Authors Books

These are the types of stories that no matter who you are you will find yourself in them some where. They will fill your heart with some pain and sorrow but mostly hope and joy. The authors of these three novellas have really brought so many important feelings and thoughts to the forefront. I for one appreciate all the time and effort it must have taken them to unite and complete this outstanding work.

"Second Chance," by Maxine Thompson is a beautiful love story about Capriana finding romance after overcoming her brutal attempted murder, spousal betrayal, and financial ruin. I could not wait to turn the next page until I finished the read. This read also serves as a teaching guide for young people who want to start, develop and cultivate a love relationship.
It is very well written. The conflict, action, and suspense of the story were multiplied through Ms. Thompson's superb skill in building the story through various points of view. Each chapter is crafted in the first person of one of the main characters. I was ready to literary kill Capriana's cruel and insensitive husband before I heard his voice and perception.

This is a positive story about African-Americans. There are no cuss words or X-rated sex episodes. I would like Ms. Thompson to extend this writing into a novel. It's guaranteed to be a best seller!

I look forward to reading the other two stories in "Secret Lovers." I will also write a review of each.

"Secret Lovers presents three enticing reads. Each story has its own surprising twist."

"In Irresistible Flames, Kelly and Byron are both successful attorneys and engaged. Kelly loves Byron immensely and feels that he loves her just as deeply. However, Byron becomes very obsessive and this causes Kelly to question their relationship. An unexpected man comes into her life as a result of an accident. Byron's hidden secret is revealed, which totally shakes Kelly."

"In Second Chance, Caprianna and Marquise are happily married. So it seems, until Caprianna begins to notice sudden changes in Marquise. Caprianna is determined to resolve the issues in her marriage and also struggling to hold on to her business that appears to be going under. Caprianna becomes a victim in a shooting that nearly kills her. Her husband abandons her, but a wonderful man enters her life, with the hope of bringing a second chance of love and happiness to her life."

"Detoured is centered on family secrets that eventually come to light. Through out Yolanda and Frank's marriage he has been abusive. Their daughters Sonnet and Margaret have dealt with this knowledge and have kept it a secret. Health and self-esteem issues develop among the siblings. Eventually Yolanda gets the strength to leave Frank and returns to her hometown where she comes in contact with the love of her life, which just happens to be Sonnet's biological father. Sonnet and Yolanda have both harbored secret loves that are powerful and leads them back to the one they love."

"The commonality of these intriguing reads is that love can come into or reenter your life when you least expect it."

The first story in Secret Lovers is titled Irresistible Flames. The story is authored by Patricia Anne Phillips. Of the three stories in the book, Irresistible Flames is the story serious romance readers may enjoy most. It is a story of inner reflection and self-honesty. At the beginning of the story the book's main characters, Kelly and Byron, are engaged to be married. They are a pair of attorneys who are in hot pursuit of success in the business arena. Yet, somehow and perhaps because of this pursuit, they are not taking the time to inspect and strengthen their relationship. They avoid this pertinent introspection despite the fact that they are seriously discussing marriage. Irresistible Flames is written with a style that allows the reader to harness their own judgments about the choices the story's characters make as each works to obtain the fulfillment of their motivations. It is this aspect of the story and the way the author delves into these motivations that readers may well appreciate most. At times, I felt the author was working too hard to disguise the mystery in the story. Overall, Irresistible Flames is a story that provides an honest portrayal of current real-life events that happen to couples in search of lasting intimacy and romance.

The second story in Secret Lovers is titled Second Chances. It is authored by Maxine Thompson, a talented writer who has penned other notables such as The Ebony Tree. Second Chances begins with Marquise, a police officer, and his wife, Caprianna laying in bed one morning. From the outset it is clear that the couple is having marital challenges, but that neither has yet mounted the courage to raise the challenges with the other. As with Thompson's other works, Second Chances delves into life-shifting events then digs into the heart of the characters, allowing readers to discover firsthand what it feels like to endure hearty, and, at times, painful situations the characters find themselves in. For Caprianna, her heartache begins when a former employee unleashes rage and hurt on Caprianna's small office. This action sends Caprianna's life into a tailspin, further unsettling her already unsteady marriage. The plot is intriguing and readily moves the story forward. Yet, it is the skill with which Thompson digs into the heart of the main characters that makes Second Chances a deeply moving and rewarding read. Whether readers appreciate romance novels or prefer books from other genres, Second Chances will not disappoint. Thompson builds multi-faceted characters readers will pull for and hope to see succeed. It is this skill that allows Second Chances to be a story that remains with readers long after they have put the book down.

The third and last story in Secret Lovers is titled Detoured. This story is authored by Michelle McGriff. As with most human behavior, the desire to get what they want, what they think will bring them comfort, love and happiness, is what drives Detoured forward. Detoured tells the story of two friends, two sisters and the sisters' unhappy parents. More than the domestic violence in the story is the inability of the mother to untangle herself from mistakes of her past, mistakes that find her married to an abusive alcoholic, mistakes that cause her two teenage daughters to suffer. Rather than peel away layers of her characters to show readers the "why" behind the choices her characters make, McGriff connects event after event until the story comes full circle. Particularly noteworthy is the way McGriff allows readers to glimpse decisions they themselves may currently be facing, decisions that could impact their lives for decades, through the situations she plants the story's characters in.

After reading Secret Lovers readers may feel that romance comes at a price which may, in turn, cause readers to realize the value of introspection and not living impulsively. Even more, Secret Lovers makes it clear that even when we make mistakes, if we change our behavior, life does detour away from heartache and offer us irresistible second chances.



HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

How many people truly are with the person they were meant to be with? How many of us are actually bold enough to tell the person we are having warm and fuzzy feelings for that we really like them? Probably not that many, but what if the opportunity was given where you could speak your heart freely, would you do it? In Secret Lovers by Patricia Anne Phillips, Maxine Thompson, and Michelle McGriff, the chance is there and it is up to each character to decide if they should or should not. The question is will they?

Stepping out of the ashes and into the flames of love, Kelley finds out some secrets about the people in her life including herself. In Irresistible Flames by Patricia Anne Phillips, Kelley, Byron, and her cousin, Angie, are all workmen compensation lawyers, but that is not all they have in common. Apparently, they all are keeping some kind of secret. After Kelley has an accident, a monkey wrench is thrown into her future plans. The uncertainty of her choices and the feelings Kelley has for the people in her life weighs heavily on her. Stepping back and looking, surveying her surroundings, Kelley makes a devastating revelation. Will she survive it all?

In Second Chances by Maxine Thompson, Caprianna "Capri" Jordan believed other than her failing business, everything else in her life seemed out of sync, but it will be alright. Not heeding her woman's intuition, Capri's life as she knew it changes drastically. It is at this time Marquise, her husband, allows his secrets to begin seeping out into the light. When Capri thinks she has fallen and sees no way of picking herself back up, her second chance is placed in front of her by faith. Will she step out on faith or will she watch her chance pass her by?

Sometimes life has some unexpected detours, but after taking the long way around we end up right where we belong. In Detoured by Michelle McGriff, Sonnet, a big-boned, seventeen year-old, wants to be noticed by one of the hottest guys in school. She decides it is time to make a change by ditching her long-time fellow, big-boned friend, Justin; her sister who is hiding problems of her own, Margaret, and their skinny, white friend, Leita. Sonnet goes on a diet trying to fit in with the "in crowd." As her weigh comes off there seems to be a sense of change in her household, but Sonnet only cares about losing weight and fitting in. Both Justin and Sonnet have some secrets about their family they are keeping from each other, but they are not the only ones hiding something. Sonnet and her mother, Yolanda, have more than a mother daughter relationship in common, but will it ever come to light before history repeats itself?

Secret Lovers by Patricia Anne Phillips, Maxine Thompson, and Michelle McGriff offered three unique stories, each one offering something different, but nonetheless they all had secret emotions. They all had mouth-opening I want to slap the taste out your mouth moments. However, while one story did not have any grammatical errors, the other two had quite a few, even a flip-flop of the spelling of one of the characters names. I recommend Secret Lovers to anyone wanting a quick, thought-grabbing book.

Jennifer Coissiere
APOOO BookClub

Hello Reader! Thank you for checking out Secrets of My Soul. Of my 3 book collections, Secrets is the first, and readers have told me that it is their favorite book of poems. I am really proud of this book. Although it was the first, I continue to read this book everywhere I go . . . schools, community events, etc. High school students love this book for its love poems. Female readers love this book for the encouragement, hope and lessons that it shares with the lady soul. Men love this bookb because it's honest and in touch with the identity of being a descent human being.

"Dare me to pursue this, to pen the secrets of my soul in Father Time's precious ink, royal black and memory gold. I do it cry the truest tear, for a writing heart never bleeds fear." I hope that you will be intrigued by what I do with words in Secrets of My Soul. I love alliteration and rhyme, but most importantly, I live to give meaning in each poem that I write. There's something in this book for everyone: man, woman, boy, girl. There's something for us all. There's a lesson. There's a lyric. There's life. Enjoy it!

Secrets of My Soul
Reviewed by: Wanda Starkes, C&B Books

Ms. Latorial Faison's, Secrets of My Soul, collection of poetry is uplifting - And a delightful ray of work. Intelligently written, Latorial explores various issues and plights regarding self, family, and the world describing them in words filled with spirituality, empowerment, love and joy.
I especially enjoyed the positive energy that I personally felt as I read each one of her poems. I look forward to reading more poetry by Ms. Faison's in the near future.


Her poetry is a wonderful 'Fruit of Thoughts'.

Secrets of My Soul is an excellent book of Poetry. A real mind opening experience was created. Another rather interesting book is The Throne Room. They are a must. Happy reading!

Before I was an author I was a poet and Secrets of My Soul is why. I love words and the playful way that poets make words do what they say. Latorial Faison is indeed a poet. She had me from title poem and when I stumbled upon "Mirrored Soul," I knew I had found someone whose work I'd eat up...hungrily. I've also become a avid fan of haikus and #9 is my favorite with her wordplay with sun/Son. If you only buy the book for "You Never Did Own Me," trust that by the time you get to "I Dare You," you will be glad you did.

I finally read Latorial's book and all I could think was "these poems were written for ME!" Ms. Faison's words struck so many chords in me. Her poems spoke to my soul and helped me reveal secrets that had been locked in me since childhood. She is a talented writer and I can't wait for her next book!

By writing the stories from every character's point of view, Dubus gave me an understanding of why people do the things they do. It sounds simple enough, but it obviously isn't. People we know or read about, suddenly explained.

Andre Dubus never seems to have quite made the splash Raymond Carver did, but the two are similar in style and concerns. Carver's strengths and weaknesses are seen in this collection. I found most of the writing overwrought and overdone. Way too often I was thinking, "Oh, come on, no one thinks like that except a writer trying to create a 'character'." The occasional deft detail or intriguing quirk was lost in a level of introspection that would exhaust Molly Bloom. Good writing overdone is as bad as dreadful writing; the legs get tired from slogging through the piled on adjectives and morose reflections. And if you hated the film of "In the Bedroom", as I did, wait until you read its source. Even worse!

I was ready to toss the thing, but for whatever reason (psychotic completion syndrome, I would guess) I plowed on to the end. And discovered two mega diamonds. The final two stories would rank among the best I've ever read. "Adultery" is just about perfect. Clearly this is a geography Dubus knows well, and wow, does he portray it with devastating power. The small details pile up as we watch a self-absorbed Dostoevskian jerk destroy life and love while gaining plaudits and producing (we assume) mediocrity. What a story; it is easy to see how even fine writers become such megalomaniacal fools. And the conclusion, "A Father's Story" (a prefect title for this gem) wrenches and tears and torments the gut and the conscience. The two final tales show what could have been; the preceding ones left me, at least, annoyed and bored, and, when reading the greatness achieved, sad.

I just finished reading Dubus's Selected Stories for the fourth time. I've also read his other books, and I'm glad to report that Dubus is one of the few writers whose work can be read again and again with increased pleasure, a rare enough thing.

So many kinds of stories are packed into this volume -- short stories and novellas, deep character studies ("A Father's Story"), topical stories ("The Fat Girl"), "high concept" stories ("Killings"), stories with a deep knowledge of the intersections among family, sex, and faith ("Voices from the Moon"), stories that understand compassion and forgiveness ("Rose"), and stories that explore love in the midst of reckless violence ("The Pretty Girl")

Although many of these stories are thrilling enough, plot-wise, to keep you reading, it's the deep knowledge of the motivations, the pecadillos, the generosities, the anger, the unease, the longings, and most of all the love we are all capable of holding in our hearts, all at once, that makes these stories so worthwhile. Andre Dubus does not shy away from the dark places, and he writes his characters with such empathy that we are willing to go there with them, with him.

Selected Stories is an important book, and a book well worth a patient first read. I think it is a book that will stand the test of time. If there is any justice in the world, it will be read a hundred years from now, a necessary bit of news about what it was like to live in the twentieth century, no less indispensible than Hemingway, Faulkner, or Fitzgerald, and ten times as wise.

Andre Dubus's stories, as they wrestle with the issues of religion, morality, and familial duty, captivate the reader with strong narration and elegant foreshadowing. They also employ various shifts in point of view, and sustain the reader's interest while taking detours for lengthy description and interesting back-story.

I was unable to finish the book all in one shot because I found I needed to stop and reflect in between stories, so moved was I--mostly because Dubus had a way of taking our simple understandings of the world--juxtaposing violence and innocence, faith and the faithless, priests and adulterers, sinners and the redeemed, the dead and the living--and making them complex.

I was bowled over by some of the first stories in the selection, "Killings" and "The Pretty Girl", which take horrible, violent situations and try to make some sense of them by offering the protagonists the opportunity for revenge. But the satisfaction in that revenge is fleeting for it takes almost as much out of those who have acted out of revenge than the original crime did.

"If They Knew Yvonne" is another story of revenge--except this time it is a young man who at one point seeks to wash away his sin (masturbation) by doing himself physical harm. He does not like that he is weak in his body and seems to believe that his sin taints the rest of his life. That is until a priest sets him straight. In the end, he is left reflecting on his two young nephews and hoping for a better understanding for them.

At his best, I think, is Dubus when he took the POV of a woman or girl. In "Anna" , the protagonist, Anna Griffin age 21, helps her boyfriend, Wayne, to rob a drugstore and is then weighed down by guilt (although she never names it as such--either she is incapable, unaware or avoiding the truth). After the robbery, Anna and Wayne go to their local bar and get drunk--out of a sense of exhilaration and fear. In a poignant moment, Anna walks outside to clear her head and briefly reveals her youth and, perhaps, her sense of hopefulness (which one imagines will never be fully realized)--almost as though she is reborn. With the money they have stolen, Anna and Wayne buy a bunch of things at the mall (instead of filling their fridge). But neither of them can fully enjoy these things as they imagined they would. They are still the same, poor desperate couple but with a vacuum cleaner, television and stereo. It would be easy to project their path as one of disaster, but Anna's hopefulness in the end leaves the door open for a breakthrough. In the Laundromat, she washes their clothes and seems to cleanse them both of their sins and bring them back to the beginning.

"A Father's Story" is the last story in the book and the only one I had read previously. It is deserving of its location and an intense and moving story--once again how man can become his own God and thus be forgiven for what he does to protect his children.

Still, the story that left me most breathless was the second to last one, "Adultery." It is a complex story of a husband--Hank (a writer)--and wife--Edith--who have fallen into an open marriage (the husband sort of springs it on her several years in that he believes in fidelity but not monogamy). For a few years, Edith takes revenge on Hank by taking several lovers, but he is nonplussed and brings his own girlfriends by the house on occasion. It is not until Edith commits adultery with the ex-priest Joe--whose frail body comes to embody their sin--that she is awakened. It is when Joe becomes ill with cancer and has his final point of communion (the night before he is admitted to the hospital for good they have sex one last, fevered time) that Edith realizes what she must do--still it takes a while for her realization to live and it is not until the very end that she speaks it: she will divorce Hank--thus signaling the death of her true love. She sacrifices their marriage to condone for the sins they have all committed.

What is most beautiful about Dubus's writing is his love of his characters. He seems not to judge them. He seems to see their faults, allow them their failings, ask that they redeem themselves and then offer them forgiveness. He is, then, their God--but not a pure God, not a God without sin himself. A God who can empathize because, in the end, that's all we really have that makes us human.

Stories From Someone Older Than Television by Margie Zats with illustrations from Jerry Fearing is an eclectic collection of peculiar stories and creative oddities, Including eight fun and tasty recipes. Stories From Someone Older Than Television is a unique and humorous telling of tales drawn from Margie Zats' own life and memories. With a text that is occasionally enhanced with illustrations by cartoonist Jerry Faring, Stories From Someone Older Than Television is very highly recommended to all readers with an interest in funny biographical short-stories -- as well as those with an interest in hearty home-style cooking.

Stories From Someone Older Than Television by Margie Zats with illustrations from Jerry Fearing is an eclectic collection of peculiar stories and creative oddities, Including eight fun and tasty recipes. Stories From Someone Older Than Television is a unique and humorous telling of tales drawn from Margie Zats' own life and memories. With a text that is occasionally enhanced with illustrations by cartoonist Jerry Faring, Stories From Someone Older Than Television is very highly recommended to all readers with an interest in funny biographical short-stories -- as well as those with an interest in hearty home-style cooking.

A clever and fun read and perfect gift book. Margie's many offbeat interests and her self-deprecating style make for lively "chuckle outloud" reading.

Lookin' at the outside cover, and I'm smilin' already ~ I know it's gonna be a great book! With admiration, Kay

Stories From Someone Older Than Television by Margie Zats with illustrations from Jerry Fearing is an eclectic collection of peculiar stories and creative oddities, Including eight fun and tasty recipes. Stories From Someone Older Than Television is a unique and humorous telling of tales drawn from Margie Zats' own life and memories. With a text that is occasionally enhanced with illustrations by cartoonist Jerry Faring, Stories From Someone Older Than Television is very highly recommended to all readers with an interest in funny biographical short-stories -- as well as those with an interest in hearty home-style cooking.

My wife read it from cover to cover in two days, what more can I say. Too bad I'm not a murder mystery fan...

The Tale of Cuckoo Brow Wood covering 24th of April 1907 to May 1st, is the third of the Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter by Susan Wittig Albert. Miss Felicia Frummety is not keeping the rat population down at Hill Top Farm and the village cats have issued an ultimatum. Ridley Rattail has had it with the rowdy rats that have moved into the attic so he posts an ad for cats to rid himself of these undesirables. Of course the humans have their share of problems, Major Kittridge has returned to Sawrey with a wife, dashing the hope of Dimity Woodcock. The village is invited to meet the new lady of the manor but rumors are rampant when it's learned she was an actress. There's also the rumor that the Major is planning to develop his shoreline property. The Vicar's cousin and his wife have moved in and the Vicar is far too kind to toss them even after they've outstayed his patience. Jeremy Crosfield, who is an excellent student, has to leave school and start his apprenticeship since he can't afford to continue his schooling -- the animals and humans are concerned about this event. And Beatrice arrives once again to spend some time at her farm.

Okay, up front I have to say I'm really enjoying these books. The interweaving of the various threads balancing the point of view of the humans and the animals is seamless. With each book, I gain more respect for Albert's ability to slip her stories into the undocumented bits of the Beatrix Potter timeline. She also maintains that playful seriousness that I also found in the Potter's little books. The characters are fully developed and while the mysteries are light they are ones that would have serious impact on the people of the story and their environment.

In this story, the small folk of the woods, fairies play a part. Are they real? Well I think that's for each of us to decide, and the author plays the story with a light hand to give us all a chance to believe as we will. After all if you can accept talking animals then are fairies that much of a stretch?

These are perfect books for when you are feeling a bit down. They are just the thing to help restore your believe in the inherent goodness of humankind and to help you see the world around in a different light. No, I don't think the author has a message to hit us with; she just tells a good story with a light touch that leaves us feeling more upbeat and in this summer's heat that's a wonder in itself.

These are just wonderful stories - for children, for fans of Beatix Potter, for anyone who enjoys mystery and fantasy. I picked up these books quite by accident, and found them reminiscent of my old favorite classics like "A Secret Garden." Very interesting stories - both as stand alone books and as part of the series.

This third book in the Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter is just as much fun and as charming as the first two. It makes you want to find the Potter illustrations from her "little books," so that the faces and personalities of the people involved in the stories become even more familiar.
With the world as it is now, it's a joy (and a relief) to immerse oneself in the world of a century ago with the friends one met in childhood.

If the village of Near Sawrey put out its weekly newspaper about the fortnight during which this story takes place, some of the headlines would read: "Major Christopher Kittredge returns to Raven Hall with his Lovely New Bride" and "Rat Explosion at Hill Top Farm Threatens Village" and "Village Plans May Day Celebration" and perhaps "Stay Clear of the Cuckoo Brow Wood on May Eve." The society column might feature: "Miss Beatrix Potter Returns to Hill Top Farm" and "Local Society Attends Grand Reception at Raven Hall." As salacious as these headlines might be, the devil is in the details.

The third in Susan Wittig Albert's Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter series continues to enchant both grownups and young women edging toward adulthood. How lovely it is to curl up with a book about an old-fashioned, out-of-the-way English Lake Country village, complete with sheep birthing lambs and delectable smells coming from the village bakery, with dogs, cats, rats, and other four-legged animals conversing so sensibly. With just that, however, the tale could become dull in no time. So throw in a few wicked, scheming adults, some rowdy, shameless rats, a few mercenary cats, a bit of romance, some children who need a bit of help, and, of course, Miss Potter, and you have a rousing tale.

Albert builds the tale and weaves multiple plots with skill and charm. And all is resolved satisfactorily, except for the question of whether or not there are really fairies in Cuckoo Brow Wood. To find out what the story is behind each headline, you must read and revel in The Tale of Cuckoo Brow Wood.

by Judith Helburn
for Story Circle Book Reviews
www.storycirclebookreviews.org
reviewing books by, for, and about women

I am one of the contributing teens to this book and I just wanted to say thank you to Jennifer for all of her hard work she has put into it.. It is truly an awesome book! And it's so amazing to see that one of my poems (Dear Dad) is in a book that is actually for sale online! Wow! :) Thanks to everyone who bought the book and are helping to support the families whos lives were changed after 9/11.. God Bless!

Of all the emotions and thoughts flying around regarding the incident on September 11th...it's comforting to know that people around the world, especially the youth, can unite to take a stand. This book offers the feelings, thoughts and prayers of teens around the world. It was touching to read the different poems, which contain so much love... The most interesting thing about this book, is that many of these poets might not have ever written a poem of this magnitude. But by gathering in all of their feelings, and especially their love they were able to create masterpieces! I encourage all to take a look at this wonderful book, not only for the fantastic poems, but because 50% of the profits are donated to those families that were hardest hit. God bless all, and may we have the power to protect eachother! -Kris-

Through the Eyes of Freedom is a poetic anthology (by mostly Teens) in response to the Sept. 11th terrorist attacks. Individuals from acrossed the USA, and in three countries, wrote poetry on the American Online web-site. Through the Eyes of Freedom captures the voices of America during the first few days following that tragic and fatefull day. What keeps going through my mind is: What if there was an Internet during 1941, when Peal Harbor was attacked? What if young Americans around the USA posted their thoughts through poetry and those poems were collected into a book. You would have an honest record for history of that time. Through the Eyes of Freedom is just such a book. In my view it is an unprecendented work. I am so proud to be a contributor, especially so since 50% of the proceeds will be donated to help the suffering families of the heroes we lost on that day. BTW (by the way)the poetry itself is really good!

I am truly amazed at the quality of this book. Mulling thorugh book stores to find the perfect book to find a way to ease the pain and feel closure from September 11, 2001, only this book enabled me to do so. The book is a compliation of poetry from students and parents across the nation in response to the attack. It's truly remarkable how touching one book can be. As i shared it with other classmates, none could read the book without shedding a tear. It is reuly a soul grabbing book. Thank you Jennifer for producing such a wonderful book...

This book is truly amazing. It open your heart to see the view of teens all across the US about the September 11, 2001, attacks. I've given the book to many friends during class and by reading only one or two, all were teary-eyed, and some couldn't stop crying. The book is so insightful an beautifully put together. Recently, I went to a book store and was mulling over the numerous books on September 11...something, anything to put an end to everything i was thinking. This book does that fo me, it helps close the feelings i have and make me know it's okay to feel the way I'm feeling. No other book is this powerful.

Some of us like it rough. This dame plays the way we used to play in the streets of Philly. There is elegance, there is subtle intelligence, yes, all that, but the best part is that when the ball hits you, it stings like hell. She writes of life and living, but also of eternity and death. She is somber, but never depressing. The language itself is encouraging, even when her message is not. This is a 20th century poet who has seen it all and isn't afraid to remind us of what man is capable of. The techniques are modern, too, but the love of language surely belongs to the old world. This is the kind of poetry we all used to love to read. She plays hard ball.

Wisala Szymborska's poetry passes the test of intelligibility which is important to me. Virtually all of her poems are self contained in that they do not make arcane literary allusions. In other words, her poetry can be appreciated by the average reader which I consider myself to be. She does not limit herself in subject matter so her poetry contains something for everyone, and also with a subtle humor and an obvious understanding of the human condition. She does not require a lot of words or a lengthy poem to share her own unique insights. Reading this Nobel laureate one thinks how nice it wold be to meet this great lady. Although I devoured this collection the day I received this book, it is one which I will certainly read again.

This book was and still is my first poetry book; not because I haven't read anyone else's, but it's the first compilation that I was really willing to pay the often outrageous prices for. (LOL) I am not an avid poetry reader, nor am I familiar with the current favorite contemporary poets, but I find that she really does succinctly portray "life's improbability as well as its transient beauty" quite well.

As a younger reader , I do have a bit of a problem identifying with the poetry that she writes pre-1972 (that is, the first few sections before the 'Could Have' section), because I don't really know much about it. As a note though, I probably should say that 'Nothing Twice,' which is about the probabilities of chance, from the pre-1972 section has been a real gem. Anyhow, the travelogues, the places, the books are things that frankly, I'd ask my parents and they probably wouldn't know either, or know very little about. I suppose if I researched enough, I would have no trouble understanding her message, but the stuff I really bought this book for was the pro-1972 sections. I can identify the issues because they're fairly general knowledge and have a certain mocking humor to some of them, but the words do just pull you in. The poems are addressed to one, and to all, and you feel like you're part of the whole. There are instances in which you feel like she's writing about you and the instances you've gone through, and that's what makes you feel amazed at the depth of understanding she has on these matters.

I first discovered her poetry in my high school English class and was surprised to find this book as the only book available in my favorite bookstore (and costing almost triple the cost of a volume of poetry that must have been 600 pages long, with of course long-dead, long-cherished poets). Oh, wait--I did find another book containing her work (that I don't remember the name of) but I bought this one because there were simply more poems that I liked. After a month or two of muddling around and waiting for the price drop (which it didn't), I just gave up and bought it. I can't say that I've regretted that decision.

And...if you still have trouble deciding, the Nobel Prize for Literature she won should be more than enough of a pull to help you decide. It wasn't as much of a deciding factor for me, but it's always nice to know that somewhere in the depths of the blackhole that is my room, I actually have nobel prize literature that I understand and can recommend to others...

My favorite poems from her have been 'Could Have,' 'The Onion,' 'Discovery,' 'True love,' 'Under One Small Star,' 'Pi,' of course 'View with a grain of Sand' because of wordplay, but I find that every time I re-read it, I uncover more about the poems and so that favorites list keeps on getting longer and longer.

It may sound a little strange, but I keep it with me when I travel for long periods of time away from home and turn to it when I have that rare solitary moment to really think about life and what its inner workings are because it just gives such a realistic criticism that you sort of go...wow. Never really thought about it like that before.

The Nobel Laureate in Literature of 1996 was proudly bestowed on Wislawa Szymborska, the first Polish woman to receive the prize for literature. While they are other Polish recipients like poet Czeslaw Milosz, Wladyslaw Reymont, and Henry Sienkiewicz to have received the honor, Wislawa is the first woman. While she writes poetry mostly, she has written prose. My biggest problem with poetry is that when it's written in another language, I believe it gets lost in translation but rather the meaning is not lost among its readers. The translators have the arduous task of translating from Polish to English. If you anything about Polish, it's not an easy language to translate from especially to English. But Wislawa is worthy of receiving such top honors because she is now well-known, highly regarded and respected. She has not changed much since she was awarded the NObel prize. She still lives in the same three room apartment in Cracow, she still smokes, and she is still the same humble person who despite her own feelings is quite worthy of such a prize.

...Containing over eighty poems from seven original collections, this book serves as a well-rounded and pleasant introduction to Szymborska's work. This is a good choice for anyone interested in good poetry, women under communist regimes, or Polish literature.

I loved this book!It is a beautiful story with gorgeous illustrations. Having kept pet rats for years, I was thrilled to find such a lovely tale with a rat as an endearing creature.So often they are portrayed as evil,dirty animals. Refreshing and brilliant!

Long before a gourmet rodent named Remy stole our hearts in "Ratatouille", a bookish rat named Walter scampered into existence courtesy of author Barbara Wersba and Donna Diamond. Walter is special because - unlike any of his friends or relatives - he discovered at a young age that he knows how to read. And as any of us who truly love books can easily attest, once you start reading, it is impossible to ever stop. Fortunately, Walter has taken up residence in the Long Island house of Miss Pomeroy, a lonely woman who just happens to be an author. Over the course of 60 pages - combined with a smattering of priceless pen and ink drawings - the author weaves a gentle tale of friendship in which these two unique souls come to be aware of one another. I started reading this enchanting tale myself one evening at the dining room table while my husband was cooking dinner and I kept interrupting him so often with the charming turns of phrase that he finally suggested I read it out loud to him. To date, it remains a favorite story to both of us and I have subsequently bought many copies for young people - and adults! - who would appreciate Walter's honesty, simplicity, curiosity and kindness.

Christina Hamlett
Author of "Movie Girl"

This book is lovely and deeper then one would think for such a small book. I find that I would like to know more about their relationship and wished that this sweet tale would continue...

So simple, yet not. This lovely story presents a one of a kind opportunity to share many important topics with a child in an way that he/she can be easily relate. There are so many themes and underlying nuances. What a wonderful way to explore the fragile nature of human insecurities and prejudices - this book should be on every 5th grade teacher's reading list. I can't wait to share it with my niece Allison.

A beautifully written story about a very special friendship between two lonely souls that will touch your heart. Barbara Wersba proves little words can express deep emotions.
Wonderful illustrations!

I always enjoy these,easy to read and understand,books. I also like anything along the Laura Ingalls Wilder line. Always good reading. A book for any age to read.

I found this collection of letters written by Laura Ingalls Wilder (author of the "Little House" series) to be fascinating. The letters were written to her husband when Mrs. Wilder went to San Francisco to visit her daughter, Rose Wilder Lane, in 1915.

The reader gets Mrs. Wilder's description of a San Francisco that is recovering from the earthquakes and fires that took place earlier in the century and is now hosting an International Exposition. Mrs. Wilder's description of her first encounter with the Pacific Ocean is wonderful.

The reader also gets a glimpse into the life of Mrs. Wilder. She is very concerned about finances and things back on the farm. She has yet to write her first "Little House" book, but her daughter, who is already an accomplished journalist, is helping Mrs. Wilder get a feel for writing.

This book will be a treat for readers interested in the life of Laura Ingalls Wilder and those interested in a portrait of San Francisco in the early 20th century.

I love all the little house books. I am buying these so I can read them again and also to build up a library for my grandchildren.

Laura Ingalls Wilders makes a trip by train to visit her daughter, Rose, in 1915 in San Francisco. It was during the 1915 World's Fair. Laura visited for two months and wrote interesting, detailed letters back home to Almanzo about what she saw and did.
Some of her descriptions were captivating in their detail. The book fills in gaps and answers questions about the years following the events of the Little House books. The reader meets Rose, the daughter, as an adult, and begins to learn about her amazing life as a successful writer.
It was during this visit that Rose begins to help Laura learn how to better write for publication, such as how to block-out a story.
The reader gets an insight into Rose's fierce loyalty and sense of responsibiity to her parents.

In addition to Laura's detailed letters to Almanzo describing her adventure, this book includes over thirty photographs featuring Laura, Rose, the Pacific Ocean (ships, beachgoers, etc.), San Francisco, and many scenes of the Panama-Pacific International Exposition including an air show and night-lit festivities. Though in black and white, this pictorial insight into what was behind the letters is wonderful.

The book also includes an introduction telling how and where the letters were found and a lovely description of San Francisco at the time of Laura's visit. The letters themselves beautifully showcase the art of letter writing: Along with Laura's vivid descriptions of the technological marvels of the expo, her words are full of charming details to make us smile such as the price of eggs, hat shopping, and her favorite foods of the expo. Laura's expertise in writing compositions, as portrayed in the original Little House books, is very much evident even in these personal letters.

This book is a must have for Little House enthusiasts. Also recommended: On the Way Home: The Diary of a Trip from South Dakota to Mansfield, Missouri, in 1894.

J.H. Sweet, author of The Fairy Chronicles, and longtime Little House fan

What a find! This book has beautifully drawn, believable characters, gripping plotlines, and clean, elegant prose. And it begs to be a movie--great female characters, the whole story about Maddy as a woman driver in the early days of NASCAR, Holly's relationship with her grandfather, etc.

Allison's writing is so clean, precise and unobtrusive that I nearly had the first chapter read before leaving the bookstore. I most enjoyed the shifting perspectives from one family member to another as the story unfolded among multiple family members.

This novel will leave you thinking, as it does what good writing should: its characters seem even more real than the folks next door. Allison tells his story--and it's a good story--through multiple viewpoints and styles. This might muddle things in less capable hands, but in Allison's it only deepens the experience. His writing stays clear throughout, almost breathable. It made the getting to know his people all that much easier and enjoyable.

Novels that stick with me produce one commmon effect: I recognize I've reached the end of the story (because of that feeling that this particular ending is the only way it could end), but nonetheless want to know what happened to the characters afterwards. I've been thoroughly involved in what's happening to them, a top-shelf experience to have as a reader.

What You Have Left is like a perfect pop song. The kind that you crank up on a bright summer day as you roll down the windows, step on the gas, and see what that baby can do. Like those summertime songs, this book is infectious, with no fatty in the patty.

The characters are vividly drawn, but the prose is so smooth as to be invisible. It's like I didn't read the story at all; I mainlined it. But don't confuse "pop" with "simple." This book is smart. Complex as the human heart. And that's Will Allison's best trick. Making this whole writing game seem easy as ice cream.

THE book of the summer.

Will Allison's style of writing is simple yet smart. I immediately fell for his characters and found myself engrossed in their lives, unable to put the book down until I finished it. Each chapter is strong enough to easily stand on its own as an excellent short story, but together, the chapters also embody a phenominal work which is funny, emotional, and very human.