Bean Books

Barbara Bean is an amazing writer who's ability to show us the cracks and fractures in our own lives and relationships through her character's is amazing if sometimes unsettling. Bean asks something of the reader when they embark on her stories -- which is what makes her work so d--n amazing.

Bought it, got it signed, and read it in less than 24 hours. This is amazing -- i feel like I know the people in these stories. Can't wait to read her next book!

Barbara Bean is one of the best short story writers I have read in a long time. I don't fancy myself a fan of short stories, but she has changed my mind. The details and storylines are absolutly amazing and I love her ideas. She is a huge assest to the writing world and needs to be featured on the ... show! Wow! what a triumph!

This book is the best compilation of short stories I've read in years. Any one could be developed into a novel.

My 3-year old, Sadie, LOVES this book! I stumbled upon it during one of our library outings-- the illustration of the rabbit looks SO much like the "Mr. Bunny" that she sleeps with that after renting it I had to go online to buy it! Such a great story.

I found this book at the library and was so impressed by it (especially the pictures) that I came seeking it out on Amazon. I am entranced by the gorgeous pictures and the story is sweet as well. My daughter had a fabric rabbit she adored like Emma Bean. It now sits on my dresser, dirty and worn, as my daughter is now 16. Sweet book, great illustrations.

My daughter adores this book. She wants to make a rabbit just like Emma Bean. One read makes it an all time favorite.

This is a beautiful book - one with a story that tugs at your heartstrings, but not in an overtly sentimental way. The illustrations are a perfect complement to the words. The language is simple and the story is not too wordy - great for little ones, preschool-aged and under. I started calling my baby girl "Emma Bean" as a nickname (her name is Emma) because of this book. I showed it to her daycare provider who then made Emma her own Emma Bean based on the book. Both the doll and the book will be treasured keepsakes.

This book has revolutionized my teaching procedures. Bean shows us how to be more effective teachers without adding to the time we spend prepping and grading. The students are more engaged and writing better essays, and I am spending the same or less time preparing and grading. There are tips on everything from in-class exercises to constructing formal writing assignments. I recommend it to anyone teaching composition or any class with a critical thinking/writing component.

Professor Bean provides the theory behind his recommendations but, as any teacher who has delved into this literature knows, theories about effective teaching aren't in themselves necessarily very helpful. What one needs is practical advice, and this book has it---lots of it. Bean identifies different writing activities for students; shows how to design tasks for active thinking and learning in the classroom; suggests effective ways to make use of small group discussion in the classroom; explains ways to increase active learning in a lecture course; discusses the mechanics of grading papers; and shows how to enhance learning in essay exams. Even for the experienced teacher, there's a good deal of worthwhile material here, and it's cogently presented. A highly recommended book for the professor who wants to increase active learning in the classroom and get more out of a lecture course.

John C. Bean presents a thorough, logical discussion covering issues that (may seem basic) but that I for one, still struggle with - successfully integrating critical thinking writing assignments into my courses.

Bean blends relevant research and studies to explain and justify what works and what fizzles. His text offers strategies and assignments - from short, informal writings to involved research projects. His work considers learning styles - (students and instructors). The author models rich critical thinking and writing - the discourse allows learners to make their own connections and discoveries (while absorbing the valuable resources and information provided) Readers, like students engage in the journey of sense-making.

In sum, this is not just a book of potential exercies - it is a rich resource for instructors grappling with issues of assessment, critiquing, and the fear of grading overload. These topics and more provided me with some wonderful "aha" moments.

It's the "aha"s that spark my spirit of inquiry - and this is what I strive to share with students.

Bean's text is a thoughtful and useful pedagogical "storehouse" of ideas that teachers can use in their classrooms. Not only does the text provide the theory _behind_ collaborative/cooperative approaches to teaching, but it provides such ideas for a wide array of subjects. Anyone who values the teaching of writing--whatever the subject area--will find good value in Bean's text.

Richard Fundy is 43 years old. His life and spirit are in disarray brought on by a recent divorce and losing his long time job as a claims adjuster. Forced to change careers he becomes a high school teacher of American Studies. Life is so joyless he submits "heartsick - lack of succor" as the reason for a day's absence.

Moving back in with his father Elwood further compounds his misery. He doesn't understand Elwood's behavior such as his firing a shotgun into the bushes surrounding the house believing Indians are spying on him.

Ironically, Elwood's bizarre and eccentric behavior does have enviable and desirable traits. In pursuit of intellectual companions and stimulation his social hangout has a jukebox that plays poetry and classical music. He's fun loving, brutally honest and doesn't kowtow to social norms; pretty much "does his own thing" in accepting life on its terms. What he does and says and Richard's reactions create some very funny situations that show the difference between the two characters. Richard is frustrated, discouraged and ready to throw in the hand life dealt him. Elwood with unbridled enthusiasm and irreverence plays the hand he's been dealt.

I liked the book for the contrast of the two and the humorous dialogue and situations. The book is unpredictable. In fact, a big surprise at the end lends more credibility to Elwood's "normalcy". Throughout the book we see him as quirky, odd, socially out-of-place, outspoken and insensitive. But, we get to see him wear his heart on his sleeve and share "normal" feelings of love, heartbreak, and sadness.

From the beginning the book is chock full of laughs and chuckles which I attribute to Fedo's gifted creativity in his use of words and word pictures.

You never know what you're going to get with Michael Fedo's fiction-I've been publishing his short pieces for years-and that's why he's a joy to read. Put another way, you CAN expect his writing to be quirky, subtle, enlightening, humorous and at times even outrageous. "Indians" is all of that and more.

Richard Fundy was a 43 year old man who had lost his wife, as well as, his job as a claims adjuster. He applied for a teaching position at Button Gwinnet Senior High School back in his hometown. The principal hired Richard because Richard had been the only applicant who knew who Button Gwinnet had been in history.

Richard moved back in with his father and began teaching American Studies. However, Richard felt as though his life was going down the drain. His father, Elwood, thought that Indians were spying on him from the arborvitae, just waiting for a chance to rob him.

Luther Burgess-Durfee had been a friend back in high school with Richard. He was on sabbatical and ended up spending much time with Richard and Elwood. Elwood was always getting them into trouble, such as stealing apples from a cop's yard. Richard was kept busy trying to look out for his dad, but Luther was fascinated by Elwood and edged him on. Would it never get any better?

***** This book is non-stop laughs! Author Michael Fedo has written a tale that is sure to please. Fans of Jeff Strand should especially take note of this writer. I found myself staying up late into the night just to see what wacky thing would happen next. Recommended for all ages! *****

Michael Fedo's "Indians in the Arborvitae" is an engaging, offbeat romp of a novel. It features a pair of main characters calculated to win your heart: the Fundys, father and son. Richard, the son--usually referred to by Elwood, the father, as "Dickie"--is a 43-year-old schoolteacher suffering from a sort of generalized low-grade malaise("Heartsick--lack of succor" is how he describes it on the absence report he files with the school secretary). Divorced and at loose ends, Richard lives at home with his father and sleeps in his boyhood bedroom. The school he teaches at is named after Button Gwinnett, probably the least distinguished signer of the U.S. Declaration of Independence, and Richard scores points with his principal by writing and delivering a speech to local bigwigs that elevates Gwinnett and thereby the school. Elwood, for his part, is a pistol. He fancies that Native Americans are spying on him from the bushes surrounding the house and keeps after "Dickie" to remove the bushes. It is the relationship between the two men--and the surprising denouement regarding it--that provides the framework for the book. There are any number of funny scenes in the book. In one, a group of old ladies takes lessons in how to "get down" from a legendary black blues guitarist named "Honey Doo." In another, Richard finds himself entered in a "ferret-legging" competition in a local bar, with potentially disastrous consequences for his lower anatomy. This is a novel about love and life and getting by, and reading it is a whole lot of fun. I suggest you give it a try.

Not only does this book explore the history of International Mr. Leather (IML), but also it represents the history of the gay movement and history in general, in ways related to all of us. Most notably, you can find hundreds of historical facts in Joseph Bean's commentary "Giving IML Some Historical Perspective". Joseph takes us back to the presidency of Jimmy Carter in 1980. The death of artist Andy Warhol in 1987. The onslaught of AIDS in the 1980's and how it changed the world. The dawn of the Internet and how it changed the way we live. The Spanner case in England in 1996. The Monica Lewinski scandal of the Clinton White House. And how can we forget 2000 when M&M released the song "The Real Slim Shady". He touches on literature, television, movies, art, music and so much more. This book is a must have for any history buff and anyone who wants to relive the 70's, 80's and 90's.

Leather and Leather Men hold a unique place in the gay world. Dark and brooding, it also bespeaks adventure and curiosity. One rarely thinks of a Leather Sir, or even a Leather Boy of being anything but rugged and sensual. This tribute to Leather Champions is sufficent evidence to provide proof to the thoery. Woof...

The International Mr. Leather (or IML) contest in Chicago has become one of the biggest and most important leathermen events worldwide. 2003 was the 25th competition. If you don't know what IML is, or if you have attended regularly, perhaps Joseph W. Bean's book International Mr. Leather: 25 Years of Champions will entice you to purchase it.

I am notoriously difficult on history books in these reviews, a product of my training as a historian. Primarily I judge books by what the author claims they are doing. Both Chuck Renslow and Joseph W. Bean explain their goals and their methods at the beginning of the book. This is an endeavor of love and was spurred by people asking questions. They ran into common problems, lost sources, conflicting memories, and incomplete records. Their directness about the problems practically eliminate any complaints I might have.

At $20, with the money going toward the Leather Archives and Museum (LA&M), this book is an excellent way to entertain and educate yourself while you support a non-profit organization geared toward preserving the history of the leather subculture. If you know someone who likes to look at leathermen, loves IML or just wants to learn more, this is an excellent gift.

For those unfamiliar with International Mr. Leather, it as an annual event where literally thousands of Leatherfolk gather every May in Chicago. The centerpiece of the weekend is the International Mister Leather contest, in which men from around the world compete for the chance to promote the Leather Lifestyle (among other activities).

But it wasn't always like this. In a book that is destined to take a place next to Mark Thompson's "LeatherFolk" and Geoff Mains' "Urban Aboriginals," "25 Years Of Champions" chronicles the humble beginnings of IML in 1979 (12 contestants from 6 states) to the extravagant pageant that it is today. In 2003, over a dozen men from countries other than the United States flew to Chicago for the chance to represent their nations. So as you would expect, this is the kind of book that is laden with imagery of Homomasculinity at its hottest, with pictures documenting every year of International Mr. Leather.

But once again, I have to repeat. "25 Years Of Champions" is much more than a tableaux of hot men in leather. Each year is given a historical -- and gay slanted -- perspective, with everything from Jack Fritscher's coining the term "Homomasculine" for an article in Drummer Magazine while reporting on the 1979 IML contest, to the rise of AIDS and its effect on the gay community, to world and American politics. Prominent gay figures give their reflections of IML's they attended, competed in or contributed to, with everyone from International Mr. Leather founder Chuck Renslow commenting on how the contests evolved -- to Bootblack Marc Peurye's prideful reminiscence on getting the Mr. Bootblack Competition to arise from a "service to IML package holders" to a recognized and organized part of the weekend experience.

There are also a few surprises to be found. The Village People once performed (unannounced) as the contest's featured act. Comedian Judy Tenuta has been a frequent MC (once having to cancel to appear on David Lettermen!) The Reverend Troy Perry, founder of the Metropolitan Community Churches has frequently been an IML judge (and contributes one of the book's memorable segments).

Compiler Joseph Bean and a host of contributors have created a grand history of this culture of leather in this magnificent, 200 plus page book. But if the thought of all those words intimidates you, fear not. There are pictures, and did I fail to mention that the pictures are hot? If you missed that earlier on, forgive me. I reiterate; the pictures are HOT. Get "25 Years Of Champions" now. It's going to look great on your coffee table.

This wonderful book has a great Southwest twist and the illustrations are incredible!

Jim Harris's "Jack and the Giant: A Story Full of Beans" is a fresh and unusual twist on the classic "Jack and the Beanstalk" fairytale. The twist here is that the story is a western, complete with adobe castle, people spouting slang like "hornswoggled!" and a character named Annie Okey-Dokey.

Harris has succeeded masterfully in making the story new and approachable for even young readers for whom the classic tale might be a little bit too bloody. The illustrations are an absolute hoot--colorful, detailed, and abrim with delightful asides where tiny mice, rabbits, buffalo and other animals wink and grin at each other with quips appearing in cartoon-like balloons. It's all visually reminiscent of the very best of master illustrator Wallace Tripp.

This really is a lot of fun for adults and kids alike, and rewards repeated reading with all the fun visual stuff you'll continue to notice.

Author/illustrator, Jim Harris, has created an in-your-face western retelling of the classic fairytale, Jack and the Beanstalk that will have you and your children laughing out loud. Wild Bill Hiccup is the western version of the giant and a magic lasso that turns french fries into gold, a banjo that plays music on its own and a furry buffalo that leaves golden buffalo chips replaces the classic story's standards. Jim Harris' illustrations are hysterically one of a kind and keep you begging for more. Luckily for us, he is a prolific author/illustrator and he continues to recreate these delightful classics.

This atypical version of the well known fairy tale is a delight to both young and old alike. The creative storytelling carries the reader along like a tumbleweed in the wind, not knowing what twists and turns will happen next. Jack is the hero trying to save the day and the Bar None Ranch, along with his sidekick the yellow tabby cat. The clever adaptation of this old tale is refreshing and downright funny. I found myself laughing at the antics of the tabby throughout the story. My favorite character is the one who gives the giant the gold in a very original way (I won't give it away, you'll have to read it for yourself!) 'Jack and the Giant' captures the spirit of the west in its delightful illustrations. Each page holds a reader's attention while they try to take in all the action in the pictures. Jim Harris is a tremendously talented illustrator who seems to bring to life each of his characters with the ink of his pen. He truely has a gift to share with children of all ages! Anyone who loves fairy tales will enjoy 'Jack and the Giant' by Jim Harris.

The Mom's Choice Awards® honors excellence in family-friendly media, products and services. An esteemed panel of judges includes education, media and other experts as well as parents, children, librarians, performing artists, producers, medical and business professionals, authors, scientists and others. A sampling of the panel members includes: Dr. Twila C. Liggett, Ten-time Emmy-winner, professor and founder of Reading Rainbow; Julie Aigner-Clark, Creator of Baby Einstein and The Safe Side Project; Jodee Blanco, New York Times Best-Selling Author; LeAnn Thieman, Motivational speaker and coauthor of seven Chicken Soup For The Soul books; Florrie Binford-Kichler, Founder of Patria Press, Inc.- an award-winning independent publisher and Member of The Children's Book Council; Tara Paterson, Certified Parent Coach, and founder of The Just For Mom Foundation(tm) and the Mom's Choice Awards®. Parents and educators look for the Mom's Choice Awards® seal in selecting quality materials and products for children and families. This book has been honored by this distinguished award.

This book is fun for kids, but also provides important lessons for kids and parents regarding healthy food choices. Young children are often exposed to marketing messages that attract them to unhealthy foods. This bood does a great service by countering those messages in a fun and engaging way.

I think this was a really great book! It definitely gives a good measage to families. The illustrations are catchy, and the rhyming added alot. Little kids will be influenced by the creative characters.
-Aja Watkins

I acquired a copy of The King and Queen and the Jelly Bean several months ago and since then have read it nightly to my three daughters (6, 3, 3). In fact, my six year old daughter now reads the book to her twin sisters. Each evening after reading to the girls, we play a game of identifying the different beans. Our three year old twins are able to identify all of the beans. I did not realize how much our three year old daughters were learning from this book until one day when we all went grocery shopping. As we walked down the canned food isle, our twin daughter ran to a can of kindey beans and said, "daddy, these are kidney beans and they are in the book we read before night, night." We really like the book, especially the healthy eating habits it teaches. The King and Queen and the Jelly bean is a big hit in our home. Pastor kd

This was a rich delight to read. Many leatherfolk and leather-curious will appreciate the content, accurately described by the chapter titles: "Getting Started in Leathersex", "Playing with Power and Sex", "Playing with Pain", "Playing with Pleasure", "Playing with Life and Death", "Leather Relationships", "Anatomy, Physiology, and First Aid" and "Leathersex and Spirituality".

The author's writing style is both engaging and informative. "Leather Relationships" has an intimate quality to it, including an interesting interview with the founders of Masters & slaves Together ("MAsT"), and another with the author's late boy. The latter interview and writings around it answer, as best I've seen, the question "What is a 'boy'?" "Playing with Pain" included information on some techniques for pain processing and storage that I'd not run across in book form before. "Leathersex and Spirituality" is a short but welcome chapter.

The book flows well. The author does not shirk from addressing edgy topics when relevant. The index is exhaustive.

I particularly recommend "Leathersex" to a gay male leather audience.

Joseph Bean does an outstanding job of explaining, demystifying and clarifying many aspects of BDSM. It is from a gay male perspective and would probably not be of tremendous interest to hets or lesbians, but gay & bi/pansexual bio- & transmen should thoroughly enjoy Bean's work, no matter what their level of involvement in BDSM. He covers a wide variety of topics ranging from leather to bondage, BDSM relationships to finding partners, play parties to tools, etc. Plus Bean focuses on the importanct of the safe, sane & consensual principles. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!

This is a "foundation book." A "must read." Joseph, one of the select few who have shaped the Leather culture in this country, wrote this timeless book in part so that those not (yet) involved in the Leather culture could develop a better understanding of what it is and how it works. But it is also intended for those of us who have some years of experience, here. For this book batches and sorts in ways that help us better to uderstand others with slightly different kinks. His chapter organizations are inspired and his writing style is easy to follow. As I've said: a "must read."

It can be difficult to balance between talking down to those who will feel they have a lot of experience in BDSM and tallking over those who are just learning about BDSM. This book does a good job of looking at a wide range of activities and interests, some of them for the first time, so that newbies can feel grounded while advanced kinky folk can mull over the concepts. Even though the book grew out of Bean's own journey toward becoming a master, I think the book can speak to anyone regardless of vanilla sexual orientation. However the book often reads more like it is geared toward the bottom or submissive partner in a relationship.

I've been a professional (published many times) children's book illustrator and can tell you this illustrator makes any book she does worth buying. She is fabulous. Check out her other books too.

My husband is deployed to the Persion Gulf. His ship has a program where sailors can read a book to their children back home and have it video taped. This is the one my husband chose. My granddaughter fell in love with it and it has held her attention enough to hear it over and over. I am going to get her a copy today. Since it is on the list to be read to all the children of the USS Wasp sailors, I am sure that it will be enjoyed by all.

Norma Jean, Jumping Bean By: Joanna Cole is a superior book. The story is about how a kangaroo named Norma starts to make her friends upset due to her constant jumping. So, she stops jumping all together. Then one day at school, Norma's teacher says that there will be a field day at school. After that, everyone at school signs up for all of their favorite events, except for Norma. That day, everyone at school now wants Norma to jump again. Will Norma begin to jump again, and will she sign up for field day?
I would rate the book 5 stars out of 5 stars. When I read the book, it made me curious of what would happen next, and it never got boring. Even though this book is for younger ages, I still enjoy the book as a 7th grader!

This book has adorable illustrations which make it easy for younger children to follow along the storyline of Norma Jean (a Kangaroo)who learns the hard way that there is a time and place for everything. The easy to read format makes it a good choice for beginning readers. Also, adults will like this story as it is just the right length for a bedtime story.

El libro nos muestra UNA VALIENTE SITUACION, así como la dureza con que sufren las personas del campo¡ Tal como es!

QUE LLORAS DE TRISTEZA, TE RIES, TE INDIGNAS...LO QUE SEA MENOS DEJAR DE LEERLA !

NO te la pierdas... esta fuera de serie !
AQUI SE HAN VENDIDO 25,000 EJEMPLARES EN DOS MESES !

de carcajadas abiertas y una SÀTIRA AGUDA DEL SISTEMA POLITICO EN UN PAIS TERCERMUNDISTA...

Los personajes parecen caminar, reir y correr entre las pàginas y no puede uno menos que pensar que, MIENTRAS LOS PAÌSES DESARROLLADOS BUSCAN SU QUESO...NOSOTROS NO ENCONTRAMOS NI LOS FRIJOLES !

Esta bellamente escrita, con diàlogos vivos y personajes MUY FUERTES !

REVELADOR DE LA TRAGEDIA DE FONDO...
ES NOVELA, CRONICA, CUENTO DE HORROR, COSQUILLEO Y LAGRIMAS...
UN LIBRO fuera de serie !