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California Books sorted by Average customer review: high to low .

California
The Velvet Room
Published in Paperback by Yearling (1988-03-01)
Author: Zilpha Keatley Snyder
List price: $3.25
Used price: $0.23
Collectible price: $25.00

Average review score:

Pleased
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2007-01-19
Book hard to find, received in condtion stated, great pacaging, shipping times as stated. Would purchase from seller again.

I loved this as a child
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-01-10
I was trying to find a book for my 10 year old granddaughter for Christmas and remembered this book from my childhood. I was very excited I was able to find it for her

Fatastic!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-01-08
I am 48 and read this book when I was much, much younger; however, I never forgot this book. It is probably by far the best book I have ever read (and I have read many). I was very happy to see it in print again. I bought the book (again) to add to my collection.

The Velvet Room
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2006-10-25
After reading so many of the reviews I found it funny to see so many written by woman like me who after 30 years re-found this book from their chidhood memory. I have four daughters and of course I have recommended this book to them. I will re-read this book for years to come.
Out of all the books I have read throughout my life, this book still stays in my head. Lisa

'The Velvet Room' brings back fond memories
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-02-24
It's been decades since I was a young reader at Sevilla Elementary School in Phoenix, entranced with reading as many library books as I could carry home every few days.

Usually, I only checked out each title once. One book, however, kept me coming back for more: "The Velvet Room."

Maybe it was because the heroine in the book had a secret place of her own, something as the middle child among five siblings my world definitely lacked. I'm not sure, though, as it has been many years since I've picked up a copy.

Thanks, Zlipha Keatley Snyder. Your work filled many otherwise blah afternoons with the adventure found only in great children's fiction.

Someday, hopefully soon, I will take another look at the story - this time through the eyes of an adult. Will I still like it? I can't say for sure.

Young people of today, however, likely will. The need for personal space is timeless.

I'd suggest this book as a great gift for any young girl who loves to read.

-- RuthAnn

California
The Daily Bible
Published in Hardcover by Harvest House Publishers (1999-04-01)
Author: F. LaGard Smith
List price: $28.99
New price: $16.65
Used price: $5.99

Average review score:

Me encanto!!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-10
A mi me encanto esta Biblia. A mi me gusta mucho la historia, y le encuentro mas sentido a las cosas cuando estan en orden. Esta Biblia te presenta todo tal como sucedio en su orden historico, en el cual puedes ver lo que dijeron los profetas en el tiempo que lo dijeron, tambien veras a las epistolas de Pablo ahi en los Hechos. Es una buena inversion - y tambien te ofrece un plan de leer la Biblia en un año.

Biblia Cronologica
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-19
La biblia Cronologica es una biblia muy clara y presisa. Es una buena inversion para aquellos que quieren entender y vivir cada pagina de la palabra de Dios. Uno siente como si estuviera dentro de cada hecho que ocurre. De verdad se las recomiendo. Al igual La biblia de Joyce Meyer.

Excellent Book
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-02
This is a wonderful book, easy to read, logically arranged, and provides a better understanding of the Bible.

If You Ever Thought.....
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-15
.....you wanted to read the entire Bible, this is the way to do it. Being chronological, scripture is drawn from various books as best they could determine in sequence. Makes for a great story and allowed me to put things in perspective.

One Great Way For Daily Bible Reading
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-24
I first started reading The Daily Bible over 15 yeards ago and I continue to do so today. I can think of no better version to use as a daily bible. Being arranged chronologically, gives a better understanding of the history of God's dealing with mankind. In addition, reading the various writings in their historical context is a great aid to understanding why these inspired men wrote what they did. I keep several copies of The Daily Bible on hand and give them to those who I meet that are sincere students of God's word.

California
Anne of the Island (Anne of Green Gables, Book 3) (Anne of Green Gables)
Published in Mass Market Paperback by Bantam Books (1983-12-01)
Author: L.M. Montgomery
List price: $5.50
New price: $0.01
Used price: $0.01
Collectible price: $10.00

Average review score:

Quaint and Sweet
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-31
This third installment in the beloved Anne series is one of my favorites. Having just completed two years of teaching in Avonlea, Anne, along with friends Gilbert and Charlie, is ready to leave the Island and make her way to Redmond College. Her four years there offer quaint-seeming insights into college life a hundred years ago. After spending her freshman year in a boarding house, Anne and chums Priscilla, Stella, and Philippa move into a little house called Patty's Place. Even though they are committed to their studies, life is never dull. Anne has no lack of suitors, turning down no fewer than five proposals during the course of the story. And her summers are full of adventure, whether it's back in dear Avonlea or teaching as a country schoolmarm.

I've read Anne of the Island each year I've been in college, and as I finished it this time, I couldn't help but relate to Anne's excitement for the future, mingled with regretful nostalgia about the college life she was leaving behind. College is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Having attended a small Christian university, I relate to Anne's old-fashioned values and the safe, wholesome environment of Redmond.

Montgomery has such a pungent writing voice, alive to the quirks of human nature and the beauties of outdoor nature. She brings spice, optimism, and a touch of cynicism to the story and the characters. Anne's most personal experiences are recounted with poignancy, and are rooted in reality, although they may seem whimsical to modern readers. The ending is sweet and satisfying. I just love Anne, and especially this tale of her college experiences. Don't miss it.

Sup, lolz
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-03-21
Anne of the Island is the third installment of the smash Anne of Green Gables series. The book begins with Anne leaving for college to further her education the second time. When she arrives, she encounters a slew of minor domestic problems, a new group of friends, and Love. All of which she deals with using that famous atypical personality of a "Kindred spirit"



Although the book deals with more serious subject matter than the preceding books, as a reflection upon Anne's growing older, the book starts with the lighthearted catchy fun that made Anne famous in her prequels. Most of this fun is centered on the Anne's encounters with her roommate cats Rusty, Joseph, and Sarah-Cat. Anne's exclamations of fear at being stalked by the docile house cats is classic Anne and delicious fun.



The Book also dives into more serious matter, with Lets be friends-Lets be more than friends-Lets be friends-I hate you-Marry me! Gilbert abandoning his indecisiveness and aggressively courting Anne. Although this relation is of little interest to male readers, it is made a key plot element, most likely because it is attractive to the books target demographic, pre-teen girls. Luckily, most of the content on Anne's romance does nothing to affect other parts of the story much and as a result are harmless to skip when they become drab.



Anne of the Island is a solid installment in the Anne series. Although not equaling or surpassing Anne of Green Gables, "Of the Island" leaves little to be desired besides not having a near constant usage of the word "eh". If you an Anne fan, pick up her third book. Eh.

Delightful
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-06-23
"Anne of the Island" is my favorite Anne book, and the last chapters of my copy are worn and torn because I have read it so many times. I loved it as a young girl, and I loved it again when I read it from my college dorm room (in fact, I think it's time for another rereading!). Plus, of course, a college education makes many of the literary references more relevant than they were at age 11.

Anne fans already know how wonderful are these chapters of Anne's life. This book outlines an important epoch in the series and answers the all important question of whether they will or they won't--a turning point on which the next five books hinge. And since you must start at "Anne of Green Gables" to appreciate any of it, this review cannot convince to you read just book three. It is just one more love letter to "Anne of the Island" added to this review panel.

ENJOYED THIS THIRD OF THE SERIES AS MUCH AS THE FIRST
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-03-21
The story of Anne continues with this work and the author stays true to her style, story line and character developement. This, like the other books in this series, have a rather timeless nature about them and a comforting charm. The reader, of course, must remember the time they were written and the style and syntax used at that time. From my own point of view, this is great. I enjoy this type of writing and certainly enjoy Ms. Montgomery's story telling abilities. In this work, Anne goes off to Redman College and her adventure continues. Recommend these books for readers of all ages. Wish there were more works out there like it.

i read this over and over again.
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2006-08-16
this book never gets old. i've had it for so long and now i'm off to college and i still enjoy reading it cover to cover. anne is a great character, one who is easy to love and who explains herself well. the other characters are also quirky. something about this book is very universal, which i think explains why even in this century i still find myself being able to relate to Anne. the plot, while essentially a love story, is not overly sappy. and while most people would probably expect the ending, the twists and turns throughout the novel keep you entertained and engaged.

California
The Family Nobody Wanted
Published in Hardcover by Little Brown & Co (T) (1954-06)
Author: Helen Grigsby Doss
List price: $10.95
Used price: $13.26
Collectible price: $49.95

Average review score:

Wonderful, funny and warm
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-24
I read this book in my teens and LOVED it then. I thought of it often in the years that followed. This book can renew your love for the whole human race. It is heart-warming in the best sense of the word. The conversational tone makes it a quick read, but you will want to read it again and again.
It tells the true story of a couple who are unable to conceive and set about to adopt children. The standard policy of the time (1940's - 1950's) was to place children in homes with parents of the same race. When the couple learns of this policy, they are surprised and vehemently object, promising the adoption agencies that the race of the child would make no difference to them. In time, they break down the objections of the agencies and nurture a growing family of children of many races and backgrounds - - providing a lesson in love and equality to the people around them.

Wonderful, Inspiring Book!!!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-09
My mom read this book when she was young, and it inspired her to later have 15 children (9 of them adopted, from different races/cultural backgrounds). This book is so warm, heartfelt and inspiring (especially when you consider the decade in which it was written). The author is a great story-teller, using her family's up's/down's, sad moments, comedic moments for the basis of her story. I only wish that the "preface"/family update (new to this edition) was longer and more specific.... However, after years of being out of print, I am so happy to see that it is being published again. A must read!!!

Changed my life!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-29
I read this book in junior high and fell in love with the idea of a family created from so many orphaned children. At the time I read it I decided that even if I did have biological children I'd try and convince my husband to adopt at least one child. As fate would have it, I haven't ever gotten married but three and a half years ago I adopted a beautiful baby girl from Russia. This book was the real beginning of that journey for me. What a blessing!

Excellent service
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-28
This book was received in excellent condition as it was listed on Amazon. Also, the book was received in a quick manor. Thanks!

Disappointed with book edition/printing
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2007-11-02
I was VERY disappointed and, at first, pretty confused when I discovered the haphazard way this edition of the book is put together. Less than one quarter into the book, approximately 20 pages come up missing. Upon searching for them, I found other pages printed twice (some 20 pages), but the missing pages were NOT there. It was early into the story, and I was disappointed not to be able to get the whole story on such an admirable, loving, Christian family. The binding is new; pages were NOT torn out. It was actually bound this way!

California
Colored Pencil Portraits
Published in Paperback by North Light Books (2005-01-29)
Author: Ann Kullberg
List price: $22.99
New price: $8.32
Used price: $7.87

Average review score:

An excellent investment for the CP artist!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-21
After having spent a great deal of money and time on other books which tend to just showcase only the artists work with little to no value to the budding colored pencil artist, finding this book made ALL the difference. My technique and understanding of the use of colored pencils for realistic painting has blossomed and I credit it to the extensive use of this book.

It is not only a fine book on the techniques used by Ms. Kullberg, but it also encompasses the ENTIRE piece, from structure and form of the background to the tiniest of details on the face, hands and clothing. I cannot sing of its praises enough.

If you are seeking a book on portraiture, you could not spend your money more wisely. I recommend this book above any others for presentation--it's like having an art teacher there whenever you need them!

Ann Kullberg Knows How to Teach!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-08
I have taken a workshop by Ann Kullberg she teaches colored pencil so clearly that even I learned something. I have read this book and one of her other books. Colored pencil painting done by showing the importance of layering colors in creating shapes with depth and richness in colors. I've since used what I learned from Kullberg in my other painting mediums. I've got nothing but praise for this book!

Excellent reference for colored pencil enthusiasts
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-05
For those interested in the colored pencil medium, this is a descriptive reference for portraiture creation.

Excellent presentation and information
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-23
When I recieved this book, the first thing I did was skim through it entirely. It is very informative and well written, going into excellent detail in technique and color theory for the medium of colored pencil. After settling down with enough time to properly read it ( although the chapters are detailed enough that it is not necessary to do so), I also found that the techniques explained incorperate very well into my own personal style of drawing. It will definatly remain, as a great reference, in my studio for years to come! I recommend this book to anyone who loves colored pencil or those that have no idea just what a colored pencil can do.

Very helpful; well written aid to great portraits.
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-17
Colored Pencil Portraits
I have been a non-professional artist for over 50 years, and I do primarily portraits of people and pets. This book offered very thorough help. For example, the author showed how to create your own guide for skin tones using the brand of pencils she uses. It made it very easy to create the same effects.

She also gave quite a bit of space to explaining how to do a background, and showing good and bad examples of how to place the main subject within the "frame" of the background. Many full color examples of what she is trying to explain make the book enjoyable and easy to understand the points she is making.

All in all, this book is well worth buying if you do portraits--or would like to.

California
The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome
Published in Hardcover by Jessica Kingsley Publishers (2006-11-01)
Author: Tony Attwood
List price: $29.95
New price: $18.78
Used price: $9.68

Average review score:

very informative
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-31
I have suspected that my older sister (50's) has Aspergers for the past couple of years. After reading The Complete Guide to Aspergers I feel confirmed in that thought. Attwood outlines all the symptoms and I see my sister in so many of them. He explains everything from childhood to adulthood. I plan to send this book to my sister with a note and I just hope she reads it and can, for once, understand that there is a name to what she feels. It is a fantastic book.

An amazing resource!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-27
When our 9-year-old son was referred to a specialist to assess for Asperger's Syndrome, I wanted to get my hands on as much information as possible! The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome is just that: complete! It has been an amazing resource to open our understanding of this neurological disorder. I went to our son's assessment feeling confident and able to communicate with the specialist. The book helped me understand my son in many areas that I had no idea would fall under Asperger's Syndrome. When the initial referral was made, I felt like my feet had been knocked out from under me. When the diagnosis was made, however, I felt much more sure footed because of the knowlege and tools I learned in Tony Attwood's book.

read this book and you will understand a lot of things
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-17
I read this book by pure chance (first I read Thinking in Pictures, Expanded Edition: My Life with Autism) because I know a child who has difficulties to learn at school. And I buy this book to have a good scientific reference on AS and high functioning autism. And I was satisfied beyond the limits but for someone else so much closer to me. Believe me this book will make you understand a lot of people around you. Even you are not in relation with autism, you will learn a lot. But if you are in touch with a person with the asperger syndrom, believe me too, you will learn more and, above all, feel better in your life. Unfortunately I am very close to an adult with high functioning autism (or AS). Sometime you could think this adult is a total idiot in social relationships. This book bring complete informations about the subject. And the life is much easier when you understand you are not a kind of social monster.

Excellent, informative book for people with AS and those who love them.
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-08
This is full of helpful information about AS, compassionate and wise interpretation of their a-typical-ness and good training ideas for their teachers and parents. Reading it will answer many questions for family members who may have long pondered why their loved one acts the way s/he does and bring new understanding, compassion -- and a large measure of relief due to mysteries solved.

If you really want to get to know individuals with AS
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-27
Tony Atwood has again managed to provide us with keen insight as to the individuality of the individuals with AS. He has wonderful vignettes and on children and adults with AS as they struggle with language, emotions, social interactions, and day to day functioning. He has quotes from individuals with AS as they describe both adult issues and memories from their childhoods. This gives unique insights into why we see certain behaviors and what causes the need for the behaviors.

He doesn't stop there, however. He provides many good ideas for interventions and strategies to help children become more aware of and in control of their environment and their emotions. I particularly liked the scales of justice activity to help children learn the differences in levels of guilt or culpability in an adverse situation.

I feel that any professional who works with children and adults with AS should read this book and keep it available for referral whenever one of their students/patients/clients are struggling.

California
Cold Eyes
Published in Hardcover by Xlibris Corporation (2007-04-05)
Author: Romina Wilcox
List price: $31.99
New price: $23.95
Used price: $21.75

Average review score:

one of the best! awesome!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-04
I'm really impressed by this book and can't wait to read the next one from Ms. Wilcox. The first chapter will get you hooked and it will not let you up for a minute. The last 100 pages were great! The pacing was great and there was little dragging in this book. I also love that there were no unnecessary profanities, no unnecessary sex, and no bloody description of violence. I thought I figure it out several times only to be wrong. It's one of the cleverest mysteries I have ever read and highly recommended to anybody! Two big thumbs up!

Great mystery!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-08
This book provided me with hours of enjoyment. Great character development and plot. I enjoyed it through the last page. I'm looking forward to Ms. Wilcox's next book.

Where is the sequel?
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-07
I was absorbed by this thriller. Working in a corporate industry, I can relate to the characters, the events, the corporate environment and places. Not only that it will keep you guessing, it is informative, entertaining, and it has a moral value. In the end you're sorry to say goodbye to the characters. Romina Wilcox is as good as today's suspense writers. I hope she is busy writing the next one.

Twists and turns galore
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-03
From the very first chapter Romina will have you guessing what's around the next corner. Lots of action, lots of technology, what more could you ask for. Oh a plot, its a good one.

What a great read!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-16
I am by no means a professional writer, I just love to read. I got "Cold Eyes" a while ago and was finally able to read it. I read the book in one sitting because I simply could not put it down. Romina Wilcox has a way of taking you on a journey. It starts off slow and easy then goes all twisty-turney on you. The plot twists were wicked and fun and I enjoyed the novel very much. I found myself saying this person did it then something happened and my mind was changed. That happened a lot in this novel. I would recommend this novel to anyone wanting a good read. Keep up the great work Romina and I'd read anything you would write.

California
Sunny, Diary Three (California Diaries # 12 )
Published in Paperback by Scholastic (1999-08)
Author: Ann M. Martin
List price: $4.50
New price: $4.99
Used price: $0.01

Average review score:

Disappointing - Didn't make me cry...or even feel sad!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2004-11-22
Ok, here's the thing. After reading all these reviews, i thought that for once, a book could make me cry. All you Amazon reviewers said that this was the saddest book, that it made you sob. Well, this book didn't make me cry, even one tear, didn't make me even SAD, which i thought was absurd, because the concept of a mother dying IS sad, but this book didn't make me FEEL it. What a huge disappointment. I was interested in the book, sure, i gave it a shot, i reread it, but it DIDN'T MAKE ME FEEL SAD NO MATTER HOW MANY TIMES I READ IT!!! It was frustrating because MsMartin is usually a very good writer who makes you feel the character's pain or anger or sadness or whatever, but this book didn't cut it.
Sunny is a good character. It's a shame that the author couldn't make her into a GREAT character in this book.
This book gained 2 stars because I WANTED to read it again, plus its cover was good, and it tied up the fight with Ducky. That was decent.
Anyway, if you enjoy sad books with FEELING, this book IS NOT FOR YOU. If you enjoy reading books that have absolutely zero impact on you whatsoever, BUY THIS BOOK.
gotsa go,
but one thing 2 say,
this book DID NOT CUT IT
luvyasall & toodles
Mel-jane

This is a great book! =)
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2002-07-15
Ok...well at first i thought the book was gonna [be bad] because it was assigned in school but, once i picked it up i could not put it down. Ann Martin makes you be part of Sunny. You feel what she feels and want what she wants. Its fantastic. The book made me cry and I've never cried in one single movie! I recomend this books to teens everywhere! This book has also influenced me to read many other of the California Diaries.
-Rebecca

The best!!
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2004-12-03
Sunny is a teenager who is going through a tradgety. She is loosing her mom to canser. Sunny used to cope with this by skipping school, not studying, and even running away. Iused to think that sunny was a selfish character, because she didnt even visit her mother in the hospital. In this book, she stopped running from her problems. She handled her mothers death with a lot of maturity. I think Sunny is very brave. Even though she is a character from a book, i respect her.

Tear Jerker
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2002-04-10
This book opened up my heart into a new perspective. I couldn't imagin loosing my mother but this book opened up my eyes and made me see more of what a tragedy loosing your mother is. After all the [stuff] she gave to all her freinds they all realized that it was a time of need for her. With her freinds coping her every step of the way she managed to survive the tragedy of her loss. If you are a fanatic as I am READ THIS BOOK and have a box of tissues reading it you'll need it.

the best book ann has EVER written.well done,ann.
Helpful Votes: 5 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2002-07-15
im a great fan of ann martin. SUNNY DIARY#3 was EXTRAORDINARY. it is SOOOOOOOO touching. i think it is the best in the seires. SUNNY is a WONDERFUL. SHE IS A VERY rich charachter. she is ,in her third diary,facing her problems at last. she is so hurt and the reader feels it,it is so HARD to say goodbye or farwell to a person especially if it is your mom. ann has succeeded in going deep through her.the readers tears is a great evidence. im 16 and i see the book is suitable for all ages. anns aim isnt describing sunny s suffering only but i think she wants to tell us how LUCKYwe are. we should VALUE our parents more and stop complaing about our lives. all over the world many people are suffering even more than sunny .the diaries give us HOPE. .even sunny HAS a bright side to look at. She still has her friends . so she will be healed soon. in fact ANN shows sunny that her mom ISNT DEAD. she WILL be always be with her.in her mind. in her heart ,in Sunny herself.i think ann deserves the nobel prize,doesent she?so ahead and read CD#12.

California
The Gulf Between Us : A Story of Love and Survival in Desert Storm
Published in Paperback by Potomac Books Inc. (2001-06-01)
Authors: Cynthia B. Acree and Cliff Acree
List price: $18.95
New price: $1.85
Used price: $0.19

Average review score:

Love and Terror in Desert Storm
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2005-03-22
I found it hard to read much of what Cliff Acree wrote, because he tells us how badly he was treated while he was in captivity. He was tortured; badly beaten, denied food and in so many ways humiliated and ill-treated. Still, he never lost his faith and dignity.

Since Cliff Acree was a higher ranking officer, it was obvious that he was better informed than his fellow prisoners of war. When he refused to share any of this information with his captors, it made Saddam Hussein's men treat him harsher than many others.

Col.Cliff Acree decided he had to lie to Saddam Hussein's men, and that may be a reason he is still alive. If he had kept on refusing to speak, the ill-treatment may even have been worse. Another reason he is alive is: When Saddam Hussein used the captured pilots, as well as members of the SAS and a CBS TV crew as human shields, only two instead of five bombers attacked the building they were kept in. The bombers didn't bomb the part where the cells were sited.

One of the comments in the book also made me think of Captain Scott Speicher, since he is the American air man that Saddam Hussein most likely kept.

Excellant book about an american hero...
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-01-18
Addressing the memoir "The Gulf Between Us" by Cynthia and Cliff Acree is a bit difficult. It came out around 1998, and thus a completely different era than our current misadventure(aka quagmire) in Iraq. Since I am a moderate Democrat, I kind of have a bitter taste in my mouth when I think of the Bushes. However "Gulf" is really the story of the Acrees, and thus I do recommend this because these two are great people. Col. Acree is a hero because he withstood torture and would not reveal critical intelligence to the Iraqis during the first Gulf War. His wife is also a hero because despite her own pain, she fought to get better recognition of POWs and their families. The stuff that Col. Acree had to go through is heartwretching, and it is a miracle in itself that he lived to tell us. For that, I salute him. The book also makes a good move in mostly avoiding political matters(both parties seem to be portrayed well), but Acree should not have kept mentioning how he wouldn't even give in to the demand that "he call [President George H.W] Bush a donkey". Well Bush 43 is certainly worse than that for treating de facto POWs in Gitmo the way he has, but again Acree couldn't have forseen that, so he gets a pass. Recommended reading. Should be read by any who believe torture is a good way to get intelligence(Acree never gave up anything that was good) and by those who believe in the Geneva Conventions, and of course by those who want to admire true American heroes: our soldiers.

ONE OF THE BEST POW/WAR STORIES
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2003-08-21
I have read many POW stories since WWII and this is one of the best. The perspective is a little different as the wife talks a chapter about what is going on at home and then Col. Acree talks about his ordeal while a prisoner of war in Iraq during Desert Storm. The internal fortitude and resolve of Co. Acree is astounding and what he went through is heart rending. At the same time his wife did much in creating a force of help and an attitude of compassion among the entire citizenry of the U.S.A. You will rally 'round the flag after reading this and appreciate the downfall of Hussein!

A Love Story of Miracles. Faith, Honor and War!
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2006-11-24
I truly believe that there are never any random accidents of fate at work in our lives--everything happens to us for a reason, even if we do not understand why! Reading the inspiring memoir "The Gulf Between Us: A Story of love and Survival in Desert Storm" you cannot help but believe that prayers are truly answered; and that there must be a divine purpose to our lives even if it is not understood at the time of the events. One thing is evident; this book is about the power of faith and love.

The Husband and wife writing team of Cynthia and Col. Cliff Acree have written a duel storyline that is more than just about war--it is a love story. They chronicle the compelling emotions and the events surrounding the Colonel's capture and his time spent as a POW during Desert Strom. It is a triumphant tale of courage from both Cliff and Cynthia as they endure, survive, suffer and embrace once again. They both have this underlining strength and faith that comes through very loud and clear.

No matter what you have read about the experiences of the POWS in Desert Storm there was much more to that story that was left untold --or incorrectly reported. Some of them were subjected to brutal beatings and life threatening treatment. Colonel Acree was subjected to a harsher treatment than others for various reasons, including his strong loyalty and patriotism and the fact that he was a Marine pilot and company commander. He would not give an inch or compromise on his core values and for those reasons he had to endure the brute force of his Iraqi capturers. Truly an American hero!

Equally courageous and inspiring is the corresponding story of Cynthia's experiences, as she has to face all the uncertainties of the situation. Working from a base of great faith and personal strength she takes positive actions and organizes a movement to get world attention focused on the fate of all the POWS and MIAS. Her personal and emotional journey did not come without its own form of pain.

We learn a lot about who the authors were and how they met and became high school friends. The background story gives us a look inside their relationship and what kind of people they were prior to the life changing experiences of the war. I think this adds greatly to the power of their story. These two individual souls seemed destined to become spiritually connected in the very fabric of their lives. This book is more than a war story it is about their own personal spiritual journey. It is a story that will inspire many others and perhaps change a few lives along the way. And maybe, that was one of the divine purposes that the universe had in mind for all that they went through. I know that I was touched by their story on many levels. I am a better person for having read their book.

It is a well-written, easy to follow story. The authors share a huge part of themselves with the reader and that honesty comes through and makes you feel good about them as people. The MWSA gives this book its highest book rating of FIVE STARS. I also add my personal endorsement and recommendations that you buy and read this book.

An honest review from a grateful reader
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2003-03-30
When I first bought this book, I thought it would be something I MIGHT pick up and read...if I didn't have something better to do. Being a new Marine spouse in a post-9/11 world, the story was, at least, an intriguing one, and any new information I could get was a bonus. I had NO idea what was in store.

This is a story of patriotism, of survival, of fear, of strength, of new and old friendships, of new and old adversaries. A story of triumph and most of all an enduring love; Cindy and Cliff's story is one that will touch anyone.

It is written in perfect format as Cindy chronicles her daily life in unison with what happened to Cliff thousands of miles away in captivity. It demonstrates how even in the most grim of circumstances, the spirit perseveres and is, indeed, made stronger. From a military point of view, their amazing story can also serve as a reference for families on how to handle difficult situations, when their loved ones' lives could be at risk. It certainly has for me.

I am a better person for having read this book. I am better Marine spouse after reading this book. It truly is one of the best investments I have ever made. It demonstrates, beyond a doubt, the Honor, Pride and Commitment that signifies the Marine Corps, and all our servicemen and women. I appreciate the Acrees sharing their story with the world.

California
Jane-Emily: And Witches' Children
Published in Paperback by Harper Paperbacks (2007-08-01)
Author: Patricia Clapp
List price: $12.95
New price: $1.80
Used price: $1.78

Average review score:

childhood classic
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-16
read this when I was preteen, it's great and it bears re-reading as an adult. Scary, psychological drama. Lots of stuff for adults to chew on as well as kids, because of the dual (even triple) heroine structure: a child, a young woman, and a mature woman. Each character is fascinating, and so is the situation, the setting, the writing... what a great book. Now I want to read everything by Patricia Clapp.

Still Enjoyable
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-25
I read this book as a child back in the 70's, and it's still one of my all-time favorites. The writing is mature enough to appeal to adults, but still on a level that an older child can easily follow.

Creepy without the gore, the slow build up of tension until the climactic ending is deftly handled and leaves you wishing you could read faster to reach the resolution.

My old copy of this book has been taped together numerous times, so I'm pleased that it has now been reissued. I plan to pass it along to my own daughter in a few years' time.

I loved this book as a preteen still love it as an adult
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-18
I first remember reading this book when I was eleven or twelve. I was so excited to see that it was reissued. I devoured this slim little book in an hour and it was an hour well spent, reliving the chills and thrills of this book. Patricia Clapp has a great ability to create a fabulous atmosphere that makes it easy for the visualize the story. What a wonderful book!

Yay! Jane-Emily!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-27
This book was a good as I remember! Plus, Witches Children was gripping. Also, there is a nice trubute written by Ms. Clapp's children about her. AND insight from Ms. Clapp herself of her inspirations for both of these stories and others.

One of my all-time favorites!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-18
I have loved this book ever since I first read it as a child. I am so happy to see it available again after so many years! I wanted it several years ago, and had to buy a used copy on eBay to get it. But now I want to buy this re-issue so I can also read Witches' Children! Since Jane-Emily is so good, anything else she wrote must also be great! I've been waiting since my childhood to see a studio make a movie-version of this story, and I can't believe that no one's ever thought of it! I'd love to see it done!


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