Clubs Books

Shaw has packed many high-level topics into this play, while at the same time keeping long portions of the dialogue fairly low-level. Two topics jump out most frequently: hell and enjoyment. His take on each respective topic is fresh, seemingly from an entirely new perspective.

In the third act, the characters' conversation stands out in a couple ways. The explanation of hell from Don Juan, the Statue, and The Devil's point of view is unique. From a Judeo-Christian standpoint, it reeks of blasphemy, twisting around the traditional views to show things as they really are: The devil finally gets to tell his side of the story; heaven is boring; anyone can go between the two afterlives whenever they please. What is interesting is that Shaw's hell can fit with the Judeo-Christian/Biblical facts, something that the blasphemy police certainly will not give any credence to or spend any time investigating. His idea that heaven and hell are created for those who are going there matches perfectly with Biblical theology. A person not living in the grace of Jesus would hate heaven just as much as a person living in his grace would hate hell. Biblical theologians would not agree (if one could get them to listen) that people can choose their own eternity, nor would they agree with the concept of non-believers enjoying themselves in hell, even if one could get them to voice their belief that they will be given over to all the desires of their flesh.

What is fascinating about Shaw's hell is just that idea - that if life is about your passions and enjoyment (namely, the flesh) then your afterlife will be personal to those same passions and enjoyment. At this point, the conservative Judeo-Christians would be sharpening their inquisition equipment in a fervent rage because much of the play speaks to that idea of personal enjoyment during life, specifically the English. Don Juan says that humans live to try to understand life more but later adds to that idea by saying that understanding only helps us to know that we are enjoying ourselves. Life then becomes the pursuit of enjoyment, and hell mimics that pursuit as a sort of eternal amusement park. In a statement that seems like a pre-response to his opponent's case, Don Juan then says that although he spent his whole life looking for pleasure, he never found it. If it could ever happen, it is that response which could appease the frantic theologians. The devil, being the father of lies has pulled the eternal wool over everyone's eyes, both the living and the dead, and has gotten them to abandon their real purpose.

Shaw's flirtation with both sides of the controversy is what allows this play such success. He angers both the proponents and opponents of Christian "myths" and then offers possible solutions to appease both sides.

Reviewed by Jonathan Stephens

In this title, G.B. Shaw outdoes himself. Not only does he manage to turn up with a Don Juan play in our modern day and age, which is full of cynicism, and doesn't give in to 'medieval' codes of behaviour, but he even manages to turn around the table. Here, the hunter becomes the hunted, forced to flee from his pursued/pursuer. Shaw includes in this play an ingenious conversation between the original 15th century characters, which not only explains about Don Juan's philosophy, but shines a new light upon our own lives, here and today.

In this title, G.B. Shaw outdoes himself. Not only does he manage to turn up with a Don Juan play in our modern day and age, which is full of cynicism, and doesn't give in to 'medieval' codes of behaviour, but he even manages to turn around the table. Here, the hunter becomes the hunted, forced to flee from his pursued/pursuer. Shaw includes in this play an ingenious conversation between the original 15th century characters, which not only explains about Don Juan's philosophy, but shines a new light upon our own lives, here and today.

The writings of Bernard Shaw in this particulat play, invites to you use your mind to understand life and philosphy. It has such great insight into many aspects of human nature and at the same time is exteremely funny and really takes you into it's pages. The writing has impecable style and this is truly a classic play.

George Bernard Shaw was called, with good reason, the "English Nietzsche". Though Nietzsche was an aristocrat and Shaw a socialist, both cherished the dream of the superman and looked forward to the day when he would be realised. Both, however, were characterised by their mordant wit and intellectual cynicism, in which "Man and Superman" abounds. Shaw manages to compress a number of disparate themes into a relatively taut dramatic format, even throwing in a scene in which Don Juan, the Devil and a gang of anarchist brigands make an appearance. The central event of the plot involves the wealthy Tanner, a member of the "Idle Rich Class" making himself subservient to the Life Force and seeking the perfect woman to marry, who would guarantee him a very special offspring, his ideal, the superman himself. Though Shaw was not known to have read the works of Bergson at that time, nor to have been conversant with his vitalist doctrine of the Life Force, his use of the Life Force motif and the philosophical underpinnings of the play attest to a pure Bergsonism. The most delightful part, however, is the "Revolutionist's Handbook" at the end, which contains Shaw's most scandalous anti-Establishment jibes. For instance, "Do not do unto others as you would them do unto you. They might not have the same taste."

Mary Anne is going to baby sit for Jenny, a little brat. Jenny seems to be getting jealous of Andrea because Andrea gets to be in the commercials.

Mary Anne discovers that Jenny, a four-year-old that she is babysitting for, is starting to act prissy and trying to be perfect. Mary Anne soon realizes that it is because Jenny's baby sister is getting a lot of attention, and Jenny feels like her parents are paying no attention to her. Should Mary Anne talk to Jenny's parents about it? Find out what happens!

I thought this was a very good book, and I am going to read lots more of this series. I like the character of Mary Anne and she is very kind to help Jenny to get happy again. I would recommend this book to a lot of people.

Story kind of amusing, yet poignant. Kind Mary Anne seems to be the only one who understands why Jenny acts so fussy for a four-year-old. Touching how Mary Anne worries about Jenny, especially when Jenny's own parents don't seem to understand her & pour a lot of attention into baby Andrea. The book was kind of funny in that Mary Anne goes through a lot with Jenny, especially when Jenny turns messy & makes a HUGE mess of peanut butter in the kitchen, testing even Mary Anne's patience. Another cute scene which also reflects Mary Anne's gritty, honest humility is when the other kids reject Jenny openly from their games & Mary Anne is startled to notice that Jenny doesn't seem hurt or upset, then thinks, "if it had been me, I would have turned bright red & burst into tears." Typical Mary Anne humility! I'm past my teen years now & I read this book a while back, but I sometimes re-read Mary Anne's books & as I'm reading, I sometimes forget that Mary Anne is still a child in this series; her mind seems so...grown up & mature. I love how perceptive she is & sees beyond the superficial facts of behavior & understands why people behave in certain ways. Mary Anne's truly enchanting & unlike any other character I've read about.

Jenny is getting jealous because her mother and father spends time with Andrea, Jenny's baby sister. Soon, Mary Anne realizes that Jenny is acting prissy

about her secret childhood at a time when she wasn't old enough to remember anything. At the end she realizes she has a grandmother and visits her. To get the real details on what happened at this visit, read Mary Anne's Book.

Mary Anne finds herself very curious of her mother. So she looks in the photo albums in the attic and discovered an awful secret.

If you want to meet a truly unforgettable, memorable book character that will forever touch your heart & even change how you think, read this book & meet Mary Anne Spier. Her mom died when she was a baby & her life hasn't been very easy. Yet she faces that with a rare courage & dignity that I admire. She searches the attic to find out more about her mom & discovers her long-lost grandmother! She also finds out a BIG secret that happened between her dad & grandmother that involves her. Even though it upset her terribly, she had the strength & courage to confront it & talk to her dad. It was so touching that she finally got to see her grandmother after all these years & form a bond with her. I liked finding out more about her mom along with her & here we meet Mary Anne's grandmother, Verna Baker. I like Verna too & hope she's in more future books!

Mary Anne's mother died when she was a baby. And since it makes Mr. Spier too sad to talk about her. Mary Anne hardly knows a thing about her mother. Mary Anne respects her father's feelings. But lately, she has to find out aboutb her mother. So Mary anne does something she knows is wrong. She goes up to the creepy attic in her and Dawn's house for evidence. And there Mary Anne finds something she wishes she never had...

Mary Anne has a secret in her pass and now she is afraid of the future!

This is such a great song to sing and the book is a fun accompaniment, as well as the CD.
These types of books are great to bring in the car for some family fun time!

This is such a great book. I've used it with many many preschoolers and children, and the remark I always get is "again, again"...

I bought this book for my nephew and the entire family has enjoyed his singing the pages, he had it memorized in no time and he is only 2 years old!!! I would recommend this book to anyone with young children, not just for their enjoyment but for the entire family.

The younger loves the beautiful pictures and singing along. The older loves looking for all the little details in the pictures. They both love substituting the names of the characters for their own friends' names! Both learned their colors through this book without realizing what they were actually doing. This is one book I don't mind reading over and over.

I remember reading this book back in kindergarten and the first grade. It was the first book I ever learned to read. I loved this book so much that I read it until I had it memorized. It's too bad the original cover is not printed in this edition. I'm going to pass this one down to my cousin, Adam, whose only 4. Hopefully, we can continue the tradition so this will be his first book he ever learns to read.

When I commenced reading The Mask of Time I was tempted to put it down. That would have been my loss, it was a book that has remained firmly entrenched in my mind, since it was published. I recommended the book to everyone I knew who was a reader. It surpassed the expectations of everyone I knew. It has a wonderful plot. This book kept me up for 3days and nights,I took it to lunch, the beach, everywhere I went until I finished it. I was sorry when I had finished it. The end of the tale was a little weak, but despite that, this is one book that should have been a blockbuster.An absolutely wonderful tale. His more recent books have been enjoyable, but he will find it difficult to write a book that will surpass The Mask of Time. When I become a very old person I will always remember this book and I've read a lot of books!!

I was in a local book store and saw a banner across a book 'satisfaction guaranteed or double your money back.' So I bought the book and was in love with the author immediately. I just wish he had more out to read as I have torn through all of his books-Marius Gabriel has great talent. I await SEVENTH MOON with great anticipation! I have to say THE MASK OF TIME is my all time favorite. Definitely read this one, there is no way you will be sorry!

What more can you ask for, the interwoven stories of WWII, Nazi's, and past and present love affairs. I found it difficult to put this book down and was unprepared for the ending. This is definitely a book to read again at some time in the future. After I finished it, I spent an hour rereading parts that had suddenly become crystal clear. Mr. Gabriel certainly knows his craft well. Before I started this one, I had read "The Seventh Moon" and was worried I would be disappointed that Mask couldn't possibly be as good, I was wrong. Looking forward to his future work.

I was recommended THE SEVENTH MOON by this author and enjoyed it so much I came back for another book. MASK OF TIME is just as good. I could not believe my luck. This is another wonderfully engrossing story, with a huge sweep of history and an evolving mystery that goes back two generations. It is a rivetting story, and I cannot recommend it too highly. I am now going to work my way right through Gabriel's books!

Author Marius Gabriel does it again. I wasn't sure if I would enjoy another story around Spain and WWII but again it was a "I couldn't put it down book again!" We travel back to Europe and follow Candida through her most important years, who with her family hide an American WWII POW from the Germans. Then we go to Candida in childbirth and losing her battle with life. The baby girl survives and the story really starts. Going back and forth in time to now a Kate Kelly who is searching for the American POW who she thinks is still alive. When Kate is brutually beaten and lying in the hospital bed dying her daughter Anna steps in to take over Kate's adventure. And what an adventure it is! Anna finds Philip (man of her dreams) and is on the same mission Anna and her mother were on but with a strange twist of his own. We couldn't put this book done and what a surprise ending!!! We wouldn't dare give it away. Just read it!!!!!!!

Mastiff: A Comprehensive Guide to Owning and Caring for Your Dog (Kennel Club Dog Breed Series)
This book was very useful and informative. It is also written in a manner that is easy to follow so it was quickly to get through.

Informative & easy to read. Gives a detailed history on the breeds origin and characteristics. Great sections on housebreaking, everyday care and health. I loved all the color pictures!

This is a must have for any Mastiff Owner from the beginning owner to the seasoned breeder. It is extremely informative and Inspirational.
We purchased this book as well as another.
"History of The Mastiff"- Gathered From Sculpture, Pottery, Carvings, Paintings and Engravings; Also From Various Authors, With Remarks On Same, This book was "NOT" worth the purchase price.

This book provides a good overview of all topics related to Mastiffs. A great book for someone interested in the general history, care requirements, and peculiarities of the mastiff breed. The photos are nice, and this is a fun book to pick up and browse through. Lots of quality information can be found within, yet the breadth of information prevents a truly comprehensive approach. Still, a good value overall!

This book is by far the best. it gives thorough information specifically for mastiffs. it has a place for records and gets down to all the particulars about the breed!

Ms. Onu craftily weaves a tale of 3 Nigerian friends that is at once witty, engaging and evocative. While the characters are Nigerian, the issues they face are definitely universal. Invite a few friends to join you as you embark on the journey of Titi,Amaka and Mina.Together you'll discover the secrets to finding what every woman yearns for - love and security.

Okay, I bought this book because it was by a Nigerian author and I had read some excerpts. I also read the reviews and felt I owed it to myself to get a copy and boy oh boy was it ever the best decision I made. I am an avid reader but have not read in a while. I got this book and could not put it down. I read it front to cover in one day! What really intrigued me is that the stories of these ladies are not so disimilar from most of us. We have all at one point or the other been or encountered any one of these women. It is real but not condescending, truthful yet humorous, painful yet hopeful. Well I can go on and on, but seeing is believing, so get your own copy and buy a few for your girlfriends. Start a book club and let us discuss. And to the author, Ekene Onu, thank you for such a refereshing book. Please keep it coming, I look forward to reading more from you.

Let me start by saying i read ALOT of books. At least 1 or 2 a week. I won this book in a contest and it is unforgettable. I read it all in one sitting because i couldnt put it down. It was funny, full of drama, keep you at the edge of your seat anticipation. It was very well written and one of the best chick lit books i have ever read. Like the previous reviewer stated you will relate or know someone who reminds you of each of these characters. Naija babe or not you will love this book and if you pay enough attention learn some life lessons from it. Keep em coming !

Who said this book was just for women! The Mrs Club is a page turner that gives you a peek into the minds of three naija babes. I was struck by how much each character reminded me a bit of somepeople I know. As you read the book, you can relate to the various themes: Mother-daughter relationship, inter and intra-cultural nuances and life in the diaspora.
At the end of the book, you come away reminded that there is a little Mina, Amaka and Titi in every woman, and a little Dele, Obinna, and Jeffrey in every guy. Don't play, cos you might get played! Get a Copy!

I started this book and was surprised at how captivating it is. I have not been able to put it down. It's a real page turner. I love how I can totally relate to the everyday nuances that are just typical 'naija babe'. The book is funny and will speak to something inside you; truth be told, the characters might even remind you of yourself.

Truly a very good book to have on your coffee table.

if you were a kid who's never been to new york city like I was at one point, you'll learn so much about it through the BSC including in this book.

this was one of my favourite BSC super specials. The plots I enjoyed most were how the art classes claudia and mallory were taking turned out, and how jessi met quint. Reading all about new york made me want to go there, the descriptions are well written

If you're interested in going to new york city and wondering what to do there, this book may inspire you. Jessi goes to ballets, claudia and mallory are taking fancy art lessons and get to draw some of the city's well known tourist attractions, stacey and mary anne have a mystery on their hands, and so forth. You also get a taste of how multicultural new york city is, far more than little stoneybrook when they go to chinatown and eat food from different cuisines.

"New York, New York!" starts with a journal entry by Claudia Kishi about her plans to take an art class in New York City during her two-week school vacation. One thing leads to another, and the entire BSC is on their way to New York for two weeks. During their stay, the following things happen: Stacey McGill and Mary Anne Spier baby-sit two British children who they believe are being followed by a mysterious man who wants to kidnap them; Dawn Schafer becomes apartment-bound because of her fear of city crime; Claudia and Mallory Pike enroll at Falny together, but their friendship falls apart when the art instructor plays favorites with Mallory and criticizes Claudia's work on a daily basis; Jessi Ramsey meets a guy who also loves ballet just as much as she does (She receives her first kiss from him!); Kristy Thomas finds an abandoned dog in Central Park and sneaks him into the apartment, despite the no-pet policy.

This is the sixth Super Special in the Baby-sitters Club series, preceded by Baby-sitters on Board! (#1), Baby-sitters' Summer Vacation (#2), Baby-sitters' Winter Vacation (#3), Baby-sitters' Island Adventure (#4), California Girls! (#5), and succeeded by Snowbound (#7), Baby-sitters at Shadow Lake (#8), Starring the Baby-sitters Club! (#9), Sea City, Here We Come! (#10), The Baby-sitters Remember (#11), Here Come the Bridesmaids! (#12), Aloha, Baby-sitters! (#13), The Baby-sitters Club in the USA (#14), and Baby-sitters' European Vacation (#15).

What I liked most about "New York, New York!" (and every other Super Special) is the change in character point of view with each chapter. Although this is primarily Claudia's book (she compiled everybody's diary entries and letters and then included some illustrations--which were drawn by Ann M. Martin's father, Henry R. Martin), everybody in the BSC had a chance to share their fun and excitement in New York. This is definitely a must-read for BSC fans, especially those who love the Big Apple.

Bloomingdales, The Hard Rock Cafe. The Baby Sitters are going to see it all!

Although I wasn't born yet (at the time of the premier), I did in fact grow up seeing the program on syndication, during the early 60s'. Of course, I was one of billions who had a crush on Annette (Funicello).So when I saw the book at a Barnes & Noble store, I quickly purchased it!I must say, it really brought back memories. Not only were the photos great, the personal stories relating tothe mouseketeers (on a past to present experience) was just fantastic. I hope that, maybe, another book will be published in the near future.

The Mickey Mouse Club was the first show my parents turned on to keep me quiet for an hour back when I was a toddler.Disney and his works have a very important significance to me.The Mickey Mouse Club became a classic-and is such a milestone among children's television,it's hard to believe it originaly only ran three years.Yet,it is so fondly remembered by viewers that it will last forever in our minds.And,to Leonard Maltin,I was also one of the many who learned how to spell Encyclopedia from Jiminy Cricket.

If you're a Mousekefan, and I mean a fan of the REAL Club, the 50s Club, you'll love this book. There's so much info, background, and lots of nice photos from behind the scenes. I'd like to have read much more about what happened to the rest of the Mouseketeers, but this is still a delight to read.

This was an excellent book! I couldn't put it down. I read the book in two days. It told about the lives of the Mousekeeters and even about some who didn't make it. I really know more about the Mousekeeters and about the show now. It was exactly what I was looking for.

Although I wasn't born yet (at the time of the premier), I did in fact grow up seeing the program on syndication, during the early 60s'. Of course, I was one of billions who had a crush on Annette (Funicello).So when I saw the book at a Barnes & Noble store, I quickly purchased it!I must say, it really brought back memories. Not only were the photos great, the personal stories relating tothe mouseketeers (on a past to present experience) was just fantastic. I hope that, maybe, another book will be published in the near future.

I love this book! I remember borrowing it from the library over and over when I was young! My siblings and I couldn't get enough of it! Now that I have my own little readers, I wanted to share one of my favorite books with them. Such a shame it is out of print! A true classic - great story!! I ended up purchasing it used because I loved it so much! I wish it was more readily available to the masses - my children enjoy the story so much - it is so sweetly nostalgic to read it to them!

I truly do wish this book would come back in print... We love it at Thanksgiving when we do our family unit. it is so difficult to get it from the library anymore, because there copies were either never returned or they are damaged from so much use. PLEASE REISSUE THIS BOOK

I am 12 years old and have loved this book since I recieved it many years ago. A few years ago I came across it and was so sad to see half of the pages had fallen out and were lost. All I can say is I love this book!

First published in 1978, Peter Spier's story of the well-meaning Noonan children stands up well even after 25 years. The story of the three children who overhear their parents talking about the house needing painting and decide to surprise them will have you and your children turning the pages with bated breath as you wait to see what that house looks like! It's worth the wait -- a laugh-and-a-half for kids and their adults. As you'd expect, the illustrations are colorful and fun. This would be a great companion book with Daniel Pinkwater's 'The Big Orange Splot'.

My copy is tattered and torn and all forlorn but it is still a hit in first grade. We use it as a jumping off point for creative writing...sometimes I copy the text and the children illustrate; sometimes I copy the pictures and we write our own text. We love it! This particular book has set more readers on fire than I can count.