Coleman Books

This is a novel set in the heart of America, the Ohio valley, during the tumultuous 60's. The characters are homespun trailer park folk and the background is a tapestry of rhythmn and blues, rock and roll, incense, patchouli oil, Elvis, and blue jeans worn too tight.

The book starts off with a bang (Son's mother is stalked by space aliens). Along the way the reader is treated to lower class hysteria, white bread and processed sausages, cheap 3.2 beer drunk by women who live half their lives in hair curlers and bath robes, teens bursting with pimples, makeup and hormones, back seat sex, America high school dating practices and the inside of your average, not overly healthy or overly motivated teenage mind.

There are a few hilarious characters, such as Tonya's mother, who lets the neighborhood kids covene at her house to smoke cigarettes, drink the occasional beer and neck while she looks the other way. Tonya's mom even takes Tonya and her boyfriend around the block once or twice, after picking them up at school, so that they can get in some "startime" from the back seat. Tonya's Mom monitors the teenage lovers from the front seat: "Now it's time to come up for air, you two. I want to see some faces. Okay Diver Dan, it's time to come up for air," or, in a less restrictive mode, "Did you see the big dipper yet?" Another one is Candy, a sex appeal oozing, rhythmn and blues listening trailer park denizen, from whom the son (and this reviewer as well) learns the art of creating and getting into the world's tightest pair of jeans.

In all, a very good book to which every person almost old enough (and old enough) to get drafted and sent to Vietnam can relate, not to mention those who simply value or are curious about American culture and lifestyle, circa 1960.

It's lively. It's present. Like a play- jabs me immediately into the situation. Fast. Tight. Bang. Bang. Right into the movie set. Reminds me of "Even Cowgirls Get the Blues". Cutting edge. There's a host of characters, an American setting- the kind of home which doesn't make the cover of Chatelaine. A troubled family. Trailer Parks. Only in America. Coleman has mined this territory and the offbeat people who inhabit these colourful dwellings on the fringes of society and set it all against the crazy weird and pulsating backdrop of the late sisxties when life was lived on the edge like it was one long and endless acid trip. Our main heroes, "the son" and his sidekick Bo, are products of Adolf's Trailer Park in East Morton, mifits of this subculture. Characters are alive and their personalities leap off the page. Coleman has flair. They are illuminated. Besides creating scenes where images are heightened visually, and emotionally alive and electric, Coleman has an inherent natural verbal capacity for vocabulary and a talent for dialogue. He shines both here and in his ability to create suspension. It's not just sex, drugs and rock and roll, it's social re-creation and documentation, it's comedy, a good read and a good novel.

Tribal Talk... presents the depth and breath of black theology. Coleman's writing invites readers to engage Black theology as a platform for International and National theological discourse.
This is a good read for anyone who wants to get a pigeon hold on the history, the present state of black theology, and the future direction of tribal talk.

This is the first text in this discipline that calls for the liberation of Black theology. Coleman reaches back to ancient ancestoral memory and calls Black people to be free. This is a must read for anyone who is interested in developing a truly liberative Black theology and liberating Black people.

The author has a knowledgable grasp of baseball history and the feats of today's players in context with that history. Jump in, find something interesting, keep flipping through. A nugget of info on every page.

"True Stars" is like no other baseball book I've ever read. He combines the statistal elements of Total Baseball with great stories from each year beginning with baseball's first All-Star game. The author does a nice job of tieing statistical charts with his stories and his examination of every current and future Hall of Famer is awesome. This book is a heck of alot of fun! You can spend 5 minutes or 5 hours with it, but you keep coming back for more. Its a must for baseball historians!

It is a sad but inescapable fact of the publishing world that most books, regardless of their quality, eventually pass out of print. For every work immortalized in new editions, thousands fade away to the oblivion of used bookstores, remainder tables, and dusty library shelves. It is a pleasure, then, to mark the reappearance in a single volume of two classic investigative works from the 1970s, penned in concert by renowned Fortean authors Jerome Clark and Loren Coleman. Both writers have prospered since their first collaborations, with 50-odd books published between them, but readers anxious to peruse their maiden efforts during recent years have found the search as arduous as any hunt for Sasquatch or the Loch Ness Monster.

But no longer.

The Unidentified (1975) describes the UFO phenomenon and related subjects, including fairies and other mysterious entities, hollow-earth theories, men in black, and religious epiphanies. Dedicated to pioneer anomalist Charles Fort, it follows trails blazed by the master and extends them, granting Clark and Coleman room to spread their wings as researchers and authors.

Creatures of the Outer Edge (1978) focuses more narrowly on unknown animals, but once again--as indicated by its dedication to deceased outré theorist John Keel--it wanders far afield from pure flesh-and-blood cryptozoology. Bigfoot and his fellow "manimals" share space not only with elusive cats, the Mothman, and other monsters, but with alien visitors as well.

A new introduction to the omnibus edition explains that the authors have changed their minds (or, at least, their perspectives) on certain subjects covered in these early volumes, but to their credit, they have left the original texts undisturbed and unredacted.

Readers who missed these books the first time around now have a chance to savor "golden oldies" in their pristine form. Both volumes also rate a second look from readers who enjoyed them in their first editions.
Mysteries Magazine

I actually read Creatures of the Outer Edge back around 1972 or so. I thought it was fascinating. Back then I read lots of books related to the supernatural, UFOs, etc. This book was my favorite. I plan to purchase it and read it again. I highly recommend this book.

With 900 other reviews, I'll keep this one short. The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell is an enormously interesting read. It tries to answer the question why and how certain ideas 'tip'. How they spread and become popular. Malcolm uses a huge amount of interesting stories from different domains to try to make his points. For me, the collection of stories was probably more interesting than the points he tried to make. The stories were well written.

Related to tipping, he argues that there are three rules related to an social epidemic. The law of the few (a few people can have a huge impact), the stickiness factor (a message can be constructed to be more sticky) and the power of context (the context can influence the message which is being spread enormously). The rest of the book contains chapters related to each of these rules. Every chapter summarizes the rules and tells stories of where the rule applied.

Tipping Point is extremely well written and easy to read. The bunch of amazing stories make it fun and it's no wonder that it's one a major best sellers in the world. I found the message the author tries to communicate less interesting, though. Never the less, I'd recommend the book to everyone for the sake of the stories and the learning that can be taken out of every individual story.

I've heard Malcolm Gladwell speak, and he's superb! In this innovative book, whether he's referring to the Maven, or the Connector, it's relatable to all individuals. If you're looking for a light leadership book that brings up very INNOVATIVE topics, this is it! For additional tips on leadership, I'd also recommend taking a course at www.corporatetrendsetters.com.

With social networking and user generated content (UGC) flooding the web, businesses are struggling to find ways to harness and direct this power. There exists an extensive collection of blogs, books, news articles and podcasts that offers advice about techniques to jump-start user adoption and gain stickiness, but these tend to focus on execution and not on concept. The dialogue generally advocates creating new communities, controlling messages within existing communities, and monetizing concepts, but fails to answer the fundamental question, "Why do people adopt certain ideas and not others?"

Enter Malcolm Gladwell's book, The Tipping Point. This is not a new book. It was published in 2002 and doesn't mention a single Internet technology or concept, instead focusing on how "epidemics" spread - From Paul Revere's success in his midnight ride to why kids love Blue's Clues to syphilis' spread in Baltimore in the mid-90's. Gladwell dissects the masses and exposes the population segments that serve as the kindling for raging success.

Connectors - The people that know everyone and revel in making mutually beneficial introductions. These are the catalysts or accelerants that help bring the key components together.

Mavens - The experts. These are the people that know everything about certain topics. Everyone has friends that they trust when it comes to food, music, sports, electronics, etc., the friends that are almost freakishly knowledgeable and passionate about their interests.

Sales people - These are the people that sell ideas and visions - the evangelists. They get people excited and spread the word - like the sales person mentioned in the Holiday Inn commercial that once had a heart attack and within an hour had sold the paramedics 12 sets of steak knives.

If you can come up with a great product or offering that has amazing value for those that take advantage of it, you're off to a good start, but the challenge is just beginning. The Tipping Point presents some of the foundational relationships and interactions that must occur to be successful. Coupling the above personality traits with a discussion of the various adopter types - from Innovators to Late Adopters - and you have a powerful recipe. Blending together the right mix of Connectors, Mavens, and Sales People with Early Adopters sets the stage for success... then all you need is a phenomenal idea. Easy right?

I recommend the book.

Marcel Crudele
innerEcho - Atlanta, GA

"The Tipping Point - How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference" by Malcolm Gladwell gave me insight into trends as seen through his eyes. I loved it!

Gladwell caught me off-guard when he discussed the racial tipping point that affects the real estate market of a neighborhood. But that was not the most surprising. What surprised me the most was how low a percentage of new property owners could influence the change from a sellers market to a buyers market.

There were many times when he seemed to veer off his subject and I started wondering where he was going with the point of the story. Then he would pull it all together and I could see exactly why he said something the way he said it.

Gladwell points out common traits in typical public interest/popularity and how that relates to sales and marketing.

In each example, he explains the patterns that show the slow beginnings, the steeper climb, to the sharp growth in popularity to the hesitation at the top, then the crash and (except for a few examples) a sudden end of all growth.

His intention is to provide enough information to duplicate or create a path towards a tipping point in your business. And, with the proper actions, manipulate how long your business is able to remain at the top of the sales chart.

I was surprised that Gladwell used stories about the popular children's show Sesame Street in his examples. But, once I read his in-depth, behind-the-scenes stories, I realized how complex and how much innovative thought went into producing that very successful television show.

Now, I find myself paying closer attention to eye, face, and body position and movement when I discuss business (and personal) matters. And, I am noticing the signals I (un-intentionality) send to others.

Gladwell is able to describe and chart the same patterns of tipping points in every example he gave. He investigates the how, why, where, and when of his research. Then he presents it to his readers in easy to digest pieces.

His description of Connectors, Mavens, and Salespeople is clear and fascinating. It is easy to visualize how the traits of connectors, mavens, and salespeople live in each of us.

One of the most interesting viewpoints Gladwell shared, was that there are only three elements that create change. The first element is "The Law of the Few." You'll have to read his book to find out Gladwell's other two agents of change.

By the way: It was fun taking Gladwell's Manhattan Phone Book Test. I scored eighty-seven points the first time around. After thinking about it, I believe I could add another ten to thirty surnames to my known contacts list.

I strongly recommend you read and then use Gladwell's information to create your own (series) of tipping points for your business' growth.

And while you're at it, get involved in replacing broken windows, painting walls and cleaning up areas in need. (Read the book and you'll understand.)

Little things can make a huge difference when properly executed/initiated.

The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference

The concept behind this book is what makes it such a phenomenon. It was not only great concept-wise, but it was an engaging read. I wouldn't call it pure entertainment (some portions could be dry) but it was definitely easy to get through the whole thing and actually enjoy it. I recommend this book to anyone looking for more info on the idea of how things that seem obscure, go on to gain enormous popularity and spark trends or fads.

Oh my word. I don't know what most reviewers are talking about. Tis is a true gift to readers who're interested in the author's life. Angela's Ashes had more poetry while Tis has more modern day cynicism being caged to a life imposes. In transparent words, this is the book where McCourt grows up in the USA. It's about his odd and awkward days of longing for women and wondering why he was the odd one out, about days when he wanted to be disconnected from his family and despite not being poor, the author finds himself in another predicament of missing Limerick, Ireland.

Frank McCourt is my favourite author. I don't know about writing styles because I've never read many books but Tis truly broke my heart a few times and it made me laugh out loud atleast six times. In my opinion, it is a bit criminal to say that this book is better than Angela's Ashes but I must admit I enjoyed reading this even more.

Do me a favour and ignore all the negative reviews. Arm chair critics wouldn't know better.

I thought Tis was a better read than Angela's Ashes. Being an American born in 1970, I can not relate to Ireland circa 1925 (it was apparently an awful place - move on). However, I found McCourt's historical accounts of WWII America to be fascinating reading. Americans were so openly racist back then toward every group imaginable. If anyone can claim a reason for America's greatness, it's her ability to change for the better, although Iraq is a bad example. But then again, GW Bush actually lost those two elections, so we tried. I suppose there will always be material for books, like Tis, about ugly Americans who despite themselves turn out to have functioning hearts. A sincere thank you, Frank.

I ordered this book USED/GOOD CONDITION. It came in Very good condition. I was very pleased and will not hesitate to order a used book again.

This book was great and was definitely more light-hearted than Angela's Ashes. You don't need to have read his first book (Angela's Ashes) to enjoy this part of his memoir; in fact reading the first book made me enjoy this one less simply because there was just no way for it to compare to the first.

Frank McCourt wrote "'Tis" as an obvious follow-up after the success of "Angela's Ashes". This second memoir is less visceral and dramatic, perhaps because it does not deal with memories of a childhood in poverty. Nevertheless, it is still engrossing and emotionally moving, full of humor and sadness, revealing the deep family feelings and the individual self of the author.

Starting with his arrival in New York City at the age of 19, McCourt describes his first shocking experience with the priest at the hotel (I could not stop laughing, although, sadly, this is not something to be taken lightly), which led to his first janitorial job in a hotel lobby. His struggle for money to sustain himself and send enough to his mother in Limerick led him to work at the docks, where he met a plethora of people and started experiencing the true New York diversity. In his pursuit of education, he discovered the library, but could not even imagine a way to get a college degree...until he was drafted to serve in the Korea war.

Never actually sent to Korea, Frank spent his army time in Germany instead, first working with dog training, and then as a clerk. He became a skilled typist, which allowed him to get a clerical job back in New York City. Another benefit of serving in the military was his entitlement to go to the university. Despite his lack of high school diploma and massive inferiority complex, Frank got a degree in English and became a teacher. In college, he met a beautiful girl, Alberta, who later became his wife (perhaps he viewed her as a challenge? A woman epitomizing everything American?). I loved his descriptions of problems with students and the school system, the family perturbations a little less so - but, all in all, "'Tis" is a great book, which reads very well and is hard to put down. I enjoyed it as much as "Angela's Ashes": in a little bit different way, but I did not expect it to be the same - the period of Frank's life here is that of a young man, and he focuses more on his personal development and experience, not so much on his family (which, anyway, is an eternal presence). Is it a typical route an immigrant could follow at that time, or highly personal? I think it is both, in a way...
I like McCourt's language, the flow of his sentences like a story told at the fireplace, his sensitivity and eye to detail. I enjoyed his view of the New York City, too.

I assume will read the third part, "Teacher Man", with equal pleasure and I am looking forward to it.

I don't believe there can be much more to be said about the Charms of Frank McCourt. Even when he is divulging his shortcomings, his wit and bare-knuckled honesty draw you in.

"Teacher Man" is, to me, quite different than his previous two works, but completely enjoyable down to the last tale. I think it makes a great gift to every teacher who has ever struggled with their profession and the demise of their idealistic vision. It stands out as a shining beacon that you don't have to be "perfect" to make a life changing difference in the lives of a student.

A fellow teacher and friend recommended this book to me; I had never heard of it previously, surprisingly. I knew I would like it just by looking at the cover and first few pages: Frank McCourt's sense of humor and finesse with teaching really shows through with two photographs there especially. He takes the reader easily through the span of his teaching career with a string of hilarious anecdotes and shares invaluable, yet typical, insight along the way. McCourt really refreshed my sense of what teaching was, is , and can be along with putting teaching situations and education in perspective. As a teacher of high school Language Arts, I often wonder whether or not it's me, the kids, or both. Whether he intends to or not, McCourt reassures educators like me that educating youth is an ongoing, if not sometimes stifling, doubting, and frustrating struggle. Kids have always been kids, so to speak, and the best teachers have always been just that too. A true reality check for public school systems in a time of No Child Left Behind. It does a stunning and long-lasting job of reminding us that making kids think is what we yearn for and that, sometimes, we realize that yearning, in spite of ourselves. Thanks Mr. McCourt for revitalizing a part of me that had been a bit bogged down!

I am puzzled by this book. The first paragraph stated McCourt's pride over having made something of himself after a terrible childhood. He then proceeds to tell the story of his teaching as part of this. He admits himself that he felt like a fraud much of the time. I can see why! Most of the anecdotes cover stories of his childhood and he admits to not having control over the students. (He seems to waver between intense pride and self loathing.) Although I enjoyed many of his anecdotes(the assignments to write a suicide note, a excuse note to God from Eve, and reading recipes to music), I spent a lot of time wondering how he could have been a wonderful teacher and had kids flocking to the classroom. I must assume that there is something key to McCourt's charming classroom manner that he left out.

I was very surprized about this book. Frank McCourt was not the jovial , funny loving man I thought he would be. In this memoir, Mc Court writes briefly about his college education, his early years teaching at vocational high schools, and finally with pride some interesting lessons he taught at Stuyvesant High School.McCourt writes honestly about the difficulty of teaching . There is some humor in his story ( McCourt developed his students' writing skills by having them practice writing excuse notes). McCourt also had some sexual affaires before and during his unhappy marriage.

I liked this book. It was honest.I came away from the book thinking that we shouldn't give up on ourselves. No matter how old we are we can still make a differnce. Frank McCourt was 66 years old when he wrote his first book.

I purchased this book with the hopes of having something fun and enjoyable to read, but ended up struggling to finish it. I have never read Angela's Ashes or 'Tis, but at this point I don't think I want to!

The book started off with McCourt being a teacher trying to find his way in the teaching world and trying to figure out what works with the students, but then it seemed to stay there. Throughout the entire book it seemed that he was more worried about the students liking him than actually teaching them anything. And even after 30 years of teaching apparently he still has no idea what he's doing and still just wants his students to like him.

As I haven't read his other books I didn't mind the flashbacks to his childhood in Ireland, although he seems to repeat the same types of situations over and over. But his stories about his students and their parents were even more repetitive. At one point I thought i'd put my bookmark on the wrong page because I was sure i'd read a certain part already, but, no, he was just telling a "different" story that was exactly like the others.

As this book is only 257 pages long I expected to finish it in a day or two but it took me almost a week because I just didn't WANT to read it. Maybe if i was a teacher i'd find it more amusing, but I say don't waste your money buying this!

Im in management, and I have taken more than one thing away from this book. Brilliant man, brilliant book, brilliant operational strategies! Wish he could have taken the republican nomination! I would definitely recommend this to anyone in a corporate leadership position.

His head is SO big and he is so stuck on himself. I was really looking forward to reading it but Mr. Giuliani may have confused leadership with ego.

Rudy Giuliani has always been a man I admired. When he stood up to the crime bosses I was impressed. As he was finishing off his second term as New York City Mayor he was already known for making incredible crime reductions and for cleaning up 42nd Street. Imagine ESPN Zone and the Disney Store where all the adult XXX stores use to be! Anyone who could accomplish this when everyone else was saying that it was impossible, is certainly worth listening to when he discusses leadership qualities. Rudy wrote what is basically part II of the book as he prepared to leave office.

Then came 9-11. He wisely chose to add chapter 1 on the events of 9-11 and the immediate aftermath. The final chapter describes how the recovery was achieved over the last days of his adminstration. Basically Giuliani was always interested in being a leader. He read a lot about and learned a lot from his mentors. Many of the ideas in this book I had already learned from reading and taking courses in leadership, e.g. empower and make everyone accountable, be open and honest and communicate clearly, let your positions be known but allow for open and honest debate, and consider all reasonable options but make a decision and stick with it.

What the book added for me was the details of Rudy's experience from his father and grandfather teaching him as a child how to stand up to bullies, to the synergism of Torre and Steinbrenner, to the teachings of Judge MacMahon and to the example of Ronald Reagan standing up to the air traffic controller. Not only does Rudy clearly relate these experiences but he also takes examples from his years in the district attorney's office and as Mayor of New York where he applied the lessons he learned. Standing up to Arafat when he crashed in on an engagement was an example of Rudy standing up to a bully when Clinton would not.

Still his achievements as Mayor and the leadership he showed during the 9-11 disaster were remarkable. What was so special about Giuliani compared to other Mayors? One thing was his unconventional way of treating the government of a city like the running of a corporation. He used the organizational and economic principles of business in running New York City. He followed what Jack Welch was doing with six sigma at GE and through his Compstat program successfully used statistical methods for improving police effectiveness. This is very similar to the success that is common in many six sigma projects. It was fascinating to hear the types of information they chose to collect and the dramatic results that occurred when the measures were reviewed in meetings.

I even found myself recognizing Reagan and other Republicans whose vision and leadership I generally discounted in the past. Rudy is not arrogant or a braggard. He is simply trying to describe the key ideas that led to his success. This is great food for thought for all of us.

I took my book to a signing at Barnes and Nobel in Princeton New Jersey and got him to sign my copy and we talked briefly. In 2008 as he runs for president in the republican primaries it may be worthwhile to look at this book again to see if he displays the leadship of a president. If he should get nominated it would take a strong campaign by the democratic candidate to get me to vote democratic and I have never voted for a republican for president before. But more than other candidates except for Clinton and McCain he exhibits the level of leadship that we expect but rarely get from our president.

In response to Rachel's review, which I somewhat agreed with, she was frusturated that Giuliani compared running a city to running a business. Running a city IS like running a business. think about it: you cut tax - so more companies come to NYC to do business, which brings in more revanue to the city. that's business! you clean up madisson square garden and make it more family friendly - more tourists come to visit bringing more money to nyc. etc etc.

is it derogatory to call citizens "costomers"? absolutely not!! on the contrary: a good business man respects his costomers. a good business man's motto: 'the costomer is always right' is onlike a politician who would rather say: 'the union board memmber is always right because he can get me more votes' or 'the big media coorperation is always right cuz they can write more positive one liners for my campaign'

if NYC is a business, and the customer (-citizen) is always right, than the citizen is most respected. more so than the bureaucrat. unfortunately, this honest method did not work for Giuliani - he did not suck up to the media/beurocrats/unions and therefore failed to become prez.

but as for the book itself - it was not his life story or anything - which is more like what I was hoping for. it was just dry pointers on how to lead. the only interesting part was that fire in the church and some other personal ancitodes few and far in between.

for the record - those who claim that he decided to write it after 9/11 - check your facts: this book was almost finished being written by the time 9/11 rolled by.

Forget about politics. Forget about extreme Muslims. Forgot about Republican or Democrat. Forget about Giuliani's personal life. Just forget about it.

This book is about the defining moments of 9/11 and the leadership it needed in order not to descend into chaos. This man has put his heart and soul into this event and showed great leadership you can learn from.

The writings in 'Leadership' give you great insight into the situation of the event and dealings of the mayor. Courage as well as leadership prevail in keeping the objective of his mission close. Information is critical when chaos is lurking around the corner. Sleep can be denied.

Being European I'm not biassed in my judgement of the person or politician Giuliani. When you read this book about mayor Giuliani there's a lot you can learn from.

I enjoyed Karen Cushman's novel, Catherine, Called Birdy, so I was excited to read a second offering from her. The Midwife's Apprentice was published in 1996 by HarperTrophy. The Flesch-Kincaid grade level is 10.6. At 128 pages, it is a shorter novel and lacks some of the charms of Catherine, Called Birdy. For example, the diary format and the inclusion of the stories of the saint's days were one fascinating aspect of the earlier novel. But still present are Cushman's use of wit and vivid detail to propel one young woman's story. Those who were originally engaged by her use of historical detail and her commentary on women's roles that resonates with modern readers will not be disappointed. Cushman tells her story with a great deal of wit, while maintaining the gritty perspective on medieval life she demonstrated in Catherine, Called Birdy.

Rather than introducing us to a girl of some manner of privilege, Cushman introduces us to Beetle, a nameless orphan who lucks upon a career. As the midwife's apprentice, Beetle encounters some scenes not for the faint of heart, discovers town secrets, and learns her own strength. The contrast between medieval and modern birthing ideas is fascinating, as is the truly prominent role the midwife actually plays in her society. She plays the wise but stern grandmother, the physician, and even the spiritual authority by turns in the novel. As Beetle, or Alyce, trains for this role, she transforms from fearful to capable. She also faces many challenges of becoming a young woman, including dealing with her sexuality and determining what kind of role she wants to play in her relationships.

As Cushman's details sometimes lean more toward entertainment or shock value than historical accuracy, it might be an interesting project for students to research the roles of women in medieval times themselves. Comparing Cushman's ideas to those of historians might broaden students' perspectives and also help them to engage more with historical records. Another positive aspect of the book is that Cushman sheds light on the interest in the history of women, previously often lost or ignored, that has arisen since the 1970s. Together with Cushman's books, young readers could be introduced to some of the impressive work that has been done in this field.

This book may initially attract young adult readers who are interested in the historical fiction genre, but the issues addressed will be relevant for many more. As young people toy with the idea of different career paths, watching the way adults themselves fulfill these roles, they make judgments that ultimately guide their future decisions. The decisions Alyce makes in the end reflect the changes she has undergone. Like Catherine, Alyce is an observant and opinionated young woman; an unlikely role model, but certainly an engaging one.

The Midwife's Apprentice is a historical fiction set in a small English village early in the 14th century. The setting allows the reader to compare the values and ways of the culture in which we live to the ways of the past. The exact time the story takes place isn't really divulged by the author. The setting is shown not necessarily by a date, but more by the speech, dress, and behavior of the characters as well as the ideas contained in the village in which they all reside.

Readers are first introduced to the main character of the book while she is sleeping in an alley; she is unloved, unknown, unnamed, and doesn't even know her own age. Throughout the story and through many trials of will and strength the young girl discovers that even she has a place in society. The girl, Alyce, pairs up with a cat and a midwife who help her to learn what it means to be needed as well as appreciated. Through her journey Alyce learns some hard lessons and slowly develops a since of purpose and self-esteem. She grows into a person who respects herself and others who work hard and are understanding to those who earn it.

The book contains an author's note at the end that helps the reader to become aware of the origin and the history of midwifery. The author also takes the opportunity to discuss some of the herbs and superstitions that midwifes of the past have used to help in the delivery of babies. This helps to show that the information presented in the story is authentic as well as a reflection of the values of the past culture.

The story helps to show young readers that times have changed but our basic needs have remained the same throughout history. The need to belong is strong, and it often holds us together even when the odds are against us.

I read Catherine, Called Birdy when I was a freshman in high school and very much enjoyed it, so this was a natural choice to look at now. I found the story of The Midwife's Apprentice to be more melancholy than that of Catherine but still good.

Brat's journey and her many names of Brat, Beetle, and finally Alice show her development over time from homeless urchin to a girl who knows what she wants and will do anything to be the Midwife's Apprentice.

The time period and setting is very interesting. The acting in the audiobook is top knotch with great accents and realism. This exciting story is for adults too and I can see why it won an important award.
You will be entertained and even learn something new. I listened to it on a business trip and really liked the way it was performed. Just a wonderful story of triumph and learning.

I am glad I read this first before I handed it over to my 8 year old. We're wrapping up a year of homeschooling using Story of the World Book 2 about the Middle Ages and I was excited to find a relatively short novel from that time period.

I read it in a few hours and because I find the Middle Ages fascinating, I enjoyed the book for what it is: historical fiction. Well written and intriguing, the moral of the story is worthwhile: never give up.

Unfortunately, the situations involving fornication, adultery, and dishonest gain are enough to make me NOT recommend this to anyone, particularly a young person.

This book won a Newberry Award. I suppose I was naive enough before reading this book that the highest honor in children's fiction would be given to books that exemplify moral behavior in a way that is appropriate for children. Apparently not.

The Midwife's Apprentice would stand just fine without insinuating immoral sexual behavior. It is suppose to be a children's book, for heaven's sake.

So for me, that's the rub. I will be returning this post haste to the library.

When I first started to read the possible causes and the affirmations I was skeptical but when it was working I was surprised and delighted that I do have the power to heal my body and mind.

The book was delivered in good condition and in a timely fashion. I am very pleased with your services.

Great book! My husband gave me this wonderful little health reference book and I liked it so much that I had a health care provider look at it and he also liked it. I bought two more to give away.

Easily one of the best books of it's kind. I've been using this book for 10 years now and I love it! My children use the affirmations. I use the affirmations in my personal training business with my clients I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone!

If I could give no stars, I would. I'm putting this review on each of Louise Hay's titles to warn people who fall into believing that this is a caring, compassionate person. I met her recently at an event and was about to compliment her on one of the books her company publishes that Dr. Dyer wrote for children. Louise Hay was so incredibly rude to me before I even got to open my mouth that I was shocked. The woman seemed to be only about capitalism, power and ego and, though I had been a previous customer of her publishing company, I will NEVER purchase anything by them again nor will I recommend them. I will not give money to someone so ill-behaved, let alone someone who's telling others to be nice when they haven't learned that lesson themselves. Louise Hay, I hope someone on your team shares this with you. You should be ashamed of yourself for being so nasty!

By contrast, I have dealt with the people at Sound's True a zillion times and all of them are as nice as can be and behave in accordance with their products. I spoke with their people at the same event (and others before it) and they were all lovely.

And, no, I do not work for or am in any way compensated by Sound's True. I simply people should know the truth about who practices what they preach and who doesn't. In my opinion, Hay's behavior was one step down from Cruella De Ville. If you're shocked reading that, imagine how shocked I was experiencing it from her.