Brooks Books

This book is another gem from an author who is still somehow not well
known. I first wondered whether FLOUR GIRL would be a superfluous attempt
to tell the same story as THE RING BEAR (another wonderful book), but for girls.
In fact, it is warm, witty and wise like THE RING BEAR, but all in its own
way. As a pair, these books should be required reading for any kids
dealing with remarriage, but this author's gift is that he makes the
stories appealing to anyone simply looking for a good picture book. How is
Scott Brooks not better known as well? The art is amazing. And who ever
heard of a publisher releasing six picture books at once from an author?
Magic Wagon seems to know what they're doing.

Flour Girl is a silly companion to The Ring Bear, also by David Michael Slater. Little kids can relate to Sophie about mixing up words and their meanings. Flour Girl is hilarious and Sophie is a cute and mischeivious character. Children will love reading Flour Girl!

The Mom's Choice Awards® honors excellence in family-friendly media, products and services. An esteemed panel of judges includes education, media and other experts as well as parents, children, librarians, performing artists, producers, medical and business professionals, authors, scientists and others. A sampling of the panel members includes: Dr. Twila C. Liggett, Ten-time Emmy-winner, professor and founder of Reading Rainbow; Julie Aigner-Clark, Creator of Baby Einstein and The Safe Side Project; Jodee Blanco, New York Times Best-Selling Author; LeAnn Thieman, Motivational speaker and coauthor of seven Chicken Soup For The Soul books; Tara Paterson, Certified Parent Coach, and founder of The Just For Mom Foundation(tm) and the Mom's Choice Awards®. Parents and educators look for the Mom's Choice Awards® seal in selecting quality materials and products for children and families. This book has been honored by this distinguished award.

A compassionate tale about a child undergoing transition, Flour Girl is a heartwarming story that is sure to resonate. Like Slater's corresponding piece about a boy, The Ring Bear, Flour Girl shows a girl who is dealing with pending marriage of a parent. Sophie willfully misinterprets her role to undermine the marriage that she sees as threatening her relationship with her father. She comes to learn, however, that she can not only survive but thrive in the new situation. The theme is treated with precision and respect, and the tale is a powerful reminder to kids about how important they are.

David Michael Slater is an extremely gifted writer of children's picture books. The first Slater book I read was Cheese Louise! and I was so enamored I became a fan for life.

I haven't read all his books, but the two others I've read were just as enchanting: Flour Girl (Missy Swiss & More) is a natural to follow his award-winning The Ring Bear that I recently reviewed (five stars, of course).

I can also see why Flour Girl (Missy Swiss & More) received The Mom's Choice Awards® honor for excellence by their esteemed panel of judges: The main character is a charming little girl who feels threatened when her father tells her he's going to remarry and asks her to be the flower girl. The cover will give you a clue as to how Dahvi goes about her plan to "keep her father to herself."

Although I trusted this author, at first I feared this book would be just like The Ring Bear, only for girls this time around. Uh-oh, I thought! But how wrong I was to even harbor that notion. Slater takes a similar theme and with wit and imagination makes it entirely unique. Little Dahvi's plans are foiled, of course, but everyone has a good time with her antics and she learns a valuable lesson about how important she really is. Children who read this book will learn along with her; that's the beauty of Slater's style.

What a wonderful imagination David Michael Slater has; accompanied by a sharp wit and keen sense of family values, it's a combination that can't be beat in a children's scribe. I predict he will soon be one of the best-known, beloved children's writers of our day. Scott Brooks's fabulous illustrations are the perfect complement to Slater's prose. An award-winning team, that's for certain.

I'm sure you will place Slater in high esteem and fall in love with little Dahvi too. Honestly, who could resist that cute little imp on the cover?

Reviewed by: Betty Dravis, 2008
author of The Toonies Invade Silicon Valley

This one has a reasonably tight plot and many amusing set pieces; we particularly enjoyed Jinx yowling for scrap metal and the business with the frying pan and the ant. Please read it to see what we are talking about; you will be pleased.

The Freddy books are awesome! And there are 26 of them! It's as if E.B. White wrote 25 sequels to Charlotte's Web... They got a bit formulaic towards the end -- but even the worst of them are still staggeringly good. And this is one of the best!

Freddy and the Bean Home News is my personal favorite of the seventeen we've read (there are nine more we'd like to find someday); my son's favorite is probably Freddy the Detective (maybe that's the right one to start with -- it has Simon the rat and his family -- but this one's in print).

I love it all -- the language, the characters, the drawings (the ones with Freddy disguised in a sailor suit are particularly fine). And any scene with Old Whibley the owl fills me with pleasure -- sometimes, I sneak the book off the shelf after Morris is asleep just to reread a choice passage. The books are dated in some ways -- though not THAT much, and some of it adds color (a scrap-iron drive for the war effort is a major subplot of this one). But even now, almost 60 years after it was written, it is still completely understandable and frequently hilarious to both children and adults.

This is the tenth book in the Freddy the Pig series, and it is classic Walter Brooks, fun and insightful. Two animal adventures are interwoven in this book. One is, of course, the start-up of the barnyard newspaper, and the other is a scrap metal drive. The scrap drive puts into perspective the time line for the book; the metal will be "shipped off to make guns and ships to help our fighting men win the war." The publication date was 1943. In the process, the young mind will learn that spinach is good for you, that only bad people throw stones at animals, and that the Constitution guarantees "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." [Actually, that was the Declaration of Independence, but let's forgive Brooks for this slight confusion.] We also learn that an editor must have clean windows, "so he knows what's going on in the outside world." One interesting thing I noticed in this book for the first time is that the animals always speak very educated English, whereas several of the human characters use bad English, as when one of the bad guys says "watch out he don't slip past you." And I smiled to learn that the Centerboro jail has a music room.

This delightful tale is set (and written) right in the midst of World War II. While somewhat irreverent, it makes effective use of many of the effects of the war on rural America. The animals at Bean Farm are patriotic creatures. Anxious to participate in the local scrap iron collection effort (and win Mr. Bean a box of cigars) the animals are determined to use their special qualifications and teamwork to collect the largets amount. Freddy, always the pig on the spot, writes up a report of the animals efforts (and a poem or so) and takes it to The Centerboro Guardian, where his friend Mr. Dimsey has always been willing to include an 'animal' news column.

But the worst has happened. The snooty Mrs. Underdunk has foreclosed on Mr. Dimsey and installed her nephew Mr. Garble in his place. Needless to say, Mr. Garble does not like animals. He likes them even less when the enterprising Freddy collaborates with Mr. Dimsey to start up the Bean Home News. In no time at all Freddy has captured a large readership and Mr. Garble is losing business. When Mrs. Underdunk runs into Freddy on the sidewalk, and claims pig violence, war is declared. The two newspapers start making allegations about the opponents and the stage is set for a political struggle that is more than faintly reminiscent of today's campaigns.

This high flown adventure story has Freddy hiding in jail to avoid being arrested, Hank the horse disguised as a deer on Mrs' Underdunk's lawn, and a newspaper where the chief society reporter is a chicken. Plus, we are treated to the regular antics of the Bean Farm crew. As usual Mrs. Wiggens the Cow laughs too much. Charles the Rooster gets so good at pretending he had a cold that he actually catches one and loses a chance to make a speech. Jinx the cat collects iron by singing for it, and Old Whibley the owl wins a court case and engineers a revolution.

This is one of Walter Brooks best plots. It is well paced and cannot fail to keep up the reader's interest right to the end. Kurt Weise's illustrations are numerous and perfect. As is often in the case, the lesson being taught is "have fun, care for your country, have fun, support your friends, have fun, stand up for what's right." Did I forget to mention "have fun?" I think I like the Freddy the Pig books now more than I did as a child. Then, innocence kept the lessons from being as meaningful as they are to me as an adult. Now they are treasures.

This is one of the really great Freddy books, ocurring in the middle of Brooks' career. Written during the Second World War, there are mentions of rationing and scrap iron drives, but most children won't find these a distraction. This seems to be the first appearance of Freddy's nemesis, Herbert Garble, and there are the usual --unpreachy-- lessons, such as not to take onesself too seriously, and plenty of excitement. This is one of the many Freddy books that adults will enjoy as well. Gives one a great excuse to read to your child.

If I had to get one book for home schooling this would be it. Good practical reviews, humor and a friendly warmth. I have read it from front to back more than once.

This review pertains to the third edition, published in 2000.

At almost 500 pages with its large page size, this book has a lot of information. This is a combination/collection of essays by two homeschooling parents (one now deceased, sadly). The book and product reviews are interspersed amongst essays and stories about their homeschooling experiences and philosophies. There are reviews of books, audio tapes, kits, etc. There are lists of magazines, catalogs, and other publications such as free materials available mostly from government agencies. It is partly a catalog since many of the items may be purchased directly from the authors who are also the publishers and also their own mail order catalog business.

What I enjoyed first was the essays and stories of how they homeschooled and why, and how their philosophies sometimes changed over time. Some of the reviews are lengthy and tell how they used that product and how much their children liked it and why. The reviews I like the most are the longer ones in which pros and cons are both mentioned. The reviews I liked least were the short one sentence summaries that really didn't contain any personal opinion. Overall, the reviews are positive in nature so it can be hard to pick out which book may appeal to me. Since so many items are reviewed I do understand that space is limited and the author has a limit on not wanting to include the reviews that are only negative in nature (although I'd find that equally helpful and it may save me money). The book has a tone of "if you don't have anything nice to say the don't say anything". I also wish there was a bit more commentary such as "this book is strong in this area while the next book is strong in this different area". One example is for different books for preschoolers on topics of shapes, colors, counting, etc. There was some overlap in areas and then the review didn't tell enough for me to decide which of the featured items I would prefer.

Some other negatives: I found it hard to pick out the age ranges for the books; topics are mostly by major subject such as science, reading, etc. There are no headers or footers to tell what category you are "in" when the pages are open. Kits are mixed with books, etc. in some cases which can get confusing. Margins are very narrow and don't allow much room for making notations such as which books I decided to buy. Sometimes it is hard to tell where one item ends and the next begins. Sometimes the organization is confusing such as an entry for a website with good homeschooling information mixed in with book reviews (without some kind of sidebar). The copyright free illustrations can get annoying and sometimes make the book seem overly cluttered.

As the mother of a three year old and a baby, I found this book severely lacking in book reviews for babies and preschoolers. (Despite the authors claiming this book begins with birth-aged materials.) Many books that I have found very helpful for parenting, general reading books, and preschool aged activity books were just missing.

Areas I found of most interest were the reviews of books on history and how to teach reading. These were two areas that I was worried about dealing with as a homeschooling mother. I was glad for the guidance toward the useful books.

Despite my complaints the book has been very helpful and inspiring for me. I have a long wish list made now! Going through the book more than once, I now value this as more of a reference tool. It is worth every penny and I highly recommend it to all homeschoolers especially if you compare the cost of this book to books you may have bought that ended up being useless. The fact that this is self-published by a homeschooling mother is incredible and to be commended.

Many times there were great reviews of books when I have been unable to find reviews online.

I am recommending this to all my homeschooling friends. Would also make a great reference book for teachers and public libraries.

This book would be worth 5 stars for the product reviews. But there is so much more! This "whole earth catalog" of homeschooling is a gentle reminder that homeschooling can be seen as a lifestyle, or even as a worldview, and that education is just one small part of the larger process of building a family and living in the world.

Jean has been there! Even the product reviews are written from the point of view of life experience, and the essays, sometimes pithy, sometimes humorous, sometimes moving, and sometimes all three at once, cover everything from birth to death, an examination of a life well-lived.

This has long been my favorite homeschooling book, and the Third Edition just makes it even better. When they pick up this book, users of packaged learning approaches such as The Well-Trained Mind will immediately discover how much they have been missing!

The Home School Source Book, 3rd Edition, By Jean and Donn Reed

How to describe this one-of-a-kind book? Imagine touring a huge educational supply or book store (from your favorite chair) with a knowledgeable guide trailing at your elbow, a guide whose sole purpose is to help you find materials that work for you. That is how I experience this book every time I open it. I can practically hear Jean or Donn whispering in my ear.

Whether you are a homeschooling parent putting together your curriculum or a parent seeking to supplement a classroom education, this book will ease your journey and open your eyes.

The Home School Source Book is so much more than a resource book --- it is an educational odyssey, a how-to, a philosophy, as well as a resource and catalog, all rolled into one. Many, many materials are thoughtfully reviewed and practical suggestions for using those materials are included. Comments and essays, liberally sprinkled throughout the subject resources, cover a tremendous scope of "life subjects."

What I like best, I think, is that the Reeds assume that readers are thinking people who do not need to be told what to do. So instead of lectures, we are treated to friendly conversations and gentle debates over homeschooling issues of importance to the Reed family, materials they have used, materials others have found useful, all seasoned with surprising facts and interesting tidbits of knowledge. You may not agree with the Reeds, but you will be moved to think about the ideas they present. In the end, that is what homeschooling is all about, isn't it?

I bought this book 5 years ago, and it proved to be one of the best resource books I have ever seen for home schoolers. Not only does it fill every possible need a home schooler could have, but Mr. Reed's thoughts on home schooling and its benefits are found throughout the book, and are quite enjoyable and informative to read. I highly recommend this book for anyone wanting vast information, sources and supplies for home schooling.

It is refreshing to read genuine literature in an age of popular fiction. Victor Brook's writing combines imagination with interpretative meaning in each of his short stories. These stories appeal to the inner soul and are adventures in life at its best, at its worst, and in the extraordinary. "A Ceiling with Lizards," for instance, is captivating and evokes thought about why the protagonist ever went to India. The mystery behind each story leads you further into the mind of Victor Brook and encourages you to read more. Victor Brook is an artist with words, and his stories are straightforward and characteristic of literature, which belongs to a generation of uniquely gifted authors.

These are stories for study, for re-reading, for analysis, for plumbing the depths of both human experience and the art of writing. Especially, these are stories for sharing with other lovers of REAL literature, those who are able to undertake an analysis of the nature of reality. Challenge yourself!

Victor Brook's stories talk about things that concern all human beings: loneliness, wasted lives, breaks in communication between men and women, misunderstanding of different cultures, broken dreams, and many other serious subjects. However, the stories are not "dark;" their seriousness is often softened by a spark of humor, a fanciful dream, or a beautiful description. Readers need not fear that the stories will relate and appeal only to Russians. On the contrary, Brook's works are universal and his characters could have been born in any country. This is great literature written in a style that will appeal to many readers. Don't miss it!

Coupling beautiful imagery with eloquent stream of consciousness writing, Victor Brook explores life and humanity in a way that is both refreshing and captivating. His ingenious insights will undoubtedly make a lasting impression on every reader. This book is a must for anyone who wants to understand life in a new and profound light.

I read this book twice and I am going to read it again. In the epigraph for the opening story Victor Brook uses the old sailors saying, "Sailing the sees is necessary, living is not as necessary". True, the characters of Brook's stories are not just living, they are desperately searching for the meaning of their lives. The stories are very poetical, philosophical, lyrical, the language is colorfull and inventive. Get your hands on this book as soon as possible!

this book is so interesting and helpful! it is easy to read and engaging. Perfect for students studying to be therapists/counselors. I really like it!

This book is very insightful and helful for upcoming therapist. Easy read and very helpful.

I received the book promtly as promised and in perfect condition. The book itself is a wonderful exploration of the therapuetic relationship between a therapist and her client. Highly recommend it!

I learned more about "doing" psychotherapy from this book than all of my other books combined. I used this book often throughout my internship, and I found it very helpful in many ways. The author helps to validate what novice therapists are thinking about and doing and worrying about. The author gives specific examples throughout the book, so that you know how to visualize what he's talking about. If you are into relational work (and I personally believe that all therapy is relational), then this book is for you. Not many books really outline the therapist-client relationship. Most books say, "Focus on process and not content," but then don't explain how to do that or show you what it looks like. This book is paving the way for how to address the "process" in therapy and not just the content. You get tangible, concrete examples of many, many situations that may come up when working with clients.

While I appreciate Yalom's writing style on existential and relational therapy, I find Teyber's book to be more applicable and less esoteric. Anyways, I highly recommend this book, especially for beginning therapists who are practicing in internship or after graduation.

This book was read as part of a course assignment. The author's style and the content allow one to take an introspective look at oneself in addition to introducing an interesting concept for therapy. I was refreshed after reading.

I went to my college bookstore and they wanted almost $200 for this same book, and I found it on here for 70 dollars less, new!

So this is a fantastic book. Explains all concepts and terms well.

Book is in much better condition that that which I would expect from a used book.

This is not an easy book, however it is the easiest Chem book I have ever seen. The CD-ROM and the CengageNOW are worth their weight in GOLD! USe them because they SURE make this process a ton easier. BY getting this through Amazon I save a good bit on what the FCCJ bookstore is selling it for. Plus I got this delivered directly to me AND no long lines to stand in. This is a good book! Enjoy it! Have fun with Chemistry!

I bought this for self-study, to refresh myself on general and organic chem and to get a solid introduction to biochemistry. So far, I'm enjoying it. Well written with good illustrations although aimed at an introductory audience.

This book is in its 8th Edition with two new authors. The style continues the high standards set in the previous edition. I find this book to be a very good quick reference guide for chemical reactions, stoichiometry, organic and biological chemistry. I am very sad to see that Bettelheim and March have passed away!

This is an excellent book that covers all aspects of web development. To often are programmers unconcerned with the aesthetics representing the code they create. However it does not matter how functional your site is if the user cannot enjoy it, understand it and navigate it. That is where this book fits in. It is the perfect medium between the programming world and the design world. If read cover to cover this book can give even the most inexperienced reader the skills needed for professional web development. It is well organized and laid out in a manor perfect for the classroom environment. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in web development.

The book is well written and concise with many wonderful examples to support the text. The combination of both web design and web programming into a single resource is inspired.

I have been teaching Web related courses for several years now. When I received a note from the publisher's representative annoucing the textbook, my first reaction was "Another Beauty From Paul Wang" and I was right! I have copies of all books written by Paul Wang including the best-seller, five-stars book (ANSI C on UNIX). Finally, there is a book that I really can use in teaching courses on both Web Design and Web Programming. Most existing books either discuss Web Design or Web Programming but not both. I have adopted the book and I will be using it to teach my Computer Science students as well as my MBA students. The book is well-written, comprehensive, and probably is the first book that is written by people on both sides of the aisle: Arts and Computer Science. I have always believed that most computer science folks lack the artistic side of Web publishing and many people in the arts field lack the technical side of it. I believe the two authors (a well-known and famous computer scientist and author Paul Wang and a leading expert on Visual Communication Design Sanda Katila) have done an excellent job and provided us with a wonderful textbook that addresses the subject of Web development in an integrated manner. This textbook can be used by almost anyone who is interested in Web development. It is easy to read and follow and it is very interesting. Yet it is challenging and very informative. I highly recommend this book and give it a Five-Stars rating without hesitation.

This is an excellent book that covers all aspects of web development. To often are programmers unconcerned with the aesthetics representing the code they create. However it does not matter how functional your site is if the user cannot enjoy it, understand it and navigate it. That is where this book fits in. It is the perfect medium between the programming world and the design world. If read cover to cover this book can give even the most inexperienced reader the skills needed for professional web development. It is well organized and laid out in a manor perfect for the classroom environment. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in web development.

To see the book cover, detailed table of contents, and
a rich set of supplemental materials please visit the
book site: sofpower.com/wdp

This Bio does not look upon Louise Brooks as sympathetically as other's Bio's do. Here we feel that we are being told the truth - as not everything in her life was perfect, or admirable, or even sympathetic. Louise Brooks was still a person who did things her way. And this books tells us what her was. A wonderful look at a wonderful Actress, Dancer and Writer.

An all-emcompassing book for fans of Louise Brooks. It has interesting stories and beautiful photos.

This is a great biography of an obscure, but fascinating silent film star. Barry Paris has done a great job researching the life and times of Louise Brooks. A must-read for any Brooks fan.

This book was wonderful, before I read it I had no idea in the world who Louise Brooks was or what an impression she had on the motion picture industry. While this book is full of information and well written there are some slow points. A wonderful book for anyone interested in films.

I am one of those who became entranced by Louise Brooks after seeing her in "Pandora's Box". She appeared to be highly sexual, intelligent, and to be marching to the sound of a drummer that she alone heard within herself. It turns out that she was all of this. This is an excellent biography and a lesson about what happens to those who despise the opportunities that life presents to us and to those whose lives are driven by sex rather than common sense. Louise Brooks was a very modern woman despite having been a star of the silent screen. She made only a few films but her performances in those films stand up with the great performances of today and their naturalism makes the acting of most silent screen starlets seem idiotic. While other actresses were concerned with nothing but their looks, Brooks was reading Shaw and Proust. While others did all they could to ingratiate themselves with the movie studios, Brooks had nothing but indifference for them. She turned her back on fame, fortune, and power. She could have had a brilliant career but always sabotaged her chances. She had beauty and incredible sex appeal. She had Chaplin as a lover. She wrote. She lives on today as an image of a woman ahead of her time and also as a tragic waste. Her own difficult personality drove everyone away. Her lack of discipline was childish. She fascinates. This is the best biography we will ever get of her. Recommended.

This really is a great book if you want some detail on how the atmosphere works - the physics of the atmosphere. The descritive content is so well written and the diagrams so clear that you dont need to go into the algebra and trigonometry to get a deeper understanding of the near earth environment - what goes on there. There are a whole lot of options to go deeper into the maths if you want. Highly recommended for those interested in boundary layer meteorology, weather systems and air pollution dispersion.

Want to know a little more about hurricanes? Air pollution? Thunderstorms? Stull presents terrific synopses of many meteorological topics. He doesn't try to be the expert in every sub-specialty in the field; instead, he provides the basic material and encourages the reader to seek additional information from expert books and web sites. I'm currently taking a class in atmospheric transport and diffusion. Stull summarizes the course material and leads me to references I didn't know existed. I'm ordering this book as a reference now and as a starting point for future study.

This is the most complete introductory-advanced book I have seen to date. It covers many pertinient subjects. Important meteorological concepts are explained in enough detail to satisfy even the more advanced users, but simple enough to give the beginner excellent insight. These concepts do not have to be presented in a difficult fashion to make the author appear intelligent - he makes a bold, simple statement by taking tough concepts and making them understandable to the masses!

As the title of this book implies, it was written for those readers who are not specialists in meteorology but who are interested in a more technical introduction to the subject, and not just one written for the "general audience." The book serves this need very well, and it is a joy to read, even if it is not read cover to cover, as was the case for this reviewer. Each topic, weather it is hurricanes, tornadoes, or turbulence, is presented with many examples, with unit and "reasonableness" checks accompanying these examples. The mathematics is straightforward, with the physics being emphasized with numerous back-of-the-envelope calculations dispersed throughout the text. As in any high-quality book that seeks to explain, and not merely expound, diagrams are used throughout. And most importantly, the author encourages student readers to break out on their own and investigate the various meteorological phenomena without the guidance of the book. This has the effect of encouraging independence of thought and intellectual honesty. This is strongly emphasized in the discussion on climate change, definitely the best chapter in the book in the opinion of this reviewer, wherein the author discusses the ethics of scientific investigation. There have been a few investigators that have violated the canon of ethics that the author outlines, but the state of scientific and technological knowledge at the present time is ample proof that many do not.

The chapter on climate change could in fact be used as an introduction to a more serious investigation of this topic, one that is independent of the political overtones that seem to have poisoned the atmosphere of debate on it. The author discusses climate change in terms of `heuristic models' that he admits are oversimplified, but do serve as a didactic tool to illustrate the main processes and physics. He does allude to `global climate models' but cautions that the large number of approximations involved in these models make them very tentative at best. The Greenhouse effect is discussed via the Stefan-Boltzmann law, and the resulting overestimation of the average temperature leads the author to complicating this scenario via the infrared "atmospheric window", and water-vapor, cloud, and ice-albedo feedbacks. Again, these discussions are simplified and preliminary to more in-depth discussions on climate change that interested readers can pursue. And as in any scientific investigation, they must be accompanied by strong skepticism and a willingness to confront the facts as they are.

This is one of the best books I have read. I loved the Indian culture connection.I loved it when they went back in time.It is an amazing book.

After picking up her first book in the series, I knew I had to find out if I could find the sequel. I really love her style of writing, spare yet there are no loose ends in the story line. The story is tight and smooth, the characters are richly imagined-although the main character Anand is the focus of most of the character development. This is a happy fantasy series about magic and adventure in historical India that you won't want to miss and will draw you in regardless of your age, with positive morals and themes that are great for children. If you like books like Harry Potter, you'll love this.

With rich, sumptuous detail and admirable clarity Chitra Divakaruni draws us into the Conch Bearer Anand's journey for a second time. The difficulties faced and lessons learned by the Brotherhood of the Conch in this newest book combine to create an enchanting story. Both The Conch Bearer and The Mirror of Fire and Dreaming provide vibrant descriptions, especially concerning culture and food. These books are delightful adventures wholesome enough for any age group to enjoy. Happy Reading

This book, the sequel to The Conch Bearer, mixes the sense of excitement that every book needs, a wonderful use of magic realism (which is illustrated by the fact that Anand, the main character, travels from the present day India to the ancient India, who'se realistic features are marred by the fact that Anand is a magician) , an overhanging gloom and really, really, really great writing.

This was one of my favorite books and I would definately recommend it to anyone!!!

Anand is the Keeper of the Conch. He gave up his family and his home so that he can help the world, as a Healer in Silver Valley. His friend Nisha comes with him, the first ever female healer, and the master healer Abhaydatta is one of his instructors. As Anand struggles with his studies, he hears a warning from the wind and views an alarming scene on a wall. The Healers must take action; they know it is their duty to protect the world from the "evil that stirs." Abhaydatta and a young healer called Raj-bahnu embark upon a quest to find this evil, leaving a heart-broken Anand behind. However, just before he leaves, Abhaydatta gives Anand a pearl necklace that will change color if he is in danger. In yet another alarming scene, Anand views Abhaydatta beside a lake with an unconscious Raj-bhanu at his side. He knows they are in danger, but the pearls are nowhere to be found. The Healer's Council will decide upon a course of action in the morning, but Anand knows that by then it will be to late. The Conch agrees to transport Nisha and Anand to the lake, but something goes slightly awry. Can Anand find the Conch, Abhaydatta, and Nisha before evil destroys the world?

The Mirror of Fire and Dreaming expresses just how powerful love can be. Adventure, fantasy, and mystery intertwine to form an exciting novel with many important lessons. Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni has created a world of fantasy that involves so many of life's true feelings and emotions that it seems real; a world full of hardships and triumphs. Readers young and old who love an exciting novel will definitely enjoy The Mirror of Fire and Dreaming, and anyone searching for a book with just the right blend of fantasy and reality has just found the perfect tale.

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