Greens Books

Wrapped in Rain by Charles Martin was difficult to get into, to be honest. I picked it up about two years ago, but when about 60 pages into it, I knew more about a truck-stop prostitute (who was an oversized prop--and when I say oversized, I mean oversized) than I did the story itself, I put it back down. But on the encouragement of a friend, I tried again. I'm glad I did.

Wrapped in Rain is about Tucker Mason and his brother Matthew (a.k.a. Mutt) coming to terms with their messed-up past (namely, a father who's frequent absences was preferred to his abusive presence), forgiving daily, and learning to freely love. The only redeeming aspect of their childhood was Miss Ella Rain, their nanny/housekeeper, who loved them as if they were her own and who fought for them when they couldn't fight anymore.

The story begins when Mutt, who suffers from a personality disorder because of his past, escapes from the mental health facility. At the same time, Tucker runs into his childhood girlfriend, Katie, and her son, Jase, on the run from Katie's husband, who's been abusing them. Reunited, Tucker, Katie, Mutt, and now Jase, learn to live together, love each other, and work through their issues.

The prose is flawless and beautiful, although at times superfluous (i.e. the description of the truck-stop prostitute and other well-written but long descriptions of local color). Sometimes the story seems too convenient (i.e. how Tucker runs into Katie and the subplot of Katie running from her ex, which wraps up too neatly, I think), but the emotions and inner struggle encapsulates what it means to forgive every day. Because of the nature of the story, backstory is integral, but it's overwhelming. At times it felt a little like this: I walked through the field. It reminded me of the time when...backstory...On the other side, I met Katie...then Katie shares her backstory through one-sided dialogue...We walked back together like we did that day when we were...another backstory.

I'm exaggerating. Slightly.

All in all, I'm glad I gave the story another try, and I'll read more Charles Martin because I like the flow of his prose and the development of his main characters. The prologue in the beginning kept me going through the slow story development. If you're willing to persevere through the beginning, I recommend it.

This was such a unique book. It wasn't close to what I expected. Two boys, who live with their father in Alabama, are pretty much raised by their housekeeper, Ella Rain. Their father is very abusive and it impacts the boys life in drastic ways. Tucker, a photographer, is running from himself and the person he does not want to become. Mutt is in a mental hospital dealing with his demons and the voices inside his head. When Mutt escapes from the hospital and Katie, an old girlfriend, appears with her son and a black eye, Tucker is forced to return home and face his tragic past. This books brings faith and hope together with great character development and a very unique story line. One of those I whipped through and did not want to put down.

I don't too often rave about a book I've read but this is one of those you just have to rave about and share with others. I am an avid reader and read probably 2-4 books a week. I read secular and inspirational and I have to say this author moved to the top of my list as must reads. The book is loaded with humor and wit, sadness, love; no, this isn't a romance though there is a little romance going on but mostly it's several people who have been damaged by life and how the love and prayers of a black house keeper and nanny affected the lives of 2 boys. This is about forgiveness and how God worked to bring these lives together and heal them. It's not a preachy book though there is one chapter of a Catholic priest who says more profound words in a few minutes than many preachers I've heard who preach an hour. The characters are all so delightful to read about and I wanted to read more of them when it ended.

Jase, the little boy in the story is so adorable and I loved his relationship with Tucker. Then there is poor "Mutt" damaged so much by the past. Yet he is a delightful character. Of course probably the most important character was Miss Ella who loved these boys and prayed them through life and took beatings from the abusive father but still wouldn't leave the boys.

Towards the end of the book, Tucker is talking to God and says it all. "WE had 33 years of misery, bitterness, and hell, but you were right. Whipped, battered and beaten, love broke through the rocks. I don't know how, but it did. I guess that's the mystery of it all." It will be worth your time to read the book to find how all of this took place.

I got this book from the library but loved it so much, I ordered it to have my own copy because I know I will read it again and lend it to friends. I have pre-ordered Mr Martin's next book, "Where the River Ends" due out in July. This is one author really worth your time to read.

This book is extraordinary. A Wonderful testament to God and to human resiliency. One of the best books I have read in a long time. Have since ordered all of his other books and so far feel the same about each of them.

Found the story line to be a little far fetched, especially a person being sent home from a mental hospital with 2 injectable shots of Thorazine and a bottle of so called pills.

The very explicate descriptions of a situation or a view I found to be long, they could have been more to the point.

I had a hard time in reading the story and I had to force myself to finish.

Man, my aunt knocked me out with her first book. I truly enjoyed it. It touched on a very big part of African American life/issues - the color complex. I recommend this book to everyone!

I thoroughly enjoyed the book. After reading the first few pages, I felt I couldn't put it down. It examined so many crucial issues in the African American community that needed bringing to light. The author really brought the charaters to life so much so that certain sections of the book brought me to tears. I hope maybe movie producers of HBO, BET, etc. will read this novel and consider making a movie based on it.

I purchased this book locally. It really is good. An interesting story that is sometimes painful, sometimes funny, but all the times, interesting. Congrats to this new author.

I've read and reread this book. It is very creative, and written beautifully. If you haven't read this book you're missing out. The characters are so real you feel like you know them. To the author: Great Job!!! Can we expect another great book after this?

I thoroughly enjoyed the book. After reading the first few pages, I felt I couldn't put it down. It examined so many crucial issues in the African American community that needed bringing to light. The author really brought the charaters to life so much so that certain sections of the book brought me to tears. I hope maybe movie producers of HBO, BET, etc. will read this novel and consider making a movie based on it.

I was skeptical about this being a five star book. I am way too busy to think about the tedious creative activities for my kids. This is such a great book. She makes so many valid points and suggestions. I wish I could live up to the bar she has set. Its just not me. But I can still learn alot from her and use many of her ideas to help create a more creative family. I felt like a girlfriend was telling me about what she did with her kids. She seems so real and its a delightful book to read.

I absolutely loved this book and am currently rereading it. It is full of so many wonderful, simple ideas for children and families. I like the idea of simplicity and less is more. It has been a very inspirational book for me and we have already put into practice several of the ideas from the book!

I read this book pretty much cover to cover the day I got it. Amanda obviously loves being a Mom and her passion for creating shines through while reading this book. The craft projects she provides instructions for are not groundbreaking but they are great starting points to get you thinking. I really enjoyed the last two sections in the book that focused more on how to make the most out of the time you spend with your family. She has some great suggestions for family traditions and exploring nature with your children.

I recently ordered this book and love it. It has some great projects to do with your kids, I especially love the nighttime bag--it's a bag you put your kids p.j's in and a book to have ready each evening. I'm working on mine right now and am going to do a little hand embroidery on the front of each--from the Aunt Martha's iron on embroidery patterns to personalize them. The ideas are fun for little ones and older ones alike--there are so many neat and easy activities for them to do...mine span from 2yrs. to 6 so that is important. I also love the section about celebrating little things like when a child learns to ride without training wheels etc. I am still going through this book and can't wait to try more of the ideas with my kids!

I have enjoyed this book. I would recommend it to families of all ages

I was really intrigued by first chapters of Mr. Versaci's book. I'm curious to know what Drew, C-Man and Book could have done to create such fierce enemy as Smarty. Characters are masterfully drawn, a reader takes immediate dislike to the antagonist, who is introduced early enough in the book to picture opposing forces. Personally I would agree with comments of Debbie Wesselmann - it would be easier and more personable to read the book with only one first person's account; however I could also understand Mr. Versaci's objective of creating more of a documental approach by choosing multiple first persons. I really value sense of humour and eloquence of Mr. Versaci's prose, so I'm looking forward to read the whole book!

Green House looks to be a wonderfully told tale of a familiar type: the DC political thriller. Such a structure doesn't admit much tinkering - it's all in the telling and Sid Versaci tells it well with sly humour and a well tuned sense of irony. I think it would make a terrific airplane book.

I'm hooked! Can't wait to read the rest. Interesting, very different characters. So far, a great read.

I like the characters and the story line. I was intrigued by the mystery unfolding from the characters' perspective. I wanted to read on.

Like Jason Bourne on steroids, Sid Versaci's Green House cartwheels into action dealing a hammer fist to the sensibilities within the first 3 pages. Characters are smartly drawn, the prose is taut and the dialog first rate. For those inclined to the "whodunit" genre Green House promises not to disappoint. If the rest of the book is as artful as the first four chapters Mr. Versaci will have no trouble developing a devout readership.

This is a good, basic handbook/manual for herbalists. It's not difficult to follow and has clear instructions.

If you want a good guide for herbal medicine making this book is for you!
Each method of medicine preparation described is easily understood and mastered.
I reference this constantly in my studies under Jo Powell([...]).

AWESOME BOOK!

Good beginner's guide ,no heavy processing ,no knowledge of chemistry needed. If you're going to play with this stuff you aught to also have a herbal PDR.

This man's witty guide to do-it-yourself herbalism is both entertaining and informative. Very interesting and useful guide.

This book seems to be "the authority" on this topic, however, I would NOT have bought it had I known that...

1) ...the hippie-dippy thing was so prevelant. Ok. So anyone who is looking for a book about making their own herbal preparations is a bit of a hippie anyway, but the new-agey spiritual practices and views promoted compromise the integrity of the book. Because I don't really plan on communicating with the plants I harvest, as the book recommends. It felt as much a spiritual textbook as herbal preparation texbook. I have several "herbaly" books, but this leans a little more "fruitcake" than the rest. Knowledgeable and experienced fruitcake, but fruitcake nonetheless.

2) ...the amount of information was much more than I, a hobbyist, could possibly ever use. For those pursuing herbal medicine more seriously, the abundance of specific information is fantastic. I typically enjoy "too much information", but this was one time I found the info and amount of detail difficult to wade through. And the design/layout didn't help. Do not consider this book as a "simple overview" on the subject.

3) ...the book had no specific information on several of the herbs I had wanted to use. There are 35 most commonly used herbs that are featured for preparation and use. The simplification is largely appreciated...unless the herbs you want to use are not on the list. That said, the list of 35 did contain the majority of herbs I had wanted to prepare.

So yes, this book has (almost) all the information you'd want on preparing your own herbal medicines, which would normally have earned it five stars. But the flaws I mentioned reduce its value significantly, and for that I do not plan to keep it in my collection.

Right now, health officials that directly control the physical condition of most of our population make their decisions based on data bought and paid for by agribusiness, or data that is a century old. Everyone in such positions, both in the FDA, CDC, USDA & state regulatory boards, is morally beholden to read this book and to understand the truth.

Of course, they won't, and it will continue to be easier to buy crack cocaine in the USA than it is to purchase the most perfect and complete food available to man. At least Schmid's writing will empower those of us who do understand what controls the food supply to argue intelligently in favor of raw dairy, and to spread enlightenment in our small spheres.

This book will be the foundation to a world of politics and potential that you probably didn't have a hunch existed in the realm of food science and politics, especially with a food so fundamental as dairy and a subject so fundamental as food!

I have purchased many copies of this book, and I read it over for pragmatic and enjoyment purposes. The author has a clean, but interesting style that will help you see through any dogma about to cook, or not to cook your dairy; and who is taking away one of those options from you.


I certainly hope you'll be able to get your hands on some of the right raw dairy that works for you, after reading this book!

The wealth of information in this book more than makes up for a little bit of disorganization at times and some typos.

In a nutshell, it encapsulates the history of milk production in this country and re-visits all significant studies about the health properties of milk to show unequivocally that certified, clean raw milk is what we all NEED to be drinking, not the pasteurized stuff that destroys enzymes that are very important for human health.

Many alternative health remedies these days recommend to not drink dairy. The reason is that PASTEURIZED dairy contribues to chronic health problems, while RAW dairy helps fix them due to its enzyme and probiotic bacteria content. The two products are not really even comparable from a health standpoint, though both are called milk and both are white liquid.

This message needs to get out. Certified raw milk is not dangerous. Buy the book. Loan it to your friends. Pressure your local government to allow raw milk sales and allow people the choice and opportunity to become healthier.

Awsome book. an eye opener to anyone interested in what goes in your body.
scary realisation. after reading this book your friends will think you are insane. it is almost as if you discovered smoking is good for you. Noone would believe you!

A MUST READ

Schmid very carefully tells the history of milk and once you are informed you will be sickened by current "legal" dairy practices. If you have ever driven by large dairies (especially in Idaho) and inhaled the stink of confined cows and observed the mud and filth they live in this book is a must read. Rock on "Real Milk".

The Vietnam War produced some of the greatest, yet unsung, heroes in American history, Franklin "Doug" Miller was one of them. This book is not so much an autobiography as it is an oral reflection that makes you feel that you are there as he tells his story, with Miller moving to topic to topic as it occurs to him. And what a great story it is. Miller is sometimes vague on details, not going into how he went from being a PFC in a line company to being assigned to Special Forces. Miller's first combat experience was truly unique, more like a company of mountain men in the far west fighting the Blackfeet than a modern army that we think of in Vietnam. "We're going to go across the river and attack a village, do you want to go along?" His platoon sgt asks.

The book's relaxed style does not distrack from the horrors that combat can be and the titled sub-chapters such as-Silver Star, or Bronze Star are helpful as the reader is fully informed on what actions the author was decorated for. It becomes apparent that decorations in Special Forces were hard to come by. The authors discribe day to day life in the S.O.G. unit and provides some insight into the legendary "Mad-Dog" Shirver. The action in which SSGT Miller earned the Medal Of Honor is told in edge of your seat intensity-I wasn't sure if he would come out alive, even though he was telling the story! It's a story that goes from bad, to worse, to hopeless, to acceptance that all's lost.

After nearly six years in the combat zone Miller starts to get a little battle rattled and is sent home. Forunatly the army helped him recover and as a Sergeant Major became an inspiration to a new generation of soldiers. "Doug" Miller became a Special Forces legend, he deserves to be an American legend. I'm glad that his story has been told.

This book is phenomenal. I have been interested in military history, tradition, battles, operations, and training since I was a young kid and have read many books about this genre. I have to say that this one was the best I have read so far. Frank Miller's adventures are beyond compare. Miller often had luck on his side, but what really mattered was that he was good at gathering intelligence and killing the enemy. He didn't enjoy killing, but he understood that it was either him or them and he did what he had to do without dwelling on it.

This book puts you right on the battlefront and makes you feel part of the brotherhood and loyalty that men share when confronted with life and death. There are many humorous stories scattered in the book of more relaxing times away from battle which Miller shares.

I have to give much praise to the author, Elwood Kureth, because he was able to write about Miller's exploits in a way that really made you identify with Frank Miller. A very well written book and very entertaining.

I'm not opposed to all wars but I was very much against our involvement in Vietnam. I thought then and still think that we should have been helping the other side. I bought this book wanting to hear what combat was like there from a special forces soldier. Fortunately, the book didn't get into the politics but simply told about his life and job, which was to collect intelligence and kill the enemy. His bravery and what he went through is mind boggeling and the descripions of battles are riviting. I stayed up way past my bedtime reading it.

WOW, this is one of the most gripping and moving accounts of personal combat and experiences in Vietnam that I have ever read. I had great difficulty putting this gem down, as it is directly related in first-person and the author does a magnificent job of making you feel as if you're right there alongside the subject of the book (Franklin Miller).

Nothing is held back, and if you've ever served in the military, you'll fall right into step with the narration. Everything is presented in all its gory detail, so if you're a little squeamish, you might want to skim across a few sections. The ending is particularly heart-wrenching, especially the afterword by the author's widow.

I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the up-close and personal views of combat in Vietnam.

As Command Chaplain For US Special Operations Command I had the profound honor of presiding at This hero's funeral. During the months before he died, I spent some days at his home in St Petersburg to offer some spiritual care.

Even to the very end he was a man of strength and courage. He had an abiding faith in Christ that comforted him and allowed him to spend his final days encouraging and supporting his children. As we prayed he would ask me to pray for his children first becuase they were his greatest concern.

He gave me a copy of his book which I read immediately. It is an amazing story that captures the true heart of a warrior. It is a "must read."

Chaplain Lee M. Thompson
Colonel, USAF (Ret)

Robin Jarvis's Dark portal is an exiting, action filled thriller.Some might say it is a weird and an odd topic,but the characters being mice and rats gives the story an extra push, rather than cats and dogs.Everybody reads about cats and dogs.I like this book mainly for 2 reasons:1.there is lots of violence and action. & 2.when you read certain parts where she refers to other events it kind of makes you reread the event she is talking about so you can completly get understand what is going on.
Children 10 and younger probably shouldn't read this book because of the major violence and gore(fighting and blood).

I really enjoyed reading this book and found it nearly immposible to put it down and I would think about it during the time I wasn't reading it. I don't generally enjoy books about animals, but this one was fantastic. The society of mice and bats and rats were fantasticily conciveed by Jarvis, who clearly delivered all aspects of the story. I plan to purchase the second one as soon as possible!

it is the first book in the trilogy and is a great book. the end leaves you thinking that there isn't anymore, but just wait till you read the Crystal Prison. anyway, this is one of the best book having talking mice and other animals. way better than what i have read of the Red Wall series.

The Dark Portal by Robin Jarvis is 5 stars for excitement and survival.
Albert's life is on the line and his daughter Audrey would risk her life to save him. Albert is very kind hearted and is near death in the scariest place that any mouse would want to go! Will Audrey be able to save her father or will they be eaten by those horrific rats?
I life this book because it shows us that mice have a life that is just like ours.
This book is recommended for all kids that love excitement and really dark places.

I just don't like rats. They are vile and digusting creatures. I don't like planet Jupiter either. It is a dumb name.

Not only does this book have fantastic recipes, but it is a great tool for learning more about greens, how to prepare them, and how to come up with your own recipes.

THIS IS GREAT COOKBOOK TO LEARN HOW TO EAT WONDERFUL GREEN VEGETABLES IN EASY, DELICIOUS WAYS. A GREAT WAY TO LEAN HOW TO EAT MORE GREEN VEGETABLES AN LIKE THEM.

Amazing book. The recipes and information are so diversifed and delicious. If you want to make a salad interesting there are number of ways to turn salads and vegetable dishes ordinary to extraordinary. I encourage you to buy this book. You will be so happy that you did.

Excellent recipes and background information for adding interesting, tasty and nutritious greens to your diet.

I really love this cookbook, and have given it to a number of my clients (I'm a nutrition counselor). It's got a wide variety of recipes, and I find it very helpful that they're organized by individual variety of green. My very favorite is the Sesame Creamed Dandelion Greens.

Like others reviewers before this, I'm rather surprised how obscure this wonderful, quirky book truly is.

The story revolves around Toseland, a young child who goes to live with Mrs. Oldknow. He goes to live in a big manor in a country estate (think the estate the Pevensies go to live on in Lewis' THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDOBE). He soon realises there's something odd about the house, and is puzzled why Mrs. Oldknow talks about the history and past inhabitents of the place like they were around only yesterday. It turns out the house is inhabited by children of the past, and he learns of an evil gypsey named Green Noah who he ultimately must confront. This final confrontation is rather scary, and Green Noah is one of literature's most memorable villains that I've encountered in a long time.

The book is a rather charming blend of supernatural meets reality, and there is something very delightfully English about the whole affair. The author's Catholocisim is rather apparent n the book, and she fits a lot of different allusions to literature, music, and history.

For those looking for good Children's fiction, this is a powerful story. It's too bad it's not well known.

I found this to be an excellent novel not only for children but also for adults. There is enough intrigue to hold the reader's interest throughout the novel as well as being a lovely, warm family story.

I first read this book when I was a child (in the 60's) and immediately fell in love with it. It has everything I adore in a book; a little magic, a little ghostliness; an English castle; lovely animal companions; characters from times past; people with manners, morals and down to earth values and last but not least--love. I have re-read this book many times and have just finished listening to an audio-version. This is forever a beautiful and enchanting book.

The book I'm going to talk to you about is called; The Children of Green Knowe, by L.M. Boston. I didn't really like this book. It was a little confusing and hard to understand. There just wasn't a clear point. There was not middle, or a climax and resolution. I thought this book was about a mystery or a ghost story, by the cover and the blip from the back. I was very disappointed in the ending, and that it was appoint-less fantasy, that bored me half to death!

The Children of green knowe was about a boy named, Tolly, who was the age of 8-11,whose parents die (they don't say how),so he was sent to live with hisGreat-Grandmother in Penny Soaky. Her house was called Old Knowe.
Three children, Alexander, Toby, and Linnet, died in Tolly's(the boy's name), Great Grandmother's house many centuries ago. They started appearing around the house just days after their death. They played with Tolly, and went on great Adventures. Enjoy one of Granny's stories every 20 pages, and learn about Tolly and Granny's love for the flute andthebirds.

Other reviewers have praised the book. But then, they also liked Harry Potter, and "Series of Unfortunate Events" as well, so that clearly showed me, as a College Prof, now HS dad, that I might not like this book, as the excesses of sardonic humor, death, magic, and evil, are all too prevalent in this day and age, to encourage the reading of fiction to stuff yet MORE garbage into my children's (or my!) head. As it is said, "Sufficient to the day is the evil thereof...".

But Green Knowe is different- perhaps because it was written in a gentler, kinder time. While there is fantasy, and a sense of the blurring of the dimensions (ghosts that are not evil, a world within our world that has connections to the past, and the interpenetration of them all) overall, this work has as much depth as Potter's does for the adult reader, without all the preachiness of 'PC' dogma which has so marred Rowling's later writings, and has influenced all of the film treatments. One really does not need to rehash Shirer's work on WWII in a Children's fantasy novel, which is all Rowling's works have become at the hands of her American editors...

Boston's world is alive- with literature, history, music, and artistry, which Rowling's is not. For adults, the references to the Restoration, Cromwell, Purcell's music, Anglican Church, and British Christmas customs provide a wealth for any HS parent discussing the period 1660-1700. But, as another reviewer noted, she never GOES anywhere- unless just BEING is enough. Her world is one to inhabit, not to holiday through, as if it were an itinerary of sights to check off. The ONE confrontation is scary, and could frighten younger audiences...but a vision of a redeemed world shines through. I was reminded while reading Boston, of Jame's novella, that Britten set to music in the opera, "Turn of the Screw." NOT "cheery" stuff, that!

If I seem ambivalent, it is because, while there is much to recommend in her writing, and the pictures she paints are very vivid, and full of life, the theological issues of the spirit world interacting with the real world, the malevolent curses of a gypsy long dead, and the subtle hints of either a strong genetic lineage, or a nascent reincarnationalism, coupled with clear Christian imagery and pious sentiment (Do ghosts really sing Christmas carols, without malevolent intent?) bothered me.

Is the book magical? oh yes, in many ways. Is it troubling, as say, Wind in the Willows is not? Oh, yes.. in equal measure. Is it a good read? Definitely. But the rest? I'm not sure....