Clubs Books

This is such a beautiful SC book. Carole bonds with the mare and it is really thrilling! Then Carole rides the wild mare to set her free. When Carole gets hurt as when the mare stops at her herd, the wild stallion stands over her. Then everyone on the Bar None discovers her, and Carole must explain why she set the mare free.

This book is about a horse who seems sad at Kates ranch and Carole wants to find out why. Then Carole and the horse get a special bond and the horse will do anything Carole tells him to. This book is a must read book. One of my favorites.

I LOVED this book! It's definetly one of the best ones ever! I think that more of the Saddle Clb books need to focus more on Carole, (she's my fav). I recomend this book to anyone who loves horses, or takes riding lessons like I do. Other Saddle Club books I recomend are #13 Starlight Christmas, #68 Summer Rider, #2 Horse Shy, (be warned, it's really sad,)#77 Rocking Horse and #76 Horse Care.

I love this book! I have almost all the saddle club books this is one of my favorites. Stevie Lisa and Carole head out West.Stevie and Lisa run into lots of kitchen trouble. Carole finds something about herself she never knew before. This is a book for new and old Bonnie Bryant fans! Sarah

I just loved the parts with Lisa and Stevie in the kitchen! They were so funny! And I also loved Carol's horse whispering! I recomend this book to all Bonnie Bryant fans!

This was my favorite book when I was a child. I read it, re-read it over and over again. Somehow it was lost and I searched book stores, etc. and finally found it on Amazon. I was absolutely thrilled when I got the book. I read it immediately and loved it just as much as a 50 something year old. I loved that that this little girl went against the Witch and went to school and made friends. And of course, I loved the happy ending....this book should be back in print.

This is the ONLY book I remember from my childhood. I checked it out of my elementary school library as many times as I was allowed. As an adult, I found it at a garage sale for a nickel and snatched it up.

Perhaps it was feeling that I was in the wrong family by some evil accident. I've been in therapy for many years, and needed every minute of it, so that feeling was accurate.

Perhaps it was the feeling, which also proved accurate, that my life would improve as soon as I got my own friends who cared about me which happened in early high school.

I held fiercely to the spirit of this book for many years.

When I found it, I took it to my therapist to prove to her that, even when I was little I felt strongly about these issues.

I also loved school and considered it my saving grace.

I read voraciously as soon as I learned how. And this is the only book from early on that I can clearly remember.

Anyone who wants to start a lovers of Little Witch club, get in touch with me.

I still read LOTS of fantasy books.

I have vivid memories of reading this charming book. The author was the Children's Librarian of the library I practically lived in as a child in Northport, NY. She was perfect in that job. Knowledgable, enthusiastic and devoted to creating life long readers. She certainly helped me become a passionate reader for life.
I can't wait for my granddaughter to be old enough ot understand this story. It will be a "must read" at Halloween.

I, too, read this book countless times as a girl, at least 45 years ago. One of my favorite things to do on a rainy or snowy day was to get in bed and enjoy this story. I would get the warmest feeling from the way the story turned out, but also found the situations where Minx and her friends fooled around with the potions to be very exciting! I found a copy in our library about 15 years ago, but no more, so I started the quest to find one for my daughter, not knowing the author. My daughter's name is Anna Elizabeth - could it have been in my sub conscience? Hurray for used book sellers!

I wish I could give it 10 stars!!! I fell in love with this book the first time I read it. It tells the story of a little girl who has a real Witch for a mother. All she wants is to be normal and finally gets a chance at it. Her adventures and struggles are heartfelt and engaging and I found myself wanting to be her friend. The fact she only had one dress didnt stop her determination to get to school and as an adult I love the message it sends to children. I read this book so many times as a child, I lost the cover to it and was surprised to see it again after all these years. It is truly wonderful to find others with an affinity to peanutbutter and lettuce sandwiches also. Hahaha. I recommend this book to anyone whether you have kids or not. I gave my copy to my niece, who loves it as well, in hopes she would share it with her younger sister. She lost it when my sister moved so I am buying another one today to keep the tradition going. The Little Witch has been always been one of my favorites and should be mandatory reading material in schools to teach compassion and to stimulate the imagination. How many times have you looked in a mirror, made a wish and just knew somewhere deep in your heart it would come true?

You get to see each of these women's lives and the struggles they go through. They each agree to write and try to be published.

This is a novel about friendship and finding true friends when you least expect it. It is also a story about hope and dreams.

I enjoyed this book, I was easily hooked and it was hard to put down. It does have a great story line and the characters are likeable. I laughed out loud in parts of it and got teary eyed in other parts too. This is the type of book, that if done right, would be a great film.

I came late to sisterhood. A half-generation younger than the women in The Wednesday Sisters, many in my generation scoffed at unliberated women like them. Many in my generation sought to make their way in a man's world, using men's strategies--strategies that felt uncomfortable and often did not serve us well. Yet, at the same time, many of us also became wives and mothers, where we were born again into the realization that the women's way--generosity of spirit and the compassionate, nurturing sisterhood role model--was the right way all along, the right way for us and for our ailing world. The Wednesday Sisters is the book I wish I had written about sisterhood. It transported me back in time to an earlier world that, at once and the same time, felt like home. I long for Meg Wait Clayton's next novel, for the next journey of the soul.

The Wednesday Sisters is the compelling story of friendship between five women who first meet in a 1960s Palo Alto park as their children play. Clayton has developed strong characters in Kath the spoiled doctor's wife, Linda the athlete, Frankie from Chicago, scientist Brett, and secretive Ally. Four are college graduates; one is not. A fierce, enduring bond develops between these five very different women as they discover mutual loves--great literature, expressing themselves in writing, and the Miss America Pageant. Every Wednesday, they bring paper and pen to the picnic table in the park. They discuss their latest reads and then write and share their poems and stories, at first timidly, and then more boldly as their talent, confidence, and level of trust develop. When they begin to type their stories and articles, they make four carbons, so each member can read and critique before the next week's discussion.

As the years pass, the women become more proficient writers and venture into the daunting world of submitting their work for publication. They share leads and keep a joint file of possible agents. They share successes and disappointments. One becomes an editor. One succeeds beyond anyone's dream, landing herself a spot on Johnny Carson's late night show.

Their friendship matures along with their talent. Secrets are revealed and honored. They stand with one another through triumphs and tragedies--births, broken marriages, life-changing illness. Every year, the women gather to watch the Miss America Pageant. It becomes a metaphor of their own development, from youthful dreams and ambitions to a more informed, moderate feminism. They are witnesses to a changing world--the Vietnam conflict, man walking on the moon, and the women's movement. The author is faithful to the details of the changing decades of the 60s and 70s. The women transition from one stage of life to another, from one decade to another, sometimes grudgingly (as they switch from typewriters to computers, for instance) and sometimes with ease. The same determination that keeps them writing sustains them all, no matter what life brings. This is no fairy tale in which life is perfect and everyone is instantly successful.

Clayton develops strong individual characters and tells a powerful story that celebrates friendship, trust, and life. She shows the healing power of telling one's story and the importance of having a group of trusted sisters with whom to share those stories.

by Susan Ideus
for Story Circle Book Reviews
reviewing books by, for, and about women

If your memories of the 60's include bell-bottom pants, tie-dye shirts, women's lib and Vietnam protests, you'll want to read The Wednesday Sisters. Or if your mother was of that era, you'll want to read this book to get a glimpse into the times that shaped her.

Clayton has written an engaging story that deftly balances strong characters and a vibrant account of the socio-political context of the times. Five moms, Frankie (the narrator), Linda, Kath, Brett and Ally find themselves neighbors living in Palo Alto, California. Their shared passion for literature evolves into a writer's circle. As the author takes us to their weekly meetings at the local park, we watch their personalities, intimate secrets, and aspirations unfold. With humor and pathos, Clayton portrays the prevailing attitudes of that era towards racism, divorce, motherhood, infertility, infidelity, and breast cancer.

At one point in the book, Brett quotes Henry Adams: One friend in a lifetime is much; two are many; three are hardly possible. Then she questions, "What is it we've done so right in our lives that has made us five?" You'll find yourself laughing and crying with the sisters, wishing you were surrounded with an any-day-of-the-week group of your own.

What do you get when you combine five women, a shared love of reading and a park picnic table? The Wednesday Sisters by Meg Waite Clayton, of course.

In the late 1960's five very different women meet as their children play in a Palo Alto park. United by their love of books and a shared passion for the Miss America Pageant, the five women - Frankie, Linda, Kath, Brett and Ally - become friends. Eventually their love of books leads to the creation of a writing circle. The characters grow as women and as friends through their writing, and that growth is a fascinating process to watch.

We meet these remarkable women at a crucial point in American history. The Vietnam War is dividing the nation and the Summer of Love is at its peak. The first meeting of the Wednesday Sisters takes place the day after Robert F. Kennedy is shot, and the women find themselves drawn to the park; each one looking for comfort and normalcy on that dark day. As their friendships blossom, they watch in awe as Neil Armstrong walks on the moon and re-evaluate their roles as wives and mothers in light of the Women's Liberation Movement. All the while, they continue to write and encourage each other to pursue their dreams.

Meg Waite Clayton did an excellent job in creating vivid, interesting characters and showing how their lives changed as a result of their friendships and the turbulent times in which they lived. This is a fun, easy read, but there's also a lot of meat to the story. It's sure to be a popular choice for book clubs. I wouldn't be surprised to see The Wednesday Sisters on the silver screen at some point. This inspirational story of the power of friendship has a wide appeal.

As a voracious reader every since I learned how to read, I BEGGED my mother to enroll me in the Weekly Reader Book Club and waited anxiously for each shipment. This book was so interesting that I've never forgotten it. It's so full of quirky characters, a little mystery, and adventure that your interest never wavers and it's one that I've always remembered. I've purchased it for my own grandchildren and hope they find it as fascinating as I did! A really GOOD book.

I read this book every summer for years starting when I was a little kid. It stayed in my memory since and when I found a copy of it at a flea market in Pasadena, CA for some ridiculous price like $3.00, it had to be purchased. Had it been 10 times that amount, it would have been worth every cent. Same pink cover, same imprint of the "Weekly Reader's Children's Book Club" on the back, same engrossing story inside. Who wouldn't have wanted to go to Florida and have their own summer adventure?
And it's still enjoyable even at this late date.
My Grandmother owned a Motel once, so the basis for the book was instantly appealing.It wasn't too hard to relate to any of it as a child.
This book is a treasure.It cannot be recommended enough.

When I was young I read this book and it shaped my whole view of Florida. As a result, I ended up settling there. I don't have my own Pink Motel, but that magical place is still in my mind and heart even as I drive across the bridge to work in the morning.

A few years ago I sat across from a friend at dinner and was trying to explain my view of Florida. I started by saying "I read this book as a child and it made me want to live in Florida". Before I got any further she said "The Pink Motel" and I almost fell out of my chair. It was her favorite too. It's hard to explain but when reading this book, even today it sill evokes white sands, palm trees in the breeze, brilliant pink buildings against the blue of the gulf. Magic.

My hardback edition holds a treasured spot on my bookshelf and in my heart that no other book can replace.

What a magical book! The Mellon family inherits The Pink Motel on the Florida coast and moves down for the summer to run it. There they meet an assortment of regular guests and find some new ones. The children, Kirby and Bitsy, make friends with a local boy named Big and revive a bored girl guest named Sandra. Secrets, mysteries, alligator chasing, coconuts, wonderful treats from Miss Frith's basket, and some very, very valuable dog guests make for a lively and engaging story. For 1951, the integration between white and black children is natural and straightforward. This is the kind of book I would like to write. I sure enjoyed reading it.

As a girl, I loved this book!

Still love it. I have my hardback on my shelf, in it's pinkness, no dust jacket. Magical. The author, Carol R. Brink, also wrote "Baby Island," another favorite.

Read this a few times, as a kid, and always wanted a Pink Motel of my own. Just the other day, I told my dear Norman, Hunny, let's up and move to Florida, buy a little motel, paint it pink, and have each room different.. just like the book! Palm trees and white sand beaches are calling.. especially since it's been 20 degrees here this week, and miserable!

An adventure for kids. All my daughters read my pink copy. Buy it. Read it. You'll love it too.

This book ALMOST describes my abusive, controlling husband exactly. He falls in love immediately, moves too fast, becomes obsessed, refuses to see "his women" as normal human beings and gives up his entire life for his partner. He's done this for 30 years, but I was his first wife. It was HELL!

My only problem with this book, is it talks about how people do this and put up with an abuser. What if doing this is what makes THEM the abuser? My husband controlled every aspect of my life, constantly told me all the things that were "wrong" with me and tried to "fix" me. He gave up all of his interests to dedicate his life to waiting on me, then got mad at ME even though I kept encouraging him to live his life without doing everything for me. I couldn't take the pressure of never being able to live up to his expectations. There was nothing wrong with me... I'd been in long term relationships and knew how to live with someone. When he started attacking everything I did, he slowly beat my self esteem into the ground.

There are number of books likes this (and codependency books) that focus on behavior that sounds EXACTLY like my love addict abuser, but I'd like to learn more about these behaviors when they are applied to a normal partner rather than an abuser.

This book helped me realize my negative behavior and take steps to begin healthly relationships, instead of addictive ones.

This book is for men and women because both sexes suffer from this problem. For along time, I had become obsesse over a man to the point that I couldn't work or even think straight. This book made me feel like I wasn't alone. It also helped to explain why I had become obsessed and what I could do to deal with it. I have no doubt this book will help millions.

People often think that only women become obsessed with someone. It's good to see that someone has written a book for both women and men about the very real problem of obsessive, controlling relationships. John Moore's book cuts through all of the psychological mumbo jumbo and gets right to the heart of why a person becomes so obsessed with a love interest that stalking is the result. Thank you Mr. Moore for offering us all a book that is sure to become a classic.

I read Moore's book and was very impressed with each of the case studies. In some way, each person's story spoke to my own situation in a controlling relationship. There were many times that I had to put the book aside because it hurt too much to keep reading. As I kept turning the pages, I saw all of the patterns in my own life and then the lightbulb went off and I thought, "That's me!" If you are in a controlling relationship or are obsessed with someone else, you have to get this book. It will change your life forever.

but encountering this book again after 35 years brings tears to my eyes.

(A note on the description: If you will examine the font in the text, it's "Tang-jar", not "Jang-jar." Tang is the orange flavored powder concentrate that the early astronauts drank in space. At least that's what the commercials said. Untold thousands of ordinary Americans drank it too.)

Excellent, quick read...wide range of quotes both poetry and proes...pics are breathtaking...these two young men have infected me with their philosophy of life.

What a treasure to find that On The Loose is still around. This book is full of wonder and joy on every page. On The Loose found me in 1967 when I was an undergraduate student. It is still with me. I was wandering and On The Loose spoke to me of the wilderness as something full of awe. This is truly a beautiful book. It continues to remind me over and over that, as I can see I will keep looking and as long as I can walk, I will keep moving. I am so happy that with the reprinting of On The Loose it will now find its way into my grown children's hands as they continue to make their way and look beyond the light and dark.

There are so many wonderful and amazing photographs and quotes in this book. This book is truly an invitation towards insights gained by looking outward and beyond. Let yourself go beyond where you can barely see. Buy this book. Always ride for the high points! This is the book to take with you.

D. Budd
Edmonton, AB Canada

If I had to choose 10 books that I would bring with me to a desert island, this would be one of them.

This is an enjoyable little book full of photos taken by two brothers in the 1960s. The photos are all from the brothers' road trips across the U.S., but the stories of these trips aren't really here. Instead, the brothers pair each photos with a quote, in the classic Sierra Club style. Many of the quotes are from famous works, many are from the brothers themselves. Some don't make sense at all, such as a quote from a deer that's somehow multiple millennia old. Hmmm.
The book does have a GREAT photo of a girl looking sadly at a rising Lake Powell/flooding Glen Canyon, and a good section on Glen Canyon in general. However, I wish the book had more on the brothers' actual story, as the photos of them look intriguing, and the book's afterward mentions that one of the brothers died shortly before the book's initial publication.
I recommend this for Glen Canyon scholars, those interested in the Sierra Club and this century's environmenal movement and grainy sixties imagery, but I don't see how it's the life changing book that some people say it is. It didn't strike me that way.

I was just looking things up when I came across something that some one wrote in a review on Why Daddy, Why?...I would be more then happy to answer your questions. First of all if you go to the Berlin library and look up the old news papers, you will find out about the fire that took place when the Columbia Hotel burned down. But at that time it had changed names to Fournier's rooms.
My aunt Louise bought the hotel from my father. Her last name was Fournier.
I have pictures of the Hotel with fire trucks in front of the building putting the fire out.. Now theres just a big hole where the building use to be..with park benches..right on Main Street. next to the flower shop.
Second thing was the convent remarks. Yes some of the Nuns were very abusive.. I have scares on my legs where I was hit with rulers where the steal part went into my legs..also have the scar on my wrist where I tried to kill myself after being raped. And yes, my sister and I had numbers for our names..I was 64 and Cecile was 121.. Not all the girls were abused but many were.. your 65..10 years older then I was in the convent..The older girls were treated much better. Maybe because they were older and more mature. it was the younger girls that were put there that had no parents coming to see them that were treated much worse.. I'm glad that you were one of the girls that were treated better, I truly am. No child should have to go through such horrible things.
I have come in contact through my book signings with some girls that were in the convent around the same time I was and they too remember how bad it was but then again, there my age.
There are no exaggerations in the book..if anything there are things that I never wrote about.. Things that are to painful to deal with right now. Someday, maybe I'll be able to put that pain to paper.
I can understand your questions and I respect that. Please know that what is in the book, is the horrible truth and I'm glad I was able to write about it..
My precious mama died 4 months ago..she was my best friend.. my heart is hurting.. thank you for your review of 5 stars and thank you for believing that my father was a cruel man. if you have any more questions feel free to email me at my new address ( I've been taking care of my step father since mama passed away).. its, ej64@metrocast.net
I hope this was of some help to you. Emelia Hardy

I am from Berlin. I read the book. It is a great piece of writing. I believe the abuse with her father truly happened. However, having been a boarder at the convent in Gorham, during the 50's I had difficulty believing the cruelty of the nun in question. We were never abused, and we were never called by a number. They used our names. Also, I am 65 years of age and cannot recall the Columbia Hotel, nor do I know the location of the Fournier boarding house. I would love to talk to the author and get some of my questions answered.

This book describes unimaginable fear, pain and intimidation that Emelia and her family members suffered at the hands of their father. As well as, the nuns she went to live with when her mama had to leave and her father could not, or would not care for her any longer.
A father is someone who is suppose to protect his family from all evil. Unfortunately, not in this case. Her father physically and emotionally abused his family for years, until the day came when mama, after suffering her worst beating yet and was forced to seek a better life. Some will question how a mother could leave her children in that environment, and be so selfish as to look out for her self before her children. I say, read the book before you pass judgment. I call what mama did courageous and brave.
After reading Why daddy, why I was able to contact Emelia. Since the book was published in 2002, I wanted to ask her what happened to some of the people she talks about in the book. I will not tell of her responses, that's for Emelia to tell. I have had the Honor of getting to know Emelia. She has amazing strength and courage. She has no ill will towards her father, and in the last page of the book she says,"I have forgiven daddy". This is something I will probably never be able to understand. She assures me things are better now.
To all of you who have suffered or continue to suffer as Emelia has. May you find the courage and the strength to move on and find a better life.
I look forward to reading her children' book, The Adventures of Maureen and Maury to my kids, and I wish her all the best.

This is a book that once you start to read it, you can't put it down.It keeps you on the edge of your seat. You have to keep reading because you have to know what else is going to happen.
It's unbelievable what this family went through!.
It goes on to tell what the author went through being split from her other siblings and mother. What a terrible life this child had!
While living with nun's in a convent, it's hard to imagine that these woman of God could be so cruel! and Emelia tells it all!
The Author described in detail all the terrible things that took place in her life..and there were many things!.. Everyone should read this book!...alcoholics, child abusers, and wife beaters..then and only then, maybe they can see what there actions can do to a family and especially a five year old girl who grows up and ends up trying to kill herself when she was only fifteen from something that wasn't her fault!
The reader will be drawn into this true story and can't help but fall in love with this little girl.
The reader will find that this is a very easy book to read because it is written by that same little girl, Emelia.

My daughter never has been an effectionate person. She would come over to visit me and I always had to ask for a hug before she left for home. My heart would ache because of it. I bought this book, Why Daddy Why? and found myself hurting inside all the more because I wanted my daughter to love me the way the author of this book loved her mother. Never have I seena bond between a mother and daughter like this one and I mean never.
Even after the mother runs away during a beating that is unheard of in this day and age. Back 40 years ago I found out it was coman for men to treat their wife that way and no one knew.This bond stayed strong in the heart of this little girl even being sent to a convent with nuns that abused her and her sister that was already there. I could feel that her sister Cecile loved her sister and I could feel her pain also.
My daughter came over one day and saw the book on my table, she asked if she could take it and I said yes that I was finished with it. She came back two days later and I didn't here her come in the next thing I knew she was behind me and gave me a hug. She said thank you Mom for the way you took care of me when I was little. My daughter told me she never realized how forunate she was.
Now my daughter greates me with open arms because of your book Emelia. I think this book saved my life. Altho there was not many hugs for me growing up there was for my girl and now she knows why!!! Thank You Again Emelia

This is the fourth book in David Macaulay's series of how things in history were built. In both text and detailed drawings, the author describes the planning and construction of a typical castle and adjoining town in thirteenth-century Wales. In 1283, Kevin le Strange was named Lord of Aberwyvern in Wales by King Edward I of England. While Lord Kevin's castle is imaginary, its concept, structural process, and physical appearance are all based on several castles that were built to aid in the English conquest of Wales between 1277 and 1305. The town of Aberwyvern is also imaginary but is drawn from descriptions of towns founded in conjunction with castles in Wales during that time.

Anyone who enjoys learning about the Middle Ages will like this book. The description is sometimes technical but is written so that young children can become familiar with the terms, and the marvellous illustrations are very helpful in visualizing what is being done. From the choice of location, through the building of the walls and the inner ward, to the completion of the castle and the establishment of the surrounding town, the reader will follow, step by step, Master Engineer James of Babbington and all his workers in their labors. The story ends with a visit from King Edward, followed by an attack from the Welsh under Prince Daffyd of Gwynedd whose defeat leads to the decision by the Welsh to end their resistence, although the complete "conquest" did not occur until 200 years after Edward's death. This book won a 1978 Caldecott Honor award.
REVIEWED BY: Wayne S. Walker

My 13 year old and I read this book together. He absolutely loved reading about the history and building of the castle. He has another larger DK book on Castles and as we read told me about his previous knowledge on the topic we were reading about and expanded our discussion. The images (drawings) being b/w are a perfect match so that details of the castle stand out. After reading this story, we watched the accompanying PBS special Castle by the same author. The movie is s a perfect tag-a-long going into further details and highlighting real castles and showing the details that were discussed in the book. To follow up on the book/movie, my son is now building his own brick castle. We ordered a kit and it includes everything to make little bricks from molds and then directions on exactly how to build the castle. I highly recommend purchasing the book, movie and castle building kit together if you or your child is interested in castles and/or medieval studies. All three provide great discussion, for both visual and auditory learners as well as a hands-on experience.

We bought this book for our four year old who always wants to know how things work. He, and his Daddy are both fascinated by this book. It is a work of art, and a historic fictional work in one. The pictures are all in black and white, but the line drawings are incredibly detailed. This book will be a favorite in our library for years, and I can see him reading it to his kids one day.

After reading this book, I gave it to my grandson for Christmas and he is enjoying it very much. It is interesting not only to him but to his father as well. It really makes history and social progress come alive.

I remember reading this book back when I was in Junior High and High School. I'm 30 now (ugh!) I have always been fascinated with history (especially why folks did what they did when they did it) and while characters are fictitious, the design and building practices as well as the situations involved in the story are truly as it happened. The pictures are highly detailed such that you almost feel like you leap into the pages of the story. I primarily purchased this for a bit of nostalgia but would highly recommend this product to anyone who might be interested.

Cheetah Files was a great escape, with the perfect mix of action and character development. I love to read but have limited time, and I am constantly frustrated by the lack of quality action/intrigue books there are out there. Cheetah Files was quite a breath of fresh air amid so many canned storylines, kudos to Mr. Walker - I can't wait for the next one!

I really enjoyed this book. Being an avid reader I can tell by reading the first few pages if I am going to enjoy a book and this one interested me from the start. I would definitedly like to see some more "Cheetah Files". The characters were intersting and believeable. Just the right kind of action and intrigue.

This is one of the best books I've ever read. As long as Walker keeps churning them out, I'll keep adding more logs to the fire.

Excellent writing. Good plot and well organized. I look forward to the next one.

This was an excellent "spy" novel. Not your usual thriller, this one takes you right to the thick of things and gives you all the details you need to paint your own picture. The characters are brilliant. This would indeed make a great movie. Hector is the hero we all need right now, a man of character, honesty, and he can take care of business. Every nuance of the story pulls you in and takes you somewhere relevant to the story. A must read.

If you like to curl up with volume of beautiful, rambling prose, then this is the book for you.

If you grow impatient with an author who takes 9 pages to discuss an idea that could comfortably fit into 2 - 3 paragraphs, then you should look for a different book. The writing style reminded me of Charles Dickens, who reportedly was paid by the word.

Yes, the book is beautifully written, but I simply lost patience with it. I also found it to be a bit preachy, as if the author believes herself to be the only one who knows the joy of simply being in a garden, observing all of its wonders, and must teach it to the rest of us morons. (I'm a bit sensitive to preachiness, however, and the average reader might disagree!)
It all depends on your personality.

I just finished reading this lovely book over a two day period while sitting in my garden. Joyce McGreevy's advice about living in the moment and appreciating even the smallest living thing should become words to live by for all of us hurtling through the beginning of this new century. She encourages her readers to establish and maintain contact with nature, even if it is just being aware of the new sprouts on our pepperomia. She offers receipes, practical advice and unique ideas about how to engage even a recalcitrant child or a grumpy crumudgeon in the wonders of the natural world.
This is a MUST read for all gardeners no matter what your experience!

This book is a jewel, a profound pleasure to read. From the first page, one enters a world of flowers and tendriled plants, Earth with its seasons and cycles, touching memories, wisdom, and wit. The book uses this material to present a rich philosophy for living life.

The author not only recounts delightful anecdotes, but also offers abstract ideas with precision clarity, utilizing graceful and wonderfully chosen vocabulary. Her metaphors and similes sometimes make you gasp, they are so fresh and original. They are also beautifully couched within the overall garden theme.

This book puts the reader in touch with the richness, depth, and beauty of life. It is true writing by a gifted writer.

Dear Sister,
We have a new best friend.

Joy! Today is Book Club day, and Joyce McGreevy, the author of "Gardening by Heart" is coming to talk to/with our group. We just finished her book and I loved it. It isn't a novel. It is not a self-help book. It isn't a gardening book. It isn't a poetry book. It is a poetic story about nurturing our hearts, our gardens. Hmm, is it a story? No, actually. There is no story-story, just a string of anecdotes and remembrances involving the author's mother and siblings and friends and jobs.

Her writing is the thing.

She writes like a poet, but it isn't poetry per se. Well, I'll go upstairs and get the book and excerpt it for you...hold on...

Without looking, I just opened the book to this page:

Strawberries at Dawn

"The first pale amber rays of sun have backlit the somber mountains. A coastal live oak rustles. The birds are stirring. In my garden, the poppies are rolled up tightly like saffron scrolls. I'm on my knees, coffee within easy reach, as I set a blue salvia into the ground the way a parent might ease a sleepy child back into bed."

Dawn is the best time of day to do almost anything. The phone holds its tongue and there are no appointments. One's mind is fertile with dreams whose meanings flower best in a hushed world."

[Isn't that wonderful?] more...

"In the garden, time itself seems to expand. Later in the day I may fret about getting to this appointment or achieving that task "on time", but early in the morning I seem to have all the time in the world. The killing frost of anxiety is held at bay, letting ideas and insights establish strong roots."

She starts each chapter with a quote from another author or poet.

"Everything that slows us down and forces patience, everything that sets us back into the slow circles of nature, is a help. Gardening is an instrument of grace."--May Sarton, Journals

She advocates keeping a nature journal...at the office.

"...it consisted of a burgeoning collection of index cards, each of which bore a hastily penciled sentence or two about something I had observed, whether on the way to work, from my window, or during a lunch break....The French say of good gardeners not that they have a green thumb but that they have un main vert, a green hand. With every entry I penciled in I was keeping my hand green and subsequently nurturing the heart, even in the midst of computers, stark white partitions, and fluorescent lighting."

Don't you just love her? I can't wait to meet our new best friend.

Love,
Your sister

I'm free, free, at last! Emancipated from a gardener's work ethic--weeding, deadheading, fertilizing etc. Joyce McGreevy goes literally to the heart of gardening and nourishes the soul with her grace and wit and exquisite writing. McGreevy's descriptions of her mother's gardens as a place for relating to people, for celebrating the spirit of the day or season, help the gardener to not only grow the roses, but wake up and smell them and share all that with others. Just BE in the garden. Of course, there won't be a garden without some routine work, but this inspirational little book shows us how to use our gardens or other people's gardens to renew our connection to the earth, to all creation, and to heal from modern day busy sickness. I hope to hear more from this talented writer.