Bell Books

Szpilman reveals the tragedy of Jewish life in Warsaw under the German occupation from 1939-1946. Szpilman's autobiographical work was first published in postwar Poland in 1946 but then quickly removed from circulation by Polish authorities. An accomplished pianist before the war, Szpilman played for Polish Radio during the siege of Warsaw and later within the Jewish ghetto to provide food for his parents and siblings. With the systematic liquidation of Jewish life in Warsaw and separation from his family, Szpilman's life took a series of surprising twists. As the reader views life in the ghetto through the eyes of a survivor, his escape from the ghetto before the Jewish up-rising and his ultimate survival consistently depended upon a timely combination of luck and sympathetic acquaintances B including a German army officer.

Included with Szpilman's memoirs are excerpts from Captain Wilm Hosenfeld's diaries and Wolf Biermann's own brief commentary. Hosenfeld's equating of National Socialism with Stalinist Communist and Biermann's emphasis on Szpilman's willingness to break with his past detracts from the overall quality of this work. Nevertheless, this work is well written and will retain the reader's attention to the end.

I could not put down this book, and read it in two sittings. Wladyslaw Szpilman, the famed pianist and composer, describes his harrowing account of life under Nazi terror. As a Polish Jew, Szpilman was considered by the Nazis to be entirely subhuman, and it is a miracle he survived the persistent and random acts of violence that surrounded him. He was nearly sent to a death camp along with his five family members, and somehow was pulled off the Birkenau-bound train to a grim prospect of survival. The images in this book are harrowing, such as the depiction of the shattered skulls of little girls, victims of the Nazis' "preferred" method of killing children by picking them up by their legs and swinging them into a brick wall. Imagine the horror....Szpilman's account is so matter-of-fact at times that you wonder how he survived. The fact that he did is a testament of human endurance, but also the ways of fate. There were occasions when he survived simply by the luck of the draw in a Godless universe.

Polish filmaker Roman Polanski who was born and raised in Poland by Catholic parents, was there to see what it was really like, unlike many others who were never there, but make ignorent anti-Polish judgements. It's funny how those who were actually there, like Wladislaw, tell a completely different story that the Hollywood/Media tells. Wladyslaw told the truth. Read the book, and see the movie. Get this book and movie to your schools and libraries - Please. This story has healing qualities that brings people together, and not apart.

This book is an incredible story of survival. I have seen the movie also. I would recommend both!

One of those amazing stories that makes you realize just how much the human spirit can take, and still survive. And just how inhumane we humans can be towards each other. Once you start reading, you won't be able to put this down.

Every so often I get insecure in my efforts to write a decent book, and I check out one of these craft books. Often they help, often not. This one falls in the latter category. It outlines the most common concepts of the most common fiction (the necessity of conflict, an objective for the main character, opposition thereto, the three act structure, etc.), and tells you how to fill in this cookie-cutter design and maybe tweak the shape so you come up with a new variation on the reindeer or the Christmas tree (or the thriller or the mystery or the romance). The section on plotting can be summarized as, "If you're going to plot, and you should, just think of anything that could happen, write it on a card, fill lots of cards, and then put the cards into a sequence that leads to someone getting shot and then someone else having to deal with it." I exaggerate, but only slightly. A good scene usually ends in some sort of drastic action, a gunshot being a good example. Passing reference is occasionally made to literary fiction as something that could involve more subtle developments, and everything else herein is only useful for the true novice or the genre writer. Which has it's purpose. The most basic basics must be learned. Maybe this is a good place to get them. If you do order this, even if you have never written before, you will smack your head a lot and go, Duh, that makes sense. Of course!... (BTW, I'm no literary snob and certainly not writing from any position of authority. The writer of this book had published some books. If you read this and follow his advice, you might too. They might even get published. They will not be that ultra-subtle stuff where nothing happens, and not very interestingly, for hundreds of pages and we are made to suffer the 'artists' pretension--and that's certainly a good thing. But to learn to write exciting, lively prose, this doesn't seem like the route.)

I am savoring every word in this book. The exercises at the end of every chapter have helped me brainstorm deeper and more intense scenes for the book I have been attempting to write for years. I have many other books on plot and scene writing - this book has me writing more effectively than I have for a long time.

invaluable advice for anyone whos considering writing. very impersonally written and easy to follow. i'm still reading it (about halfway through) and i consider it a must have for my writing research library.

This book is most effective when you do the corresponding exercises at the end of each chapter. Bell doesn't give you busy work. Each assignment helps you flesh out material that can be directly used in your novel. In other words, his chapters are insightful and helpful. I found his verbiage easy to understand. Whether you've taken writing classes in the past or not, this novel on plot and structure will give you a new way of looking at your stories. Filled with examples from other bestsellers, Bell makes it easy for readers to get a sense for what will help make their fiction stand apart from other bland novels on the shelf. I highly recommend this book. There's plenty of variety here to keep you interested and once you're done, you'll feel ready to get going on your next novel--I know I am!

James Scott Bell continues to make learning the craft interesting and worthwhile. A must have for all writers, new and old!
Revisions & Self -Editing is of the same quality. I find that even though I have read it I go back to them.

I only wish he would come out with more writing books!

but it never quite developed for me. I bought it based on all the positive reviews and I have to wonder if these reviewers read the same book as I did. I liked the story idea, but too many ideas/themes tossed in and not thoroughly explored. The dialogue was thin and unrealistic at best. Other than that, I liked the point of view and I enjoyed the bits of humor that popped up. A great first effort, but gosh...work on story development for the next book please.

Claudia Mair Burney did the dogone thing! Amanda Bell Brown is a sassy and clever heroine. Sizzling dialogue, authentic description, and ever mounting conflict made it top notch reading. I couldn't stop laughing at the humor, was moved by the underlying spiritual message and was simply delighted to find a really well written novel.

I got the best of both worlds with this book. I'm always trapped in an episode of CSI:Miami, Law and Order or somewhere with my nose in a good Christian Fictian romance. How did Claudia Burney know just how to put it together? I felt like I was spying on Bell's life. I was totally immersed in the crime scene, in the flirt scenes in the scary situational scenes. I used EVERY spare moment to read this book and I'm thrilled that there is another one in the series.

I don't read a lot of chick lits or murder mysteries, so to read a book with both rolled up together was an anomally. But let me tell you, reader, this book captivated me. Bell's (main character) wit had me laughing out loud.

I don't know. Maybe it's not chick lit. It has the sass of chick lit, but not really the concerns of chick lit. To be honest, the whole chick lit category confuses me once you get out of the shopping and heels stuff.

In between the laughs, Burney dealt with hard issues such as divorce and remarriage, life in the occult (and healing after getting out), interdenominational relations, and a single person's honest-to-goodness struggles with lust for the person to whom they are attracted. Yes, people, that's normal, and I love that Burney didn't shy away from that. And can I say this? While reading this book, I was an African-American woman. And you know what? I loved it. (Being African-American and the book.) In fact, I loved it so much, that I've decided to make it the June giveaway for Glimpses (my ezine).

Amanda Bell Brown is a forensic psychologist that is in dire need of some fun and excitement. Amanda is all set to spend another birthday alone until her sister drags her out to a birthday dinner. Amanda's world is sent into a tailspin when she suddenly ends up at the scene of a murder. She thinks she knows who the killer is, and she's trying to do everything possible to solve this case. Things become a little more interesting when the lead detective of the case named Jazz asks her out. But as Amanda becomes more involved in the case, the more dangerous it becomes. Will Amanda be able to solve this crime without becoming a victim herself?

Murder, Mayhem, and a Fine Man is a riveting mystery from Claudia Mair Burney. Mair Burney expertly created an intriguing mystery with colorful cast of characters. This storyline pulls readers in deep into the twisted world of the cult and how it can be detrimental to its members. You will feel the heart-stopping drama as Amanda gets closer to solving this disturbing case. You also feel the romantic sparks between Amanda and Jazz. Mair Burney does an excellent job of illustrating the inner religious conflicts of Amanda and Jazz as they become closer to each other. There is also a good dose of humor that makes this novel all the more enjoyable. Murder, Mayhem, and a Fine Man is a suspenseful page-turner that is the perfect start to the Amanda Bell Brown mystery series.

Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert
for Urban Reviews

If this was the only book of knitting patterns I ever purchased, it would be enough to last a lifetime. The pictures are clear and the author adds commentary to the different sections and to most of the patterns. This is helpful in choosing the appropriate pattern for the project.

So many fabulous designs - all well photographed and explained. An excellent book for any knitter!

My sister, knitting for 50 years, advised me that this would be the one most valuable book I could buy with my moderate knitting experience. The number of patterns described in the book is breath taking. The simple organization of the book is appreciated. The author's prose and content are superb, leaving the reader wanting for more information on the history of knitting.

This is by far my favorite stitch pattern book. The pictures are great (even though they are black and white). The only down side is that none are written in charts. Would be nice to have some of them written this way too.

A lot of patterns in this book had been published before, notably by Burda, Harmony guides and Mon Tricot. Burda pattern books are highly superior, because they provide excellent charted instructions (as I have seen in the two last Treasuries, Ms. Walker does not really understand how knitting charts should be made, so perhaps it is better that she sticks to basic text). Mon Tricot books contain also text, but in a more messy format, and often with mistakes, so here Barbara Walker does a better job. Harmony is so similar as to look almost like a reprint. Of course, we know that SOME patterns will be reprinted, so no big deal, and it is very convenient to have them in one book and not in three or four. Altogether, though, I would not miss this book terribly much.
But if you are unfamiliar with other books I quote this one should be very instructive, so I still give it three stars.

Ratha's creature opens up a whole new world of cats. Long before the Warrior cat series, lived Ratha and her tribe. This book is full of adventure and suspense for any age. I couldn't put it down. Make sure to buy this one first and while you are at it, order the other three so you won't have to stop in the middle of this great adventure. If you love the Warrior Series you will love Ratha's Creature!

I am a cat person. I happen to believe that all cat people would enjoy this book, given they like a good infusion of adventure. Clare Bell brilliantly reimagines a prehistory where sentient cats are suggested as being the top species and a cat called Ratha dares to experiment fire. The writing here is top-notch and vivid with description that never gets too flowery. These are cats, but they are not cute and cuddly--think cousins of the saber-toothed cats. Bell gives their characters a wonderful blend of humanity and pure cat instinct. I don't know if I would consider this children's literature, but rather something anyone could read. Wonderful pick for any lover of fantasy adventure.

I have read many feline fantasies,but none of them touch this one.It is better than the Warriors books,and I think that older Warriors fans will love this book.The harsh landscape and the complicated,realistic characters are wonderful!A word of warning,though:this is not a cutsey kitty book.Ratha's Creature is a very deep,allegorical,and thought provoking book.Some of the raw,savage images(mating,wounding a cub,death by fire)may be too much for younger,sensitive readers.I would reccomend this book for mature teens who will be able to understand and enjoy this magnificent,powerful book.Well done,Clare Bell!!

The Named Series is a collection that has survived in the hearts of readers for decades, inspiring fanart, fanfiction, and more. Here is the book that started it all - Ratha's Creature, an epic, memorable tale of strife, forgiveness, and triumph. This novel resurrects an ancient world and delivers in full detail, the savage brutality endured by those of arcane laws, a code of claws and fangs - while thrusting into harsh, honest light, what it means to question and discover the meaning of 'Self Awareness'.
Lion King worshipers, Warriors devotees, Animal enthusiasts - you have not stalked the feline path, until you have unearthed these treasures.

For more information, copy and paste the following links:

Clare Bell's official domain:
www.rathascourage.com
For an exclusive look including fanart, fanfiction, and more visit Trails Of Conquest:
www.trailsofconquest.webs.com
For Named (Ratha) Series Cat Role Play (rp) stop by Into The Mist:
www.intothemistrp.webs.com

I am a huge cat fan and I can't believe that this book has existed for so long without my knowledge! I loved it from the very beginning and the story drew me in. I quickly ordered the other books to read. Any adventure or cat fan should read this book. If you do not love cats or do not have a fasination with animals you will soon. The book, while fictional is very realisitic and the characters are very wild and "animal-like." I cannot wait to read more. I genuinely feel the loss of one character in particular...sigh. Read this book! It is a great escape. Welcome to Ratha's world.

For those fortunate fans who were in the groups fan club, in 1999, could purchase it earlier on, and would get an extra page, at the front thanking fans for their support.
Ever imagine being on stage with one of the coolest bands,*NSYNC, to see what it is like to be them? "*NSIDE *NSYNC The Ultimate Official Album", delivers.
Read a day in the life of *NSYNC, leading up to their stage entrance. Hear what they are saying about fans,and life on the road.
Go backstage, meet their band. Get to recognize their security team.
View the guy's off stage antics, with each other, wherever they may be!
End your journey as the tour bus rolls out.
Look at the signs, marking their arrivals.
In closing gaze at a unique image of everyone that makes what they do possible. It's one photo , you won't ever forget!

I order the book from Amazon and I just got it today and I started to go and read it and I love it because it brings me back memores seeing them in Arizona in 1999 when I saw them it is great book. I love it a lot I can know what they do offstage this for any N'sync fans you will love reading it also it is so funny too with the pictures that they have in the book. Justin is so hot in the pictures also with the back of the book Lance is so cute sleeping.

If you like to look at tons of colorful photos of 'NSYNC, then you'll love this book! This book does not contain any new info, but it does contain tons of full page photos of all the guys during shows, backstage, and just hanging out. It's just a wonderful book for any 'NSYNC fan!

This is by far THE best ever that i have seen coming from the guys themselves, *N Sync. This book brings with itself the real lifes of these VERY talented guys. You are going to be SO entertain with its awesome pictures, that you won't even bother with the reading. You should read it, ofcourse, because that is the reason why they made this book. They want to let people know who they are and to also show the world that they are here to say. They are the best group ever. They don't have their 15 minutes of fame and leave. These guys make a mark wherever they go. Chris, Justin, JC, Joey, and Lance: Congratulations on your sellings and remember that GOD is on your side. I love you guys snoopy8876.

Tons of photos! If you haven't yet gotten to an Nsync concert, you'll feel like you have with all the pictures of the showl. And for those of you who have been lucky enough to see Nsync perform live, this book will show you what goes on before a concert.

In spare, poetic and very beautiful dialect, old and grumpy Guernsey misanthrope, Ebenezer Le Page, recounts the story of his life; a tale of disillusionment, loss and remarkable resiliance.

Edwards makes Le Page a Guernseyan "Everyman." Le Page represents an embattled folk community: colonized by the French, occupied by the Germans and finally overrun by English tourists.

Like the butler, Stevens, in *The Remains of the Day,* Le Page has an epiphany that transforms him. But while Stevens' epiphany is of the rather subtle dry sherry variety, Le Page's knocks you flat like a good shot of white lightening, poteen or whatever it is that Guernsey people drink when they want to see God.

*The Book of Ebenezer Le Page* is about a small miracle of the human spirit in the face of war, poverty and souless consumerism.

One of the best books I have read in a long time...The universality of Ebenezer is wonderful. It brings the reader back to another time and place. I highly recommend this book.

It's been more than twenty-five years since I read The Book of Ebenezer LePage, lured to it by the story of John Fowles's involvement in seeing it published. Having just finished The Story of Edgar Sawtelle, my brother and I were comparing notes on the novel we both enjoyed so much when I commented that, in some strange way, the story reminded me of Ebenezer LePage. Thinking still about that extraordinary book, I checked here at amazon to see if it was still in print.
In reading the long list of capsulized reviews, I found the following and laughed out loud: "The Book of Ebenezer Le Page, by G. B. Edwards, is an oddity and a great literary wonder, written in the beautiful French patios of Guernsey, . . . ." --Archipelago. Of course, the book may have been written on a patio, though I've no idea how the reviewer would know. What I do know, however, is that the subtle language of the Channel Islands--English, with some French added creatively--is known as a "patois," and the use of that patois in the book's dialogue is but a small part of the charm that wafts through the book's pages. I've long considered it to be one of the finest novels I've read.

What can I add to the almost unanimous chorus of praise and rave reviews? Not much. But this is such an exceptional yet so inexplicably little-known book that I feel obliged to join the chorus.

THE BOOK OF EBENEZER LE PAGE reminds me, as unlikely as this particular combination may sound, of both Thomas Hardy and Mark Twain. Indeed, for a rough approximation of the narrator Ebenezer Le Page and his personality and humor, imagine that Sam Clemens had been born in 1890 on the Channel Island of Guernsey, lived there his entire life, and then nearing 90 set down the story of his life and his world. Although not as cosmopolitan as Sam Clemens, Ebenezer Le Page is every bit as independent a free-thinker, as open-minded, as cantankerous, as wise, and as ruthlessly disdainful of cant, self-righteousness, and those who better themselves at the expense of others. And almost as funny.

For all its greatness, THE BOOK OF EBENEZER LE PAGE is not a page-turner that you are likely to devour in one fell swoop. It took me two weeks to read it. But each time I returned to it, I was eager to do so. It is not unlike an idiosyncratically crusty grandfather telling tales from his life after dinner; as much as one loves to listen to him every evening for an hour or two, one is not prepared to listen to him day in and day out, to the exclusion of everything else.

This novel is sui generis. It also is, in my experience, the greatest novel by a "single-work author." (It far surpasses John Kennedy Toole's "A Confederacy of Dunces.") But it should not be regarded solely as some sort of curiosity. It is a great work of literature, and it merits far wider recognition and a far wider readership.

This is a book for good readers only. And for good readers who enter the book at the right time when they are willing to invest the effort to get far enough into the story to care about it. There is much to complain about. It is a first person narrative written by a person who is not always likeable about other people who are not always likeable and who are often two dimensional. It is written in an idiosyncratic style that reflects both the education level and patois of the narrator. The setting is limited, obscure and unfamiliar to most readers. Somehow those very complaints gradually reverse themselves to become the strengths of the book. The author asks a lot from the reader because you have to plow through a lot of words and page after page until you become aware of the reversal. You become very interested in the narrator's life story, the vast cast of characters continues to increase with every page but they seem more human and not so irritating, the writing style becomes familiar and essential to the story as the narrator's personality and a reflection of the richness of the setting. This is a long book full of a long life story and many small stories. The small stories are some of the most memorable, particularly during the time of occupation. Some of the little stores are entertaining, like the two pigs and some are tragic, like the story of the young prisoner. I found myself more caught up in the little stories than in the larger tragedy of Raymond and Horace. My recommendation is to skip the introduction by John Fowles which is long and unnecessary and save your endurance to see if you can get far enough into the book to reach the point where you stop having to work at reading and want to pick it up. It is brilliant, even as it is astounding that a publisher read enough of it to make the decision to publish it.

I found this book very helpful for examining and deepening my own values. I would classify it as "pop" religion, but of the highest level. A very easy read; persons from any faith can benefit from this book. The early Christians were Jews. So as a Catholic I treasure the knowledge and wisdom that Jews have preserved and passed on. This book has a certain practicality that I find very refreshing. For non-Jews, the book provides easy access to perspectives that can be very helpful in developing a deeper understanding of their own faith. Rabbi Telushkin definitely put a lot of love into this book. I thank him.

There is always sage advice, mixed with stories which I have come to look forward to more and more, and humor. It's a great way to start your day. I have been reading this for the past four or five years and most of the time I see something I didn't see earlier. It's an intrinsic part of my life. And I have bought quite of the books that he cites and uses as sources.

I have bought many copies of this book as Bar//Bat mitzvah presents, friends and relatives. I have Rabbi Telushkins other books and they are also high on my gift lists. Everyone will benifit fron reading this book even if one was to disagree, because that also could lead to interesting discussions with others.

This is a wonderful book. Over a two year period, I have read it twice on a day by day basis. Each time an essay is read, something new is learned.

Telushkin does it again with another wonderful book! An extremely easy to read guide to the core of what Judaism is all about.
This is a great guide for non-Jews who would like to learn more about Judaism, for non-observant Jews to re-discover Judaism, and a great reminder to some "observant" Jews who sometimes forget that kindness is also a big part of being a Jew.

I think this book speaks to every Jew no matter their background or ideology.

This book is a fun read and useful in a number of ways- personal growth, exercises to use alone or with others. i never realized how much life coaching uses improv exercises until i read this book. It is concise and packed with goodies.

This is a very insightful journey of transition from a person who planned everything down to the last detail into a person who learned that just showing up is more important.

John Crewdson
www.camptaichi.com

I loved this book. I bought it as an aid for designing training, but it's really a manifesto for living. It is indeed full of wisdom - read it, enjoy it and use it. And just show up.

Don't worry. If you've never: met a professional improviser, yourself taken any improv classes, attended an improv show, and/or didn't even realize that Improv was anything besides a word meaning, `movement that is created spontaneously,' this book will still be relevant to your life. 'Improv Wisdom' is much less about the art of improv than it is about the art of living.

The idea behind Improv Wisdom is simple: learn to listen to others (really listen) and to trust yourself (and your ideas). Yeah, sure, you've heard that before - but you haven't heard it in this simple, brilliant, and compelling way. Divided into 13 chapters, each driven by a `maxim' for doing good improv (read: for living a good life), Improv Wisdom provides a roadmap for finding the way to that ideal state of being, the one in which you can understand and appreciate people the right way and at the right times, live in the moment and love yourself, but in a completely understated and non-cheesy way. Each maxim is summarized, explained, and supported with examples - all score top marks for clarity and relevance. Patricia Madson's voice is warm, encouraging, and laced with humor. Reading the book, you begin to feel as though she, if you were perfect, would be the voice your subconscious mind, offering you help, direction and maternal support whenever you needed it most.

This is not a self-help book, but if you pay attention it will probably change you, and it will change you for the better. It was, for me, perhaps the most formative and developmentally important book that I read during my four years of undergraduate education. Senior year - when I was trying to figure out exactly who I was, what I believed in, where I was going, how I would make it through job interviews and indecision and the ambiguous future - I started reading it, and by the time I'd finished the first chapter, I knew that this book would provide some guidance. And it did. It taught me to listen to my subconscious and it gave me the direction, courage, and reason I needed to become - and to become happily - a better, stronger and more complete version of myself.

Read it.

How many self-help books have you read that leave you shaking your head saying - well, that was 3-4 hours of my life that I can't get back? (I have read many!) You won't find yourself saying that with this book. Patricia Ryan Madson offers up 13 strategies on how to lead an inspired and satisfying life by facing challenges in an unscripted manner. The book is beautifully written. It is filled with anecdotes and helpful techniques that will enhance your everyday life. Where was Ms. Madson when I needed her in college?

1) Say Yes
2) Don't Prepare
3) Just Show Up
4) Start Anywhere
5) Be Average
6) Pay Attention
7) Face the Facts
8) Stay on Course
9) Wake up to the Gifts
10) Make Mistakes, Please
11) Act Now
12) Take Care of Each Other
13) Enjoy the Ride

This volume is an invaluable tool for anyone wanting to incorporate new design features into their knitting.

A Second Treasury of Knitting Patterns offers the same clear photos and helpful text as A Treasury of Knitting Patterns. If you prefer charted patterns, this would probably not be your first choice, but that issue aside, this book is a great reference for knitting patterns.

If you can buy only one book on knitting, make it this one. Great collection of fantastic patterns, a lot of laces, a lot of edgings, some fancy knitting techniques, and extremely clear photos make this book unique on the market. And there is a bibliography, something very seldom found in a pattern book.
I took off one star because all instructions are textual, not charted, however after seeing Barbara Walker's charts in her Third Treasury I rather not deal with her diagrams. Instructions are good and accurate, and very often the picture will suffice to guide the work.
Definitely recommend this book to everybody who knits - many patterns simply cannot be found anywhere else, and indeed are very beautiful.

Even more GREAT designs. I love this series. Well designed and laid out, easy to understand. A must for any knitter!

There is an online archive that is creating color swatches of patterns from these books, which is fine. But today I was able to compare this book with the new Harmony Stitch Guide: Lace and Eyelets, and this one is far superior. The swatches actually show the pattern very clearly in the somewhat more distant view, while modern guides such as Harmony give extreme close-ups that give you no idea what this will look like in a shawl or sweater. Walker's book will never go out of style. The focus is on the pattern and not the pretty yarn. Some people (not me) would prefer their stitches charted, but other than that, this is the classic you want.