Virginia Books

Some fifty years ago I could recite this book by heart. It was a precursor to my later infatuations with Gilbert and Sullivan. It has not lost its charm: medieval setting, whimsical plot, rhythm and rhyme, amusing observations of human foibles. I relate to the duchess today in ways that I might not have suspected as a child, and make it my favorite gift to other parents of little girls.

An untypical tale of a duchess who's clutzy in the kitchen. Read this story to my daughter years ago, now I got this copy for my granddaughter, and she loves it too.

All my kids (4,7, & 9 yrs) loved this book! We especially enjoyed the rhyming text. Even so the text was extensive enough to tell a full story. In general, most pages have many lines of text. We read it as a Five in a Row book, but I am sure it will be a requested book for years to come. We were able to talk about many side issues including cakes, yeast, consequences, calories, catapults, castles, alliteration, complementary colors. The duchess decides to make a "lovely, light, luscious, delectable" cake but doesn't accept any advice or follow any instructions. As a result, she puts everything in it and way too much yeast! She sits on it and rises high in the sky unable to get down. It sounds rather silly but it is very well written and was a worthwhile purchase.

I love, love, love this book! It's playfully delightful and now that I can get one at a reasonable price, I'll be ordering a copy for my 4 y/o niece soon!

Most fun I've had with this book is rapping it with a friend for a talent show...

This was one of the truly formative books of my youth. Silly and fun and with a wonderful rhyme. I have the most wonderful memories of my mother reading this to me. Years ago, when I first had children, I HAD to find this book for them and it was out of print. I managed to find an excellent copy but spent nearly $100 for it -- and thought it worth every cent! Now that its back in print, I've bought FOUR more copies -- for gifts for all the children of the right age that I can think of. Highly, highly, highly recommended!

Fearless by Tom Stephen and Virginia Starkey-Stephen is a lovely book, well written and beautifully illustrated with photos by Hank Foto of Hawaiian surfing. Written with the reflections of a peaceful day ahead, it is truly inspriational that can be used again and again. Wonderful!

This book looks like a coffee table book on surfing. In truth, it is packed with insiteful guidance on how to navigate through life. Using surfing and extreme sports metaphor, the book walks the reader into a much better understanding of what drives us - good or bad - and what God wants. I find myself reading one or two pages every few days, putting it down and chewing on the content. Worth every penny.

This is an awesome devotional. It connects on so many levels and is applicable whether you surf 7 days a week or live 1500 miles away from the ocean. Whether you are a committed follower of Christ, new believer or anywhere in between, or you just like great surf photos, this devotional is great for you. We have been using Fearless in our youth Sunday School class and the kids have been loving it. They love the pictures, the scriptures are relevant, the short readings are really easy to follow and connect with and the questions really spark thought and conversation. In a world that's pretty scary and messed up, the idea of fear and God's answer to that fear is so important. Buy this book. Read it. Use it.

I thoroughly enjoyed the book and benefited from it. The writing is excellent, the photos are terrific, and the messages are truly inspiring.

how often do you find a great devotion and coffee-table book in one? the cover caught my attention and i started flipping through this book to look at the (fabulous) pictures. before long i found myself reading the insightful, surprisingly personal questions and great scripture excerpts. i've really enjoyed dwelling in the devotions and i look forward to more books by these authors.

I LOVE this book! I encourage you to pass this along to mothers, daughters, sisters, friends...everyone will love it and be enriched greatly just by reading this sweet, funny, thought-provoking book by the incomparable Beth Moore!

I'm a parent of 2 little ones, and I've been reading one of her essays each morning. They're sweet and real and funny (just like Beth Moore always is) - and they're a real encouragement to me to see the long view of godly parenting, rather than getting stuck in the preschool weeds. I also gave it as a gift to my mother-in-law whose chicks are long gone from the nest, and she loved it too.

Very touching...touches all emotions. I bought three more to share with other family/friends who are mothers. Great choice as a gift for moms whose children are leaving for college.

This wonderful little book about Beth and her husband going thru empty-nest made me feel a wide range of emotions. She is a brilliant writer and always amazes me how she can be a faithfull follower of Jesus but still have so much FUN!! What a refreshing christian woman..Buy the book.. you won't be disapointed.. Beth allows you a 'peek' into her private life. If you have taken a bible study that she wrote you will get snapshots of her life.. this book fills in the holes a bit..Great reading!

I read Beth Moore's book after experiencing two miscarriages and trying to get pregnant for the third time. Her Godly approach to motherhood made me realize that God gives us children as gifts and blessings - regardless if it is for a few months in utero or for decades on earth! She gives a personalized insight on how to try to raise children to love Christ - in a world that often makes that difficult! I would highly recommend this book to any woman - moms, daughters, moms-to-be, or as I was when I read it, a mom wanna-be!

Just finished the book in one sitting and I could not put it down! Shawn and Gwenn's story is so inspiring and the book is incredibly funny!

I had seen the two of them speak while I was a student at UVA and was inspired the first time too. Shawn has been an advocate, friend, Homecoming King, musician, husband, and author in 30 years on this planet. Much more than most people will ever do in 90. Do yourself a favor and buy this book right now! And then join me in anticipation of the next one!

Despite the hardships that he has faced throughout his life Shawn Decker has shown that it is possible to be positive, happy, and accepting- even when those around him did not understand or accept him themselves. Through this book Shawn uses his humor and intelligence to teach not only about HIV but about how to be a better human. As someone who has suffered through hardships of their own I know what a difficult task this can be yet Shawn pulls it off effortlessly and with grace. This book so captured my mind and my heart I read it in one sitting. I laughed, I cried, and I learned. Everyone should read this book.

This is a well-written book about living with a life-threatening disease. Decker writes with humor about the fear and adjustments he and his family go through as they come to terms with his disease. At times hilarious, often poignant, I loved it. I bought it for the people I love who are going through the same thing.

Simply a great book. The author is my age and I felt a connection in his stories. It didn't matter that I have not been directly connected to someone with HIV or Aids. The story has an amazing love story built in to a life full of love, support and true creativity. Excellent read!

I have been anticipating this book for quite sometime after stumbling onto Shawn's page on myspace- then meeting him one night at a local restaurant. I read the book in one day- I could not put it down. He writes about his life in such an easy and charming way that you really feel like you were there with him the whole time. Gwenn, his family and friends are amazing- and I am so happy to have gotten to know them better through the book. This book is wonderful and I am so happy that Shawn did something positive with his pet virus instead of letting it take over his life. I also am waiting for the sequel. :) Everyone should read this book. You are one of my heroes Shawn...well done!

This book is not just another tale of a personal fight with cancer. Rather, it is an account of Ms. Hansen's focus on cure for the sake of her family. She injects both humor and honesty during very harrowing times without minimizing the impact it had on her. As a physician, I believe that everyone in the healthcare field should read this book as it gives a very realistic perspective of the fears, wishes and hopes of someone facing a life threatening illness.

Plain speaking Virginia Hansen relates a harrowing tale of one family's battle against Hodgkin's Lymphoma.

This book makes two important contributions: One, it provides step by step real-world instructions for combating a vicious and persistent disease and secondly, it clarifies the uses of stem cells and stem cell applications. The reader can plainly see that stem cell research is not the "boogeyman" some would like us to believe.

Please note, this is not a medical "textbook" account of this disease; rather, it is a heartfelt monologue about a personal triumph over fear and uncertainty.

Michael and Judy

This book was such an inspiration to me as I felt while reading it I was actually there with Ginny. Not only informative but such honesty and the raw truth of what she endured will help me and others to be a better friend, mother, wife and all around person in the event that I have a loved one with such an unforgiving disease. She left me wanting so much more and I am sure she will deliver. Thank you so much Ginny for putting to paper such an incredible story and making it available for all to read and learn from.

As a physician, my ears perked up when I heard the author interviewed on TV last week. I met the author and purchased her book at a booksigning the next day. I later read the entire book in one sitting. It has the ring of authenticity, and is recommended to anyone, even if you think neither you nor anyone you know will ever get cancer.

The book is written in an entertaining, conversational, sometimes humorous, sometimes dramatic, style and always pure Ginny. Thank goodness for the health care giver who advised the author to keep a journal, this brings an immediacy to her story which is hard to duplicate.

Perhaps not the best book for hypochondriacs (a chronic itch becomes a clue to cancer), this book may save more lives than many physicians, simply by illustrating the importance of listening to what your body tells you. It also slips in tips on being assertive when managing your own care. Unlike most treatments of the subject, there is little or no bitterness over the usual early 'missed diagnosis'. Instead, the book is definitely upbeat. Her story demonstrates the importance of having someone with you at all times to serve as an advocate.

This book will be helpful to anyone who has felt uncomfortable knowing what to say when they learn that someone they know or care about has cancer. There are some inspiring heartwarming moments in this book that I will not divulge.

We have been privileged to share an inside look into what it's like to be a patient, and more importantly, what it takes to survive the sometimes bewildering hurdles that confront us when we are least capable of dealing with difficulties. Ginny obviously was blessed with that goodnatured 'cancer personality' which all too often seems to be afflicted with this adversity.

Author and cancer survivor Virginia Hansen has written a book that is not only entertaining and informative, but it is also inspirational. Her debut book "Stems of Life" is a personal memoir of her courageous fight for her life against cancer.

The author uses a simple narrative to weave her life experience. She shares the inmate details of her battle against Hodgkins Lymphoma in much the same way that one would have a conversation with an old friend. Her writing style allows the reader to feel like the author is personally relating her experiences to you. It feels like you are sitting cross the kitchen table having coffee together.

This book could become a life saver for some people but it is certainly an inspirational story for all people to read regardless if they are struggling with some life threatening disease or not. I was personally moved and felt a desire to learn more about this woman.

I first meet the author at the television studios of Channel 10 in Sacramento this year (2007) where we were both waiting in the greenroom for our on-air interviews. She came across then, as someone very special, even though she makes no pretense to be anyone other than herself. She is more than just a cancer survivor--she is a real hero! I feel privileged to have run into her and to have read her wonderful book.

The American Authors Association (AAA) has nominated this book for one of its yearly awards and gives it their highest book rating of FIVE STARS! I also personally endorse and recommend this book!

In the past, I've approached all investment primers with the same enthusiasm I reserve for visits to the dentist. But after my first half-hour with this one, I was happily hooked! Not only is the investment advice top-notch, but the method of delivery outstanding. O'Shaughnessy exhibits an amazing ability to make sophisticated concepts digestible. Her breezy writing style makes the advice seem like it's coming from a trusted friend, and her sense of humor keeps you smiling while you learn how to make that first -- or second -- million.

The Unofficial Guide to Investing is wonderful. If it wasn't, I wouldn't be dragging this fat book around in my brief case as I travel around the world on business. I'm too busy to spend a lot of time reading or even thinking about my own finances, which is why I especially like this book. It covers all the bases and the author writes in a style that is fun to read.

This book is engagingly written with wit & humor as well as lots of factual material and sound advice that you can actually use. Clear and straightforward for the novice, there is also lots of information and advice on on-line investing information and tools for the web-accessing sophisticated and savvy investor. Whether you are a novice or an experienced investor, Ms. O'Shaughnessy serves you up lots of good advice and information with respect and gentle humor. A good read, and a keeper for later reference with wonderful resource and reference material as a supplement at the back. - A San Diego cardiologist

This book has everything for those of us who are timid about investing. Ms. O'Shaughnessy shares insights and information which help both the novice and experienced investor navigate the world of stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. She uses anecdotal and even personal stories to inform and amuse throughout the book. There is an incredible amount of valuable information and tons of resources for the reader, and Ms. O'Shaughnessy covers the pros and cons of many investment topics. This user-friendly guide is a winner!

Over the years, I've concluded that most financial books are unrealistic in the marching orders they give us, their poor readers. I'm a long-term investor (not a day trader!), so I don't appreciate a lot of fancy financial formulas that require a great deal of thought or time. Thank goodness the author of The Unofficial Guide to Investing understands that. She provides solid advice that makes an awful lot of sense to me. I also appreciate all the tips she sprinkles into the book's margins. For instance, I discovered how I could very easily determine how much my savings bonds are worth. I also learned the phone number to call to find out how much my Social Security benefits will be worth someday.

I'm not a science fan but I loved learning about the space program and the rockets. I read the book within a few hours. Nice job, authors.

I'm not a science fan but I loved learning about the space program and the rockets. I read the book within a few hours. Nice job, authors.

I really enjoyed learning about this private base where our rockets were developed. The writers made it so clear and easy to read. Neat!

I bet those two authors couldn't get on that base today. How lucky we are to have this book prior to terrorism. It gives a good feel on what goes on behind the scenes. The postcard photos are great.

I bet the authors wouldn't get clearance now to go to this government base...what with 9/11 and all the terrorism. That makes this book all the more valuable and treasured. Neat photos and fun info.

Having read the first book in this series, I couldn't wait to read Con's story and I was not disappointed. Ms. Kantra in a master of characterization.

I thoroughly enjoyed Con's story -- one of the best books I've read all year. Con is a very real-life hero, intelligent enough to think before reacting. He accepts that the heroine, Val, isn't a ninny but rather an independent woman who just needs a helping hand. I adored Con and can't wait for Sean's story! Hurry up September!

Virginia Kantra's writing is, quite simply, extraordinary. Humor, tenderness, action, sizzling sensuality -- this story has it all, and then some. With vivid, evocative prose, the author creates characters whose heartbeats become the reader's own. While sexual tension shimmers throughout THE COMEBACK OF CON MACNEILL, not once does it seem artificial or contrived, but rather a natural, explosive reaction between two brilliantly crafted characters. And her ability to tightly interweave the romance with other aspects of the plot is unsurpassed. Brava!

Virginia Kantra has joined my list of favorite authors, after I read a few other books and then stumbled across Book 2 of the O'Neill brothers trilogy (the first book is Kantra's second THE PASSION OF PATRICK O'NEILL; the third book is THE TEMPTATION OF SEAN O'NEILL). Another book MAD DOG AND ANNIE is a sequel to some of the events that take place in THE COMEBACK OF CON O'NEILL, although both books can pretty much stand on their own - which is the secret of a great series romance.

Kantra writes category romance, i.e. romances published in a monthly line by publishers such as Harlequin and Silhouette. I cut my eye-teeth on category romances (along with Georgette Heyer), but most of the authors I loved back then leave me cold now.

Kantra's second book of her O'Neill trilogy is set in a small town. Financial consultant Con O'Neill, with his lean clever face, has been forced out of Boston and his high-paying and high-flying job. Not only has he lost his job, but also his fiancee. Con comes to small town USA when he is hired for a job or project by the local bank president - to bail his daughter Val out of trouble with her restaurant. This is small potatoes for Con, but if he can pull off the job, he will get a badly-needed recommendation with which to stage his comeback to the world of high finance.

Con is not too enthusiastic. What does he know about restaurants after all? Pretty soon, he realizes that Val Cutler, the restaurant owner, is something special. Val has her own demons too - including being emotionally smothered by her too-helpful father and her distant mother. She wants to run a purely vegetarian show in a town where the usual call is for steak and fries. Con tries to reorient her cuisine with unexpected results. He then begins poking into the business's finances with even more unexpected results.

Woven into this story of a woman's effort to prove herself to her father and the town is the story of her friend Annie who is married to the local "golden boy" [For more on that, read MAD DOG AND ANNIE]. There is suspense, there is heartache, and there is the need to combat prejudices of all kinds - the town's against the outsider Con and for the local "star", Val's father's about his daughter's efforts to make her own living, and more. Throughout this, there winds a honeyed strain of sexual tension (along with tension of another kind) which brings the book to a dramatic close.

Con and Val's problems are not solved by the end. We know that life will be a struggle, and that Con will have to make a choice - between big-city glamour and fame and small-town success. Elder brother Patrick, his second wife Kate and their family make a brief appearance.

If you liked this book, try either the last part of the O'Neill trilogy or MAD DOG AND ANNIE (which tells the heartbreaking story of Val's friend).

After reading THE PASSION OF PATRICK MACNEILL, I had certain expectations for Con. He had to be strong, handsome, intelligent and most of all compassionate. His story had to have the same depth of emotion and character, the same intense and quality writing. That seemed a lot to ask, but I did anyway.
I wasn't disappointed. THE COMEBACK OF CON MACNEILL is just as well written as Patrick's story. Virginia has consistently given us strong men, and holding her to that, I'm looking forward to Sean's story, which is now on shelves.
For those of you who don't normally read category romance, this series about three brothers is one that might just make you change your mind.
~sue
Sue Waldeck
Road to Romance
http://www.roadtoromance.dhs.org

As a person who was not born and raised in West Virginia, Loughry's book was an eye-opener. It takes the reader beyond the flippant comments and sound bites that emerge every political season, to give one a baseline, if you will, of the sordid past of politics in the state. The political shenanigans occur on both sides of the aisle, and some of the strange bedfellows that emerged at various times are truly fascinating.

The book begins with the Kennedy campaign and how a largely Protestant state voted for Kennedy, a Catholic, and changed the balance between Kennedy and Hubert Humphrey in a primary season very different from what we see today. Loughry takes us into the inner workings of the political machines, lubricated by money from Joseph Kennedy (who is responsible, verbatim, for the title of the book).

From there the book shifts backwards to the development of political bosses of the distant past and then takes us through to some of the aspects of politics in play to this day.

I cannot verify Loughry's claim that everything he has gathered is verifiable through media excerpts, but I can say that it is a fascinating read that is a must for any armchair politician in the state, and a great read for anyone interested in how our the voting process works or does not work

After having this book recommended to me, I was a bit skeptical, figuring it too dry for my taste, but I was immediately drawn in and had trouble putting it down. Growing up in West Virginia I was startled at how deep the corruption in politics has been and its continuing nature. The book examines corruption itself in a very fair and even manner without attacking any particular group. After reading this, the need for election reform and accountability in public office is obvious. Not just for West Virginia but for the country. I found the book to be interesting, informative, entertaining at times, and very thought provoking. I would recommend it to anyone, whether or not they have an interest in politics. I can even see the value of the book as a required text for high school students because it provides a taste of history that is sometimes buried, along with a plan for the future.

Don't Buy Another Vote....is a wonderful, easy to read, eye-opening book. I think everyone including college students, West Virginians, people that follow politics very closely, and people that just vote should read. It is a very honest look at political corruption with a little humor along the way. Very well written! Go get a copy!!!!

I just finished "Don't Buy Another Vote, I Won't Pay For A Landslide" and find it to be one of the most amazing books I have ever read! I started reading and surprisingly, I couldn't put it down. Being a political junkie I thought I knew just about everything about politics, but this book breaks it down to a much more detailed level in a very comprehensive, yet readable way. The detail is mindboggling, but the conversational style of the author is refreshing.
In all of my years of reading political books and following politics, this is the first time I have ever read a book written in such a non partisan manner. I was skeptical at first because individuals often proclaim to be non partisan and write without bias, but that rarely is ever the case. The author is an equal opportunity offender, but it is clear that he doesn't pick on anybody. Instead, he tells the story of incredible corruption broken down at a state level. It includes amazing information about Mother Jones, the Hatfields and McCoys, the Coal Mine Wars, governors going to jail, a state attorney general hiring hit man to kill one of his deputies, another governor having his wife bribe a juror, a judge who bit the end off of a defendant's nose, and countless other stories. What makes this book different, however, is the that author provides a step-by-step way to fix the system that can be applied to all fifty states. This guy should run for Governor or U.S. Senator because we lack these types of visionaries in state and federal government these days.
This book should be read by everyone with any interest in politics, history, psychology, elections, etc.... I was overwhelmed and have told everyone I know. Every single high school student in America should be given a copy of this book as they graduate. This book changed my life! READ THIS BOOK!!!!

Dr. Allen Loughry's "Don't Buy Another Vote, I Won't Pay for a Landslide" is truly a breath of fresh air in a genre that sorely needed it. Most books written these days about the political arena and the corrupt nature attendant to it are riddled with shortcomings and philosophical pitfalls and, in the end, simply don't deliver. More often than not they serve to advance the agenda of their own writer, and the most painful part of the whole experience is how patently transparent that writer's intentions are. They provide little more than a laundry list of rants by an author perched high atop his/her soap box driven by a far greater concern for hijacking the pages of his/her own publication to simply rail against the establishment. The greater problem with this is how rarely they provide anything substantive in the way of suggested remedies for a very broken and morally bankrupt system that rules the day in American politics.

With "Don't Buy Another Vote" Loughry breaks that mold. His writing is not only to the complete contrary of such a dissatisfying style, but it downright hits home. This is the political narrative that we've all been waiting to read, and it was well worth the wait. Unlike may authors who complain about the proverbial weather without doing anything to change it, Loughry does plenty, or at least he inspires us to do so. Not only does he call nearly 150 years worth of corrupt West Virginia officials out on the carpet for their egregious misdeeds, but he also provides suggestions for the type of reform he feels is necessary to correct this longstanding crisis.

Loughry's "Contract With the Voter" is as innovative and well thought out as it is groundbreaking. Before the smoke settles, don't be surprised if this model for change might very well be adopted as the accepted norm for those seeking office not just in the Mountain State, but in any state. It's prolific in its simplicity and after reading it you'll find yourself saying..."Yes, why can't we implement something like THAT!?" From cover to cover Loughry's message resonates and his voice is true to the mark. A crisp writing style that goes a long way toward walking us through a murky history in which nothing sacred holds. A must read for all of us, irrespective of our own political affiliations. Loughry points out that corruption is not confined to party lines. Neither, for that matter, is the book now chronicling its long and ugly history in West Virginia.

It was hard to obtain a copy of this book... Anyhow, a broken down look at Faith, Dr. Price gives you numerous examples on what faith is and how it works which makes it easy for you to understand. Highly recommended... I think a copy of this book should be included with every copy of the Bible sold. A wonderful look at faith!

I enjoyed this book, but the series is better. Hearing the word of God preached on this subject will shed much light on just how FAITH works.

This book is good and interesting, Dr. Price, quite well expresses his view of how faith works. To put it simply his opinion (which differs from mine), is that once you have prayed for anything you then began to thank God for His answer that you expect to receive. That's good and apparently has worked for him. But he never refers to Elijah sending Elisha to look for a cloud several times, before the rain came, in the OT, and in the NT we are told to not only ask, seek, knock, but to keep on asking, seeking, and knocking, until we get our answer. This is a positive book and a good book and Dr. Price does use scriptures to agree with his opinion, however, I feel where the Bible is concerned we should not be tunnel visioned if more than one way of looking at something as important as prayer is shown, not once but at least twice and both the Old Testament and the New Testament.

If this book doesn't change your life for the better, nothing will.

This is a very powerful book that can change your life!! It is well written and 100% backed up with scripture. It covers various areas and is quite deep, yet definitely simple enough for a new Christian. Teaches that faith is acting on the word of God and many biblical examples are given and are presented with great detail. Dr Price also goes over the prayer of faith in details, which is really the key to receiving. Simply put...this book teaches you how to move God's hand!!