E Books

The Sista Hood: On the Mic is a great book for young girls on so many levels. For starters, it's set within a hip hop background, a place that is hugely populated by men. Second, the novel shows that young women can obtain any dream they have as long as they work hard and persevere. Third, and just as important as the first two and the others not discussed, The Sista Hood illustrates that sometimes, girls (and women) accomplish their goals because of their "sistas," those girlfriends that are beside them through the good and bad times.

A fresh perspective on the urban novel--written by a Latina author, chronicling the struggle of young Latinas struggling to achieve their dreams of reaching the top of the hip-hop world. (summary by the Latino Recommended Reading List from the Association of American Publishers's * Publishing Latino Voices for America Task Force)
The Sista Hood On The Mic is an exciting book for teens who love music and love to read. It's a fast paced book and would make a great movie one day. This is a wonderful new series with strongly written multicultural characters. (BELLA Online)

This Book is "REAL". This book Not only talks about our every day lives (teens). But it also talks about the social issues, of how a Latina is seen in a world different from her's. The author did an awesome job combining 5 characters, who are from different backgrounds, and still have the same interest, hip-hop. Mariposa teached us that whatever you want to do, despite what others say, you can do it.

The Sista Hood by E-Fierce draws you in from the first page with the bold yet questioning voice of Mariposa as she pines away for school heartthrob EZ (Ezekiel) on the bus home from school. EZ has fallen for Jessica Hoffman, aka J-Ho, and Mariposa's jealousy, after befriending EZ at camp, launches the story. But it's a lot more than a book about a girl pining after a boy. E-Fierce manages to engage many contemporary issues about race, culture, sexuality, and popularity in this engaging tale of friends and sometimes enemies who are all trying to find themselves, as well as separate and learn from their parents. The girls have plenty of very heavy, adult issues to work out, and test the boundaries of family and friendship, forming much more than a clique. How they look out for one another, how they argue, how they learn who's worthy of caring about and investing time in, are important lessons here. Written in a fast-paced style, this had me rooting for the girls to win their talent show.

In a somewhat surprising (to me, at least) turn of events, lesbianism amongst these students comes up, and save for some parental freaking out and macho posturing/homophobia amongst their classmates, it's presented as pretty much normal, just one way of being amongst many. The questions Mariposa asks herself show her to be very self-aware; she's not perfect, and wants to do the right thing, but her confusion over what the "right thing" to do, as evidenced by her various to do lists, proves her willing to work on herself to improve not just her life but those of the people she cares about. Issues of class, race and identity, both in terms of discrimination and how each character feels about her own background, permeate the book, but in a way that makes the reader ask questions as well; Mariposa starts off with some very strong views that she has to rethink as her circumstances and feelings change. The use of hip-hop throughout, both by Mariposa and the influence of that culture, is everywhere in this book, with the idea being that these characters can be a part of hip-hop, not just consumers of it. I'd recommend this to any teenager, or adults like me who like engaging, unique YA novels with strong characters and something to say. I look forward to the next installment in this series.

Mariposa or "Mari", an intelligent, Puerto-Rican fourteen-year old living in San Francisco, aspires to be an MC. While her parents are going through a divorce, she spends a lot of time alone, writing lyrics that depict her pain and how she sees the world through her eyes. She becomes attracted to Ezekiel "EZ" Mathews, another aspiring MC, whom she meets at summer camp and who also attends her high school. The problem is that EZ, being three years older than Mari, refers to her as Lil' Sis instead of what she really wants to be, and that is his girl.

Due to EZ's urging, Mari befriends his younger sister, Sadie. Along with Mari's best friend, Liza and Sadie's best friend, Evita, the girls form an all-girl group called The Sista Hood. Mari rhymes, Sadie sings, Evita plays keyboards and Liza dances. The girls learn how to bond through their daily rehearsals for their high school's talent show. They end up learning so much about each other and mostly how to have each other's backs through the ups-and-downs that are common, and uncommon, to a teenage girl's life.

E-Fierce does an excellent job of illustrating to the reader what life is like for Mariposa, "butterfly" in Spanish. She touches on issues that any teenage girl growing up in an urban city would witness - divorce, a parent's alcoholism, homosexuality, teen domestic violence, race relations and teen pregnancy. She also makes an admirable effort to show how Mari and her friends come together to be a support to each other, step-by-step. Girls reading this novel will be able to gain so much from this book and hopefully apply Mari's learnings to their own life.

This book was written from Mariposa's voice and sometimes she would say things that were not consistent with her voice/language from other parts of the book. Other than that, I would highly recommend this book to middle and high school girls that struggle with friendship issues.

Lena Willis
APOOO BookClub

So maybe you've been thrust into the new E-whatever position in your company. You feel like a deer in the headlights when the E-consultants and E-agencies come in, start foaming at the mouth and spewing E-jargon. You wonder, what the heck are they talking about and what should I do? Get an agency that speaks English and read this book during the transition!

Laurie and Ken have compiled an impressive amount of quantitative and qualitative research on which to base "The Soul of The New Consumer". Far and away the most important statement to remember in this book is:

"In effect, the Web site experience becomes the primary vehicle for building and reinforcing brand identity and preferences."

Information architecture (the structure of a web site), Internet marketing and Internet branding converge in the mind of the consumer. They should be developed in tandem. The web site experience IS the brand experience; think about it, think about your own web usage experiences.

"The Soul Of The New Consumer" goes on to discuss issues of great concern to many web users. These include privacy, the (non?) existence of customer loyalty, traffic generation, conversion strategies, and perspectives of E-customers. The quantitative research in the book can be found anywhere, the analysis makes the book valuable and the moderated discussions with consumers add a touch of real world insight that is missing from many books.

Now that you've read this book, and have a new agency that speaks English, you'll have a better idea of how to communicate with them. You'll know more of the right questions to ask; the answers to look for and maybe even understand a little of the E-jargon should the conversation digress to that level. You might even feel comfortable enough to make up some of your own!

A must read for any business that wants to keep existing customers and attract new ones to their web sites. Their research on how people are using the internet and how they plan on using it in the future is very timely and a necessary concept to get to be successful in the dot com arena.

Great book and insight. Shows how to get into the consumers mind and what's there to use. A book that takes what is in this book and enables you to put it in a solid plan is Make Your Website Work For You, but that's another dollar.

This book gave me invaluable insight into the thoughts of today's Internet consumer. The information is timely and well explained so even those of us new to the Internet Economy can not just understand but apply this information. Worth taking what little time you have to read this book cover to cover. Laurie Windham really knows what she is talking about!

A must read book for all people in business. The Soul of the New Consumer gives valuable insight into today's consumers and how to capture new opportunities in the e-commerce business. I highly recommend this to all forward thinking companies and individuals.

This review first appeared in the April 2002 issue of DR AHEAD, the newsletter of the Air Force Navigators Observers Assoication.

There is a saying, "Join the Navy and see the world. Join the Air Force and see Texas." In these two books Tom Alexander takes readers on a tour of Texas to visit 19 of the 65 Army Air Force bases which operated there during World War II.

Volume I covers the bases which were at Amarillo, Pyote, Pecos, Sweetwater, Greenville, Waco, Harlingen, and San Antonio (which alone of these still survives as an active facility). Volume II adds to the tour the bases at Pampa, Hondo, Del Rio, Midland, Marfa, El Paso, Fort Worth, Lubbock, Austin, Big Spring, and Houston. Alexander tells how and when each base came into existence, what missions were fulfilled, who some of the people associated with the base were, how the thousands of Air Force men and women, mostly from outside of Texas, interacted with the nearby community, and what became of the facility. In addition the author looks at the nearby Texas communities before and after the bases were established and the impact that the bases had on the state as a whoe.

Information about the bases is carefully researched and documented with endnotes. There are scores of histrical and contemporary photographs. The books are rich with ancedotal material. Alexander writes with skill

The heart of these books is Alexander's powerful descriptions of the opening, operation, and disposition of the bases and the resulting impacts on Texas. Those who spent Air Force time in Texas will enjoy these books. Libraries in communities which have or had a military base nearby should acquire them. This goes for communities across the country, not just in Texas, because the lessons they teach are about how war and peach change America.

I really enjoyed reading "The Stars Were Big and Bright." There was so much informative and humorous information in a well written format. It was very interesting learning about the diversity in the locations of the air bases and I loved the old pictures. It was a book I didn't want to put down.

I thoroughly enjoyed the portrayal of the life and times of Sweetwater as well as what it was like to be a WASP in a small Texas town!

This book provides a worthwhile survey of the role of military aviation...anecdotal details keep the text lively...vintage and contemporary photographs make the book valuable for anyone interested in the military buildup that affected Texas communities...

I am a native Texan and history buff, but I was never aware of the important role many small Texas towns played in the aerial war efforts of the United States. What a revelation this book provided.

Very well written, interesting, informative, humorous and sometimes tragic, The Stars Were Big and Bright is one book that will remain in my personal library for years to come. It is sure to be reread whenever the urge to revisit the history of Texas' contribution to the U.S. Army Air Force's efforts during WWI and WWII.

I was impressed also with the numerous vintage photograps, maps, descriptions of the relevant airfields, aircraft photos and specifications, as well as the high level of documentation from primary source documents.

This book absolutely has to be the best book on this topic yet written. Perhaps the author, Thomas E. Alexander, will treat us to another great book in the future.

This book is not only a great resource guide for those new to designing with stones, but also fun to look at and inspirational. I found ideas for the bathroom, kitchen, and even for a staircase.

I work for a natural stone retailer in Texas, and this book gives me ideas for customers. Many of my store's clients want to take this book home or buy it. I don't let them take it home of course; I suggest that they buy one on Amazon.com.
In my opinion, I think it makes a good coffee table book as well, since when people are waiting in my showroom, I see them browsing through this book. I wish there were more books like this one.

This is a great book. it will give you detailed information about the stone types that you can use in your house and great photos. i'm in the stone flooring business and this book helps my customers to visualize the final look of the stone they choose from my showroom floor. it also has a section with patterns so you dont have to figure out how to lay stones in different sizes to make a pattern.

We are considering having our kitchen remodeled and definitely want to replace the current Corian with some type of stone. This book covers stone used in kitchens and baths. Besides the gorgeous photographs, the book includes lots of helpful tips in helping you chose the right stone for your project. Each photo is described with caption of what the stone is, including the pattern or color. The chapters include the stone kitchen, bath, floor and architectural stone. What is really nice is that it addresses various possible focal points, such as the stone vent hood in the kitchen or a beautiful stone fireplace.

The book encompasses multiple styles, designs and patterns for counters, floors, backsplashes and walls. For the photography and ideas alone, this book is worth the price but it has so much more. It includes tips and pointers for using stone in various places. For example, on page 66, there is a side bar that has Ideas for the Shower. It includes tips like "When chosing a polished granite for the shower walls, keep in mind that water spots are magnified on a polished surface."

This books covers all kinds of natural stone: limestone, granite, travertine, marble, slate. I wholeheartedly recommend this book.

This book describes the nature of various types of stones and the recommended usage inside and outside the home. I've used this book as a guide to show my local stone dealer what type of stones I'm looking for. And also used it to illustrate the concept of my dream home to my Interior Designer, she understood immediately without us having to go through many rounds of interview to get it right. As a result, my dream home is now almost complete with stones from all over the world, marbles from Spain, Italy, Iran.... granite from Norway and Indonesia... coral stones, tumblestones, slates, and many more.... Wonderful pictures and illustrations, I'd recommend this book to anyone! Suitable for modern Asian homes too!

Thanks to hospital business politics and his mentor's macho control, Dr. Joe Grady is attempting the seemingly insurmountable task of completing his 6th year residency with 10 major cases in just 29 days. If he does not get his certificate he cannot escape Detroit General Hospital and rebuild his life in California.

This satirical fiction is very close to the reality of hospital life, deaths and politics all woven by human emotions and limits

During his professional and personal roller coaster it becomes apparent that someone may be killing some patients while the short staffed nurses are trying to unionize.

Richard E. Sall has done a wonderful job bringing all the characters to life. It is a story of a talented surgeon with the old fashioned belief that the welfare of the patient comes first and hints of the need for healthcare reform.

Richard E. Sall is a general surgeon and lives with his wife in Central California. He began writing in 2001 and published in 2004. The book focused on management and solutions of injured workers for Workers Compensation. Straight Jacket is his first published fiction and since I would certainly recommend reading it I am hoping it's not his last.

Reviewer: Cheryl Ellis, Allbooks Reviews

A light romance, with a good insight into the politics of the medical world. The characters are stsrongly developed. Humor is incorporated in different scenarios.
It was a fun and quick read.

I couldn't put the book down! The plot of the doctor--his medical career predicament and his falling in love with Nurse Linda complicated by her wacky mother, the administrator's warped agenda, and the angel of death--made the book very suspenseful. Considering all the difficulties, you would think it would become pessimistic, but it doesn't. In fact, it's very entertaining! I also found it interesting to view the story from the perspective of a surgeon. The book touches on profound subjects--the existence of God and our healthcare system being coopted by insurance, trial lawyers, and corporate america--but very lightly and enlighteningly. It's so well worth the read, I may read it again.

Dr. Joe Grady is about to finish his six year residency at Detroit General Hospital.... Or is he? If it were up to Dr. Rizzo, Joe's years would be wasted unless he completes ten major procedures in thirty days.

Without a doubt, the best medical drama I have ever read. If this author didn't already have the career of being a life-saving doctor, I would tell him to quit immediately, buy a secluded island somewhere and write, write, write. This book has absolutely everything wit, charm, interesting characters, fabulous dialogue, detailed scenery and just the right amount of medical jargon to bring it all back. I loved the underlying cry for healthcare reform and the side relationship between Joe, Linda and Linda's crazy mother. I could read this book over and over again and never tire of it. This book doesn't deserve five beacons..... it deserves ten!

Straight Jacket by Richard E. Sall is the story of thirty-two-year-old medical student Joe Grady in his pursuit of certification as a surgeon in his hospital residency. Written with flair and in a satirical manner, Straight Jacket carries its readers through the an increasingly engaging plot in which Grady must complete ten major cases within thirty days or fail in his efforts to secure certification. This series of tasks is further complicated by the hospital nurses who are in the process being unionized. The hospital is beyond busy, and now somebody is going around killing patients! Then to convolute things even further, there is Grady's discovery of a new love in the form of Linda -- a nurse with a dangerously demented mother. Original, lively, and clearly documenting Richard Sall as a talented storyteller, Straight Jacket is very highly recommended reading and certain to be a popular addition to any personal reading list or community library fiction collection.

If you have or need the book, you must have this guide.

Mostly for promotional reasons are we slapped with the required purchase of Supervision of Police Personnel. If you are, then get this guide! It will help you very much!!

Would recommend this book over the actual text if your time is limited for studing for upcoming exam.

Excellent source -- Thank you so much. The fulltext book is very hard to follow, but these guys make it seem so easy. I recommend this study guide to everyone I know. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

after reading the book several times, i used the study guide to help clarify many questions that i had. the study guide has some minor errors in it, but the it helped me a lot. if you are required to read this book for a sgt or lt police exam i would highly recommend buying the study guide. i didnt miss any questions on the test regarding this book, and it was likely due to the study guide.

This book does an outstanding job in preparing you for the test questions you face on the actual exam. The question and answer format was incredibly beneficial in my preporation for testing. I highly recommend this book for anyone who is serious about excelling on the police supervision exam.

This is a really wondeful collection of stories. Two-Rivers takes us from Sapawe, Ontario to the streets of Chicago with stories that are immediate and from the heart. He is a terrific writer who takes us on a great journey of distance, time, and emotion.

I have thoroughly enjoyed this book that brings back fond memories of my own Ojibwe upbringing. Two Rivers writes with a style that is raw and true to his Anishinaabe people. Gchi Migwetch Eddie!

I have known of E. Donald Two-Rivers' work since he started the "Red Path Theatre Company" of Chicago, and am glad he found the time in his busy schedule/career to write a book on short stories based upon the Native American experience(s).

Good Luck E. Donald; and may the you always stay in the Gods' favor for Poety & Muse.

David Andrew Shawanokasic, Menominee

I knew Harold Ball. I wasn't his friend because, as this book explains, for most of his life he drove people away. I wasn't at the party that changed his life, but I know some who were. In fact, I know everybody in this book. Set in the city, on the rez or on the road, these stories read as real to me as the last time I stepped out the door or walked into a truck stop. Each person has his or her own fully realized voice. But what recommends this book most to me are the narrator's voices.

Many writers talk about cultural conflict, the Relocation Act or going back to the reservation, but few express it in more than one voice. Eddie Two-Rivers has the classic short story writer's gift for implication: "It was mid-afternoon-the time of day for sighing. That second when everything is just right and silence slices through time. A slight wind rustled the leaves of a nearby tree and the moment was lost to the past." (p. 54) He evokes nostalgia: "Timber supported the town and everyone in it. I remember it as a green, blue, and brown place: forest, sky, water, and sawdust everywhere. A great place for a kid." (p 221)

Yet he also has that educated awareness that summarizes whole decades in short, sociological parapgraphs: "Bill and Glenda thought of themselves as second-generation urban Indians. Their parents had moved to Chicago's South Side during the 1950s in accordance with the Relocation Act. They met at Red's, a blues bar on Thirty-fifth and Archer Avenue. It was love at first sight. They dated a couple of weeks then decided to live together. Their families disapproved so they moved to the more liberal North Side. Both had been raised in working-class homes. Both regarded their families as being provincial, not with the times." (p. 144)

But Eddie Two-Rivers also understands deeply the power of writing to heal communities and make each of us whole: "Everybody got something they do to make themselves feel better. Writing is my medicine." (p. 83)

You may see it in other writers; you can hear it here.

Ed Two-River's book Survivor's Medicine is an important contribution to the literary world both for Indians and non-Indians. The stories unfold to present a fresh perspective on the human condition in general, and the reality of American Indians specifically. As an educator, the collection of stories explores a spectrum of issues and themes that makes it a dynamic book for teaching in the classroom. Each story broadens the reader's perspective about the reality of American Indians' experience today and challenges the reader to consider and question his or her own perceptions. It grapples with history, politics, and culture in a way that is accessible and poignant to audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Survivor's Medicine can be used with students of all academic abilities. The story "Slow Walker: Hero of the Mud Flats Battle" which tells the story of childhood lessons and lifelong memories fought out in the bush in Canada, can be read to a third grade classroom or in a college literature class. I highly recommend this book for educators at all levels and encourage Native educators across the country to use this book with their students. Mr. Two-Rivers is a wonderful and rare role model for young Indians today. I anxiously await his next book.

I love these series of touch and feel books for babies/toddlers. I have purchased many of them for lots of kids under the age of 18 months and they all love them. Great travel book too!

My son got this when he was about 12 months old and it was instantly his favorite. There's a great extra 'game' you can play with these books. On each page is a little white mouse. I ask "Where's the mouse?" and he points to it. We have also bought a couple of others in this series and they are equally as fun.

wonderful books!!!!!!!!!!!! get them all!!! our daughter has loved them since she turned one, and still loves them after turning 2! very fun to read, colours are vibrant, textures are appropriate, such nice books!! first discovered this series on www.mybabycantalk.com 's dvd's "First signs" and "Sharing signs" (by the way the BEST dvd's for babies and toddlers to learn sign language (asl) and english words. they are a must alongwith the books listed here.

My daughter has loved this book (and several others in the series) since she was about 6 months old. She's getting less interested now at 13-months, but it's still a favorite.

This is a great board book and touchy feely book for age 8 to 9 months and up. I would even buy it for as young as 3 months old. It's sturdy, durable, colorful, beautifully illustrated. This book has won the Parent's Guide Award. They learn about the different textures and love looking at the pictures. A plus to this book is that there is a mouse hidden in the pages that they can look for. It gives them great satisfaction when they see it. It's a great reading readiness book and talk about book. We love it.

This is among the best scholarly works I've encountered in the course of a long academic career. It is both meticulously researched and beautifully written and it has quickly become one of the books that I reference most frequently in my work. Holifield has written the definitive book in his field and although those readers looking for a light and easy primer on theological history would best search elsewhere, those with serious interest in the American theological past will find no better book out there than this one.

E. Brooks Holifield at Emory University pays his Yale mentor, the late Sydney E. Ahlstrom, the supreme compliment of writing a book that takes American religious history studies miles further from Ahlstrom's landmark book of 1971. Many American religious histories are more sociological than historical, studies of histories, practices, and distinctions of religious bodies, most often mainstream Protestant. Holifield's book is pure intellectual history, extraordinarily researched and well-written. This is a dazzling achievement.

Theology in America is a fascinating read. Dr. Holifield illustrates the fragmentation and diverse thought of theology in antebellum America from its colonial beginnings until approximately 1850. Regarding the negative reviews, I would certainly agree that this is not light reading. However I would also absolutely disagree with the premise that the effort is not worth pursuing. For this book holds a lot of gems and like other precious jewels the discovery, while maybe a difficult undertaking, is definitely worth the effort.

One caveat should be stated: the style of writing assumes that the reader has a good understanding of church and theological history along with a basic knowledge of the popular philosophical schools of thought of the 17th and 18th centuries. Dr. Holifield writes with an erudite style with his primary academic audience in mind, therefore it is not meant for casual reading. With that notation given, the reader will have profited tremendously in their knowledge of the beginnings and maturation of American theology when they have completed the book. I certainly did. I plan on rereading it within the year to further solidify my understanding of antebellum theology.

Holifield's book is simply outstanding. Granted, you do need some basic grounding in theology, philosophy and church history to really get into the text. But Holifield's theme of American Christian thinkers seeking to understand the relationship between reason and faith is extremely helpful. The dawning of America is intricately tied into the rise of the Enlightenment. As American Christianity develops, the leading theologians of the church must contend with challenges raised by modern rationalist thought. From the philosophical footwork of John Locke and Thomas Reid to the limitations of Baconian reasoning in dealing with the subject of slavery in biblical interpretation, Holifield weaves a very full and engaging intellectual historical narrative. Some of Holifield's subjects, such Jonathan Edwards, are fully involved in the Enlightenment struggle, whereas others retreat from the intellectual challenges of the modern era. Nevertheless, God's Kingdom marches on in all of its amazing (and, frankly, discouraging at times) diversity in the life of the church. Holifield's history is very thought provoking, and it really gives you a hunger to learn more. It deserves another read in the future, for sure!As an observation, I find it really incredible to realize that most modern Americans have very little exposure to the thoughts that are expressed in this book. For example, Thomas Reid is a central figure but most modern historical reflections on philosophy regard him as a point on the conservative fringe. With the exception of today's conservative Reformed Calvinists, you hardly find any mention of Jonathan Edwards, except for his "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" sermon in our public education (and even Christian private education). Many thanks go to Holifield for setting the historical record straight.

E. Brooks Holifield, though I have never met him, has been a writer-mentor ever since I read his early work, "A History of Pastoral Care in America." Holifield brings his same passionate precision to his latest book, "Theology in America." His humble title belies the depth of the book, yet at the same time communicates clearly the comprehensive task that he has undertaken. His subtitle says it all, "Christian Thought from the Age of the Puritans to the Civil War."

Holifield writes in a magesterial style, fitting for his topic. As Grant Wacker notes, it is "massively researched and elegantly crafted." The author leaves none of the proverbial stones unturned, as his control of his subject ranges from high church to low, from free white to enslaved black.

As with his study of American pastoral care, so here Holifield ably sees and shares themes and threads that others often miss. In particular, Holifield highlights the ever-existing tension between theological truth and practical relevance evident in the American theological pursuit. Thus the reader receives the big picture as well as the summary, the forest and the trees.

Reviewer: Bob Kellemen, Ph.D., is the author of "Beyond the Suffering: Embracing the Legacy of African American Soul Care and Spiritual Direction," and of "Soul Physicians" and "Spiritual Friends."

In my mind, Doyle's Sherlock Holmes is as good as it gets in the mystery genre. Miss Marple, however, is excellent, too. This volume presents thirteen short mysteries. Most are presented as tales recounted by dinner guests while sitting around the evening fire. The challenge is to see who can tell the most baffling story and who, if anyone, can solve each one. Miss Marple, of course, astounds the others by seeing through each to the solution. Along the way, the reader is treated to a selection of fascinating and enjoyable tales. Some are easy enough for the experienced mystery fan to see through, but all are fun to read nevertheless. THE THIRTEEN PROBLEMS is Agatha Christie at the top of her game and should be a great pleasure for anyone who enjoys a good mystery. I loved it. Highly recommended.

Such an enjoyable example of Miss Marple- a keen brain hiding behind a fluffy exterior! Using village parallels and her unique outlook on life, Miss Marple solves a series of mysteries that have stumped more sophisticated guests at various dinner parties in St. Mary's Mead. I love Agatha Christie's novels, and this book is an old favorite that I pull off the shelf when I need a quick hit. If you've never read it, I highly recommend the Tuesday Club Murders.

Picture yourself with a group of friends that include Miss Jane Marple. Sitting around the fire, someone brings up the idea of presenting mysteries that only you know the answer, and the other friends must solve. Guess who wins hands down every time? Yes, that little lady with lace mitts who is knitting little fluffy things.

This is a fine book of short stories and, as usual, Dame Agatha outfoxed me every time. Though Miss Jane publicly disdains outlandish plots ("undetectable poison from an African village"), her creator is sometimes guilty of just that. The very few that left me less than impressed involved entirely too much running around, an outlandish premise, and an overabundance of purple prose.

My hands down favorite was "Death By Drowning" when Dame Agatha shows her superb ability to misdirect. Even with broad hints, I didn't come near the answer. And never be certain that the villain will be punished, at least right away. "The Tuesday Night Club" and "A Christmas Tragedy" each have her particular brand of cleverness stamped clearly throughout.

This would be a wonderful book to have in the guest bedroom, but be sure to read it first!

This 1932 collection was also published as THE TUESDAY CLUB MURDERS. Many of the stories have also appeared separately in other collections.

Like THE LABORS OF HERCULES and PARTNERS IN CRIME it is a series of short stories bridged together in an arc. The opening setting is a gathering in St. Mary Mead at Jane Marple's cottage, attended by her nephew writer Raymond West, artist Joyce Lempriere, Sir Henry Clithering - retired Scotlandyard commissioner, Dr. Pender - the local clergyman, and solicitor Mr. Petherick. The group decides to entertain themselves by describing puzzling crimes they have experienced and to challenge the rest of the group to arrive at the solution. The group at first does not plan to include Miss Marple in their game but condescend to do so when she objects. Naturally Aunt Jane arrives at all the answers.

The following year Sir Henry Clithering was visiting his friends the Bantrys (THE BODY IN THE LIBRARY), and mentioned his previous trip to St. Mary Mead and Miss Marple. After dinner that evening another evening of curious problems took place. This time the group included Col. and Mrs. Bantry, Dr. Lloyd, actress Jane Helier as well as Sir Henry and Miss Marple. Again Miss Marple had all the answers, including one to a crime that hadn't happened yet.

The final problem was presented sometime later when Sir Henry was again visiting his friends, the Bantrys. A village girl, the daughter of the local pub owner, had killed herself the night before, sad but of no particular interest to Sir Henry. No interest that is, until Miss Marple arrived to request that Sir Henry investigate the murder, not suicide, of the girl. She even gave Sir Henry the name of the murderer! Sir Henry agreed to look into matter and.....well, read the story

The mysteries are all perfect little Christie gems, challenging the reader (with all the clues tucked in among the red herrings) to solve the crime before Miss Marple. The device of linking the stories in post dinner party conversation is charming. It is wonderful to meet characters that will return in other Miss Marple stories: Raymond West and Joyce Lempriere; Col. and Dolly Bantry; and Sir Henry Clithering.

Originally published as "The Tuesday Club Murders", "The Thirteen Problems" is a collection of Miss Marple stories, mini-mysteries that readers and characters alike are meant to solve. As always, Agatha Christie has a great knack at crafting mysteries that are both ingenious and simple, once solved or explained. "The Thirteen Problems" is a quick read, each story nicely paced and readily solved.

The setup to the collection is a get-together of friends and family for an evening of fun and games. When one guest proposes that each person present a 'problem' for the others to solve, the game is underway. When each little problem is presented, only Miss Marple can see her way through to the solution. These mysteries run the gamut of typical mystery stories, with murder and intrigue at the center of each.

Yet several of the stories in "The Thirteen Problems" are extremely predictable - anyone who has read a fair number of mysteries can spot the answer from the getgo, although there are several that are a bit more puzzling. And at times, the characterization of several key players is stereotypical and rather one-dimensional, an acceptable failing in a short story, but when several stories are collected in one space, it can become rather tiresome. Overall, "The Thirteen Problems" is a delightful read for any Christie fan.