English Books

We are big fans of Oliver Jeffers who yet again delivers an "AGAIN" book that my 3 year old enjoys. The story is cute and short which accomodates my 3 year old's short attention span. The illustrations are simply great!

my son (age 2.85) loved this book. we laughed at the pictures of the boy taking his star out for a walk. and reading a story to his star at the end. top marks for this clever book. and also "the way back home" by the same author is one of my son's faves also.

My three year old loves this story--I love the lilting verse and the beautiful drawings. Nice addition to our library.

My 3 year old son absolutely loves this book. He relates so much to what the boy goes through. Having a rocketship that doesn't work too well. Trying to find a seagull that will help fly him up. Finding a tall tree to climb up. He has the entire story memorized and when we read it, we really do read it together.

The illustrations are very well done. The shadows move under the trees as the time changes from dawn to morning to lunch to afternoon to evening. The story is simple, but you can talk to your child about what they would do the same or differently on each page in trying to catch a star.

Each page can be viewed from an adult perspective or a child's perspective. Does the boy just find a starfish? Or did the boy find the shooting star from three pages back?

Bought this for my 3 year old son a year ago. He just loves it! He asks for me to read it to him over and over again at bedtime. I bought it again a few weeks ago to give to another little boy along with another copy for a charity organization for the holidays. I think it's a wonderful book!

I recieved this script within three days of ordering. Well packaged inside and out this book was without even a dent (being paperback).

The script itself is fabulous! Very witty and entertaining. Keeps the audience interest and the ending is very satisfying.

Thanks! Very happy with my purchase!

The play's protagonist Jack makes up an imaginary brother called Earnest, who he uses as an excuse to get out of town and do what he likes, but is too embarrassed to admit he likes.
Jack and Algernon are best friends, who amusingly get tangled in the web of being mistaken for Earnest and falling in love with women who are mesmerized by the name Earnest, which as Jack's object of affection Gwendolen puts it: "it inspires absolute confidence".

The ladies, despite their fixation with Earnest's name, accept their loved ones, but will these two men give up the dream of being Earnest, and if they do, will society and other people accept the lie they made up?

As expected, a forcibly happy ending will reveal an unexpected surprise about Jack and the made up character.

If it wasn't Oscar Wilde's play, I would've asked, what are the odds? Given the playful plot and the masked serious topics like deception, double lives, hypocrisy and mainly the nature of marriage, I can accept some deviation from reality.

The importance of being Earnest is a fun read, and a special sarcastic way of dealing with Victorian morals and values as Wilde perceived them. The play absolutely deserves all the attention it got and still gets.

this is a novel always on fashion. hte dialogs are simply brilliant. oscar wilde picture a great variety of original personalities

I listened to an audio performance of this hilarious farce. Even over a hundred years after its original publication, this tale of mistaken identities and silly social interactions continues to entertain.

Jack Worthing and his irreponsible friend, Algernon, both pretend to be named Earnest as they pursue love with Gwendolen Fairfax and Cecily Cardew.

When the four lovers visit Jack's country home at the same time, the proverbial s**t his the fan. But never fear, a convienient twist resolves matters to everyone's satisfaction.

My first exposure to Oscar Wilde was as a young girl reading his horrendously depressing fairy tales. And while I fell in love with him because of those, it was nice to get to high school and have my literature teacher throw something wilde and FUNNY in front of me. I think this was during a term where we were reading rather sad things, so this was an awesome break and a reminder that, guess what, classic literature can sometimes be entertaining.

I have never seen play nor movie of this, though I would like to, for this script is something that demands to be put into action. Satire usually has, since the Greeks. It's funny, witty, and smart, despite that the characters are among the dumbest, silliest people you will hopefully never have the opportunity to meet.

"The Importance of Being Ernest" is quick, biting, and a great, entertaining read.

This book truly is a diamond in the ruff. It seems to be hard to find, but if you can find it, then by all means, buy it immediately! Quinnell has given us a fantastic, intriguing story that takes into the heart of the bleak world that is the pre-1989 communist bloc. The characters are vividly fleshed out, and Mr Quinnell gives a virtual clinic in character development. Although the afformentioned development was a bit predictable, it was fantastic nonetheless. Read this book!

If there is one book that you are going to read this year,"In the Name of the Father" is the one. The plot grabs you from the beginning and holds on until the last line. The plot allows you to believe that the situation actually exists, and if you think of the time line along with actual historical events, this book makes the reader wonder if the story wasn't non-fiction.
A.J.Quinnell is the best author I have ever read. I'm surprised that he isn't required reading for students. I have read all of his books (except one, and that's because I can't find it) and I can honestly say that each one was as enjoyable as the first.
If you are looking for intrigue, fast-paced action, a book that you can't put down and are ready to lose a little sleep at night because you have to read one more chapter, read this book.

Id already read Man on Fire and Siege of Silence before In the Name of the Father, and I loved it. Its just what Ive come to expect from AJ Quinnell.... which is a masterpiece of writing.
Wasnt very long, but the story and realistic was he presents it was incredible... It takes place quite some time ago and I didnt understand some of it due to my lack of history of the USSR and Soviet Union but I managed. What a great book. If you havent read his others, please do so, they are amazing as well !

It appears that most of the reviewers here are young, some of whom have offered such statements as,"Wow! This novel makes you believe that there really WAS a Mirek Scibor, and that he really WAS employed by the Vatican, disguised as a kidney specialist, to kill Yuri Andropov."

Well, folks...I got news for you! A.J. Quinnell, the author, was the REAL DEAL. As he himself explained, he had been an intelligence officer--a spy. That had been his job. And THAT is why his book seems "so real," aside from the fact that [get ready!!] Mr. Quinnell himself clearly stated--in several television interviews that I witnessed when the book was first released--that his book was taken from FACTS that he had heard in the intelligence circuit. He appeared on all the morning talk shows for about a week.

He said, in fact, that the world of intelligence--just like any other profession--has its coffee houses, "after-set" joints, etc. It's a circuit. And ON that circuit, he learned that Yuri Andropov had been MURDERED by an employ of the Vatican. He decided to write a novel about something that REALLY happened.

To us, it all sounds like conspiracy theory. But he said that it was very natural, during the Cold War, even for enemy spies to meet in Vienna [a well-known gathering place of spies of all kinds, for you young folks who may not have known that], and have dinner, drink liquor, and generally exchange news that they'd heard. It's a profession. They hung out, exchanged ideas, shared news, etc., just like people in any other profession.

He said that he could easily tell, by the pattern of information he was receiving, that the rumors were on target. He would know!

I LOVE this book!! I'm 53 years old. The book came out in the 80s, and I still read it--over and over again. One reviewer hear hit it on the head: the book is, in a sense, very inspirational, in that you feel like anything can be done.

The leader of the Soviet Union, at that time, was the most guarded human being on earth. Yet the Vatican [well, or so the "fiction" goes] was able to plant a fake "kidney specialist" right inside the Kremlin...well, I can't tell you the rest of the book! Read for yourself.

If your life is very busy, and you have many things on your plate, DON'T READ THIS BOOK!! Because, if you do, you'll be HOOKED! You'll be reading it once a week.

Here's what REALLY, REALLY bugs me: How on EARTH has Hollywood missed this novel!!!!! The Cold War is finished. But SOMEBODY should create a flick of this book, before Cold War memories die. [Spielberg, WHERE ARE YOU!!!!!!]

This is a very solid effort by the author. It gave me a bit of a chill during a few parts. This is an interesting story line. I did not think it would work as well as it did. After all the Vatican is not really known for this type of activity. Never less, the author pulled it off. I think the excellent work on the story line did it for me. There were no cheap, convenient moves here. You believe each twist and turn would "of course" be there. The cast of characters is a good one with some memorable lines and personality traits. A fun book that moves fast.

When I recieved the book, I felt like the book was too small to contain so much information. But now I feel like I've accomplished a lot!
The book is very helpful in every espect and it doesn't JUST help in SATs but also in writing an essay in high school.
I love this book. I think everyone who is taking the SAT should have a go and try this book. ^^
This was my first time buying something from Amazon and I'm very proud of myself for having a go. I love the books and the books were delivered fast and on the right date, the books are in fine state... I just love it.
Thank you Amazon

I had the pleasure of reading Mr. McCutcheon's new SAT book. It helped me immensely! I particularly needed help on the Essay portion. I followed the format that was outlined, and lo and behold I scored perfect on the Essay! This book is a must for all students!

I, being a normal adolescent, tend to procrastinate. As the SAT was looming over me and steadily approaching in a week's time, I quickly searched for a quick and easy lifesaver and chose this book. 3 days before the big day, I scoured the contents and followed the tips. The result? A perfect score on the essay (which is odd considering I'm a terrible writer--thus I attribute my good grade to this book.)

Now this isn't the "end all be all" to SAT essay books, but you do have to realize no book can really "teach" people how to write. Good writing comes from a combination of guidelines and tips (which this book provides), reading what the graders are looking for and "good" essays (which this book provides), and most importantly, practice (which only you can provide).

This has great tips on how to write an SAT essay. All you have to do is apply them!

I decided to get this book which I saw at a store and it was a lot smaller, and easier too read than most other SAT books. When I got my score back, it was 30 points under perfect. This is the best SAT help out there, and I reccomend it 100 percent. This book is exceptional.

Permite adquirir el idioma y los elementos suficientes como para hacernos entender y entender lo que nos dicen.
Me gustó !

PARA APRENDER INGLÉS !
A mi me ayudó a convertirme en Secretaria Bilngue y ahora gano el doble !

PARA APRENDER INGLÉS !
A mi me ayudó a convertirme en Secretaria Bilngue y ahora gano el doble !

nos permite adquirir el idioma y los elementos suficientes como para hacernos entender y entender lo que nos dicen.
Me gustó !

my first elements of English when I didn't understand or speak one word of it...

If you like to read gardening books this one is a keeper. I wanted to pack my bags and move to Vermont so that I could have an adventure like the lady in the book and create gardens in different areas on my property with a stream and a pond and a forrest, and and and...

What delightful moments "The Invisible Garden" by Dorothy Sucher presents to the reader. It's a memoir of a garden, no less, presented through the perceptions of the gardener.

This is a book for both gardeners and non-gardeners. Ms. Sucher shares the joys and frustrations of tending people as well as plants. As she fights brambles and weeds in the land, she negotiates the intricacies of memory and a variety of human relationships. This is a series of essays, actually, so this is a book to be enjoyed a piece at a time or, if time permits, indulged in with abandon -- like gorging on a box of chocolates.

The treat here, though, is how she illuminates her own growth through sketches of individuals who come into her (and her garden's) life. Her explorations of herself and the world of her garden continuously touch tender buds of awareness in the reader. Her style is direct and honest as she explores her expectations, frustrations, and failures crowned by the occasional triumph. This book should become a classic -- it's bound to be loved by everyone who stops to smell the flowers on the way through life.

Dorothy Sucher is a therapist by trade, and a gardener by avocation. As I read her book, "The Invisible Garden" I had a sense that she would make a good friend. She seems to have an appreciation of human limitations and frailties, and probably lives up to the old axiom "A friend is someone who forgets your shortcomings." Well, maybe not where her husband is concerned, but what can a gardener do with a guy whose allergic to the great out-of-doors and can't tell a Dandelion from a lily.

Ms. Sucher's book is not so much about gardening as it's about coming to terms with a yourself. Sure, she cultivates the garden, But she also understands it's existence is as ephemeral as the life of it's author.

Each of us carries our own memories of past gardens. I will always be reminded of my parents garden in North Carolina when I see daffodils blooming in the spring. My folks grew thousands of daffodils. I don't think my father ever met a daffodil he didn't try to grow. And everytime I see a Brunnera I think of my mother, standing over the little blue flowers and saying, "What are these things? I can never remember their name!" We all laughed because it's colloquial name is "forget-me-not."

The invisible garden consists of the cumulative memories of gardens past that you carry in your heart.

My bookclub has just finished reading this wonderful book. We all loved it; one member compared it to "Gifts from the Sea" with its evocation of quietude and solace. This is a book for gardeners, who will delight in the delicious insights Dorothy has as she hacks her way through the brambles beside her stream, as well as nongardeners, who will finally gain some insight into why gardeners delight in working the earth and transforming the landscapes outside ourselves into things of beauty. I found reading the essays enjoyable, humorous, and deeply satisfying. Each essay is easily read on its own, but together the book becomes a gardener's journal, a transcription of what goes on in a gardener's mind as she designs and transforms the land around her.

This is an enchanting book, subtle in working on many levels to capture and to hold your attention. The theme, intertwining the impact on her life of some family and friends with various aspects of gardening life, works surprisingly well. The workmanship is fine, in many senses of that word; as in grading gems, or in the weave of a great tapestry. It is something that her grandfather, or her neighbor Tom--both craftsmen in their own right, and important in her life--would recognize and admire. The style is somewhere between early John McPhee in The New Yorker, and Bill Bryson's latest book of essays, "I'm A Stranger..", between straight autobiographical and first-person commentary. It comes off very well, and you put down the book with some insight into a complex person still exploring herself and the world around her. The insight reflects into our own life, giving pause for reflection and reevaluation of important things we might have slighted in passing. Her sketches of the individuals she chooses to illuminate aspects of her own growth are simultaneously detached and loving. The chapter on her physicist husband's encounter with flowers shows the tender exasperation that any non-scientist wife of a scientist would instantly recognize. The vividness of a flashback to her grandfather's youth, spanning more than a century, pays a debt to his memory while showing us the unbroken chain of generations. So, too, the balance in "The Pond" chapter on her mother; and the nostalgia in the chapter on "Little Houses" grips each of us and thrusts us back to our childhood, where "-all the polyurethane of life-" can not intrude. A wonderful book, well worth reading.

November 29, 1999

I was never a great writer, and a scoffed at the thought of grammar. When I decided to take the Sat 2 Writing Test I bought this book. I expected the test to be a "piece of cake." Was I wrong. I took the first practice test in this bookand I got a 490. I read the chapters apathetically and then I got my score up to a 550. With a week to go I beared down and really studied this book. In no time I was scoring mid 600s. I just got my scores today and I got a 710, thanks to this book. If you are not taking the Sat 2 writing test I definitely recommend this book for the Writing portion of the New Sat or the PSAT.

I took WRITING CLASSES and only got a 670 on the test (I took it TWICE) but after two weeks with this book, I GOT AN 800!!!! I recommend this to anyone who is frustrated with increasing his/her score. The practice tests are incredibly helpful but the Barron's exercises are pretty good too. Either way, this is a GREAT book!

I used only this book to prepare for the last administration of the SAT II writing test. All of the concepts that were on the actual test are covered in this book. The review questions are a good deal trickier than the questions on the actual exam, but they will get you attuned to looking for just what the College Board wants you to see. In fact, the errors on the actual test become ridiculously obvious once you know what to look for. Since the new SAT I writing section is the same as the SAT II writing, consider using this book to review for the SAT I.
I was pleased to receive an 800 on the real exam.

I'll be taking the SAT IIs in October and I'm glad I ordered this book now, mostly because it's so huge! But I've looked through it (not thoroughly yet, of course) and it looks very informative. It should be, shouldn't it? Since the people that wrote it also write the test!

You don't believe me?

A week before the real test, I took a Princeton Review practice SAT II Writing test and got a FANTASTIC 550. I even cried because I'm an "A" English student. With only 4 days left to fully dedicate myself to studying (I had to study for finals too), I feared my fate was sealed. Personally, I always buy Princeton Review books to study for standardized tests, but this time I chose the Kaplan book. This book is great. If possible, just memorize all of the writing rules and errors that Kaplan goes over, write a coherent essay, and you're looking at a 700 or above. You don't need to study out of this book any more than 2 or 3 weeks. But if you don't have that much time, like me, get this book and take one practice test and have someone grade your essay (an English teacher would be good). Go over the writing mechanics section. Don't spend more than a day on the essay section unless you get a 2,3, or 4 out of 12 on the practice essay. And if you have no idea where to begin, just remember that all you need is four days. With four days, I got a 790!!!

Umph .. Umph .. Umph .. Daniela and Caleb's love story was really good. Both had a fierce attraction to one another that escalated into a sizzling passion. Everyone around them could see it, except for them.

Buy and enjoy bcz a Maureen Smith novel is ALWAYS worth the money!

This is my second novel by this author and I can tell you she just gets better. A legal Affair is for true romantics. Daniela and Caleb's chemistry sizzles on the page and will have you wishing you had a crack at the sexy Caleb yourself. More than a man's man, Caleb has everything a woman could ever wish for. Daniela was a great heroine who was smart, sexy and knew how to hook her target with supreme ease. This author is one to watch.

Being in college right now, the prospect of finding a gorgeous teacher to fawn over and fall in love with is like the biggest fantasy popping around in my head. This is the second book that I devoured by Mrs. SMith and again was not disappointed. I believe this was her first stab at contemporary romance, rather than her usual romantic suspense and I'll be damned if she didn't blow us out of the water with this one as well. Ex lawyer turned rebel law professor Caleb Thorne is knocked off his feet when beautiful Daniella Roarke walks into his class late on the first day. From there, the book takes the most delicious turns. From a fight with sweets, to stolen kisses in a stoage closet, you'll be hooked. I hope my school gets a Caleb Thorne. he he he

In the first installment of Maureen Smith's Harlequin "Affair" series, one of the biggest cases in Roake Investigations history lands in their laps. Daniela Roake goes undercover as a law student in hopes of obtaining information from Caleb Thorne, her law professor, regarding his father's past indiscretions. However, after one look at Caleb, and knowing she would have to get even closer to him in order to complete her assignment, Daniela was a goner. Caleb, on the other hand never knew what hit him, one minute he was lecturing at a leisurely pace and the next he was staring into the face of his soul mate. After her first day jitters, Daniela gets into the swing of things, but is unprepared for the feelings Caleb evokes when they eventually find themselves alone. Unable to maintain his composure whenever Daniela is near, Caleb is willing to jeopardize his career to be with her. Daniela, torn between feelings of the heart and bound by duty, is having a hard time keeping her cover under wraps.

In Smith's first contemporary romance readers are rewarded with an awe-inspiring story about finding the perfect mate. Daniela and Caleb's relationship was an ignited fuse, burning fast, and finally triggering an ultimate explosion. Although, readers will not find the suspense, espionage and mayhem in Smith's previous novels, A LEGAL AFFAIR has enough twists and turns to keep you glued to its pages. I highly recommend this novel as well as book two, A Guilty Affair, and its follow-up, A Risky Affair slated for release March 2008.

Reviewed by Pamela Bolden
of The RAWSISTAZ(tm) Reviewers

I truly loved this book!This is my first maureen smith novel and now i am a huge fan!!Its well written and enticing.Caleb is most defnitley my kind of man.Ive read alot and i do mean ALOT of romance novels and this one stands out from the rest!

This book is a must read for anyone interested in the inner qualities of our nation's most well-known and respected figures and the lesser-known, who were the people who shaped our country. From the early settlers and our founding fathers to people of the present, this book offers a touching and rewarding look into the lives of people during war, hardships, family life, and many other aspects of life. Letter writing truly reveals the inner part of ourselves. A wonderful book!

Andrew Carrol writes an intresting novel compiled of historic letters in various stages of our Nations history. Whether they are from prominent, well known people, or lesser known, yet just as important members of our society, they keep us enthralled.

I'm 24 years old, young enough not to have lived through many of our Nations defining moments, but when I read these letters (and the helpful notes by the author!) it made me feel as though I knew exactly what was going on. Mr. Carrol did an excellent job, and I've let many others read this novel!

~Gina

This book is one of the best investments I've made over the past year (I typically buy 3-4 books a month). I teach - and am passionate about - American History at the high school level. I discovered this book on Amazon and purchased it out of curiosity and a desire to add to my stash of "primary sources." What a great find! The letters are grouped thematically, not chronologically, and offer a great mix of subjects, authors, and viewpoints. While my primary motivation for purchasing this book was its potential use as a classroom source/reference, it proved an interesting "read," as well. History really comes alive, as do the "players" and events, through reading correspondence. While these letters were not necessarily intended for public consumption, it allows for real insight into the past, and into the psyche of the people who have helped to shape our country. Each letter is "set up" for the reader with an introduction explaining the context in which the letter was written. There are also "postscripts" to let the reader know what took place after the letter (a "conclusion," so to speak). Thank you, Mr. Carroll - it's obvious that a lot of work (and editing!) was expended here for the benefit of your readers!

This book is easy to read and interesting. The editors notes in front of and behind almost every letter really make the book that little bit more. I found all of the letters interesting and many of them quite moving. Many of the letters illuminated subjects about which i was familiar but did not know that little part of the story. I recommend this book for any and every one. You do not have to be American (although much of the information is perhaps from an American perspective) to feel the things that are brought forth by the reading of these letters.

What a fantastic book. The letters I've read have brought voices to America's past. It's like reading a hundred stories in one book. For me, it's been an emotional read. The voices of people-slaves,soldiers, presidents and mothers that helped shaped our nation are still ringing in my ears. I'm recommending this to all my friends. A great trip though history.

CAUTION: Be aware of your surroundings if you are in public! You will find yourself bursting out in unexpected, uncontrollable laughter. This book, in fact, all of the books by Pat G'Orge-Walker are absolutely, positively, downright hysterical! I would love to see these characters brought to life on stage in a play.

I have never, ever laughed so much and so hard at any book in my entire life! I laughed so hard that I cried. My co-workers would come over to my cubicle to see if I was alright since I was usually the only person in my row after 5pm and I would find myself laughing out loud even though I tried hard not to. This was a wonderful, wonderful book and I was sorry to finally finish it. I have read all but one of this author's books (I am having trouble finding the last one as it is out of print now). Of the 3 that I have read, this was the funniest with "Cruisin On Desperation" being next. Definitely an enjoyable read!

This novel is off the wall.It is very funny,lively, and page turner.
It really blend with some of our church folks these days maybe, not as much, but it's there.I look forward to reading more from Pat.Keeping it real!!

This book had its moments that was funny and it makes you think about our "church folks". I enjoyed how things turned out in the end. I'm waiting for the next book to see what happens with Miss thing that was talking to the lawyer.

When Mother Eternal Ann Everlastin dies, the fried chicken hits the fan in Pat G'Orge-Walker's, Mother Eternal Ann Everlastin's Dead. After being a faithful member of Ain't Nobody Right But Us--All Others Goin' to Hell Church, pastored by the Rev. Knott Enough Money, Mother Everlastin moves her membership. Needless to say, the Rev. Bling Mo' Bling, of The No Hope Now--Mercy Neva Church, is all to happy to receive the wealthy-widowed-several-times-multimillionaire into his fold. When Mother suddenly dies with her hands clutched to the cash register during service, the antics begin as everyone competes for Mother's millions. Unknown to everyone, the overbearing Mother is still running things from the grave as she teaches the members of both churches a lesson on serving God with a sincere heart.

If you have ever gone to an African-American church you will recognize some of the antics in Mother Eternal Ann Everlastin's Dead. Although I am not a particular fan of this particular genre, I found this book to be laugh-out-loud funny at times. Walker managed to bring over-the-top characters to life while delivering a powerful message in the process.

If you are a Christian fiction fan and you like a good laugh, do, by all means, get a copy of Pat G'Orge-Walker's, Mother Eternal Ann Everlastin's Dead.

T. RHYTHM KNIGHT
APOOO BookClub