Classics Books

Hilariously funny. I read many of the pages aloud to my husband during a roadtrip. I wanted to print every single phrase,every single quote, notation and thought in 180 point font and hang them up on my refrigerator. Loved it.

This is a delightful funny book about parenting. Sure, a lot of us have been there and done that but few with such hilarity. Even the title makes me laugh. And, if you want more chuckles about parenting, order ParentLaughs: Quips, Quotes, and Anecdotes about Raising Kids ASIN:0517228173

Need a good belly laugh? Amy delivers the goods! Hilarious quips all parents can relate to and tender thoughts we share. A great gift for a new mom or a constant Mom!

This was very funny and I've recommended it to several other Mothers. However, do not spend your money on her "Book of Eleven" as it does not compare to this book!

I bought this book for my wife for Christmas. By the time I wrapped it, I had read the whole thing. I'd pick it up, read a little, laugh a lot, put it down and do other things. I kept coming back to it and eventually I found I had finished it.

Rosenthal's notes are dead on and she writes with a style that makes the most mundane things humorous. Sort of a Seinfeld for parents, except as parents you'll really understand what she's talking about. You may even get a little absolution from the book - for example, in a list of confessions she admits she has let sucking the toothpaste off a toothbrush pass as "brushing". Having kids myself, I can completely understand and picture that situation...

Great stuff...it was a perfect stocking stuffer. Guys, this would be a great book to surprise your wife with for no reason.

I love the Sammy Keys books, Sammy manages to deal with the problems of being a modern adolecent, and solve mysteries too! And while she does it she she manages to stay true to her friends, her family and basic good ideals.

In this exotic story a girl named Sammy Keyes and her friends must solve the mystery of who tried to kill Chauncy LeBard and who stole his 500,000 dollar books!!!!!! Along the way Sammy pulls a prank on her worst enemy Heather Acosta. With the help of Officer Borsch and "Muscles", Sammy finds out who the almost - murderer is!!!!!!!! But if I told you who, it wouldn't be much of a mystery, now would it ???????

Sammy soon discovers that revenge isn't always so sweet, for once she pulls her prank on Heather she ends up with 20 hours of detention!!!!!!! In this particular book it's rather hard to spot the themes and messages, but sometimes that's what makes a mystery so well, mysterious!!! You may think that this book is scary because there is an attempted murder but it's not, it's an awesome book with a couple of funny bits here and there.

This book is an exciting mystery that will take you into it's pages so your standing right there next to Sammy as she unravels the mystery just like a mini Nancy Drew. So since this is such a good book I recommend it to you immensely. Put it on your "Books to read" list or something. I'm serious, read it.
PLEASE??????

I read a pretty cool book called Sammy Keys and the Skeleton Man. The book is about a girl who finds out that a guy dressed up like a skeleton stole stuff from a person named Mr. Frankenstein. The reason why they call him Mr. Frankenstin is because he where's a mask that helps him breath. The skeleton man who stole from his house then sold it to the market. She tries to stop the skeleton man from doing it again, so when she finds out where the skeleton man stole, she goes to his house and talks to Mr. Frankenstein and sees if he remembers anything that happened. When she talks to him he barley remembers anything so she tries to trace the clues to see who did it. It brings her to a store when she finds who did it. She gets him trapped then calls the police. Then the skeleton man goes to jail, and then Mr. Frankenstein gets his stuff back and everything is over.

I think the book's message is when you're trying to look for something and you cant find it you should always try to find clues. I also think that when you're about to give up, don't, because there will be always another way to solve it. Sometimes it will be good to ask someone for advice to help you in some ways. The last thing is you should never steal from anyone or a friend you know might tell on you.

I recommend this book to you because it's a pretty cool book. You will always want to see what happens next. I liked it because it was always brings a questions to the book. I also liked how they always add clues to the book and how they put more characters in the book that's why I like this book.

Sammy doesn't look for trouble, but it usually finds her. In this case, it's on Halloween, when she gets run over by a skeleton with a bag of stolen goodies, who sets a fire in a spooky house. And that's just the beginning. Sammy is right-on, as are her friends, Marissa and Dot. But she doesn't sound nearly as convincing with her adult voices, especially Grams, who sounds like she's 30, rather than 55-plus. Overall, a good mystery, in a great series. This book is Awsome!

7th grader Sammy Keys has got a lot of troubles on her hands. It all started on Halloween at the bush house with her friends. At the bush house no one answered and Sammy saw a fire. After Sammy put it out with a sweater they found Chancey Lebard (the owner of the house, who they call the bush man)tied to a chair. It turns out he was robbed, and sammy was interested an started investigating. The sweater she put the fire out withturned out to be [expensive]. If it got all burn't up, she'd be in trouble.

those are not the only problems Sammy beholds. Her worst enemy Heather wasmaking a fool of her but every one thinks it is really Sammy. as far as Sammy is concerend it is payback time for Heather.

I like every thing about this book. I really like howit has a lot of problems at one time, it makes it more interesting. It also usesgood detail and description. Sammy Keys and the Skeleton Man is full of suspenceand i couldn't put it down. I can't think of anything ididn't like about this book except it had to end.

This book told me everything I wanted to know but was afraid to ask about a whole host of everyday relationships: with my sons' pediatricians, my own doctors, funeral home directors (I've know too many of these), even my hairdresser. The author manages to pry the lid off these often awkward relationships and get to the heart of what makes them awkward. She then offer sometimes surprisingly simple, straightforward advice on ways to improve them: "magic words" indeed!

Thank you for helping to untangle at least part of my complicated life!

I thought I pretty much knew what I needed about negotiating life, but this book offers some of the most commonsense, down-to-earth tips I have ever come across -- the kind of info you might seek from someone's uncle or friend of a friend, but here it is. And the kind of info that can apply to you as well as your parents and your kids. Plus, it made me laugh. Great book for college grads.

Everyday life has become exceedingly complicate. We don't have the leeway to make mistakes in our dealings with people and expect to learn from these mistakes sometime in the future. We need to increase our chances of getting it right the first time. This is where Lynette Padwa's book comes in. Wouldn't it be better to see a doctor with some prior understanding about how a doctor's office really and how you can maximize getting the best possible treatment? Similarly, if you've never consulted a lawyer before, wouldn't it increase your chances of having a good experience if you knew how lawyers feel about their clients and how a law office operates. I found this book to be both fascinating and highly informative, as well as easy to read. I know I'll use it often.

This "magic words" book shows how to successfully deal with busy professionals not so much by the words we use but the way we say them. The eighteen occupations this author chose to investigate are essential to most families.

Some are necessary to parents of younger children, like nannies, teachers, pediatricians; for couples just starting out, she covers realtors, contractors, landlords. Even the adult children of elderly parents with information they should know, the needed advise on choosing nursing home and funeral directors -- which go together -- are a priority. She tells some of the things to ask and how to supervise (what to do, what not to do). "One of the most stressful aspects of placing a relative in a nursing home is the unwelcome glimpse it offers into your own possible future." She gives alternatives such as adult family homes (my sister did this for a while some years ago in Maryland), a private residence licensed to provide care for two to six individuals; it adds the personal touch as opposed to the "demoralization of institutional life." Even though "nursing homes are the second most heavily regulated industry in America (the nuclear power industry is first)," there are no guarantees. From personal experience, I'd advise it only as a last resort.

For those who own cars, she has pointers on dealing with auto mechanics and car salesmen. When dealing with local politicians, such as city council membres or even the mayor, there is a sample letter detailing how to get the best results, "with carbon copies sent to the Mayor, a local t.v. station news producer, and the editor of the local newspaper." City council members can accomplish many things, but they must work within certain limits; "prepare by clarifying what you want done."

If you need the services of a lawyer, "you will know that [by] asking why he got into law will make you one of his favorite clients." She gives pointers on hairdressers, so essential to a woman's appearance and self-confidence, and the tipping process, when it is alright not to tip.

People like doctors and therapists we all need at different stages in our lives so that they will do what they are trained to make our healthcare (physical and mental) tolerable. Some magic words to use: "Be 'concerned' instead of 'scared.' Be 'apprehensive' instead of a 'nervous wreck.' In everyday life, we tend to exaggerate to get results, but with doctors have to go to the opposite extreme. Even if you are 'in agony,' try not to use those words. Instead say, "I have a lot of discomfort."

If something about you gives these professionals the impression that you will make them fail, they will be less than likely to help you. "If they sense that they will succeed with you, they will go out of their way to return your calls, honor their agreements." This book will show you how to give them the impresssion that they will succeed. Lynette Padwa has also written EVERYTHING YOU PRETEND TO KNOW AND ARE AFRAID SOMEONE WILL ASK.

The author gets it right in the very first paragraph: The REAL Golden Rule isn't doing unto others what you'd have them do unto you; it's about doing unto others what THEY want done unto themselves.

Eighteen chapters cover topics from doctors to funeral directors; car salesmen to auto mechanics; realtors to general contractors. Each chapter stands on its own as a "playbook" with practical advice for dealing with common situations. Pawda teaches win-win by showing the reader how to see the world through the other person's eyes.

Read it once for the practical advice. Read it again for insight into human behavior. Read it one more time to transform how you see others.

Most for-sale screenplays are just that -- screenplays. Emma Thompson, who wrote the screenplay for the delightful Jane Austen film "Sense and Sensibility," chose to include journal entries throughout the filming of the movie as well, in addition to the winning entry of a contest to see who could write the best letter from Fanny to Elinor.

There is wit in the descriptions and the photos, all well-captured. The journal entries are entertaining and a good look into the making of a movie. Although be forewarned -- because they dress like the characters of S&S, they do not talk like them. There is definitely some verbal crudeness in the book, men and women alike, but if you can overlook that (or are used to it) then this book will be a delightful read for any Jane Austen fan.

There are three separate parts to this fine volume; introduction, script and diaries. The producer of the film, Lindsay Doran, opens the door for us with her wonderful introduction. At age 13, she was determined that not only was "Jane Austen a very stupid writer," but also she would "never, never read one of her stupid books again."

Fortunately for the rest of the world, Ms. Doran changed her mind, and some twenty-five years after that first erroneous conclusion, has brought us this wonderfully witty, and extremely faithful film version of this first novel by Austen. As producer of the Kenneth Branagh/Emma Thompson film, DEAD AGAIN, she became acquainted with the woman who was not only a phenomenal actress, but also a gifted writer-one with a sense of humor and a strong romantic bent. These two qualities had proven to be the stumbling block over nearly ten years of searching for the right scriptwriter for Sense and Sensibility.

It took nearly seven years to come up with something close to a shooting script, sandwiched as it had to be between Thompson's many award-winning acting chores. Serendipity was obviously at work, however, and eventually, a budget was established, and casting accomplished.

Many of the actors Emma had envisioned in various roles had participated in a read-through the year prior to the filming; they were all in the film, in those same roles.

While the Dashwood ladies are all suitable beautiful, it is the men who are truly gorgeous. ("Repellently so," writes Ms. Thompson in the diary portion, referring to Hugh Grant. "He's much prettier than I am.") With his look-alike Richard Lumsden, they are the brothers Ferrar, Edward and Richard, with Greg Wise as the fickle Willoughby. Alan Rickman (be still my heart!) brings maturity and virility to the role of Colonel Brandon. The sets and costumes are sumptuous.

Interspersed with the actual shooting script and the diaries are some 50 photographs, 36 of them in luscious color. One script looks pretty much like another, but this one allows Ms. Thompson's wry wit to shine, especially in some of the non-spoken words. Of course, not every scene from the book could be included; the movie would have been more than six hours had they been. But the essentials are here, along with all the major characters. Providing testimony to just how perspicacious was the choice of writer is the number of awards garnered by Thompson for this, her first film script.

The diaries portion begin with a production meeting on January 15, 1995 and continue through July 9 of that year. A very small mention is made of Hugh Grant's visit to California, where he'd gone for his next film project after the completion of filming his scenes in England. A final two pages describes the 'location' houses chosen to represent those lived in by the families in the novel.

It may come as somewhat of a surprise to some readers to discover rather explicit language in the diaries. In addition to an apparent fascination with the alimentary process, our Emma has a bit of a potty-mouth, as do some of the gentleman involved, and their words are recorded, one presumes unhappily, all too accurately. They seem curiously jarring and out of place in a book otherwise devoted to the pristine words of Jane Austen.

Nevertheless, this is a lovely, hefty book; one which will bring the reader back to it time and again. There is always a new and enjoyable nugget to be mined from its various depths.

If you read Jane Austen's "Sense and Sensibility" before or after seeing the 1996 film version then I think it is pretty easy to conclude that Emma Thompson's Oscar for Best Screenplay adaptation was richly deserved. After writing and performing a series of short skits for British television, Thompson was approached by producer Lindsay Doran to write the screenplay. Thompson began by dramatizing every scene in the novel, which resulted in 300 hand written pages to be followed by 14 drafts as the 1811 novel was crafted into the final script. The result was a script that manages to be not only romantic and funny, but also romantic and funny in the best Austen sense of both words.

Be aware that this is the Original Script, not to be confused with the Shooting Script. This should be clear as soon as you beginning reading, because originally Thompson had the scene shifting back and forth between Mrs. Dashwood and Elinor/John and Fanny Dashwood (credit for this revision must go, I believe, to Film Editor Tim Squyres, who recut the scene so that we get all of one side and then the other instead of alternating back and forth as in the original script). Overall the strengths of Thompson's script are in two main directions. First, she manages to convey the scope of the novel in a two-hour screenplay, no mean task. Second, the little details she adds to Austen's story are simply marvelous. For example, her use of Shakespeare's Sonnet 116 ("Let me not the marriage of true minds"), which Marianne and Willoughby share to their great mutual delight and which Marianne repeats standing in the rain looking at Willoughby's new estate. In fact, Thompson revised the first scene to make it even better, having Willoughby misquote a key word in an elegant bit of foreshadowing. Thompson also makes one nice little change at the end. While Austen has Elinor bolt from the room to cry outside during the happy ending. Thompson creates a wonderful moment by having her stay in the room and having the rest of her family flee. There are not too many scenes where you are crying and laughing at the same time, but Thompson certainly created one (and has the added virtue of relying on herself as an actress to nail the performance as well). All of these are marvelous examples of playing to the strength of the cinema to bring Austen's novel to the screen.

But we get much more than just the screenplay in this volume, because Thompson includes excerpts from her diaries kept during both the writing of the screenplay and the actual production of the film. It would be nice if there was more insight into what she was thinking when writing the screenplay as I am always interested in how decisions were made and where inspiration comes from, but Thompson makes up for that with her little tales of working with director Ang Lee and the rest of the cast in making the film. Finally, in the Appendices, there is a very choice little treat, namely Imogen Stubbs' Prize-Winning Letter, written to Elinor from Lucy. Do not worry; by the time you read it you will understand why it is so hysterical. There is also a list of the fine homes and estates where "Sense and Sensibility" was filmed if you happen to be roaming around England and are interested in looking for such things.

I truly enjoyed this work by Emma Thompson. Not only is the screenplay included, with pictures, but also there are diary entries by Thompson that give insights into the making of the movie. If you loved this movie, you should read this book. I really enjoyed it.

The screenplay itself is a must-read for anyone wanting an education in bringing a well-loved story to life. Emma Thompson does an ingenius job of crafting scenes that are faithful to Austen's original while inventing more that add character development and plot intrigue. I especially like her diary, though. For those who wonder what to include in a memoir of an experience, this journal is a rich model of self-disclosure and humor. I heartily recommend it!

Here is the clarion call to a true life that
glorifies God. Put the lies of culture aside
and learn the real truth.. and live it!!

If you're looking for a challenge in your spiritual walk - this is the book for you. Law's classic book was the transforming resource in the lives of the Wesley brothers as well as abolitionist William Wilberforce - just as it changed their lives, this book will not leave you the same!

I've read an abridged and edited version for the modern reader by John Meister (158 pages) - but it wasn't enough - I had to order the small type 317 page version! This is not an easy read - on the difficulty scale of 1 - 10, this would be a solid 9. I wouldn't suggest this book to anyone in high school or even college - Law deals with real world issues and a little seasoning in life is necessary to get the full effect of his challenge. This is a perfect book for the Christian man who wants more than a Purpose Driven Life, the man looking for a profound, insightful, and challenging read that will deeply impact the core of his being!

You can find these books online. The longer version is a Vintage Spiritual Classics edition and retails for around $13.00. Rare will be the person that will want this book - but if you're the one, don't pass this one up! I give this my highest endorsement and recommendation.

Law deals directly with the concept of devotion to God - and asks some difficult questions about where man places his true devotion in life - in the things of this world, or in the Kingdom of Heaven? Law argues that a wise and reasonable man will wholly devote himself to the things of the Lord for they are far superior to the temporal and worthless things of this world. In fact, Law says that a lack of this devotion is a clear indicator of gross ignorance! The book gives several practical elements necessary for a devoted life including prayer, study, humility and confession. But it is not the elements about which Law writes, it is the manner in which he presents them to the reader that makes this book so exceptional - Law raises the bar and challenges the follower of Christ to live an exemplary life, a life worthy of their calling, a life comparable to the great saints who have walked before us or even to angels who minister above us!

This book should be read by every Christian that can get it. It was a tremendously insightful and humbling book that opened my eyes to the hypocrisy in my own life as well as the church in general. The Christian church in America and I am guessing much of the Industrialized and wealthy west[yes, I am a member of that group] have fallen so far from the devotion and holiness that God requires that it is a shock to see what was the actual New Testament norm just 270+ years ago, let alone at the time of the writing of the New Testament. This was a very easy to read book, compared to say Spurgeon or Calvin. Extremely convicting personally. Would recc. to anyone who see themselves as sinners and wants to know what they should do. Includes excellent examples and is written as a practical guide, though not a how-to book[remember, was written over 270+ yrs. ago, before self-help books where invented;)]Found out about this book from a Word Pictures Program on the subject at their video's are also highly recc. for those seeking to glorify God and enjoy him for eternity[mans chief end]
Sincerely,
Wayne Borngesser

wow - what an inspirational, hard-hitting, right on read this has been. I'm still in the process of reading it but I already love it. This should be required reading for all Christians. Then perhaps the church would live differently than the world and perhaps we'd have less scandal.

So far I can see that there needs to be a balance. One could easily tend towards legalism and a justification by self-works type of mentality. Perhaps he'll cover in later chapters how it's the Spirit of God that now creates the will to do differently and also empowers us to do so as we allow him to lead us in all areas of our lives.

But as long as one is aware of this work of the Spirit in a believer's life, then this book can do nothing but stimulate one to self-reflection and love and good works.

The fact Pastor John Piper in some of his books, "Don't Waste Your Life" and "A Hunger for God" quoted Law in this book several times intrigued me to read it personally. As I went through the chapters, however, it is clear to me and will become clear to the readers as well that Law sounds eerily close to a Roman Catholic minus the devotions to the rituals. Despite many deep, excellent, stinging, uncomfortable, soul-searching reflections and illustrations on the Christian life contrasted against the futility of a self-centered life that I believe are profitable for Christians, particularly to defy the preaching of prosperity gospel that seems to "prosper" more than the true gospel, sadly Law embraces the fatally erroneous doctrine of justification by works. In his view, Christians need to practice the principles of piety, self-denial, generosity, meekness, simplicity of life and all the Bible, particularly the New Testament teaches, the best they can in order to be saved that sounds all too familiarly popish. What he mostly brings up from the Bible is the wonderful teachings of Christ. There is no mention of poverty of spirit, dependence on God's grace to live a sanctified life or to desire to live for him to begin with, let alone the cross, justification by faith, sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit, and perseverance of the saints.

Well, the immediate questions that arise are of course, aren't Christians saved already, and that they are saved by grace on the basis of the finished atoning death and resurrection of Christ on the cross, and not by works? How does one know that he has done his best? What is the standard? Whose standard is it to use to determine whether one has done his best, man's or God's? If it is man's standard, which one? The Pope's? How can we be so sure if it is his standard to be used, not someone else's? If it is God's, where is it in the Bible that says God commands us to do the best we can and not rely on him for everything without excluding our responsibilities? Where is it in the Bible that God's standard says we are saved as long as we do the best we can? This is unquestionably deadly because in the end, it points to the perfectionist demand of the law where no one can meet, which is warned against by the Apostle Paul in his epistles, particularly to the Romans and Galatians. The meat of what Law talks about is all about doing and there is no mention of child-like dependence and trusting on God's grace in Christ through the Holy Spirit to enable us to follow what Law, in some cases, biblically and exquisitely exhorts to embrace and practice. To properly describe what Law offers here is a mixture of rich food and poison. The rich food is his biblical heart-piercing warnings, rebukes, reflections, illustrations and encouragements, specifically about prayer, fasting, simplicity, modesty, generosity, humility and self-denial that I must admit are too good, too important, and too bitter-sweet, eye-opening of an exposure and remedy to my own weaknesses to be overlooked as well as too precious to be neglected in practice. The poison is his constant insistence of justification by works. For the fullest benefit to be reaped, enjoy the rich food. Let it purify our souls and reform our lives, but spit the poison out. Instead, embrace and enjoy the even richer food of justification in Christ alone, by grace alone, through faith alone, and to the glory of God alone for these are the fountain that enables all true piety.

Of the classical New Thought writers of the 20th century, Emmet Fox and Ernest Holmes are the ones who adhere most closely to the Judeo-Christian tradition. Fox focuses exclusively on the esoteric symbolic exegesis ("Sod" in Hebrew), although in same places he admits that the literal ("Pashat" in Hebrew) is as it stands. In this regard it is always helpful to study the way in which the Hebrew sages approach the text, in both the Talmud and the Zohar.

The aim of the book is to provide the reader with a practical manual of spiritual development. Chapter One: What Did Jesus Teach? explains how the teachings of Messiah underpin 2000 years of Western civilization and shows that what he really taught was a practical method for the development of the soul and the shaping of our lives. Jesus explains to us the nature of God, our own nature, the meaning of life and death, why we make mistakes, and tells us how to overcome and bring health, joy and prosperity into our own lives and those of others.

Fox points out that Jesus taught no theology whatsoever - his teaching is entirely spiritual or metaphysical. Unfortunately historical Christianity has mostly concerned itself with theological and doctrinal matters that have little relevance to Gospel teaching. For example, there is no warrant at all for setting up any form of Ecclesiasticism, of any hierarchy of officials or system of ritual. Jesus taught principles of conduct, knowing that if the spirit is right, details would take care of themselves.

The author emphasizes that the recorded miracles did happen and that prayer does change things. But prayer is both a science and an art, and Jesus devoted most of his teaching to explain this. The Sermon on the Mount is the spiritual key that unlocks the mystery of Bible teaching in general and the Gospels in particular. This key allows us to escape from superstitious literalism. It also inoculates us against so-called "Higher Criticism' which deals with externals only and misses the spiritual content of scripture.

Our free will resides in our choice of thought; the thoughts that occupy one's mind (The Secret Place) are what cause external conditions. Jesus Christ summed up this truth and demonstrated it in his own person. The Sermon on the Mount is thus a summary of the whole message of the Bible.

Chapter Two deals with the Beatitudes, the "Blessed Are" statements, and the next one: The Light Of the World, examines the concepts of the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Chapter Four: Resist Not Evil, explores the idea of the integrity of the soul - that one must bless instead of curse and guard one's thoughts.

The chapter Treasure In Heaven discusses the concept of praying in private with faith and belief whilst shunning public displays of piety. This is the essential teaching of The Secret Place and its significance as the controlling centre of the teaching of the Messiah. Chapter Six discusses the matter of judging, the nature of man, the importance of conduct and the art of living.

By Their Fruits is the title of the next one, and focuses on wisdom, the perfect balance of intelligence and love. The book concludes with an interpretation of The Lord's Prayer under the sections Our Father, Which Art In Heaven, Hallowed Be Thy Name, Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will Be Done In Earth as It Is In Heaven, Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread, Forgive Us Our Trespasses ..., Lead Us Not Into Temptation ..., and Thine Is The Kingdom and the Power and the Glory Forever and Ever.

In this valuable book, Fox explains how to understand the true nature of divine wisdom, how to transform negativity into life affirming belief, how to pray effectively and how to develop an integrated and fully expressed personality according to the wisdom of the Bible. I also highly recommend his books Power Through Constructive Thinking and Alter Your Life, as well as The Hidden Power of the Bible by Ernest Holmes.

Understanding the Difficult Words of Jesus: New Insights From a Hebrew Perspective by David Bivin

Yeshua: A Guide to the Real Jesus and the Original Church by Ron Moseley

As a person who has been in recovery for 24 years, I have read this book over 4 times and still am in awe of what Emmet Fox writes. Incredible book as he cuts to the chase of what being a Christian means.
Phil W. Roatan and Aspen

I liked this book so much that when I finished it I started over reading it. The whole book gives the author's explanation of the meaning of the book of Mathew (sp?) from the bible.

I never realized the magnificent power of prayer! The power of our thoughts is unimaginable. This books helps explain it all. What a wonderful guide!

Possibly the best I've ever read. Timely, comforting, easy to understand interpretation of Jesus' most inspired teaching. I never understood the Sermon on the Mount until I read this book.

I read this book as a child. It's a wonderful tale of gentler times and wonderful values. I wasn't disappointed when I read it again.

For me, this book is a "Gone With The Wind" with young adults in mind, but great for all ages. Like the "Little House ..." books, it describes the rural life of a family and village before industrialization changed everything. The quality of life these people had, despite the workload, is something to be admired.

The book is a wonderful sequal to "The Good Master," another wonderful tale. While the first book is more of a typical chidren's book, this one is much more of an epic as the family deals with the ravages of war. The themes of tolerance and family values are well expressed without ever getting preachy.

Kate and Jancsi are fantastic characters for children to identify with, and the adults make fine examples for them to look up to. The illustrations are wonderful. This book will make you laugh, cry and everything in between. It's one of the books I re-read every now and again, and it's stood the test of 30+ years worth of reading. I treasure it.

Great book about how a family was able to endure the trials of WWI and open their home to "the enemy". Great example of love and acceptance towards others without being affected by circumstances. Highly recommend this book to anyone looking for uplifting reading for their children!

hello, my name is nina. i liked this book because it is educational yet adventurous. it was unpredictable, i never knew what would happen next. the reason i rated it a three was because some parts were not well explained and every now and then i would get lost and have to re-read some sections. otherwise this was a magnificent, adventurous tale and i would recommend it for older children and young adults.

This is one of the most powerful books on human cost of war ever written. As a child, I loved this sequel to Seredy's _The Good Master_ because I loved the characters and found the story exciting. As an adult, I cannot even think about the book without finding tears in my eyes. The little details are what does it I think: the child who goes to sleep saying goodnight to his soldier father, unaware that his father is permantly asleep under a blanket of snow; the singing tree of the title, the retelling of the spontaneous cease-fire on Christmas when the troops on both sides of the line sang Silent Night, the moment when Janci realizes the pain his mother is hiding, the corporal who sadly observes that in war it's a man's duty to kill and a crime to comfort his wife .... Read it!

The story is timeless, and the product is just as good. Beautiful artwork to accompany the story. The paper is top-rate, and the cover is A+. Every little girl should have this book and eventually pass it down to the next generation.

This rendition of Sleeping Beauty is delicious to the eye. I purchased the book specifically for the art work. KY Craft is fast becoming one of my favorite artists and the children's books she has illustrated are pieces of art that I return to look at again and again.

The story line is well loved.... and it is a pleasure reading a delightfully familiar & wonderfully illustrated fairytale as a 'maturing' grown up! CJ

This book is beautiful. I'm so happy that my daughter is the one that told me about it. The artwork is worth the price in everyway. Of course, Sleeping Beauty is a story that no one ever gets tired of. By all means add this one to your library.

This is a simply gorgeous book. Kinuko Y. Craft is such a magnificent illustrator. All of her images are detailed, delicate, and deep.

Beautifully written and illustrated, it makes a perfect bedtime story. You will also get distracted by the artwork: it could tell the story without the words.

This is a fine, absolutely great book. I couldn't put it down! If you love fiction, then READ THIS BOOK!

What can you say about the Great American Novel, condensed to les than 300 quick pages? The book zips along, is rich in images, action, meaning, humor. I recommend this to any and all who possess a brain! Read on. I look forward to more writing by this talented author!

Do you like the best of American literature -- Steinbeck, Hemingway, Fistzgerald, a touch of Faulkner? This book deals with current American (and global) themes -- the destruction of farming cultures, gentrification of the cities, and yes, music, music, music.

This book confronts important issues head on, and I find that so refreshing in contemporary American literature. The style is mellifluous, crisp, compact, and yet rich. If there were six stars this would get six!

Crystalline descriptions. A great plot of 1980's destruction that's as timeless as the migrant story in Grapes of Wrath. The narrative sings between two locales -- New York City and a tiny (vanishing) farm town in Kansas. The book bounces beautifully between both extremes of the American spectrum, and the reader is left exhilerated and wanting more. I'm thoroughly looking forward to more work from this writer.
The great American novel -- here it is though I don't know why Random House or some other big publisher didn't find this and push it. If anyone knows this writer, please let me know.
--Maxwell Sturgis

I've read this book 5 times--at least, and in careful detail. I keep an extra copy of it around my house for all my friends. From the first image of a..., to the lasting image of the once bitten old hamburger, this one has stuck with me for more time than I can remember! It is the kind of thing I like to read when I want a deep-down laugh. I want to see more from this author.

Our Family is constantly on the run and find little time to put meals together. This cookbook makes the process simple, by listing ingredients and directions in a colorful table format that is easy to follow. The recipes are customized by serving, which makes it effortless to prepare our favorite recipes for 2 to 6 people (without having to do the math). I find myself opening this cookbook frequently, especially when we're having a time crunch. Since it's ring bound, I'm able to pull out the recipe page, copy it & take it to the grocery store - easy grocery store list! What a WONDERFUL answer to that timeless question of "what's for dinner"?

We were looking for a cookbook to help simplify dinners for the family. This one has great recipes that are easy to follow and also have recommendations for vegetables and side dishes. This was a perfect addition to our collection when entertaining friends that prefer a casual home-cooked meal to dining out.

Excellent resource! It's all about complete meals done right. No matter how many you're preparing for, this has flexible choices to prepare the proper amount with paired side dishes, desserts, and wines. Even suggestions for setting the table. I'm looking forward to trying the Creme Brulee and the Garlic & Rosemary Focaccia. It has been a very big help in being creative with dinner.

Sundown Cafe Sundown Cafe: The Simple Art of Creating Meals; Dinner Classics Collectionwas a great new addition to my cookbook collection. The recipes are classic with a twist. Many of our old favorites are included with suggetions to make them new. I really love the full meal suggestions with each recipe - complimentary vegetables, side dishes, breads, desserts and even wines, all with references to the recipes included elsewhere in the book. The author also rates each recipe so you know how difficult or time consuming the recipe is and provides and alternative for each.

This is a great addition for the experienced or inexperienced cook - consider for a new bride!

As a frequent entertainer, I'm always cooking for various sized dinner parties. One of the things I LOVE about this cookbook is that I don't have to try to figure out how to adjust my favorite recipes for varying party sizes; it's already done for you!

Also, since I easily get into a rut with my day-to-day meal ideas, the mix & match format for sides, desserts, wine pairing, etc., helps to make my staple meals seem new. (Who knew there was so much added valuable information in the back of the book above and beyond recipes???)

LOVE IT!

PS: You have to try to Moroccan Style chicken -it's one of my new favorites! Works will with pork chop cutlets too!