Burns Books

Without a doubt, the greatest narrative ever written on The War Between the States. Anything else is just fluff. 'The Longest Night' and 'Battle Cry of Freedom' don't even come close.

I was initially intimiated about the prospect of launching into just one volume of Foote's narrative and so I made the mistake of buying only the first book -- I should have bought all three volumes at the start! It takes about 50 - 100 pages to get into Foote's style of writing, and at times he turns a quirky phrase from the '60's (1860's), but this is enjoyable reading, bar none. If there was ever a way to learn the history of the American Civil War, this would be the way to do it.

I've spent nearly a year making my way through the three volumes, sometimes on airplanes, some of it as 5 - 6 pages before going to sleep. My biggest regret is there is no Vol. 4. I will miss Mr. Foote. The richness of detail and the descriptive character achieved by Foote makes you feel as though he lived in the period and knew many of the characters personally. You will come away with vivid and lasting impressions of Lincoln, Grant, Davis, Lee, Johnson, Jackson, McClelland, Custer, Semmes, Porter, Sherman, Sheridan, and countless others who defined these years. The series is not a dry recitation of facts and figures, but a storytelling of the war with enough statistics to provide a sense of scale.

Imagine the year is 1899 and you are a young man or lady of 12 or 13, sitting with your aging uncle who had lived and fought through the major battles of a war on the verge of being forgotten. He shares with you his remembrances and vast knowledge of what happened on the major battlefields and political stage (and behind it) during the war. He is a master story teller. You are enthralled and look forward to each evening's session. That's what Foote offers to the reader.

The books have some flaws -- a lack of maps, no program of players, ambiguous chapterization, shifting time lines and locations. While there are large scale maps inside the covers to convey the flow of the entire war, there are not enough maps for the individual battles. You must dog ear those map pages for reference. I'm not a history buff, so I constantly had to keep asking myself "who was that general?" as Foote leaves one theater of the war and then returns to it several chapters later. A suggestion -- get an index card and each time you meet a major player, write the name, side, title and use the card as a book mark. The problem with shifting time lines and locations is unavoidable in such a vast work. Foote generally does a good job to tying overlapping periods to each other, but you need to keep alert on our own.

There are few books I would ever consider reading again, but these will stay on my bookshelf for just that possibility.

There are two types of reviewers for this trilogy. Those who rate it five stars and those who have no soul.

I am about half way through and find these volumes excellent. They not only address the battles fought, but also address the political climate how people from the North and the South felt about the war, their leaders etc. It is interesting to be made aware of the annimosity that existed toward the "press." It is also interesting to hear how the press on either side was willing to print information that may prove detrimental to military activity and probably help to contribute to the many deaths experienced on both sides. And I mean the southern press printing about the movements of southern forces and the northern press printing about troop movements of the northern armies. Also, it comes across to me that Foote presents a relatively fair and unbaised narrative of both the North and the South. Excellent reading especailly for you history buffs. However, be ready to have fun trying to keep track of all the different generals etc. It is a little like alphabet soup.

I wanted an objective account of the civil war and an objective description of the battles, but Foote's three volume books is anything but objective. He is an engaging writer and, as another reviewer points out, brings the characters back to life, but Foote makes confederate thugs like Stonewall Jackson look like lovable, eccentric and courageous heroes. He portrays the confederate soldiers as poor, under-equipped soldiers full of valour, but then paints the union soldiers as over-equipped soldiers, lacking in courage and drive, who are there only for the experience and who pillage civilian homes when they go into southern towns (see the battle at Federicksburg for an example).

I note another reviewer commenting that Foote's view is not apparent in the books, but to me it is very clear he is rooting for the confederates. For example, on page 19 of the second volume, he writes "Texas was decontaminated" and the only bluecoats were Magruder's prisoner (this was about Magruder winning the battle at Galveston for the confederates). Only those in support of the confederate would say that Texas was decontaminated when Magruder won. If the writer was objective, that phrase "Texas was decontaminated" would not have been inserted. It's not even necessary!!

There is also a little too much detail. I can do without how many men are in each division and how many men were killed, wounded or captured.

I do not intend to read all three volumes because of his pro-confederate tone. It was a struggle to finish the first volume without wanting to throw the book at something (I am not pro-union, just anti-confederate). I am reading the second volume only so I can read about Stonewall Jackson's death. I am not sure how Foote has portrayed his death, but I'm sure with his pro-confederate feeling, it will be a glorious death!!! To me, Stonewall is a hypocritical thug and murderer and I will delight in reading about his death, however, glorious it might be to Foote.

This was one of my favorite children's books ever, and we had a lot of them. My sons now feel the same, apparently, because the one we bought on an auction site has been completely worn out by their repeated reading of it. So now I need to get a new one so we can wear IT out, too!

Often, boys fantasize about cool things they could build, and Andrew Henry does that in spades. The beautiful ink drawings show the kinds of a details a child or adult would want to see in order to trigger the imagination but not replace it. Wonderful book.

I happened uponthis book while on vacation near the author's home. I found it delightful with an engaging story and pictures that can be examined over and over again. My son shared this book with his first grade class and the teacher called me to ask if she could keep it for a while to read to the other first grade sections. She raved about the book saying, "It is perfect for first graders". My only quibble about the book might be some mild sterotyping about what boys do vrs what girls do (boys build and fish, girls watch birds and play music)

My mother saved this book from my childhood. It was a favorite of mine. I liked to imagine a town where kids each got to be themselves. A place where they could really enjoy who they were without interference from adults or disapproving children. I would recommend this book for ages 8-11 years.

I have been looking for this book off and on for the last 15 years or so. This book was so much a part of my childhood. I remember it being in my church library and I would read it during Sunday School when I should have been paying attention to all of the God stuff. I spent hours imagining what my own hideway would look like.
When I was older, all I could remember was that it had Meadow in the title and it was about a bunch of kids who ran away to build creative forts.
I can't wait to get my copy and share it with my family and students.

As a child my husband got into his father's tools and fixed the door knobs and his mother's vacuum cleaner. Like Henry, he had two older sisters, and unlike Henry, only one older brother, and he did not mind being alone because he was always working on things.

My husband had mentioned this book before, and how about he used to tell his other classmates to read it because it was such a good book. He checked it out from the school library frequently. I ordered a copy and quickly read through it realizing why he liked the book so much: he was just like Henry, and now I live in his meadow, lol.

If you know a child inclined to work that is hands-on or making their own place, I am sure that they will enjoy this classic book. The illustrations are very endearing in that 1950's style. My husband thought it was the goldmine among his more expensive anniversary gifts this year.;P

Kate Daniels doesn't go looking for trouble, trouble finds her. After the Weres hand over an embarrassing job to her (someone actually accomplished breaking into their keep and stealing their maps)she runs into more problems then she can chew. Nothing new for her. In this alternate Atlanta where magic and technology comes and goes in flashes, Kate battles on the side morally right as much as she battles her inner demons and biologocial secrets.

This is not a romance novel, but more of a urban paranormal mystery with a true kick-but character. I love the fact that she's not the prettiest thing on the block, nor the nicest. She's average, but with extraordinary secrets that even the readers are attempting to read and learn more about. Yet, for those of you die hard romance readers, there is an underlining romance iffy line. Kate and the Curran (the head of the Atlanta Weres; i.e.Mr. Big, Bad, and Scary)seems to constantly be stumbling into each other. He's either rescuing her from near death or her jobs bring her into contact with his people. What I like about these parts are that they lighten the mood for the book and lead to a few chuckles. I especially like the part where he treats her like a mouse toy and "plays" with her by tossing her around the room a few times.

Overall, it's a great, unique book and I'm axiously awaiting the next in this series.

I'm a Sookie Stackhouse and Rachel Morgan fan who is always looking for other series. I read book one in this series and gave it a 4. I bought book 2, just to kill time and was totally drawn in by it. I am now putting book 3 on my wishlist. I am not a "magic" fan, but enjoyed the interplay between Kate with her magic, and the knight in shining armor who is the alpha of the shapeshifter pack.

No sophomore slump here! Ilona Andrews follows--and tops--her debut novel with an excellent sequel, _Magic Burns_.

We get some more world-building. Andrews explains, in a way that flows smoothly with the story and doesn't feel like an infodump, the theory as to why the magic and tech have gone wonky in the first place. We also learn about magic flares, which occur roughly every seven years. During these upsurges in magic, powerful and dangerous summonings can be done. As _Magic Burns_ begins, a magic flare has kicked in and Kate finds herself entangled in the mystery of a witch coven who disappeared after getting in over their heads.

Kate is growing as a character as this series progresses. In Magic Burns, she lets a few more people into her heart, and I don't just mean romantically (though the romantic tension between her and Curran is just enough to be lots of fun without dominating the story). We also learn a few more tantalizing hints about Kate's parentage and about the powers she keeps under wraps.

The mystery/supernatural plot is more layered than that of _Magic Bites_, and better executed. Andrews continues to root her plots in a diverse range of mythology and folklore rather than sticking to the current urban fantasy trends. This time, everything's more complicated, because the good guys and bad guys are less clearly delineated, and Kate has to navigate a minefield of other people's competing agendas. The pace is fast, and there are no "Huh?" moments like the one I had in _Magic Bites_.

Andrews has also toned down the gore. There's still plenty of violence, but if you thought there were a few too many explicit descriptions of cannibalism and rape in _Magic Bites_, you'll probably like _Magic Burns_ better.

_Magic Burns_ just earned Andrews a place on my very short "snap up on sight" list. She's one of the most original voices currently writing in the urban fantasy subgenre, and I can't wait to see what she does next.

This is one of those rare books that you just can't put down after you start reading it. I can't wait for the nezt in the series!

Futuristic Atlanta: magic wreaks havoc in the city and citizens, human and supernatural alike, prepare for the dreaded phenomena when magic and technology refuse to co-exist and continually fight for dominance. It is a world where you wake up each day not knowing if you'll be able to start your car due to the magic fluctuation or, for those who possess magical powers, your spells will fail when the technology is up and running. It's all part of the citizens' daily life except every seven years, the magical waves intensify and all the complexities associated with it culminates into a build-up called a flare. As all hell breaks loose in Atlanta, greater forces like gods and goddesses battle it out for supremacy. And death to anyone who stands in their way...

Once again, our Kate Daniels is knee deep in supernatural drama as she finds herself helping the local Pack retrieve some stolen maps. As Kate goes map-hunting, she comes face to face with the impertinent culprit who takes delight in confounding her and the local Alpha, Curran. More obstacles are thrown her way when she unexpectedly becomes a babysitter to a young girl whose missing mother may be the key to unravelling the chaos surrounding her. And with two powerful gods vying for the chance to step into the human realm, Kate may be out of her depth. Tough as this mercenary is, she knows that she needs all the help she can get even if that means going to the very man who gives her the chills... in a good and (mostly) bad way.

MAGIC BURNS is a tautly written action thriller filled with supernatural creatures galore! The author conveys the intricacies of this alternate universe with drama and flair. Magic leaps off every page and characters come to life. I thought Magic Bites (Kate Daniels, Book 1) was an excellent read, but this book totally exceeded my expectations. Ilona Andrews' world is utterly bewitching, captivating the reader right from the start. Kate's character is continuously evolving; the same goes for the secondary characters. Every individual has their place in Andrews' magical world. No secondary character is wasted, everybody is given an opportunity to react and interact and prove their purpose. Indeed, the author has given us such intriguing characters leaving you hanging on to see what she has in store for them.

A word of caution though that the violence and mayhem in this book equates to splatter horror. It is graphic and horrific and Andrews doesn't gloss over the details. If you don't mind these, then I guarantee that this is a great reading experience that packs a terrific punch.

Reviewed by Matthew Feliciano (age 8) for Reader Views (7/08)

"The Many Adventures of Pengey Penguin" is about a penguin names Pengey who goes on adventures to find his mother and father who disappeared. His mother disappeared when it was the mom's turn to go fish hunting; the other penguin moms came back but Pengey's mom did not. Then, the dad had to go get food and he didn't return. Pengey went out to find them.

On the way to find his parents, he ran into a human named Wendy. Pengey and Wendy became friends. Wendy had to leave for Rio de Janeiro and left Pengey. Pengey wanted to go with her so he hid in the airplane's wheel compartment.

"The Many Adventures of Pengey Penguin" by John Burns is good for everyone who likes adventures. I love adventure stories and this was a great one!

My parents bought this book, "The Many Adventures of Pengey Penguin", for me when the author came to visit. At first, I thought it would be too young for me, but I said I would read it to my younger brother and sister. I ended up really enjoying this book. I'm 12 years old this year, and I like Penguins and travel. I think that's why I liked the book. The main character, Pengey, travels from Antarctica to New York and makes stops at two other countries, so it was fun to find the places on the map and show my younger brother and sister where he went. I've been to New York too. I also like his two best friends and their friendship and how they get into trouble and have to get out again. It was also exciting.

My son LOVES penguins. When he asked for a chapter book about penguins for Christmas, I turned to Amazon. It was nice to be able to find what he wanted. This is a cute story, easy to read, and full of adventure. My son is very happy with it. I recommend it to any child who is interested in reading.

My parents bought this book, "The Many Adventures of Pengey Penguin", for me when the author came to visit. At first, I thought it would be too young for me, but I said I would read it to my younger brother and sister. I ended up really enjoying this book. I'm 12 years old this year, and I like Penguins and travel. I think that's why I liked the book. The main character, Pengey, travels from Antarctica to New York and makes stops at two other countries, so it was fun to find the places on the map and show my younger brother and sister where he went. I've been to New York too. I also like his two best friends and their friendship and how they get into trouble and have to get out again. It was also exciting.

The author came to our school to do a visit and reading for us. Mr. Burns was very informative and we all really liked hearing him read. Then we were all able to buy a book if we wanted too. I think this is a great book and a great adventure to read for children. My friends and I think Pengey is really cute and some of his friends are very funny. Our teacher said she likes the book because it is funny and also she could use the book to teach us about the world and different animals and the ocean. We all love Pengey!

I purchased this book for my mother-in-law who had seen it on TV. She was excited to get it. She didn't feel it contained as much information as they implied on the television show she had seen, but nonetheless, she was pleased.

I purchased this for my wife. She really liked it. My wife has been hand quilting since 1975, and her photo albums are stuffed. This book will enhance any book you might have on using 1930's fabric. Illustrations and instructions are very clear and easy to follow. You may wonder why this husband is writing this; because I'm a quilter too. Thread up that needle and let's go....Ken

This book is of such high quality and easy to read. I love all of her books.

THIS BOOK WAS EXTREMELY EASY TO READ AND PATTERNS FOR QUILTS ARE JUST FUN TO DO. I HAVE FOUND THAT ELEANOR BURNS GIVES THE BEST DIRECTIONS FOR HER PATTERNS AND THAT THE YARDAGE IS RIGHT ON THE MARK.I REALLY LIKED THIS BOOK.

I bought this book for my mom for Christmas and she absolutely loves it! She couldn't wait to get started on her next creation and says the patterns are easy to use and that this is one of the best gifts she received.

Great book with step by step instructions, this would be my pick for the first time quilter. It shows at least 100 different layouts for you log cabin blocks. It is wonderful.

I have had this book for about 6 months now and am very happy with it. I bought it to help me make my first quilt on my own.
It gives very clear step-by-step instructions and also a list of all general supplies one needs, such as a rotary cutter, cutting mat, different types of batting, pins etc. I did not feel the need to buy all of it, but it does give a good starting list. I probably spent $50-75 to get started, excluding fabrics and a sewing machine of course.
What I also love is that it gives very exact amounts of the fabrics you need. I found they are highly accurate, leaving just enough room for a mistake but without having a pile of scraps left.
The book offers many different sizes and patterns, showing clearly which patterns go with which size.
I highly recommend this book, because it guides you through every step from cutting, assembly, layout, sewing, batting, with text and many helpful images.
The only thing I found slightly misleading is the title. Except for the smallest quilts, I don't think many people could finish a quilt in a day.

No way one day!. But... in three days I made a 60x60 lap quilt over New Years. With an unfamiliar sewing machine on a dining room table. I think it could be done in two in my own studio.

What this did was give me confidence to go home and finish my QS Triple Irish Chain.

I recommend this book highly for beginner quilters. Sometimes you read instructions and wonder what the quilter was smoking. Not Ms. Burns.

If a guy like me can do it, anyone can.

t in san jose

If you are a quilter and you haven't made this quilt, what are you waiting for? You have to make this quilt pattern at least once in your life. If you are thinking about quilting and can sew a straight line, this is where you want to begin.

It's easy, simple, the results are beautiful. I've made many of these as gifts; I've given the book and fabric as the gift.

This book taught me to be a stripper over 20 years ago. (Read the book you'll understand "stripper".)

Great book, clear instructions and illustrations. I can't wait to make the quilt.

Although written so long ago, it really is wonderful for our day and age today! Very practical advise and food for thought in an easy to read style. There is so much to gain from reading this book, written for everyone.

This is an astoundingly helpful book. St. Francis de Sales manages to give all the benefit that you can reap from a spiritual guidance book. In one of the first chapters, he recommends finding an actual spiritual director- best advice. In conjunction with doing so, this is one of the most wonderful little treasures I have come across. It pertains to all people, of all states, too. I have other books- Divine Intimacy, Words of Love, Divine Mercy in My Soul, School of Jesus Crucified... each is priceless. But this little book is especially good- St. Francis speaks so simply, clearly and beautifully, and it is set up that one can easily pick it up and turn to the subject/chapter that he wants particular counsel on right away. This can help you advance quickly in the spiritual life, with confidence and love!

This classic is a wealth of insight and advice for nurturing a devout life. It predates and foreshadows the call for all to be saints at Vatican II and by faithful like Pope John Paul II and Saint Josemaria Escriva to sanctify the ordinary. This is a powerful and profitable book for our times from the great evangelist who won many back to the Catholic faith from the Protestant reformation. For the historical value as a classic it is well worth reading but as a practical devotional toward a truly devout life even today, it is a priceless treasure of the faith.

I was skeptical about starting this book, because most of the saints' writings I have read have been very theological or spiritual in nature, basically above my head. This one is practical and easy to follow. It makes sense for an everyday person who is just trying to grow closer to God. It applies to each individual no matter what your vocation or job and is specifically directed at those who are NOT priests or religious (although they probably would benefit, as well). This is a classic! A winner that will be read and re-read for years to come!

I sought out this book on the advice of a priest and was not expecting the book to as useful as it was! I was immediately drawn into the book as it explained how a devotional life can be integrated into any state of life. I especially was thankful of the effort de Sales puts into explaining what is proper for one to do according to their vocation in life. Though I am Catholic, a Pentecostal friend once asked if Christians can meditate and immediately lent her this book and she has come back to me with many questions on the meaning of certain words, but has otherwise been very glad to read the book!

This book can be easily recommended to anyone seeking a deeper prayer life; young or old, priest or layman, Catholic or Pentecostal.

I really wanted to like this book. Ms. Alexander did an excellent job, especially at the beginning, of showing that the characters loved one another but couldn't really achieve intimacy.
But I think she just expected too much of the reader after that. Would someone in the 18th century really hire a woman who was visibly pregnant to be a housekeeper if there were rumors circulating about her? Especially since she had no references, other than, presumably, having a housekeeper when she was growing up? Most servants back then weren't married at all, much less "widowed" and pregnant. Who would have taken care of the child while she worked? And wasn't it unwise of her to be employed by someone who made it clear he wanted her sexually?
Then there is the issue of Larson not coming out and saying "Hey, it's me." If this was because he was angry, he would not have pursued her. It just didn't make sense, and it went on too long. I felt that she was asking a bit much of my imagination.

Kathryn Jennings made her vows for better or worse. In a childless marriage with an emotionally unavailable husband, she thought she was living the worse until her whole world turns upside down.

Widowed and pregnant, she discovers a hidden treasure in a deeply scarred man who loves her like she's always longed to be loved. I read this book in two days. I simply couldn't put it down. What a wonderful story of faith and restoration. I can hardly wait to read book 2.

My MIL read it and said, "I don't know how anyone could ever say a bad thing about this book. It's the best book I've read in years."

This is one GREAT story teller! I couldn't put the book down until about 4 am the first night! The author has done a fantastic job fleshing out characters, and reminding her readers of the Love God has designed and given us!

I was a little hesitant to read her books but I could not put it down once I got started on this book. True love wins in the end and it's so amazing how much these characters went through and had so much faith in God. I felt for them and was cheering the characters on. After all, who likes a sad ending?

I loved this book. I was so surprised that she still desired her husband after he was so badly scarred but that is, after all, what true love is all about. What is on the inside as opposed to what is on the outside. I was touched that he followed her and took such wonderful care of her all the while thinking she had betrayed him with another man. What a great book!

Very informational book on quilting processes. The pictures are helpful and the information is presented well.

Lots of Quick and Easy patterns in this book. Eleanor explains
things so that you can put them together quickly. My copy is a
class book, and my quilt turned out gorgeous. Has hung in my
quilt shop for several months now.

I enjoyed reading this book and learned a few new techniques for building blocks and I have decided to start some of the book's projects as soon as possible.

I have a collection of dozens of quilting books and this has to be the prettiest, most compelling and easiest to follow. I'm on my second quilt from this book and it couldn't be easier. I can't recommend it highly enough.

The instructions of this book are so good that I made the quarter log cabin quilt in just a few days. The illustrations are very helpful.

I purchased the earlier version in 1991 after I gained the "Freshman 15+" and my doctor recommended it. I followed it exactly for one month and dropped all the weight+. My workout consisted of jumping/dancing around my dorm room for 20 minutes while listening to the Footloose soundtrack! This was awesome and I never gained it back! I think it is also great for reminding you what a healthy meal and healthy portions look like in our supersize world. Good luck meeting the new you!!!

This diet works wonders. I went on it after having each of my children. In 1997 I lost 40 lbs in two months. In 1998, I lost 47 lbs in two and a half months. The meals are extremely simple, and if you need to substitute you can just swap one day for another. I felt like I was really hungry for the first week, but I definitely felt great. The dinner makes you full. Every doctor (the last one was a midwife) I have asked if I could go on this while breastfeeding has said absolutely. I did increase the diet by having three extra glasses of milk per day, because I was breastfeeding and still had great results. My husband did this diet, but went off of it too early and gained all of his weight back. He lost so much more than I did, the same amount in half the time it took me. (of course he was in his early thirties). I think if he would have just kept to the diet he would have the same results I have, not gaining it all back. If your looking for some fad diet that is going to make it easy, there is not one. Losing weight takes self control and determination. If you do not want to actually lose the weight, this book is not for you. If you do, its going to take work the first week, at least. If your faithful to this the weight is coming off and you will feel wonderful.

I have struggled with weightloss for years, and lacked the discipline to accomplish it. This book makes it soooooo easy, all you do is follow the meal plans. I lost 35 lbs. and feel great.....

The beauty of this book and plan is how quickly you see results. Sure, you're pretty hungry while you get used to the reduction in calories, but it's easy to manage since you know you'll be eating soon anyway (you eat 5 times a day). The walks are something you'll need to be very disciplined with, but once you get results, you won't want to skip a walk!

The menus can get a little overwhelming, so what I did was I made a list of the breakfasts, lunches and dinners that appealed to me, and were simple - and posted them on the fridge. I often ended up eating a lot of the same stuff day after day, but that made it easier for me to go grocery shopping and prepare foods for the day. I needed convenience.

The best thing of all is I feel this diet has permanentely affected my metabolism! I did this diet for about a month or two, lost about 12 lbs in the first week and 20 lbs total and have been able to keep it off for nearly a year. I haven't remained that active and often eat a lot, so it was a pleasant surprise. If I ever need to shed some weight (and quickly!) in the future, this is the book I will reach for, no doubt.

16 years ago as I prepared for my wedding, I was faced with losing 70 lbs. I had put that weight on in college and thanks to just bad eating habits (eating late at night, eating the wrong foods, beer, etc).

My mother gave me this book because a friend of hers had read it and used it to lose weight. With nothing to lose (except fat), I decided to give it my all. Well, within a year, I had lost that 70 lbs and looked great for my wedding. I ate well exercized and changed my behaviors.

I kept that weight off for over 12 years, and only recently, thanks to my slowing metabolism, have gained weight back. And you know what, I am buying this book again and starting over. This book makes buying food simple (and the food won't put you in the poor house) and makes doing what you need to simple, in order to jump start your metabolism to lose weight.

I intend to lose 50 lbs and keep it off!

Good luck to you!