Bean Books

In his last Harriet Bean book, McCall Smith reveals that Harriet has twin Aunts who are detectives. With Smith's bent toward detective stories it is little wonder he wasted no time creating one for Harriet. That is how the book starts off.

The aunts have found that there is something wrong with the horseracing business and the races seem to be fixed in some way. They need more information in order to figure out how it is being done. It must be done by the jockeys considering the high level security around the horses. And Harriet is just the right size to pose as a jockey.

Harriet has her moments of doubt and dread, but in the end, she does solve the mystery. Readers will find Smith using his familiar style and ethics. He notes that cheating is a bad thing and that people should not do it. The book is recommended for readers from 7 to 12 years of age.

THE HOPE OF TIMOTHY BEAN is a thought-provoking novel. Many social issues are thrust into the reader's subconscious without a lot of chest beating and demands to the issues. It is well written and draws you in quickly yet quietly.

Timothy is the central character with a need to correct the injustices in the world. His world appears small as he lives in a boarding house and owns none of the material things that many people think they need. As the story unfolds, many well developed characters enter his life. They are the down and out people of society. Some live in homeless shelters, one is handicapped, few have jobs, but they all are drawn to the kindness of Timothy. Even his landlord is drawn to him as she professes her self-image of being a Christian. Nothing could be further from the truth. She is the epitome of the narrow-minded hypocrite that tolerates very little from her fellow man.

I found this story to be interesting as well as enlightening. Readers are foced to look inside themselves and evaluate what they feel and do in regards to the struggles of the less fortunate. I personally enjoy a book that can bring me to new levels of understanding and compassion. It is well written by an author that has true insight into the minds of his characters, and a winning writing style to bring it all together. I can guarantee that his characters will stay in your heart and mind long after you put this book down.

This book spells out a lot of what most parents probably instinctively know and refines areas where there needs to be improvement. Loved the section that discussed how children control parents. Great step-by-step book to helping children take responsibility for their own behavior. Good section on dealing with children that fall under a special category(low self-esteem, shy, sensitive) and need a system emphasizing positive reinforcement. A very re-enforcing, empowering and validating book for parents and caretakers. A++++, two thumbs up!

As usual, Interweave Knit has full of feminine, fashionable and inspirational projects in the whole issue. A must have for knitters who are into feminine knit wear, or office environment clothing.

This is a wonderful introduction to a series of six books. Well written and beautifully illustrated. The personalization makes it a very meaningful gift for that special child in your life. And it also becomes a life-long momento!

In the 11th book in Cynthia Blair's series about identical twins, Susan & Christine Pratt, the girls travel to New Orleans for a National History contest. The twins use their super-sleuth skills to investigate the disappearance of their new friend Caroline and it leads them into the world of voodoo, black magic, and the secrets of New Orleans. This book vividly describes the city of New Orleans and the exciting drama that the twins embark upon. This is an engaging story that children will love to read and it will encourage their imaginations to go on an adventure of their own.

I love this book for St. Patrick's Day. I was sad to see it was out of print. Glad I had the opportunity to get a copy on Amazon.

One of the best American writers

As far as books centered around "Green" marketing go, Bev Oster's "Know Beans about Green" blows all of the others out of their recycled water! It is provoking, inspirational and above all fun! I've read other marketing "Green" books like John Grant's "Green Marketing Manifesto" and Christiane Katharina Murr's "Beyond Green Marketing" and although they are pretty well written, they are often preachy, and tend to amble around like a tortoise on Ambien. Bev Oster's "Know Beans about Green" takes a fresh and relevant idea and blends it seamlessly into a narrative that is both engaging and enlightening.