Clubs Books

I first read this in a library but brought home all of the series that they had. When I was home, my husband and I read the books I brought home. We both laughed so hard, I fell off our porch and into the flower beds. This is truly one of the ROFLMAO books. I have all of the books now.

... The entire series is absolutely magnificent and not just for children. The Church Mouse stories are all imaginative and the illustrations are so funny and captivating you can enjoy them again and again. Graham Oakley is extraodinarily talented and his books are truly magical!

I remember reading these fanatastic books over and over and over again from our local library when I was very young. After I had my daughter, I began thinking about these books, but I had forgotten the titles!
After years of searching and asking around, I FINALLY found someone who knew what book I was talking about.
Overjoyed doesn't even begin to describe my emotions over finding these books. I'll just say that if this book is wonderful enough for me to remember from reading as a 5 year old, and now want to spend all the money tracking down the entire series, you WON'T be disappointed!
BUY the books! BUT ALL OF THEM, LOL!!!
5 stars just aren't enough for this one!

My husband and I each read this book to our granddaughter who had gotten it at a library in their city. We both enjoyed it so much we have spread the word and are looking to purchase it for ourselves. The characters are so delightful that you find yourself getting caught up in the story. You can read it again and again and see more ways in which he artfully blends words with a wonderful sense of humor. Some of the nuances might be lost on younger children but there is so much there for all ages to enjoy.

I reviewed this the first book of The Church Mice series in 1998. Since then, I have gotten hold of ALL the books in the series by ordering them online from England. Absolutely worth the time, trouble, and money. These books are hilarious and will be read and giggled over MANY TIMES by the young and not-so-young in your house. I am sorry that the series is relatively unknown in the US; it is very popular in Great Britian. Do yourself and your kids, friends, or grandkids a favor and GET THESE BOOKS. At this date, November, 2000, "Humphrey Hits the Jackpot" is the newest book in the series. I don't know if Oakley is going to write anymore for this series--I sure hope so!

In every BSC book I've read so far, Martin has always tended to write the main story with a secondary story that runs somewhat parallel and ties in at the end. This book doesn't seem to have that secondary story, which was too bad - I thought there were several chances for it, especially with Cathy, Claudia's hospital roommate. It didn't detract from the story, though.

When a call comes in to the BSC from a new client, the girls voice some suspicion - the Sobak's live in an area where people usually use other sitters - so Claudia, who has taken the job, asks around. Told by other sitters that Betsy's a handful, and a practical joker, Claudia believes she's prepared. She has no idea! A practical joke goes badly and Claudia ends up with a badly broken leg.

Missing a lot of school is not a good thing for a student like Claudia, who has to work hard just to keep up. With little to do, Claudia's mind dwells on her accident and she begins to wonder if babysitting is too dangerous. What if she had broken her arm or hand and couldn't do her art anymore? Prepared to quit the BSC if necessary, Claudia turns to her grandmother Mimi, who believes that her fear is really of not being in control.

The girls set out to teach Betsy that practical jokes are not always funny - and they go a few rounds with the girl before she finally gets it. Betsy does learn, and Claudia does heal but will Claudia really quit the BSC?

The practical jokes battles were amusing, and it was good that the girls were aware that they probably shouldn't be engaging Betsy in them. It was also nice that Stacey hasn't been forgotten. Martin always seems to do a very good job with those details.

Ann M. Martin brings together books that only a imaginitive person could. The book, CLAUDIA AND THE BAD JOKE, brings forth problems in everyday, human life. Practical jokes, babysitting, and the common teenager problem:study-or-fail are combined in this fabulous book. So read read read it!!!!!!

I liked this book. Claudia was my favorite of the original quartet, so naturally I enjoyed this book. I love the descriptions of Claudia's cleverly put together ensembles and her appreciation for art. That speaks to sensitivity and creativity.

Betsy Sobak, Claudia's young charge is a virtuoso in the fine art of practical jokes. Her jokes are hostile and are always at the expense of another person. During Claudia's first sitting stint with Betsy, she falls from a tire swing and breaks her leg. Luckily for Claudia, her trio of sitting pals come through like the Cavalry by out-joking Betsy (in a safe way, of course) to teach her an object lesson in how to treat people in a humane fashion. Lesson: It is only kidding or funny if all sides are enjoying it, but if one side is not having fun, it is no longer kidding, it is mean.

I liked Betsy. The description given of her sounds like a cute kid with a vivid imagination. Ann Martin has a real gift for descriptions, dialogs, character development and I like the way the charges have a parallel plot running to the central plot the sitters are contending with. Ms. Martin has a real gift for the voices and feelings of kids.

Claudia's not worried when she hears her newest baby-sitting charge, Betsy Sobak, is a great practical joker.After all, how much harm can one little girl do? Plenty. Claudia breaks her leg as a result of one of Betsy's mean jokes...and now she's talking about quitting the club. "Baby-Sitting," she says, "is too dangerous." Kristy thinks Betsy needs to be taught a lesson. She also thinks the Baby-Sitters are just the ones to do it. Wath out, Betsy Sobak! The joke war is on!

When Claudia has to baby sit for a practicaljoker nemed, Betsy, Claudia has nothing to worry about. Until it becomes bad...

I liked this book a lot. I think that it was very funny and the book taught you a good lesson. I think Haley was a good charcter to use in this situation becuase she isn't shown much. It would be hard to see Charlotte Johansson doing this.

This book was preaty good. I thought Hally's lies were funny the way they where so ridiculous. No one could really believe them. Once she admitted why she had been lying you felt bad.

The Story Of This book happens in Halley Broddock's house. When Claudia baby-sits for Haley, Haley starts lying about her homework. Can Claudia make Haley stop making lyings about her homework?

I think that this novel is one of the greatest pieces of literature of our time. Claudia's exposé of "the little liar" is symbolically exposing modern man's deluded preconceptions of ethics and delves deeply into attempting to define what "truth" really is.

It all starts when Claudia baby-sit's Haley Braddock, one of the B.S.C.'s client's. Haley starts lying about her homework. Cann claudia fix the homework problem? Read this book to find out!

This is the classic guide book for the Tetons. Many pictures and topos are provided to help route finding, however most topos are for the more difficult routes. The text is very descriptive. The book is heavy so be prepared to make photo copies before your climb.

exactly what I was looking for. All the detail I needed and more. Please send my thanks to the authors for the great beta.

Excellent book. Clearly describes hundreds of routes with climbing topo's and ratings. Highly recommended.

If you are looking for a comprehensive, detailed, easy to understand reference guide to the history, approaches and routes of the peaks of the Grand Tetons...look no further. Complete with Topos, black and white Arial photographs, and hand drawn route diagrams, this guide is a "must have" in any mountaineer's quiver of guide books. The book opens with a history of the Grand Teton Range and introduces readers to the men and women who explored and developed many of the modern routes enjoyed by all today; particularly the "bold" first accents of the early Teton pioneers Paul Petzoldt and Glenn Exum. The meat of the book can be found in the remaining pages covering everything from, recommended equipment, mountain safety, to detailed accounts of the climbs and approaches on all the jagged peaks of the Teton Range.
As a climber of 20+ years, I found this book to be extremely helpful on my trips to the Tetons and highly recommend this guide to anyone entertaining the possibility of climbing or hiking in the Teton Range. Whether you are a seasoned climber, or are considering cutting your teeth in one of the most spectacular mountain ranges the United States has to offer, consider this resource a must!

A good climbing guide is a personal friend. You spend hours reading about possible climbs, adventures awaiting for you. There is much pleasure in browsing a climbing guide, remembering the climbs you have made, those climbs not completed due to severe weather or other reasons, and all those climbs you have yet to try.

My Teton guidebook has particular value as I always inscribe notes about my climbs: the date, my companions, the weather, route finding tips (or conversely, where I went astray), elapsed time, and other items of interest.

This third edition, 1996, is more than four hundred pages. It is much to bulky and heavy to carry on a climb. But it is a remarkable reference of virtually every climbing route in the Teton Range. The descriptions are detailed and well-written. I have not encountered any climbing guide that is comparable in detail and scope to this work by Leigh Ortenburger and Reynold Jackson.

The number of routes and variations on the favorite peaks can be overwhelming. The most commonly used route is highlighted. Route descriptions range from easy scrambles to difficult climbs requiring substantial technical skill on ice, snow, and rock. Numerous excellent black and white photos with climbing routes overlain are scattered throughout the texts. Also, there are many detailed ink drawings of more difficult climbs.

For climbers new to the Tetons, the authors have listed more than 130 of their favorite routes ranging from easy scrambles to severe climbs 5.12 in difficulty, as well as difficult technical ice climbing routes.

The introduction, some sixty pages, is quite good. Major topics include a history of Teton climbing, descriptions of great climbs and traverses, details on the national park service policy, and a discussion of the difficulty rating system. The section on Teton weather and climatology is both helpful and sobering. Also, on more than one occasion I had reason to appreciate Ortenburger's and Jackson's bushwacking hints for those canyons without maintained trails.

I have used A Climber's Guide to the Teton Range for many years beginning with the first edition dating back to the 1960s by Leigh Ortenburger. In the intervening years a condensed version, an extended version (volume 2), and a second and third edition have been published.

This third edition is really quite exceptional and I highly recommend this guidebook to anyone planning to climb in Grand Teton National Park.

Browning turns the mystery of the Wild West into modern day mayhem. Transforming Penny Mackenzie from a lackadaisical reporter to a new age Calamity Jane with style, grace, and downright stubbornness. Pat Browning strikes gold with this new series. I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next!

Cindy Daniel, author of DEATH WARMED OVER--COMING SOON
October 2003/Quiet Storm Publishing

I loved the book. There may be a little prejudice in that statement, since Pat was one of my favorite classmates at Moss high school in Oklahoma. I liked the story line. I loved the fresh comments and her style of writing. The only problem I had with the book, and that can be blamed on my short term memory, was so many characters in the beginning for me to remember. I had not seen nor heard from this lovely lady in a number of years until she began publishing. Pat, I loved your book and wish you multitudes of sucess in your next books.
Harry Shumard

Author Pat Browning's literary hero was John Steinbeck, who won the Nobel Prize for literature. Her esteem for him and her careful study of his style is reflected in the characterization of her heroes, heroines and villains. The book reads well and is worth reading for its ties to the master.

The rural, hometown personalities of Pat's characters really sparkle. Quirky and real, the dialogue only adds more charm to the story.

I believe the town of Pearl exists in pockets as Anytown, USA. Pat has a real flair for capturing the tell-it-like-it-isness of the folks. I think she must have known my Grandmother!

The mystery is twisty-turny, too, just the kind I like. I learned clues along with Penny MacKenzie, leading to a satisfying and logical end.

It's just the sort of book that goes with a cup of tea and a languid afternoon.

Penny Mackenzie is the Lifestyle Editor for The Pearl Outrider - the local newspaper for the small town of Pearl. Her friend, Maxie Harper, reporter for the Outrider, talks her into a late night stakeout. Although a tip that local eighth graders are worshipping the devil and doing human sacrifices turns into nothing more than a pot party, the discovery of a skeleton in a nearby cotton field, throws Pearl into a frenzy of secrets, lies - and murder. Penny finds Maxie's body during an event put on by the Chamber of Commerce. Dinner in the Round is a progressive event that takes the participants to several locations for different parts of the dinner. However, Maxie's progress is ended permanently - at Egg Foo's Bar and Grill.

Who killed Maxie Harper and why? What does the book, Pearl, The Little Town That Gold Built, written by Dabney Brewster, a retired English teacher and the town's local historian, have to do with her death? And whose skeleton has been hiding all these years in Digger Pott's field?

As these questions swirl around Penny like crazy birds trying to find a place to land, Pearl's unique citizens create more questions than answers while a long lost love interest pops back into Penny's life, complicating matters even more.

In this stunning debut series novel, Pat Browning has created a wonderful protagonist and surrounded her with interesting side characters. Penny and Pearl hold the promise of many more intriguing adventures. Browning's writing is professional and flawless and the story is engrossing, with just the right touch of suspense and humor.

This is a winning cozy - from an exciting new author. I'll be watching for the next book in the series - and the next - and the next....

I give FULL CIRCLE my highest recommendation!

This book was great! After being fooled by so many duds, I have begun to borrow more and more from my library instead of just purchasing books b/c Amazon has them cheap. When I saw this book's cover, I said "oh gosh," bring on the cheesy romance book. I was definitely caught off guard by the content of the story. I didn't even realize that the book was set in my town, so that was an extra surprise. Ms. Smith definitely delivered with this story. It had suspense, it had drama, it had romance. I finished it in one sitting.

The two main characters were very likeable and I could more or less relate to them...which is NOT always the case. The book also wasn't overrun with extra characters or digressions from the story.

I will definitely be purchasing this book and I will be on the lookout for more of Ms Smith's work.

This author writes romance characters like Shirley Hailstock. The story moved steadily and the suspense was great. My only gripe was the mystery was given away too early. Overall, I loved this book.

I have never taken the time to write a book review, but after completing this book, it is clearly mandatory that I inform any prospective buyers the delight which awaits you between these pages. I love books both fact and fiction. Ghosts of Fire is a book you want to share with others. I could not put this book down so I stayed up and read it from cover to cover.

Kudos and congrats, Mrs. Smith. Very well done!

Ghosts of Fire by Maureen Morah Smith is the suspenseful story of arson, and a man accused of a horrific crime. Zealously persecuted by a mad dog prosecutor, Robert Calloway is trapped on all sides and only his daughter Rachel can struggle to save him, even as she risks losing her heart to a new love, the cynical, justice-driven Nick Hunter. Meanwhile, a malefic stranger in the darkness has further evil plans in store. A haunting, suspenseful story, Ghosts Of Fire is confidently recommended reading and documents Mauren Morah Smith as a writer of considerable promise and ability.

The setting, an affluent county in Maryland, is the home of Rachel Calloway and Nicholas Hunter. Rachel is an intelligent graphic designer, devoted daughter, and loyal friend. Nicholas is a tortured but well-respected and feared prosecuting attorney. When Rachel's father is accused and charged with setting his popular restaurant on fire, Rachel and Nicholas' paths cross which is the beginning of an inferno.

The characters face a dilemma that mixes responsibilities with matters of the heart, adding fuel to a raging fire. The characters, primary and secondary, are appropriately developed and their interactions with each other are engrossing and realistic. Each character has a story to tell (which is not glossed over nor overdone) that adds an understanding to their existing plight.

Smith does such an excellent job of blending mystery and romance, this story had me turning the pages trying to decide whom the culprit was, only to be fooled several times. Add the very sexy and romantic scenes and you have an excellent and suspenseful read by a writer whose work I look forward to reading in the future.

Because her kids demand that she read this book to them everynight before bed. It's gross kid humor, but the story is too cute to dismiss.

My eight-year old son loves these books. He is not an avid reader, so it is wonderful when we come across a series that excites him. I only wish that they would publish more!

I hope more Stinky Boys Club books are written because they are great. All kids would enjoy them alot

I like this book so much. I don't know which Stinky Boys Club books is best they are all so funny. I think all kids would enjoy them especially the fart parts.

I'm pretty sure I have never written a review for any books other than the three Stinky Boys Books. I love them, my kids LOVE them. They are all equally funny. My two sons (even my 13 year old) recite lines from the Stinky Boys Club books by heart around the house. If I didn't think they were so funny, I'd probably be sick of hearing about them. My 10 year old brought them to his class (fifth grade) and the teacher liked them so much he told the librarian about them. And my god daughters love them as much as my sons do. Thank you to the authors.

This book was great. I like the part were they were galloping in the morning and Lisa thought that Phil or Stevie had gotten hurt when she didn't see them when they got to the top of the hill. I also like it when they were on the walk and Stevie almost fell! This book was so cool it was funny to I had my friends laughing the hole time we were riding our horses. It was kind of weried when Stevie and Phil were always on oppsite teams. This book was cool and even if your not a Stevie-fan this book talks about Lisa and how she has to do something for school and it talks about carole and how she has to help the younger riders. I liked this book and I know that if your a horse-fan you'll like it to.

It's been nearly 2 years since I read this book. But I remember that it was good! The thing I remember most about it, though, was on the M.T.O. (Mountain Trail Overnight), Carole had a funny dream about giant mosquitos, and she was trying to hit them. She ended up hitting Stevie in real life, instead of mosquitos in the dream! Overall, this is a great book and you should get it!

I think the book was great! It's about when the saddle club's going on the MTO (Mountain Trail Overnight) and this time Phil's coming along too! Stevie is really exited, but when Jo Novick comes and asks Stevie to help him with his horse, Phil sees and gets Jealous. So he goes and helps Betsy Cavangh, and Stevie is not really happy with him. Things go from bad, to worse when the MTO starts. I thought it was funny when Carole dreamed of swatting giant Mosquitoes and instead hit Stevie in real life instead! I recomend this book to peale who love horses!

I think the book was great! It's about when the saddle club's going on the MTO (Mountain Trail Overnight) and this time Phil's coming along too! Stevie is really exited, but when Jo Novick comes and asks Stevie to help him with his horse, Phil sees and gets Jealous. So he goes and helps Betsy Cavangh, and Stevie is not really happy with him. Things go from bad, to worse when the MTO starts. I thought it was funny when Carole dreamed of swatting giant Mosquitoes and instead hit Stevie in real life instead! I recomend this book to peale who love horses!

I have read this book at least twice and it is ok.this isn't the only time Stevie's been jealous over her boyfriend, Phil.In the book, Phil comes to MTO(Mountain Trail Overnight) and he meets Betsy. This spells trouble when Stevie gets mad. Teddy (Phil's horse) spooks and Stevie and Topside come to help.

Could Phil and Stevie be serious about breaking up?

I never buy trading books without first reading the library's copy but this was an exception and I am glad I did. This book attacks trading psychology from a completely different aspect than every other psychology book I've read.

His Trader Personality Profile is fairly complex and gives the trader much insight into his own psychology. Dr. Gandevani's recommendations after the TPP as to whether the trader should trade a mechanical system or a discretionary system are again brand new to my way of thinking but the basis he lays in the book are good. He also highlights things to change in your personality to become a better trader according to your TPP--which is a first compared to most trading books.

Finally, look at the price of this book. IF you are a trader, you know that price is the most important aspect of any trade and Amazon wants top dollar for this book and gets it because it's worth it.

How To Become A Successful Trader by professional trader Ned Gandevani is an invaluable resource for traders, investors, and hedge fund managers seeking to increase their trading performance and deepen their understanding to harnessing the powers of the free market. From personality profiles; to decision traps one needs to avoid; to the balance of insight vs. knowledge, How To Become A Successful Trader is a very highly recommended reading before plunging wholeheartedly into volatile financial circles and the vagaries of the marketplace.

A how to book for traders based not on systems, fund knowledge and investment strategies but the deeper more personal issue, the psychology and personality of the trader. Ned Gandevani drew from years of personal experience with the market and its numerous and random theories of successful trading and combined it with his study of behavioral finance and human psychology. The result is a comprehensive, practical guide for determining your own Trading Personality Profile thus ensuring your greatest chance for personal success.
How to Be a Successful Trader begins with a brief rundown of the Trading System including: entry Point, exit point, money management and market focus. The author then leads the reader into the basis for the book. Personality traits, approaches, types, and attributes, all of which contribute to the psychological profile. This profile helps the reader understand how to use their strengths and minimize weakness in order to develop a consistently profitable trade strategy.
The book includes questionnaires, response analysis and in-depth evaluation of the readers Trading Personality. The questionnaires and their results will be helpful in many facets of the reader's lives whether novice trader or market guru. The author has researched his topic at length, resulting in a precise, informative manual for all investors.
Dr. Gandevani has conducted Trading Psychology Seminars across the United States and Europe. He is a professional trader and the developer of the renowned Winning Edge S&P Methodology. Reviewer: Shirley Roe, Allbooks Reviews

This is the only book I've read on the topic of trading psychology that truly provides a framework for meaningful analysis of one's trading personality, and then guides the reader through a process of developing strategies for both exploiting strengths and mitigating weaknesses. Other than the many formatting, spelling and grammatical mistakes, the content is very clearly organized and easy to read and retain. Unlike many other authors in the field of trading, this one does not infuse his writing with pet theories. If you read this book you can expect to gain:

- A clear understanding of the five factor model and how it differs from other models,

- A fairly strong knowledge of those aspects of your personality that help your trading and those that are not so helpful,

- A framework with which to identify those trading styles that suit your personality,

- A clear process for defining what the author calls developmental and complementary strategies for working through personality-related trading issues, and

- A launch point from which to start a life of trading with important self-knowledge that most traders never bother to uncover.

His presentation of perceptual biases and decision traps is also helpful in framing our problems as traders. A mindful reading of this book and purposeful studying of the model for personality assessment will help traders take control of their trading behavior and use it to their advantage.

The business of trading financial markets is perhaps one of the most daunting endeavors an individual can undertake. One with a multitude of technical and fundamental approaches which can bewilder any new trader (and many experienced traders as well). After countless hours and perhaps years of hard work in researching and understanding markets the journey down the path to a successful trading career has only just begun. Now the real work begins.

If one is truly eager to discover the individual that lies beneath just become a trader and you are assured to find out. Every emotion you have ever experienced and many not yet experienced will take residence on your desk right next to your monitors...permanent residence for most.

Flip through any magazine focused on trading and you will see countless ads promoting the latest and greatest trading systems and tricked out software which will give you the edge you need. Nonsense. What truly separates the consistent winners from the rest is simply psychology. Mastering psychological mechanisms which trigger all trading decsisions is the real edge winners have over losers. Yet for every 100 or so books written on trading methods, perhaps one will focus on trading pyschology. And those few have been lacking to say the least.

Enter Dr. Ned Gandevani. "How To Become A Successful Trader" is an instant classic that cuts to the chase and sets the record straight, once and for all. Beyond just theory, Dr. Gandevani's use of solid research and fresh ideas delivers on the title. If one is truly honest with himself, Dr. Gandevani's Trading Personality Profile (TTP) will target all strengths and more importantly, all weaknesses in one's personal makeup. But it doesn't end there. Dr. Gandevani not only highlights flaws but offers ingenious, yet practical methods to correct them. Methods that are not only applicable to trading, but to life as well.

This groundbreaking work is a must read for all traders, period.

This is a great book for anyone who has ever worked with the mentally challenged or Knows someone who is mentally challenged. It shows the true hearts of the clients and the realities they experience in thier every day lives.This is one of those books that A person picks up to read,and doesn't put it down untill it is finished.Very emotional,yet very funny book.A book that truly warms your heart.

Highly recommend this well written hillarious tale of Richard, the "rubber room resident". This is a great read for anyone and would make an awesome gift this holiday season.

Not long ago, during a time where the mentally ill and the mentally retarted were often housed together, Richard Ulysses is encouraged by an uncle to "become committed" to one of these institutions (as a health care professional?) As we read his entries to his journal, we witness the feelings he has toward his fellow "inmates" as he gradually makes them his family. Don't let the sophomoric (and sometimes stomach-turning) humor mislead you, this is a very touching story that will get you thinking about the institutions we all live in, and, like Richard, "Do I really think I'm any better than they are?"

If you have ever worked in the human services field, you'll love what your reading. If you have ever worked direct care with mentally handicapped individuals, you'll love it even more!
I could relate every character in the book, to an individual with whom I have worked. Stellar Job Wally, KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!

I enjoyed this book, found it to be funny and entertaining. Very good reading won't put you to sleep so don't bother reading before going to bed.