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I read The Promise and it was a baseball fans dream, full of Yankee anecdotes and the sharing of personalities such as the batboys Ralph and Joe, the clubhouse man Pete Sheehy, big pete little Pete, Al Rosens stolen bat, the great Rizzuto, Berra, the antics od Stengle and martin, and the GREAT JOE DIMAGGIO- I aM AFRAID THAT BEN CRAMER'S BOOK ON DIMAGGIO WILL TRANISH HIS MEMORY. i HOPE NOT. WE NEED HEROES AND TO ME DIMAGGIO WAS A BASEBALL HERE AND A MANS MAN--

If you like tradition and the history of the game read Searching For Heroes The Quest oF a YANKEE BATBOY . i LIKED THE BOOK BECAUSE IT WAS INFORMATIONAL AND INSPIRATIONAL- The Yankees of the fifties were team players who played for the love of the game---A GREAT BOOK.

I read The Promise and it was a baseball fans dream, full of Yankee anecdotes and the sharing of personalities such as the batboys Ralph and Joe, the clubhouse man Pete Sheehy, big pete little Pete, Al Rosens stolen bat, the great Rizzuto, Berra, the antics od Stengle and martin, and the GREAT JOE DIMAGGIO- I aM AFRAID THAT BEN CRAMER'S BOOK ON DIMAGGIO WILL TRANISH HIS MEMORY. i HOPE NOT. WE NEED HEROES AND TO ME DIMAGGIO WAS A BASEBALL HERE AND A MANS MAN--

my name is dean and i live in farmingdale---- about two months ago Mr. Carrieri appeared a Borders book store and spoke about his experiences as Yankee Batboy in the 50s---- his eperiences were fastinating. His hero was Joe Dimaggio wh kept his promise to young joe and Joe Carrieri kept his prmise to the reeaders who share his love of the game. Dimaggio may not have been a hero to everyone but he was a hero on the field and that was the focus of the story. The writing was clean and the read fast----I loved it.

I HAVE BEEN READING SOME NEGATIVE COMMENTS ABOUT DIMAGGIO AND THAT MAKES ME MAD. THESE INSIDE WRITINGS SHOULD BE BETTER LEFT UNSAID. WHAT RIGHT DOES A WRITER HAVE TO REVEAL THE INNER MOST SECRETS OF A PERSON BE HE BEGGAR KING. IT IS NOBODIES BUSINESS TO READ THAT DIMAGGIO WAS GREEDY OR CHEAP.THAT IS WHY I LIKED THE PROMISE. IT DESCRIBED A GREAT BASEBALL PLAYER WHO SYMBOLIZED GRACE AND STYLE-AN AGE OF INNOCENCE-WHEN PLAYERS PLAYED FOR THE FUN OF IT-

When I was 8, the same age as the girl in the story (a princess-of course!)I read this book time and time again. I couldn't get enough of it. My mom had died when I was a baby, so I never knew her, and longed for a silver haired granny in a tower who would wash my face with water from a silver basin and have stars on the ceiling of my bedroom. Anyhow, I just read it again after many long years....almost 50! and it's just as good a story now as then...very sweet and nicely written. Excellent!

So it's written for children but I could hardly tell the difference. The simplicity of the storytelling made it all the more appealing and the veins of courage, humilty, and human frailty running through it were impressive and awe inspiring. Like I said it's simple but don't let that word fool you. It's brilliantly written and encourages the reader to look at his or her own character. "As water reflects a face, so a man's heart reflects the man." Proverbs 27:19 It's a lesson we could all learn if not relearn...

This book is a good classic for everyone to read because it is an enchanting story about a princess named Princess Irene and the adventures she has. She meets a boy miner named Curdie and she finds a great great grandmother living in the top tower room of Irene's house. Her nurse doesn't believe Irene--that she actually has a grandmother living in the top of the house. Irene eventually goes into the mountain and finds Curdie tied up. I really like the story because I like adventure and I also like mysteries and this story was sort of like a mystery (especially when I had to stop at the end of a chapter and wait to find out what happened next). I also think you could learn a lesson or two from this book: you don't have to see to believe (Curdie learned this). Irene learned that if you are not sure whether or not something is a dream or real, it can be real, and it is wonderful when it is.

Review by EGM, age seven.

Macdonald inspired C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien and Lewis Carroll. He is the father of modern fantasy. This is one of his best. Directed more for kids, but like all of his tales, sophisticated enough for adults.

The Princess and the Goblin is a truly delightful tale that is beautifully told by George MacDonald and deserves five stars. But, I will not attempt to review the story itself, for there are such wonderful descriptions and testimonies from other reviewers on this page concerning the content of MacDonald's work. However, I would like to describe the Puffin Classics edition in a little more detail. Please be aware that the Puffin's paperback cover is very soft and not as durable as other paperback covers. As well, the paper quality is rather grainy, which may not hold up well in the years to come. Thus, I have allotted this product four stars. On a positive note, I am pleased that the publishers kept the nostalgic illustrations by Arthur Hughes. Also, this copy has been edited well for typos and simple mistakes. With these particular points in mind, I would like to encourage the potential buyer to consider other editions of the text as well. Everyman's Childrens Library (The Princess and the Goblin (Everyman's Library Children's Classics Series)) has produced a hardback copy, which may be a better choice if the copy is to be given to a child. Also, for the MacDonald researcher or literary student, I would highly recommend the Johannesen edition(The Princess and the Goblin (George Macdonald Original Works)) since it is an authoritative edition. However, when it comes to the price, the Puffin Classics edition can not help but to be rather tempting. I hope these few notes have been helpful - Happy shopping.

This is by far my favorite book from that genre. I first read it in high school and have gone back several times over the years. I just purchased it again to give to my 13 year old daughter.

I grew up in Santa Fe, reading this book, serving Mr. Bradford coffee at Zook's Pharmacy on the Plaza. Mr. Bradford's book reassured me that my turbulent adolescence was do-able, by lighting the way.
I have not been back there in thirty years. Santa Fe has been taken over by the rich and the entitled and they have squeezed the soul out of what we knew growing up there, though there is plenty of beauty and spirit left to be sucked dry by the commercial people. But if you want to know the siren song of Santa Fe, read this book. Sagrado is, indeed, Santa Fe. This was what it was like there even in the 1960's and 1970's.
I mean, where else could you have that unforgettable horse AND world-class opera AND the mountains AND the humility of entertaining the Native Americans by just being white people on the Plaza?
I read this book, I can smell the pine wood burning in the farolitos, and the breeze in the chamisa after the Summer afternoon cloudbursts.

This is a wondrous short novel. Read it if you'd like to be a teenager again. Buy an old paperback copy showing a teenage boy and girl standing facing each other with their foreheads touching--a very sweet illustration.

Now a good review (recommendation) doesn't have to be long, so let me give you a few lines of description. A boy moves from Alabama to New Mexico during World War II, and while his father is away in the war, the boy finds friends and a home in the small mountain town of Sagrado. One of his new friends is an sculptor who carves stone heads and places them on a hillside.

On the great book cover: Sometimes book covers actually decline in quality with the many printings of a book. This has happened with "Red Sky At Morning," but remember you are buying the book for the story.

Another example of the decline in a book's cover is seen in the early cover for "Summer of Night," by Dan Simmons.Summer of Night (Aspect Fantasy) The 1991 "Warner Book" edition has a window with a cut out. Through the window you can see some boys riding their bicycles at night. When you open the book, you see a mysterious school in the background.

The later covers of "Summer of Night" were not half as mysterious or fun.

As many others have said, it's impossible to get tired of this book. My parents gave it to me when I was 18 and (again, like several others) the first time I read it I found it a little slow and disjointed. It gets better and better with every read - each time I pick up on the subtleties of a scene for the first time.

Rather than boring the reader with a bunch of obnoxious capers and hijinks, Bradford envelops you in his characters' community, and it's this day-to-day banality (which turned me off so much the first time) that really draws you into the story. Josh's adjustment to Sagrado takes time, but when it comes it's so natural and amusing that you're almost completely unprepared for the sobering conclusion of the story.

I had no idea the book was so loved until I read these reviews. There are so many special moments in the story - the big wet snowfalls that ruins Chamaco's fiesta, the horribly backward residents of La Cima, the refreshing "white trashiness" of the Cloyd sisters, even Parker Holmes tearing an elk sandwich apart with his teeth.

I wish these characters existed in real life, and I wish I could be their friend.

I thouroughly enjoyed this book, I do not know how I missed it for so many years. It was recommended in Nancy Pearl's "Book Lust" (which you really should buy if you are an avid reader.) I have never been dissapointed by her recommendations.

Josh, as the narrator in "Red Sky at Morning" is a 17 year old high school senior at the end of WWII. His dry wit mad me laugh right out loud several times. I loved his sensibility and humor. The cast of characters in this book reminded me of some of the characters in "A Prayer for Owen Meany" by John Irving.

This is one of my favorite reads of the year, so much so I will probably hunt down a hard cover edition for my collection.

When I began teaching SAT courses I couldn't answer all the multiple choices for the reading or math questions myself so I read 13 books on the SAT to see if I could understand why the right answers were right so I could help my students (and keep from being embarrassed from not being able to answer their questions). After reading his book and doing the exercises I finally understood the basic principles and I was able to teach them to my students. I understood how the math questions were constructed and the best strategies for maximizing a student's score. I understood how the Critical Reading questions were set up and I taught this to my students and the results were amazing! This is definitely the best book on the SAT.

This book is by far the best I have seen. Adam Robinson knows what he is talking about- if you are going buy only one book, no doubt it is this.

Adam Robinson's book is by far the best review book out on the market. If you are honest to yourself and sit down, read the book, and heed his advice, I GUARANTEE you your score will go up (even if you are already at the upper end of the spectrum). I took the new test once after reading the book cover to cover and my score shot up (compared to the old test) by two hundred points to the 2300s. You may cringe at the idea of using a formula for writing an essay, but follow it, and you'll do well. You may be taking multivariable calculus, but if you read what he has to say, your score will improve. Please, don't waste your money on tutors or review sessions; buy this book and the College Board's book of ten practice tests. This book is truly for anyone and everyone, no matter where you stand or how well you've done on previous tests.

The Rocket Review Revolution is a wonderful book, which helped me get a great score on the SAT. Parts 1 and 2 - Basic Tutorials and Advanced Tutorials - include very helpful strategies for all three sections of the SAT. In Part 3 (the SAT Writing Test), I learned how to manage my time. This section also includes "100 words that really impress SAT graders," a list of common misspelled words, and specific tips for all parts of the essay. As for the multiple choice part of the Writing test, I learned about the errors most often tested. The critical reading section discusses exactly how to handle both short and long reading passages as well as sentence completions. The book also includes a list of the most commonly used SAT words - I memorized all of these words and received an 800 on the critical reading section. Finally, the math section is also well done - I got an 800! Many problems are interspersed throughout this section, which helped test my understanding. Furthermore, "the Best* Practice SAT Ever Created (*Most Instructive)" is very helpful. I definitely recommend buying The Rocket Review Revolution - your score on the SAT will certainly improve!

I have tried everything--$1000 SAT prep classes (no help, they are only for students who have no idea what the SAT is), doing constant practice from the Official Study guide by College Board (kind of helped but there aren't any explanations for the answers!), funny vocabulary books to help memorize vocab, etc.

None of those really worked.

Until I stumbled upon RocketReview. Everything in this book was SO USEFUL and fun to read too (it reads like a story that the author is narrating, not a boring textbook), with practice problems along the way, crucial tips, and an interactive CD.

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK...if you are skeptical, just look for it at the library or something and read a chapter. The study tips are strange at first, but once you read his explanations into why they work--BAM. You understand how to not only take a test, but do math problems the easy way without all those complex calculations, save A LOT OF TIME on those long boring reading passages, etc.

I spent about 8 months trying to raise my SAT and took many practice tests. I had reached a plateau at around 2050-2070, and my parents were disappointed. I googled SAT prep books and bought this book and in just a month of studying over the summer (just reading the book, about an hour each day and doing everything it told me too--not very difficult), I raised my SAT score which I took in October by ***100 points*** which puts me in the range of all the colleges I am applying to as a senior now (Ivy Leage-level, etc). Before, I thought the Critical Reading section was IMPOSSIBLE. After reading this book, I found it to be really straightforward, pretty easy, and sometimes fun.

Get this book--it is a MIRACLE worker

All I can say is Spirit Horse's is just Breathtaking. A beautiful book,I would recommed it for any horse lover.

This is one of the most beautiful books that I have seen of horses. Very well done. If you know somebody that loves horses, this is the book to buy.

The best art photography I've seen.. A must for horse lovers.

The photo book Spirit Horses is an must for every horse lover. The photo's are incredible and create or catch a mistical atmosphere as I have seldom seen. The captions are inspiring. Not a book to read but one to pick up once a week for half an hour meditation. Highly recommended

Misleading - Linda Kohanov only wrote the Intro.
Repetitive photographs and sparse text.

In some (if not all) of the versions of the Teen Study Bible I have noticed just one of the Dear Sam letters that I don't agree with. When Sam wrote back to someone saying Blasphemy is an unforgivalble sin, I knew unless you reformed and turned to GOD, blasphemy can indeed be forgiven. It is a wonderful thing what Jesus, Son of God has done for us! To forgive all our sins. No sin is unforgivable. No sin is. Not one. The only way a sin is unforgivable is if you commit sins and never accept what Jesus did. Then how could your sins be forgiven? The choice of accepting Christ as savior is a matter of eternal life and death. Jesus makes it very clear that HE is the truth, the way, and the life!God is all powerful! In Luke 10 it says that "Whoever sins against the Son of Man will be forgiven; but whoever says evil things against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven." That verse merely means that only if you sin and do evil things against the Holy Spirit, you apparently do not have the Holy Spirit, and without the Holy Spirit, you can't accept Christ.
However, maybe Sam knew that. (And I'm sure she did). I just think it could be more clear. It is completely your choice wheather to NEVER accept Jesus, therefore if you are WILLING to avoid the point where you hate the Holy Spirit and never WANT to come back into the grace if GOD, than you shall be saved! The LORD is wonderful. Sam's letters are great and empowering. Jesus loves Sam spreading HIS WORD.

This is a GREAT Bible for teens because it is understandable, yet not cheesy. I love it! It makes it understandable and it includes a Bible Study plan showing what book of the bible to start and show how often you should read to finish it in 1 year or 2 years. Also includes real life situations...questions, answers, THIS is the book you need to get through LIFE!!

Being 14 years old I thought that the only Christan stuff cool enough for me was hardcore Chirstan rock. This book has proved me wrong. I know that BEHOLD THE BOOGNISH! I WILL CONQUER YOU AND YOUR PATHIC SHEEPISH WAYS everything about the Bible is totally awesome!...

My mom says that when she was, like, a teen or something, she couldn't understand the bible because it said like "Thou" and stuff and other words that sound like books written by old people. That's why she went to the mall and got me this bible because it's more, like, modern or something? Whatever -- it ROCKS.

The Bible normally seems confusing, rigid, and boring. This Bible is quite the opposite! The bible is colorful, easy-to read and UNDERSTAND! It definately makes the bible enjoyable and fun. The notes and other added things really help teens. I got this Bible as a 18 year old and still interesting at 19(although I am thinking about up-grading to a Woman's Bible).

Definately recommend to any pre-teen or teen!

"Townsend Prince and Mercy Man are running nose and nose, straining to catch her. What a finish! Can the filly do it? Can this courageous little filly hold them off? They're coming down to the wire..."

In book three Ashleigh, Wonder, and Charlie are headed for the biggest race of their lives. The Kentucky Derby. This book is one of my favorites because of the way that it is written. We learn so much about Brad Townsend, and I can't help but glare when I think about him. Campbell does an amazing job creating a "villain" that has depth and character. You really grow to hate Brad! We also get glimpses of characters that will play a major role in the future of Thoroughbred, like Mike Reese.

Probably the best asset of this book is the race scenes. Each race that is written seems to come alive to me as I read. I can picture Wonder and Jilly struggling down the stretch in the Blue Grass trying valiantly to hang on to the lead under the onslaught of Townsend Prince and Silverghost. The climax of this book is the Kentucky Derby where Wonder is pitted against the greatest colts in the country and her own half brother Prince (who is Brad's colt). This race is one of my most favorite in the whole series. I was on the edge on my seat as I read. I couldn't seem to turn the pages fast enough! Every time I read this book I get excited all over again.

Wonder's First Race is one of the finest books in the series. When I think of how great this series is, I'm terribly saddened at the fact that Harper Collins is planning to end the series after #72. Unfortunately the faithful readers will not get the chance to experience another race as gripping as Wonder's Derby if the books will no longer be printed...Please reconsider Harper! If you want to HELP SAVE THE THOROUGHBRED SERIES, go to www.whitebrookfarm.com to find out more. Please help keep the spirit of Ashleigh and Wonder alive! PLEASE SAVE THOROUGHBRED!!

In this book Wonder is injured by Brad Townsend during an icy workout.Her Derby chances go downhill when she is injured. Ashleigh meets Mike Reese and he asks her on a date.Wonder and Prince make it to the Derby. Wonder makes it to the wire first with Jilly Gordon up. Unfortunately this most remarkable series is coming to an end at #72 Legacy's Gift.Please go to www.whitebrookfarm.com to find out how you can help to try to save this beloved series.

Wonder's First Race is one of my favorite TB books. I'm 20 and I still get a kick out of reading them.
This is where things start to get exciting. We see Wonder race for the first time, Ashliegh start to show an interest in boys and much much more!
Please, please don't end this series! The new books are not as good as this one was, but I still read them.

This was the first Thoroughbred book I ever read and still holds a special place in my heart. This is a truly well-written book that I have enjoyed upon many re-readings. Unfortunately, Harper Collins has decided to end the series abruptly after #72. With such a dedicated following and online fan base with members from all over the world, this is a classic and beloved series that has inspired many people and provided horse fans with vicarious thrills and adventure. Ashleigh saved Wonder, now it's up to you to help save Thoroughbred. [...].

This book is wonderful it tells about how Ashleigh trains the filly to race but one day Brad Townsends the big fat JERK! rode Wonder and injured her and Carolina cried when Brat Toownsend Broke up with her and got a new girlfriend but Wonder beats Townsends Prince and the look on Brat's Face HA HA HAHA!! TAKE THAT YOU BRATTT!!!! HE IS SUCH A IDIOT AND HE IS SOOOOOO sTUPID hA hA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!!!

Is there *anyone* on the planet who doesn't like Beverly Cleary's books and the wonderful characters she created?

Beezus and Ramona (along with Henry Huggins and the rest of the gang on Klikitak Street) were part of my childhood. 40 years later, they were just as appealing to my own son. And don't tell anyone -- although we bought these audiobooks when he was about 8, at 12 he still likes to put these on ocassionally and listen. Why? In large part because of Stockard Channing's masterful performance here. Her rendition of Ramona is EXACTLY how we imagine this impish little creature would talk.

I highly recommend these books, both because of the delightful stories and characters that Mrs. Clearly created for us, and because Stockard Channing has brought them to life so perfectly here. The stories are reminiscent of simpler times and will take parents back to their own childhoods while providing toddlers to tweens with good, wholesome entertainment.

We listened on road trips, and unlike certain kids entertainment (a certain purple dinosaur comes to mind), you won't want the kids to wear headphones to preserve your sanity. You'll want it on the main speakers for everyone in the car to enjoy.

Five stars!

If you have a little sister and think she's annoying, think again. Does your sister think Bendix is the most beautiful name in the world? Does she ruin your birthday cake--twice?! Sometimes little sisters are annoying, but Ramona is impossible! Beezuz, Roamona's big sister finds out that no matter what happens in her childhood with Ramona, they will think it funny when they grow up. I hope you'll enjoy this book!

Beezus really got annoyed with Ramona, she wrecked the art class, she bite into all those apples,etc. I would have probably screamed if I had Ramona for a sister! I like Beverly Cleary's books. I own this particular book of hers, and I read it again and again! It's awsome! I totally recomend it, along with Cleary's other awsome books!

I recently read this to my 8yo daughter (who has a 4yo brother) and she loved it even moreso than some of the more Ramona-centred book, I think because she could relate so much to Beezus's feelings. She was particularly taken with the first story about Ramona's obsession with the libary book as we have similar issues with The Very Hungry Caterpillar at our house.

Ask any older sibling about younger siblings, and you'll get one common answer...they're A-N-N-O-Y-I-N-G. They steal your toys, throw tantrums, and constantly steal the spotlight. But, even the most perturbed older siblings know that, deep down, it's impossible not to love younger sisters and brothers - sometimes.

Nine-year-old Beatrice "Beezus" Quimby has always been a quiet soul, content with spending her time embroidering pot holders, helping her mother do the sheets on Saturday's, and reading the countless books she checks out of the Glenwood Branch Library on a weekly basis. Unfortunately, her four-year-old sister, Ramona, is the exact opposite of her. Ramona has one thing on her mind, and that's making as much noise as possible, and driving the whole family out of their mind. Beezus can't stand it, especially since the responsibility of taking care of Ramona, and ensuring that she behaves, is often delegated to her, so that her parents can get their work done. Ramona, however, refuses to obey Beezus. Unless, of course, she's reading one of her favorite books - The Littlest Steam Shovel, or Big Steve the Steam Shovel - to her. But even that doesn't keep Ramona occupied for long. When Beezus is in the midst of creating pictures for her art class, Ramona is there to cause a mess, and challenge Beezus' imagination. When Ramona is offered two marshmallows as a snack, she uses them as powder puffs, as opposed to putting them in her tummy, where they belong. During checkers games with Beezus' pal Henry Huggins, Ramona destroys the checkerboard, and wreaks all sorts of havoc - even some involving Henry's beloved dog Ribsy. In Beezus' eyes, she can't win - even when it's her birthday. But as she gets older, and learns more about her mother's relationships with her siblings, Beezus begins to realize that, as obnoxious as Ramona is, she's still her sister. And even though she may become angry at Ramona for her crazy antics; she still loves her - just not all the time.

I fell in love with Beverly Cleary's RAMONA books when I was five-years-old, and now that I have decided to re-read them, I'm finding that I can't help but fall in love with them all over again. I feel as if I have reverted back to my five-year-old self, and can actually relate to the mishaps that continually take place during both Ramona, and Beezus' lives. Beezus is such a fun character, who seems wise beyond her years, and is serious to a motherly extent. Ramona, on the other hand, is carefree and impossible to handle. Her wacky thoughts, and determination to always have her way is humorous; while some of the debacles she finds herself in are downright cringe-worthy. Cleary has penned a book here that is essential to read aloud to both older and younger children. The message of love is clear on every page, and truly helps to bring siblings together. Clever, funny, and irresistible.

Erika Sorocco
Freelance Reviewer

I have yet to read this book, but it is in good condition.

This book is one of the best autobiographies I've ever read. Not only is it filled with details of Patti's life, it also takes you to the lessons that she's learned from the time when she was a shy little girl, to life as a megastar. This book will truly touch your heart as you cheer on the diva that is Patti LaBelle.

Patty LaBelle is amazing. She has an incredible voice, a career full of ups and downs, and can bring down the house in concert. This book is just another triumph for a lady who deserves all the accolades she receives. With absolute honesty, she reveals so much about her life--from sexual abuse to the fear of dying of cancer like her sisters and good friend--you feel that Ms. LaBelle has given you all that she can. Throughout her life, she has faced a good deal of challenges but has emerged with a positive attitude about life and can still entertain with the best of them. I have seen her in concert 3 times and she blew me away each time. This book does the same. After reading the dismal biography of Aretha Franklin (From the Roots), I realized what a gem this is. If you wanna read a really good book about an incredible entertainer, give this one a go. Its worth every penny!

PATTI takes you on a journey-from the Bluebelles, to LaBelle and through her solo career. She talks about her battles with her self-esteem, record companies, men and THE TRAGIC deaths of sisters. Did you know that NONA had a nervous break down during one the LaBelle concerts-and was taken to the hospital in restraints? WOW! This lead to the break-up of LaBelle! Pick this one up and you'll find out much more.

Congratulations, A reflective autobiography with some depth and truth. Before reading Patti's, I read Aretha's, which I ultimately felt like tossing in the middle of the street! Great job! I thought the book was very inviting to the personal side of Patti. I have always admired how forthcoming she has been with the public in relation to her late sisters. This book can truly encourage one to live life, as well as love and appreciate life.
However, there are a few things I would like to clear up, which I found inaccurate or inappropriate. The Jackie Wilson episode I found rather distasteful, particularly since he is not around to defend himself(it was o.k. to slander Al Green). Also, as I had to do with Gladys in her book, I need to clarify a few inaccurate points you raised in your book. In reading your relationship with Atlantic Records in the 1960's, one is left with the impression your group wasn't given a fair shot due to the success of Aretha. Well, that's not totally true, since you were with the label two years before she signed on. It just wasn't your time yet! Now is your time. You sound greater and look more beautiful than ever. You have a wonderful spirit in which people adore you far and near. You are truly a blessing. Wonderful job.

Wonderful book. Have self prescribed a good laugh or cry each day. Now many days ahead.
At first did not read between lines for emotions, much. Now on 4th re-read and is better each time. First read somewhat terse, emotional-less, last read totally opposed.

Sean

I read this book as a kid and adored it. I go back and re-read it, and it's every bit as fascinating and powerful now as it was then, but even though I've read it at least 8 times, I still pick up new subtelties every time I read it. It's a great book.

Having read and re-read most of the best-known works of apocalyptic and dystopian science fiction, I was reduced a while back to reading second-rate works, some of which are pulp or at least border on it. Never having heard of David R. Palmer, I opened his twenty-five year old book Emergence expecting another near-pulp experience . . . and was immediately captivated. I was greeted by Candy Smith-Foster, a winsome 11-year-old whiz kid of a girl, sardonic and vulnerable by turns, writing in an abbreviated form of shorthand (sans articles and occasionally nouns to save time and space), and utterly endearing. Candy's character, and the literary devices Palmer uses to create and convey it, are alone worth the read. The plot, too, is engaging, if not outstanding, and is also noteworthy for its ceaseless optimism and hope even in the face of repeated danger and tragedy. Having begun this book by bracing myself for pulp, I now consider it one of my favorite books of the genre. Highly recommended.

Hi, people. I hope the webmaster's rules permit this.

First, thanks for your enduring loyalty. It's been 25 years since my last book.

Some of you will be pleased to learn that "Tracking," the sequel to "Emergence," is being serialized in three parts by Analog SF magazine, commencing with the July/August double issue, due out toward the end of this month. Inchoate talk are also underway with Wormhole Press to bring "Tracking" out as a hardcover and paperback sometime next year.

Secondly, I've also completed "Spcial Education" (dunno if that'll show up properly in HTML; it's "special," with a long-vowel diacritical bar over the "e," as in "species"), sequel to "Threshold."

Thirdly, I just finished "Schrödinger's Frisbee," an unrelated SF novel about a boy and his dog, his girlfriend -- and alien abduction.

And finally, a movie option has been sold for "Emergence"; a screenplay now exists. The efforts of anyone who wishes to join me in breath-holding and finger-crossing will be appreciated.

Wormhole Press is equally interested in them, and in rereleasing "Emergence" and "Threshold." Check back here occasionally on amazon.com; coerce your local booksellers. Tell two friends; ask them to tell two friends, etc. Repeat this to a depth of 20 conversations and you've alerted over a million friends.

Thanks again for your enthusiasm and patience -- and for the kind thoughts embodied in the occasional, somewhat premature eulogies I've read here and on other websites.

Very truly,

David R. Palmer

Emergence is an inspiring and often touching book about a very intelligent girl, who must deal with a post Nuclear/Biological war world. As others have noted, there are similarities in feel to Heinlein's juveniles. However, I feel there are too many deus ex machina points that provide cracks in an otherwise excellent story to give it a full five stars. Palmer's attraction to the superhuman proved a dooming weakness in his second novel with an adult protagonist, but here it's still workable. I believe it was John W. Campbell who observed that it's all but impossible for human authors to write about the superhumans, save at the beginning of their rise in childhood, or during their final faltering decline during old age. Emergence handles a gifted child well.

Generally hard to find, but a very good gift for a bright pre-teen.