Ohio Books

I enjoyed BEGINNER'S LUCK for it's delightful characters and clever dialogue. Most of all I loved the depiction of the American Midwest as a place where a lot has changed with the advent of technology, collapse of the family farm, and so many industries that provided jobs to Rust Belt city dwellers, but where life still hums away with the changing of each season and most people are friendly, proud, and involved in their communities. There was a time when, if you lived in the heartland, you really had to be neighborly because disaster could strike -- fire, flood, illness -- and it was the people who lived nearest who were going to rescue you (or not). But even with the advent of good fire departments, hospitals, and police, I find that this sensibility of helping others and spirit of generosity still prevails, if you turn off the ratings grabbing-fear instilling evening news and wander over to the baseball diamond, church potluck, synagogue, local theater group, etc.

BEGINNER'S LUCK displays the sharp-edged humor, quick dialogue, and modern social issues that anchor it as a 21st century novel more than one of the 19th or 20th centuries, but there is still something beautifully timeless in the action and people that harkens back to everything good about an earlier America. Main character Hallie Palmer continues to return home for more adventures with this entertaining cast of characters in HEART'S DESIRE and THE BIG SHUFFLE, and now the question is -- will she settle down in her hometown after college or move on to "bigger things." However, Pedersen has set things up nicely in that if Hallie does move away, she'll be taking all the best of growing up with her, and if she decides to stay, well, who wouldn't?

I liked this book. It took me a while to get used to Hallie's (the main character) lifestyle, but eventually I got into the swing. The Stockton family was just endlessly entertaining, and I thought the author did a terrific job of writing in the voice of a teenaged girl (though I haven't been one myself in almost 15 years, so I might not be the best judge).

I look forward to reading more by this author.

I started BEGINNER'S LUCK with some skepticism: I wasn't sure of the target audience for a small-town coming-of-age story about a 16-year-old high school dropout, runaway, semi-professional gambler/math genius.

How could the main character, Hallie (as in the Comet) Palmer be a good role model for impressionable teenage readers? And for older readers, what would be the compelling interest, having experienced adolescent angst and 'been there, done that' to one extent or another? (Although I'm not sure how many of us were teenage gamblers?)

By the end of Chapter 1, you'll be engaged by Laura Pedersen's straightforward, funny, clever writing style and turns-of-phrase, many having some allusion to poker or gambling, as do all the chapter titles.

By the end of Chapter 3, you'll be drawn in by Hallie herself, the first person narrator, who, in spite of her growing reputation as "the town miscreant" for various misadventures, turns out to be a very intelligent, deep-thinking, somewhat confused teenager. Not so much a hardened criminal as a hard worker with a good heart. Not so much a juvenile delinquent, at least in attitude or intent, as a typical teenager--impatient, naïve, self-conscious, and conflicted about everything: school, family, boys, sex, growing up and finding her place in the world.

By the end of Chapter 7, when the remainder of the cast of colorful characters is introduced, you'll be hooked into the wonderful world of Hallie Palmer.

The first book of a projected four-book series, in BEGINNER'S LUCK, we get to know Hallie as she drops out of high school, runs away from home (with six brothers and sisters, and more on the way, who could blame her?!), and finds refuge and the space to sort everything out as a live-in yard person in the truly out-of-the-ordinary Stockton home.

Life is never dull with Bernard Stockton, a flamboyant (yes, that's right, read: GAY) antiques dealer; his equally-charming, long-term boyfriend, Gil; his gracefully aging, revolutionary, free-spirited mother, Olivia; his father, the Judge, an ailing Alzheimer's patient; and an alcoholic Chimpanzee named Rocky. Eclectic, yes. Eccentric, definitely. These characters will make you wish for small town innocence (as claustrophobic as it can be), and long for the nostalgia that people and places like this might actually exist.

With such a colorful backdrop of characters, the plot is just as original, as Hallie matures and finds her way, even graduating from high school under the private tutelage of Olivia Stockton. She even kind of resolves the age-old Sex issue with her boyfriend, who is pressuring her, with a surprisingly explicit few pages toward the end of the book--explicit, yet very genuine, and she remains a virgin, which is a refreshing, intelligent choice in teenage literature. Congratulations to Laura Pedersen for handling this sensitive issue so well.

I look forward to continuing to read about Hallie's adventures, and this is a book I would love to have my someday-a-teenager daughter read, when she's ready for teenage issues.

Sherri Caldwell, co-author, The Rebel Housewife Rules: To Heck With Domestic Bliss!

This has to be the best book I read in 2005! The characters are endearingly funny and Hallie is a child to be admired. The Stockton household is one any child would be thrilled to inhabit. For a side dish, we get history lessons, literature classes and plenty of social conscience raising. The rich descriptions of Olivia, Bernard and even Rocky make us want to spend a summer with this family; even if we have to weed the garden!

Hallie is a 16 year-old girl who despises the school that she goes to so much that she doesn't bother to show up to 90% of the classes. Most of the time you can find her down at the horse track betting on the ponies, aka earning money to buy a car. Since she lives in a house barely big enough to house the nine that it consists of now, not to mention the new baby on the way, she plans to head to Las Vegas. She is the second oldest and is overlooked up until now,when the attendence officer "Just Call Me Dick" begins to notice that she doesn't come to homeroom, or most of her other classes for that matter. He alerts the ultimate authorities; her parents. They simply retract their offer to help pay for the car and ground her until her grades pull up. Hallie thinks, "Well that's too bad because I'm gone, I'll gamble until I have the money to go to Vegas then, so long Ohio!" Hallie is a gifted card player that goes along with her innate sense of numbers. She doesn't have a gambling problem just does it for the money. An unfortunate loss at the track forces her to take a job as a lawn person in the eccentric household of the Stocktons. This quirky family includes Olivia, the head matron, The Judge her husband, Bernard their son, Gil Bernard's lover, and the ever persistent Rocky the chimp, who is between jobs. Not only are they paying her 12 dollars an hour they soon welcome her into their home with her own room. Her parents want her back but no such luck, she becomes a permanent fixture in the lives of the Stocktons. She is now learning things that she would not otherwise learn, like how to prepare exqusite dishes, little known facts about authors and figure heads. The sarcastic humor, intermixed with exquisite vocabulary, envelope her in Ms. Olivia's rabble rousing and protesting for a greater cause. Olivia soon becomes her tutor that way she will graduate and be able to go to college. Her boyfriend, Craig, even gets along with the Stocktons. This leads to a pinch or romance among all the gambling and clearing of her name. A household that will not be forgotten easily.

Slowly but surely, a quickwitted sarcastic humor takes you into this quirky world of Hallie Palmer. This hold is not relinquished throughout the entire novel. I laughed so hard I cried multiple times. The reader is faced with a gay couple that Hallie coexists with and not all romantic scenes are backstage. For those with improving vocabulary, I suggest a pocket dictionary nearby, just in case. Morals and prejudiced thoughts are faced and delt with making you think about your own beliefs.This book is for those willing to be open-minded to other's thoughts and ideas even though you may have originally rejected them as not part of your beliefs. Not everything is black and white as it might appear, and there are two sides to each argument. It helps to see both.

Reviewed by a student reviewer for Flamingnet Book Reviews
www.flamingnet.com
Preteen, teen, and young adult book reviews and recommendations

I read this book in 1984 when it was first published in paperback. I loved it. I found a copy in the discard area at the Library (in good condition) and I am starting to read it again. The Berkley addition published in 1984 has everything the original hardcover edition had. The original front and back covers were beautiful and I am sorry that the reprint version put a different cover on it. This is a long story but it is more like a stroll through the park rather than a race down the hill. I loved the beginning of the chapters that list the old and new members of the Waynesboro Women's Club. It gave me a sense of excitement knowing that I was going to meet new characters. Give it a try - you might find it very enjoyable and hard to forget.

This sweeping saga not only entertains, but educates. I was sadly lacking in my knowledge of the post-civil war era, but after reading this book, I can no longer claim that.
The focus of the book on two main characters, their descendants, their friends, and their town provides a picture that is both intimate and broad. Basing the story in Ohio when most of the elected leaders hailed from that state gave national significance to the lives of the characters.
I was rather disappointed by the second half of the book. It just seemed very depressing and sad for quite a while there. I was also tempted to quit reading it, but fortunately, I did not. The last hundred pages or so really redeemed the second half. The amount of death and destruction in the second half was really just a realistic amount that I am not used to seeing in fiction, especially chick-lit!
I believe I caught a glimpse of the author, both in the main character, Anne, and in the young novelist, Tess Stevens. As the author wrote this book over a period of 50 years, Anne's meditations on growing old probably reflected Santmeyer's own feelings about her aging process. Tess notes that she wants to begin writing a sweeping saga in 1930...which is probably about when Helen began writing "...And Ladies of the Club." It would be gratifying to know more about the history of the author and find correlations between her real life experiences and that of her characters. Unfortunately, I have found little information about her thus far.
Ultimately, it was enjoyable to spend a month in Santmeyer's world.

I first read "And Ladies of the Club" during that short time when it was the book to read, in the summer of 1986. I remember going to Shopko and the store aisles stacked with copies of it in blue, green, yellow, and pink. It was over 1,400 pages and I had to have it. It was the first time I had read a historical novel that was not full of sensationalism surrounding major American events, but rather told the everyday story of everyday people. It captured the time period of my grandparents and great-grandparents and gave me insight into my own family history, even though I grew up in Marquette, Michigan, a small town, not too unlike Xenia, Ohio, or the Waynesboro of the novel.

When I started writing my own historical novels, this book was always in the back of my mind. In fact, the idea to name each chapter in my novels for a year I got from Helen Hooven Santmyer. When I wrote my third book, Superior Heritage, I paid tribute to the incredible influence Santmyer had on me by depicting the scene where a character purchases and reads a copy of "And Ladies of the Club" and the front quote to "Superior Heritage" was also based on Santmyer.

This book made me read all of Santmyer's other novels, which I have also enjoyed, but this novel is the one where twenty years after I read it, I can still remember the characters and scenes in the novel vividly as if I had read them, and after living with them for so long since the book is so long, it was almost as if they were my family and I lived in that golden yesterday Santmyer has preserved for us, perhaps better than any other writer of her generation.

READ THIS BOOK!

- Tyler R. Tichelaar, author of The Marquette Trilogy: Iron Pioneers, The Queen City, Superior Heritage

When I first read this novel back in the early 1980s, I was a young working mother who had just joined a professional secretarial organization or club. It was through my own club that I initially related to this huge novel. And as other reviewers have already mentioned, it was "the book to read" at the time.

But now, over 25 years later, I found that although I had forgotten much of the plotline outside of the two main characters, I hadn't forgotten the impact the novel had on me at the time. And so, I looked it up again at my local library. I'd originally purchased the novel in paperback and probably sold it at a yard sale many years ago. The library copy was hardback, heavy and with over 1100 pages of text. The central focus of the plot is on the life and times of Waynesboro, a small town located in southern Ohio from shortly after the Civl War until the early 1930s. And while the central characters are the townspeople themselves, the nucleus characters is that of the two young ladies who graduate from the town's Female Academy as the story begins. Upon graduation, they are invited to join a small group of ladies as the charter members of the town's literary club.

If you're interested in history and the ideals that made this nation great, Ms. Santmyer's novel brings both alive in her epic saga. This is not a story about extraordinary or heroic characters; and those that are known to us from history are revealed only as they effected the people who lived in Anytown, America from the post-Civil War era until the Great Depression. This novel is about everyday people - our own grandparents, great grandparents, and great-great grandparents - and the issues and struggles that America dealt with during those years.

I'm glad that I read this book a second time, even though it took me several weeks and one library renewal to do it. Being older helped me to identify more with the characters and what they were going through - raising their children, the changes in society, the nation's evolving religious, political and social evolution. I thought the timeframe of the novel and Ms. Santmyer's engrossing and thorough account of those issues reveals the initial eroding of our national conscience and the path that's led us to where we are today.

It's a long read and there are areas that tend to be difficult. I have to admit, there was more about rope making and late 19th century politics than I ever wanted to know.... But if you find that to be a problem, skim over those pages. As someone else mentioned, that doesn't hinder or affect the substance of the novel - and that is the cast of characters that inhabit Ms. Santmyer's Waynesboro, Ohio.

I first read "And Ladies of the Club" during that short time when it was the book to read, in the summer of 1986. I remember going to Shopko and the store aisles stacked with copies of it in blue, green, yellow, and pink. It was over 1,400 pages and I had to have it. It was the first time I had read a historical novel that was not full of sensationalism surrounding major American events, but rather told the everyday story of everyday people. It captured the time period of my grandparents and great-grandparents and gave me insight into my own family history, even though I grew up in Marquette, Michigan, a small town, not too unlike Xenia, Ohio, or the Waynesboro of the novel.

When I started writing my own historical novels, this book was always in the back of my mind. In fact, the idea to name each chapter in my novels for a year I got from Helen Hooven Santmyer. When I wrote my third book, Superior Heritage, I paid tribute to the incredible influence Santmyer had on me by depicting the scene where a character purchases and reads a copy of "And Ladies of the Club" and the front quote to "Superior Heritage" was also based on Santmyer.

This book made me read all of Santmyer's other novels, which I have also enjoyed, but this novel is the one where twenty years after I read it, I can still remember the characters and scenes in the novel vividly as if I had read them, and after living with them for so long since the book is so long, it was almost as if they were my family and I lived in that golden yesterday Santmyer has preserved for us, perhaps better than any other writer of her generation.

READ THIS BOOK!

- Tyler R. Tichelaar, author of The Marquette Trilogy: Iron Pioneers, The Queen City, Superior Heritage, all available on Amazon

I am more familiar with the work of James M. Cain via the movies as the basis of such films as The Postman Always Rings Twice and one of the works under review here Double Indemnity. For classic noir films I like to read the works they are based on to see how true they are to the literary efforts. Thus, I picked up this book for Double Indemnity but along the way I got into the other two. The common theme here is the role of women in bringing a man down (or building him up, if that seems appropriate to her designs). You know the old Adam and Eve tale in the modern setting. If Raymond Chandler and Dashiell Hammett, Cain's near contemporaries, had the hard-boiled, no nonsense detective down Cain has the bewitching femme fatale and `gullible' smitten guy down in the same way. This little three story volume, moreover, has the virtue of an introduction by Cain himself where he essentially dismisses out of hand positive critical comments about the hard-boiled outlook on the world expressed in his work, his commanding sense of language and his deft craftsmanship with the twists and turns of a story. Ya, right.


Cain identifies Career in C Major as the story that he liked the best of the three presented here and the one that would hold up over time. I did not get that feeling mainly because the story line gets a little too bogged down by the narrator's efforts to become a male opera singer. The tension between his gratitude (if you can call it that) to his operatic paramour/muse and his catty, headstrong and over demanding wife (who also had musical ambitions) is what drives this little work. In the end, there is basically a Mexican stand-off between hubby and wife. I do not believe that either the theme or the moral hold up today. Let me point out that despite Cain's predilections for this little piece Double Indemnity, with a very much darker theme, is still remembered as a classic tale of murderous impulse. This one you can take or leave.

The Embezzler is, however, one you had better take, as its plot structure leads straight to the classics. This little sleeper of a story points to the fine twist and turns that Cain is rather noted for. The plot revolved around the complicity of a bank executive and the wife of a bank clerk to try to stave of family disaster (her's) by trying to "fix" the books of her philandering husband held in thrall by his fellow female employee, an accountant (go figure, right?). The twist and turns center, of course, around the attraction of the bank exec for the wronged wife who may, or may not be, on the up and up. Christ, this thing had me guessing for a while whether that exec was really going to take the tumble for a wrong "dame". Read this one. You will be glad.

I mentioned above that one of the things I want to read the original story of a film noir classic for is to see how close it is to the film version. Double Indemnity runs fairly close except as to the fates of the two lovers, if that is what they are. The plot here revolves around that old standard- life insurance- or rather more properly `death' insurance, for the insured. One hulky insurance agent meets one drop dead beautiful yoing wife of an insured older client. Said wife merely inquires about accident insurance for dear hubby. You know, he is in a dangerous business, producing oil in L.A. The rest is history- hubby is a goner. The double indemnity part? Oh, if you die in an accident on a train you get double. Get it? You will.

The core of the story goes to the compulsive nature of the actual murder once the wheels are set in motion, its cover-up and the falling out among thieves. Along the way we get an entanglement with the deceased insured lovely daughter, her `boyfriend' and enough duplicity to fill up the jails of 1930's California to capacity. No problem. Except the ending of this story doesn't match up with the film. Yes, the moral of both is that men (and women) must not do evil things to their fellows. Okay, but in the movie it is a straight proposition- the bad guys must pay back society for their crimes. They must die. In the book not only is that true but the bad guys had to feel guilt-ridden about it as well. So, instead of getting away with their nefarious deeds they must kill themselves. Moreover, as it turns, wifey didn't tell dear old insurance man that she had a little prior history of psychopathic behavior. So all of society's books are cleared on this one. Nice. I'll take the darker book ending, thank you.

I can't help it...reading through Cain's novel the voices in my head were those of Barbara Stanwyck, Fred McMurray and Edward G. Robinson.
Although this is a small book (128 p.) and a quick read, don't underestimate this little gem. It is perfectly written and packs an unexpected punch at the end. Highly recommended for anyone who likes noir fiction. And don't expect the movie ... Hollywood couldn't have possibly done it the way the author intended. A basic summary of the plot: Walter Huff is an insurance investigator who is able to smell a scam a mile away. But sadly, Walter isn't thinking with his brain when he meets Phyllis Nirdlinger, the wife of a customer. She wants to know about accident insurance; he knows without anyone even saying anything why she wants it. Walter is convinced that with his knowledge of the industry and how it works come paying out claims time that the two of them could plot the perfect murder and insurance scam. But the story's not over yet. During a period of time when the two have to cool their heels and avoid each other, Walter has time to sit back and think about things and realizes that there's more to the story here and that he must take some action before his company puts two and two together. That's the bare bones outline (I don't want to spoil the story). The book's ending is vastly different than that of the movie -- and I think more poetically just (if not a little strange). Cain's characterizations are well drawn and the writing is superb. A must for any fan of noir.

This book, more novella than novel, is intricately plotted and a very quick read. Wholly plot-driven, the book is a classic morality tale. A seductive woman, Phyllis Nirdlinger, desires to kill her wealthy husband. An otherwise intelligent insurance agent, Walter Huff, falls under her spell. Together they put together a seemingly failsafe plan to do the dastardly deed, making it appear as if it were an accident, so that the double indemnity clause in an insurance policy will kick into play. The problem is that all is not as it initially seems.

Written as a first person narrative by the insurance agent, the writing is tight, spare, and lean. No word is wasted. Yet, the minimalism works to the advantage of the story, as it makes the intricacy of the plotting clear to the reader. Having seen the film with Fred MacMurray and Barbara Stanwyck in the lead roles, I kept hearing Fred MacMurray's voice in my head as I read the book. While the film deviates from the book in a number of ways, it is classic film noir at its best and well-worth viewing. Likewise, the book is a classic in its own right, and those who like hard-boiled crime fiction will not be disappointed.

DOUBLE INDEMNITY is a noir classic, one of a handful of must-read noir books from the "hardboiled" school. Like his earlier book, THE POSTMAN ALWAYS RINGS TWICE, another must-read, DOUBLE INDEMNITY gets into the action quickly. Both books are short because Cain doesn't waste words. He's a master of crime noir, and DOUBLE INDEMNITY is a great noir novel. Read this book. I've read it several times and I never get tired of it.

Rather than recount the story and plot, which too many reviewers here have already done, I'll say this: the movie is terrific, but the book is better. And the more I read the book, the more I like it better than the movie. So if you've seen the movie, read the book. If you haven't seen the movie or read the book, do both. It doesn't matter which you do first.

Also, spend a few more dollars and buy the Everyman's Library volume, THE POSTMAN ALWAYS RINGS TWICE, DOUBLE INDEMNITY, MILDRED PIERCE, AND SELECTED STORIES. This high-quality hardcover volume weighs about as much as the typical Vintage Classic paperback, but includes Cain's three best novels, an appropriately-blood-red cloth cover, acid-free paper, and a chronology of Cain's life and works. This volume is one of the best book deals you'll ever find.

Maturation of James Cain's writing between "The Postman Always Rings Twice" to publication of "Double Indemnity" is obvious. To this reader, "Double Indemnity" is richer in text, more completely written, and truly incorporates a more deceitful and thoughtful murder(s).

"I know it's not true. I tell myself it's not true. But there's something in me. I don't know what. Maybe I'm crazy. But there's something in me that loves Death. I think of myself as Death, sometimes in a scarlet shroud. . .it doesn't seem terrible. It seems as though I'm doing something . . . Do you understand me, Walter?" Walter Neff, our protagonist narrator easily responds, "No."

By the book's end, in the last 15 pages, we learn a great deal about the meaning behind every word of every sentence of that paragraph. This paragraph explains Mrs. Phyllis Nirdlinger to us.

Like "Postman", the wife - Mrs. Nirdlinger - in this book is younger than her husband, she is pretty, came from Iowa and moved to then edenistic California. And, like "Postman", the protagonist is a gun for her to hire. Unlike "Postman", the woman is a black beauty incarnate. Walter does not know what to think of her. As he matures and learns more about her, the more he becomes perplexed. "I loved her like a rabbit loves a rattlesnake."

Eventually, like "Postman" each enters a "Prizzi's Honor" code of conduct - do unto the other as you would never allow the other to do unto you. Walter sets up a trap of the widow Nirdlinger, he thoughtfully sets her up for the kill and discovers, "I wasn't the only one that figured the world wasn't big enough for two people . . . I had come there to kill her, but . . . "

The next 10-15 pages outline who that woman is, where she has been and what she has done. Walter understandably acknowledges having been used, fesses up to his conduct and expects to be escorted to the electric chair. But like "Postman" the insurance company acquits evil - not with perjury, but in a manner as artful as the trial in "Postman." And, then. . . Cain delivers an ending which deciphers the second paragraph of this review - at that time we and Walter now can respond to her question in the affirmative. Oh, what a great ending.

Having read this book back-to-back with "Postman", each twists the plot like an all star mystery, but the more thorough and intellectual approach to murder described in this novel enticed this reader. And, the writing is more mature - not just dialogue as done in "Postman." Each is fun, each is great. I would never hesitate to recommend this book to anyone looking for a good mystery to read.

More than I had expected, very artistic and touching. The person I gave it to seemed to like it. <3

I loved this book and read it from front to back in one sitting. It is a great look inside the mind of a teenager. It takes you through all of her stuggles with unedited brutal honesty. It is easy to relate to her moments as a young woman growing up and her issues.

Jolene Siana's collection of letters and artwork sent to Ogre, from the band Skinny Puppy, is a moving chronicle of a girl's struggle to find place and meaning for herself at an age that is normally awkward at best. I found great beauty in this very human quest for self discovery and identity.

In his Basketball Diaries -- also a dark coming-of-age tale, no coincidence there -- Jim Carroll wrote, "I want to be pure." Jolene Siana, in a book that bravely lets light into the darkest corners of her tortured teenage years, offers readers just that -- a visceral, unblinking, honest look at her own struggle to be pure, to simply become. The letters and artwork that compile this book may have been therapeutic. They may have even helped the author survive. And bringing them together years later may have helped her yet again. But this isn't a self-indulgent book. It's a generous and open one. It's really Siana's readers -- anyone who feels lost, alone, and in need of connection; anyone searching for something pure in a world that's anything but -- who benefit here. This book is a gift.

what can i write about this book that hasn't already been said before? its great, and obviously a great deal of care was taken when this book was put together. recommended for cutters, ex-cutters, goths, punks, and any other "outsiders" in general.

This was the first Allen Eckert book I had ever read.I was so impressed with the historic detail, and the descriptios of the area, that I couldn't put it down..I have since read over a dozen of Mr. Eckerts books.very good and fun reading.....ken kellogg, santa ana ca

Excellent Book. More frontier history packed into this small area of the US then any other part of the country. Well written and a very exciting part of American history. This is a book you just can't put down.

I thoroughly enjoyed the Frontiersman but this was too much data - I enjoy Eckert's descriptives and narratives - should have known as it is described as a chronicle of events.

Regardless of the Indian slaughters people kept moving west. They were not innocent in their fight to populate the frontier west of the Alleghenies. Indians took scalps and sold them to the British. The settlers given the opportunity also took Indian scalps for revenge. It took a long time before the people east of the Alleghenies to become concerned about the troubles in the west. In this book "Grity" is a troubled frontiersman rather than a monster. I agree with the author's viewpoint. By Ruth Thompson Author of "The Bluegrass Dream" and "Natchez Above The River"

I bought this book about two years ago. The last book by Eckert I had read before this was "The HAB Theory", published in the 70's. Overall, I enjoyed the book; however, much of what Eckert wrote about my family, the Zane Family, is innacurate. That's because he took what Zane Gray--a distant cousin--wrote in "Betty Zane" as gospel. The first Zane was NOT a Danish nobleman; he was an Englishman named Robert Zane, who came here in 1687 with William Penn (the Zanes were originally Quakers.) Robert's grandson, William, was kicked out of the Society of Friends for marrying a non-Quaker. William's children were Silas, Ebenezer, Jonathan, Andrew, Isaac, and Elizabeth. These are the 'famous' Zanes. Ebenezer founded Wheeling WV; Zanesville OH is named after him. Isaac, my direct ancestor, was raised by the Wyandots and married Myeerah, daughter of Chief Tarhe. Elizabeth--Betty--saved Fort Henry (Wheeling) in the last battle of the Revolution (NOT Ebenezer's wife, Elizabeth, as Eckert wrote). Many present day Zanes, including me, wrote to Eckert to protest what was written (I, personally, am miffed he made no mention of Isaac and Myeerah). He promised to make all corrections when the book comes out in another edition.

Ben and Me: An Astonishing Life of Benjamin Franklin by His Good Mouse Amos This was the book that started my youthful enjoyment of both history and becoming an avid reader. The tail of Ben Franklin's mouse, Amos, who gives him all the help he needs in inventing his now famous inventions and the founding of our nation is a timeless story. A fine start to give any child who shows an inkling of interest in history, or one whom you would wish be encouraged to do so.
It may be confusing for those too young to separate fantasy from fact, but the story is memorable enough, and cute and funny enough, to be picked up more than once in any one childhood, and will undoubtedly be properly inculcated as the allegory it is meant to be. Children will undoubtedly finally understand what a great and interesting man he was. And the humour makes the story enjoyable and palatable rather than a dry, dreary assignment from a school-teacher. And those old enough to understand on the first go around will take both characters in the book, Amos and Mr. Franklin, to heart, on friendly terms and most probably be driven to learn more. Of course, it can always be shared with a parent or other adult who can explain the difference for those too young to understand the difference on their own. Another great habit,...to read with a child.
I must mention that even as an adult, although I obviously read deeper histories these days, that this book is still in the back of my mind as I do so, as a memory of the impetus for me to begin my lifelong voracious habit of reading.
One should also note that the same author has a book by "Paul Revere's Horse", written in a similar voice and vein. Reading one means the child read a fun and decent book, having read two, it may be the beginning of a lifelong habit that can only improve one's life.

Lawson's 1939 spoof of the life of Benjamin Franklin in his elder years proves delightful literary fluff and a quick read for kids of all ages. It may even serve as a spring board to true history in middle school. This easy introduction to the Colonial era will entertain elementary schoolchildren with its mouse's eye view of Philadelphia and of France. Having decided to make his way in the world, though not too far from his extensive family who reside in penury in a church Vestry, Amos moves in with an inquisitive and enterprising older gent named Ben Franklin. Despite the vast difference in size--and seeming incompatibility of species--these two great minds are able to converse with ease.

The clever houseguest credits himself with much (unrecognized)
inspiration for the author of POOR RICHARD'S ALMANC. Amos shares his more opinions and suggestions on a variety of topics: the printing press, the portable stove, lightning, electricity--in fact he actually helps Ben prove that they are one and the same phenomenon. (Apparently spectacles were invented Before Amos moved in.) The only time their staunch friendship is seriously threatened is when Ben betrays mouse trust and his own word by using the little fellow in a dangerous meteorological experiment.

This humorous version of Ben's later years culminates in a mock preview of the French revolution (on a mouse scale, of course). The unfortunate result? the American diplomat was banned from the palace of Versailles, but what matter, so long as Sophia's family was rescued and reunited. It is truly amazing how mouse lives parallel human endeavor... By the time of Ben's 81st birthday Amos--ever the bachelor--is content to relax and enjoy the antics of the younger generation. He figures that Ben is old enough to manage his affairs pretty much on his own. The moral seems to be: When a man is not smart enough to assume the credit, a Mouse may boldly step in!

I read the book Ben and Me. This book is interesting. In the story, a lonely, rude, gray mouse named Amos finds Benjamin Franklin's house and sleeps in it. Amos becomes Benjamin's only pet and together they make their own, hot, big Franklin Stove. One cold, stormy, night Benjamin puts Amos on his big kite so Amos keeps getting shocked by lighting. Then, Amos and Benjaman go on a huge, wooden, brown ship to Paris and they become famous. A nice, pretty, girl rat named Sophia tells Amos that there are children stuck under the queen's throne. Amos calls all of the other mice in Paris to go save the children and together they do. I learned some interesting facts. I learned that Benjamin Franklin invented something called the Franklin Stove. I also learned that Benjamin Franklin had a gray mouse named Amos. Then, I learned that Benjamin loved inventing new machines. I would recommend this book for three reasons. First, I would recommend this book because it is well written with plenty of the adjectives. Second, I would recommend this book because it tells you a lot of information about Benjamin Franklin and his mouse Amos. Finally, I would recommend this book because it tells you what Benjamin Franklin liked to do when he was alive. Ben and Me is a great book to read.

ISBN 0440420385 (which now belongs to another book) - Really well-done, tongue in cheek "biography" of Benjamin Franklin, a man who is "undeniably stupid at times", according to Amos, the mouse, whose brilliant ideas seem to be all that stand between Franklin and certain death with his crazy experiments.

Amos, oldest of 26 children, comes from a family of church mice. Knowing how hard it is to feed such a brood, Amos sets out to try to find some way to help his family and stumbles into the home of Ben Franklin. Ben is sneezing away in a room thick with smoke from the fireplace until Amos gives him almost every detail Ben needs to create the famous Franklin Stove. Thrilled to have such a great mind at hand, Franklin works out an agreement with Amos and the two go on living and working together. When the Revolutionary War takes a financial toll on Washington's army, the two go to France to borrow from the French and Amos is able, with a great deal of help, to save one beautiful female mouse named Sophia and her seven children. After this final adventure, Amos is ready to settle down to a quiet life in his old age and thinks Ben should, too.

The back cover says the book is for ages 8-12. I think it might be a little tough for 8 year olds, with a large number of big words, but it's amusing enough that an 8 year old might make the effort to learn the words and expand their vocabulary. For the parents who worry about every little word in every book their kid reads, there's a couple disparaging "stupids" and one sentence that has Ben Franklin "tossing off" a shot of brandy. For those who just want their kid to enjoy a book and learn new words, this one's WELL worth it.

There are many boring, dull biographies on Benjamin Franklin. Then there is Ben and Me written by Robert Lawson, which is not the case. It is a Mr. Lawson calls it "A new and astonishing life on Benjamin Franklin as written by his good mouse AMOS."
It starts out in Philadelphia, where Amos, the oldest mouse of a huge family, leaves home in search of food and shelter. Bitterly cold, he stumbles upon Ben Franklin's house, goes inside and spots Ben Franklin's fur cap to warm up in. Ben notices him, but instead of shooting him, he enjoys Amos' company. After being together a little while Amos has already come up with a successful idea for an experiment for Ben, which was later named the "Franklin Stove".
Ben now thinks that this little mouse would be a great (talking) animal to have around the house for as an assistant. Next thing you know they are making an agreement where Ben will provide just what he was looking for ¬¬ food for him and food delivery for his family, plus the old warm fur hat to hang out in. And all the mouse has to do is hanging out and make comments, or as Ben calls it to "give advice."
It sounds like an ideal plan for Amos until two things happen. Ben takes up electrical experiments and Amos becomes the testing guinea pig. On one occasion Ben attempts to find out if lighting is electric. Amos was then strapped to a kite in the middle of a thunderstorm. He was up there for about a half hour to find out. His answer was `yes'.
It was a great book where Amos, the little mouse follows Ben through his life. I would recommend this book to anyone 6-10 years old.

My mother-in-law read this book in one weekend and loved it. I haven't read it yet but I'm sure to enjoy it from what she said.

Mr. Greene has written a terrific tribute to lifelong friendship. Jumping back and forth between how the ABCDJ group was during their youth and into the present in which they are all dealing with the deterioration and ultimate death of Jack is very effective. Mr. Greene attempts to convey the conflicting emotions that come with the death of an important element in his life. It made me appreciate how truly lucky I am to have similar relationships with my own group of five lifelong friends. This book is a keeper and I intend to give one copy to each of my four cronies.

I am about 16 years younger than Bob Greene, I grew up in Arizona, and not in the mid-west, but I can really relate to this book. I too have four great friends that I am still close too, we have watched each other's back for over 30 years. We have stood by each other through thick and thin. Right now one of us is very ill, and I worry that I am going to live what Green when though all too soon.
Good book, sad subject.

I heard about this book from a friend. I am so thankful that it was recommended to me. I have since bought 6 copies for gifts to other friends. If you want to remember your childhood, cry over the pain of adulthood and begin to understand why we are here and what we should be, THIS IS THE BOOK FOR YOU ! ! !
Don't let this one pass you by.
Thank you, Bob, for this wonderful stroll down memory lane -- with all the highs and lows..............

First, the praise: This book is an example of why most people think they could be writers. Greene's plain, straight-ahead, uncomplicated writing style just makes it seem so easy. Somehow, seemingly just by putting one word after another, he writes prose that is extremely readable. Of course it's not that easy, or I'd be doing it, too.
Now, the criticism: This isn't one of his best works. I have two main complaints: First, while the subject matter is by its nature sentimental, Greene lets it slip beyond the sentimental, to the maudlin. Second, the reminiscenses (is that a word? see what I mean about writing not being easy?) are too personal. Sure, some of his childhood experiences are similar to mine and yours. But still, they're HIS experiences -- not mine or yours. There was never a Toddle House in my part of the country. And the stuff that made Greene and his pals roll on the floor laughing as they reminisced really didn't seem that funny to the reader. You had to be there, in other words.
Summary: Good read. Not a great read.

I loved this book, I could hardly put it down. Beverly Lewis writes her books in mini-series form and they are funny, have the ability to transport you to being part of the Amish (watch out though you may find yourself speaking like the Amish!)and they also leave unanswered questions in each book that make you want to finish the entire series to get the final answers. She puts some interesting twists and turns in the book. Overall, I think The Prodigal and the books that go with it are a "must read".

In the Prodigal, the Ebersol family is growing up and away. Mary Ruth has turned Mennonite and married Robert, the doctor's son. She is expecting her first child.

Lydiann is up to her rumpspringhe years already, and has met up with Jake, who unbeknownst to both of them are aunt and nephew. It will be discovered by Leah that Sadie's so-called stillborn son is still very much alive. She makes that discovery by accident while working for the doctor. What she soon discovers is that the doctor had switched the babies around when Fannie Mast really did have a stillborn child, and one living boy. Then when Sadie's baby begins breathing suddenly, he gives Sadie's boy to Fannie, knowing it would avoid disgrace to the Ebersol family and more severe punishment to Sadie herself at that time. So Jake grows up in the Mast family all these years as their own boy along with his twin. It wasn't until Leah discovers that Lydiann is dating him, and to her horror, she must break these two apart. So Jake is sent away to the Ohio Amish community there to work as Jonas's apprentice. The Mast family and the Ebersol's are estranged anyhow as Fannie and Peter felt that Leah was the cause of Jonas's shunning, and they never forgave for that.

And poor Sadie. In order to get accepted fully again into the Amish community and her family, she has to go through a period of proving which means she must not wander far away from the house. Something happens that she does break the rules a little bit when she goes outside to far after her sister Mary Ruth. The bishop Bontrager catches her in the act, and very cruelly wants her out away from her family. She goes to live with the Nolts for awhile until the bishop is talked into bending a little by Gid, Hannah's husband. But this time is really her last chance.

Hannah and Gid are expecting their fourth baby and Hannah has postpartum depression very badly. Gid is very concerned about her until she finally sees the doctor.

Abe, the youngest in the Ebersol family who was Ida's last child when she died right after birth has a serious accident in the ice after a slip and fall. He has a very bad head injury from which he is knocked comatose and almost doesn't recover. Leah consults the scripture that her mother always read, that is against Amish rules. The prayer works, and Abe does wake up. But afterwords, it takes a long time for him to come back and recover fully.

Abram himself is beginning to mellow a lot in this book, and as you read, you'll find he is more relaxed and gentler in spirit. He and Aunt Lizzie actually fall in love and marry in the book. And surprisingly, he even likes Mary Ruth's husband Robert a Mennonite, welcoming them into his home whereas he would not have before at a certain time there.

The book has so much rich detail and is very very well written that it is hard to lay down once you start reading. Every book in this series has been great. I am sure that the last one, Revelation, will be just as good as the stories of the Amish Ebersol family comes to a climax there.

This was an excellent read. I couldn't stop until I had read all 5 books in the Abram's Daughters series.

This series is an excellent one! I would recommend it to everyone who enjoys stories about the Amish culture.

In the Prodigal, the Ebersol family is growing up and away. Mary Ruth has turned Mennonite and married Robert, the doctor's son. She is expecting her first child.

Lydiann is up to her rumpspringhe years already, and has met up with Jake, who unbeknownst to both of them are aunt and nephew. It will be discovered by Leah that Sadie's so-called stillborn son is still very much alive. She makes that discovery by accident while working for the doctor. What she soon discovers is that the doctor had switched the babies around when Fannie Mast really did have a stillborn child, and one living boy. Then when Sadie's baby begins breathing suddenly, he gives Sadie's boy to Fannie, knowing it would avoid disgrace to the Ebersol family and more severe punishment to Sadie herself at that time. So Jake grows up in the Mast family all these years as their own boy along with his twin. It wasn't until Leah discovers that Lydiann is dating him, and to her horror, she must break these two apart. So Jake is sent away to the Ohio Amish community there to work as Jonas's apprentice. The Mast family and the Ebersol's are estranged anyhow as Fannie and Peter felt that Leah was the cause of Jonas's shunning, and they never forgave for that.

And poor Sadie. In order to get accepted fully again into the Amish community and her family, she has to go through a period of proving which means she must not wander far away from the house. Something happens that she does break the rules a little bit when she goes outside to far after her sister Mary Ruth. The bishop Bontrager catches her in the act, and very cruelly wants her out away from her family. She goes to live with the Nolts for awhile until the bishop is talked into bending a little by Gid, Hannah's husband. But this time is really her last chance.

Hannah and Gid are expecting their fourth baby and Hannah has postpartum depression very badly. Gid is very concerned about her until she finally sees the doctor.

Abe, the youngest in the Ebersol family who was Ida's last child when she died right after birth has a serious accident in the ice after a slip and fall. He has a very bad head injury from which he is knocked comatose and almost doesn't recover. Leah consults the scripture that her mother always read, that is against Amish rules. The prayer works, and Abe does wake up. But afterwords, it takes a long time for him to come back and recover fully.

Abram himself is beginning to mellow a lot in this book, and as you read, you'll find he is more relaxed and gentler in spirit. He and Aunt Lizzie actually fall in love and marry in the book. And surprisingly, he even likes Mary Ruth's husband Robert a Mennonite, welcoming them into his home whereas he would not have before at a certain time there.

The book has so much rich detail and is very very well written that it is hard to lay down once you start reading. Every book in this series has been great. I am sure that the last one, Revelation, will be just as good as the stories of the Amish Ebersol family comes to a climax there.

[...]

This is another great book by Cindy Woodsmall. I can hardly wait to read the next installment. When the Morning Comes is about changes in life. You can think you have things all planned, but then something happens and everything changes. This book clearly demonstrates how tightly you need to hold on to your faith and to remember that although it seems like everyone is against you, God is always for you. This is also a lesson in learning from your choices. What you chose to do or not do will affect everyone around you.
Hannah Lapp was shunned by all the people in her Amish community except a very good friend. Even Paul, the boy she loved, turned his back on her. Hannah left the Amish life and began anew. She moved in with her Aunt and adapted to the English culture. She is called back to the Amish community for an emergency. Now we must wait to see what happens next.

Once again Cindy Woodsmall grabs the reader right from the start. I loved that Cindy starts this story exactly where the other story ended. Cindy has a way of taking the reader and having you see and feel Hannah's pain and struggle, which makes it real. It was fascinating how Hannah explores and discovers new things in this Englischers world. It's not like anything she was raised in. It's extremely hard to get used to, but she can't go back to being shunned in her Amish community. Lies were being spread about her and there was nothing she could do to make them go away. No one believed that she was faithful to her God - she did nothing wrong but everything was made to look and feel so terrible. She had left a note for Paul (the love of her life) and even called to see if they could be together, but he had begun to believe the lies also. She couldn't believe how fast he could turn on her - just like everyone else did. She was all alone to face a new life by herself. But, there was still one family member that might take her in - her aunt. She knew her aunt would understand her plight. Hannah had to reach out and try to connect with her - it was her only hope.

Back in Hannah's Old Order Amish community, they all start to regret their decision which forced Hannah to run off. They talked to one another and found out that she was telling the truth. How could they have abandoned her in her time of need? How could they live with themselves? How would this young woman make it on her own? Paul wants to run after her, but no one knows where Hannah went. Why hasn't she called or written? Everyone waited for the day that Hannah's heart was healed and she would want to come back to the community she was raised in. Then they could show her the love they had for her. Would they ever get that chance?

Cindy Woodsmall has many gems in her book mixed amongst the seriousness. The book has humor and gems of advice like "You need to forgive yourself. You need to believe what you did is not more powerful that what God can do from this point forward." Amen to that. Wow!

I loved how Cindy goes back and forth between the events in these two different worlds. In the first, the Old Order Amish Community, we see how life continues in this world while everyone deals with Hanna's disappearance. The second world is a new, exciting and terrifying world that Hanna has escaped to. Here, we see how she learns to take care of herself and find some peace in this unknown environment. She doesn't want to look back...she can't. It's just too painful!

You will be totally absorbed in this fascinating story of self-discovery, forgiveness, love and the really important things that make this life worth living. I can't wait to read the last installment of this series.

Nora St.Laurent
[...]

This author draws the reader into the story. The characters are so real that I found myself taking sides with some of the people as I read all night. I find myself anxious for the last book in this series to be released. I feel this author should win literary awards.

When the Morning Comes is as beautiful as When the Heart Cries. I have been a reader for about 30 years now and I can not remember ANY novel that held my attention like these two have. The characters are life like and there is always something on the next page that you can not wait to get to! I just finished up the second book a few nights ago. I got online to see if (hopefully) Cindy Woodsmall had a book to follow. Oh I am so very pleased! I can not wait until September to see what becomes of Paul and Martin! I have pre-ordered my book tonight. I am just amazed at how awesome Cindy's books are. If you are thinking about ordering the series...don't spend another minute. I promise you won't be able to put them down! Awesome work Cindy!

MY SITER ELLEN TURNED ME ONTO THE AMISH BOOKS BY BEVERLY LEWIS, ONE DAY IN BORDERS DISAPOINTED THE NEW ONE WAS NOT IN STOCK I RAN ACROSS CINDY WOODSMALLS FIRST BOOK SO I DECIDED TO BUY IT. WHAT A GREAT FIND, LOVED BOTH BOOKS. I LIVE IN NJ AND I LOVE GOING TO LANCASTER AREA AND SOME PARTS OF NJ HAVE MANY VENDERS AT FLEA MARKET WHERE THE AMISH LIVE. IF YOU EVER CAN MAKE THE TRIPYOU WILL LOVE IT AND THE WARMTH OF THE PEOPLE ARE WONDERFUL SO READING THE BOOKS ARE A NICE WAY TO SORT OF TAKE ME THERE IN BETWEEN VISIT TO MY FRIEND OVER IN PA.
THE FIRST BOOK I COULD NOT PUT DOWN AND THIS ONE WAS EXCELLENT AS WELL. IT SHOWS ANOTHER SIDE OF THE AMISH MY HEART BROKE WHEN HER FAMILY DID NOT BELEIVE HER ABOUT THE RAPE. I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO HER NEXT ONE AND WILL CONTINUE TO FOLLOW HER LIKE LEWIS. ENJOY!!!

She is so good and portraying life as it realy is among the Amish.What A good book.Nadia REhmani

This book truly is entitled properly "Sacrifice," as that is exactly what it is for Leah most of all.

At the beginning though, the twins Mary Ruth and Hannah are both of courting age now and are dating the Stolzfus boys, Elias with Mary Ruth, and Ezra with Hannah. Mary Ruth especially is so much in love with Elias, and when the doctor's son Robert comes to town, a tragedy occurs. On one very dark night after the singings, Robert doesn't see the horse and buggy and runs them down in his car causing a deadly accident. Elias dies at the hospital, and Mary Ruth completely goes to pieces. Robert is studying to be a minister and he is simply sick all over about this, even though pardoned by the People.

It is a long time before Mary Ruth comes around, and when she gets back into living again, wants to attend high school against her Dat's wishes naturally. Mary Ruth is so hurt and everything though, she doesn't care what her Dat thinks, and goes ahead anyway to live with the Englishers she babysits for, and begin her high school career. Abram is furious over his daughter doing this, and bans her from the rest of the family. Ida the mother, has a secret fit, but must abide by her husband's wishes.

Leah is becoming in love with Gideon, the smithy's son. They have plans to marry later, but all that will change when Ida is pregnant with their fifth child, hoping for a boy this time around, and another tragedy befalls the family.

On Christmas Eve, Ida is having severe pains and getting ready to deliver the baby. Leah and Hannah were out during most of this time, and stopped on the way back from church services to see Mary Ruth at the Nolt's. When they finally get back, they discover their mother in dire pain, and as the birth progresses, Hannah has to seek immediate help for their mom with the midwife as she is bleeding quite profusely. Sadly, Ida is beyond help and dies right after getting to hold her son Abe only one time. The whole thing falls on dear Leah's shoulders now, as she feels responsible for her 2 year old sister Lydiann, and Abe now.


Leah knows she cannot possibly marry Gideon at this time or maybe never, is she is now responsible for mothering two kids. She is very committed to both children and like her aunt Lizzie, will be a maidel for a very long time.

Interestingly enough, Ezra, Hannah's love, has gone into the English ways, and the two have grown further apart. Gideon though has taken an interest in Hannah, and the two fall in love and will marry in this book, having their own children.

Abram has serious regrets and begins to soften more in this book as time goes along. He welcomes Mary Ruth back into the fold again, and his other oldest and long lost daughter Sadie comes back into the picture again. Leah is not ready to welcome Sadie back with open arms from all the hurt and betrayals in the past. There is a lot of pain between those two, so it seems it will take awhile to truly make amends.

Death-bed vow to mom:

Leah will care for siblings.

Good-bye courting years.

I LOVED this book!!! Abram's Daughters are one of my favorite series. Honestly, tears were rolling down my cheeks when Leah's adoptive Mama died. And when Sadie came home and told Leah she hadn't married Jonas, I started crying/laughing with relief. The whole book was just superb, the only problem was that I wanted read #4 right after #3 and I didn't have it yet!

#3 in a series of 5....... and this one keeps you coming back for more!! More twists and turns as expected from Beverly Lewis; fantastic series!