Bell Books

This is a work that in its day was seriously underrated because of what was considered its "unbalanced", "confused" structure (a mix between genre comedy with an attempt with serious historical reconstruction and Biblical criticism). But then it is actually a "premature" postmodern novel, reflecting good humouredly on the relations between truth and lie, history and legend, reality and writing. Therefore the fact that what could not be fully appreciated in the late XIXth Century, and that it should be universallt praised in the early XXIst. Century.

This is not, in my opinion Eça's best book. But for me everything he wrote has to be "5 stars" rated. it's a shame other books of his are not available on amazon.com. I consider Eça de Queiroz to be the best Portuguese novelist so my suggestion is that you discover his magnificence through those I consider to be his best novels: (I'll translate them but I'm not sure these are their titles) "Cousin Basílio", "The Maias", and "Cousin Basilio" (you can see this is my favourite). If you want to know about the Portuguese society of the late 18th century you'll find it all there. It's not that it had much to be proud of...

It is closing time at a New York Museum. Two brothers are lost in the long corridors and hallways of the big museum. They find a stair case leading to the dark subbasement. One boy pleads not to go down, but the other says that they are going. Then they go down, not knowing they will never return. This is a very good and very intense. If you are into horror and suspense, read it! It is not for the squemish, and it is very long read. It is told in such detail that you feel you are in the story. The movie and book have no compare, the book rocks, and is the best read i ever read!

Actually, I just want to correct the first on-line review about Eça's The Relic. That review or whatever that is does NOT refer to Eça's book. There must have been some kind of mistake. There are no brothers, haunted museums or anything of that sort in Eça's Relic which I, as a Portuguese enthusiastic reader and...professor of Literature, have read several times and studied/taught in College. Eça is unique, his writing equals only Saramago and Pessoa and he is the best possible approach to the Portuguese masterpieces of literature. I discovered his work when I was in my early teens and that decided my career. Please try to find a good translation of The Maias, Cousin Bazilio, The Sin of Father Amaro, The Illustrious House of Ramires or The City and the Mountain and bring them to the american public. I know some good translations by Carcanet Press in Manchester, UK. But please,correct your on-line review!

One has to be very cautious when reviewing this book, since there is much to give away about the plot and then ruin the reading for people. Teodorico Raposo becomes orphan as a child and is sent to Lisbon to live with his aunt, a terrible, unlikable and tyrannical religious fanatic who terrorizes everybody around her with her puritanism and obsessions. But she happens to be very rich and Teodorico her only relative alive. So he has to pretend ALL the time that he is just as fanatic as her aunt, while living a double life of pleasure and sin. One day, his aunt decides that before dying someone has to go to the Holy Land and get her some authentic relic of Jesus' times. And guess who she chooses to go there.
So Teodorico embarks towards Egypt and Palestine in what becomes a very funny adventure alongside his companion, the wise scholar Dr. Topsius. To go further would, as I said, risk giving away parts of the plot which are really unexpected and good. Suffice it to say that the travel includes a wonderful, colorful and vivid narration of the day when Jesus was crucified. It turned out to be a very enjoyable book by one of the best writers of the XIX century.

This book was highly recommended by the instructor of a typography class I'm taking - and it's out of print. Please encourage its update and reprinting soon!

As a design student, I need this book. I've been looking for it for 2 months. Being able to identify typefaces by their distinguishing characteristics is a valuable resource in the decision making process. My instructor had a copy, that's how I know about it. Is there any way we could get; a) Christopher Perfect to re-edit and update the book, or b) get the publishing house to re-issue it?

This book allows you to determine what typeface was used to print a book, magazine,etc. By systematically identifying the characteristics of a typeface you can determine what style it is (Venetian serif, Old Style Serif, etc.).Then by examining specific characteristics of certain letters you can determine the exact font. This is the only book of its kind that I know of. Unfortunately since it hasn't been reprinted for a while some of the newer typefaces are not listed. Buy it if you can find a copy.

Excellent resource for professional typographers trying to identify a typeface. Definitely needed in any competent print shop.

I am a professional typesetter and use this book to find types and their names. I don't know how I could function without it.

As an accountant, I really appreciated the financial planning section of the book. It has helped us to realistically assess different properties in making our investment decision. This book is a must for anyone seriously considering a bed and breakfast or a small inn. Being able to estimate costs and revenues up front is imperative for success.

You betcha!!! My middle name is Innes (no joke!!!!!) but it might as well be "inns"(!!!!!), that's how much I wanted to be an innkeeper, and Mary Davies' book is "inn" (!!!!!!) the right place "inn" (!!!) my bookshelf. No, but seriously, with my sense of humour and my wife Marjorie's overly solicitous manner and ability to project her prurient judgmentalism and dissaproval wordlessly, we had a headstart in that we were the perfect couple to run a Bed-and-Breakfast. Even the best need a hand though, and this book is a must-read for those who don't want to make a dog's dinner of this rewarding career.

Very comprehensive. Is better for those considering an "inn" vs. renting the spare bedroom.

I read this wonderful book 10 years ago while planning to become an innkeeper. Now that I am a successful innkeeper, I refer to it constantly and am incredibly grateful to the authors. I credit the information learned in this book as a reason for our success. It helped us ask the right questions, particularly about whether or not we had the personalities to make it in this diffficult business. Also, it was invaluable in creating our business plan. Don't open a B & B before reading this.

Michele Cozzens, author of I'm Living Your Dream Life: The Story of a Northwoods Resort Owner.

This book separated the romantic notions of owning a B&B from the business end. It was eye opening and very informative.

I love this book with all my heart. It always makes me smile and laff. It is like magic.

Mrs. Bean's daughter grows to be tall and strong like the vegetables in her garden, and her efforts in her garden produce wonders which become a family affair in this story of gardening delights and a small girl's special talents.

I just read this book to my son's 3 year old nursery school class and everyone loved it - the children, the teachers and myself. The teacher even asked for the title so she could get it to read to the kids. It is fun to see all of the veggies in such big proportions - the boys respond to the forklifts, chain saws etc.

I have been looking for a book on gardening and growing things for young children and this is just the thing. Adding magic to a child's love of gardening works because gardens can be magical. I'm using this in a storyhour for 3 - 5 year old children.

Good folksy fairy tale where the protagonist is a girl not scared to get her magical green fingers dirty. My two year old immediately loved the story of a young baby growing into a little girl and "doing something wonderful." I like that there are lots of opportunities to identify and name vegetables in the exciting if not overly refined illustrations. Also, I really recommend this book for its sense of community -- when the village comes together to harvest and eat Scarlette's giant vegetables, it's great to notice that women drive forklifts, priests sit down to eat with tattooed bikers and neighbors come in all shapes and colors. These details are not at issue in the content of the story, but added for discovery in the ilustrations.

I was searching for a good transportation themed Read Aloud for young children, this book was perfect!

The illustrations are very interesting and the song is really catchy. The whole family is now fans of Fred Penner. It's not only for the kids, you'll even sing it to yourself in the bathroom. We are going to get more sing a long titles sung by him.

My two-year-old loves this book as well as the music CD that accompanies it. The illustrations are colorful and engaging, and the song (sung by Winnipegger Fred Penner) is catchy and easy to learn. I recently recommended that our preschool purchase a copy.

I used this book in my preschool classroom and it became one of our rituals. The children would ask to listen to it each morning and they learned all the words quickly. They also used the book themself and were able to follow along with the words (early literacy standards and one to one correspondence!) it's a great find!

This is a wonderful book for children, and a great find for teachers. It has predictable, rhythmic text, a cumulative series of vehicles (always a favorite), fun sounds to make, and neat pictures. The toddlers I work with and the first graders my daughter teaches all love it. The CD with Fred Penner is a real treat, too!

I enjoyed reading this novel. This book was filled with suspense and was also good for a laugh. Moni Lawrence packed up and left her small hometown in Virginia headed for San Diego, she has no idea what awaits her when she drives her car into the swimming pool of her new neighbor, handsome Grant Forrest. What lies ahead for the air-head from Virginia and the intellectual from San Diego is anybody's guess.

Moni Lawrence has always been a free spirit, and she sees the world as her oyster. She seizes the opportunity to leave her small Virginia town for a chance to move out west to California in the hopes that excitement and adventure will be the highlights of her relocation. After a long and tiring drive across the country, she is anxious to explore her surroundings and begin a new life. As Moni pulls into her new neighborhood she is captivated by its beauty. Suddenly the appearance of an attractive, naked man throws her off balance and as a result her car goes spiraling out of control.

Grant Forrest sees a car out of control barreling towards him and all he can see is red. His property is damaged and he is determined to make the person responsible pay. He discovers that the person behind the wheel is a beautiful woman, but that does not sway him; he still wants his money. When they go to court he is completely taken aback that she offers to repair the damage herself. He soon discovers that Moni is no ordinary woman. Although their paths have crossed at a time when neither is looking for romance, as the old saying goes, "you always find what you aren't looking for." From the first time he lays eyes on Moni sparks fly, an undeniable attraction is born, and Grant knows his life will be forever changed.

WEDDING BELL BLUES by Robyn Amos is a delightful, refreshing, and often comical read. The author has a way of making readers see the good in all people and she has great comedic wit. Moni, Grant, and a great supporting cast of memorable characters make this a must read. Reading this story showed me that you can't judge people by their appearances or bank accounts. WEDDING BELL BLUES is a fast-paced, feel good book that will make anyone who reads it smile.

Reviewed by Simone A. Hawks
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

This is the greatest book written since the Bible. The content was superb. This book had me experiencing the complete range of human emotions, and left me wanting more. It is like Ms. Amos knew me personally, and was writing just to me.

I saw this book and walked passed it. Then I read a couple of reviews for it and decided to give it a try. I'm glad I did. It was a quick and entertaining read. I was done in about three days (considering I have small children, this is no small feat). Moni is quirky and refreshing. Grant sounds like a wonderful guy. All in all, I would definitely recommend this as a fun summer read. Ms. Amos, I'm looking forward to your next book!!

In San Diego, a tired Moni Lawrence searches for her new home after relocating from Dunkin,Virginia. As she wearily drives down the streets, Grant Forrest leaves his home wearing a towel to pick up his newspaper. His cat escapes and he pursues it losing his wrap in the process. Moni avoids the feline only to see a naked Grant. She drives through his fence into his swimming pool.

A few weeks later Grant and Moni are in court as he has sued her for the cost of fixing the fence. She insists that she will do the job. The court agrees to allow her thirty days to satisfactorily complete the repair. However, soon Grant's neighbors are furious with him for allowing the petite Moni to lift heavy wood. Next thing he knows he is cutting the wood to size. Moni says she suffers from the dreaded DDS, Damsel in Distress Syndrome as everyone assumes because she is small she is helpless. As she works the fence, they fall in love, but twice divorced Grant fears trice failure on the relationship front.

WEDDING BELL BLUES is an amusing contemporary romance that never takes anything too seriously yet still forges a delightful relationship tale. The story line is terrific especially when seemingly even strangers turn Moni inadvertently into "Thomasina Sawyer" as everyone wants to not just help her, but do the work for her. To her credit she objects to the notion that she is conflicted with DDS. Grant is an interesting counter to her, but no question she is the star of a fun novel.

Harriet Klausner

"When Race Becomes Real" initiates a discussion long overdue in America where the subject of race is so sensitive that it has become virtually taboo. Some of the essays in this book touched me very deeply, some annoyed me, and others provided thoughtful new insights. All of them impressed me with their sincerity. After reading these writers' revelations about their own highly personal experiences and feelings in regards to race, one understands that there are many sides to the same truth, and that in order to approach any level of comfort in relations between the races, well meaning people need to be able to bare their souls without fear of censure or ridicule. This stimulating work can be used to open up frank discussions in the classroom or the living room and is highly recommended to anyone who is ready for an honest examination of the unavoidable everyday complexity of race relations in America.

Ms. Singley asked each contributor to share a REAL race experience of their own, not their opinion and not a retelling of someone else's experiences. The result is a book filled with excellent stories that force the reader to reflect on his or her own experiences with race. While reading, I realized that people of color experience most life events in the context of race - while most "white" people experience life without giving much thought to race. This book is not accusatory, but it is a wake up call. If some of us spend a little more time considering the effects of race in our society, perhaps others will be a little more free to think about it less. I sincerely hope this personal reflection will help me be a better friend and better member of our society.

Bernestine Singley is to be congratulated for her thought-provoking, nitty gritty book. She has assembled a group of writers who aren't afraid to make it plain about race, including black folks who are sick of it, white folks who are finally getting it and everything in between.
My favorite pieces are Derrick Bell's epilogue (I have been a big fan of his since Geneva Crenshaw), Julianne Malveaux's hilarious and rather poignant "Race, Rage and the Ace of Spades" (that woman needs to write a memoir or something), and Tim Wise's insightful piece.
This is too searing to read in one setting, but it is the kind of book that begs for discussion. I am suggesting it for my book club and plan to use it at work to deal with some diversity related issues. Check it out!

When Race Becomes Real is probably the best book to come across my desk in two years. Bernestine Singley and the other contributors have managed to take a tension-laden subject -- racism -- and approach it with the deepest honesty possible. The result is not a book that will send people reeling away in shame or disgust, but one that is accessible to anyone, regardless of skin tone or occupation.

It is an odd thing to say about non-fiction, but this is a very tough book to put down once you start. If it were a novel, we'd call it a page-turner.

This book made me laugh, cry and everything in between. In the wake of the Trent Lott controversy, I would highly recommend this book to Blacks and Whites. Although there were a couple of stories that were long and uninteresting, I still gave this book 5 stars.

Michael Bell has written a much needed resource and workbook for couples struggling with the difficulties of attention deficit spectrum disorders. This workbook is full of helpful strategies that will enable intimate partners understand and negotiate the confusion of ADD---- highly recommended--

William F. Wilson, Licensed Professional Counselor/Psychotherapist

Michael Bell's book, "You, Your Relationship & Your ADD" is a very well-written workbook that mental health professionals will find to be a useful adjunct to treatment of persons with ADD. In this era of managed care, it is critical to assign homework outside the therapy session in order to gain the most benefit from treatment. This workbook will provide the structure necessary to enhance couple's therapy or for spouses with ADD who are in individual therapy who are interested in focusing on relationship issues. This book will aid couple's in treatment to identify issues in their relationship, prioritize them, and to address these issues in a direct manner to prevent further harm in their marriage as a result of symptoms of ADD. The many exercises that are included in this book permits couples to tackle their joint concerns in a planful, systematic manner, which should prevent them from the common problem involved in undertaking multiple relationship issues simultaneously.
I highly recommend this book to couples who are willing to take a serious look at their behavioral patterns and to develop a plan of corrective action!

This book is great for couples to sit down and look at each aspect of their ADD affected relationship, and work out written exercises in the book so they can make changes together to help the person in the relationship with ADD.

This is an excellent resource for helping married couples gain a new perspective of how ADD affects their relationship. Going through the workbook was like going through the story of my life. I could identify with how my ADD had unknowingly deteriorated my nine-year marriage to the point of separation. The author has ADD himself and offers very helpful and sound advice in an ADD-friendly format. I could relate to just about every situation that is encountered in a relationship and take action. This workbook has been indispensable in helping repair my relationship. This is a must-have book.

This a great resource for couples who are dealing with AD/HD. The book is full of great tools and exercises to help both the ADD and non-ADD partners in many areas of their realationship. The book is also very "ADD Friendly".

It's the start of sixth grade, and Zibby Payne is convinced that this is going to be the Absolute Best Year Ever. All of that changes on the first day when Amber and Camille show up wearing teeny little miniskirts and "Groovy Grapilicious" lip gloss. What's worse is that Zibby's Best Friend on the Entire Planet, Sarah, wants to sit on the benches with them at recess and talk about boy bands and "do" hair. Zibby can't stand the boredom, and decides to play soccer with the boys instead.

When Matthew begins referring to her as a "tomboy," Zibby gets one of her Very Good Ideas. Tomboys never have to sit at recess and wear lip gloss or skirts. She makes up her mind to become a real tomboy.

The tomboy life suits her just fine, but everyone else seems to have a problem with it. Her mom won't let her give away all her old girly clothes or burp the ABCs at the dinner table. Her brother, Anthony, stops letting her borrow all of his old shirts. And Sarah starts ignoring her and hanging out only with Amber and Camille. Finally, Zibby decides to start a "Tomboy Club" at school, but will any of the other girls make the grade?

This first book about a girl who has stubbornly decided to maintain her individuality begins a promising, light-hearted series.

Reviewed by: Allison Fraclose

I really loved this book and so did my children. The story is lots of fun... Zibby is a spunky girl who is making the transition to middle school. It doesn't exactly go as planned! But she comes through it in the end with heart and humor. The book is great for girls who are starting middle school and younger girls who are looking ahead. It also touches upon the problem of dealing with cliques and changing social roles...but does it with a light touch and a really funny plot.

I LOVE Zibby -- she reminded me of myself and many other girls I have observed over the years. I have met many a Zibby, hurtling toward the teen years while grappling with what it really means to be a girl. Thanks to Alison Bell, we can now read her mind, and we see a strong, sassy, smart, and loyal girl who finds a way to be true to herself. I wish I had had Zibby to read when I was in sixth grade -- it might have made a lot more sense!

Betsy Kahn, Middle School Librarian

Zibby Payne is psyched to start the sixth grade with her best friend Sarah. They have always been close and have lots in common, from head to toe. They like many of the same things and often trade shoes so that they have mismatched pairs.

Unfortunately, her first day of middle school does not completely go as she had planned. Sarah and Zibby's friends start talking about boy bands, comparing lip gloss flavours, doing each other's hair, and giggling when boys from their class walk by. Zibby can't believe her eyes or her ears.

At least she still has Sarah. Right? Well, kind of. Sarah's still her friend, but she's interested in this new recess routine.

Zibby would rather go play soccer with the boys than talk about them. She decides that she's a tomboy and starts wearing her older brother's T-shirts so she can kick the soccer ball around at recess. She then founds an Ultra-Exclusive Tomboy Club. Sadly, one other girl is declared fit to join, and the club is short-lived. Meanwhile, Zibby is shocked to discover that her older brother has a girlfriend. What is going on with everyone lately?

As the self-proclaimed tomboy continues to play soccer with the boys, she watches Sarah and her other friends chatting away. She truly misses talking to Sarah. Zibby realizes that although she and Sarah each have new interests, they still share other things, and the two can remain friends.

Alison Bell has created an outstanding character who sticks to her guns and trusts her instincts. Zibby is extremely loyal and very aware of the power of words. She apologizes when she gets too loud or overworked about something. Young readers will learn some important lessons from her, including two very big ones: you don't have to change for others to like you, and you should be proud of who you are. I highly recommend Zibby Payne and the Wonderful, Terrible Tomboy Experiment because it is absolutely adorable and true-to-life.

I look forward to reading Zibby Payne and the Drama Trauma, the second book in this series. If it's anything like the first book, it will have kids relating to and laughing along with Zibby from start to finish.

My daughter who is actually a seventh grader just finished this book -- she's a little of a tomboy too, so she related well even though the story is about a sixth grader. I also read it and I liked the Zibby character. She's an independent thinking girl who doesn't allow peer pressure to steer her towards stuff she's not interested in or ready for. The story moves along nicely -- lots of believable kid interaction. Very fun story -- the next one in the series looks very fun too!

when will the CD be available? I travel to several schools providing healthcare to uninsured children and would like to use this valuable reference. (a PNP)

love the format. listed alphabetically, the items are presented in a easy to read format. Just about all I want to know about the problem when working in a busy office. I can read more later but this gets the job done. an excellent 90's type of book. where is the CD?

As a pediatric nurse,I really love this book!! Many times, quick reference books are not thorough enough. This one is. I've used it many times as a teaching tool with parents.

The 5-minute pediatric consult is written in an easy to read outline format. The writers have eliminated unnecesary obscure data and offer a concise outline of all major pediatric diseases. The topics are designed to be read in 5 minutes or less and all the up to date information to diagnose and treat a specific illness is included. The topics are alphabetized, so they are easy to look up. The writers are accomplised experts in their fields and the book has been edited by the distinguished Dr. Schwartz, at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As a professor of Pediatrics, I highly recommend this book to practicing pediatricians, family practitioners, nurses and students.