Blake Books

John Yates, accused of insanity and preaching "wild" ideas to young teenagers, awaits trail. Quietly sitting in court for his lawyer to arrive, he irradiates serenity and kindness. If the jury finds him mentally ill, he will be committed to a minimum of ninety days at a mental hospital.

The story then moves back to more than a decade earlier to show who Yates was and what circumstances led to his present situation. An ambitious, arrogant, successful lawyer, he was a man highly respected and admired by his friends and colleagues. Then one night at a party a mysterious man approaches and makes him an offer that, though odd, is simply too irresistible to turn down. Thus begins Yates' journey.

This philosophical novel, written mainly as a dialogue, explores the spiritual transformation of John Yates, a man who suddenly finds himself in a series of strange circumstances which force him to come face to face with his beliefs and concept of reality.

If you expect an orthodox novel with a regular plot, this isn't the book for you. On the other hand, if you love philosophy, mysticism, and the debate of paradoxical, conflicting ideas, you might find in this book a little gem. War, God, and Good and Evil are explored, while lovers of Plato's cave will appreciate the allusions. Though the author's style is simple and straightforward, the message and theme of the book are not and you may find yourself wanting to read the book a second time to grasp its full meaning.

Blake Bailey's Edge Of The Cave is the enticing story of an ordinary lawyer who becomes drawn into the deep spiritual questions, who seeks wisdom from a variety of religions and philosophies - and finds so much of it that he winds up committed to the county psychiatric hospital. Witty, thoughtful, filled with subtle insights and a candidly askew look at life, Edge of the Cave is a most absorbing and rewarding read.

If you could imagine an argument that would decide the fate of the world and it's citizens, this is the book. The surrealistic imagery that allows one man to debate the fate of nations and their political representatives. Who is responsible for the "crime" of war? Is it a crime? How would you like to be the one responsible for proving it one way or the other. Bring your imagination, this book is an enthralling ride.

Although I'm relatively new to the area of philosophy, I found this book to be very understandable yet compelling. While many higher ideas are discussed by the characters, it's still written in such a way that a philosophical novice such as myself can grasp the concepts and thoroughly enjoy the book. It stretched my mind and challenged some of my preconceived ideas. The author has a real talent for presenting a likable, engaging character and yet presenting complex material at the same time.

This is a fasinating philosophical debate. It is set in a surreal legal tribunal debating war crimes and much much more.

I'd wanted this book for awhile, after seeing it at a local bookstore. But I never bought it. My boyfriend gave it to me for Christmas and I was extremely excited to get a chance to look through it thoroughly. The images are beautifully done and it's an easy read. I now keep it on my coffee table, giving everyone who comes by an opportunity to look through it. All agree that it is a great buy.

I am very pleased with my results. My package came quickly and was exactly what I was expecting.

I just bought the revised edition and also had the earlier edition so the updates were well needed since there's been a lot more discoveries since the first edition. The photographs are the best I have come across in a long time it's like being at the site and looking at them in there actual size. Great book overall and very informative.

This is an excellent text for those interested in paleoanthropology and human evolution in general. It is superbly illustrated and the activities of the paleontologist explained in terms that are understandable to the informed layman and provide a fascinating insight into this field.

The title of this book is at the same time both informative and misleading.

It's misleading because it actually goes back millions of years before Lucy walked the earth. And its discussion on language is quite minimal. So if you are looking for a book on language or Lucy, you might want to look elsewhere.

On the other hand, if you're not being quite this picky, this is an excellent overview of the development of humankind. Dr. Johanson was on the team that discovered Lucy, and since this is the second edition of the book which now goes back further than Lucy changing the name might not have made sense.

The book goes back further because new findings in the fossil record now go back to some 7 million years (Lucy is 3.5 millian years old).

The problems with printing any book like this are clearly illustrated by the 'Kennewick Man.' The previous edition of this book was published in 1996. A very short while later, the 'Kennewick Man' was discovered in Washington State that may completely alter the way we think the Americas were populated. This individual died about 9,400 years ago and reconstruction of his appearance from the skull remains has him looking a lot like Star Trek actor Patrick Stewart. Perhaps this lends credulence to European travellers also reaching the Americas as well as Asians coming over the Siberian Land Bridge.

This is a fascinating book, profusely illustrated with excellent photographs of fossils and commentary explaining what these fossils show.

I read the book in an afternoon and enjoyed it. The movie came out the following day and I was very disappointed how much the directors left out of the movie.

This book is incredible. The inner world of this good kid who did a terrible thing is captured so well...I could only wonder how I would have dealt if I had been in that situation, how my friends would have dealt...and whether there is a "right" thing to do. It really makes you think about what secrets you could learn to live with--and what you could not handle. All teenagers (and their parents!) should pick this one up.
(I think it may be too intense for kids under 12 or 13.)
And by the way, I saw that Gus Van Sant is making this into a movie.
Coooool!

I became interested in "Paranoid Park" because I found out that Gus Van Sant made a film version of a book by the same name. I am not a fan of Van Sant, but I love skateboarding and the plot intrigued me, so I decided to pick up the book.

The story revolves arounds a young skater prep who decides to visit an underground skatepark for street kids called "Paranoid Park". It is upon his visit alone that a horrifying accident occurs out of what was meant to be no more than a thrill ride on a freight train. The ride ends up in an accidental death of a security gaurd, and the rest of the book revolves around how he deals with the fact that it was partially his fault that a man was brutally killed. The images play over and over as he tries to cope with everyday life and figure out if he should call the cops or keep quiet. He soon realizes that life is more than sleeping with woman and just coasting through life, and he wants to figure out what that life can be if he isn't imprisoned for the rest of his life.

This book is short, and is a very quick read. What makes it so intriguing is that the main character feels like someone that you might know, and the other characters, even the stereotypical ones come off as real and people that might be in your school. Our lead character struggles with enjoying life and severe trauma. Can you enjoy life knowing that tomorrow you might be senetenced to life in prison? These are questions that kids shouldn't have to deal with, but there are so many children who struggle everyday to live and just enjoy life. This book is not for young children or for squeamish people, it does not spare the gorey details at all.

God Bless ~Amy

PARANOID PARK is a dark and intense psychological thriller of a novel that puts a normal teen in a very difficult situation.

Written as a confessional letter, it starts after a fateful night at a Portland, Oregon skatepark known as "Paranoid Park." Paranoid is "an underground 'street' park, which means there are no rules, nobody owns it, and you don't have to play to skate." But Paranoid is also "kind of a street-kid hangout. There's all these stories, like how a skinhead got stabbed there once. That's why it's called Paranoid Park. It has a dangerous, sketchy vibe to it."

After going to Paranoid Park with his older friend Jared, the narrator (who remains unnamed throughout the book) is enthralled by the experience. Skating at Paranoid meant you were in the "big leagues." The boys planned to return to the skatepark together that weekend, but plans changed when a college girl invited Jared to a party. Still lured by the thrillride of Paranoid, the narrator returns on his own.

At the park, the narrator finds himself hanging out with a "streeter" named Scratch and a bunch of other street-kid types. Scratch tells stories about how he lived up and down the West Coast, hopping trains and living in bus stations. Somehow, our "prep" narrator gets talked into hopping a local train with Scratch and the evening turns into even more of an adventure. The fun stops abruptly when a security guard gets thrown in the mix and a teenage adventure becomes the cause of a crime.

With a dead body and no witnesses, the narrator is paralyzed with fear. What should he do? Who will he tell? Will anyone believe him that this truly was an accident? Trapped by his own paranoia and the possible consequences of one night on the rest of his life, the narrator spends the remainder of the novel in a CRIME AND PUNISHMENT-like dilemma.

Author Blake Nelson, best known for his lighter works like ROCK STAR SUPERSTAR, THE NEW RULES OF HIGH SCHOOL and the seminal GIRL, does a phenomenal job portraying the raw and troubled emotions of a teen in turmoil without casting judgment. It's up to readers to decide how they feel about the character and the moral dilemma he faces. PARANOID PARK is in pre-production with director Gus Van Sant, known for films like Elephant and Good Will Hunting. It will be interesting to see how this haunting novel translates to the big screen.

--- Reviewed by Kristi Olson

If you dare visit Paranoid Park in Portland, Oregon, you will find the Streeters and the Preps. In Blake Nelson's new novel, PARANOID PARK, the reader enters the dark side of the skate park world along with the main character, who happens to be one of the Preps.

Paranoid Park is the nickname for an old skate park being used by the less desirable Streeters. While visiting the park, the main character is dared to jump a train car with one of the Streeters. When they are discovered by a security guard, an unfortunate "accident" causes the horrific death of the guard. The Streeter takes off, leaving the Prep with the guard's remains and the decision of what to do next.

What should he do? Tell the police, tell his parents, tell a friend? He decides to keep the truth to himself, but mixed in with his parents' impending divorce, his girlfriend issues, plus school and grades, he may have more than he can deal with.

Nelson's PARANOID PARK is described as a psychological thriller, and I couldn't agree more. If you are a fan of getting into the mind of the characters, this is just the book for you. With its attention-grabbing title and its cool skateboard cover, it will be flying off young adult shelves.

Reviewed by: Sally Kruger, aka "Readingjunky"

This oversized book is about the art and life of Steve Ditko. There is not much to be said about his personal life, because he never had much of a social life, having never married or even had a sweetheart as far as we know. His life seems to have been devoted to his art, which is well documented here. The author gives intelligent analysis about the strengths and weaknesses of his artwork, with reproductions of hundreds of examples of his art. Ditko is best known as the co-creator of Spider-Man and Dr. Strange, but he also created or co-created other heroes like Capt. Atom, the Question, the Creeper and the Hawk & the Dove. He also worked on just about every other type of comic book; including horror, science fiction, romance, western, humor and others. His work changed noticeably when he discovered the writings of Ayn Rand and became a proponent of her philosophy of Objectivism. Objectivism became the major influence not only on his life, but also on his art. His beliefs kept him from experiencing the financial success that he deserved, and they continue to do so today. An excellent book about one of the most important artists in the history of comic books.

Strange and Stranger: The World of Steve Ditko
A fascinating, thoroughly researched and insightful look into the enigmatic artistic genius that is Steve Ditko. Covers his early life + whole career in comics up to this present day. I cannot help but feel incredible joy for the epic work Ditko provided us and also great sadness for the philosophical choices he has made which rigidly limits his work and distances him from his many admiring fans. A great book which any fan of Ditko will enjoy and learn from.

This is a really great book. Steve Ditko remains, after my first exposure to his work more than 44 years ago, my all-time favorite comic book creator. Those of you who know me also know that I credit him completely with the creation of both The Amazing Spider-Man and Dr. Strange--books which he produced for Marvel Comics, and characters whose names are now attached to a man who had almost nothing to do with their creation.

This book has so far been something of a treasure for me. For instance, I had wondered for many years why Ditko's art seemed to blossom when he worked very briefly for Warren Publications when he illustrated stories for the horror magazines CREEPY and EERIE. Steve Ditko created art for those two magazines that were far and away from the material his fans had seen before that, and were not equaled in the long years after. The author, Blake Bell, explains quite simply why Ditko tried so many new and different methods of illustration with the tales he illustrated for Warren. I won't explain those reasons here--for you need to buy this book to discover why.

I also had many other questions answered. For instance, the input of Stan Lee into the characters Ditko created at Marvel had been a mystery to me since I first began to suspect that Lee, indeed, had not created any of the characters whose ownership he has claimed for so many decades. Blake explains, to a certain extent, Lee's pitiable contribution to the labors of both Steve Ditko and Jack Kirby. For this he reaped tens of millions of dollars? The mind is boggled.

Some people have asked me why I would champion a fellow whose political ideals are so diametrically opposed to my own. Ditko is a proponent of Ayn Rand's Objectivism. And I find that philosophy abhorrent and have nothing but disdain for Laissez-faire capitalism, which lies at the poisoned base of Objectivism. It's partly a mystery even to me. It could be that I'm not entirely opposed to Ditko's own lessons of personal responsibility so readily apparent in the stories he wrote. Or it could be that Ditko's art, and even his tales, are so well wrought that I am able to look beyond the obvious propaganda inherent in them and see them as the works of fine illustration and sequential art that they are. Frankly...I'm not sure.

Ditko remains a strange man to me. He's a mystery. Much as JD Salinger is a mystery. Much as Jack Kerouac is a mystery. I don't compare him equitably to people like Salinger and Kerouac, but there is that strain of not quite knowing where the creator is coming from, nor at what he's aiming. If you're a fan of Steve Ditko, there is no more perfect book for you than Blake Bell's STRANGE AND STRANGER: THE WORLDS OF STEVE DITKO. I could have done without the fawning book dedication to a certain fascistic monster, but I'm willing to overlook that minor irritant. Pick up this wonderful hardback. I can't really recommend it enough.

I can't claim I was ever a big fan of Steve Ditko, I grew up reading comic books, and of course, I read reprints of his work on Spiderman, but I liked the more realistic work of John Romita (and perhaps, the unrealistically beatiful women he drew). Now I can look at it and see how revolutionary it was in the early 60s, and it was a really unique way to draw a superhero book, I'm sure that was no small part of why Spiderman caught the popular imagination of the day.

My main exposure to Ditko's art was his work on Rom: Spaceknight, and I hated it, my views have softened some since then, but I still don't care for it. But after reading this book, I have an understanding of why his later work wasn't as good as his earlier work, all the characters were so stiff, and almost unfinished, they all kind of blended together into one look. Ditko was an avid believer in objectivism, I don't claim to know a lot about it, it was covered briefly in a college philosphy class I was in years ago, but apparently part of the dogma is that you do the minimum in your unfulfilling job, so that you can focus all your creative energy on what you truly care about(it's just my understanding from what I read in the book, I'm sure the philosphy is more complicated than that).

I wasn't a Ditko fan, but you don't have to be to enjoy this book, it serves as sort of a history of the comic book industry from the point of view of one of its silver age pioneers. I really enjoyed the inside stories behind Ditko's interactions with Stan Lee and others in the comic industry.

On one hand, I really admire Ditko's unwavering artistic integrity, and on the other, I wish that he would at least be willing to relent a little, and make some money from his creations, he has original artwork that would sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars, but chooses to instead live a meager existence. Of coarse, that's his choice, and on one level, I do admire it.

What I can't get behind is turning in inferior work, and justifying it to himself that it's all part of a grand philosophy. Rom was one of my favorite characters at the time, and his weak artistery (intentionally weak, it appears) was part of what led to that books demise. The way I see it, Marvel was paying him, and I was plunking down my allowance to read about one of my favorite characters, he wasn't making widgets, he should have given it his full artistic attention.

But in the scheme of things, that is a small part of his story, Steve Ditko is a pioneer of the comic book industry, co-creating Spiderman, and deserves all accolades that he gets. It's an interesting story, and Ditko is an endlessly interesting man, I highly reccomend this book.

This is an incredibly entertaining book. Looking at the cover, one can tell they are not looking at just another comic book artist. Opening the book one sees the first glimpse of Ditko, a five page black and white story called "Stretching Things". The story is a look at a man grown bitter by his handicap, so much so that a possible cure to his condition does'nt bring a happy ending, but a descent into evil. This is'nt your average "comic book artist". The book is a entertaining yet somber look at the career and art of Steve Ditko. The author touches lightly on his pre comic book days, perhaps too lightly in that the interesting tidbits of his life that the author gives us wets the appatite of the reader but leaves us wanting. The book quickly jumps into his career as a comic illustrator, Eisner, Foster and Jerry Robinson being his early inspirations.
The book has a nice balance between text and what most Ditko fans really want to see, his art. There are nice full page splashes of art opposite the beginning of each chapter. The chapters covering his time at marvel and charlton are laced nicely with art of Spiderman, Dr.Strange, Captain Atom, as well as his later Charlton work with pictures of Blue Beetle and The Question. There is a very interesting chapter on his time working at Warren, the publisher that put out the "Eerie" and "Creepy" magazines of the late 60s. This is interesting in that it shows some of Ditkos "wash" technique, a water/ink brushwork style of art of which Ditko was a master. The book covers his time at Marvel and the historic clashes with Stan Lee that drove him to work at other companies such as DC where he created characters such as "The Creeper" and Hawk&Dove and Charlton where he had more creative reign if less pay.
The book goes into Ditko and his objectivist philosophy which he would incorporate into his work often. Such work as "The Question" and his "Mr. A" are examined at length, and holds the reader captive and left wanting more. The efforts of Ditko to keep his work uncompromising are as epic as any Ayn Rand novel. There are a lot of treats for those looking for rare and often unseen Ditko art. The last thirty pages of the book are dedicated to nothing but Ditko art and sketches. A chapter on Ditkos relationship with comic fandom has plenty of examples of his "fanzine" work.
Stories of comic book artists who didnt recieve proper credit or compensation for their work are frequent when talking about gold and silver age artists. The book is, if anything, as much an indictment of the industry as it is a look at the artist. The battle over who owns art(and in some cases who "stole" art), over who created what and who didnt are exposed with jaw dropping effect. With Ditko however, the stain on the industry looks even greater by comparison than it does when held up to giants like Kirby or Superman creators Seigal and Shuster. Ditko doesnt come off as being "handled" or "paid off" or "swept under the rug" like so many companies did with artists who were vocal about creative rights. He comes off as an artist who kept his integrity intact, a rare character trait in any era. Ditko was about the "work" not about the money. One cant help reading this book and walk away looking at Marvel, DC, or Stan Lee in the same light.
The end result is both a sad and heroic tale. But Ditko is not easily defined, and when the author tries to do just that in the last chapter, he misses the mark. The author seems conflicted in the end, longing for the Ditko of old, bemoaning the increasing amount of "telling" text in his art rather than "storytelling". He wants to both exhault and scold Ditko for his uncompromising attitude at the same time. The author talks about how Ditko found Marvel/DC just churning out the same old bland retreads of characters come and gone, unwilling to be innovative. He complains about how Ditko spent too much of his story on the villians juxtaposed with Ditkos objectivist vision of "Hero" as opposed to the flavor of the day, the conflicted, or "anti-hero" that had gained popularity. Yet the author makes statements about how Ditko had "become chained by the trappings of the superhero genre". It's not hard to see that Ditkos work was a scathing commentary on the "anti-hero" and on what superhero comics had become in general. He comments on the decline of Ditkos storytelling abilities. Clearly, Mr. Bell seems somewhat conflicted about exactly what he wants to say regarding Mr. Ditkos legacy. This is a thankfully short bit of editorializing on the authors part to be sure. Yet the author, by trying to define what Ditko is, or had become fails to allow for the possibility that Ditko might have been evolving into something that has no definition. An artist, a master at visual storytelling, an essayist, a commentator on society, one might even say a political illustrator. Combining all of those, one comes up with something that has'nt been seen before or since. Something that eludes even the author. Something new, creative, sometimes polarizing, but definately original and always undefinable. I couldnt begin to put a name to it, all I can say is that it's pure Ditko. This book tells and shows an incredible story. I wish it was a hundred pages longer. A must have for any comic collector.

This should be considered a modern classic. I think I like the book more than my son but he enjoys it as well. I bought a copy for every parent and grandparent I know.

This is hilarious light reading with excellent illustrations.

The conversations we've had with our kids about how they become baby elephants, and vultures, in their manners and behaviour has been a treasure.

A delightful light allegory about growing up and parenting.

I buy this book for my grown kids who are expecting their first "zagazoos" so they'll get a glimpse of what it's gonna be like. Really great perspective from the parents and kids point of veiw.

I love reading this book to my 2 year old because he thinks it is funny and interesting and I chuckle to myself about all the various stages of wild animal that we have yet to experience! It makes me sentimental for the times my husband and I had together before our Zagazoo came along! It is sweet. It is a great book that I will send to all the parents I know.

We took this book out of our local library, and I am now online to purchase 5 or more copies to have on hand to give to all my friends as they become parents. This book appealed to me particularly as a parent, because in a clever and amusing, albeit heartfelt way, it relates the feelings and thoughts a parent experiences as their child grows and develops.

I loved everything about it - the humor, the pathos, the simplicity of the storyline, and the colorful illustrations by Mr. Blake. My child really enjoys it - and he didn't mind my explaining the parts to him he didn't understand - or won't - until he, too, becomes a parent!!

In the vein of Shel Silverstein.

Just great.

Savvy Casting Director Bonnie Gillespie scores a direct How-To hit with this latest effort, "Conversations with Working Actors." As anyone in Hollywood can tell you (especially BG), there is no greater feat in Tinseltown than to make your living by performing. And that's why this book is such a helpful tool to those artists who are on their way...as well for those who have already arrived!

Insightful interviews, commentary and anecdotes will inform and inspire even the most jaded showbiz type---whether it's from a name you recognize (eg Joy Behar) or someone whose face is so familiar but name doesn't ring a bell (Michael McManus). Learn and laugh from this well edited and always interesting actor's essential!

That book was amazing.It includes interviews with 29 working actors who they are asked about the challenges of the profession, the triumphs, the disappointments, the dreams that came or didn't came true and why.Through reading these discussions, you feel like you are talking to these people in person, that natural and realistic they are.It is a beautiful journey, that i feel will be equally worthy to everyone, whether he is in the profession or not.I am not in the profession, however i always wanted to learn how actors live their lifes and that book provided me valuable knowledge that i will always cherish.

This book reads as smoothly as a novel. Each chapter is a slice-of-life vignette that delves into the lives and minds of working actors. Actors will learn something from each of their peers. Fans will love the insights into the personalities, hopes, and some of the usually-hidden fears of these noteworthy actors. Bonnie and Blake get the real stories behind these hard-working actors of all ages.

Actors will recognize Bonnie as both a casting director, book writer, and creator of columns on the business of show business. Get a copy today. You will be enthralled.

Each and every chapter of "Acting Q's" is a personal story shared by some of the most incredible people who just happen to be creative and talented artists. Through Bonnie and Blake, these wonderful actors share information along with life lessons learned in a very touching and personal manner. There is so much that every actor can relate to within these pages and so much invaluable advice that is past on that this book is the ultimate gift.

This inspiring collection of interviews takes you on the journeys of several artists that share a passion and a common goal - to become a working professional in the entertainment industry. In response to Bonnie Gillespie's and Blake Robbin's thoughtfully posed questions, each working actor shares their heartfelt stories and life experiences that lead them on their road to success.

From aspiring and veteran actors to the fans that show their undying support, all will be able to learn from and relate to the many challenges and similarities of each actor's chosen path. From how they got started to where they are now, the reality in these actor's lives is motivating, enlightening and helps us all to appreciate just how hard working they are.

Thank you, Bonnie and Blake, for giving all of us a book that is filled with so much life and is a joy to read.

I have all of the Robert J. Blake Books and they are great...my son loves the stories and we live in Alaska. The books really give you a sense of life in remote Alaska yet the are great for Children. Swift is by far the favorite story.

I purchased this primarily for the artwork, which is is top notch(as is the story).

A beautiful malamute named Akiak is featured in this book about Alaskan sled dog runs. The story of the old malamute who literally ran herself into the snow, when she reached a point where she could not "run on that paw," Akiak is taken to a dog drop off place. The malamute's indomitable spirit shows through. Instead of waiting for the little puddle jumper plane to fly her out of the area, the curly tailed dog escapes and rejoins her team, even though the team has a lead of several hours on her. The spirited malamute brings to mind MacFadden & Whitehead's 1979 classic, "Ain't No Stopping Us Now." There ain't no stopping Akiak now - she won't give up!

Readers not only race with the mushers, they run with the malamute who would not give up. Her travels and travails become those of the readers; her success will leave readers cheering with delight.

The drawings in this book are masterpiece paintings and readers will come away with a good understanding of dog racing and the rules and history of this sport. A trail map has been included along with some final notes about the sport of dog racing. A masterpiece of a book!

We recently added "Akiak" to our elementary school library collection, because one of our primary classes was following this year's Iditarod. It instantly became a popular title, and several other classes have thoroughly enjoyed it as a read-aloud.

I can see "Akiak" becoming an annual tradition, right before the first "mush" of the famous Alaskan sled-dog race.

In frosty clear language, accompanied by his museum-quality oil paintings, Robert Blake, presents a day by day account of Mick's team, initially led by 10 year-old Akiak, until she "can't run on that paw." Akiak is left at a dog drop, but refusing to be flown out, she breaks free to chase after her team, many hours behind.

In this "incredible journey," students get a taste of the Alaskan's passion for this unique sport, learning about the hardships and rules of the race along the way. The trail map on the end papers would be helpful for those wanting to turn this into a simple geography lesson.

This excellent story works on many levels. This is worth reading, even if you're just looking for a heartwarming dog story!

This was an absolutely outstanding book! Our family thoroughly enjoyed this book and the amazing degree of emotions one goes through while reading this heartwarming story. The illustrations were also fabulous. Thank you for producing such a wonderful piece of literature! Sincerely, The Valentins

I honor the author Susanne Blake in her sharing her story of her paths beginning. She graciously allows the reader to travel with her down her path and share her experiences. I highly recommend this enlightened book to anyone who is awakening to thier path, who realizes coincendences are more then mere chance. I for one am waiting anxiously for her next book ! Love and Light Susanne..... hugs !

Susanne has enabled us to be an audience to a true story of healing, recovery and hope. "When Spirit Speaks" shows us that the life of miracles and peace are here for all of us.... if we only reach out and believe. As one of the characters in this book I know first hand that a Spirit-filled life is available to us all......

We all search for meaning and wholeness. In "When Spirit Speaks" Susanne Blake explains how we can find balance as we learn the lessons we need in order to become whole. Encouraging us to be ourselves and go forward without fear, Susanne's openness and honesty shine through as she describes her involvement in Native American beliefs and rituals. Through the telling or her personal story she enables us to focus on the truths of our own spiritual journey.

"When Spirit Speaks" is a joy to read and offers insight into how we too can draw on spiritual forces to help us with our lives.

Few accounts meld mystical and practical aspects of one woman's life as does this courageous journal. The author's journey through Christianity and Native American Spirituality reveals that these worlds do co-exist peacefully and beautifully. This is a freeing and self-affirming message to one denied cultural and racial knowledge and pride while living in the dominant society.

This is one of those books that I started reading years ago, and set aside - not because I didn't like it, but because I got distracted. It surfaced recently and I finished it in only a few days. The story in this book pulls no punches. The author portrays herself as a real, fallable woman on a path of connection with Spirit. The experiences and wisdom shared in this book came to me just at the time I most needed to read them. Spirit spoke to me through this book.

i thought this book was going to be good, but i didn't know it would be this good. each well-known childrens' book writer/illustrator writes about their lives, influences and inspirations.

included are ealry photos, first drawings and a full page self-portrait.

so thoughtfully put together. a beautiful book to browse through and inspire you and your children to pick up a tool and draw, paint and create.

I think this is a wonderful book for children to understand that art is really an emotional, personal thing. I think it's a book EVERY teacher in the elementary should have.

This is a charming book to be enjoyed by all;young children, who will enjoy having this read to them, to aspiring artists, to older fans. Early work of these illustrators and pictures of some of them as children along with their stories give a picture of their development.This may also offer an introduction to new books and illustrators. Great for teachers and librarians when presenting a story.

This a wonderful book for inspiring budding young artists. Wonderfully illustrated with examples from all the artists (including fold-outs). A great way to learn about their lives and work.

I love this book. I had gotten it with my children in mind but being an artist myself, found great joy in reading it.

Un petit livre destiné à la jeunesse, "L'histoire qu'on lit au bord du lit" est écrite en vers et, en quelques pages, tourne autour du thème du lit : le lit tel qu'on l'aime, c'est-à-dire douillet, voyageur, pliant, casse-croûte, sous-marin ou tremplin. Chaque thème est travaillé de façon amusante, autour de paraboles et d'images hautes en couleur ! Les illustrations sont comiques, signées par Rotraut Susanne Berner, les vers sont traduits par Beatrice Vierne. Ce qui est particulièrement enrichissant, et s'adressant ainsi à un lectorat plus avisé, c'est que l'édition est bilingue : la page de gauche est en édition originale, celle de droite en français. Ainsi de lire les deux versions et de s'extasier sur la plume talentueuse de Sylvia Plath - auteur prometteuse trop tôt disparue !

Embark on a gentle, fantastic trip into a magical world that lies between reality and dream. Your child's imagination (and your own) will drift into sleep with images of acrobats, submarines, elephant beds, and so much more!

That this book should be out of print is a complete mystery to me, not enough violence in it, I imagine. As for the used price above, I can just imagine snuggling in bed with my child and an antique book... Books like this are meant to be read again and again, not placed in a gilded cage on a pedestal.

After years of searching for a copy (new or used) of Plath's "The Bed Book", which I used to read to my son when he was a toddler, I discovered that a publisher in the U.K. is going to re-release the book in September, 1999. I hope Amazon.com will make it available. . . this is a smashingly creative book, with page after page of beautiful watercolor illustrations.

My son and I read this book for years at bed-time - It was our absolutle favorite. Somehow we have lost the book and I have been searching for another copy for ages. Can the DC reviewer provide me with the name of the British publisher that is going to re-release this book - or any other details that might lead me to a copy? I would be very appreciative!

"Not just a white little, tucked in tight little, nighty night little, turn out the light little, Bed."

And this is not just an ordinary book. I came accross it one day and decided to give it a go, having read other Plath works. This book is incredible, te utter childishness of it, every time I think of it, it brings a smile to my face. This book is a must-read.