Big Books

This book is great! A marvelous example of how a little information can tell a lot. I recommend this to all my homeschool friends as a history of the world baseline. Very well written with just enough information to get at the real meat, and capture the essence of each period.

The Big Bang to Now: A Time Line is a penetrating but easy-to-understand overview of the current scientific history of the universe. Reading it along with more detailed books like Bryson's A Short History of Nearly Everything or Dawkins' The Ancestors Tale: A Pilgrimage to the Dawn of Life makes both books more rewarding.

But there is one question I have heard asked more often than any other. It is whether it is possible to live a life committed to religious values and at the same time to accept most of what science says today about the world. For anyone asking this question, I cannot recommend a better book to read alongside The Big Bang to Now than Edward O. Wilson's The Creation: An Appeal to Save Life on Earth. It demonstrates that it is possible to embrace a scientific world view and be at the same time a deeply religious and committed believer. In fact, science can deepen one's awe of the world God has created, and make our guardianship of it more effective and caring.

Sissons' The Big Bang to Now and Wilson's The Creation each deserve five stars for what they tell us about the world and our place in it. Put together, they deserve six.

I have now read this book twice - small paperback, easily tucked in to one's bag with print that is easy on old eyes. Reminds me somewhat of Karl Rahner's "Prayers for Meditation" `62 and might be a rich jumping off point for self-centering. I read it first from the perspective of a person who believes in God and the second time as someone who believes that there is no God... I found the latter approach more terrifying. If God is not our parachute... She states that "whether you think our past can help us make better decisions for our future, or want to decide if the discoveries of science reflect a creative design that deepens or contradicts religious belief, it's a book that reveals a sometimes beautiful, sometimes brutal, always amazing universe."
The book often brings one up short "Earth may be unique in the Universe. If there are other planets where we could survive, they are thousands of light years away, we haven't found them yet, and if they exist, we won't have the means of reaching them for a considerable time. IF we do manage the trip and somebody is there before us, we might not be welcome. So if we want to survive, we had better take care of our Earth. Living somewhere else that doesn't depend on support from Earth isn't going to be possible any time soon." (page 29). She ends by saying that "In about 4 billion years, our sun will run out of energy. Earth, our solar system, and some day our galaxy will burn out. Ultimately, even the entire Universe may end. Bleak as this may sound, neither science nor religion assume this is the end of the story. We live in mystery." (pg 211)
This treatise on time, on life, on relationships, on personal responsibility is thought-provoking, inspiring, and humbling. I found myself oscillating between determination and despair, and between anxiety and inspiration as to my role (infinitely small and seemingly inconsequential) for the survival of our universe. But it is profoundly important for my own life, my own development, my own sense of peace.

I recommend Terry Sissons' The Big Bang To Now: A Time Line as both an interesting read and a handy reference guide. When I first received a copy, I opened it randomly and learned that dinosaurs became extinct 65 million years ago; homo sapiens' migration from Africa took only 10,000 years to reach China and Australia; and Queen Victoria reigned from 1837 to 1901. I settled down for an easy, informative read that gave a straightforward perspective on the basic cosmic and historic events of the last 13 billion years.

Though that first read would have been plenty to rationalize the cost of The Big Bang to Now, I continue to find it a valuable reference. My college bound daughter has absconded with my first copy because she wants it at school to answer a multitude of questions that come up from friendly discussions to writing papers. I have obtained copies for both home and the office because it is so easily helpful in answering "When was that?" whether the query is about astronomy, anthropology, science, or western civilization. I have a friend who carries a pocket atlas in her handbag. Now that I have a copy of The Big Bang to Now with me, an understanding of the world we live in and how we got here is always at our fingertips.

This exciting version of the whole of time divides time into about 100 eras and gives a one page, wrily factual account of each.
The opposite page of each section, has a thought-provoking commentary on the era.
It is an inviting, easy read suitable for anyone from early teens to ancient.
But, no, it is not trivial. The brief summaries of each era are soundly based on the up-to-date knowledge of 2006- with a clear reminder that science is what we know now and will surely change as time goes by. That is a good lesson for anyone to learn, and this book is an easy way to learn it.
A compulsive book for the dipper-in, there are plenty of pointers to further reading on any age that grabs.

I love this book. Pictures for every recipe and ingredients I can find at my local grocery store. Lots of fun going through for a shopping list, hard part is deciding what to make. Includes a kids' favorites section with dishes kids can help plan and make.

This book is amazing. We have made four of the recipes so far and had four incredibly yummy meals and they took very little time and effort to do... just as it advertises. Go figure. By the time I get home from work the last thing I want to do is spend two hours making dinner, so I am very thankful to have found something like this.

This cookbook has not failed me yet. I have tried about half of the recipes and would make all of them again. Only two meals needed a bit of extra spices, but that's an easy fix. The recipes are versatile, easy, have common ingredients, and each recipe is pictured as part of a well-balanced meal (giving those of us non-cretive types ideas on veggies or other sides). I recommend this book without reservations.

I received this book at my bridal shower. I've since bought copies for many of my friends. I LOVE that every recipe has a picture and nutritional information. The ingredients are basic things that I always have in the pantry. The meals are quick, healthy and taste great. The directions are very easy to follow. I recommend this book hands down! LOVE IT!!!

I have never left a review before, but I had to write one about this book - All of the recipes are simple with easy to follow directions - And there are pictures to go along with every recipe - There is even a section of food for kids - Most of the ingredients are things that you are already going to have in your pantry - Fabalous must have for anyone who doesn't always have a lot of time -

It was in very good condition, came in a quick amount of time and Was very cheap about half off the retail price, while in the same condition you would find it, in any book store. I was very pleased with the order and if the seller has anything else in future, I would buy from him and suggest to others to buy from this seller.

BESM (Besm): How do I put this? This book is anything every GM, DM, Storyteller, or player could hope for. This book makes any storyline possible, any ability ever imagined can be done, this book is as limitless as the genre its about. Keep in mind this comes at a minor price. This is really not a beginners book into role-playing. Although it does give you a grasp of role playing if you are not used to complicated rolling procedures it shouldnt be used as a game book. If that is the case, it still makes a great resource book for comming up with stories. If you wish to put the time into it to make it your primary book it can be most worth it.

I liked the book it makes it easy to create a rpg based of any kinda anime. The ruels are easy and simple. I've even started applying the weapon flaw rules to my D20 games

Big Eyes Small Mouth has gotten even better.

For those who enjoyed the tweaks made to the 2nd edition, these words may be hard to believe, but trust me, it's true. With the newest edition of their anime-inspired role-playing game system, Mark C. MacKinnon and David Pulver have created what is at once both an incredibly streamlined, simple, and fun game, and also a deeply complex, customizable, and rich gaming experience.

First, the TriStat system, what the original BESM was built on (using the three stats of Body, Mind, and Soul to build a character and make rolls) has been changed to a roll-high rather than roll-low system. Instead of trying to roll under a number, you're now trying roll above it, making the game more intuitive and accessable for afficionados of other games like D&D and GURPS. Most everything else will be similar however. You still get a set number of points with which to buy your stats, collect Attributes and Skills (which have now been more integrated, nixing the need to load up on 6 levels of Highly Skilled in order to have a competent character), and get bonus points with Defects.

The changes made to these standbys are mostly "more of everything." You start out with more points than ever before, so most things cost more. However, you also have a broader spectrum of powerful attributes from which to choose, with effects that you can either customize (creating anything from a powerful magic artifact to a highly-evolved AI in your spy gear) or can leave completely alone if you don't want to fuss with the rules. Constant notes (titled "Keep it Simple") are made throughout the book of ways to streamline the experience to make it less complicated, even allowing for near-diceless playing (by "taking 6" instead of actually rolling).

Combat has been expanded as well, with more Armour options (including expanded Shield mechanics for defense), more information on performing wild stunts (in or out of vehicles), and several tactical options like going all defensive (to gain a bonus by not attacking) or holding your action until triggered by your enemy (allowing you break their stride during an attack). Many elements that used to be seperated are now combined to allow for less confusion (Kensei and Gun Bunny are now all "Combat Techniques," so you Munchkins don't have to spend twice the points to be able to wield both two swords AND two guns), and features like "Targeted" abilities allow you to gain bonuses when facing certain foes with certain weapons.

Magic has also recived an overhaul, with powers being divided into Dynamic Powers or bought individually as abilites (Flight, Mind Control, etc.), or even created using customizable attributes with enhancements, defects, and even some spell and spellcaster templates (Want a targeted beam of holy destruction to smite your enemies? You got it, and if you don't like the example in the book, make up your own).

Additionally, there are more options than ever for items, character classes and races (more than 40 templates are provided for classes and races in 3rd Edition like Half-Orcs, cat-girl Nekojin, Mercenaries, Students, and Demon Hunters), and, most importantly, setting.

Skills now have even more genre options (new examples include Historical: Steampunk, Modern Day: Superhero, and Historical: Ancient Greece/Rome) leading to even more options for customizing the setting of your game. In addition, BESM now has an official setting - the Anime Multiverse, seven interconnected worlds linked by the Cosmic Web and joined by World Gates. Earth is joined by the demon world Bazaroth, the high-fantasy Ikaris, the space-operatic Cathedral, and several others. You could start as a highschool studen on earth and end up as a space pirate rebelling against the Galatic Trade Authority in the Interstellar Diaspora.

Game Masters and players can either absorb all of this information for vast and almost-endlessly complex world-hopping adventures using loosely-canonized plot elements, or can just roll up a few basic characters for a simple game, or literally anything in-between. With BESM 3e, the creators have literally placed all of the power to create as complex or as simple a game in your hands, all using the same intuitive and easy-to learn mechanics and loveable style that made BESM a hit years ago.

So what are you waiting for? There's whole worlds out there to discover.

What can I say Big Eyes, Small mouth was like a gift from the gods. I was over at my brothers place for a weekend and he told me about this game. At that moment I made it my quest to get this book. You see I am a huge Otaku (Anime Fan). Well a roleplaying game that you get to roleplay an anime character well how could I not want to get it. I am also a very big person in RPGs as well I have been role playing for 12 years. Played Vampire, D&D 2ed & 3rd, Kindred of the east, Chtulhu, and others not going to name them all. But this RPG I now love more then all the others. The types of Genres and settings are limitless and the only limit you have is your own imagination. You can play anything from Big giant Mecha battles like you see in Robotech, Macross, and VOLTRON!! All the way to your supernatural horrors to even your fantasy worlds like D&D you could even have a game like Vampire. The Characters aren't limited to Races or classes like most games are. Its a very wonderful game. I recommend anyone who is creative and who loves anime to purchase this book. I even have people who hate anime interested in this game and they enjoy playing it. So buy a copy of this book you won't be disappointed.

Reclusive, cranky, Seth Peterson is not an engaging protagonist. Okay, so he rescues a woman from a burning car in the first ten pages. But he doesn't really like people, particularly in crowds-say two or three ort more. Make a presentation to a group of scientists? Forget it. Do a stint in front of the camera-fainting time. But stick with Seth Peterson and you begin to find him sympathetic, engaging and more importantly, involved in some serious stuff. He grows on you.

Peterson is a researcher for something in Washington D.C. called The National Ice Center. He and his fellow scientists study frozen water. Doesn't sound too interesting or very important but the fact is, if the polar ice caps melt due to global warming or any other phenomenon, the resulting rise in ocean temperatures would be catastrophic. Consider Miami under 200 feet of ocean water. What's more, it wouldn't take the liquefying of all that ice around north and south poles to bring on major disaster. Seth Peterson knows that. He knows that if one shelf of ice separates from the south polar glacier, it would be a major disaster. He believes he's found a method to predict such a phenomenon. A significant forewarning might allow the world's scientists to do something to reduce or eliminate the disaster. But what if certain forces in the world want to keep that information from the world?

That's the basis for this very engaging novel. Bonn Jonnes has crafted a scary and very interesting scenario. He takes a potential global event and carves it down to human terms, bringing together the forces of good as represented by a lovelorn, flawed individual with important knowledge, struggling against his own inadequacies and a mysterious force that wants to destroy him and his knowledge.

Regardless of a few coincidences, and an over-the-top chase scene, once readers get to know Seth Peterson they'll root him on to the final resolution. The last two or three chapters are fine. A fun, engaging novel.

Big Ice is an exciting and suspenseful tale of threat, extremism, and heroic desperation. When a reclusive polar ice researcher discovers a "doomsday fault" that could potentially cause a massive amount of ice to detach, melt, flood coastal cities around the globe and wreak havoc upon humanity, he is thrust in the center of a nexus of journalists, law enforcement officials, and ruthless fanatics determined to make cataclysmic prophecies come true. A gripping and thrilling read, Big Ice documents author Christopher Boon Jonnes as a gifted and original novelist of considerable talent and storytelling expertise.

I've read books with high acclaim from top reviewers that can't come close to Cristopher Bonn Jonnes's "BIG ICE." The book fits all the accolades of a best seller.

Seth (the main character) . . . who can't love him even with his personal problems? To me he represents the fears in us all and how most of us have run away from something when we should have stayed. For me, Seth did more than overcome his problem of Social Phobia; he tells the reader, through his ordeal, that we are all heros when we stick out the hard times and remember those who mean the most to us, viz. our families and true friends.

I had to keep reading this book because it pulled me into its story with the non-stop action, suspense, and intrigue. Author: Christopher Bonn Jonnes has set a new trend in a genre that I thought was worn out and uninteresting---not so with "BIG ICE." You won't be disappointed if you like shoot'em up, narrow escapes from death, and grizzly scenes that make you cringe. You'll be cheering for the main character, and I promise, he will not fail you when the time comes.

Get it! Buy it! and enjoy it!

What about it, Christopher? ---can we take the sequel to the Antarctic?

From the author of: "Whipped Pups of Bitterbrush" M.D. Cummings

Just to set the record straight "Big Ice" was written and created before the movie "The Day After Tomorrow." I think to get a real feel for the catastrophic, global warming scenario and potenial planet killer phenomenon, you should read "Big Ice". Not to mention the book has a great plot and story line. It keeps the reader from yawning after seeing so many world calamity movies that always seem to wallow in the same predictable plot: I mean how many times have you seen the Statue of Liberty drowning in Ice, sand, water, or evil slime?

Christopher Bonn Jonnes, has a great novel with "Big Ice" one that will thrill any readers who not only like to read about global calamities, but enjoy suspense, drama, and mystery. Check it out and see what I mean.

---M.D. Cummings

In his debut suspense novel "Wake Up Dead" Christopher Bonn Jonnes combined intriguing characters and cutting edge science to produce a riveting read. All too often the second book from an author is weaker in terms of character development, plot or some other structural problem. That certainly isn't the case here where the author has once again combined intriguing complicated characters with cutting edge science to produce another intense read.

Seth Peterson witnesses a car crash during a snowstorm in Washington, D.C. As the crashed Blazer begins to smolder and the on looking crowd does nothing, Seth rescues the driver narrowly escaping the escalating flames. Unfortunately for the seriously social phobic Seth, the rescue brings unwanted media attention.

Seth has more than enough scrutiny that he can stand thanks to his discovery. As a Polar Ice Researcher, he believes that he has developed a program through his job at the National Ice Center, to identify where and when large slabs of the Antarctic Ice Shelf might break away. The results of such a massive release of ice would be disastrous for a world unprepared. Such knowledge could be worth millions and power to some.

Such knowledge would especially be important to members of a doomsday cult that believes an ancient and very overdue prophecy is finally about to come to fruition. Since Seth can predict where and when, it stands to reason in their minds he could assist them in actually making it happen. They need his knowledge willing or otherwise to assist them to fulfill the prophecy and thanks to the media exposure have a very good idea where to find him.

The chase is on as Seth narrowly escapes their clutches and what follows in this 244 page novel is a book full of intriguing characters with plenty of action as well as plenty of plot twists and turns. The book does slow down at times as information on ice formation and little known opposing viewpoints on the issue of Global Warming are discussed. However, each time the information is presented, it is done in an educational non-preachy way and is used to ultimately further advance the book.

This is one of those authors that modern publishing houses who seem bent on following cookie cutter methods should pick up. Better than a lot of what is being pushed by the big boys of publishing, this novel is an example of an author who can be counted on to write tight well-written novels full of intriguing characters and cutting edge science. This book, like his first, is well worth the read and this is one author you should definitely keep your eye on for the future.

My 8-month old loves these books. The pictures are simple but endlessly fascinating to him, and the message is simple and clear. I read this, "Yummy-Yucky" and "Quiet-Loud" every day to him and he never tires of them. (I cannot say the same for every book I want to read to him.)

My daughter is 17 months old and I am now buying this book for the second time because she has already overused her old one. At one point she was just bringing me pages and seemed so disappointed when all I could do was turn the cardboard over. I eventually had to just throw the pages away and get a new one.

Cute board book for little ones. Its even cuter when I catch my just turned 4 yr old reading it to her 18 month old sister.

The illustrations in this book are incredible, bright, rich and so beautiful to look at. There are only a few words on each page which is really great for the littlest of kids. They'll sit through this one, for sure! This is a must own book!!!

This book became an instant favorite with our 5 month old baby. She loves the smiling baby on each page and the bold colors capture her eye. Great book for little ones.

This book has been out in the hands of good teachers/parents/child care folks/kids for awhile now, but I've found that it is new to many kids who are just discovering it. One little guy I worked with recently as a visiting author to his school told me: "I didn't know a tennis ball could be so interesting, did you?" He was referring to painting with tennis balls. Our group tried several approches with painty tennis balls....rolling them around in a wading pool covered with paper, tossing them at a wall of paper outdoors, holding and pressing on paper, bouncing on paper on the floor, and a few other ideas that kids thought up that are NOT in the book, but should have been. Read on: The little guy who told me tennis balls are interesting had thought up a idea where he rolled the ball deliberately through paint and then along the border of large paper. Within the border, he made dot-prints with different colors of paint. When it was dry, he outlined each dot with a black marker. The result was a huge bubbly design painting. I was impressed with his process, and the resulting painting was delightful and all his own! I love when my books give kids a boost to be their own artists and live in their own creativity. What a great day spending time with kid-artists. Someday I'll collect all their unique ideas and write a new book called "Kids Are More Artistic Than I Am!" Keep having fun with kids, from your friend, MaryAnn Please visit my website for free art ideas: www.brightring.com.

THIS BOOK IS A FOR-SURE WINNER. IT ENABLES THE KIDS TO HAVE FUN AND GET DIRTY AT THE SAME TIME. I AM NO LONGER AFRAID FOR MY CHILDREN TO GET DIRTY! IT'S CLEAN UP IS EASY TOO. IT'S AN ULTIMATE GUIDE FOR FUN.

I have been teaching preschool for many years and I love messy media... this book had some really neat ideas, things I had never tried before. When I got my copy, I couldn't wait to try out some of the ideas right away.

This book is my kids' favorite! Everything is either very LARGE and exciting, or SILLY and exciting, or ADVENTUROUS and exciting, or extremely INTERESTING and exciting. Don't buy this if you want your child to sit in a corner with crayons for the rest of her/his life and never look beyond the expected. This is for the kids that will challenge their imaginations and explore art from a new view, building who they will be as adults.

I am a special education teacher and I am always looking for new ideas to enhance my sensory awareness program. This book has some awesome ideas and I can't wait to start using them this year.

Hallie Palmer is back in The Big Shuffle, the third book in a series by Laura Pedersen, and if you haven't read the first three that's ok because this one stands alright on it's own. In the first chapter of this novel the main character Hallie is shocked when her father unexpectedly dies of a heart attack. She doesn't have too long to pull herself together because her mother, suffering from the shock of loosing a husband, is hospitalized with severe depression leaving Hallie in charge of all the funeral arrangements, the bills, the house, and eight children.

Chalk full of colorful characters from the previous three novels, The Big Shuffle adds Uncle Lenny to the mix. Uncle Lenny is an old sea captain that stays on after the funeral to help Hallie run the ship. Some of the children believe him to be Santa, some think he is God, while others imitate his every move. His outrageous sea yarns and boisterousness add so much to the humor for which these novels are known.

The other character that comes into play in The Big Shuffle is Pastor Costello. After Uncle Lenny heads back to sea, Pastor Costello steps in and helps run the Palmer household, in much the same way he runs a bible camp. Other characters from past novels in the series get a new light as well. Cappy, Hallie's former bookie, has a beautiful home which he shares with his new fiancée, Texas, a recovering 'Hold 'em' hotty. Cappy's grandson, Auggie, has returned in a steamy fashion. Other repeating characters include Bernard and Gil who have grown to love their new role as parents, with Bernard becoming a Girl Scout leader. Olivia and Ottavio are back but having are ruff patch, and Hallie once more has guy troubles.

Even with the saddened backdrop The Big Shuffle has a humorous and uplifting charm. There isn't a lot of gambling (aside from the title) but there is a wonderful adolescent endeavor that makes taking the nontraditional route seem sensible in the long run. Laura Pedersen writes in a way that is both compelling as well as witty. The Big Shuffle is a quick pick-me-up kind of novel.

From the very first page I fell in love with this wonderful novel. It's chock full of humor, warmth, and family drama, with a subtle message about caring and the bonds of friendship carefully woven into the struggles of living and dying. The main character, a young woman suddenly called home from college to care for her family in an emergency, is well-drawn and realistic, but she's not always the main event, thus widening the appeal of the novel to all ages. Hallie often serves as ballast for the more memorable characters to swirl around her, including a local antiques dealer, his socially aware mother, their minister, the colorful sailor man Uncle Lenny, and a cadre of town poker players. The twists and turns are familiar, but that's what makes the action so interesting and appealing, especially when everyone has a different view on how to resolve problems and attempt to move forward. The author does a terrific job of interweaving these additional personalities along with their relationships so the main plotlines never become boring. THE BIG SHUFFLE is never boring, even when the narrator is vacuuming Cheerios out of the rug or contemplating the provenance of candy corn at Halloween time. Pedersen's standup comedy background sneaks in at all the right moments, and yet she also gets the heartbreak and confusion following the death of a loved one pitch perfect. Hallie Palmer might just be our Laura Ingalls Wilder for the 21st century.

Hallie Palmer is one gutsy gal but not because she wants to be! During a raucous college party one evening, she sees her buddy Bernard approaching her through the hazy drunken figures. Twenty-four hours later, she is trying to cope with the fact of her father's death, her mother's inability to cope with his death, and the screaming, squalling noise of eight younger siblings. It seems she's the only one who's got enough head on her shoulders to take charge, and that's exactly what she does. No, I haven't given away the whole plot - that's just the outline!

But how she moves through these days will make you roar with laughter, hold your breath with shock, and cheer with a tear in your eye now and then as Hallie rises to the challenges which she never in a million years could have envisioned handling just so short a time ago.

Bernard continues to thrill readers with his dramatic quotes and singing! Although Hallie's sister and brother are grossly incompetent, they still provide a very funny background! And Mom's got quite a few surprises up her sleeve yet, so don't go counting her out yet - Hallie's about to get a whopper of a lesson about how life's choices really go that perhaps is not quite what one thought "should" happen.

Laura Pedersen's writing is definitely maturing delightfully and gracefully! The back of the novel states, "...beginner's luck can't last forever..." Oh, yes it can and it has vastly improved with Laura Pedersen's crafting of "The Big Shuffle."

Reviewed by Viviane Crystal on January 12, 2007

Imagine you're in college, at a frat party, when you hear your father has had a heart attack. Moreover, your mother is unresponsive and has been hospitalized. And, oh yeah, you have seven younger brothers and sisters living at home.

19-year-old Hallie Palmer faces just this situation one late fall evening, and she decides there's no choice but to head home and hold up the fort. It isn't easy. There's hardly any money in the checking account. Three of the children are still in diapers, two of them infant twins she can't tell apart. Her younger sister, Louise, wants no part in the homemaking and child-raising and absconds to Boston with a boyfriend at the age of 15. Her 12-year-old brother, Teddy, also causes problems by leaving school to hang out with mom at the mental institution.

Fortunately, Hallie isn't as alone as she feels. Her friends Gil and Bernard are there to help with food, help, and, eventually, a job. The pharmacist stops by to help with paperwork. The city snow removal guy digs out the driveway for free. When Hallie crashes and burns with a case of mono, Pastor Costello moves in and takes care of all the children and the house until Hallie can get better.

While the community is there to help, Hallie's old friends are scared off by her new life. Even her boyfriend, Craig, doesn't understand her reaction to his dropping out of college and takes up with another, more accommodating girl.

Laura Pedersen's "The Big Shuffle" is a warm-hearted, entertaining novel, with love and community at its core. It's populated with a variety of eccentric characters--like Uncle Lenny, a sailor who arrives for Hallie's father's funeral and stays for awhile entertaining the kids with gruesome tales of the sea--and is often quite funny. Take, for example, this passage in which Hallie describes arriving at the school to discuss, she thinks, Louise's delinquency:

"Though communism collapsed some time ago, the high school is ready to serve as the Kremlin West should bolshevism rise again. The dark cinder-block building manages to block out the sun and cast a shadow over anyone who dares to enter its steel-framed doors. The inmates all share the same sentence--four years with no time off for good behavior and no chance of probation." (p. 140)

Pedersen's style is relaxed here, the plot not dominant. Instead we are treated to entertaining circumstances, wacky children and characters, and a strong, compelling narrator in Hallie.

"The Big Shuffle" is a sequel to "Beginner's Luck" and "Heart's Desire." And while there are references to Hallie's early cardshark life, it reads well as a stand-alone novel. (I should know--I haven't read Laura Pedersen's work before.) "The Big Shuffle" has some light sexuality and is best suited for children ages 14 and up.

Often, in narratives which focus on the lives of young women in their teens or early twenties, there is an inclination among novelists and short story writers to make the female adolescent journey into life either so uncomplicated and therefore inconsequential that the conspicuous absence of a dark cloud causes us to pause in disbelief, or so downright menancing--as in the brilliant but pessimistic short studies about teen aged girls written by Joyce Carol Oates--that the journey is so riddled with darkness and dispair that the central character is often blinded, then devoured by it. Laura Pedersen's world, like ours, is at different times, painful and exhilarating. It is made gloomy by moments of profound loss--as on the occasion of a loved one's death; but promising even then, when it offers the central character in THE BIG SHUFFLE, Hallie Palmer, a means of coping with her grief while helping her mother and younger brothers and sisters to deal with theirs.

There is something both delightfully innocent and wholesome about Hallie Palmer and those qualities remain intact even when she brazenly reveals to the reader the exact numerical makeup of her hand during a game of Strip Poker, or when she casually describes the "faint but distinctive aroma of marijuana" in a room where fun-seeking college kids gather as a refuge from their more serious studies. What is noteworthy, I believe, is that Hallie can never be defined by her involvement in card playing or her physical closeness to kids who sometimes choose to drift off aimlessly in a cloud of pot. They remain trifles in the exciting life of a young and admirable young lady, whow is infinetly more substantial as an impressive and attractive heroic figure on a mission to bring life back to a mother whose grief has thrown her into a seemingly everlasting state of intense mourning and helpless siblings who must recover from the devastating and riddlesome loss of a beloved father.

During Hallie's journey, she becomes aware of the matters of life which are often taken for granted or simply denied. One recalls that at first, when she learns about her father's serious heart attack, her response is a combination of childish anger and denial:"Huh? My dad--heart attack--impossible!" she convinces herself; "He's young and strong and not even forty!" But later, toward the end of the novel she is able to observe that her mother suddenly begins to look older, perhaps even a bit wizened. In only a few months, then, she begins to take on the sometimes grim but important knowledge involving the physical realities of youth and old age, life and oncoming death; and she generously shares her newfound wisdom with the reader in a most delightfully forthright manner. And so, in this wonderful new Laura Petersen story, Hallie Palmer, with the help of some friends, particularly her dear theatrical mentor and adored buddy, Bernard, manges to turn a deep personal sorrow into a kind of celebratoin of discovery and existence. And we find ourselves literally cheering her on along the way!

A well written relevant guide for anyone considering starting a business. Everything is included here-step by step guidance, what to expect, inspiring stories and even quick tips at the end of each chapter. It will really give you that extra confidence to follow your dreams! I found it to be an invaluable resource as I plan for my future. By the way, this isn't just for women-the advice is valuable for everyone!

"Birthing the Elephant" serves as an informative guidebook to becoming a successful entrepreneur. This book gave me the motivational push to consider the possibility of starting my own small business. Great read for both small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs alike. The stories of successful women entrepreneurs across various industries were very insightful.

From the very first page you know this book is about business. "Come down from the castle in the air" Its filled with examples and insight from real women who have been down the road you about to travel. A great read for anyone getting ready to take their first steps into entrepreneurship.

I read Bruce's weekly ask a small business professor article. I must say, each week Bruce offers fantastic information on how to successfully run and manage a small business. Naturally, when I saw his name on the book I felt inclined to read it from being a fan of his syndicated article. Boy was I happy I did. In the book Bruce does a fantastic job of encouraging women and men on how to start up a small business and successfully operate it. Keep up the good work Bruce.

This book is for both men and women alike who are interested in starting their own business. The book gives a great perspective on how both men and women can create a successful business. Although the book sounds like it is geared primarily towards women, it will undoubtedly inspire any man who is serious about starting their own business.
This book is a must read for anyone who is ready to start their own business.

Great reading for fans of the Borowitz Report. I read in the doctors office - by the time they got to me, I had been laughing so hard my blood pressure was down to 99 over 61 - proving laughter is good medicine!

One of my favorite kinds of satire is the fake newspaper story -- one that uses the structure of REAL stories as a device to spark real roars of laughter due to the often brutal jokes that take on a special meaning in a once-serious context. I've actually dabbled in these myself, in my early years as a journalist, on my website's previous (now defunct) satire section and now on my existing wenblog.

NO ONE does this form of satire better than Andy Borowitz. PERIOD. I never met him. I never exchanged an email with him. But I'm going to buy all of his books (used if I can, to save a bit of $). Before I had my blog I'd email his stuff with a link; now I occasionally link them.

The Big Book of Shockers is Borowitz at his best (with perhaps one overdone device; see below). You wreck the book if you go into detail, but I can share you a few of my favorite pieces: Ann Coulter's spontaneous combustion; Bill Bennett losing his wife in a poker game...and so many more. Best headline (with a great accompanying satire): CHENEY'S BRIEF APPEARANCE, RETURN TO SECURE LOCATION MAY MEAN SIX MORE WEEKS OF WINTER and BUSH REBUFFED BY MODEL UN.

This book is a GREAT Christmas gift. Why? Borowitz, like the super topical satire group The Capital Steps, isn't doing one-sided partisan satire. He lampoons EVERYONE. And his professional comedy writing experience shines through in each gem of a satire because he's the very best of his genre: each satire has a beginning, middle and an end, and there are no wasted words. Just laughs. You can gift this book to anyone who follows the news or politics -- it doesn't matter if its a Bush supporter or a Kerry supporter (or a Nader supporter).

The only device that doesn't quite work is a running gag -- a perhaps due to the fact that I have a blog and read so many outrageous blogs that it didn't seem all that outrageous to me. You may react differently. This "blog" is also the only one that breaks the format of this book's pieces -- satires of news stories.

Prediction: if you read this, you'll order more of his books. And that's no joke.

Great book. Andy is really good making you laugh insteead of cry with his take on politics. Mostly for Democrats, but Republicans (like me) can get a kick out of it too

I laughed at every page of Andy Borowitz's book. He is truly a comic genius! It's a refreshing light-hearted look at the sad state of politics in the world today. After reading the funny satirical articles, I could go to sleep with a smile on my face instead of a furrow in my brow. The articles in the book read like newspaper articles with hysterical twists and turns - you'll laugh out loud and want to share the book with friends and family.

If you have seen Team America and loved it (I did) but wondered, where can I get more of evil Korean dictator Kim Jong Il, look no further: this is the book for you. Kim's evil face is smiling right there on the cover, and for a good reason: he "wrote" the introduction and an "exclusive" blog for this extremely funny book. The South Park guys have nothing on Andy Borowitz, who turns out to be an evil genius in his own right. I have never laughed so hard as I did at Kim's list of favorite records he would bring with him to as desert island if the world is destroyed (by him).

Above and beyond the Kim stuff, which is worth the price of this book alone are truly hilarious news stories about everything from Bush, Kerry, Saddam and David Blaine... this is a really highly recommended purchase.

The Cranium Big Book of Outrageous Fun is great because it has all sorts of different things. Anything from planning birthdays, to making maps, drawing & even creating your own castle. It has a fun mini-conga game, and so many activities that my kids keep going back and reading and playing with this. A great buy that you really get your money's worth out of!

Our famiuly loves the entire line of cranium games. It is a fun time to spend with our children.

This book is great! I bought it for my 6 year old. She loves all the cranium games and books. We have the original cranium, but when I saw this I thought it would be perfect for her. She can do some of the activities on her own and there is also a game to play. It is fun and easy.

Spent a whole day with 5 granddaughters ranging in age from 5 thru 12. The book was appropriate for ALL of them!!!
I highly recommend it

I'm a pretty big fan of Cranium's games, and since this was touted as a write-it, draw-it, sculpt-it, act-it game for ages 7 and up, I was looking forward to using all my talents. The first thing I noticed is that this probably isn't a book/game for anyone over 15, and my guess is even early teens won't get much use out of it. Once I got over my disappointment that it was truly geared for a much younger audience (than me, anyway), that's when I let go of my preconceived notions and started to play around with the game.

I particularly enjoyed the "Data Head" section as they had lots of fun "science" activities for kids, including a mold experiment that calls for the study of mold in various stages. Your kids can then rank the mold on various sub categories, including a "Stink Factor." Parents may be none too thrilled with this activity, but it should make for an interesting couple of days.

The book also contains a game (get it game in a book in a game) the "Conga Mini Guessing Game." The game is also somewhat simplistic so adults probably only want to invest them time if they're joining their younger family members, but in all this is a nice, self-contained package that has a lot of fun activities and room for creative expression. This is a must-have for your child's bookshelf/playspace, and it also does carries well on the dreaded road trips.