Schools Books

I nearly fell asleep while reading this book. It only gets more than 1 star from me because of the somewhat predictable plot twist at the end.

This book is the first chapter book to interest my six year old. The characters, five sisters, each have their own personalities which are drawn in detail and carried through all of their adventures. The stories are sweet, focusing on everyday life in a poor jewish family at the turn of the century in New York (on the lower east side). The traditions will be familiar to an educated jewish reader but the setting just diferent enough to make it interesting. My daughter demands it every night and now cant sleep without her nightly dose of "naughty Henny and her sisters."

This book is just as entertaining as it was when I read it as a child! The book arrived quickly, in fantastic condition. Thanks!

Sydney Taylor's classic book for middle readers is set in the Lower East Side of New York City and depicts the life of a traditional Jewish family in the early 20th century. All-of-A-Kind Family is the first in a series of novels about the lively family and is a sweet, charming read. The story takes the reader through most of year and involves not just the family but their friends and acquaintances, too. The book opens with a chapter about going to the library, and the children's librarian (or "library lady," as the girls like to call her) is a gentle, recurring presence. The children's adventures include a trip to the market, scarlet fever and an outing to Coney Island, where one of the girls gets temporarily, and happily, lost. Meanwhile the story meanders through a year of Jewish holidays and teaches the reader a little about each one. I particularly enjoyed the chapter on Shabbat and how Taylor contrasts the hubbub of shopping and preparations with the simple serenity of the day itself. The family relationships struck me as very true and believable- for example, Papa's ambivalence regarding the present the girls get for his birthday and his quick turnaround struck me as realistic and human. I can imagine any parent reacting the way he did initially and then rallying in the end. I appreciate Taylor's honesty about her characters throughout the book, too. It's a great book for anyone and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series and sharing in the further adventures of this fun, busy family.

All-of-a-Kind Family was a turning point in the history of Judaic children's literature - the first mainstream book with Jewish characters! In memory of author Sydney Taylor, the Association of Jewish Libraries gives out the Sydney Taylor Book Award each year to the best in Judaic children's literature. See lists of winners at www.sydneytaylorbookaward.org.

Also, you can hear an interview with Jo Taylor Marshall, the daughter of Sydney Taylor, on The Book of Life podcast's October 2007 episode "Catch Me a Classic!" Jo shares memories of the real people who became the characters in the series. Tune in at www.bookoflifepodcast.com!

As both a dog and cat owner, and a would-be everything-else owner, too, I love this book! I have several "Chicken Soup" books, plan to add several more to my collection, but this one is probably my favorite so far. It keeps you between tears and laughter from beginning to end. All pet lovers will see themselves and their furry, feathered or finned friends somewhere in here, I'm sure!

Most of the series of 'Chicken Soup for the Soul' has the kind of warm and fuzzy story that many find endearing and sweet. They are not 'deep' most of the time, but do point to things beyond themselves; for my own use, I often find sermon illustrations and stories within the pages of volumes of Chicken Soup -- as chaplain at a retirement centre, many of the stories help people to recall happier times, and help them deal with their present situation.

This particular volume involves stories with animals. The relationship between animals and people of all ages can make for some of the funniest, most heart-warming, most sad, and most meaningful stories. There are contributing authors of some note (Barbara Bush, James Herriot, Jimmy Stewart, Gilda Radner, Art Linkletter) among other authors who had stories to tell and volunteered them. Much in the manner that Readers Digest accepts unsolicited stories from amateur authors, so does the Chicken Soup series. Often the most meaningful stories are those that happen to people who are not professional writers.

Few animals are left out here, as many animals have come to be companions with humans over the centuries. Dogs and cats feature prominently, as do horses and other farm animals, but there are also wolves, birds, dolphins, deer, wild turkeys, gorillas and even a Christmas mouse. The stories cover a wide range of topics, including pets as friends and healers, animals as rescuers and performers of other amazing feats, animals whose companionship meant a lot, and finally on the sadness and meaning of saying goodbye to an important family member.

Each of this stories can easily be read in a short time. This makes it a good source for 'falling-asleep reading', for use in public speaking and preaching opportunites, for shared reading-aloud times, and for simple enjoyment and entertainment. Many of the stories here are ones that stay with you; the story about the wild turkeys and the story of the Christmas mouse are stories I use again and again in my chaplaincy, and they are always appreciated.

The editors of the primary series 'Chicken Soup' are Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen; for purposes of this volume, they are joined by Marty Becker and Carol Kline, authors and animal-professionals in various capacities.

My cats give their paws-up to this!

Most of the series of 'Chicken Soup for the Soul' has the kind of warm and fuzzy story that many find endearing and sweet. They are not 'deep' most of the time, but do point to things beyond themselves; for my own use, I often find sermon illustrations and stories within the pages of volumes of Chicken Soup -- as chaplain at a retirement centre, many of the stories help people to recall happier times, and help them deal with their present situation.

This particular volume involves stories with animals. The relationship between animals and people of all ages can make for some of the funniest, most heart-warming, most sad, and most meaningful stories. There are contributing authors of some note (Barbara Bush, James Herriot, Jimmy Stewart, Gilda Radner, Art Linkletter) among other authors who had stories to tell and volunteered them. Much in the manner that Readers Digest accepts unsolicited stories from amateur authors, so does the Chicken Soup series. Often the most meaningful stories are those that happen to people who are not professional writers.

Few animals are left out here, as many animals have come to be companions with humans over the centuries. Dogs and cats feature prominently, as do horses and other farm animals, but there are also wolves, birds, dolphins, deer, wild turkeys, gorillas and even a Christmas mouse. The stories cover a wide range of topics, including pets as friends and healers, animals as rescuers and performers of other amazing feats, animals whose companionship meant a lot, and finally on the sadness and meaning of saying goodbye to an important family member.

Each of this stories can easily be read in a short time. This makes it a good source for 'falling-asleep reading', for use in public speaking and preaching opportunites, for shared reading-aloud times, and for simple enjoyment and entertainment. Many of the stories here are ones that stay with you; the story about the wild turkeys and the story of the Christmas mouse are stories I use again and again in my chaplaincy, and they are always appreciated.

The editors of the primary series 'Chicken Soup' are Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen; for purposes of this volume, they are joined by Marty Becker and Carol Kline, authors and animal-professionals in various capacities.

My cats give their paws-up to this!

I didn't quite know if I was going to make it through this book. Through about the first 8-9 stories, I kept on crying. I was thinking "This is ridiculous. I can't read one doggone story without crying after I read it." I kept thinking of my dog, Shep, who died a couple years ago at the age of 91 and how badly I want another dog. There is a dog beach by my house so usually everytime I see a dog, Shep pops up to mind. I pretty much had sunglasses on when I read this book in public so people wouldn't think I was completely crazy. Somewhere towards the middle, I hardened up and was ready to read this book without blinking a thousand times.
These were wonderful stories about everything from cats, dogs, snakes, bears, gorillas, and birds. I enjoyed every last one of them except for the one about Bush's dog. It was very impersonal and told the whole story like it was some sort of nursery rhyme. That was the only reason the book got four stars. I don't even understand how that story made it past submissions.

Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul is a fantastic book for anyone who has a special place in his or her heart for animals. The book was made up of many different stories describing the special qualities that make our pets and furry friends unique. I rated this book a 5 because I found myself crying one minute and laughing the next. There are stories that will make you giggle, one in particular describes buffalo playing a game on ice. It made me realize that there are many things about animals that we don't understand- and never will. Who would have guessed that buffalo play games? The book also included stories that sent tears down my cheek. The story that stands out the most in my mind is a story about how far a mother cats goes to save her kittens. The love of the mother cat can relate to human mothers as well, they will do anything to protect their children. I believe that animals are fantastic teachers. One story in the book talks about how a gorilla helped to rescue an injured (human) boy after he fell into her area in the zoo. The author of that story explained that what is truly amazing about the gorilla is that she helped the boy without caring about recognition. She helped the boy because she wanted to, she didn't know that recognition was even a part of the act. That is exactly what us humans can learn from these animals. We need to help somebody because it's the thing to do, not because we want to be remembered as a hero.
I would recommend Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul for anyone who enjoys animals or just wants to read a book that make you warm and fuzzy inside. The stories in the book will show you exactly why pets are teachers, healers, heroes and friends. You will realize how special they really are.
Also check out Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul for stories about teenagers that will inspire you.

Jackie Chan has had a very eventful life. When he was a child he lived in on an ambassadors mansion in Hong Kong. Soon he was sent to a Cantonese Opera school, which was a boarding school where he was trained, day and night for over 10 years of his young life, in the ways of Chinese Opera. Chinese Opera is not the same Opera you and I may think of it as, but instead is a very acrobatic physically demanding show. He then went into the stuntman business, which was a very difficult road for him. For many years he struggled with finding work but he soon became a much wanted stuntman. Eventually he went into small acting parts, which led to bigger acting parts. Soon enough he was a huge success in Hong Kong, and eventually got married to a famous Chinese actress. Jackie still travels a lot and his wife is a stay at home wife who raises his son.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading. It is full of constant action and keeps your attention. I Am Jackie Chan is an easy read and fast paced I was unable to put it down, except of course when class was over.

I Am Jackie Chan My Life in Action 1998 5/5
Written by :Jackie Chan & Jeff Yang

Easily one of the best books I have ever read. This books contains 398 pages of pure joy. Seriously I read this book In one sitting . I was already a fan of Jackie Chan now I have so much respect for him. The copy I own includes a extra chapter, I would say it's worth buying again to read that extra chapter. Jackie Chan had a very interesting upbringing filled with beating and let downs. I mean he was abandoned by his parents who essentially sold him to the Peking Opera. Where they had the power to punish him up till death.

In here Jackie talks about the makings his earlier films. I really enjoyed this book as much as I enjoy his movies. Jeff Yang has said in interviews that there is works to release a second volume. Lets hope for that!

my wife's english is not good. but she found that it is very easy to understand this book as Jackie's movie. She has fun with it and use it to prove her english.

Dood tottally I'm not kidding, Jackie Chan is like a god amongst men, a god who makes flawed movies in his old age (flawed is polite considering the horrible movies he's currently putting out). Man Jackie Chan is so great it makes my balls sweat whenever I think about it, in this book he talks about how he and his crew broke into an amusement park to steal... not money but bread crumbs!!! Becuase Master wanted his students to work hard, this is not a book for weaklings, they will fret and feel weak as they learn of the heroic and disciplined exploits of my man JACKIE FING CHAN! Man in this book he talks about how some dudes wanted to fight, but he didn't cuase Master taught him only to fight for show and not fight for violence. Man the world would be a better place if we all had to read this book. Mandatory reading for High Schools this should be.

A fascinating insight into the mind and career of the world's biggest movie star. With exhaustive (and exhausting!) descriptions of Jackie's brutal Peking opera training and early days as a stuntman and actor, almost everything you want to know about Jackie is here.

Not that there aren't omissions - his illegitimate son Jaycee, now trying to make a name for himself as an actor, is never mentioned. Jackie is also quick to take credit (he claims 'Half a Loaf of Kung Fu' and 'Snake in the Eagle's Shadow' were the first kung fu comedies, which they weren't) and slow to give it out (he describes his opera brothers' film 'The Prodigal Son,' arguably the best kung fu movie ever made, as "solid"). But Jackie's charisma and determination shine through on every page, and you can't help but admire the guy. A must read for Jackie fans and aficionados of Hong Kong cinema.

The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches IV
ISBN: 15754550658
Magical ---- Literally!

I became intrigued by the phenomena of Ruin Mist awhile back, and this review is a long time readers perspective. In many respects, I'm probably the last person who would enjoy this book. I'm a cynic by nature, and my reading habits lean more toward more mature series and more literary works. Or at least I should say it used to before I discovered this wonderful series and learned how fun fun reads like this one could be.

As someone who grew up reading C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, I had a soft spot for a good fantasy tale when I was younger, and tended to read fantasy from time to time. This series however, has made a new fantasy lover out of me. Why?

Robert Stanek has created a delightful world of magic and mystery, with a compelling cast of characters you'll come to love (or hate) almost instantly. He captures the imagination with spare prose that draws his readers in. The concept of a elves and such isn't exactly new, but the ideas of parallel worlds of magic, alternating histories, elves and men as enemies, magic as evil, and more were breathes of fresh air.

There are times early in the series when it is obvious that this is the author's first major work of fiction. His other previous work (as an international bestselling nonfiction author) however, helps him writes tight prose, a balanced amount of detail with a story well-paced and well-plotted.

Overall, this is a very impressive series. Each character in the story as unique and real as their intertwining storylines. Plus, I like to think that some of the wonder and enjoyment I felt reading the pages of the early books came from the sense that the author was also experiencing this world and its characters for the first time while writing them.

The world of Ruin Mist has multiple levels of reality called UnderEarth, MiddleEarth, and OverEarth. UnderEarth is a place without sun, moon or stars. It has bloodred skies and is a dark place where many strange creatures dwell. MiddleEarth is the place of the kingdoms and reaches. It is where men and elves live. OverEarth is place of the skies. It exists above the clouds of the kingdoms and reaches.

The three main storylines provide glimpses into different parts of the world. Vilmos Tabborrath is an unassuming village boy who doesn't want to follow his father's path. He has a dark gift of magic and as magic is considered evil this puts him and his family in grave danger. He tries to hide his gift but one day it slips out when he is surprised by a bear and this is the beginning of the end of his life as a simple village boy.

Vilmos is intriguing becuase he is different from his peer group and mistreated by those around him. He recounts a story of getting beat up by an older boy and the harsh treatment by his father. Children often feel isolated and mistreated, as do adults, therefore most people can relate to this situation.

Adrina Alder is the youngest child of a king. She remains heartbroken over the death of her mother some years ago and longs for change. Her wish for change comes with dark visitors in the night but is not in any way what she hoped it would be.

Adrina is intriguing because she is someon just about anyone can identify with. She feels sad and alone in the world. She's bitter about not being able to do what she wants and longs for adventure. Children often feel sad and lonely, as do adults, therefore most people can relate to this situation too.

Brother Seth of the Red is an elven warrior and sworn queen's protector. He is old in human terms yet at the same time childlike in his ways as he is young for an elf. He doesn't understand what is happening or why he was chosen by Queen Elf to undertake a dangerous journey. His journey takes him to the land of men at a time when men and elves are the bitterest of enemies.

Seth is intruiging because he is so powerful yet so flawed. He is a trained fighting machine. It is all he's known and it is why he knows so little of anything else. He also has the urges of adolescence and finds his first love though he doesn't understand his feelings as he's been isolated from ordinary elves and the lives they live.

Other aspects of the writing itself are:
* The books are unique and readable.
* He takes time to set up the characters, plot, and scenes. He takes care in introducing Vilmos, Seth, and Adrina because of their hardships we know why they act the way they do when they leave their homes.
* He does not talk down to his audience of young adults.
* The same story elements that appeal to a child, appeal to an adult.
* His characters grow, change, and make decisions based on their own motives.
* Life is not simple. People get sick, people die.
* Good and evil exist, as they do in reality, and they have many guises.
* It is easy to read. The text flows naturally, even with strange words and unusual names.
* His creativity and descriptions bring life to the story. He creates mystery and keeps you wanting to know more.

For me, the real test of a book's strength is whether or not I want to read it again. Most books get read once and traded in. I've already read this series three times and have upgraded to the special editions as they've been published. And the best part is that the series gets progressively better with each new volume. As good as book 1 is, book 2 is even better, so if book 3, and book 4 is a real treat.

Younger readers certainly don't need me to point out something they already know, but hopefully this review will help persuade some like me who still cling to the notion that a children's book can't possibly be enjoyable to us adults. Stanek created a marvelous story that has captured readers from all age groups. His writing has been compared to JRR Tolkien, JK Rowling and CS Lewis. He deserves all the success he's achieved. I can't wait to see what he writes next.



Max H.

I loved this book!! I could really imagine what was going on! It was full of adventure and magic!

This would rank up there as one of the best books I have read. I would say that Stanek ranks up there with some of the best authors including: Jk Rowling, Jrr Tolkien, RA Salvatore, and Brian Jacques just to name a few of my favorites.

If you like Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter, you will LOVE this book! A 5 star winner!

Kingdoms and the Elves #4 is a completely amazing book. I read it with my children, and they loved the book as much as I did if not more. I cannot say enough good things about this book. From start to finish it captivates you and keeps you reading. By the end, I was amazed at how much i enjoyed it.

Definately a must read. I would recommend it for all ages.

Robert Stanek is, unquestionably, the best author ever! He makes you think, and gets you fully involved in the story! For hard core Stanek fans like myself, we are there. We are walking beside Vilmos, fighting along side Seth and dreaming with Adrina. I recommend this book to anyone. Its easy to read and even easier to find yourself not wanting to put it down. It is an excellently written novel and hopefully you will enjoy the adventure with Seth, Vilmos and Adrina.

I could not put the book down! I cannot say enough good things about this book. I would reccommend it for all ages. It captivates the mind of young and experienced readers using many twists and turns throughout the plot it will be hard to put down after you start this thrilling series. As this is the final book in the Keeper Martin's Tale, the ending is stunning.

i recommend this book to whoever thinks nothing could happen to them and it can happen at anytime.

This book is funny and sad. It made me want to keep reading to find out what happens next in the story.
Dawn is a 13 year old girl who just started having some tests done to her and when she got the results back the doctor told her she had leukemia a type of cancer kids get. When she found out she had cancer she had to be in the hospital for a while until she reached remission. When she got to her room she found out that she had a roommate named Sandy who also has leukemia. They became very good friends and do everything together. They were with each other when their hair started to fallout. When time pasted Dawn had an infection and had to leave Sandy but she came back weak but good. She found out Sandy was in remission and Dawn got mad. When time came Dawn was in remission too. Dawn was new at this and she wanted to see Sandy again so she took the nurse's offer and went to camp. They got to camp and two guys keep staring at them in a good way and things start to get serious between them. Before they knew it camp was over and they had to go home. Sandy writes a letter to Dawn saying that she is back in the hospital in Mexico. About a week later a telegram came telling Dawn that said "We lost are beloved Sandy yesterday 10A.M she died peacefully-no pain." Dawn started to cry hoping the pain would go away.
I would recommend this book to someone who is 12 or 13 because it is a very powerful book with many sad moments in it.

I liked this book. It was funny and sad. It made me want to keep reading to find out what happened next in the story.
Dawn is 13 and was just tested for cancer. The tests are back and she has leukemia. She has to stay in the hospital until she goes into remission. In the hospital Dawn has a roommate named Sandy. They become best friends and do everything together. The day came and Sandy went into remission. A few days later Dawn went into remission too. Both girls decided to go to cancer came together. They had the time of their life there. Dawn and Sandy met two really cute guys and liked the a lot. Once camp was over Sandy had a relapse.
I would recommend this book to someone who likes to read sad books because the ending is really sad.

Six Months to Live was one of the best books I've ever read.It's about Dawn Rochelle and she's just been dienost with cancer .When she was in the hospitl her roommate Sandy turns out to be her best friend.This book is a real tear jurker.Will Sandy and Dawn survive their cancer?

This is a wonderful book, the whole series is wonderful. If you don't like tear-jerkers then don't read it, or any of them. Together, all of the books work to show an image that many books of this kind leave out. They tell a story.

I guess some of the most important things I feel I've learned from this book is: don't dwell, take pride in your work, and focus on the power of beauty. This man (as thousands and thousands of others) had to endure more mental abuse in his life so far, then a million men, but was able and lucky enough to swim to top of that putrid pond of a life he was given and see the good in it, as fleeting as that was. I was thinking of this book as a mirror and what message I saw in it, that would be "Have a Lion's Heart" .

This book enlightened me and really got to me, much more than I expected. I was delighted to read about the life of a 102-year old african american man from the south, as I am a 30-something white woman from MT. He has a lot to teach us, and a lot to remind us of and has a way of doing so that makes us thankful for what we have. George Dawson is a gem and I am pleased that someone took the time to put his story on paper. What a great book!

Even though this book was published six years ago, the message of "Life is so good" is timeless. It is a window into a world that we are all a part of, but some of us rarely see. Truly memorable! Dawson sees literacy as an incredible gift and he in turn gives the reader numerous ones in return.

Richard Glaubman's "Life Is So Good" is a real comeuppance for anyone whose outlook towards life runs along the lines of "I wish I had done X, but I'm too old to start now." Here's a man, George Dawson, who learned how to read at age 98. As a USA Today review aptly summarizes, "Dawson has become a literary hero, a testament to the power of perseverance." First-time author Glaubman expertly fleshes out Larry Bingham's award-winning 1998 Fort Worth Star-Telegram short story.

Dawson's tales of life in the Jim Crow-era South, his unquenchable work ethic, and his travels throughout North America make for compelling reading. Here is a man who was never given a shot to read when he was younger - economic circumstances forced him into full-time manual labor at a very early age. Despite significant hardship, his optimism and sense of self-worth never waver. The title really sums it up well here. Glaubman's final words from Dawson are "Life is so good and it gets better every day."

As other reviewers have noted, Chapter 1 of this book could stand alone as among the best short stories you'll ever read.

I like the memoir because George Dawson never gave up his dream to read and write. George was born in the late 1800's. His parents were not slaves, but his grandparents were once slaves. George was raised in Texas. His family was poor, and he never attended school. Georges started working at a very young age, drawing water from the well each morning for the house. George worked alongside his father in the fields. The work was hard, so was their life. They had to watch what they said and went in fear of the K.K.K. Twelve year old George went to work, and stayed with a white family to help out at home. His cousins came to live with his family because their parents died, so George was needed at home. George left home at twenty-one and worked in Tennessee building levees. It was two years before he returned back home.

Life is So Good is a story about George Dawson's dreams of receiving mail, learning to read and write at the age of ninety-eight, and his work ethic. I can relate to George's hard work and his work ethic. I beleive in hard work and doing it right the first time.

This book is sad and tells of struggles he had to go through. It is not easy reading at first because the chapters jumped around. But overall, it is a good book to read.

Purchased a lot of 8 books. All were in perfect condition, arriving in a timely manner. Great seller!

My husband and I both loved the Grinch as children. The book is wonderful and when read, you can't help but think of the animated short film and its music. Our son had his first Christmas this year and we've made reading about the Grinch part of our Christmas Eve traditions. It brings back such fond memories while creating new ones.

who doesn't love this book also love the shinny new cover

What I love about Dr. Suess is that he makes moralistic points without being preachy. And in "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" Seuss creates a villian as enduring as Scrooge. Like Scrooge, the Grinch shows all of us that change--real, sincere change--is possible. That's a great message for young and old alike!

Also recommended: Christmas Gifts, Christmas Voices--another story (however, definitely not for kids) about an individual who ultimately is healed and transformed.

How The Grinch Stole Christmas is a classic tale about greed, materialism, and the kindness of man for his fellow man all wrapped up in one great big package! The illustrations are wonderful and the rhyming text impresses me. This is a story by Dr. Seuss that is so popular it was made into a Christmastime TV special; and it deserves every bit of recognition that it gets. (Note: this story is very popular; and because many, many people know it all the way through there are spoilers in this review.)

When the story begins we are introduced to the Grinch. He hates Christmas with all celebrations down in "Who-ville," a village he can see from his home on a mountain. The Grinch hates the noise, the caroling, the sharing of presents and the feast of "roast beast."

Eventually the Grinch gets an idea--he dresses up as Santa Claus and uses his dog Max for a reindeer; and this perverse take on the real Santa Claus tale is meant to strike people as ugly. The Grinch comes down from the mountain with his sled and his dog Max made up to look like a reindeer. Soon the Grinch steals all the presents, the stocking hung with care on the fireplace mantle, the roast beast, the Christmas trees--and even the firewood!

The Grinch gets quite a surprise when on Christmas day the "Whos" of "Who-ville" celebrate and rejoice anyway--without any material things to mark the holiday spirit. This shocks the Grinch and he must consider the possibility that Christmas doesn't just "come from a store."

Of course, once the Grinch learns his lesson he returns everything and there's quite a huge celebration with the Grinch leading the way as he carves the "roast beast." It's a very positive ending.

The moral of the story for our children is, of course, that Christmas DOESN'T just come from a store. The importance of Christmas with its religious significance and its message of good will toward all mankind is stressed without banging the child on the head too aggressively. The story overall makes for a fascinating experience for the children. I have many fond memories of watching this TV special and reading this book when I was a very young child.

As with many Dr. Seuss books, children can use this book on a concrete, literal level to improve their vocabulary and reading skills. Older kids will learn the importance of Christmas and the need for all mankind to respect each other and share the beauties of the world together.

I highly recommend this exceptional children's book.

I bought this book in a second hand book it is a briellient story and enjoyed reading it very much.

I first read these in high school and now atleast every 2 or 3 years I read them again. This time around (I'm 27 now) when I had the urge to read them I couldn't find them. I really wish they would make them into a movie trilogy! It's just a great read if you love nature and magic and remember being 16 and in highschool. I hope I read this until I am an old grandma and can get lost in time and pretend I am cassie!

I love this trilogy. I've loved it since I was about ten, and I still love it. It has pride of place on my bookshelf, and every now and again, I go back and re-read it.

In this first book, Cassie Blake, a highschool junior, finds herself suddenly uprooted when her mother moves them back to the tiny Massachusetts town of New Salem. They move in with her grandmother, and before long, a girl at Cassie's school has been murdered and Cassie has taken her place in the mysterious 'Club', a group of teenage witches who can trace their lineage all the way back to the days of the Salem witchcraft trials. Add to that is the menacing and beautiful Faye, Cassie's growing attraction to her best friend's boyfriend, and the search for the coven's lost Master Tools, and you have yourself a gripping and fast-paced start to a thrilling young adult trilogy.

That's not to say that the story doesn't have its problems, one of which is the somewhat underdeveloped secondary characters. Even this is excusable, however, given that there are eleven of them in the coven itself, not to mention various relations and townspeople. If nothing else, most of the coven members are clearly defined and given at least a few pages of close attention, such as the bike ride with Deborah in the second novel. Overall, a very satisfactory read, and well worth buying.

When I was about 13 or 14 I read and re-read these book over and over again. I even recorded them on tape so that I could listen to it while I was out and about.

I loved this trilogy.

Everyone can relate to Cassie in feeling different in a group and in this day and age magic is really popular, so this trilogy is the best for those that are coming of age in this time period when we are obsessed with darkness and magic, etc.

I plan on buying a new set because I wore my old set (given that was 13 years ago) out.

I first read this book when I was 12. For some reason I was not able to get ahold of the next two books in the series. Well, the ending left me so curious to know what happened that I felt compelled (at the age of 24) to track down the next two books in the series to find out what happened. I have to say that I enjoyed reading it the second time as much as I enjoyed the first. The characters are all well formed and interesting. These books are an excellent synthesis of religious accuracy and compelling imagination.

I started reading The Kingdoms books since me brothers were reading them too. Adrina and Vilmos are my favorites. In my mind I see Adrina and Vilmos growing up like I imagined and they are very good friends to have on rainy days. I like these books but than all the Harry Potter books put together times 100. I like this one best as it is the one where Vilmos meets Edward the troant and its got the Dragon King!!! I love everything about the king's mate game and how edward is half troll and half giatn.

My 14 yr. old son is a huge fan of the Kingdoms books and I must admit I am too. Robert Stanek is indeed America's Tolkien, a gifted story-teller with a knack for creating believable worlds and fully-realized characters. Many of the characters become like old friends and even the minor characters truly are interesting and real. The story itself is detailed and rich but Stanek doesn't allow the action to slow, keeping everything moving at a solid pace.

The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches #3 continues where the first two left off. The kingdomers begin to pick up the pieces of their lives after the battles at Quashan and Alderan broke the uneasy peace between the kingdoms. A new force continues to emerge from the shadows even as the evil king and the shapeshifting queen are being dealt with.

Very highly recommended and you'll want to have all four books on hand.

I'm one of those who read for fun, and read a lot, so I really get into a book. And I loved this book because it is a thrilling read. The author managed to create a beautiful picture of a world that every child has or will dream of. Definitely, a book is for all ages and one that lets you enter a world full of magic.

I hope you enjoy it as I did. It is amazing!

Full praise to the author for yet another amazing installment in the story of the Kingdoms. It is a rare and wonderful author that can deliver time after time yet Robert Stanek managed to do just that. Anyone who has the time to read this book should because it is well worth it in every single way possible to imagine!!! Trust me and my fellow Kingdoms and the Elves fans!

There is only one word to describe this book. It's FANTASTIC it's the book that got me to become addicted to reading. The Keeper Martin's Tales books are the best.

Fields of Fire is not just an excellent novel about Vietnam. It's an excellent novel. The characters are believable and complex; the scenes are replete with meaning and context without being overbearing, and the story line keeps one's attention while it teaches some lessons about life and war--during combat, awaiting combat, and during moments of reflection. It has a rare combination of pragmatism and romanticism that I can only attribute to the author's views on life. Webb, himself a fearless ex-Vietnam vet doesn't disparage anyone--even he character "Harvard," a clueless Ivy-leaguer forced into combat. Rather than create a stereotypical 'egghead' type, Webb treats him with sympathy. He does the same for gung-ho combat freaks as well as for the average soldier who is just trying to stay alive. I might call the style something like 'Hemingway a la mode.' Webb's style is both denotative and expressive; but he does not work hard at the spare style Hemingway championed. There's some nice 'adornment' along the way. If anyone knows the Buffy Saint Marie song 'Until It's Time for You to Go', you will find it used here in the most sensitive and moving of scenes.

I also recommend another Webb novel, Missing Soldiers (or is it Lost Soldiers-sorry, forget), a book set many years later, in which an ex-Vietnam era Vet is called in to help solve a Vietnam War mystery: a different book, a different style, a different genre, but as good as or better than this one.

The style of the fiction writer Webb pretty much complements the politician/real-life Webb, now Senator of Virginia. He demonstrates fictionally in his novels that honest and thoughtful and critical examination of one's country comes from that deepest of places: from a patriot's heart who loves his/her country to the point of reverence and becomes rightly indignant when the values one cherishes are transgressed by those who claim to be upholding them. This might not be the place to mention it, but if you think I'm suggeting what Webb things of George W., you're right.

When I finished this book I felt that it was probably the closest I would ever come to know the senselessness and horror of war. It wasn't an easy book for me to read but I feel it's important to bear witness to those horrors that exist in our world if only to validate the sacrifices people make for my benefit.

James Webb is a straight shooter. It verbalizes the action, nonsense, self-serving behaviour of some officers and the bravery of others and the people who have to carry the orders out. I was in during the latter end of Korea so I did not see combat. This book goes hand in hand with Oliver Stone's movie "Platoon".

The book is visceral and true to all that I have learned about the Vietnam conflict. What a horible waste of life of young and old alike.

It seems that a country fighting for its life can not be subjugated forever whether we like its politics or not.

I have great respect for Jim Webb as an author and as a new Virginia Senator. I enjoyed his book very much.

"Fields of Fire" is the best novel of the Vietnam War, bar none. A few have run a very close second ("Body Count" by William Turner Huggett, for instance), but this one sets the standard for what a Vietnam novel should be. I'd place it in the Top 10 American novels of the second half of the 20th century.

The men who make up the unit in "FoF" are realistically depicted, and I'm sure they are based on men that the author led during his time there. The reader actually feels like a member of the unit, and he or she starts to empathize with, and even like, most of them. The combat scenes will have you on the edge of your seat, and you feel it when certain characters give their lives for their country and friends.

This has yet to be made into a movie. I believe any movie based on "FoF" would be superior to "Platoon," and other Vietnam flix, and would make a great bookend with "We Were Soldiers."

Of the many admirers that state this book is the sine qua non for understanding the Vietnam War, few are combat veterans. What troubles me is that several reviewers have expressed thoughts akin to worship, a phenomenon relished by authors and publishers ever since the making of Red Badge of Courage. In the 1970s, I met James Webb while working at the Naval Academy. Later, when I saw that he had published a novel about Vietnam, I got it and began to read. But I couldn't get far into the story. I tried several times but found its style and tone too poetic and storybook. The book tried desperately to expose me to a narrow set of fictional names, places, and events that were impossible to accept. I couldn't give up my own experiences in combat (1968-69), those inexplicable moments of survival with men that sacrificed their lives to save mine. The book didn't come to my defense but weakened my experiences with another story that wanted to decide the outcome of the war for me in words conforming to a style relished by publishers and book lovers only. I suspect this is the same for most veterans (soldiers and marines) that saw heavy combat in Vietnam. I'm troubled by the thought that war stories such as this one exploit with hyperbole and polemics mainly to make a profit. Suffice to say that Webb knew exactly what type of writing publishers were craving, and he wrote this story primarily to be published, making sure not to burn any bridges along the way. It is indeed fiction rather than history or autobiography. In this way, it was indeed a political statement, and those that think it is an anti-war novel are mistaken. There are no anti-war books or movies. They don't exist. A well known film historian recently said of the movie Paths of Glory, "Should the whole world watch this movie, there would be no more wars." This is a specious as saying that if we made everyone a cop, there would be no more crime. Books and movies about war, especially those with "searing truths" about combat, do not add to our understanding of war, nor do they prevent anyone from picking up a gun and going to war. In fact, the more searing the story, the more likely the readers or viewers will want to experience so-called truths for themselves, to watch others die, to kill others and be made heroes for it. Is there any wonder why we went to war in Iraq? For a nonconforming, nonprofit-oriented book about the Vietnam War, see "Traces of a Lost War" by Richard Barone. Independently published, it goes for broke in its denial of the "war story," fully admitting that its own words cannot touch or come close to the war they attempt to describe.