Becker Books

Marta shares many interesting stories in this followup to Learning Their Language. Understanding your pet is so important, and the more we can learn about and develop positive interactive communication signals the stronger will be the bond we share with our furry family members. Being "in-touch" with
your pet is an important part of enhancing the human-animal bond, and a critical part of a successful holistic health care program. Those clients whose patients I am proud to treat who are most in-tune with their pets have the greatest successes with both preventing and treating diseases.

Shawn Messonnier DVM
author, the award-winning The Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats, The Allergy Solution for Dogs, and 8 Weeks to a Healthy Dog

Probably most folks who will look at this book are already believers in animal communication but even for those like me who are, there is an abundance of profound and amazingly touching anecdotes in it.

My wife and I have called on Marta for help with our cats on several occasions with great success. As a direct result of reading her previous book we can now often communicate directly with them ourselves. This new book is truely a gem and whichever book you read first, you will likely end up wanting to get the other as well! They are easy to read and understand, and make great gifts! Even children who are too young to be able to read on them on their own can learn to communicate with animals; actually learn more easily than adults.

Even if you don't have a live-in companion, animals are all around us and they love it when you make deeper contact with them. If you love animals, this book is a must have!

This book was so interesting that I read it in two sessions. Parts were funny and parts were sad, but it was all well done and believable. Makes me want to sit right down and learn how to do this myself. Money well spent.

In this book Marta Williams carries forward the concepts described in Learning Their Language. She gives many case histories, examples of how intuitive communication has been critical in the lives of the animals whose cases are described. This is both fascinating and moving. The implications are unnerving, but worth incorporating into your world view.

Author Marti Williams takes us on a wonderful journey as she shares countless stories of animals interacting with humans. In this book she tells of communication between many animals and humans. In these communications the animals; dogs, cats, horses, etc. share their feelings, likes, dislikes, worries and such with the person they are communicating with. Interesting! She also gives accounts where lost pets are found, and emotional problems are solved.
I am an animal lover so this book definitely touched a soft spot in my heart. I am not sure that I fully agree with how she communicates with the animals and nature, but I definitely know that everything living share a common bond. If what she is doing helps even one animal to have a better life, I say Amen and thank you to her! This certainly is a very well written book with some wonderful stories and information that I feel will help and touch many hearts along the way. Animal lovers and pet owners will appreciate this read and find it very beneficial.

It is a challenge to create a vehicle through which an author can weave the characters he creates and the city he loves. Don Becker has done just that in The Bookers. His vibrant and clear memories of San Francisco and its architecture, culture and personality provide the stage for a loving tribute to his Constance Booker and the city where she raised three sons and loved three men. Though The Bookers is a work of fiction, readers will no doubt wonder how many events are based on Becker's own experiences. That conundrum compelled me to sail through the decades with Becker.

The Bookers is entertaining, fun to read and creates a splendid plateau up to which a reader may ascend and gaze at the magnificent San Francisco landscape. I always enjoyed reading Don Becker's columns in the Journal of Commerce. Not only were they so well written but they, like the Bookers,had a warm human touch. The Bookers would make a terrific movie and, in my imagination, I have even cast it but not only with contemporary actors but past ones also. For instance, to Gregory Peck goes the role of Richard Hamblen, to Cary Grant, the role of Conrad Sutro, and to Katherine Hepburn, the lead role of Constance. I also pick Paul Newman to be Ken Thatcher.

From the pages of the Greenwich newspaper review: Following more than forty years in journalism, Greenwich resident Don C. Becker has written a novel, titled The Bookers: San Francisco Memories, that recounts the special times and places he's lived in.
The book follows three generations of a San Francisco family, with the youngest Booker son Dan, born in 1935, serving as narrator. It begins prior to World War II and tells of the wartime death of Lt. Col. Joseph Booker and his beautiful widow's problems and joys in raising three young sons on her own. It covers her romances and later marriages and follows the jobs, marriages and children of the sons themselves. It interweaves major events of the times, from the Vietnam War to the Cold War to the first bombing of the World Trade Center with Don Becker's experiences. For example, Dan Booker was in the World Trade Center when a truck bomb exploded in 1993, as was Becker who then worked as publisher of the Journal of Commerce.
The book is a nostalgic, entertaining and informative story that captures much of the twentieth century in America.

The Bookers is engaging and heartwarming, a rare feel good book about a successful and interesting family spanning seven decades. You'll laugh, cry and learn a lot about a now by-gone era in magical San Francisco.

It is a real pleasure to read a book without special effects, super heroes or comic book story lines. This is a straight forward novel about fairly normal people trying to make their way through life in a real world. It is a tale about a family that a reader can actually relate to, a saga of a family with many blessings, but lots of problems and diverse outcomes. The story is set in beautiful San Francisco and spans nearly a hundred years of family life. What is really great about the characters is that in many cases they are fictionalized versions of real-life movers and shakers in "Baghdad by the Bay", to coin an old Herb Caen attribute for the City. Blended throughout the story line are the major political and life changing events that shaped all of our lives. The lives of the family members and the big events going on in the world create a harmonic symphony. Religion, politics, sex and adversity are all faced squarely and honestly in a way that most novels avoid. There is not much more that a reader can hope for in any book. This book, which, at some real level, is a "fictionalized" autobiography, shines. Enjoy the sunshine.

Forget CSI and 24! "The Crime Scene: How Forensic
Science Works" tells the real story. This book is a
fascinating look into the who, what, where, and why of
crime scene evidence, including not just the science,
but the psychology behind what can motivate or derail
members of the crime scene team. I especially liked
the real-life crime scene narrative that was featured
in every chapter. This followed an actual homicide
from EMS to court case; the actual 'lessons' of the
text were applied to this real case. I also found
that the 'Frequently Asked Questions' seemed to cut
right to the chase in terms of the chapter's main
findings. Great text for students or anyone interested
in this ever-evolving science. Five stars!

This book has provided great insight into the techniques of forensic science. It is quite obviously written by an expert in the field who has seen many, many cases. No doubt that a reader will learn vast knowledge of the subject.

Great introductory book to the science of forensics. The authors have written a concise and readable text that will speak to those who are considering a career in forensics, high school and college students who need an overview of forensic science--what it is, what it involves and what an individual needs to get there and to lay people who are just curious about the area of forensics. The format is interesting and filled with much information. This is a good read!

I recommend 'The Crime Scene: How Forensic Science Works' as an excellent look "behind the scenes" of crime analysis. The many photos and the chapter-by-chapter fictional case draw the reader in.

Kudos to the authors for translating technical aspects of forensic science into a readable account.

This book did give me some new ideas, but I would not want this to be the book I used to get a basic understanding of CSI. The flow was not done well and it is not easy to follow some chapters. Good supplement if you are in CSI work and already have the basics understood. The book was well worth what I paid for it.

basically ok, it was just scratched a little bit from the outside, so it might need better packinging. brgds

Very useful for new business men and for future visits!

A very interesting, well-written book. It covers both the current status of business and business needs in latin america and also the cultural aspects of doing business there. Most books cover one topic or the other. This one blends both into a good read. Gives good, practical tips on negotiation techniques, dealing with the government bureaucracy, impression mangement, marketing to latin american consumers and business leaders, etc. Makes you think of dealing with the latin american market from a whole new perspective. Buy it if you are thinking about doing business in latin america or even if you are already there.

Thanks to Dr. Becker for explaining in practical and action oriented detail the growth opportunities in Latin America for my small USA based company. After stumbling onto our first Mexican client, my team and I thought we better learn more about how Latin American business operates. Becker clearly highlights the economic and cultural factors that shape doing business in the region, as well as provides many "real-world" tips on how to spot opportunities, avoid pitfalls, and develop long term, profitable customers.

An excellent book that provides current market intelligence on Latin America in an easy-to-read form.

Chris Slocum

I highly recommend this book for anyone doing business in Latin America.

I recently expanded my business into Central and South America and was desperately in need of education regarding the business practices and social customs of these new markets. I am usually more critical in my reviews, but Doing Business in the New Latin America exceeded my expectations tenfold, so please forgive my enthusiasm.

I was expecting a dry and analytical tome in the style of the two other books I had already read: Winning Strategies for the New Latin Markets and Latin America's Economy: Diversity, Trends, and Conflicts. These books were beneficial in their own way, but Doing Business in the New Latin America is in an entirely different league.

With only six chapters and 236 pages, you might think that the scope of the subject matter would be limited, but Thomas Becker has managed to cover every base by presenting only the most cogent and relevant material.

This book is written with a casual professionalism--I felt as if I were having a conversation with a well-informed friend. Topics that elsewhere are lackluster and uninspired are here presented with enthusiasm and even humor. This book was actually fun to read.

I began speed-reading the text, but quickly found so much worthy content that I finished the book word-for-word. My second time through, I marked up the pages for later reference, only to discover that I marked up almost every page so much that my business partner had to order his own copy.

The chapter: Using Cultural Literacy to Hone Your Competitive Edge (alone worth the price of the book and the investment of time) explains not only the current and relevant customs and rituals of Latins, but gives them context by explaining the origins and evolution of those customs. I found these stories to be as fascinating as they were useful.

I was horrified to learn that many of my new Latin relationships were already tainted by numerous easily-avoided faux pas and that I had missed opportunities that this book made clear to me. Still, my business has only begun to capitalize on this vast new market and the lessons I learned in this book will, I'm certain, be incredibly beneficial.

The entertaining quality of this book does not overshadow its pragmatism. There are negotiating and selling tips (that are contrary to anything you've ever learned in the U.S.), communication methods, risk avoidance strategies, management practices, and brilliant applications of old-fashioned business approaches to an entirely new market.

I particularly enjoyed the contrasts between the business styles and social norms of our two cultures, often presented in crystal-clear tabular format. I was surprised to learn, for instance, that the U.S. fascination with individualism is not well received in Latin America, where collectivism is the norm, especially among workers.

The comprehensive index makes this book an excellent reference source. A Latin associate mentioned guayabera (a style of shirt) in an e-mail referring to dress codes and I found four references to this word in the book.

I learned so much from this book that I came away feeling like an expert in Latin American business. I won't say that this is the only book you should read on the subject, but I will say that if you were only going to read one, this should be it.

I loved this book. I am originally from Brighton, Illinois and this story has been a living part of my life. From the time that her first went "missing" we were thrown into the drama of a small town crime. I have read this book several times and still get chills from the readings. I personally believe that Rob had his hand in the crimes as well but that's just my own opinion. I still follow the story whenever it is highlighted and everything that is said can be tied back into the book and my actual memories. I guess you could say that I'm one of those who slows down to view the wreck.

Another book was written about her, "Precious Victims" by Don W. Weber, Charles Bosworth Jr. This case was done on TLC's "Medical Detectives" and Court TV's "Foresic Files".

This book is a well-written, in-depth accounting of the life of Paula Sims, who suffered from post-partum psychosis exacerbated by a domineering abusive jerk of a husband. He had no respect for women, as he probably did not respect himself, and put Paula under intense pressure to meet all of his many demands before she met the needs of their children. Paula's first child, Loralei, was mysteriously kidnapped at age 13 days. Paula later admitted that she drowned her. When she had a boy, Randy, she was relieved because now her husband had a son, which he much preferred over a daughter. This took some of the pressure off of her. However, if she was busy taking care of Randy, her husband Rob warned her to hurry up, and said that HE, her husband, came first. What a guy. When Paula gave birth to another little girl, the pressures started building up, and she began having obsessive thoughts again about her baby girl. Reading in between the lines, I almost got the feeling that Paula felt subconsciously encouraged by Rob to "get rid" of the girls, and that she then would be rewarded by him as having done something good.

This book conveys Paula's state of mind, and how she could commit these acts because at the time, she felt as though there were no alternatives available to her. Rob kept her isolated, she had no support system, and she was very depressed due to her circumstances (living under Rob's rigid rules), the death of her brother (to whom she was very close), and childhood sexual abuse by her grandfather. It was as though Paula never had a chance. If she had never married Rob, her life would have been completely different. I wonder how her son Randy fared after being raised by such a weirdo. I'm afraid Rob would want him to be just like him, and see absolutely nothing wrong in it.

I liked this book very much, though I didn't hold much hope for it at first. It's a riveting read, the author has a talent for holding your interest and making the book enjoyable, even though it's about a young mother, abused by her husband and who had been molested by her grandfather as a child, who murders her two infant daughters several years apart and claims each was abducted from her house under her nose. The one problem I had was about the husband. There was plenty about him up until the murders, and then he is portrayed mainly as a detective magazine fan who thinks he knows more than the cops do about solving crimes. You read that Paula confesses to the author after being found guilty of the murder of her second baby, from prison. But I ended the book feeling there was not closure in the role of the husband. I almost felt that he caused her if not forced her to rid them of their daughters. (Their son, the middle child, had been allowed to live. But, the author is so talented this was very easy to read to the last page.

The crimes were horrible and strange: two infant girls kidnapped from the same family in a two and a half year period in two different towns by a masked, gun-wielding man. That was what Paula Sims told the police. The truth is even stranger and more horrible: each baby girl was drowned by her mother, who then disposed of them.

This stunning truth is contained in the last chapter of Dying Dreams, where Paula Sims, convicted of the murder of her second daughter Heather, confesses to the author about each murder and body disposal, though she denies freezing the Heather's body [there is some forensic evidence that this did happen] before dumping the body in a trash can at a rest stop. I have been reading true crime for over eight years and cannot remember any other work that contains a confession from the criminal.

The rest of this book also benefits from Paula's many conversations with the author. Her life is described in much greater detail than the other book on this case, Precious Victims. She also describes several summers of sexual abuse at the hands of a grandfather and bad cases of postpartum depression after each of her daughters were born. Neither of these factors excuses her crimes, but the postpartum depression is mitigating and was never brought forth in her trial. The largest factor for her murders is plainly described here: her loveless marriage to an ultra-fussy, malcontented, verbally abusive, control freak named Rob. The most poignant moment for me was the recollection of Paula's hospital roommate describing her calling Rob and apologizing for having given birth to a girl. His attitude toward baby girls [and women in general] seems to be a contributing factor toward the murder of each child.

This book is well organized and plainly written, and the author interviewed many of the people connected to this story. This is the rare true crime book that, when you have finished it, you feel as though you know who, what, where, when, how, and, most importantly, why the crime occured and all the circumstances that led up to and surrounded it. Amazingly, at the end of this book, you've heard most of those things from the criminal herself.

Becker provided a vital and interesting investigation into Luther's concept of reason. What is so useful is finding out about Luther's use of reason as magesterial vs. ministerial.

Being educated and catechized in the medieval theology Luther knew the center as Reason around philosophy, which still dominates RC theology (see Ratzinger's "Principles of Catholic Theology).

Many misinterpret and thus misuse and abuse Luther and his theological offspring by taking him out of context concerning Reason and Christianity. Becker's book is antidote to this.

This book is a wonderful piece of literature written to the glory of God on a topic that is soooo important for Christianity, particularly Lutheranism. Very well-written and recommended for anyone!

This book is one of my favorites. I recommend it to many people that I talk theology with, and has shaped my thought significantly.

Becker, in this book, studies Martin Luther's thoughts on Reason and it's relationship to Faith. In the process, you learn how Martin Luther went through his mental machinations and came to conclusions. This book is not for the faint of heart. It's kinda philosophical. But Luther is humorous, and to the point.

Lutherans approach theology in a different way than most Christians do today, and this book chronicles why, points out their presuppostions, and how Lutherans approach God inductively through what Scripture teaches about Himself. Becker's final chapter does a good job at summing up why Lutherans answer debated Christian doctrines like "the Incarnation" and "Predestination/Free Will" differently than most Christian denominations.

Read this book to understand how confessional Lutheran thought ticks, their presuppositions, and be challenged. If you are a theologian (armchair or professional), read this book and learn how to bust theological moves like Luther did.

Siegbert W. Becker's "The Foolishness of God" is an absolutely astounding book from start to finish. Becker gives insight into almost every aspect of Lutheran theology. From the bodily presence of Christ in the Eucharist to the paradoxical nature of the bondage of the Will. As I'll point out, Becker delves into the realms of these concepts and never seems to forget to include how they fit with his whole theme of reason.

Thomism: Becker uses Luther's rejection of Thomism (the theology of Thomas Aquinas for anyone who may not know) in order to support his thesis on reason. Becker says of Luther, "[he] consistently held instead that natural theology is always uncertain, inadequate, misleading, and legalistic" (page 50.) Luther outright says that those who try to explain the existence of God with reason and without the Word err greatly. Becker makes perfect sense out of Luther's rejection of Thomism. This chapter can be summed up with this quote of Luther's: "So reason must make idols and it cannot do otherwise."

On Biblical Truth: One of the more intriguing chapters of the book, is Chaper IV, "Reason as Judge of Biblical Truth." In it, Becker attempts to explain the Lutheran position on Biblical inspiration and belief, in the light of reason. Although it's quite interesting to hear his take on biblical inspiration, the following page presents one of the more interesting quotes of the book: "Luther was convinced that the better a person understands the Word of God the harder it is for him to believe it" (page 94.) This quote presents one of the more challenging aspects to tackle in the entire book. However, Becker only deals with this about half as well as he probably could have. However, he still presents an intriguing idea. He suggests that Luther did not mean "reason" as we know it, but rather the German word Vernunft, which means "common sense." This seems to be a fair enough explanation for Becker, because he just continues along with his theme.

The Eucharist (Holy Communion): Yet another interesting aspect of the book is Becker's take on the Lutheran doctrine of the Eucharist in the light of reason. Luther says that reason can tell us that the Bread is merely Bread and the Wine is merely Wine, however, reason knows that the Word of God defies all understanding. Reason, Luther would have probably said, would be the reason why so many churches today (even so-called "Lutheran" churches) teach the idea of "open communion" and the representation in the Sacrament. They teach that the bread is merely bread, and that the wine is merely wine, for how can it be both the bread and the body and the blood and the wine. And how can Christ be at the right hand of God and in the sacrament at the same time? Luther taught that it was this kind of doctrine that got man in trouble. When the Christian begins to rely more on reason then on the Word and faith. Becker provides some really interesting insight on this and it's yet another reason to pick up this book.

The Bondage of the Will: One of Luther's most interesting (and maybe even flawed) ideas is the Bondage of the Will. This is probably the weakest area of the book for Becker, although it's probably the most interesting. Becker leaves something to be desired here. Although he explains what reason Luther used to explain his concept of the Bondage of the Will, he never delves on anything beyond that. But maybe that was Becker's whole goal. Although, I wanted more on this topic, I think I'll have to read "On the Bondage of the Will" by Luther in order to get some more insight. However, what Becker does write is still interesting and true to the thesis, despite being ultimately unsatisfying.

These are just a few of the many areas of Lutheran theology and doctrine that Becker touches upon in his fascinating book. I highly recommend it for the concerned Lutheran or the inquisitve Christian. Becker provides interesting ideas as to many of the various aspects of Lutheran theology, although there is still much to be desired (hence the four stars instead of five.) Again, this is highly recommended reading. 4 1/2 Stars

What a splendid book! Originally, this book started as Becker's doctoral thesis in 1957, but was, eventually, expanded into a book. Thus, a couple of examples in the book are outdated-but the rest of the book is timeless. Becker's primary point of the book is that our reason is contrary to God's way of doing things. "To make the gospel reasonable to unconverted man in an effort to bring about his acceptance of that gospel is therefore the height of folly. Such efforts can only result in a change in the gospel, consequently a destruction of the gospel." (Pg. 230)

Becker no only delves into Luther's thoughts on human reason, but also how Scripture seems to contradict. For instance, the Bible mentions in many places that "once saved, always saved" as some like to say. Yet Scripture also says, "take heed, lest you fall." Both are correct and true--yet how are we to reconcile these seeming different doctrines? Part of this is understanding the Law-Gospel dynamic, which Becker probes into as well.

This is one book to reread every few years like C.F.W. Walther's The Proper Distinction between Law and Gospel. May it find its way onto every Christian's bookshelf.

The Adventures of Sammy the Snowflake is about a young snowflake who learns of his destiny, and then runs away to negotiate alternatives with Weather. Along the way, he and his best friend have various adventures, including an encounter with a monster.
This story is as delicately written as a snowflake itself. It awakens the reader's imagination with simultaneous innocence and wisdom, all the while addressing timeless concerns that permeate humanity: destiny, courage, looking beneath the surface, environmentalism, friendship, and more. This book is a delightful and nutritious morsel!

The Adventures of Sammy the Snowflake vol.1 by Brooke Becker, Illustrated by T. Kyle Gentry is a new series for the young chapter book reader, with clever and whimsical illustrations. Sammy is an anthropomorphic snowflake with family and friends, old enough to begin to learn the facts of life and do some exploring on his own. To that end he and his friend run away on what sounds like an adult spiritual quest, which includes narration that loosely camouflages teachings about finding the meaning of life. The best part of the book is what the young reader learns about climate warming and the devastation mankind is causing the environment, hence threatening the life of Sammy and all snowflakes.

The primary moral of this story is that since change is inevitable, we must welcome it and mold it to our own ends and desires. Sammy is a snowflake and he is finally told the facts of life that has always been hinted at but never confirmed. It is his destiny to fall from the sky, melt into liquid, be vaporized and then rise back up into the clouds to be reformed. Although this is what has happened to all snowflakes since the beginning of their history, this prospect frightens him.
He has heard the legends of the Great and Wise Snowflake Elders that reside at the Hidden Crystalline Monastery and he and his good friend Sylvie decide to journey to the Monastery to consult them. They pack sound provisions of cookies and cider and walk out into the unknown.
Their journey is a treacherous one, along the way they encounter some of the consequences of global warning and discuss the actions of those strange land creatures called people. They are in agreement that people are illogical to be doing what they are doing to damage their environment. As they make their way to the Crystalline Monastery, Sammy and Sylvie must also overcome their own prejudices against the snowflakes that have a different outward appearance. They realize that they were wrong about many things and begin to understand that compassion and understanding is the only way to solve such problems between creatures.
In terms of sentence complexity and plot, this story is written at the level of the late elementary school child. The story has merit, as does nearly every one that involves warning about the dangers of global warming and the overcoming of unwarranted prejudices. I recommend it as supplementary reading material for late elementary school children.

Reviewed by Lake Furney (age 10) for Reader Views (12/07)

After Sammy's parents tell him about the Cycle, which every snowflake must go through, he decides to go on a quest to find Weather. He doesn't really understand it but decides that Weather is the culprit behind the Cycle. Sammy doesn't like change and doesn't want to experience the Fall into the Unknown because he likes his life the way it is.

He gets the help of his friend Sylvie. To find out where Weather lives, they must journey to the Hidden Crystalline Monastery to visit the Great and Wise Snowflake Elders. To get there, they must go through the Forbidden Valley of the Ice Creatures where the feared monster Frostbite lives. Their journey is exciting and full of surprises!

I had a hard time putting this book down and am hoping for a volume two of "The Adventures of Sammy the Snowflake!"

My daughter enjoys Maxwell's Mountain so much that I just had to purchase Shari Becker's latest book, Horris Grows Down. It is completely different from her first story, but just as enjoyable. My daughter, who is almost 4 years old, laughs every time we read about how both Horris and his parents have to carry out daily activities in "special ways" to adjust to his large size - imagine how funny it is for a child to hear that Horris has to brush his teeth with a hairbrush! She also loves counting the numerous items throughout the book (milk jugs, sandwiches, cookies, etc.). We have read the story so many times that she now knows much of it by heart. As well, my husband and I like the story's quirky humour.

I gave this book to my 3 1/2 year old granddaughter who absolutely adores it. She keeps asking me to read it to her again and again. She particularly enjoys listening to Horris's adventures at Bernard BackelBass's Box Factory as she is amused by the concept of a young, but very big, boy "working". As much as I like watching my granddaughter's reaction to the story, I also like reading it to her as I get a kick out of the off-beat humour. I highly recommend this book!

This story captured the attention of my children and was a fun read out loud. What child doesn't imagine (or dream of) being "big"? Big enough to go to work just like mom or dad but as the moral of the story goes and what Horris himself decides -- the best job of all is simply being a kid.

I love this book. It is what we in the publishing business call "smart." It has a story that every three or four year old loves to imagine: he or she gets to walk in their Daddy's shoes! Do what their Daddy does! Even "play" in that magical place where Daddy goes every day: work! Only when Horris - who was simply born big - gets there he is still a kid, doing what a kid does, loving what a kid loves. And - here is what is so clever about this book - the wit goes both ways. Great for kids and downright fun for the adult reader, too. Smart. An outstanding choice for any adult to give to or share with a child. Reminds me of The Shrinking of Treehorn by Florence Heidi, which I also loved.

In ten gentle chapters with simple sketches we meet another charming child--this one lame but royal, and an orphan. (Somewhat reminiscent of Old Testament Jonathan's crippled son.) A healthy baby prince is dropped by a careless nurse enroute to his christening; when both his parents die, he is at the mercy of his ambitious uncle/regent who has him secreted away to a lonely tower on a barren plain. (Reminds me of The Emperor and the Kite).

With only a female convict as a nanny, the little lame prince grows to boyhood in utter loneliness, until his fairy godmother gives him a magic cloak which he uses to travel on the sly. Not to escape, but to see more of the world, and the kingdom which should be his. But would the people accept a crippled monarch, even if he could escape and denounce his uncle? The cloak has an even greater significance for him, since it provides him with love (reminding him that ONE person cares for him) and hope. Is being a king someday what he really wants for personal happiness? An ingenuous tale which will soften the hearts of modern readers. But probably bore kids of the Nineties....

this ia a very nice book i like it its my style
ghanagirlzzzzzz

This book is a must read for all preadolecent girls! It is a remarkably sweet and refreshing book that is perfect for bedtime reading!

My Mother read me this book about 47 years ago and I just loved it. I felt so bad for this poor little boy who was held captive. Then the world opened up for him as he rode on his magic carpet. His adventures were so realistic I felt like I was with him. I reread this book recently because I had always remembered liking it as a child.

This was a fun book. I am a dog person, always have been. Recently my wife adopted a kitten and I knew little about cats. This book was a fun read that gave some very insightful tips on many aspects of cats. From kittens to full grown cats, this is an educational book with a great sense of humor!! Would recommend-

I love the book. It is full of interesting facts and information for cat lovers. I would highly advise buying this book as a pet lover if you want to learn more about your feline. Well written, fun to read and highly entertaining.

I gave one of these as a gift to a sick friend and she was so thrilled. She said she will always keep looking at it 'cuz there were so many things she didn't know about cats. Also, she said it was great that it had an index so she could go back to things she had read easily.

I'm halfway through this book and I've put it down. I was so bored I couldn't read anymore. So far, the book is just chatting about cats with no useful information or interesting stories. I have apparently chosen the wrong book. Even though this book touts "curiously compelling facts" I haven't found any in the first half of it.