California Books

There's only so many hours in a day so I always make an attempt to read books that will hopefully enlarge my brain cells (the classics I missed out on earlier in life). Books such as The Tale of Two Cities and Emma, among others, are usually first on my list. Well, my sister was reading this novel and said it was wonderful so, I thought I would read it with her.

After a few pages and great anticipation, I could see clearly where this book was going, the same old thing using a Christian wrapping. (WARNING - I am going to give away the ending in the following paragraphs, but I'll bet you can guess it anyway!)

First, the style of writing is lacking in every sense of the word. Where are the wonderfully intriguing character studies that I so love in Jane Austin's books? Where are the complicated sentence structures? It was so, well, predictable.

She is bad, he is good, she is still bad, he is still good, she finally repents, he finally wins her heart. I know God is mixed in, but really, He doesn't talk to us like that. We are to search scripture to find the answers, not hear them in our heads, and especially not in bold print in a romance novel.

I got through 1/2 of this book and just couldn't stand it any more. The dialogue was extremely weak which bored me to tears (a different kind of tears than other reviewers seemed to have shed). I had to skip to the end to verify what I already knew would happen. He got the girl, they lived happily ever after, ta-da.

A more realistic ending would have been that Michael got syphilis from his lovely wife and became disillusioned at the least, at the worst, he would have died. A book that comes to mind with a nasty ending, but an ending that will stick in my head probably the rest of my life, is Edith Wharton's House of Mirth. I didn't like the ending, BUT it had a powerful impact. It was REAL.

I would say, just get this from the library, if you must, but don't spend $ on it. Well, actually, don't spend even time on it if you have better reads waiting on your shelf.

As for those who have said that this is the best book they have ever read, I am truly sad for you. There's a world of romance out there, but it can be clothed in beautiful layers of rich silk and embroidery, not only in plain sackcloth.

Hands-down, the best book I've ever read! Could not put it down. I was somewhat consumed by it and cannot wait to read it again. Go get this book!

This is one of the best books I have ever read!! Shipping was quick, too. Would highly recommend seller!

This was the best book about christian fiction that I have every read. It brings the biblical story of Hosea and Gomer to life in a way that makes you understand God's message. I look forward to reading other books by Mrs. Rivers. She is truly a gifted writer.

Francine's book was such a gift of hope to myself and our woman's group. We all desire to understand Christ's redemptive love in our lives and to share it with others. As we study this book and the Biblical book of Hosea, our discussion is rich with our own stories. Stories of freedom from the chains of this world and Christ's redemption in all of us. Francine weaves the intricate details of this story expertly with each character's arrival in Sara's life. She elicits page after page of emotion as she tells the heartbreaking tale of Sara's rejection and betrayal throughout her early life She does an exquisite job of sharing the thoughts and feelings of the main characters later in the book and their inward struggle between fear and trust. She consistently demonstrates the struggle both of them endured as they learned to love one another regardless of the circumstances. Francine shows that someone who is truly seeking the Lord can love without reservation and let forgiveness flow from within. Conjointly, someone who lives a life of rejection and betrayal can arrive at a place of healing with the unconditional love of Jesus Christ and His liberation in our lives. The story reveals what grace and mercy really entails, and it has nothing to do with earning it or striving after it. This book is one of the most difficult books for me to put down, and when it is over I'm sure I'll desire it to continue. If I can continue reading a book from cover to cover, I know it is divine!

This book helped open my eyes to what children go through in Foster Care. It helped me to relize that you can't judge a book by its cover. That the struggle for acceptance,love acknowledgement or to be recognized can consume & overwhelm a child...to even the point of doing something you know in you heart is wrong. This book makes me want to work hard, so I can buy a big house, Just so I can provide enough love and support and room for not only my three children, but for those children in need of a place to call home & to know that they have someone who care about them.

This is a story about a young boy who gets abused and treated unfairly. He doesn't have any clothes besides the ones he caries in a brown paper bag. He runs away from the world he hates. He has no home to go to, then he finds hope. To find out more information about this book find it and venture into it.

In my opinion this book was excellent and amazing.Why? Because it made me cry on the first page, some parts I felt like going in the book, because the suspense never ends. I would recommend it to those who love to read soppy, exciting books that are true.

This book, along with another came in on time and for a great price. I Love this book.. I am now waiting to read the two books left that tells the rest of Dave's Story. There are 4 all together!

This book will open your eyes to child abuse. You will forever remember and reflect on what you have read. We all have a need to be loved.

this is a good book! i love it when dave sees that kid and the kid says what you call my sister? then dave says a horror? then the kid punches dave, makes his nose bleed, and says don't you ever, ever, call my sister a whore again! read it if you liek dave pelzer as much as me!

I purchased this book for my daughter. She read and finished the book and told me that it was well written and that it was very interesting reading. I didn't read it so I would be hesitant to recommend.

I loved this book! My heart goes out to Sharon Rocha and the rest of Laci's family.

I was pregnant with my 3rd son when Laci went missing and was so devastated to hear how she went missing. As time went on, and I looked at Scott on TV, I could tell he was guilty. He was blank, cold, and detached looking. I felt so sad for Laci and her son. She was so beautiful and looked to be like such a sweet loving woman. I was drawn to the story, and waited for her mother to write a book about her. I realized it might not happen, but was happy when she finally wrote this book. I read the book by Scott's half sister, and really enjoyed that book. I also read this book and cried like a baby at certain parts. I was confused how Laci could have been so trusting of Scott, as most women (or at least I thought) have women's intuition that would tell them something was wrong. I am happy that her mother wrote this book. I always wondered what went on with Laci's side of the family during this whole tragedy. Even though I cried many tears while reading this book, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

When the story of Laci broke news, I thought it wouldn't be as sensational as it turned out to be, I mean how many people go missing, or are murdered;my husband thought the same way. I began reading the books about Laci and the investigation, which covered forensic, and mental health issues, but no emotional feelings until I read Sharon's book. It's powerful in its own right. A must read!

This is a compelling book which reads very quickly, as it is hard to put down. Sharon Rocha paints a lovely portrait of her daughter Laci. You can't help be empathetic as evil moves in around her. I have an incredible amount of respect for her and the search-and-rescue fund/foundation she created. This tugs at heartstrings and elicits tears. I can't help but cry.

As a Psychotherapist and campaigner for the rights of children I would recommend this book as a compulsory text for any course on child care, therapy or education.
It is gripping, moving,shocking and eye-opening. It is particularly relevant to understand the capacity of disturbed parents to hide and disguise their cruelty and the mind confusing, emotionally scarring dilemmas faced by the abused child.
And yet it is hopeful and heart warming.

I am a special education teacher at a residential treatment facility that works with children in similar situations. As an end of the year project, I read this story to my 16-18 year old high school girls. They wouldn't let me put it down. The emotions, empathy, and similar situations my girls experienced were finally put into words. David, to them, is a survivor and has given them hope for their own future! Thank you Mr. Pelzer for sharing your story and helping my girls know that they are not the only ones!

This book was about a boy named David who went through a rough time when he was younger. He would get abused by his mother and his dad was an alcholic. The boy had no right and no say in that house hold his younger brothers had more say then he did. he would get tortured everyday and his mother would make him stay and live in the basement with nothing. Later in the book he finally gets rescued and is put into a shelter home. His life isnt how it use to be anymore.

As I read this, parts of the text were unbearable. Yet, Dave's story is an unfortunate reality of the deviance that exists within the human psyche to control, manipulate and abuse another. Anyone involved with educating children in whatever form they chose should read this because the truth brings to light what is hidden in the darkness. Dave is definitely an overcomer and his book will challenge you to look at the little boys and girls we see each day...a bit more carefully and mercifully.

The story a child called "it" it shows us the life of a boy longing to be loved. he is abused by his alcoholic mother. his father is torn between the two but chooses not to tell anyone. all his younger syblings are treated with love and care. he is trying to survive in his mothers 'hell'. i recommend this book to teens and young adults it will open your eyes to smoething you might have been blinded by but yet still happens in the world today... Abuse. some people just dont have the courage to stand up for what they know and believe is right. but just think about it you would be saving and inoccent life and giving a chance that wouldnt have been givin.

Book hard to find, received in condtion stated, great pacaging, shipping times as stated. Would purchase from seller again.

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

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.

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

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

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!!!

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!

This book was received in excellent condition as it was listed on Amazon. Also, the book was received in a quick manor. Thanks!

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!

When I was in fifth grade, I remember I was sitting in music class when the librarian stopped by to ask me to return this book. One of the teachers wanted to use it in class, and I'd had it out so long, no one else could get a shot at it!

I was an only child, very bookish and introverted. I read and reread this book. I married a guy who planned to become a Methodist minister (like Helen Doss) and we have four bio kids and two adopted from Haiti. I always wanted to adopt, which I'm sure came from this book. I was probably drawn to my husband at least partly because of the warm and fuzzy feeling about Methodist pastors that I had from this book.

Reading things as a kid, you pick up on the stuff you like and ignore the stuff you don't. The Dosses adopted most of their kids as babies (with some exceptions). They did have some difficult issues one summer when they took a Native American boy in for a vacation in their family. I ignored this part of the book, focusing on the wonderful and easy other kids. We adopted an older boy from Haiti and it's been rough for him and for us. I should have paid more attention when I was reading, maybe . . . We also adopted a baby girl, and that's been great.

One of my favorite books ever. I didn't know there was a new edition with updates on the family--I'll have to get it just for the updates, although I own an older copy. By the way, my parents never ever talked to me about racism. We had no friends of different races. I imagine I formed my beliefs that "we are all brothers" regardless of color, mostly from this book.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

"Thank You so much for your book. It is an essential tool that every actor in Los Angeles MUST HAVE. You have graciously offered all the information in one place that would take an actor years to figure it all out on their own. THANK YOU.

-Guy D. Wells"

I started reading this book thinking I could jot down a couple useful pieces of information and quickly advance to another book on acting. Boy was I wrong!

This book is overflowing with so many sources that you may as well toss out the Yellowpages. Judy Kerr did a flawless job of providing step-by-step instructions regarding the business-side of acting and how you can get started.

Sure, there are useful quotes from all kinds of big names and experienced veterans about the technique, but Judy was very wise to simply refer readers to all types of classes, coaches and workshops rather than attempt to write a book on how to act. Experience is the only way you truly learn, not by reading about others who experience it.

I'm currently saving up to take the 2-week trip to Los Angeles to research the city which is mentioned in the book with detailed stops to make.

If you're wondering whether or not this book should be on your bookshelf at home, buy it now. No, don't continue reading my review!! You're not listening and I feel disrespected. You could've been entering your shipping address and credit card info by now you lazy bum! Ya wanna act? Okay, your character is shopping for a book by Judy Kerr... ACTION!!!

The back cover of this book has a very good summary of what its all about: 'Where to Go, Who to Call, What to Spend, What Not To Do!' Acting is a really hard business. The hints & tips, things that work & those that don't, will become well known to you after a time. But when you are new and trying to break into the biz the more of these things you know the more time you'll save.

One point she makes I'd do differently. She says that it's a good idea to participate in theater and theater groups. Truth, absolute truth. Unfortunately it's not that easy. In your home town, the little theaters needed and probably eventually used everyone who showed up for the auditions. In New York and LA, it's just about as hard to get into an 'amateur' production as it is a professional one. There are so many 'currently unemployed' who want to be on stage that it's difficult. Solution - start your own. Perform in your church, or the Y, or the back room of a restaurant. Just do it. As she says, you never know who will be in the audience.

Finally, the title of the book just about says it all -- Acting is Everything. Acting is not something that you want to do, it's something you have to do. Use the book as you can, but go for it.

Having already owned the hugely inspiring and knowledgable Acting is Everything book which helped me tremendously with my move to Los Angeles from Australia, I was delighted to see the latest "gold edition" which is just as wonderfully encouraging, informative and packed with even more knowledge. Anytime I was feeling lost in my career, this book renewed my faith.

Joanne Rose
www.joannerose.com

There is no greater source book out there. For actors and other industry professionals, "Acting Is Everything" is a magnificent compendium of information covering all aspects of pursuing your acting career - from arriving in LA, to agents and managers, to your pictures - and it's wrapped up with motivational and inspiring advice. I have been recommending this book to not only actors but all entertainment professionals that I speak to including seminar attendees, my UCLA Extension students, and my own clients. Owning this book is like having a professional adviser at home with you 24/7.

This book of recipes is complete and easy to follow. It is also in brand new condition.

I've tried a few recipes in this book and it is not too bad. There isn't a book out there that you follow exact steps to get a perfect dish. You will still have to modify it a bit to fit your taste bud. This book was able to be that base starting point for me. Highly recommended.

I found "The Little Saigon Cookbook" to be amongst the best of any of my Vietnamese/Asian cookbooks. It is vivid in its descriptions and illustrations. It also provides any serious enthusiast with some excellent recipes. My last dental assistant was Vietnamese and taught me a great deal before I had to retire and this cookbook reflects much of what she took the time to teach me. I also found the narrative of the author's coming to this country very interesting and inspiring.

I regret that there is a "one-star" rating on this book. But I have found that if you investigate grossly deviant ratings/reviews you can usually disregard them due to personal agendas, lack of experience, etc.

No, I am not Vietnamese, but I have been cooking and learning about Vietnamese cooking before most non-immigrants even knew much about this incredible cuisine. I can remember finally finding one of the few Vietnamese grocery stores at that time in south downtown Houston. This was just south of my dental practice and the owners couldn't believe that this "round-eyed" American was interested, much less knew anything about their foods. My first cookbook was a first edition by Bach Ngo. Since then I have collected most Vietnamese cookbooks in print and several out of print.

I wanted to give this book a TWO STARS rating, but I couldn't change the rating so it remained a 4 star rating.

This book is nowhere near the level of Andrea Nguyen's "Into The Vietnamese Kitchen" or Mai Pham's "Pleasures of the Vietnamese Table", but I still bought it because it has a few recipes that are not in other vietnamese cookbooks. This author's knowledge of Vietnamese cooking is not as comprehensive as Andrea Nguyen's or Mai Pham's, and it shows in her descriptions of the recipes and the ingredients. For example, Andrea Nguyen described yellow rock sugar as an ingredient that's often used in Vietnamese soups to give roundness and a slightly sweet taste to them; Andrea Nguyen also mentioned that yellow rock sugar gives vegetables their sheen; and Andrea Nguyen took pains to differentiate between yellow rock sugar and white rock sugar because they're usually sold side by side on store shelves, and she warned her readers not to buy the white rock sugar by mistake. This author (Ann Le), on the other hand, simply writes "rock sugar" and does not differentiate between yellow rock sugar and white rock sugar. I'm not sure that she even knows there are two types of rock sugar. For this author to simply calls it "rock sugar" and not "yellow rock sugar" is a really bad oversight and confuses her readers. This author does not give informative and interesting background details such as these when writing about Vietnamese ingredients. Sometimes this author's recipes are not very detailed. For example, sometimes she writes "12 ounces of tofu" without specifying whether it should be regular, firm, or extra firm tofu. Furthermore, she lacks Andrea Nguyen's flare for language when writing recipes. I bought this book because I'm not depending solely on this book to cook Vietnamese food. As I mentioned before, this book has a few recipes that are not in other Vietnamese cookbooks, and this is a good enough reason for me to buy this book because I'm serious about learning how to cook Vietnamese food. I think people make the mistake of wanting to buy just one Vietnamese cookbook and expect it to have everything. As for me, I think it's important to have several Vietnamese cookbooks in order to get as many recipes as possible, and each book has something new to teach me. Add this book to your collection AFTER you buy Andrea Nguyen's "Into The Vietnamese Kitchen" and Mai Pham's "Pleasures of the Vietnamese Table", which is an excellent book. If you do buy this book, then watch out for the salt/fish sauce contents because some of the recipes (i.e. Sauteed Bok Choy With Tofu And Hoisin Sauce) are way too salty. Seriously, you can hardly eat the foods because they're so salty! The reasons I like this book are:

1) It has a recipe for "banh canh" (pork hock and crab soup with Udon noodles). This is the only Vietnamese cookbook that I own that has this particular recipe. I usually order this noodle soup when I'm at a particular restaurant in Little Saigon because I really like it, and now I can make it at home. The only thing I don't like about this recipe is that the author uses pre-prepared Udon noodles. It would have been better if she includes a recipe regarding how to make the noodles fresh at home. I think the noodles can be made fresh at home from a combination of rice and tapioca flours.

2) Avocado shake recipe. Tastes good.

3) Good background information about restaurants and markets in Little Saigon in Southern California, which is the biggest Vietnamese community outside of Vietnam.

This book is not comprehensive or detailed, and it's not well written. I'm not sure if the recipes were even well tested by the author. But it's still worthwhile to buy this book for a few scatter recipes that cannot be found in other Vietnamese cookbooks. However, this book is not at all necessary to add to your collection.

This book is a great book if you want to explore the Vietnamese cuisine. The food is wonderful and so interesting. I was exposed to vietnamese cooking by my wife and got this book to surprise her. It was great and she was extremely happy. It really surprised her that I could do such a good job cooking the food that she grew up with. It was easy enough to cook, and very interesting to get exposed to what other cultures eat. I loved it.