Fitzgerald Books

This is a must-have book for those interested in Paul's writings. The first part contains his letters in the Revised Standard Version, with introductions and footnotes. The Revised Standard Version is probably the best translation of Paul - because it is very literal (vs. the clumsy inclusiveness of the NRSV, which changes "brothers" into "brothers and sisters").

The second part of the book excerpts many, many commentaries about Paul and his work and his place in the Church - and this is quite fascinating. These include works by the Early Church Fathers, but also comments by such folks as Martin Luther, Nietzsche, George Bernard Shaw, Kierkegaard, Albert Schweitzer.

Get this book. It is stunning in its depth and breath.

WGL

Researchers constantly find that reading to children is valuable in a variety of ways, not least of which are instilling a love of reading and improved reading skills. With better parent-child bonding from reading, your child will also be more emotionally secure and able to relate better to others. Intellectual performance will expand as well. Spending time together watching television fails as a substitute.

To help other parents apply this advice, as a parent of four I consulted an expert, our youngest child, and asked her to share with me her favorite books that were read to her as a young child. The Wrong-Way Rabbit was one of her picks.

This book is designed to be a beginning reader, and starts with instructions about reading to your child . . . and having your child read aloud to you. It's sound advice. If you only read that page, you would be well served by this book.

This is a story of a most unusual rabbit -- he does everything differently. Tibbar Jack says "olleh" instead of hello. When the sun comes up, he says, "Good night!" He pours his juice into his bowl and his cornflakes into his cup. His socks go on his ears, so he can't hear very well. May be that's why he brought home goats when he Mother asked for oats. At school, he knows his CBAs. He goes up the down stair case. He likes his night time stories read from back to front -- that way he knows how they end and he feels very smart.

Can you think of why his name might be Tibbar Jack?

This story will keep almost any child in stitches, which will encourage them to want to read it. Also, it makes their own mistakes seem teeny compared to Tibbar Jack's. On the other hand, there are advantages to some of this (like reading the stories backward), so Tibbar Jack may have some good lessons to share.

At another level, this is a book about encouraging creativity. Your child may not have ever considered going against so many conventions. In the 70s a popular bumper sticker was "Question Authority." A good one for now might be to "Embrace Differences." Anyone who reads this book is going to feel more confident about following her or his instincts wherever they may take her or him.

Overcome your misconception stall that we must always conform, and enjoy life more!

I might have been among the first hundreds people to own this book and I still have to use it; I even use it often now as XML-based applications are growing day by day. The book is an outstanding one when it comes to concision, to the fundamentals of XML/XSLT. The methOdology adopted is that of teaching by examples, going from simple examples progresssively through more complex examples that re-use the same simple examples but introduce new concepts that are to be explained within the new chapter. There is no comparable material in the litterature for the beginner and the intermediate learner of XSLT.

The physical weak point of the book is its bounding! The paste used to bind the book is wrong: a few pages were tore off from my book since the first week I started working with it; fortunately, I immediately get the book re-bounded by a professional. Otherwise, I might loose a few pages of a so excellent learning material: it used to be in my bookshelf for the last two years, but, since this year it is always on the top of my desk so that I thought I should write this review, my first at "Amazon.com".

I read the Great Gatsby in my AP literature class. This book seems very well written with extending plots intertwined throughout the chapters. Represented were hope, success, ignorance, judgement, disillusionment, and moals. Hope was represented by the light across the bay that Gatsby was fixated on. It was the embodiment of his sole goal in life, which was a reunification with Daisy.

I picked up this text after noting that it gained A New York Times Notable Book of the Year award. This was a wonderful book, and I actually read it in one sitting! There are ten short stories in the book, all unique and riveting pieces. The writing is vivid and the story lines are enthralling. I enjoy re-reading the stories as they intrigue the senses and challenge the heart and mind. I enjoy loaning the text out to a variety of friends. The text produces great conversations. Pick up a copy, it will leave a lasting impression.

This was just outstanding,and I am sorry there was never a sequel and very sorry this author never wrote again. An incredible tale of Laura the poor relation on a journey to India with her newly married cousin Emily and her husband Charles (who Laura thought herself in love with). The book really has a Jane Eyre feel to it, neither the heroine or hero are out and out drop dead good looking, just strong, honorable people we come to care about.

As they travel through India on the way to Lucknow in northern India we meet many characters as the author sets up her stage to the Sepoy rebellion and the seige of Lucknow. Also introduced is Charles' half brother Oliver Erskine, a Zemindar, or large land holder. Eventually Oliver and Laura fall in love, and are separated at Lucknow (after a harrowing escape from Oliver's estate after the rebellion). Oh, when Oliver said to Laura, "I will come back to you, for you".

The rest of the book follows the harrowing conditions at the residency at Lucknow during the seige, the battles, deaths and brutal conditions suffered by the British. Be warned that this was a very brutal rebellion and some of the scenes described, although accurate, can be a bit gory, but important history to be reminded of and the mistakes that were made by ignorant pompous officials and the brutalities committed on both sides due to hate, ignorance and prejudice. It's unfortunate that we do not learn well from history and things are still so much the same in the Middle East in our present time.

The thing I liked most about this book was the author's lovely prose and characters. I felt like I was reading Jane Eyre or Villette, she reminded me so much of Charlotte Bronte, particularly at the end with the letters Oliver and Laura exchanged and when they were finally reunited. You definitely want to set aside quiet time(no kids, dogs or phone) for the last 50 or so pages so that you can savor every lovely word and emotion.

Highly highly recommended for any lover of historical fiction, and would suit well to a younger reader as the love scenes are extremely chaste. I would also recommend MM Kaye's Shadow of the MoonThe same setting, but her characters experienced the rebellion outside of the Residency, so you see a different side of the tale. Both are out of print, but readily available used.

My eight year old daughter found these books in the middle of second grade. The reading level is about a 40DPR, or second grade in most places. Though a good reader moves through them quickly (maybe 45 minutes for the whole book) she loves them. She enjoys the mysteries and relates to the characters. This year she tried the "real" Nancy Drew books, but could not connect to a character who is in highschool and has boyfriends. The Nancy Drew notebooks are written about an eight year old Nancy whose mysteries that take place at slumber parties and dance class. Just the thing to captivate a young girl.

The word variety sums up this book nicely. There are sixteen main characters, and for the most part they all come from very different backgrounds and have very different personalities. True, there isn't much room in the book for each character to be developed on more than just a few traits, like a tendency to kick people, a permanent stutter, or a habit of unwrapping candy bars, but for the design of this children's story, these limited traits are sufficent.

The author seems to get unlimited enjoyment in being some kind of practical joker. She does her best to constantly throw the reader off track using the eccentric will of the master of all practical jokers, Mr. Fourth of July himself, Samuel Westing. Raskin reminds me of Andy Kaufman in her manner, and this is a big reason I like her Newbery book. Events and statements that defy logic are everywhere, even in the first few sentences. It's all about mind games.

I only have two real complaints (well, one that's real and another that's a minor annoyance). First complaint - the whole bomber thing makes no sense whatsoever. In a universe where clever explanations heal the scars of dozens of apparent contradictions, the bomber plot line stands out as a gaping mortal wound that's never treated. WHY did the bomber set off bombs? With no legitimate explanation, a reader can only conclude that the plot line is a disappointing attempt to pad out the much more interesting and polished Westing murder story.

Second complaint (annoyance) - too many people are successful at the end of the story, and I think this goes against the laws of probability. But this is a traditional characteristic in books for children, and it's no doubt designed to encourage more than educate. Only a true stick-in-the-mud like myself will find any offense in the long term success of the likeable characters.

Although not on par with the great Sherlock Holmes, The Westing Game is still pretty impressive. Expected twists and turns in plot are well done, but I think the variety of the cast is what made the Westing Game a true stand-out work. Unlike Disneyland where you have maybe eight different smaller lands to visit, here you have sixteen.

When I bought this book, I didn't know if I would like it. It was a great book. Just when you think you know what is going to happen in the story, the whole thing changes. It is a great mystery book and it is also a little funny. I recommend this book for kids but I think some adults would like it too.

This book is about the heirs of Sam Westing playing a game to find out who killed him. This is filled with excitement,mystery,and adventure. It is for anyone who likes a good mystery. A great book for ages 10-13.

I read the Westing Game in 6th grade in a litature circle group, my entire group enjoyed the book. We agree'd and disagree'd on subjects and what clues ment. I would recommend this book to anyone.

I have to agree; I read this as a child and still love it. My sister ended up with our childhood copy so I had to go buy my own and it's been worth it! I read it every once in a while and find myself a kid again.

Another teacher recommended this novel as a read-aloud to encourage reading in my classroom. It's perfect since almost every chapter ends in a wonderful cliff hanger. I also love novels that are dystopias, like The Giver, and this one delivers. It is very thought-provoking, and it provides great discussion in class.

Note - I never like science fiction, but I loved this!

Among the hidden is a very interesting and heart-pounding book.Among the hidden is about a boy named Luke he is shy. In their neighborhood they have a law that is the population law which every family is to have only 2 kids but luke is a 3rd (which is called a "shadow child") Luke always has to hide and can never talk to people outside the family. That all changes when he sneaks over to the sports family house and meets a girl named Jennifer(Jen) which she is also a shadow child. I would have gave this a 5 star but I gave this a 4 star because something unexpectantly happens to Jen.

i am in gifted and i read this and it did make logical sense. but it lacks soul. i would recommend this book to a five year old next to poppy.

Among the Hidden is a suspenseful and surprising book. Luke must hide from the outside world because he is a third child. He meets Jen, another third child who doesn't follow the third child hiding rule. To escape he must break free of the rules, but can he?
Luke is a relateable character to some because he's lonely and yearning for more out of life.
Among the Hidden is a fantastic book that really makes you feel all kinds of emotions. People who love mystery and adventure and who love to take risks should definitely read this book!

5th/6th grade at Hodgkins School

This was an alright book... When I was in the fifth grade. Haddix creates a unique setup, with the corrupt government trying to inforce sadistic laws to control overpopulation. Neverless, the book is far too short, the plot predictable, and the charachters childish. Which would probably be in order, since the charachters are children, but Haddix takes it one too many steps in that direction. The charachters take attitudes that do not at all reflect their situation, and a good example of this is how Jenna behaves. She gathered her rebellion fearlessly, which I did not find myself admiring, but rather looking at it as unrealistic. I suppose it was supposed to make Jenna appear heroic, but I just found it was making her look stupid. Great for a fifth grader.

After the Witches by Roald Dahl this is my second favorite children's book. I just absolutely love it!!

It was a good book because it was full of suspense, action, funny stuff, and laughter. I would like to read it again somtime when I have free reading time.

From the Mixed-up Files of
Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler
By E.L. Konigsburg

This is a delightful story for children of all ages. I'm wondering why I never discovered this book when I was a kid?

Claudia is planning to run away. She wants a different life, than that of the oldest child with so many responsibilities. Her brother Jamie doesn't know it yet, but she has chosen him to be her companion. One reason she has chosen Jamie, is because he is good with money. Claudia usually spends her money on hot fudge sundaes, but Jamie has saved over twenty dollars.

Claudia plans for them to take a train to New York City, and stay in the Metropolitan Museum of Fine Arts. Hiding out, being hungry most of the time, and walking in order to save money, the two children experience the adventure of a lifetime. They also get involved in the mystery of an angel statue which was sold to the museum by Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. Could the angel statue be a real Michelangelo? Only Mrs. Frankweiler knows for sure.

Will Claudia and Jamie get caught in the museum? Will they run out of money and need to go home before solving the mystery? Does their family really miss them? Can they find Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler? Will she be willing to help them, if they do find her?

I recently spent the night in The Museum of Ancient History, in Draper Utah, with two of my granddaughters. They call it Dino-snores. We slept right under the tail of a huge dinosaur. There is definitely something intriguing about sleeping in a museum, especially when the lights go out.

Jill Ammon Vanderwood
Author: Through the Rug
Through The Rug: Follow That Dog (Through the Rug)

I picked this book up at a local book store because I was going on vacation. I read a lot of complex books and such, in my profession so I was looking for something simple, easy to read, but very fun and enjoyable. WEll, this book accomplished all of the above.

The book is a great introductory book to a young person who is a pre-teen making a transition into chapter books. Ms. Konigsburg develops the characters well, especially the children, and I promise there are surprises around every corner.

My favorite character in the book has to be Mrs. Frankweiler. She is so mysterious only because she wants to be. I remember many times growing up wishing I had some all-important secret that I could keep to make me important. Then I wondered could I actually keep the secret? Mrs. Frankweiler doesn't just have one important secret she has file cabinets full.

I went to the national Naval Air Museum in Pensacola, FL right after reading this book, and found myself asking where would I hide in here.

I love this book, and would reccomend it to the young and the young at heart. Just when you think you know everything, trust me you know nothing in this book. Even at the end you understand that Mrs. Frankweiler is the master keeper of secrets.

Does anyone know what the title of the movie was that is based on this book?