Burnett Books

Welcome to Mason County, where even the census takers were baffled when they came to a town where blacks looked white. Isabel is the main character in this story. Every one calls her Belly in Mason County. That all changes when a series of events after her childhood friend Teeny got pregnant, led her to Jamison county to stay with her Aunt Rachel. She takes piano lessons from a woman name Ophelia that calls her Isabel, shows her what a real lady is, wins over her heart, and also the heart of Uncle Avery, Aunt Rachel's husband. This causes a lot of problems in Belly's life and causes her to learn a lot life's lessons pretty early. This book was written very beautifully and opened my heart back up to my childhood. I won't tell the rest of the story but all of the characters were endearing and I'll never forget them.

Revisit childhood and relive it in a marvelous way! I felt that I grew up with Belly during the tale of "Miss Ophelia". After reading how her family interacted with each other, their personalities and histories, I felt like I knew them. I laughed out loud at their antics and conversations. You probably will too!

The book seems to start off a little slow in the beginning, but don't let that fool you. This is one to savor. It takes time to get to know this family and watch Isabel (Belly) come of age. While there were events that many of us could relate to, this book lacked the over-the-top, crazy drama that can be found in some other books about childhood family experiences. How refreshing! Belly actually had a good childhood! It was joy to read about. She also had some tough issues to deal with, and this kept the book grounded in reality.

Belly spent part of an important summer taking piano lessons from Miss Ophelia. Miss Ophelia left a powerful influence on Belly, and their time together was a "defining moment" in Belly's life. The way the author described their interaction and other aspects of Belly's life before and after was beautiful. I could picture everything, but the writing style wasn't too wordy. The style was very natural, and the characters seemed so authentic.

I took my time reading this book and looked forward to reading it every time I picked it up. I felt so contented while reading it and satisfied even after I'd finished it. I highly recommend this book. Reading it is time well spent.

This story is sooooo wonderfully written and told. This is one hot summer that readers will surely enjoy. The summer heat is not just in temperature, the heat also rises from the pages in the form of anger and passion.

This story of young Isabel (Belly) is very endearing. Each summer, Belly visits with her aunt and uncle in rural Virginia. She learns lessons that are never taught in summer school. When Miss Ophelia teaches Belly to play the piano, she also teaches her life lessons about love, friendship, responsibility, and accountability.

Though she appears to be very quiet, Miss Ophelia has deep passions about music and love which she eventually shares with others. You will enjoy the music as well as those who play it!

this book was an excellent read. it captured the whole time era and gracefuly put it into words. the author of this book seems to draw the reader into being a part of the novel. she gives you the sense of being there as a bystander, watching and understanding Belly's life that summer. i love the plot, the use of words and the key message. of friendship. i hope this isn't the last piece of work by this author. i highly recommend this book. you'll never want to put it down, and will continuosly find yourself hoping that it never ends.

This book hit me where the heart is!!! The characters: Belly, Willie, Miss Janie, Miss Rachel, Mama, Uncle Avery, Miss Pheenie, And of course, the lovely and dearest of all, Miss Ophelia. When I first got into the book,( first quarter of the book),It primarily focused on teen pregnancy and the main character (Belly's) best friend, Teenie getting sent away to get "rid of her problem", which hurt Isabel Anderson/Walker.
The way the book portrays Miss Opelia, and her warm and kind personality was so well-written, that in the end, I cried, thinking about the True love that could never be, between...
Oh!!!!! Youre just going to have to read the book and see why most of these people(including myself, of course) rated this book 5 stars.

Every recipe I've tried so far has been very good, and they have more variety and flavor than the ones in More-With-Less, but the sidebars can be annoying. Some of them are interesting cultural facts, but a lot of them are about how people in the US are more greedy, less hospitable, and in every way inferior to people in practically every other country on earth. As somebody who has lived in other countries I appreciate the cultural information, but as somebody who has met plenty of generous and hospitable people in the US who are very careful to live simply, I get a little tired of the same old refusal to find anything at all of value in the United States. So, five stars for the recipes, minus one star for the preaching.

All the recipes in this book are delicious, clear, and exciting, as the other reviews amply cover, but the anecdotes and essays and quotes are equal treasures. While the book is written from a missionary-Christian POV, I found it meaningful and touching as an agnostic sort-of-Jew, and never felt proselytized or talked down to, and it never seemed like the many different faiths and cultures of the people contributing the recipes were being disrespected. So don't let the fear of evangelizing put you off of it!

I LOVE THE INTERNATIONAL RECIPES. WHEN I CANNOT THINK OF ANYTHING TO PREPARE FOR DINNER, GUESS WHERE I LOOK. SO FAR, I HAVE NOT PREPARED ANYTHING THAT I DID NOT LIKE AND AM FINDING FAVORITES IN THE PROCESS.

I have used this cookbook for a number of years and recommend it highly. I have never been disappointed by any of the recipes, and that's a pretty high accolade!

Index listed by dishes and countries is unique. A wonderful addition to More with Less cookbook.

Very cool book - my 10 year old loves it and wants to make everything in it. Neat padded cover - great for the Harry Potter generation. Wish this was around when I was 10!

I loved this book and it's has very interesting stories also! I love making all the things in this book and it's fun stuff to do on a rainy day. I am just adoring this book! I work on my projects from The Book of Wizard Craft all the time! I would definitly get this book for serious fun! And it's a great hobby!

This book is fantastic. We received the book today in the mail. My two children and I looked at the book from cover to cover. They told me they want to start tomorrow on making the crafts that are in the book.

This book is perfect for Harry Potter fans. From robes, to wands, potions, hiding boxes, crystal balls..you name it.

The way the author has written this book is funny. You can just feel the author enjoyed writing this book.

My children loved it as soon as I turned the first page.

I personally would recommend this book to anybody, Harry Potter fan or not. This is a great book, and it tells how to make two different kinds of wands, robes, cloaks, crystal balls, potions, a wizard's hat, turban, and more! It also tells how to make a wizard party, etc.

I got this book for my birthday about two years ago, and I've read it through at least ten times since then. If I have nothing to do, I just sit down and read it. It's got lots of stories, so if you just feel like reading, it's the right book.

I hope this was helpful!

I am thirteen years old and consider myself sort of above most little kids' books. However, this book was so incredibly neat, here I am writing this review! It contains everything you want to know about how to pretend to be a wizard. I haven't acually tried all the things yet, but just siting there, looking at the artwork is awesome. It has everything from food to dragonsblood to mythology to wizard parties to a powder that smokes when you rub it. One should not be restrained by the age sugjestions-I want every fantasy-lover I know to READ THIS BOOK!

Burnett has written a very funny, witty and entertaining book, quite a pleasure to read, yet often poignant and affecting. An ensemble of characters weave through the story, each on his or her own arc and each with his or her own, unique voice. Also, the prose itself is first rate, always literate and engaging.

There is no one like BK who can suck me in to a story as quickly. I was overjoyed that the book was overflowing with diverse characters. His wittiness had me laughing out loud (as usual) and enjoying the fact he felt himself felt superior to all others, even when he was eating.... (Oh you silly Pip!) I wonder what it's like to be an observer as Adrian (who is really a fraud) vs. Christopher who was only known to the reader though the eyes of B.K. I choose the observer.

As an alcoholic and a genius, B.K.'s tongue is sharp, which can at times be ridiculous, cruel and hilarious (all at the same instant.)

I don't care if B.K is green, blue, red, orange, purple, pink, yellow or every other color of the rainbow, he's painted a Beautiful place with his words, which can be enjoyed by everyone.

I can't want to take pleasure in this novel again. House Beautiful was 1 of the books I kept after donating 75 to my local library. I'm so looking ahead the Mr. Burnett's next novel and hope for another jewel as this one.

I first learned of The House Beautiful on KCRW's Writer's Block.
I was hooked from the start.
This book is WHY I READ.
Allison Burnett definitely has a way with words.
It's poetic, almost.
This book will charm and titillate you on it's many paths.
The words are so flowing and beautiful.
They seem to roll right off my tongue.
You soon learn through a peeping tom (and main character), that the artists of house beautiful aren't perfect.
However,
The House Beautiful is The Book Beautiful!

I had the privilege of knowing the author in high school english class, and I'm happy to say his wit, vocabulary, and love for life have continued to expand through the intervening 30 years. An avid reader, I decided to purchase Allison's books after reading about them in our high school newsletter. Imminently readable, his witty style and amazing talent to turn a phrase have impressed me greatly. Gay fiction is not something I seek out, but his books were VERY enjoyable reads (and I'm happy to read elsewhere that he is not gay, as there was a considerable crush back in high school!). Highly recommended.

I recently came across a review for this novel and realized that it was a continuation of an earlier novel (Christopher: A Tale of Seduction). So I had the good fortune to be able to read these books back-to-back. The House Beautiful is a bit more complicated than Christopher since the main character, BK Troop, has a house full of misfits to keep him busy, instead of just the one in Christopher. But The House Beautiful is just as funny, quirky, touching, and readable. If you haven't read either book, do yourself a favor and get both. They're cheap paperbacks and are worth so much more than what you pay.

As a Clinical Social Worker, working with children in the school setting, I have used this book a number of times with children who are bullied or who are "buying" negative peer comments. This book is excellent in providing a fun way to have a discussion about those negative comments.

Simon gets teased because his sister got gum stuck in his hair...then proceeded to cut the gum out of his hair. This happens to lots of children. That day at the park his friends call him lawn mower head. Simon leaves the park really upset that he was teased.

On his way home he stops to talk to Grandma Rose. He tells her about his day and how upset he is that he was called lawn mower head. She asks him why he bites? He doesn't understand what she is talking about, so she brings out a fishing pole with a piece of paper attached to the hook. She explains that when people tease you it's like throwing out a hook to see if you'll bite.

Grandma Rose then proceeds to give great examples of how you should react to teasing. I think this is a book that could really help children that are being teased.

I first saw this book when I visited a school that made it a key part of a school-wide program on teasing. Normally, these "fad" book-based curriculum programs are a turn-off for me, but Simon's Hook takes a look at the motivations for teasing, and offers good, usable advice to kids and adults on how to deal with it.

The clients I work with enjoy this book. This book provides techniques to deal with bullies, which is useful for all children.

This is a book that every child should read or have read to them before going into school to get a good perspective of how not to take the bait. My copy is ragged from reading it with my 3 children.Another book that parents should have in their library way before school starts is Bully-Proofing Children: A Practical, Hands-On Guide to Stop Bullying. This is an invaluable resource and tool for parents from a proactive and intervention standpoint.The tips, strategies... if used will prevent your child from being a victim or a bully. A must-read for parents.

This is a fantastic love story that combines history AND great romance. You have to have a good imagination and a love of history/nostalgic moments!
Although, I would have preferred a different "ending" I give it a huge recommendation. It's now being read by all of my family members and I'm ordering more!
You won't be able to put it down!

This story captures your attention in the first chapter and stimulates your body and imagination all the way through the most believable sequence of events. The characters intertwine in the unfolding story with revealing word descriptions so life-like! I too feel that my soul has lived in previous times and this makes the story even more believable. If you like "true love", this story will arouse you and remain in memory as a top favorite!

One of my friends gave me this book as a Christmas present at the office. She knew I loved Romance stories, and she said it was one of the best she had ever read. What an under-exaggeration! I can't tell you what this book did to me. I felt like I was time traveling most of the time, and I DIDN'T want to come back! For the rest of my life I will want to walk into fogs! I'm eternally in love with Ben! There has to be a sequel to this. There just has to. While you read the book, your mind really is working all the time trying to figure out what might happen next, but the ending of the book doesn't make you stop thinking. It's all I can think about. I will never forget this book, and I will treasure this story forever. I just can't wait to find out if this author has more. If you love romance, and not the boring old harlequin stuff, but the juicy stuff that leaves your heart beating just a little bit faster after you've read it, you should read this book. EXCELLENT story! A great gift for Christmas! I'm ordering it for all my friends' birthdays this year!

This book is an enchanting story about time travel and the encounters of a woman in a magical setting where she knows she has been time-displaced. The intricate weave of present and past, together with one family's rich history is outstanding. The author captures the imagination and leads you through two worlds, the present and the past, which are happening simultaneously in the plane of time. I could easily picture the characters and settings, it was a wonderful escape. It is a definite pleasure read for a fireplace and a cup of coffee in a log cabin over the holidays.

Isn't it odd how just when you need it most, a book comes along and gives you the exact lift you need? A friend of mine, who got the book from a friend of hers, (who probably got the book from a friend of hers) absolutely raved about this book. I had never heard of this author before, and I do read romance novels, so I was a little skeptical about it being as good as my friend told me. Oh ye of little faith! I want to meet this author. What a wonderful, heart wrenching, mind stimulating, "never-will-I-put-this-down" story this was. For a week, I walked around with this book surgically attached to my hands. When I started reading, I was depressed over my lack of love life... now I'm just waiting for it to begin! This book gives hope to the hopeless, it will bring tears to the eyes of the hardest hearts, and it will make you a believer in stuff you've always been told was just a fairy tale. For God's sake, read this book! This woman should be scooped up and fast by some big publishing company! Please write more, Ms. Burnett. PLEASE! I loved this book!

This was awe inspiring. The wording was superb and the flow was impeccable. It spoke what my heart believes.

Dr. Laura B. Christopher

Through WE SPEAK YOUR NAMES: A Celebration by Pearl Cleage, African-American women have been honored in a way that will stand in history, just as their contributions have. This poem was written at the request of Oprah Winfrey to celebrate and commensurate the accomplishments of women honored at Winfrey's 2005 Living Legends event and ball. And the book concludes with a biographical sketch of each woman.

These women, consisting of civil rights leaders, actresses, writers, singers, etc., are all role-models to those who followed and are following after them. A few featured are Maya Angelou, Ruby Dee, Nikki Giovanni, Dr. Dorothy Height, Coretta Scott King, Rosa Parks, Toni Morrison, Alice Walker and Nancy Wilson. Cleage's poem encompasses many of the known traits of these women, with themes of strength, sisterhood, honor, and courage, but also acknowledges their beauty and wisdom--showcasing them individually and also collectively. They are remarkable women who should be honored, cherished, thanked and most of all remembered. Kudos to Pearl Cleage and Zaron W. Burnett, Jr., for WE SPEAK YOUR NAMES and to Oprah Winfrey for the vision.

Reviewed by Tee C. Royal
of The RAWSISTAZ(tm) Reviewers

It's probably one of the only poems I look to quote each day. It's about love, magic, determination, and above all else, the spirit of Black women, not only here in America, but around the world. I speak so many womens' names when I go about my day trying my best to follow the star God has allowed me to realize. And I hope I'm making them proud!

As a fan of Pearl Cleage, I have never been dissapointed! Again, she shines.

i first heard the poem read on the TV special with Oprah honouring the legends and the youngun's, in the African American world.
Regardless of me not being African American, the poem touched me deeply and reminded me of the many women that have touched my life. this little book is definitly a keeper!

Thank you for sharing it with all of us that really do walk in the footprints of so many that have paved the way for us in this world.

I picked up this book because of the respect for the athletic skills that Lisa Leslie shows on the court and the class she shows off the court. However, I learned a lot more than that. I had no clue that she had grew up in a home where her mother was a truck driver and a post office employee. I didn't know that she lived with her aunt and was helped out by her uncles in the game of basketball. I didn't realize that she had basically raised her younger sister, Tiffany and that her older sister had stolen her identity and ruined her credit. It was an informative book about one of the best basketball players of our generation. She was very open about things that happened like the fact that her college coach left because even though she had a better record than the mens coach they wouldn't pay her like it. I felt that Ms. Leslie was very very honest about how she felt during games and in her life about numerous subjects. I would highly recommend this book if you are interested in finding out what makes Lisa Leslie tick but also if you are just looking for a good autobiography of a strong woman that had to overcome numerous obstacles in her life.

I feel like I know Lisa now after reading her book. I not only like her as a player but as a person. It was an easy read and inspiring along the way.

Anyone who's a WNBA fan of any team other than the LA Sparks knows that the Sparks have gained the reputation of being the team you "love to hate"! But also, as a WNBA fan you have to give credit and your respect to all the women who have been responsible for the love and excitement we have for the league. They have blazed the trail for all the young talents we see today.

Lisa Leslie is definitely one of those women. In her book, "Don't Let The Lipstick Fool You", you will get a better view of Lisa the person as well as the athlete. She shares her life, her beliefs, and her career. I truly enjoyed the book and highly recommend it to any WNBA fan.

In August 2008, I had the pleasure of seeing an incredible champion represent America in women's basketball at the summer Olympics in Beijing. Lisa Leslie and her team annihilated their challengers. It meant this incomparable woman had been in four Olympics, won four gold medals, and her teams (since 1996) had a won lost record of 32-0.

When I heard about her current book, I hurriedly purchased it. While I knew she was a warrior on the court, I wanted to explore what other influences shaped her indomitable spirit. Don't Let The Lipstick Fool You, revealed a life that would have caused many of us to despair. I was shocked to discover the hardships, personal upheavals, and cruelties she had to endure. In spite of these tribulations, she emerged out of the shadow of darkness ... a beautiful, poised, and self -assured woman.

I first saw her on a summer day in 1998 crossing a street (near Columbus Circle) in Manhattan. What impressed me most (besides her obvious 6ft 5in frame) were her regal elegance and compassionate nature. Many celebrities have delusions of grandeur. However, Lisa Leslie is the epitome of a class act. She smiled at everyone and signed autographs for strangers that approached. With their applications, too often our society trivializes words like heroine, queen, and star. Reading her autobiography was a reminder for me ... these descriptions would be understatements.

I bought a copy for my teenager. Like many tall girls, she is self- conscious. Ms. Leslie is the embodiment of what my wife and I have been trying to teach our daughter: Stand tall, walk proudly, and be humble and thankful for the talents, assets, and gifts ... bestowed upon you by God.

I thoroughly enjoyed this exquisite book and recommend it to anyone looking for inspiration, hope, and a marvelous way to experience this journey, called life.
Reggie Johnson, author, How to be Happy, Successful, and Rich

Lisa Leslie's bio/memoir is not just another story of an athlete's rise from hard times to good luck. This is the story of a woman's ruthless determination to honor the gifts and talents God has given her. There is no luck involved... just pure, unadulterated hard work, a loyal personal and professional support network and God's blessings.

DON'T LET THE LIPSTICK FOOL YOU is one of those rare bios that shares the good, the bad and the ugly while inspiring each of us to follow our own journey, working through the dross to get to the silver, then the gold. From a latchkey home in Compton, California to the Olympic Stadiums in Atlanta, Georgia and Sidney, Australia, Lisa Leslie has traveled the road of disappointment, hardship, and betrayal to become a champion in her personal and professional lives.

Leslie has earned the admiration and respect of many of her peers, as evidenced in the foreword by Earvin "Magic" Johnson; but she has earned mine through the sheer diligence, hard work and integrity that not only resonates through her life, but through the precious pages of her uplifting story. DON'T LET THE LIPSTICK FOOL YOU is definitely a keeper.

Reviewed by Cxandra
for The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

...even if you're not a middle-aged Jewish hip, sexy mom who works in entertainment and knows the author and also has a big, crazy 'meshpucha!' Go ahead. Read. Enjoy. Eat.

prjayne

This is a good book to pick up and enjoy.

This was such a fun review of insider, contemporary politics - even though we all know there are trials and tribulations in the political arena, Iris offers such a refreshing insider review of what it takes to be a true "Schlepper". My entire family has read this book and loved it. My new motto is "Have you read my resume?" I plan to use it in a meetng or two in months to come.
She meets the challenges with the chutzpah I only wish I had! Thanks for the enjoyable read. BTW, read this while on a cruise to Alaska and shared your tales with many folks we met. Wish you could have been there.

Schlepper is a smart, sassy look behind the scenes of presidential politics. I always wondered what went on in those smoke filled rooms. Now I know.

Prepare for the campaign season -- read Schlepper.

This is a book about the people in Presidential camapigns and what they go through. What Iris Burnett doesn't know about campaign politics isn't worth knowing. And, yet, she sees the humanity of it all. And still she loves it for what can be accomplished to help ordinary people. She made me laugh out of sheer recognition of the truth. Buy this book today. You will be hooked by the end of page two.

Dan Burnett has penned some of the funniest stories I've ever read. Don't start this book if you don't have time to read the whole thing, because you won't want to put it down.

Mr. Burnett reminisces about his rodeo days--footloose and fancy free. A teensy bit intoxicated on occasion. And that's just what this book is: intoxicating. I bought copies for my brother, my sister, my kids, my friends--and they all loved this book.

Don't miss out on some of the best Americana of the 20th Century!

I am glad it was a book. I would have missed too much while in a state of uncontrollable laughter, if it had been a movie. At that time, I could not wait to order, A Cowboy Never Lies 2. Truly one of the best books I have read in a long time. I enjoyed it so much, I also ordered it in cassette, so my father could listen to it.

Yeah, I wuz alive 'n sorta moved around the fringes of Dan's circle, even entered a coupla events justa see if I wuz as tough as I thought I wuz. We-e-elll, I wuzn't, but his crowd wuz. Man! Until I saw em do it, I didn't think there wuz such a thing as a cowboy what could eat rawhide fer breakfus', drink a quart a beer fer lunch 'n eat ten pounds a rodeo dirt fer a full course dinner, then be ready ta dance 'n drink 'til sunrise, includin a lil scuffle outside tha dance hall! Now the story-telling enhancements to the truth are like salt, pepper and tobasco on yer favorite food and Dan has definitely perfected the flavoring without distorting the truths...much, anyway. If ya don't wanta laugh while reading this, I can only wish ya luck. Consider it a challenge, cuz it shore will be. --- Mike Danford

I can only shake my head in admiration of Mr. Burnett's adventures. It must have been fun to get up every morning just to see what was going to happen that day!

I read "The Hat" on the train and noticed people in my immediate area were looking around to find a) the person that was laughing so hard and b) decide if they should be concerned about some looney popping a gasket on the train.

Definately a book worth reading.

I read about Mr. Burnetts escapades in "A Cowboy Never Lies" laughing all the way through, put it aside for about 2 months then read it again so as to make sure I caught all of his zany escapades. My 14 year old son kept asking what book I was laughing about. [Usually he doesn't give a hoot about what I'm reading] I told him he could read my book when I was done with it. Later that evening I couldn't find my book so I headed to my sons bedroom to ask him if he had seen it; but only had to get to his door and hear his howl of laughter to know I wouldn't get my book back 'til he was done with it. I fooled him tho....I went out and got "A Cowboy Never Lies II". He knows I have it, and is bugging me to finish it so he can get started reveling in Dans' sidesplitting fun.