Cucumber Books

If you are interested in the story of Zen in America, you must read this book. Paints a vivid portrait of one of the premier teachers, giving a "behind the scenes" view of what a spiritual teacher's life is like, without the mythologizing you often find. A good read, too. The story of his life in Japan draws you right in, and the descriptions of San Francisco in the sixties bring it to life, although the forward momentum of the narrative begins to bog down into various random anecdotes from his students.

For the continuation of the story after Suzuki's death, you should follow up with "Shoes Outside the Door: Desire, Devotion and Excess at San Fransciso Zen Center" .

--Alan Zundel, the HeartAwake Center

Crooked Cucumber: The Life and Teaching of Shunryu Suzuki

My husband, Jack Elias, a student of Shunryu Suzuki Roshi in the early days of San Francisco Zen Center, recommended Crooked Cucumber to me shortly after we met. At a loss for words to describe his Zen teacher, he handed me the book and said, "David has said it all amazingly well." I didn't know much about Zen, and all I knew about this great Zen master was that he had authored the classic, Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind. I didn't know who David Chadwick was, either. After reading the book, though, it soon became apparent that the birth of American Zen Buddhism, the life of Suzuki Roshi, and a deep admiration for David, the author of this beautifully written and exactingly reported biography, had all entered my mind's world ineffably and permanently. I remember this book and its stories the way one recalls favored scenes from one's own personal history. This phenomenon itself has proven interesting food for contemplation. Sometimes out of the blue, details of Suzuki Roshi's life arise vividly and with great immediacy. In those moments I think about how this teacher lived, and how he made his difficult way to enlightenment. Quite simply, this book continues to nourish me, though I'm not a Zen student. Crooked Cucumber changed my mind in ways I can't pinpoint, but for which I'm nonetheless deeply grateful. A thousand thanks to David Chadwick for delivering Suzuki Roshi to us with such love, humor, and rigorous specificity.

This is a very good book. You can read "Zen Mind, Beginners Mind" and find out what Shunryu Suzuki says. More importantly, you can read this and see how Shunryu lived his life - an even better example. Simply and accepting (well most of the time except when he threw the odd wobbly). The book shows that there is nothing to zen, and then of course, there is everything.

It could benefit with an index

This is really the only way to get the skinny on Shunryu Suzuki in a short amount of time. David was kind enough to allow me an interview regarding this (then) recently published book for my last (online) edition of Royal Vagrant, back in February of 2001. In addition to the information he graciously shared with me, I really enjoyed the book a great deal as readable biography and a useful guide to ordination and what to look for in a Zen/Ch'an teacher.

"Crooked Cucumber" is what Suzuki's own Zen master called a naughty Suzuki as a boy. Suzuki was a little bit lazy and devious and the name is an endearing trademark for the man's affable appreciation for the natural bent of a person's character, especially in Americanized Zen practice (and it MUST become somewhat "Americanized", is what he would have said, to become authentic practice for Americans).

Chadwick is a talented author and fuly deserves to be remembered as the man who captured Suzuki's personality and life down on paper.

I came to this book with some reservations, having been told that it was a largely flattering and hagiographic "authorized" biography by one of the subject's most avid students. I expected a saccharine-sweet, whitewashed vanilla ride...and was very pleasantly DISAPPOINTED, lol!

While the author makes no secret of his own profound respect and admiration for Suzuki, he does not omit many ambiguous and less flattering details and events in the subject's life and character. So while the portrait of Suzuki that emerges is largely positive, it is not without some shadows and warts as well, i.e. it is not a two-dimensional characterization by any means. We get a balanced insight into Suzuki the "Zen master" (=highly skilled teacher of Zen) as well as Suzuki the perfectly imperfect human being.

What sets this book firmly in the top echelon of biographies is Chadwick's fluid and graceful storytelling, and the skillful interweaving of Suzuki's own writings and talks into the narrative. In some ways it reads almost like a novel, with the vivid and often lyrical descriptions and re-creations...Chadwick's prose certainly does not have the tedious smell of your typical academic writing. Every few pages there are italicized excerpts from the teacher's books or recorded talks, and they are for the most part very well chosen, with the events that are subsequently described complementing and/or exemplifying those thoughts perfectly. In this way, when you read "Crooked Cucumber" you really get to enjoy two books in one: a very enjoyable biography about a very interesting and irresistible man, and that man's own unique interpretation and practice of Zen philosophy.

It's been a very long time since I've been as engrossed by a biography as I was by this one...maybe we could get David O. Russell (director of the ingenious and deeply Buddhist "I Heart Huckabees") to make a film out of it!

I read this book in the LSU library in 1961 and it profoundly influenced my life. It led to my bicycle racing and touring life, the 12 bike shops, importing and distribution and meeting my wife at the Cologne trade show. I ride 10 miles to lunch and then back 4 times a week, but have not yet had time to make a really long trek. It was always my intention to visit Athens, GA to meet Mr. Birchmore, if he were still there. Now, through the magic of the internet, I can tell him this and get a copy of the book. However, I still remember most of the passages well, including the name of his bicycle! It has been very useful to relate current events in the East to the descriptions in his book. Thank you very much, Mr. Birchmore.

Barrett Leibe, New Orleans

I am ordering the book today. I just wanted you to know that Fred is 89, still bicycling, and living in Athens, Georgia. Look him up on the net.

This book first caught my attention in a public library some 40+ years ago, and I have never forgotten it. Birchmore's accounts of exhaustion, danger, exhilaration, and discovery are themselves thrilling, a testament to physical and emotional stamina. For armchair traveler and potential world explorer alike, this is an account to treasure.

I HAD HEARD THE NAME FRED BIRCHMORE FROM MY FATHER AND AUNTS IN ATHENS, GA WHEN I WAS A CHILD. I RECENTLY FOUND A FIRST RUN SIGNED COPY IN OUR OLD FAMILY HOME. WHAT A WONDERFUL ADVENTURE WITH MANY REFERENCES TO HIS HOMETOWN, ATHENS,GA AND HIS BELOVED UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA. IT WAS VERY INTERRESTING TO RELIVE THE WORLD POLITICS AT THAT TIME. THIS IS A MUST READ FOR EVERY CYCLIST. THERE WAS A RECENT FRED BIRCHMORE SIGHTING AT THE WOLF CAMERA STORE AND THE YMCA IN ATHENS.HE AND HIS WIFE CONTINUE TO WALK AND SWIM ALMOST EVERY DAY.

I am going to ride a bicycle around the world in the year 2000, so I have been reading a lot of books by people who have done the same. This one is unique because it is about a guy who did it in the 30's on an old "Cruiser" bicycle without any "modern" technology to assist him. It is interesting to contrast his experiences to modern day bicycle touring, to see the differences and feel the almost eerie similarities. One touching moment in it is when he talks in retrospect about "The War," World War I. In his world, WWII has not even happened yet. I look at his young face staring out through old-time, black and white photos and wonder where he is now and what he is doing, or if he is even still alive. I got the book originally from my city's library. It was a first edition (1939). The due date card had date stamps from the 40's and 50's. That "old" and "from the past" feel of the physical book itself was a pleasent aspect. Reading it has been a fun experience on many different levels. It definitely has a different twist than reading the accounts of people who have gone around the world recently. Other good books about around the world bicycling trips: < Miles From Nowhere -- Barbara Savage> Also highly recommended by other people, and the one that I am going to read next: Happy Reading!! (And Riding!)

I'm a big fan of everything veggietales and Larryboy. Even though I'm 11 years old, I really enjoyed this book. It tells a great lesson in being content with the things you have. If you like the Larryboy or Veggietales shows, you're sure to love this.
The Emperor of Envy makes a formula and puts it into the slushies before the slushie-eating contest starts. When the veggies eat the slushies they become weak because they get so envious.
This book is so funny, it will keep you laughing the whole time you read it. So, if you have doubts about buying this book, don't worry. It's a great book with a powerful lesson.

I love the Larryboy books!

They're so funny, and this one is no exepction.

The Emporor of Envy has been tainting Slushees so that everyone becomes to weak to fight him and his "army" of two sweet potatos (one of which keeps talking to the reader!)

Larryboy is still funny, and the other characters are true to form.

This really entertained me.

Go and read it!

Then go read the others!

Even five stars isn't enough for this book! Besides, Larryboy's archenemy is Emperor Napoleon of Crime and Other Bad Stuff!
(#1)

Even five stars isn't enough for this book! Besides, Larryboy's archenemy is Emperor Napoleon of Crime and Other Bad Stuff!
(#1)

I gave this book to my first grade son on a recent trip. He sat engrossed for the entire 5 hour flight - this is the first book he has read cover to cover.

No one is meant to lose their virginity at the age of five. "Cucumbers Have Thorns and Snakes Love Strawberries" is the shocking and depressing tale of a five year old in a terrible world of sex, drugs, and violence. Young Janice's mind is scarcely able to process all of these vile things. Though fictional, "Cucumbers Have Thorns and Snakes Love Strawberries" is a psychological horror novel, with an impact upon the reader that will long be remembered.

In reading this book I was captured by the sincerity of the words and the shock of the experiences of sexual, physical and emotional abuse the author went through. This book is also shocking, and sad. I respect Janice Sullivan's honesty and strength to first, allow herself to remember these experiences and second to share them with us. She truly deserves our support in her journey to help others who are in these same situations and may feel as if they are alone and no one cares or will ever understand.

Cucumbers Have Thorns is a page turner. Janice Sullivan has achieved a feat that only the best are able to accomplish: the true art of story telling. BUT this is not a fairytale! Her story envelopes you and takes you on a journey through darkness and redemption. Her life is inspiring, a true testament to the power of faith and a blinding example of how important it is to have the support and love of family in your life.

Buy and read this book. If not for yourself...read it for all of the young people who lie homeless on the streets at night, while we are in our warm beds. Read it for all of the boys and girls who are being molested and feel that they have no one to turn to or trust. Read it for the thousands of victims of domestic violence. Read Cucumbers Have Thorns to educate yourself on the harsh realities of our world and be inspired in knowing that with faith, you too can overcome anything. Ms. Sullivan's experiences are a learning lesson for us all. Discuss this book with your children, family and friends. Some topics are not "comfortable" or typical "dinner table conversation," but they should not be ignored!

Kudos to you for having the courage to bring your story out of the darkness and into the light! Your courage and strength will bring forth change for others.

Janice E. Sullivan has exposed the unpleasantness that goes on in some families when male members abuse young girls. She was molested several times by different members of her family, starting at age five, and each one attempted to convince her that there was nothing wrong with what they were doing. Her step-grandfather was one of the men who attacked her. His abuse was rampant and she couldn't get anyone to believe her, so when her grandmother threw her out, she ended up on the streets and homeless at fifteen, begging food from her friends and an occasional bed to sleep in. As an adult, she realized that she had a difficult time being sexually involved with a man, even when she was in love with him. With a parade of men, Janice discovered she was looking for love, but the men she chose were always physically abusive toward her, and mentally destroying her self-esteem.

CUCUMBERS HAVE THORNS AND SNAKES LOVES STRAWBERRIES is a heart-rending story of one youngster's trip through sexual abuse, poverty, alcohol and a need for her mother's love. While the subject is frightening, Sullivan tells it in a manner that makes it impossible to put down. Will Janice survive? That is the critical question that keeps those pages turning. Sullivan has done a marvelous job of bringing a delicate subject to the forefront. This is a book adults should read. Maybe there is an abused child in their midst they are unaware of, who could use help.

Reviewed by Alice Holman
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

This is one of my favorite books in the whole Larryboy series.
It's funny, it has my favorite villian, and it has a great lesson in listening.
Awful Alvin the onion and his sidekick Lampy the um... lamp put small devices in Larryboy's plunger ears so that he can only listen to him and no one else. Next, he plans to have all the little kids at the Elementry School in Bumblyburg to put them on.
They do, and he commands them to do some crazy things. Some examples are putting wet paint signs on bushes, benches, and doors, and replacing number two pencils with number three pencils. That's his idea of "Awful."
I think Awful Alvin is a great villian. Most everyone I know who has heard of him thinks he's great. Lampy is also an awesome character. If you decide to get this book, I know you'll read it over and over again just like I do.

This is the second in the Larryboy series and the first that I read.

This is adorable, centering around the message of being a good listener.

Awful Alvin, with the "help" of Lampy, has been placing "Ear Wacks" (no, that's not a typo) into the ears of children claiming they'll hear only what they want to hear.

Larryboy goes to stop them, however, he quickly falls prey to their trap. Who will save Bumblyburg when its own superhero is in danger?

I really liked this one. It reminded somewhat of "The Angry Eyebrows", especially bringing Awful Alvin back. He's my favorite of the villians, and while he's not as entertaining here as in, say, the Abominable Trashman, he's still good for a laugh. (Check out his "onion ring" monolouge in Chapter Thirteen, I think it was.)

His list of "awful deeds" had me cracking up. (GASP, he had them mixing recycbles in with regular garbage and taking cuts in line at the movies, and horror of horrors, RIPPING TAGS OFF MATTRESSES. Yeah, I know, he's nuts.)

Larryboy is still cute, though he doesn't seem to have much mery on Awful Alvin in the second-to-last chapter.

Although this isn't the best, it's still worth reading.

This is one of my favorite books in the whole Larryboy series.
It's funny, it has my favorite villian, and it has a great lesson in listening.
Awful Alvin the onion and his sidekick Lampy the um... lamp put small devices in Larryboy's plunger ears so that he can only listen to him and no one else. Next, he plans to have all the little kids at the Elementry School in Bumblyburg to put them on.
They do, and he commands them to do some crazy things. Some examples are putting wet paint signs on bushes, benches, and doors, and replacing number two pencils with number three pencils. That's his idea of "Awful."
I think Awful Alvin is a great villian. Most everyone I know who has heard of him thinks he's great too. I'm sure you'll like Lampy, too. If you decide to get this book, I know you'll read it over and over again just like I do.
Also, you'll learn a valuable lesson in listening!

This is the first Larryboy book I ever read. Boy, oh, boy, I should tell you Chapter 2 is pretty funny. But I won't tell you anyanyanymore about the story, because I want you to get it at the bookstore or the library and read it. If you like the show Larryboy, you'll love these Larryboy books. You'll be reading them like crazy!

This is a delightful story for children of all ages. It shows how planning and hard work can achive a positive outcome. It shows a small glimpse of hardworking midwest farm families.

The comic and colorful cover persuades any age to open the
book to see why these characters are in the tub together.
The story amuses and teaches old time value, good still for
today. My husband and I both read with pleasure and have it
on the coffee table for children. A bright joy to read.
Good verification with two historical photos of the
people in the story.

The title of this book is what I was drawn to as I envisioned pickles growing out of an old bathtub. I was pleasantly impressed with the story (and surprised)...it wasn't just a "silly" story, but one that had a meaning. The writer included how life on the farm was like in the depression...life without luxuries we take for granted today. And the story brings out how even a youngster with a dream/goal in life can succeed with hard work, determination, and with the support of ones' family. I enjoyed this book, as well as my children. It truly is a warm family story about a young aspiring entrepreneur. The illustrations were excellent...they really enhanced the story. Great job Frances Kennedy and Sheila Aldridge. Looking forward to reading about more "recounted tales" from your childhood Frances!

Frances Kennedy has successfully captured the long loss art of story telling by sharing this simple story told by her mother. She has found the individual roots of family history and even today will help teach children that anything is still possible with hard work, a dream and a little sweat. The Pickle Patch Bathtub should find a wide audience for all ages and families. It is by far the best children's book for all seasons. On the scale of 1 to 5 stars with 5 being the best I'd give this 5 Stars plus. The illustrations really took me back in time of when I was little and added much to the joy of show and tell of my own childhood to my own great grandchildren.

Full of interesting facts & stories, richly illustrated & photographed, historically & geographically relevant (helping urban children understand the origins of the plant foods we buy & eat from convenience or grocery stores; documenting the farmers, workers, travellers & scientists who helped collect & distribute popular food plants, etc.), nutritional facts, recipes & activities are also included in the mix. Overall text, photos & illustrations are colourful, interesting & educational for readers of all ages.

This is the fifth in the Larryboy series, and the second that I read. This centers on the message of teamwork.

In this story, Greta Von Gruesome, Awful Alvin, and Lampy, team up to turn all of Bumblyburg into... OVER EASY EGGS! (These guys at Big Idea are nothing if not creative.)

Larryboy and Dark Crow's partnership was hilarous, each one claiming it was "their case." The riveraly gets personal when Dark Crow decides to save Vicki, whom Larryboy has a crush on.

The villians' team was a hoot, too. Greta Von Gruesome was very sinsister, a sharp contrast to Awful Alvin, who pulls a lamp around in a little red wagon and spells the word pharoh F-A-R-R-O-W.

Larryboy and Dark Crow finally learn to work together, a lesson that is valuable for kids (and grownups).

Oh, by the way, there is also a video verson of this. Go, and check that out at your library!

Enjoy!

I purchased this book for my curious 3-year old, who is fascinated with birds and, especially, Robins. It's just terrific! In fact, our whole family has derived a lot of pleasure from the book. Thanks to this book, watching Robins in the backyard has become a favorite pastime of our family.

The book features outstanding, realistic illustrations and excellent writing. It's a winner!

As a librarian, I like to take a few joke books along when book-talking to school groups. This one was a favorite, as all the jokes are funny. Some joke books for children are padded with rather lame jokes, but I could count on this one to get a laugh out of the class.