Bailey Books

It's rare that I like a second book in a series more than the first but that's the case this time around. Rebel Angels is a fantastic follow up to A Great and Terrible Beauty (which I also loved). The plot is more complex, we see much more of the realms, and the characters come to life with even greater clarity.

As a fan of traditional gothic terror/suspense along the lines of Frankenstein and The Mysteries of Udolpho, I wasn't disappointed by what other reviewers may feel are cliched or overused plot devices. I love the gothic-style, Victorian setting (gargoyles on the school building, burned out sections of the school, foggy/misty woods); old, musty books that reveal dark, ancient secrets; asylums; heroines walking around in the dead of night. That's my kind of story.

I've become a huge fan of Libba Bray's writing style as well. I love her prose and narration, the flow of dialog and descriptions of settings. I can't say enough good things! I loved this book and can't wait to get started on the next. My only gripe is that there's only one more book in the series to read. I can't imagine anyone who enjoyed A Great and Terrible Beauty not also loving this. Highly recommended.

I believe I liked this one better than A Great and Terrible Beauty. The writing was better with longer sentences and more variety in length and language. There was more story; with a thicker and deeper plot that was somehow very alluring like the Harry Potter but written with a superior skill to J.K. Rowling. Simply put, it was spellbinding.

I think this book was extremely good as well as the rest of the series. I would definately recommend this book to teens, young adults, pre-teens and even adults. Especially if you like fantasy and young adult books!

Was an awesome end to the Gemma Doyle Trilogy. I couldn't put it down. Would recomend for anyone who loves a little make believe.

Rich with imagery, plots, dread, hunger, passion, secrets and magic. I loved it. I don't think there are many series in this genre with the same level of depth, detail, characters or plot. A MUST READ.

I read this book as a child and searched for years for a copy to give my daughter. It is a wonderful fairy tale, with very good moral values. Share this with your kids!

First loved this story 53 years ago and have been looking for it ever since. So glad that it was reprinted. I enjoyed the expanded, but the first one was not and loved it anyway.

i'm thrilled that this book is back in print..my sister and i have fought over our copy for years...our kids have loved it also...they need to write more books like this

What a pleasure to see this charming children's chapter book back in print. It was a favorite of mine when I was grade-school age, and an old, taped-up and battered copy still sits on on my bookshelf. In this tale, the lives and adventures of a family of fairies and half-fairies are paraded before the eyes of Lucy, a little human girl who has wandered into the borderlands of their world. A mysterious young man named Michael takes Lucy to a deserted castle where the shadows of past inhabitants can be seen on the walls of a tower room. As Lucy watches the shadows move about, Michael identifies each figure, and recounts their adventures of long, long ago.

The stories of the fairy princes and princesses, and their human and non-human relatives and associates, are told a simple but descriptive prose that young readers should find appealing. For children still a little bit young for the vocabulary of Harry Potter, but too old for Dr. Seuss, this is a perfect read. The illustrations are delightful as well--how I loved the pictures of beautiful Princess Meira and her friend, the dragon Branstookah!

This compelling fantasy is back in print after many years, and would make a great gift to any 7-11 year old. It was my mother's favorite growing up, then mine, and I have this expanded edition to my 8 year old niece who says it is better than Harry Potter!

Well organized and full of information for both the newbie and also a more experienced blogger who wants to deepen their effectiveness (or experiment more). I work with synagogues, and found the approach of blogging for "ministry" can be useful and much more broadly defined than for churches alone. Very easy to read, full of practical examples.

I was actually pleasantly surprised with this book. I knew going into this book that I was in for a lot of great information and disciplines in creating and maintaining a blog. I did not expect how creatively it was written. I think we have certain expectations for "how-to" books and this one surpassed my expectations.

If you have started a blog or are just thinking about it, grab this book. There is a lot of focus on churches creating and using blogs, but not to the extent that it leaves the individual out. The writers took time to teach us a little history as well as give us clear detailed info on the how, why and where of the blog world. Chapter 9 & 10 focus on starting a blog and then building a blog well. I love chapter 11 titled "Build A Really Bad Blog". It's kind of the how-to in reverse.

One of the coolest things in the book was hearing from bloggers around the country about their take on blogging and how it has affected their lives or the lives of the businesses/churches they are involved with. I enjoyed hearing the real world ideas.

This book really starts from the beginning by asking 3 questions...
-Is it a tool or a toy?
-What problem are you trying to solve?
-What is the return on ministry?

The writers go on to explain that "Blogs are tools, not toys. Blogs help solve real problems. Blogs deliver a true return on ministry."

I also appreciate the hopeful message from start to finish. As churches and Christ-followers, we have an amazing opportunity to share our story with others. The blog world is open and ready for the taking. This book consistently draws you back to intent. The writers want you to be excited about who God is in your life and they want that to burst out on your blog.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone thinking of or already in the blogging world. It's very easy to read. It is not extremely technical. And when it does get technical, they have done a great job of explaining themselves so no one gets left behind. It has real life stories and history. It is a quick read.

I learned a lot that I didn't know about blogging from this book. It would have saved me a lot of problems if I had had something like this when I started blogging a year ago.

If you are looking for some help in defining and establishing a blog for yourself or your ministry you will find this book helpful. It gives some great insight in to establishing a good blog for the right reasons.

This book is awesome. it will make you think about the various was you can reach people. It will make you take a look at yourself and motivate you to reach others in ways you havent thought of before.

There was not one moment during this book that I wasn't totally captivated. The author puts a human face on the struggle of those in Iraq who lived under Saddam Hussein. And throughout, you are constantly reminded that she was among the "fortunate" by comparison. I found it to be an excellent education in the history of the country and the evolution of it in recent decades as well. I read this book on a recent camping trip in New England when I should have been mesmerized by my surroundings. Instead, I found I could not put this book down.

Short and sweet.. This is an awesome book. You see so many sides of Suddam. His dark side certainly made him a candidate for his execution!

it took a while to get here, but it was in good condition when it did.

Zainab Salbi's life seems idyllic, but even as a child she senses the tension felt by her wealthy parents as they entertain and are entertained by Saddam. Salbi's story shows two sides of Saddam: the cruel and abusive despot and the genial manipulator. In spite of the web Saddam spins around her family, Salbi experiences adolescent rebellion, ignorant of the danger her parents see threatening her, just as it threatened her mother and eventually ruins her parents' marriage. Salbi's story is a fascinating portrayal of a family living in luxury under tyranny and the dangers faced whether the choice is to endure or to escape.

Wow! This book knocked me out. I could NOT put it down. It really helped me understand some of the conflict within Iraq, but more importantly, the author and tone of this book is just very human, real, and accessible. As a youngster, and for all of her formative years, Saddam Hussein is in the background as a family "friend". Though her parents resisted his friendship, they found it more and more dangerous not to be his friend. It's like living with the devil! However, the author eventually gets out of Iraq and away from Saddam Hussien, due to an arranged marriage. I won't say how that goes as I don't want to ruin the ending.

I do feel that this is one of the absolute BEST memoires I ever read and it was written with a lof of grace and humility. For me, it was an important book, and I highly recommend you read it. I think it will become a classic memoire.

I have to admit, I bought this book at Amazon because I grow orchids and was tired of non-fiction. After reading the description and reviews, I realized it wasn't about orchids like I thought it'd be, but, oh, how I enjoyed it. I did figure out what was 'around the corner', but it was a delightful ride. I'm no expert, (except where my orchids are concerned, and psst.. it's cattleya) but I think Ms. Bailey did an outstanding job on her first book. I look forward to reading anything else I can find that she has written. Thank you for a very entertaining weekend!

This book had me tripping over myself to get to the end! The plot was captivating, the characters appealing! I found it to be thoroughly entertaining. Great job!

Ms. Bailey did what a writer is supposed to do when writing a suspense book--hook the reader at the very beginning, and get that reader to turn the pages to the very end. Since Ms. Bailey accomplished this with me--I give her four stars. I hope I can give her five stars for her next book.

I only recently finished reading "Cries of the Orchids," sent courageously for review by a first time author with whom I have never had the privilege of reading. "Cries of the Orchids," has the ability to capture its audience with the type of white-knuckled suspense that leaves one spellbound until the very last page. With an emotional potboiler mix, the author did an excellent job weaving a very believable plot with inspiration, humor, anger, and terrifying suspense.
While I find it admirable and courageous for an author to seek out reviews from individuals that may or may not leave them publicly humiliated, I would caution any new author to research the "reviewer" for qualifications, credibility, and skill.
As I am submitting this review under a pen and not succumbing to what Bailey wittingly and humorously coined, "egoistic masturbation," I will say that not all such reviewers have had the privilege of seeing two of their thirteen novels in film, nor have they had the privilege of writing for the Washington Post. A word to the wise- on amazon.com, one does not have to have editorial qualifications, or any sense of literary art for that matter, to call himself a "reviewer." I happened upon one such case while reading the reviews on "Cries of the Orchids," finding myself curious about another reviewer to whom the book had been sent. It initially appeared that this reviewer held a position of prestige with a large newspaper, the position lending itself to a history of literary commentation. This, however, was not the case.
After wading through a grand puddle of narcissism and references to self in third person (contained in the "about" section on this "reviewer") I learned that this person was but a fashion editor. Again, a word of caution to serious literary talent... research so called "reviewers" for expertise, credibility, and skill before waisting time and money, as well as the opportunity for a legitimate review.
Back to my review.... "Cries of the Orchids" is a thrill ride readers will not want to miss if they enjoy suspense novels. The character development is expertly employed, connecting the reader on an emotional level. I was left thinking on this story long after I finished it. The mark of a great writer! (The book gets an A+ from me.)

This book is easy to read but so very hard to put down! It is well written and thoroughly entertaining. I'm an assistant district attorney in a very large area and usually lean toward the suspense genre. I enjoy reading John Grisham and Catherine Coulter. Now, I've added Terri Bailey to my list! I can't wait for her next novel!

This is a good book to lay the groundwork to train a gun dog. The first year is important since this is when you have to teach a dog how to learn. This book gives great examples with details on how accomplish the most important aspects in the first year.

The book arrived earlier than scheduled. I just purchased an english setter puppy and have found some of the techniques quite useful and informative. Easy book to read.

This book is essential for anyone expecting a new bird dog in the house. Though I have trained several personal gun dogs, it was refreshing to see other,more relaxing ways to start a dog. While we are still working with our new English Pointer pup, many of the methods outlined in this book work great. The key to this type of training is to keep your cool, relax, and don't get frustrated. No matter how simple an exercice you have to end a training session with, always end on a very possitive note. It will pay off in the long run.

I enjoyed reading the book in preparation for the arrival of my first gun dog pup. Though personally inexperienced in training, I have hunted over friends' dogs for several years and have spent enough time with "dog people" to have a sense of what can work. This book presents an excellent overview for the first-time or experienced trainer.

I am sure that I would not have had such a successful outcome with my current bird finding companion had I not started with Joan Bailey's book before the pup even arrived at my home. Although I have raised many pointing dogs, I still need that constant reminder to let pups be pups and to expose young hunting dogs to as many types of home and field conditions as possible. Joan's book tells you when and how this should be done. My father used the first version with success as well for his pointing lab, and I recently ordered the newest edition for him as he eagerly awaits the arrival of a Small Munsterlander puppy. Thanks Joan!

Peter O'Toole starred in the 1990 TV film version with Mare Winningham and it was titled "Crossing to Freedom." I remember really enjoying the movie although I have yet to read the book. I checked, but this movie doesn't appear to be on DVD or VHS.

This is a very well written story that shows how amidst war and destruction there are still people who can keep their humanity. The author also demonstrates that advanced age is no barrier to good deeds and perilous undertakings.

Nevil Shute describes the surroundings and characters with such detail it is hard not to see exactly what he wants the reader to imagine. Unlike any other book I have read, I was entranced. I have always been intriqued by stories about WWII, and this is a good one. When elderly Englishman takes a holiday in France trying to get over his sons death, he finds himself the leader of a band of children trying to escape the German invasion.

I was amazed that the movie has not been put on VHS or DVD. The movie follows the book fairly closely. Monty Woolley plays the elderly man, and Roddy McDowall and Anne Baxter play two of the children. Otto Preminger is a German Major. Made in 1942 it is both dramatic and comedic. I highly recommend you try to catch it on TV.

I have been a Nevil Shute fan for a long time. Many have never heard of this author. This is one of my favorites along with "A Town Like Alice" and "Trustee From the Toolroom". I'm glad to find it in print again so I can replace my very tattered copy and get my 16 year olds to read it!

I first read this book as a child when, identifying with the children who could have been my compeers, I saw the movie at least five times. I loved the book then, and I love it now. The story is simply told, from the point of view of an elderly Englishman, whom we first meet in his London club during the Blitz. Too exhausted to move to a shelter, he begins to tell his tale to a stranger, who has also decided to sit out the raid, while the Luftwaffe's incendiary bombs fall closer and closer. The old man's story unfolds slowly as tells of a fishing holiday in the Jura--the mountains that border France and Switzerland--in the early months of 1939. The story may, in fact, unfold a bit too slowly for some modern readers who have been exposed to the terse squibs that proliferate novels nowadays, but Nevil Shute is such a skillful storyteller that he draws the reader almost unawares into the narrative, rather in the manner of an expert angler reeling in his fish.

Even though I know the story well, I could not put the book down until the very end. I was, after all these years, inextricably hooked.

Simon,

I appreciate you for sharing your own personal journey to find your brilliance. Your book inspired me to write my own book! You helped me to find my brillinance. I highly urge you all to read Simon's book!
Do not waste time! Do it now! I am grateful to you, Simon.


Sincerely,

Lana

Through four simple steps in the book, RELEASE YOUR BRILLIANCE, author Simon T. Bailey explains how to discover and activate the unique individuality in each one of us that will make the world a brighter place for all of us. He uses the analogy of diamond hunting and developing. He points out that no matter what our limits we have hidden abilities that define purpose, a "universal assignment."

Unfortunately society's stereotypes of "average" behavior encourages repression of peculiarities that could be channeled into productive, self enriching patterns, if we only knew how. This book is the guide that reduces what sounds like a monumental job to an easy, common sense approach based on eight aspects of personality. It furnishes everything needed for the task, including a website, www.releasingbrilliance.com, and an offer for a free CD.

I particularly like the comfortably embracing tone which will motivate everyone who wants more satisfaction from life regardless of priorities. Reading the book RELEASE YOUR BRILLIANCE by Simon T. Bailey is a single New Year's Resolution that will encompass all the details of a long list of "do's and don'ts" and result in a more productive, contented, shining NEW YOU!

I bought this book a month ago at the airport for a quick read on the way to a business meeting. Being in sales, I am always looking for a quick pick-me-up to get me moving in the New Year. I was completely shocked to be moved to tears in the first chapter. The exercise of finding my "Universal Assignment" or true purpose in life caused me to dig deep and really think about what I am doing with my life. Subsequent chapters gave me a roadmap and hope that I will be able to achieve my ultimate goals for my family and career, while motivating me to leave a positive mark on the world as well.

I found this book incredibly inspirational and the exercises caused me to create an action plan and not just read it and think "What a great idea!" put it down and never think about it again. Bailey shows us how simple it can be to become the person you always wanted to be--before your life got in the way. I have been truly moved by this book and I have read hundreds.

This is not just an interesting way to spin the same old thing, it is a new dimension in self discovery. So simple and yet so poignant, it will leave you with a real sense of who you are and where you are going.

"As Americas' first Sales Stylist I know how important it is for professionals to feel their ideas are..well.."Brilliant". Simon T. does a tremendous job of making the reader believe they are the diamond in the rough just waiting to shine! I now give my coaching clients "Release Your Brilliance" to further incent them to bring their true genius to the world."

Jennifer Abernethy
The Sales Lounge
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So many self-help books are long on details of how to improve but short on an analytical framework that would help a reader to remember much about the book even one week later. Author Simon Bailey has skillfully used the analogy of each of us being like a diamond to provide an easily understood framework for polishing our god given blessings.

This is a power packed gem because of the way Bailey builds self-help concepts around the diamond analogy. For example, Zig Ziglar was the first to introduce me to the "wheel of life" concept wherein one evaluates ones status in eight different aspect of one's life (e.g., spiritual, physical, financial, etc.). Bailey has beautifully retrofitted that concept to tie into his diamond analogy.

I especially liked the author's chapter on "authenticity." Many are writing on this subject, but some who do so give me goose bumps what with their stretching of their credentials even as they challenge the reader to be authentic. Bailey seems to be much closer to the authentic he pleads for us to be than some of the new wizards on the self help scene. I felt incredibly comfortable with the author, his personal stories, and his positioning of where he is on his life journey.

Likewise, his comments on investing in relationship capital were very thoughtful and seemingly from the heart.

I could go on and on, but doing so would have me standing between my review and your reading this gem. Sure you will find more comprehensive self-help books, but few provide a better framework for a life companion. Definitely a five star book.

I read this book several years ago because I knew the author. I thought it was a fabulous first novel. I was particularly impressed by the great spiritual tones that were very subtle and did not appear "preachy" or "hit you over the head." I do think it is must reading for young people to inspire and guide them on a successful path. I can't wait to see the book in a movie!!!!!
Pamela Payne Foster, author of "Is there a balm in Black America?"

Dr. Bailey has captivated an audience of adults and youth with "The Dream Merchant". Each page is just as exciting as the previous page. The pearls of wisdom that he has incorporated into his book have stuck with me. I even find myself using some of them when I am in discussions with youth.I have given so many away that I feel that I am the publicist! Whenever I take a nap, I just imagine myself meeting Junior and participating in the adventure! My hat is off to Erroll and the exciting future of "The Dream Merchant"! A movie would be fantastic!

I read this book over two years ago, and I still feel it is one of the best books I have ever read. If you can, give this book to a younger brother or sister and be inspired yourself. It shows how a young man who is in a troubled home, meets a figure who is between real and mythical,yet he teaches him lessons that would take him throughout life. The best part of the book for me is when Junior taught the young man about intimacy. Very enlightening.

All out, my FAVORITE book! Mr. Dream Merchant was one of those novels that you could not put down and once you did, you wanted to read it again, and I DID! It touched on being human and being spiritual, one with God, and understanding life's parellels of being accepted. This book touched me in a way that I thought could never happen. I understand how one's dreams can come to life by the words written in this novel. I would highly suggest that you get this novel TODAY and READ IT. Thank you Mr. Bailey for putting together such a WONDERFUL and SPIRITUAL book. I have highlighted certain areas in the book to remind me of WHO IS IN CONTROL!!! May God Continue to BLESS you on your Journey's END......

A wonderful, inspirational and insightful book. This is a book to sit and read as a family, especially those with males. Truly awesome in my opinion.

When a few friends and I decided to explore commercial acting, we needed a roadmap. This book is it! There are a lot of acting books out there, but Stuart's stands out by explaining the process of breaking into commercials from the ground up without talking down to his reader. Concise, highly readable, and, most importantly, backed by Stuart's knowledge as both a working actor and casting director, this book teaches you how to be a professional and hit the ground running in a very competitive business.

This book is short and to the point. Sometimes when people write these kind of books, they elabroate forever. Not this one. There's not a lot of wordy explanations. I appreciate that. Info very precise with good advice and techniques pertaining specifically to commercials. Stone not only deals with the audition process, he helps you avoid making mistakes and falling for scams as well as showing how to market yourself.
I have not seen a more detailed or informative book on the subject.

This book is very short and the information is very general. Only a few things pertained specifically to commercials at all. There are much more detailed and informative books out there.

I read Stuart's book and became so motivated to get out and start making things happen for myself with reagards to my acting career. He give excellant advice on what to do and how to do it. Anyone reading this book, will not want to put it down. It truly is the best book ever!

Industry Insight - "Acting Out"
By Holdon Log, LLC

If you are looking to work as a successful actor in commercials, or perhaps you already are and are in need of a brush up, we'd like to point you in the direction of Acting Out written by Stuart Stone, CCDA (Commercial Casting Directors Association) and Clio Award winner and Dennis Bailey.

If you haven't had the pleasure of meeting Stuart at an audition or in a class, reading the book he co-authored, Acting Out, will offer you guidance and give you insight on what is expected before, during and after a successful audition. More importantly, as mentioned on Stuart's Web site (www.CommercialActing.Info) is how to "turn callbacks into bookings."

Several of us at Holdon Log (from all different backgrounds and at various stages in our commercial acting pursuits) recently read Acting Out and we agree that more Industry mysteries had been revealed, explained better and reinforced while turning the pages of this easy-to-read guide book complete with cleverly depicted moments that happen in real commercial casting sessions.

SOME HIGHLIGHTS

Before Meeting A Prospective Commercial Agent:

"When you get an appointment with an agent you should call and confirm the night before, for a morning appointment, and the morning of, for an afternoon appointment. This effort will show them you are responsible. Many actors forget the business part of the equation; your professionalism will set you apart from the actor wannabees. Dress like you would on a general commercial call-with a leaning towards upscale casual. Avoid perfumes or colognes. Bring an up-to-date picture and resume with you. If you have a demo reel of your commercials, bring that as well. Arrive twenty minutes early to secure a parking space and find the office. Do not be late. And call if you have any problem keeping your appointment. The agent is taking time from his or her busy schedule to meet with you. DO NOT keep them waiting."




While Preparing For Your Photo Shoot & What To Look For While Selecting Your Headshots:

"The most important thing to remember is this: You want your picture to look like you do when you walk into any given audition. We can't stress that enough, so we're going to repeat it. You want your picture to look like you do when you walk into any given audition at any time. Not how you'd like to look after a visit to the plastic surgeon, not how your mother tells you how you look when she pinches your cheek, but how you really look."


During The Commercial Audition:

"It is imperative that you establish a beginning, middle and an end to your actions. This is a hard and fast rule in approaching any type of audition. You are, in a sense, performing a complete, short scene for the camera."



"While working, whether alone or with a partner, do not memorize the lines. Fully familiarize yourself, stick an operative phrase or two in your head, but do not commit the pages to memory. Unlike a theatrical audition where you have leeway to rehearse and memorize, the time you have with commercial copy is minimal. Most actors try to impress the casting director by having the dialogue memorized but they end up trying to remember the copy and are not able to act at all. They end up leaving the acting out, which is 50% of the work. Once in the audition room there will be a cue card with the copy clearly printed in bold magic marker situated on and easel next to the camera. Use it. If you memorize the copy, it's almost impossible to use the cue cards to help you out if you forget memorized lines. Instead, develop the skill of cue card reading."


During The Callback:

"No matter how many people are crowded into the room, focus your attention on the director. He or she is in charge this time around."

"It is generally important to wear the same clothes and hairstyle you did on the original call. (Click Here To View An ActorTrack Software Tip) "



When You've Worked The Job You've Booked...Before You Go:

"Then before you climb into your car, circle the set and thank everyone. Everyone. Not only is it just good manners-personal and professional-it is good business. Human nature being what it is, people like to work with actors they know are talented and personable...Kindness and integrity-as well as talent-are remembered."

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