Bennett Books

Mel Brooks and Carl Reiner are two of the funniest men and have been around for years. This children's book shows that they still have it in 2008! I think this book will be a fine addition to my classroom.

This is truly one of the greatest illustrated books that I have seen in a while. I am a teacher and every year my students love the illustrations in this book. I look forward to reading it each school year because of the wonderful illustrations. Great work, James Bennett!

A great book. Goes back and forward in time in a very funny way. Extremely entertaining and has great illustrations. The author and illustrator did a great job.

This book follows almost word for word the 2000 year old man audio collection. I have been laughing with the 2000 year old man for 25 years and even my 15 year old son loves the Mel Brooks/Carl Reiner comedy exchange. This is a great intro for younger kids. If you like this, try the CD's, you'll laugh for hours (or years).

Borrowing the format of the grown-up guest who comes to class to tell you something new and wonderful, Mel Brooks and Carl Reiner introduce their 2000 year old man to young students in a free for all Q & A. Actually this 2000 year old man is only 40-something because he dates from 1960's TV, created then by this new picture book's two authors, themselves zany, hilarious performing artists and writers. In this book, set in a classroom, young children ask the old, old, old man wide ranging questions about his experiences at school and at home. The clever, humor comes from unexpected connections or a play on words. Many answers were funny, but it is unclear whether young readers would find them so. Hopefully they will perceive them as silly and lighthearted and will be absorbed into the spirit of crazy fun. The book inspires learning because it shows what imagination can do with common knowledge. Most children studying cave men do not consider playing with the facts; this comedy puts perspective on historical information and contemporary living, the mark of successful satire. The final question slips in moral advice about not cheating. The tone is gentle and silly; it proves you can have fun and still be a mensch. The color illustrations capture the modern classroom and the ancient caveman's milieu. The historical scenes are lively and bursting with action. There is no Jewish content in the words or pictures; it is simply a book by two Jews. However, the book includes a CD (differing marginally from the text, but is essentially the same thing), that is funnier. It delivers not only the words, but also their timing and inflection, and herein lies its Jewish value. This CD captures the rhythms and Yiddishkeit accent of the famous Jewish standup comics whose style entered mainstream American humor. This is one of our culture's great gifts to our national arts. Contemporary youngsters who do not know the Jewish origin of this comic delivery can experience it here. The CD is a piece of living history. Recommended for all ages. Reviewed by Ellen G. Cole

OOOOOhhhhhhhhhh! My daughter loves it so much! She is only a 6 year old and I have encouraged her so much to read because of her love for Ashley Tisdale. When her cousin came over 11 yrs. old, she loved it too!. When she brought it to school to her 1st grade class to read on her free time, they loved it too!!! love it! love it! loveit!

Ashley Tisdale is my role model. I love her. She's my favorite actress and singer. I love watching the Suite Life of Zach and Cody and High School Musical. She's so pretty, funny, and a great actress. I love her album, too. Ashley Tisdale is amazing.

Ashley is so awesome! Anybody who doesn't like her must be CRAZY! I mean, we're talking about ASHLEY TISDALE, not Paris Hilton. So stay with me and give it 5 STARS!!!

My daughters love Ashley Tisdale. They were thrilled with this book about her.

I read a book called Ashley Tisdale: Life is Sweet by Grace Norwich. This book tells you about Ashley and how she has changed over the years. It is an unauthorized biography but the information is factual because it is taken from interviews with Ashley.
Ashley grew up in Westdeal, New Jersey with her mom, dad, and sister, Jennifer. When Ashely was three, her mom took her to a mall where people were auditioning for commercials. Ashley's mom didn't really want to get into all that but when Bill Perlman noticed Ashley, he slipped her mom a business card in case she was interested later. Ashley did her own commercial. A few years lalter, Ashley played Cosette in the Broadway musical, Les Miserables. After that, she also did a lot of guest appearences on TV shows like "Charmed" and "Once and Again." Ashley wanted a part in a TV show. Lucky for her, along came "The Suite Life." Ashley auditioned for both parts (Maddie and London). After a few seasons of "The Suite Life", Ashley was wondering what she was going to do over the break between seasons. Then she found out about "High School Musical". Again, she auditioned for the two main (female) parts. When Ashley realized that she got the part of Sharpay, the snotty, mean girl, instead of the part of Gabriella, the shy math wiz, she was shocked. She thought that because she was the nice Maddie on "The Suite Life", she would be Gabriella. The cast and crew worked really hard. When "High School Musical" aired on Disney Channel for the first time, more than 26 million viewers tuned in. They had no idea how popular it would be! Ashley is still working on "The Suite Life", but she can't wait for "High School Musical 2!"
I would recommend this book to Ashley lovers and people who love to sing and act. This book is wonderful and I hope you like it.

by CH

My sister suffered from undiagnosed postpartum depression after the births of both her children. She and her family would have been spared so much suffering if this book had been available. Thank you, Mrs. Indman and Dr. Bennett, for helping countless women and their loved ones with this invaluable manual.

I believe this book is very well written. As someone who has experienced postpartum depression. I believe this book would have been very beneficial to Obgyn's, Nurse Practitioners and all who care for childbearing women. I also believe that myself and my family did not have suffer if people were more aware. This book is very concise and easy to understand. Dr. Bennett and Mrs. Indman have done a outstanding job to help and bring Postpartum Depression to the forefront. Thank you to you both.

Beyond the Blues by Pec Indman and Shoshona Bettett is a very insightul, concise, informative manual that should be in the hands of all providers and new mothers dealing with postpartum depression. It is a fantastic book containing all the necessary questions and answers needed.
Shirley Halvorson,
NC Coordinator for Postpartum Support International
President of NC Depression After Delivery.

"Beyond the Blues" is a wonderful resource. After discovering the book, I immediately ordered several more copies to share with counseling and lactation colleagues and with families in my practice. Everyone loves it! It is clearly written and easy to read with helpful information readily accessible. It is also written with compassion and filled with practical wisdom.
This book is an invaluable resource for mothers experiencing prenatal or postpartum distress, family members and all the professionals that work with new families: OB's, midwives and pediatricians, childbirth educators, doulas and lactation consultants. Thank you Drs. Indman and Bennett for your valuable contribution.

I highly recommend this book to pregnant families and all professionals, not only those who specialize in treating postpartum reactions. All ob-gyn's, doctors, lactation consultants, birth teachers, doulas and pediatricians should own and keep referring to this very accessible and accurate book. Perhaps more women (and their infants and families) who suffer in confusion behind closed doors, would be identified early and referred to a skilled professional for something that is so treatable, but too seldom treated.
As a psychotherapist treating women presenting with postpartum reactions, I have referred to the information in this book over and over. Drs Indman and Bennett are two reliable sources who have checked all their facts while intelligently turning this very complex topic into something so clear and understandable.

Most useful to me, are the treatment protocols at the back of the book. A look of relief washes over a pregnant client's face when, together we have identified her risk factors, and chosen a course of treatment that follows these detailed protocols. For women who find it so difficult to be vulnerable, or accept help or care, there is something very reassuring and validating in knowing that the psychotherapy we embark on is necessarily "prescribed" for her, and will give her the best chance of preventing or working through her depression or/and anxiety.

Kim Richardson, M.A., LCPC...

This is a wonderful book for patients, doctors, family members, caregivers, or anyone wanting more information on what CFS/FMS really is and how to live with it and have a productive life. As a FMS patient, I strongly identified with the symptoms and feelings, and found the sample letters to my doctor, my family, my friends, extremely valid and able to put my feelings into perspective.

While it was hard for me to keep reading the "reality" that this disease has no cure -- (I face that in daily life too but it's easier to forget about it than when you're reading it every few pages!), it was important for me to realize that I'm not just "dreaming this up" -- nor am I "faking it". For years, I went undiagnosed, and had many doctor's tell me that it was "all in my head"....this book helps patients realize that these ARE real diseases that have not been given the proper "title" or validation by the CDC that they deserve.

This book was a great source of information and support for me and I highly recommended it to my doctor and to other FMS/CFS patients as well.

This book is easy to read and understand. Research in areas of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia is severely underfunded, however, Ms. Berne does a wonderful job of relating the most recent findings; many of which dispel the notion that this is about being just a little tired. I highlighted the symptoms that I had in several of the lists in this book and gave it to my physician to keep which she did. I also just hand it to friends and family when they seem skeptical. It does the trick.

I was pleasantly surprised by this book, which was honest both in the debilitating nature of the diseases and had a much better discussion of pain medication then many other books. Too often books on fibromyalgia and ME/CFS, while claiming to recognize that these are real, physical illnesses, then spend most of their time on lifestyle changes and counseling and antidepressants being the best treatment for fibromyalgia, showing that they do believe it's all in your head and if you just did "x" better, you'd feel better. This book isn't condesending and doesn't try to play psychiatrist, which I greatly appreciated. A great read, especially for the newly diagnosed.

I have finished all but the conclusion of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia and Other Invisible Illnesses. This is an excellent resource for sufferers of these diseases. The one and only difficulty with this book is its age; it was published in 2002. Next time I visit the bookstore I will be looking around for an updated book. However that in no way negates the usefulness of this particular work. Dr. Berne (PhD) suffers from Chronic Fatigue herself and she has done a masterful job of portraying a life so afflicted. The book begins with descriptions of both Fibromyalgia and CFS, moves on to discuss overlapping symptoms of both these illnesses and numerous others such as Gulf War Syndrome, Lupus, etc. Then she heads into the symptoms and these were a revelation to me. A lot of things I had been passing off as age or menopause could be symptoms of these illnesses. The book follows the history of diagnosis for these two diseases and paints a portrait of the typical sufferer. I asked my husband to read this chapter and he said it sounded just like me. It is some comfort to know that you are not going insane. Unfortunately the health care industry has shown little interest in researching these illnesses but here is where the age of the book is a detriment. The pharmaceutical industry has produced Lyrica recently and it shows signs of affecting the brain chemistry which may be responsible for the symptoms. As far as that brain chemistry goes it is a strong possibility there is a neurotransmitter glitch that is sending signals of pain for no reason. Environmental and other toxins could be responsible for this glitch, however, you need a predisposition to this malady which should be obvious because otherwise everyone would have it. There are toxins in everything. The latter part of the books deals with treatments (there are none) and alleviation of symptoms, including your own attitude adjustment. Berne mentions Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and I would just like to add my two cents about CBT. When I was seriously depressed the most helpful thing my psychiatrist did was introduce me to Cognitive Behavior Therapy. I have been using it ever since and I believe it is this mental discipline which allows me to be happier than I have ever been even while living with the symptoms of Fibromyalgia. All in all I recommend this book to anyone suffering from these illnesses. It really does help to know you are not alone and you are not crazy - it is not all in your mind although it is quite possibly in your brain. Good luck to all my fellow sufferers.

An excellent book, full of useful advice and support. As a Consultant Psychiatrist, I have been treating Chronic Fatigue Syndromes since 1982 and this is one of the best books on the subject, that I have ever read. I would thoroughly recommend this book to all sufferers and their relatives. The illness is extremely difficult to treat and is very frustrating for both the patient and also the therapist. However, books like this offer considerable hope and guidance.
Keep up ther good work.
Dr. Adrian Winbow, Consultant Psychiatrist

This book is well writen and very highly recomended.This book shows the real life of some teens and what they go through to be cool, or popular. Macon,Iowa. A small town with very little people. Kyra has lived here all of her life, and everything was perfect. Until a new teacher arrives and mixes up everything. How did it go down hill so fast? Who was the cause? Read to find out.

This series is about the guilt three different people feel involving the death of Sammy, who is a twin brother to Kyra. This book is Kyra's point of view. This series is interesting because there are three different points of view and you get to see how each person tells the story. This book was absolutely amazing! Everything in this book was so real, I could actually see something like that happening in my town and in my highschool. Everyone can relate to something in the book, maybe even more than one thing. I could not put it down and found myself staying up late just to get further into the book! I can't wait to read the next book, Miranda's story. I would recommend this book to all teen girls out there or anyone else looking for a great read! You won't be disappointed, I know I wasn't!

i think this book was a very good book. it is a good book for young teens/adults should read before they go out and do something like partying or drinking underage without thinking first.and hopefully they will think before doing things. over all it was a great book and i would read it again. i recomend this book to young adults, and hope that everyone else who reads it too likes it.

Kyra's Story is about a girl named Kyra, and her troubles in life. She has a Brother named Sammy, and friends named Miranda and her boyfriend Ryan, and her best friend in the world Dylan. She is a senior and is so nervous about the play tryouts. She always gets the lead, and she is nervous that she won't get the part since they have a new English teacher named Mitch. When she doesn't think that her tryout is good enough she demands that she tryout again. She gets nervous and sneaks into his pills. After that she felt like she needed pills so she took her mother's pills and blamed it on her brother. When her brother finds out he makes her stop and then tells him that he's a geek and so shy and up tight. So after that she didn't see him until the night of the play. after the play they threw a party at Miranda's house but something went terribly wrong. Something Kyra and everyone their will regret for the rest of their lives.

Sammy James is dead. His twin sister, Kyra, believes that it's all her fault. He wouldn't have been in the compromising situation that resulted in his death if Kyra hadn't driven him to it. As she awaits her turn to testify at the trial for Sammy's murder, Kyra looks back at the past few months and ponders her role.

Kyra has held the lead in every play since kindergarten in her hometown of Macon, Iowa. She's a cheerleader who runs with the "in" crowd, and has already been accepted at NYU for next year. The charismatic new English teacher, Mitchell Wade, forges an instant connection with the students on their level. He is in charge of the senior play, and Kyra's tension mounts as she's not sure she will impress him enough to win the lead.

In contrast, Sammy is laid back and does his own thing. Kyra feels the stress building each day--the constant pressure to do, act, and be the best. She starts sneaking Xanax from her mother in order to take off the "edge", and that works for a while. As Kyra becomes more and more addicted, her perception of her relationships is altered. When Sammy finds out what Kyra is doing, will she stop? What exactly is Kyra's role in Sammy's death?

I was pulled into KYRA'S STORY from the first page. It is one of three books in the DEGREES OF GUILT series; each book is written from a different person's perspective. After reading the book, a code is included and the reader can go to the website and read that person's trial testimony. Also featured at the website is the final verdict naming who is responsible for what happened to Sammy.

Kyra could be any high school senior. Her struggles with perfection will hit home for anyone who is currently experiencing the drama of high school, as well as those who are looking back. My daughter is a senior, and she said, "Wow, this author really knows what we're going through!" Sammy is the innocent victim, and it will be interesting to see how everything plays out over the course of the next books. Mitchell Wade is the ultimate villain; he's cunning and integrates himself into the lives of the teens in a way that seems commonplace and natural.

A subtle faith message is included, as Kyra learns to depend on God rather than the drugs for her strength. KYRA'S STORY has universal appeal, and is highly recommended for both adults and teens. All three books are available now, and readers will want to pick up all of them to get the full picture of the events surrounding Sammy's death.

Courtesy of www.BookLoons.com

I'm an avid reader. From the time I first picked up a book till now I've had thousands pass by my fingers, and only a few have I truly loved.

This book tops them all. Not only is it emotional and touching, but it draws you in quickly and leaves you breathless at the end.

This book is one anyone, of any age should read, if just for the travel you take during it. No one can truly explain to you what you'll experiance while reading it, but you won't be the same person you were at the begining, when you finish.

I didn't read this book, but i did play Courtney in the play John Lennon and Me by Cherie Bennett. IT is based on this book. It follows the story of Star, and her best friend Courtney. The play was touching and if any of you are in Theatre class out there! Don't miss the chance to be in this play!

This book I really didn't want to read it was just an assignement but when I got up to about the 5th chapter I didn't want to put it down.. I really wish the author would have wrote a sequal because I didn't want the book to end. I don't like reading very much but after reading this it was amazing. The book relates so well and the characters are picked so perfect, but it has sad and happy qualities. I don't know how people can write a book this good but she gets an appluase from me because I loved it!

I love this booK! It's so great. What happens is that a girl named Star (no last name...if Madonna doesn't need one, neither does she) has to live in a place called "Hope House" where people go when their diseases take a turn for the worse. She finds her first "real" friend there, but is afraid that when her friend Courtney finds out how sick she really is with CF, she's afraid that Courtney will hate her guts.
This is a great book--I think anyone will love it!

'goodbye best friend' is a brilliant book. I also suffer from Cystic Fibrosis and I can relate to all the problems Star had. If you enjoyed this book you should read One Last Wish-A time to Die by Lurlene McDaniel as it also features a teenage girl with Cystic Fibrosis but it goes into life with CF more than 'goodbye best friend'

This is the perfect summer read! Lot's of fun with interesting characters. Give yourself a little gift and buy this book.

The front jacket of Happy New Year, Darling! says: "con job or tender love story?" But people-smart Bennnett manages to balance both story elements in a first novel that exudes charm and great humor.

Bennett, the heroine of this clever pastiche, is a former entertainment director who now books acts from her home. She is saddled with debt, a wayward teenage son and a guitarist husband whose "thimble runnerth over" when it comes to love. Desperate to save her home from foreclosure, Veronica plays matchmaker, advertising fantasy dates for New Year's Eve. Reeling in a wealthy geezer, she must book the talent to play his deceased opera-singer wife, his mistress and his stepson. Meanwhile, Veronica is savoring a sweet romance with celebrated composer, Mickey Owens, whose positive energy she basks in like a "cat on a windowsill." As the big night approaches, surprises abound.

Bennett does cartwheels with the language, turning cliches upside down and inventing words like "anecdote-a-thon" and "perkadelic." Her chapter headings contain wise and often amusing quotations. Her narrative is fresh and stylish. Writing from inside the entertainment business, she knows how to entertain. I look forward to her next book.

Very entertaining and enjoyable. Give yourself a treat and read it.

A wonderful little book. The raging teen drama and edgy family life are a barbed wire frame to such a heart wrenching romance. And yet Miss Bennett gives us 'laugh out loud' outrageousness reminding this reader of Carl Hiassen ... Her Con Job is the final ingredient in a tearful and totally unexpected last act. It may take a while but this a writer headed for the best seller list.

How can you tell you liked the book? You can't put it down! I finished this book as I traveled to the East Coast one day. It not only is humorous but what a clever woman that Veronica is. It made me laugh and it made me think about how strong this woman has been all her life.

I love Nicholas Sparks and Richard Paul Evans and I believe Jules Bennett is just as good as they are. She hooks you right at the beginning with characters you care about and places you would love to visit. She is definitely an "up & coming" new artist and I look forward to her next book.

"Home Again" has all the qualities of Grandma's apple pie - heart warming, delicious, comforting. A true taste-of-home romance! -DeLyn Fisher, Romance Author

Jules Bennet has written a wonderful story, full of rich and vibrant carachters. A story that focuses on Ellie and Gavin, and what their choices years ago has made them sacrifice, and how their love overcomes those losses. It has a wonderful ending that proves that its never to late to put your heart on the line. A must by in my book!

Home Again is a great story that leaves you anxious to see what happens next. Ellie and Gavin are characters you can relate to and really learn to care about. Jules Bennett is definitely an up and coming author. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next!

I am already waiting on the next book from this up and coming author! I do a lot of romance reading and I can tell you this author is going to be huge! I picked this book up with the thought I would read a couple of pages and the next thing I knew I was on chapter 6! Easy, entertaining, fun read! Keep them coming Jules!

Many books have been written over the years attempting to tell people how to improve their lives. They usually involve living on a certain amount of money per week or month. This book was first published in 1908, and was a major bestseller. It could be considered the first self-help book, and it takes a different approach, looking at time instead of money.

Time is a very funny thing; everyone gets the same amount per day. Rich people do not get more than poor people. It's not possible to go the store and buy time. Out of that 24 hours per day, everyone must carve out a life (marriage, family, work, hobbies, religion, etc).

This book was written in a time and place (England of the early 1900s) where everyone took the train to work. One of the author's suggestions is to use that time concentrating on one thing; it doesn't matter what it is. If your mind starts wandering, hook a leash to it and bring it back. I'm not sure how well this would work today, when everyone drives to work. You say you can't concentrate for very long? Having to give a big presentation at work, or final exams in school, does a wonderful job of focusing the mind.

Then comes the evening, after the reader has gotten home from work. If this book had been written today, the author might say that occasionally vegging out in front of the TV is not a bad thing, but don't be like the average American, who does it for several hours a day, every day. Take, say, two hours a night, three nights a week, for a total of six hours. Use that time to learn a subject about which the reader is passionate, a hobby or interest. The subject can be literally anything, from A to Z. If a big subject like history is chosen, it's allowable to narrow it down to, for instance, the French Revolution or the Vietnam War. If a subject like classical music is chosen, go to an occasional concert or try your hand at playing an instrument. Again, if this book was written today, the author might say to use the internet to research your topic, but stay away from the chat rooms. During your learning time (for lack of a better term), lay off the popular novels. The author has nothing against them, but the idea is to give your brain a workout; novels don't do that. Most of all, take your time. The worst thing a person can do is burnout.

This book is small, but mighty. It says a lot, and it's the sort of book that can be used by everyone, from one end of society to the other. Not enough time in the day? Not after reading this gem.

Though it was written 90 years ago, "How To Live" addresses the inadequacies, frustrations, disappointments of people today in all walks of life and it does so with humor and wisdom. A daily dose of "How To Live" is at least as nourishing for the brain and soul as a multi-vitamin for the body. Arnold Bennett created a classic of its kind, a self-help book that really helps.

This amazing little book talks about some of the most important aspects of a full existence: the awareness of the passing time and methods of utilizing it to one's unique advantage. It lays out a structure to a possible way of filling one's time, and points to the obstacles and dangers lying in this execution.

The author's style is extremely honest and clear. Although it is an old book and some examples may not apply to you, the core of the approach definitely applies to every individual living in the present day.

So take this book, read it, reflect on what it says, try out its suggestions, then I guarantee you that you will have a fuller/happier life. What more can one expect from any book, let alone a small one such as this?

P.S.: I also suggest "The human machine" by A. Bennett, if you like this one.

With the advent of the Industrial Revolution first in England and then quickly following in America, more and more of the workforce transitioned into what we call white-collar jobs, where the workplace was outside and often far from the home. Because these new jobs more reflected our modern 21st-century jobs, in which the work was tedious, repetitive and the ambiguous results not always readily apparent (as compared to building carriages, homes, and other work in which the fruits of our labor are real and immediately visible), it was harder for workers to take the kind of craftsman pride and ownership in their work as their fathers and grandfathers might have in older trades that were phased out or in the process. Mr. Bennett writes to this new class of salarymen, who are alive and well today and joined by their sisters, mothers and wives. He assumes that MOST employees cannot take much joy in work that is allotted to them during their eight hours of work per day (as opposed to owners who take joy in their work not necessarily because the work engages them, but because they know the profits flow directly into their bank accounts; good motivating force).

I agree with him that most people cannot become truly (internally as opposed to portraying enthusiasm for promotion) enthusiastic when it comes to mundane, repetitive tasks that are characteristic of clerical and accounting-type jobs. Humans were not meant to be computers, and it shows in their passive resistance to such tasks, regardless of the what economy demands. Where I disagree is that one cannot approach ones job like a craftsman to some degree. You may not like the job you do or look forward to going to the office everyday, but you can try to take pride in doing a good job in whatever you do, as even banal tasks are the foundation for forming character that will come to bear in later more monumental tasks that you DO care about (I will mention William George Jordan later). I also disagree in that, one can FIND a job that has meaning, even if it doesn't pay much. My wife is a social worker, and she approaches menial clerical tasks knowing that they are essential to the welfare of her clients, and that little mistakes can sometimes cause a lot of harm. A person CAN find meaningful work, if they are willing to take a big pay cut and restructure their lives. Those aside, all of his advice and opinions rest on sound, tested wisdom.

The book argues that, while you may have no control over the eight of so hours you are chained to the office desk, you DO have control over the other 16. He argues for a program of self-improvement as a means of achieving happiness, and then goes about the details of how you can squeeze 90 minutes at least three times a week for active self-improvement activities to wake you up to the splendor and vibrancy of life, rather than living like a zombie before and after work time, which is the state at which most TV-addicted Americans are at today. Being a salaryman in Tokyo, where almost everyone rides the trains to and from work and where my own commute takes the roughly 50 minutes he projected, I found the parallels with my own life to be frighteningly close. His main point here is not that everyone should ride trains to use their time more efficiently, even though riding trains DOES free up time for the reading and philosophic reflection he recommends. It is that you should be much more aware of the little time wasters in your life and try to use your spare, limited minutes for activities that will improve your spiritual station in life.

I was not surprised that he recommended reading such Stoics as Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus, for two reasons. First, any philosophy of self-improvement or self-help that rests on ageless, tested wisdom of the past will give central importance to willpower and reason. Aristotle and his descendants the Stoics were some of the first to write about overcoming obstacles in life using reason and the power of our own wills. Bennett even write in his book how others may promise you techniques that will make hard work easier, but he rightly and harshly reproaches the reader for their foolishness in thinking that any hard task can be anything but hard. Realizing that self-improvement is hard, and that there are no short-cuts, is the most important point a person can embrace who is on the verge of beginning such an endeavor. The Stoics also realized that self-perfection was nothing but a long, hard road of constant self-checking, self-doubt and brutal honesty about oneself. That is one reason why the mention of such Stoics is not surprising. The second reason I was not surprised was that the Stoics made something of a comeback around this time. The influence is evident in similar self-improvement works of the Industrial Revolution by Samuel Smiles (Self-help (1859), Character (1871), Thrift (1875), Duty (1880)) and William George Jordan (The Majesty of Calmness (1900), The Kingship of Self Control (?), etc.). None of these works sugar-coats self-improvement like authors do now. All state clearly that there are no easy routes to improving oneself, and that self-improvement and improvement of character is a lifelong process until our dying breathe. I have read many self-help books, but have abandoned modern ones for these older ones for many reasons, the above being just one.

Authors at this time realized that life was a struggle, any way you looked at it, with little rest stops up the mountain to pause briefly and enjoy some of the fruits of our hardships. In that sense, their philosophy and style of writing is far more reflective of real life than all of the wishy-washy New Agey self-help bores that stock the shelves today. None of them, including Covey and similar business authors have absolutely NOTHING new to say that hasn't been covered by these men or later men like Carnegie and Napoleon Hill (commissioned by Carnegie to research and write his books). And in fact, theirs is a watered down version of these past authors, with none of the grit to get you through hard times. These past authors integrated Stoic ideas into their work, because only a Stoic, resilient mindset could brace against the many dramatic changes in society at the times due to industrialization and all the wars magnified by the technical revolution and trials people experienced during those times. Is it no wonder that modern readers addicted to self-help books continue to read through the whole stack still unfulfilled and still no closer to where they want to be in life?

I therefore recommend this book, as well as those by the authors I mentioned above. Things could get a little bumpy for Americans in the 21st century. All of the pampered, upper-middle-class self-help philosophies will be trampled underneath when the $%%#$ hits the fan and the whole materially-abundant superstructure that sustains the disappearing middle-class lifestyle collapses. In hard times, only philosophies embraced by those who have seen dark, trying times can be relied on. The Stoics, and their 19th-century revisitors (the guys above) will be a strong pillar to brace against.

Rare is the book that stands the test of time. Rarer still is the book that can be read multiple times and still be engaging. This is decidedly one of those books. Each time I pull it off the shelf, I find once again how current it is, how useful, and also entertaining. Bennett is a pleasure to read and very insightful. I would wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone and everyone. You can find a short write-up on this and other related books of his online at Wikipedia.

I absolutely love this story! It is so adoreable and has such a good message. Children of all ages will absolutely fall in love with Norman.

I bought this book, along with about 10 others, for my 21 month old daughter. She is a big "reader", but she won't go to sleep without reading it at least twice. She loves it so much, that I took her to buy a goldfish yesterday, and she immediately started calling it "Norman" (without my prompting). And, when it's near our mealtime (and I know she's getting hungry), she associates that feeling with the fish, and asks me to feed him. Unbelievable. Thank you, Kelly and Noah! Keep up the great work.

Be forewarned...your kids may want a goldfish. But that's far easier to do than the MANY books out there that have kids begging for dogs. :)

This book is just so cute. The story itself as well as the delightful illustrations. My kids just giggled and giggled while I was reading. They even laughed harder at Norman's version of events. As an amazing bonus, the author, Kelly Bennet, wrote a version of the story from Norman's point of view.

It is simply adorable and after hearing Norman so many times the kids just rolled on the floor howling at Norman's story. Read it and you'll even find out the unnamed boy in the story is called Curtis. There you'll also find activities and teacher guides for Not Norman. Great resource we came by unexpectantly while researching this author (to see if she had any more great books!)

Best thing about this book is the message that you just might find something good in the place least expected. I hope you enjoy Not Norman as much as my kiddies!

This book is wonderful. We checked it out from the Library and now I plan on buying for all the children on my birthday list. My 2 1/2 year old son insist that we read it at least twice a day and sometimes more. I even checked it out for his school library and I am sure he is also reading it at school.
This book is wonderful. My son knows when to say Not Norman and some of the other simple text in the book. The pictures are wonderful. This is just an all around wonderful book.

This story could not be cuter, and what a great message! We read it again and again.