting men win the war." The publication date was 1943. In the process, the young mind will learn that spinach is good for you, that only bad people throw stones at animals, and that the Constitution guarantees "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." [Actually, that was the Declaration of Independence, but let's forgive Brooks for this slight confusion.] We also learn that an editor must have clean windows, "so he knows what's going on in the outside world." One interesting thing I noticed in this book for the first time is that the animals always speak very educated English, whereas several of the human characters use bad English, as when one of the bad guys says "watch out he don't slip past you." And I smiled to learn that the Centerboro jail has a music room.

The Freddy books are awesome! And there are 26 of them! It's as if E.B. White wrote 25 sequels to Charlotte's Web... They got a bit formulaic towards the end -- but even the worst of them are still staggeringly good. And this is one of the best!

Freddy and the Bean Home News is my personal favorite of the seventeen we've read (there are nine more we'd like to find someday); my son's favorite is probably Freddy the Detective (maybe that's the right one to start with -- it has Simon the rat and his family -- but this one's in print).

I love it all -- the language, the characters, the drawings (the ones with Freddy disguised in a sailor suit are particularly fine). And any scene with Old Whibley the owl fills me with pleasure -- sometimes, I sneak the book off the shelf after Morris is asleep just to reread a choice passage. The books are dated in some ways -- though not THAT much, and some of it adds color (a scrap-iron drive for the war effort is a major subplot of this one). But even now, almost 60 years after it was written, it is still completely understandable and frequently hilarious to both children and adults.

This delightful tale is set (and written) right in the midst of World War II. While somewhat irreverent, it makes effective use of many of the effects of the war on rural America. The animals at Bean Farm are patriotic creatures. Anxious to participate in the local scrap iron collection effort (and win Mr. Bean a box of cigars) the animals are determined to use their special qualifications and teamwork to collect the largets amount. Freddy, always the pig on the spot, writes up a report of the animals efforts (and a poem or so) and takes it to The Centerboro Guardian, where his friend Mr. Dimsey has always been willing to include an 'animal' news column.

But the worst has happened. The snooty Mrs. Underdunk has foreclosed on Mr. Dimsey and installed her nephew Mr. Garble in his place. Needless to say, Mr. Garble does not like animals. He likes them even less when the enterprising Freddy collaborates with Mr. Dimsey to start up the Bean Home News. In no time at all Freddy has captured a large readership and Mr. Garble is losing business. When Mrs. Underdunk runs into Freddy on the sidewalk, and claims pig violence, war is declared. The two newspapers start making allegations about the opponents and the stage is set for a political struggle that is more than faintly reminiscent of today's campaigns.

This high flown adventure story has Freddy hiding in jail to avoid being arrested, Hank the horse disguised as a deer on Mrs' Underdunk's lawn, and a newspaper where the chief society reporter is a chicken. Plus, we are treated to the regular antics of the Bean Farm crew. As usual Mrs. Wiggens the Cow laughs too much. Charles the Rooster gets so good at pretending he had a cold that he actually catches one and loses a chance to make a speech. Jinx the cat collects iron by singing for it, and Old Whibley the owl wins a court case and engineers a revolution.

This is one of Walter Brooks best plots. It is well paced and cannot fail to keep up the reader's interest right to the end. Kurt Weise's illustrations are numerous and perfect. As is often in the case, the lesson being taught is "have fun, care for your country, have fun, support your friends, have fun, stand up for what's right." Did I forget to mention "have fun?" I think I like the Freddy the Pig books now more than I did as a child. Then, innocence kept the lessons from being as meaningful as they are to me as an adult. Now they are treasures.

This one has a reasonably tight plot and many amusing set pieces; we particularly enjoyed Jinx yowling for scrap metal and the business with the frying pan and the ant. Please read it to see what we are talking about; you will be pleased.

This is one of the really great Freddy books, ocurring in the middle of Brooks' career. Written during the Second World War, there are mentions of rationing and scrap iron drives, but most children won't find these a distraction. This seems to be the first appearance of Freddy's nemesis, Herbert Garble, and there are the usual --unpreachy-- lessons, such as not to take onesself too seriously, and plenty of excitement. This is one of the many Freddy books that adults will enjoy as well. Gives one a great excuse to read to your child.

One of the best books ever written on the importance of just not forgiving someone who caused hurt and pain in your life, but forgetting that they ever hurt you in the first place. Pastor Dan puts it all into perspective, we must learn to heal before we can move on to a higher place in our own lives. If we carry the burden, we are only hurting ourselves. This is a must-read for anyone going through a particularly hard time in their life. Pastor Dan walks easily through the steps of how and why to let go and move on up, to a place of greater spiritual growth and peaceful understanding.

This is an easy to read self-help book that give you a simple system
of helping you get over the hurts of the past. While we may already know much of
the information in this book already, the author does a great job of pulling
it all together for us and shows us how to forgive and forget and move on.

A great reference to keep in your library and periodically review.

Short and simple. I really enjoyed reading this book because it contains a lot of good information to apply in our daily lives. It gives you advice on what to do when you come across the hard moments and feel like it breaks you down.
It is helping me to let go of one of my tragic experiences and it is really for my own benefit. I also attend Pastor Dan's Ministry on Sundays at The Lighthouse Church in Chicago.

If you're looking for a book that will have you laughing and crying then this is the book for you. It was encouraging, convicting, and challenging without being "preachy". It came from the heart and you could tell that the author had personally experienced all the stories. Believe me, I couldn't put it down. I read it in about 2 days and when I was done, I felt a burden lift off my shoulders. It's one of the best books I've ever read and have been recommending it to all my family and friends.

What a powerful book. I read it through in just a few days. Once you begin you can not stop. I am now reading it through again and will pass it on to someone else. It should be a must have for your library. Dan wrote this so well and with so many personal experiences you just relate to everything he has to say. Read it and learn that the reason you are hurting is because you have not experienced the "Freedom to Forget"! I can promise you will be able to move on and totally enjoy life after reading this book.
Very well written Dan, thanks!
Sarah Barton

I read GARFIELD AND THE MYSTERIOUS MUMMY

I thought it was a good book because it was cool. And I like the dog Odie. First Garfield family got lost there dad went home. And a mummy came out . I would recommend this book to 3rd graders because I like it you will to.

These are great chapter books for your early reader Garfield fan. My son loves them, I just wish there were more in the series. Unfortunately there are only four books in the series, so once they have read these four that's all there is.

These are great chapter books for your early reader Garfield fan. My son loves them, I just wish there were more in the series. Unfortunately there are only four books in the series, so once they have read these four that's all there is.

This book is an amazing book of Garfield that has a lot of fun . A single word can describe this book "Fantastic"

My book review is over Garfield and the mysterous mummy.Its by Jim Davis.He is the creator of Garfield.Im going to tell you about this book and how i rate it and feel about it.
Garfield and the mysterious mummy is a reallly good book.My rating of this book is a 5. I liked it because it's a good mystery book and its funny! The book is about Garfield and Odie when they accidentally get left in the meuseum one night. Then strange things start to happen. So Garfield and Odie try to get through the night while being chased by the mummy or a thief trying to steal priceless artifacts.
I like the book but I wouldn't recommend it for preschoolers.It would be a good book for 3rd 4th or 5th graders.