Characters Books

Do you ever feel stressed? Do you have times when you feel depressed or unsure of your decisions? If so, you need this book. Dr. Cook offers simple solutions for common problems that come up for everyday people. The light tone of the writing along with the scripture based advice is easy to read and comprehend. Dr. Cook uses her personal life and family stories to show how easy it is to live a blessed life.

LIVE LIKE YOU'RE BLESSED is the perfect tool for bible study groups, personal reflection and church groups. The redeeming lessons of forgiveness, eliminating guilt, healing shame, reviving your emotional energy, and loving God back allow you to re-focus on what is important. The stimulating chapters on discerning your path to success, finding your holy mission, creating financial wealth and encouraging others will inspire you to reach for higher means. The devotions, prayers and scriptures all support living a blessed life.

Deltareviewer
Reviewing for Real Page Turners

This is the best book I've read all year! My heart was healed, my mind was renewed, my soul rejoiced! If you want to live like you are blessed - all the time - get this book!

Pam Perry, Chocolate Pages Reviewer

"Live Like You're Blessed: Simple Steps For Making Balance, Love, Energy, Spirit, Success, Encouragement, And Devotion Part Of Your Life is an enlivening read. Dr. Suzan Johnson Cook effectively breaks down what it truly means to be blessed in this practical guide that is a must have for those who are honestly seeking peaceful, secure and spiritually fulfilled lives.

Dr. Cook uses a combination of her own personal and professional experiences to provide sound spiritual concepts to help readers conquer some of life's most difficult challenges. Presented in a manner that will motivate readers to contemplate seven simple steps to enhance their lives.

Dr. Suzan Johnson Cook urges readers to create balance in their lives. To learn to love others, and ourselves allowing energy to flow restoring our emotional strength. To become in tune with our inner spirit, understanding that through encouragement and devotion that you can successfully live like you're blessed.

A powerful message is delivered in this resourceful book. It's a book that readers can utilize daily in their pursuit of living their best lives.

I am very interested in this book, having just heard the author. However, I need the book in a CD version to listen to as I drive.

In LIVE LIKE YOU'RE BLESSED: Simple Steps for Making Balance, Love, Energy, Spirit, Success, Encouragement, and Devotion Part of Your Life, Dr. Suzan Johnson Cook gives readers a guide to living a blessed life through faith. She breaks the book into seven topics of which the first letters form the acrostic BLESSED. Readers are encouraged to obtain balance in their lives, learn to receive and give love, how to find energy to keep us going, become more in tuned with the spirit of God within us, create success that aligns with God's plan, and find courage that will provide encouragement to others. And, lastly, show a devotion to God through unwavering faith. Each section shares her personal and professional experiences, some simple exercises, a few prayers, scriptures and a ton of motivation to kick you into gear.

Dr. Cook has written a humbling, yet upliftingly resourceful guide to living blessed, that anyone can follow. Her writing style has an easy follow that isn't preachy. It was as though she was ministering to you personally. The advice and the exercises were practical and easily transferable. This is one of those books that demands your attention and doesn't allow you to let go until you have done a complete inspection of your life. It nicely points out those little hurts you thought were tucked away never to bother you again and quietly gives you a way to permanent closure. If you are reeling from the challenges of life, this is definitely the book for you.

Reviewed by Brenda M. Lisbon
of The RAWSISTAZ(tm) Reviewers

Streeter is back and up to his old tricks. Following the bad guys through twists and turns is no easy job in itself...throw in, getting the girl, making wisecracks and being quicker than the police and you have a five star detective story. I love Streeter - he is like a modern Phillip Marlow. Here Streeter has to protect his ex-wife from a psychopath that was her client and went to jail. Now he is out on a technicality and is furious. His specialty is to make bombs/booby traps to kill everyone involved in the case.
Buy this book if you love faced paced mystery and danger. I guarantee every time you put it down you will make the long reach to pick it back up - it's that good!

Relic113

The promise that author Stone showed in The Low End of Nowhere is delivered in this second book of the series. While a key plot point is telegraphed fairly early on, the author uses this to his advantage and delivers some nicely unexpected twists. This time out, the characters stand solid in their own right and in the climactic scenes of this book Stone lets his sense of humor loose, with the result that there are some hilarious, laugh-out-loud moments. It's always rewarding when a writer finds his stride and takes off. I'm looking forward to the other books in the series--which are already waiting for me in the small mountain of bedside reading.
Highly recommended.

--- A LONG REACH Michael Stone Viking, Feb 1997, $20.95, 225 pp.

This book (and the rest of the Streeter Mysteries) are captivating with a rough appeal. The rawness of the lead character, Streeter, makes you scared of him, yet leaves you wanting to now more about him. Stone does an excellent job with the story line that will keep you in suspense until the very end. Can't wait for more of them. If you love a good mystery, look no further.

The first 2 sentences of this book hooked me. "Merton"Buddy" Hinckley wouldn't tell you the truth if you set his hair on fire. As a small- time contractor, he treated his customers like lice, and he had more process servers after him than both Clintons combined." Move over, Raymond Chandler. Read this in one sitting. Even though I hated the ex-girl friend and hoped she'd get iced or at least didn't care, Stone makes you care about the story. It moves fast and has interesting characters. The final "show-down" is hilarious; this should be a movie. I plan to read all the Streeter books.

Nancy, Bess and George are eight years old! Could there be a mystery to solve in third grade? When a locket goes missing belonging to one of Nancy's circle, the girls stop talking to each other. It looks like they'll never be freinds again ... unless that locket can be found!

To make the mystery even stranger, it looks like whoever stole the locket left behind a weird sandwhich with peanut butter, relish, ketchup... a mushy mess to turn anyone's stomach!

Nancy comes to the rescue, notebook in hand, analyzing every detail of the case. Young readers will enjoy solving the mystery along with their favorite detective. Certainly, they will be stimulated to read more about her adventures!

Here's another winner from Carolyn Keene! Recommended!

This book is about a girl named George who is watching her cousin Bess's favorite locket. But when Bess looks for her locket, it's gone! Even though George claims she didn't take the locket, Bess wiil not talk to George and, after a while, George stops trying to talk to Bess. Can Nancy find the locket and grow back Bess and George's friendship before it's too late? Read the book to find out!

This book is amazing like all other Nancy Drew books.It has excitement,suspense,and very enjoyable.Buy your copy right now!

I think out of all the titles in the series this would be one of the best. I loved this when I was eight (now I can read it in half an hour). This is a great childrens book. I suggest it to young readers everywhere.

I loved this book because it had lots of interesting characters. It was fun trying to solve the mystery and I had to think hard about who stole the locket. I would recommend this book to all girls who love mystery stories.

The Lottie books portray sweet and complex friendships in a perfect, simple way. Just like people, sometimes the characters are petty and jealous and the lessons learned are good ones without being cute or heavy handed. Dodo's predicament gives the story a wonderful turn, and the illustrations are charming, which make the repeated readings of this book a special pleasure. All three of my children - 2 boys and a girl - love this book.

My 5-years-old really enjoys reading this book. It is funny and easy to read for beginning readers. Even my 20-months-old loves reading this book. Its good message about friendship is an added bonus.

I recently discovered this series (3 books by Petra Mathers -- this is the 2nd) and I'm already anxiously looking forward to book 4. Great illustrations, sweet story. My 2 and 4 year-olds adore the characters.

Lottie and Herbie return, with Mathers' trademark gorgeous paintings that are quirky, quaint, and very funny. These Lottie books tend to be winners.

I love this world, of Lottie, Herbie, and now Dodo that Petra Mathers has created.You'll laugh but most of all you'll recognize yourself--because who hasn't ever felt like a fifth wheel at one time or another? The art is fresh, and filled with wonderful details of this seaside town--which is so cozy that it makes me want to buy a house there right next to Lottie! And look out for perhaps the funniest line you've EVER seen on a flap!( I won't ruin it by telling you). I am crazy about this book AND the series and I know kids and the adults that read it to kids will be too!!

The Library of America produces these great books of bundled literature for really great prices, and of course, Amazon's price is even better. This was the FIRST TIME I'd ever seen ALL of "Little Women" in its two-volume format, nothing deleted or abridged, all the language of the 1860s intact, and the numerous obscure literary references. There's a great section in the back with all of these references listed, and a section of Alcott's life and the events preceding the publications and her life after. Get as many of these books as you can afford.

in the NY Times by MARY JO SALTER titled "Louisa May Alcott's American Girls". I've read a "girls" version a million years ago and have one or more leather bound gifty editions which I haven't read. The Showalter-edited version should be close to the original so I will buy it next month. Please note I have not yet read this version despite my rating and I really wrote here to recommend the review.

Never read this as a kid but watched all versions in the movies. The book was so much better. She's great writer, like Lucy Maud Montgomery and Mark Twain. Great american classic.

As I re-read these delightful pages, I found myself comparing Little Women to Pride and Prejudice, that outstanding work that captures human psychology so well. The comparison made me see new depths in Little Women that convince me that Little Women is by far the stronger work.

But my biggest reaction was how modern the views in the book are. Women should have education, access to opportunities to develop their interests and marriage to men who will complement them. People should be concerned about each other and help one another, lest any person's life be harmed or feelings hurt in the process.

I also noticed how complete a community of loving women can be within the same family.

The writing style is beautifully spare. The key point of a chapter may turn on two or three words. And then, everything changes in the twinkling of an eye.

Being a long book, Ms. Alcott has plenty of chances to develop her characters and she does so beautifully . . . allowing Meg, Jo, Beth, Amy and Laurie to grow and change as they age.

I also came to appreciate more the scope of the book, taking the young women from teenage years through the first few years of marriage. It's a time period that few books consider. Usually, it's all over when the marriage happens. I like this approach better.

Should you read Little Women? Does the sun rise in the East?

If you haven't read Little Women, you've missed great role models for how to be a parent, spouse and child.

Here's the story in a nutshell: During the Civil War, Mr. March is away serving as a chaplain in the Union army. Mrs. March (Marmee) and her four daughters are at home in the cold north making do on small income with the help of one servant, Hannah. As the story opens, the March family is facing a frugal Christmas. But events soon take an unexpected turn and their hearts are filled with gladness. Jo makes an unexpected and most humorous acquaintance of the Laurence boy (Theodore, known as Laurie) who lives next door with old Mr. Laurance, his grandfather. The two families draw upon one another for strength and friendships grow. Illness intercedes making the two families even more dependent on one another. One by one, the children move into adulthood, deal with their romantic feelings and form their alliances.

The characters of each child are quite different, allowing Ms. Alcott to explore the contrasts by putting them together in various private and social occasions. Meg is beautiful and much admired. She should attract many suitors. Jo is energetic, self-absorbed and talented in writing (the character closest to Ms. Alcott herself). Beth is very kind and yet fragile. Amy is the social climber in the family . . . and the pet. Laurie has an artistic temperament, but finds himself expected to play an heir's role.

You'll long remember with delight the stories of their thespian performances, games, dances and social visits. Although the book makes up a wonderfully detailed novel, the chapters are written almost as stand-alone short stories that pack a powerful punch in their modeling of good behavior.

If Little Men weren't an entertaining novel, it could serve as a timeless reminder of how adults can help children direct their energies in helpful ways and develop better habits. The philosophy is to provide lots of love, understanding, forgiveness, slack and carefully chosen incentives and guidance while encouraging friendships among youngsters who will balance one another out if they spend time together. You'll recognize lots of Marmee's loving approach in Jo's more rough and tumble perspective. It's a nice combination.

For those who loved the child-centered world of Little Women, you'll be entranced by what Jo does to educate and raise her own boys, her nephew and niece, a troublesome neighbor girl, male boarders and some unfortunate orphans.

Much of the novel focuses on the character development of two poor orphans, Nat and Dan, who find Jo's Plumfield (which she inherited near the end of Little Women) to be an unfamiliar paradise of a home and school that requires some adjusting to.

Although the title is Little Men, there's plenty of focus on Daisy, twin sister to Demi, Nan, an independent girl with lots of energy, and Bess, Amy and Laurie's daughter. There are pretend balls, teas, and dramatic performances that echo those in Little Women.

But the male slant that is subdued in Little Women bursts forth in Little Men as the book recounts pranks, brawls, collections of disgusting items, pillow fights, taming a colt and doing heavy chores.

Like Little Women, the chapters are really short stories involving the same characters as they progress from month to month.

If you liked Little Women and Little Men, you'll be rewarded for reading Jo's Boys because you'll find out what happened to Nat, Dan, Nan, Emil, Tom, Demi, Daisy, Bess, Jo, Meg, Amy and Laurie in another ten years.

Jo is transformed into a famous novelist who spends her time trying to hide from her public with little luck. It's quite humorous. Plumfield is now a college. Nat goes abroad for advanced training in music and learns other lessons better. Dan seeks to build a new world in the West and runs into the consequences of his quick temper. Emil has a most remarkable adventure on the high seas that will remind many of classic sailing tales in the 19th century. Nan is interested in medicine and little else. Demi turns out to be spoiled. Daisy is patiently waiting for her love to return.

Ms. Alcott takes herself more seriously as a writer and enriches the text with references that may not be familiar to many readers. That effect makes the book seem much less accessible.

But the same loving heart underlies this reunion. You just have to look past more language to find it.

Louisa May Alcott is best known for her classic novel "Little Women," an enchanting look at growing up. But the story of Jo March didn't stop when she went to Plumfields. This collection includes not just "Little Women," but also its two sequels.

"Little Women" introduces us to the four March sisters: pretty Meg, shy Beth, aspiring artist Amy, and tomboyish Jo. In the middle of the Civil War, the girls mature and explore the world, with the help of their mischievous male neighbor Laurie. But with their new freedoms and loves come sacrifices and heartbreak as well...

At the end of the first book, "Mother Bhaer" adopted a small army of preteen boys in addition to her own sons. "Little Men" chronicles the growing pains of her boys -- some of them have been neglected, some are wild, some are nieces and "nevvies" of Jo's, and some just need the delightful chaos of a loving home.

"Jo's Boys" wraps up the trilogy in a bittersweet manner. Jo's boys (and girls) have grown up and are starting to stretch their wings away from home, and are even starting to fall in love. Some of the boys have run-ins with the law, some have trouble pursuing the girls of their dreams, and one will risk his very soul -- and his love -- for something he believes in.

With a much-beloved classic like "Little Women," it's pretty much a given that the sequels won't stack up. But "Little Men" and "Jo's Boys" are still a good mixture of humor, poignancy and "lovering." And of course, the original "Little Women" is one of the best coming-of-age novels of all time, as well as the best book that Alcott ever wrote.

Alcott had a talent for writing realistic family stories and sweet romances, without letting them get dull. And she manages to create a colorful cast, from the mischievous Laurie and rambunctious Jo, to the gentle Marmee and the meek-to-mad cast of "Jo's boys." No matter how many characters Alcott wrote, she managed to give each one a personality.

Louisa May Alcott created the lovable March family, and in the three-pack of "Little Women," "Little Men" and "Jo's Boys," we get to see three generations in action. Funny, poignant and sweet.

As an acquiring editor I have the privilege of reading many book proposals and manuscripts, as well as published books. As I read through this one, I found myself stopping to pray, stopping to repent, and stopping to cry. I found myself so convicted by the example Christ gave us of the godly way to love!

Paul's journey to understand how Jesus loved others is well written with a vulnerability and transparency that lets you know it's okay to be on the path of learning to know and understand God. It's an eternal path, and one that doesn't come easily. We have to set aside all of our preconceived notions about others, "crucify" the very voices of our inner being that cry out to be right, to be loved the most, not to be inconvenienced or misunderstood, and instead to love as Jesus loved.

If you want a good read and some insight into Jesus, you will want to read this book!

The Gospels tell us that when Jesus saw the crowds he had compassion on them. He touched lepers. He spoke to women. He had dinner with outcasts. He forgave his enemies. He died for them too. Paul Miller's book provides a stirring study of how Jesus loved people. This book will help those who seek practical help in learning how to love fellow sinners in the likeness of the one "who loved us and gave himself for us" (Galatians 2:20).

Our church started a Bible study for young adults (18-25) about two years ago. This book was our first course of discussion and learning. We didn't have to read the book to participate in the study, but I did. The book is incredible. Paul uses excellent Scripture references that relate to situations everyone faces today. He puts Jesus as a character in our lives and interactions with other people and not only as a historical figure. Seriously, this book can and will change your life.

This is an incredible book that not only reaches to the depths of the heart by capturing the amazing, incomprehensible love of Jesus, but at the same time convicts us of how short we fall in loving others. This is one of the most impactful books I've read about the reality of Jesus' love for us and how that can be applied as we desire to love others. Paul Miller's transparency and real life examples result in an ease of reading many books lack. This is a must read! Expect to be transformed!

Wow! Throughout this entire book you'll find yourself walking in other people's shoes, feeling what they feel. Understanding what true compassion really is. Knowing what real Love is! All my life I felt I had an understanding of what it meant for Jesus to bear the cross for me. But, after reading "Love Walked Among Us" it has taken on a whole new meaning for me. Understanding that He was just a man, a physical human being I was able to put myself in His shoes. I could feel the mental pain of being betrayed, abandoned, alone. This alone would be enough to give up. But then, to have to endure such physical pain is unbearable! This book will help you see the outcast at work, feel compassion for him/her and reach out with the love of Jesus.

I read a friend's copy; had to order my own.
You will benefit so much from reading this book.

Alistair Begg's preaching and teaching style come through in this book. This book is a must have for a new Christian and a life-long believer alike. More biblically sound than the books about "Purpose" and "Your Best Life" but easier to read than the heady volumes of Spurgeon and Calvin. A must own for traditonal Christians and biblical conservatives.

This is a great heart-felt and heart-warming little book about being a disciple of Jesus Christ. It is easy to read and beneficial for any Christian at any stage of their spiritual walk. I whole-heartedly recommend it.

Begg does an excellent job of focusing the new disciple of Christ on the road and job ahead as well as refocusing and truly maturing the less recent convert to Christ. Begg pulls no punches and speaks the truth boldly.

This book is a great foundational manual. Alistair has a way of bringing the truth out in the open and not apologizing for it. This book is appropriate for both veteran Christians, new believers, and those seeking God.

Great book. Explains what goes on in the dental environment. We loved the bit about the chair that goes up & down!

The whole Maisy series is so gentle and joyful. Charley is worried about his wobbley tooth and impending visit to the dentist, so Maisy and all his other friends go along to help him feel safe. This short book gracefully outlines what your toddler might expect to have happen at the dentist. My 2.5 year old read it the night before his first dentist visit and I think it really helped him.

This booked helped my 3 y.o. daughter prepare for her first dentist visit. 5 stars plus!

My 3 year old has been very hesitant about going to the dentist for the first time. I have even taken her with me a couple of times. After reading this book a couple of times she wanted to go and take her book with her.

She had a great time and asked the dentist to do the things with the chair that were in the book. It was sweet.

I should tell you that our whole family love Maisy and all her friends. The books are so simple and pleasing to the eye of our youngest whom is one.

This new Lucy Cousins title is sure to win big smiles from those first timers to the dentist, especially when they see how easy and fun it was for Charley.Charley gets to spin in the dentist's chair, and lean back to have Dr. Biteright check his teeth. Charley quickly feels better about being at the dentist after he gets his smiley badge. The colorful illustrations in bubbly cartoonish style are fun and easy to follow from page to page. This is a wonderful book for any parent or caregiver with children who are ambivalent about going to the dentist.

The Marble Kite, by David Daniel, is the fourth in a series of mysteries which involve private investigator Alex Rasmussen. The plot is situated in the mostly-blue-collar city of Lowell, Massachusetts, an old mill town on the banks of the Merrimack River.

Troy Pepper is a carnival roustabout who is accused of murdering the woman he loved. He was raised in an orphanage, and through his life of solitude and rejection has lost his trust in people. He makes no effort to defend himself. Alex, perhaps from having experienced his own share of solitude and rejection, is determined to prove Pepper's innocence.

The book is filled with images of the downtrodden and the unspoken heroes of working-class America, which include: an old man that Rasmussen sees through a hotel doorway who is sitting on his bed in his underwear, staring at nothing; a woman who takes care of her elderly mother who is in the final stages of Alzheimer, who tells Alex "...eventually each of us ends up in the cemetery, flying a marble kite"; a black jazz guitarist who sacrifices his profession to save his drummer; a southeast Asian 14-year-older who lands in the hospital after trying to quit a gang; and waitresses "... on tired feet, looking for a snug harbor, however temporary, and some companionship to share the lonely stretches after a long shift..."

The plot weaves nicely, and Lowell is portrayed vividly as you follow Rasmussen through the streets, mills, and office buildings.

Very gripping mystery. Keeps you guessing until the end and then a surprise! Very fun. You really feel for these charactors. I highly recommend it.

David Daniel continues to thrill readers with intelligent stories, crisp prose, and intriguing characters. Marble Kite is no exception--the carnies are fascinating and PI Alex Rasmussen as sharp as in Daniel's earlier novels. A great read.

David Daniel continues to please with Alex Rasmussen Mystery series. His latest, The Marble Kite is his finest, in fact. Set entirely in the hardscrabble Industrial Revolution town of Lowell Mass, Marble Kite is edgier that its predecessor, Goofy Foot. At once, this is a gripping whodunit and a great police story. PI Alex Rasmussen effectively weaves his way through the mean streets and bars of the low-rent (and fascinating) Acre section of Lowell in route to solving his most problematic case.

Daniel is particularly impressive developing the characters, especially Nicole and Pop. You can visualize what they might look and sound like through his words. While PI Alex Rasmussen is not as testosterone fueled as Parker's Spenser, he is certainly as quick-witted and tough enough. Daniel's good karma comes through in spades and it shows in Alex's moral fiber.

In addition, the ambiance of Marble Kite is a cut above most PI Mystery novels. At one point, as Alex is nursing a beating and contemplating why he should continue on the case while his life is failing apart around him, you can almost hear Gil Scott Heron's Pieces of a Man playing in the background.

Daniel has developed into a first-rate storyteller and Marble Kite is a top-notch mystery. Just in time for the real carnival coming to the Regatta.

In Lowell, Massachusetts, private investigator Alex Rasmussen is enjoying his fourth date with Phoebe Kelly at a carnival. He is on the verge of winning her a stuffed animal when a scream occurs. Dropping the mallet, Alex rushes to the locale of the shriek only to find a small growing crowd surrounding a dead woman.

The next day local attorney Fred Meecham informs Alex that the carnival owner Pop Sondry hired him to represent the prime suspect in last night's carnival murder Troy Pepper. The lawyer further explains that Pop is convinced that his employee is innocent. Fred hires Alex to make inquiries into Troy, the victim Flora Nunez, and other carnival employees. Alex puts aside his insurance work to conduct a field investigation into the murder of Flora.

THE MARBLE KITE is an entertaining regional private investigative tale starring a delightful protagonist. Alex seems very realistic as he is a bit annoyed that his date was ruined just when he is just getting back into the scene having been divorced, waiting for a reconciliation and finally watching his ex remarry and have someone else's child. The who-done-it is cleverly devised so that the audience wonders why Pop thinks Troy is innocent as the circumstantial evidence points heavily towards him. David Daniel provides a fabulous murder mystery that will send newcomers seeking previous starring roles of Alex (see GOOFY FOOT).

Harriet Klausner

ok..in truth i don't actuall remember the book but i must have read it at some point!

I like the great firebird because his wings are beautiful and he sent the witch away.I like the pictures.

I LIKETHE BIT WHEN THERE WAS FIVE EGG ANDTHEY TOOK THE EGG AND THE PORE LADEY HAD NUNE EGG LETHED. I LIKE THE FIEBIRDS

I like the eggs at the end and the firebird.

I thinK THE STORY IS MAGICAL AND I WOULD LIKE TO BE MASHA. I HAVE MET MARGARET BATESON A FEW TIMES. SHE COMES TO OUR SCHOOL. I LIKE THE STYLE OF THE STORY BECAUSE IT IS ENCHANTING AND HAS LOVELY PICTURES. I WOULD RECOMMAND THIS BOOK TO EVERYONE.