Burr Books

Normally I don't post reviews for books, but I wanted to for this one. I found myself with tears rolling down my face in several parts of this book. I have read the Redemption Series and all the previous books in the Firstborn Series but this is definitely my favorite so far. I always keep these books coming and reserve the next 1 or 2 from the library as I'm reading each book, so I don't have to go too long between them. I, too, think this series would make a great movie, and often find myself thinking of actors/actresses to play each part.

I've read several of Karen's other books and I don't plan to stop until I've read them all.

I own the series and love them vey much this is a set of books you don't part with!!!!
Evelyn

Anyone who has ever read any of Karens books knows that there is no other writer in this day and age that hits every emotion that we all go through in this life, in our own search for why we are here, who we are, and the battles that can and do happen in this life.

The number one moral is that Gods Love and our love for others is the strength to keep us all carrying on in this journey in life. There is hope in all of her books.

It is such a "blessing" to read a book, that everyone whether a believer or not in God who touches our lives in everyday situations with family and friends. There is not one of her books that I have ever been disappointed in. Once you read one of her books you will be "hooked" and can't wait to read the next one.

Seagull
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Las Vegas, NV

A friend got me started on Karen's books. Now I have read almost all of her books. When I start one, I find it very hard to put it down - I just want to keep reading to the end. All the books in this series and her other series' are great. I can't wait to find out what will happen to the Baxter family next.

The book is a wonderful nonfiction that displays God's awesome faithfulness and presence through the continued story of The Baxter Family. I was so taken that I could hardly put the book down and I'm eager to begin the Sunrise Series. These books are encouraging in my life as well, reminding me of God's promises and truths in my own life. Thank you for encouraging me in my walk with Christ!

Karen Kingsbury is one of the best Christain fiction authors I have ever read. I have read all of the books about the Baxter family, the author really captures your interest in each member of the Baxter family. She takes each character and walks you through their problems and how they all come to know Christ (or renew their faith) and lean on him to help them through their lives. I have read the first series and have one more book to go on the Sunrise Series.

Karen Kingsbury writes such realistic characters that as I read her novels, I find myself tearing up with the problems they experience. This Sunrise series is an especially good one as it deals with the Baxter family over a period of time. I can't wait to read the final installment that concludes the Baxter saga.

I add a caveat, however; the author write in sentence fragments, and this Drives Me Nuts!

I have never read a book series and this one pulled me right in. Karen Kingsbury is a great writer and I can't wait to read her other books.

Newlyweds and movie stars, Dayne and Katie Matthews are on separate continents filming for their respective films. Even though they love and trust each other, doubts and fears begin to creep in. Then a tabloid prints a picture featuring someone who looks very much like Dayne frolicking with a female costar. Only Dayne knows the truth about the picture but he is sworn to secrecy. Will he ruin his new found reputation as a Christian and his marriage to protect the real perpetrator?

A few months ago, I felt like I was the only reader on earth who hadn't read a Karen Kingsbury novel. Then I picked up my first Baxter Family story and got immediately hooked. What I have enjoyed most about this series is the realistic portrayal of the life of a Hollywood actor. I'm ashamed to admit that I'm one of those who enjoy flipping through the gossip rags that are on display at the checkout counter. I like seeing what the stars are doing. So it was rather interesting to read what it's like from the celebrity's point of view of how damaging the paparazzi really can be. You never really think about how much the media can twist something into a lie. I really wanted to smack Luke while reading this book. As realistic as Dayne has been in the majority of the series, he struck me as kinda fake in this one. If I had been in his shoes, and my brother did something to make everyone in the world think I was a cheater and wreck my marriage, I would not be a happy camper. I'm not saying he should have punched Luke but it seem too easy to forgive him just like that. And Luke didn't really show that much remorse which made it more unbelievable that Dayne was forgiving like that. The stories involving the other members of the family were equally as riveting. I really like reading about John's growing relationship with Elaine. It's very romantic and touching to see two people with huge losses be able to come together and fall in love. I also enjoyed reading about CKT. I really wish we had one of those productions when I was growing up. I would have loved to be a part. I'm going to be sad to leave the Baxter family behind in the next book but as they say, "All good things must come to an end."

OK...this wasn't my favorite of the series. I loved "Summer." I love Ashley. She is by far my favorite Baxter.

In this one I hated the deception and miscommunication that comes between Dayne and Katy. The author has given us, what, 7+ books so far to establish that they are madly, passionately in love, and they've been married what, six months--and already Katy believes Dayne is cheating on her? It just doesn't ring true to the characters or their relationship. (Again, though--Ashley saves the day. She always does.)

Is anyone else creeped out by the Flanigans? Think about it--the makeup of the "Flanigan" family--a daughter followed by five boys, three of whom are adopted from Haiti, mom's a writer--is identical to that of the author's own family...and the Flanigans are held up as the ideal, perfect, model family? At least the Baxters have their human side. The worst thing I've seen in all the books was when Jenny was briefly slightly annoyed with Katy because Bailey didn't get a big part in a CKT show. If that's the biggest flaw she has, yikes, there's no hope for the rest of us. Even the names of the kids are similar--"Bailey" and Kelsey, "Connor" and Tyler, "Justin" and Austin, etc. I definitely come away with the feeling that the author is holding up her own family, barely fictionalized, as the epitome of perfection, and it comes across as prideful...I'm reminded of Romans 12:3: "examine yourselves with sober judgment and do not think of yourselves more highly than you ought."

I'm sick of Dayne and Katy and the whole "fame" angle and I hope the last book focuses on Bloomington. That's where the Baxter fans want to be! Oh, I do like Dayne, though. He seems like a good person, especially because he hasn't yet drowned his awful brother Luke in Lake Monroe!

"Tejano and Regional Mexican Music" by Ramiro Burr represents progress toward filling an information gap in Tejano Music. The book measures up in terms of providing authoritative information about a subject that's near and dear to many Tejanos, but that has not been adequately documented. It's a fascinating look at Tejano Music by a contemporary writer who is connected to the musicians themselves, their handlers, promoters and to the members of the media who cover the subject on a daily basis. As a writer for the San Antonio Express News, Ramiro is uniquely placed to gather and then spread current information on the subject, and he did exactly that in his book. But he also provides a historical perspective. The book is a real source for today's generation and for those who follow. Thanks Ramiro.

It's great to see that "Tejano And Regional Mexican Music" is available on Amazon.com and that it can be easily accessed by the thousands of Tejanos all over the world who are hungry for this type of information.

RAMIRO BURR deserves all the good he gets from this book.It is so informative and educational for everyone to read.TEJANO AND REGIONAL MEXICAN MUSIC book brings back memories from the days i was growing up in the valley.It will be a pleasure to have this book in my home to read over and over.To whoever is thinking about buying this book go for it you will not regret it. ROGELIO LUNA Freeport,Texas

Ramiro Burr's book on Tejano and reg Mex music is the most fascinating, most comprehensive and most illuminating work in the history of this industry. If you're a novice or beginner, this book will educate you fast, with fact-based bios, tons of info and ready made lists of what CDs to buy and listen to. Or, if you're a veteran you'll get much joy of reading interesting facts and juicy biographical info on your fave artists from trio and mariachii to Tejano and norteno legends. From Adalberto, Fama, Jay Perez to Los Lobos, it has it all. As Mr. Burr oftens says, the book is important because the history of a music, a culture or a country is incomplete unless everyone's contributions are documented. Finally Tex-Mex has its due recognition.JR

Ramiro Burr's book on Tejano and reg Mex music is the most fascinating, most comprehensive and most illuminating work in the history of this industry. If you're a novice or beginner, this book will educate you fast, with fact-based bios, tons of info and ready made lists of what CDs to buy and listen to. Or, if you're a veteran you'll get much joy of reading interesting facts and juicy biographical info on your fave artists from trio and mariachii to Tejano and norteno legends. As Mr. Burr oftens says, the book is important because the history of a music, a culture or a country is incomplete unless everyone's contributions are documented. Finally Tex-Mex has its due recognition.JR

I am a freelance writer for Latino oriented publications and have found Ramiro Burr's book an invaluable reference and resource tool when writing about Tejano music.

I did not want this book to end! It is a fascinating, fair, well-written book about all of the Kennedy women, their men, and the lives they led. I gained new insight, especially, into Kathleen Kennedy, Rosemary Kennedy, and matriarhc, Rose.

"For the most part Rose grandchildren observed and respected and obeyed her, tiptoeing around her life as if she were an exquisite piece of porcelain. She had led such a decorous life, blocking out the untoward, the ugly, and the unacceptable, that her eyes no longer saw the darker colours of the spectrum. "Pat drank a bottle of wine in the morning," Rose was told. "That's impossible" Rose replied, Pat doesn't drink"

I was glad that I read this book because it has helped me to understand so much more about this so much talked about family. In Mr. Leaner's book we get to know about the Kennedy women's personal thoughts and the correct stories of the daughters and daughters-in-law. Mr.Leamer has given us indept portraits of these women and my favourite is Rose Kennedy the Matriarch of the family. For Rose was a woman so strong and who suffered great disloyalty by her husband which she took all gracefully all for the sake of her family and what she supposed the public expected of them. She was a stern Catholic and gain her strength through her prayer and trust in God.
Also portrayed are Joan Kennedy; Ted wife who had a problem with alcohol. Jackie Kennedy Onnassis; the President's wife who remarried after the President's death to a Greek tycoon. Pat Lawford; married to a Hollywood star and spent most of her time in Los Angeles. Eunice Shriver, who was always working for the handicapped and underprivileged and was one of the Kennedys with great patience and common sense. Ethel Kennedy, Robert Kennedy's widow and Jean Smith.
The Kennedys pushed their tragedies to the inner recesses of their minds.They refused to let others see the negative side of their lives, and carried their problems and burdens inwardly taking pains not to show their broken hearts. To some this might seem pretentious, but they honestly had their reasons. After all they were special in the eyes of America.
Whenever tragedy struck it was not unusual for them to suddenly get physical by taking walks, riding, swimming and any form of exercise. Rosemary the eldest daughter who was mentally retarded was isolated from the public eye and sent to Wisconsin where she was looked after by those of the Sacred Order. This book has helped me to understand so much more about the choices they made and the reason they made them, though tragedy seem to follow them everywhere.

Mr. Leamer has pulled out all the stops in the brilliantly written book, and I would not hesitate to read anything by him in the future. Bravo! Bravo! Heather Marshall 04/04/04

This book arrived in good condition and in a timely manner just like the seller promised! A++

I found this book about the Kennedy family women a very interesting read. The only problem with it is that it is so long. At over 900 pages Mr. Leamer could have written three books and had them in instalments about one pericular Kennedy family women instead of tying to write so much about so many interesting people.

This book relates details of the lives of the many Kennedy women, from Bridget Murphy Kennedy, born in Ireland, through Caroline Kennedy, John F. Kennedy's daughter. Leamer describes the rise of the Kennedy family from the hard luck tales of newly-arrived Irish immigrants through the dynasty years in Hyannisport. While the book presents many of the historical events of the lives of political Kennedys, the viewpoint is always that of the women, and how these events affected their lives. We hear about the Kennedy women's efforts in John's political campaigns, or how the stress of campaigning contributed to Jacqueline's miscarriages. Leamer includes both women born as Kennedys and women who became Kennedys by marriage. Much of the book, however, focuses on two women who married into the Kennedy family, Rose Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. The book is also about the family structure of the Kennedy's and portrays some of the sinister aspects of Joseph Kennedy as well as the positive traits.

Many times I've heard the Kennedy family referred to as a "dynasty". However, it has never been clear to me why an American family would be called a dynasty. In this book, Leamer describes why this group of people is more than simply a family. He describes the relations between Joseph Kennedy's children, and how Joseph and Rose's parenting style contributed both to their children's closeness and competitiveness, and how their own aspirations were realized in the accomplishments of their children. He also relates the difficulties that Jacqueline had as an outsider in establishing a position in the family. The book provides a unique viewpoint on the political events of the 1950s and 1960s whose legacy continues to permeate our society.

What can I say but once you start the very first book of the series, you are hooked.

M Blake

This is a great addition to the wonderful Christian book series of Redemption about Baxter and their lives.

This series is the first literature by Karen Kingsbury I have read. I highly recommend this book, Return, as well as the whole Redemption series. It is true to life and captures the reality of the highs and lows of what we all encounter on a daily basis. It is a series that is an encouragement to living a life of faith not based on our own power.

This is my 4th Karen Kingsbury book and I cannot get enough. This book was so good I was done reading it in 2 days and I probably would have finished it sooner if not for my kids. Super read, can't wait to get the next one!!!

Loved it....lives up to what I have come to expect of Karen Kingsbury.

I'm enjoying reading as much of Karen KIngsbury's work as I can find, Thanks for the prompt service.

This book as well as the whole Redemption Series is GREAT. I have purchase the next series on the Baxter Family as well as the Sunrise Series (still waiting for book 2). My husband, who never reads a book, started the Redemption Series on vacation and he can't put it down. You have to know my husband to understand how good the Series is.

This is a terrific series! Karen captures your heart with her stories and keeps the focus on the Lord. Outstanding!!!

Loved it....lives up to what I have come to expect of Karen Kingsbury.

Rarely does a book move me to tears but this one did. This book was well written. I though Elizabeth and her family demonstrated great courage during this time of adversity. Not all was sad in the book. I don't want to give too much away for those who haven't read the book yet but you will be pleased at some of the ways God is working miracles in the lives of some of the other Baxter clan. Even though this is the last one in the Redemption series it is not the last we will see of the Baxters. Looking forward to getting glimpse of thier lives in the new series which is centered around the long lost Baxter son Dayne Matthews who we are introduced to in this book.

The entire redemption series is amazing. It touches a woman's heart and soul. I cried and rejoiced along with the Baxter family. I recommend this to all Christian fiction readers.

I really enjoyed Karen Kingsbury. I happened upon her by mistake. I first read the Firstborn series which I found out later was the next series after the Redemption series. I was so intrigued by the "Baxters" that I had to find the "beginning". Karen has a way to make you cry, laugh, and cheer for everyone. She has brought me peace in my life and I thank God for her ability to write with such emotion. I will cry the day her series with the Baxters comes to and end. I feel that they are a part of my family. Thank you Karen and keep up the good work.

I'm 50 years old and have never been interested in reading fiction until I was introduced to Karen Kingsbury's books. I just finished the Redemption series and am looking forward to starting the "F" series!
Katie
Tennessee

I had to reorder this for I thought it was on CD, but it was on tape which I couldn't listen to. I ended up buying it on CD so that I could listen to it. I enjoyed the CD for it was in a series about the Baxter's and their family. In this one a granddaughter almost drowns but is saved by the grace of God. There are family problems but they are worked through and weddings take place which could ony happen because of God.

I cannot begin to tell you how it has enriched my life by reading these books in series order. I have had some of the ups and downs mentioned in normal lives of her characters and not only read them for entertainment. I find myself praying over scripture references about situations close to my own realm of life. She will touch and gladden you heart but remember start at the beginning and know the Baxter family!

This is the book to have on how to keep your feet, knees, and any other body parts working as well as they can. Great diagnosis on whatever ails you as a runner. Timeless and still universally useful regardless of how old the book is. This is my second copy in the last 15 or so years.

A must read book for any runner at all stages of fitness and running experience.

Very good book. Has a plethora of useful tips for veteran and beginner runners alike. Highly recommended.

I so wish I had this book when I just started running! It should have helped me prevent so many painful experiences as well as bills from physiotherapy... This book covers everything from choosing the correct shoes and injury preventing techniques to diagnosing and treating foot and leg injuries. The writer seemed very knowledgeable and he certainly helped me. With his simple advices I can run long distances again without pain and I couldn't do it in almost a year! I had no idea there are so many things that need attention when running safely. Think all runners need this knowledge.

This book was recommended to me by a co-worker and it got me through my first half marathon. I still use it as a reference. I've since gifted it to several friends who also run.

We were growing tired of so-called children's movies as a sole source of entertainment for our family film nights and with our kids ranging in age from 1 (not accounted for here) to 11- we needed a change. I stumbled upon this book when I was trying to get opinions about any Hitchcock films being appropriate for 8 and 11 year olds, and it has become our trusty guide ever since. We started out with the Errol Flynn Robin Hood, Singing in the Rain,and West Side Story- and its been great. We are all entertained, no one feels "dumbed down" to, even the 5 year old is riveted. I have been setting TiVo weekly so we always have a choice rerady, plus we take it to the video store. The reviews have been spot on, the age recommendations are good, I can sit through a movie with my kids all the way through, and I feel like my kids are getting some cultural points from their movie watching. I will be giving this book as a holidaY gift to some of the families I know. Highly recommended!

I can't say enough good things about this book. It has ended the difficult search for movies that please both the kids and the adults. It has inspired my family to get at least one pre-70s movie every week to watch together. It's been an education. Through this book, we've found a few movies that we all unequivocally adore, and others that we enjoy but have sparked some important deeper conversations. His ideas on why older movies are good for our children are very thoughtful.

My daughters are nearly the same age as his daughters were when he wrote the book (9 & 11), so the book is particularly on target for us. I love how Burr describes his daughters' and their friends' reactions to old movies. I am surprised by how much negativity about older movies he says has received from some of his children's friends and their parents, because my children and their friends have always been completely receptive to older and black & white movies. But we don't move in mainstream circles (we are secular homeschoolers), so I will take his word for it.

If you enjoy watching movies with your children, you need to own this book.

Excellent Book--I have given it to all of my grown up children. Just reading through it is a trip down memory lane.

Un des livres sur le cinéma qui m'a le plus enthousiasmé. Une écriture très divertissante et des réflexions sur les films et leurs artisants qui captent notre intérêt au point de ne plus pouvoir arrêter notre lecture.

I came across this book in my local library, and after reading it, am going to purchase a copy for myself, and perhaps give it out as gifts for friends that have young children. This is an amazing movie resource. Ty Burr writes in such a familiar, easy-to-read style, and despite his motives [trying to get us to expand our young ones' movie viewing experiences through old movies/classics], never once comes across as condescending or snobbish.

The fact is that children these days are really being fed a steady, and not so healthy diet of the same type of movies that have spawned sequels, mass merchandising, and dare I say movies that don't really promote great role models [I have had enough of those tween movies with young Hollywood starlets in them]. Ty Burr provides great tips and ideas on overcoming this problems by suggesting old movies, or rather classics that will appeal to the toddler set[Meet Me in St Louis], the tween set[The African Queen], and also teenagers[Metropolis]. There are also old movies he doesn't recommend you watch with your children. The best part of the book is the comprehensive list of old movie titles in the different categories such as comedy, drama, musicals, action, adventure & westerns, horror, sci fi and fantasy, & foreign movies.

All in all, I'd highly recommend this book to readers who are interested in expanding the movie viewing experiences of the young children in their lives, and even for one's own viewing pleasure [there were titles in here that I had never come across and plan to check out!].

I like this book. You can keep it out on your coffee table for everyone to read. It's got short, funny sayings about parenting. It makes me laugh. It's also a great gift for baby showers!!!

Very humorous book. I think this book makes a great gift book for any mother, expectant mother, grandmother, aunt, anyone that has kids. This book had funny tid-bits I'd not seen before, and I thought it was original and funny. A great gift item.

"The difficulty in finding a baby-sitter will be in direct proportion to how desperatley you need one."
--From Motherhood is not for Wimps.

What mother has not experienced the last minute rush to find a baby-sitter when she has to dash out, and the usual sitter has just called to say she can't make it (probably cause she has a new boyfriend!) This book is funny and truthful about being a mom, and in the end reminds the reader that motherhood is the greatest job in the world!

Flipping through the pages of Motherhood is not for Wimps, I smiled at the trials and tribulations of parenting, expressed so well in this book. "So true, so true," I kept thinking!

The humor in Motherhood is not for Wimps is timeless.