Ford Books

In order to create the fictional town of Steven Falls, the author has created an alternate world where the political boundaries and political organization are different, two towns have disappeared (replaced by the fictional town in a different location), the state police have taken over the county courthouse, and the sheriff's office is no longer in the county seat. Readers familiar with the real location may have problems with the novel. For people from outside the Puget Sound/ Olympic Peninsula area, it might be an interesting cops and robbers tale.

Seattle PI Leo Waterman has a friend who has acquired property to start a small resort and work as a fishing guide. He is an outsider in a small town, where locals have their own ideas for the property. Conflicts with the local red necks and power brokers turn lethal. Leo brings in an assortment of street people, thieves, and shadowy individuals to exact retribution. Leo is not a nice guy when you get on his wrong side.

The novel starts out on a different case before getting to the main plot, and meanders at some points. It is hard to say if anyone wins in the end as everyone, including Leo, gets banged up, and we seem to be left with a trail of broken bodies and shattered dreams. At best, the story would have a PG-13 rating.

I love the Leo Waterman series. Everyone of them has been great. But I think I can safely say that this is my favorite yet.

Leo and his live in girlfriend visit some freinds who have bought some property in hopes of opening a resort. Beautiful little town, perfect location on the water. But things feel a little weird. After returning home, a few weeks later they discover the husband is dead. Leo being who he is wants to know why.

It turns into almost a caper from there on. Leo bringing in people who can do specific jobs for him to help nail those responsible.

A whole lot of fun to read, and And I would highly recommend this series, but this book in particular.

Jon Jordan

A great addition to the Leo saga - jumps right into action on a sordid case of sexploitation, then changes gears into a small-town conspiracy mystery. Plenty of laughs and plenty of action. A real page-turner.

Do not read this book while sitting in the lunchroom at work! It looks very unprofessional to be laughing out loud when you are sitting at a table by yourself. Leo Waterman's unique view of how the system works, and how to work the system makes for a delightful read.

Leo & Rebecca are at it again. This is the sixth book in the series and one of the best. Leo makes some new friends and revisits some old while untangling the circumstances around the death of an aquaintence. The scheming he uncovers leads him to some scheming of his own as only he can scheme. The 'Boys' new home is a riot, and the plot is involved enough to keep you guessing. This is a fun read, although there are a couple of darker undertones and some changes that will make Leo a different person when we meet him next. G.M. Ford has done it again!

this book was excellent on two levels. It carried an interesting and quick-paced story line with easily absorbed facts relating to the federal reserve system and our current economic atmosphere. I found it hard to put down!! Let's see a sequel!!

This would be a great way to help your young teenager to understand the implications the Federal Reserve will have on them when they get older. An educated public will formulate educated policies. You never know if your child might become the next President! This is a great way to help them "get informed".

The Flight of the Barbarous Relic is a completely unexpected book. George Smith makes a fascinating and suspenseful story out of a question some of us have asked ourselves: "Who stole the value of the money in our wallets?" Inflation is a faceless evil, but the author has managed to put faces and motives on the folks behind the phenomenon.

I have been puzzled by the news on the financial networks. One newscast recently said that the price of food had risen in the last month by the highest amount in years, and then went on to say that since there was no increase in the cost of living, some change in interest rates was expected. No change in the cost of living? I used to think you needed to buy food to live, but it turns out that food and energy, two of our biggest living expenses aren't included in the cost because they change too much. You can understand why this whole area can be very confusing.

As the pastor of a small church, I have seen the effects that our economic situation is having on "ordinary" people. One lady who works in a bank dreads going in to work in the morning, because the first thing she has to do is call an increasing number of her customers who have written checks--for rent, for utilities, for food, etc.--and ask them if they can provide funds for the checks so the bank won't bounce them. I have seen families cut back on everything they can think of to make payments on mortgage they should never have been offered in the first place. I have seen food pantry workers trying to fill needs for food for folks who have spent their food budget at the gas pumps in order to be able to get to work.

Those who are hurting most are the very ones who are trying to do the right thing--to work for their living, to support their families, to pay their debts, and to live a decent life. Most are too basically honest to believe that they have been robbed on such a scale. Most have trusted and supported the leaders who manage the economic environment in which they live. Business as usual has been going on for a long time.

This book, with its different perspective, shows this part of our economic system from the inside. It's a book of mystery, intrigue, and glimpses behind the scenes, which of course makes it fun. But it does also raise some relevant ideas and interesting questions to take away and consider. It is worth a look.

George Ford Smith does an excellent job of distilling the essence of an Austrian School analysis of status quo economics into 277 pages of page-turning suspense. If you're like me, and you read a lot of fiction and history, but can't make it through even the most accessible book on economics (even though you know it's an important subject) without your eyes glazing over, then this book is for you.

Smith provides a trenchant survey of the history of money and banking in America, and then gets to the heart of what ails us at the outset of the Third Milennium. As the plot unfolds in his nifty little thriller, his characters manage to find opportunities to expound on how it all went wrong with the Business of America, when we got off track, who was responsible, and how we can get back to the garden, as it were. Do I need to mention that the prescription is as good as gold?

As if that weren't enough, Smith excoriates our two-party farce, and why they are wedded to this sad state of affairs called the Federal Reserve System. And the ends the powers-that-be will go to in order to retain their power. A chilling subplot envisions how the Internet could end up being emasculated and bowdlerized to the point where it would be as original and informative as the CBS Evening News.

And you would be well-advised to look into the books on the short reading list at the end of Barbarous Relic. If those tomes are a little too daunting, look up some of the more accessible essays by the same authors (Rothbard, Mises, etc). To read these giants is to immediately recognise that you are in the company of common sense. And these are the ideas George Ford Smith is trafficking in Flight of the Barbarous Relic.

But none of this is meant to dissuade anyone who is looking for a cracking good tale to occupy a few happy hours. Barbarous Relic is filled with a plethora of interesting characters, good and bad, and once I started it, I couldn't put it down.

Forget what party you may be supporting. Forget a lot of things you have been told about how our economy works. Read this book and you will begin to understand things that we have been kept in the dark and lied to for decades by both parties.

First of all this is a pretty good story. Secondly, in delivering the story, the author is trying to shake us awake as to what is happening to us and the result is far from pleasant.

In fact, the protagonists in the story have a sense of futility as to awakening enough of us to what has been done to our economy that seems difficult to oversome.

I was asked to review this novel by the author. I did and I am not sure I was not happier living in ignorance. However, it is better to understand one's life and situation and if you agree with that premise, then please, pick up this book and be prepared to be very, very worried about our econoomy and our future.

The "barbarous relic" referred to in the title is the gold standard which at one time in our history tied the value of our currency to that precious metal. If that sounds arcane or old fashioned, I challenge you to read this book and ever feel sanguine again about your economic status in this country, especially if you feel really, really comfortable.

I am currently experiencing poor customer service from my local Ford dealership and from the parent company, Ford of Canada. I won't go into specifics but it involves a warranty claim that is dragging on for almost 4 months now. That said, I read Bob Tasca's book, and I only wish that the current bureaucracy at Ford be locked into a room, be forced to read this book, and then be forced to implement Mr Tasca's methods. The Ford Motor Company is losing a record amount of dollars and it's market share is plummeting, all because of lack of attention to customer service. Indeed, I would state they appear to hold their customers in contempt. "You Will Be Satisfied" is not a book about rocket science; rather, it is a book about common sense and a moral obligation to do the best one can for the customer. Mr Tasca values his customers and will go out of his way to earn their future business. Suffice to say, Ford in 2007 is seemingly doing all it can to alienate it's once loyal customers, and it deserves to be in the dire situation it is now in.

Most of the book is informative and understandable. However, I wish there was some more statistics and less "trust me" behind the buy versus lease question. Not all lease buyers can write off lease costs, for example.

This book opens our eyes. Sure, we feel that we know what we should be doing. Many times we are right in our hunches. Yet, we still do not always do what needs to be done. Instead, out of either laziness or taking the easy road, we fail because it is so easy to do so. Besides, the customer will always walk in the door. Right? As this book reminds us, the customer may never be back. It is in the insight of a professioanl like Tasca that we are reminded of wehat we may already know. Again, our implementation of these rules which he explains simply, we will achieve. Another book I encourage is "Cars and People: How to Put the Two Together."

This book, through anecdote and exposition, tells the reader flat-out how to sell, without violating integrity. It covers why the "lowest price" game is one you can not win. It tells what the customer really wants. While it discusses these topics in relation to selling cars, it explains how these ideas can be used in other industries.

When I first saw this book, I picked it up because the name was familiar, since I used to live in southeastern Massachusetts, and I wondered what Bob Tasca had to say. Now I know, and I feel that I got good value from the book. And that's his point, in part. But it's -his- book, so let -him- say it to you.

Would I buy a car from this man? You bet. (review from reading the hardcover edition)

After the owner of our store read the book all employees read it . Then the owner flew to meet Mr Tasca at his store ,he spent 3 days there, wa sgiven the tour of his store, he spent quite a bit of time meeting with Mr Tasca and his sons talking about his philosophy and way of doing business .What a place !! upon returning we have instatuted The same 7 day return policy that Mr Tasca has as well as putting 3month 3000 mile waranties on our cars.it took some faith in our selves and our business to go all the way but we have and we have not regreted it one bit,, Great Book

I got this book 2 days ago and am already finshed with it. Not because it was a short book, but because I coudn't put it down. I luv historical IR books and this one is one of my faves. It was amazing. The drama, voilence, betrayal, lies, obsession, love, and lust all wrapped up in a book called Zoe. I know I'm finished with it but I'll probably read it again cuz I loved it. The author T. A. Ford is one to look out for. I can't wait for her next novel to come out.

Brava TA Ford!

Zoe was everything that I expected for your first novel. I remember reading this when it was called 'Forbidden Fruit' and enjoyed it immensely. Gianelli and Zoe's relationship is ROMANCE at it's finest. Every turn had me wanting more. The trials and tribulations this couple had to endure to be together are mind blowing and well worth every tear they cried to have the life and future they wanted. Parts of this story brought tears to my eyes. I could see the hardships and horrendous treatment AA women endured during slavery. Zoe's strength and tenacity is what made her the most endearing heroine I have read about in a long time. I believe anyone who reads this book will thoroughly enjoy it.

Wouldn't it be so cool if Michael and Renee read it and left you a review? Wouldn't that knock your socks off? lol... You are an excellent writer and I've enjoyed reading everything that you have put out on your website. You are the candle that keeps Jovan's flame brightly lit. I can't wait until your next release.

Thank you TA Ford for entertaining me.

BAJI

I loved this story from the very first page. It's been a long time since I was so drawn in to a book. I felt every bump of the carriage wheels, every long look across a candlelit table, every anguished moment leading up to the dramatic ending.

The author creates characters that are easy to love despite their flaws. You'll want a Gianelli or a Zoe of your very own, and when the story's over, you'll want to read more. I hope there is a sequel in the works!

Zoe a love story of the ages...You can't help but to fall in love with Zoe and the Comte La Roque. He thinks he can take her for his own, but in truth it she who captures him. He falls for a woman he knows he should not but one look in her eyes tells him that he will never be the same. Zoe is a love story about the forbidden and how even the simplests look can captivate the most harden man. They love and they love hard and you can't help but to fall in love with them. The author takes you away into a world of 19th Century France, to show you the love of a man and a woman who only want one thing...To Love each other despite their differences. A fantablous read. Make sure you are left alone so that you can become engulfed into the love story of Zoe and Julien.

Zoe was a beautifully written story.It had all of the elements that a true love story should have.One minute I was feeling the loves happiness and the next I was feeling their pain.It was perfect.

La'Kesha's devotional has been a Godsend - there truly are angels in our midst if we open up to them. There has not been one day when the devotional hasn't hit on subjects of hurt or pain that I'm dealing with and in a lot of cases issues that the Lord is dealing with me about - changes that really need to be made.

But the blessing in La'Kesha's book is that no matter what subject it's about whether pain, hurt, depression, or areas of change - it's written not only to us - but to herself to and she uses her life experiences as examples ---never once accusing or demeaning anyone - and always giving God the glory.

And you don't have to read it just in the morning. There are many times I come home from work and it's sitting on my dining room table and I just flip it open and it just happens to open up to the subject that's on my mind that day - so don't let the title fool you - it's a devotional for any time of the day or night.

La'Kesha has truly been gifted by God and I only pray that this book become a bestseller - I mean in the top 5 - I can't wait for volume 2.

God Bless you La'Kesha and thank you for being an open vessel for God.

La'Kesha Calhoun really out did herself with this book, It is Awesome!
I started reading it and I couldn't wait for the next day to hear what God was speaking thru this Woman of God.This book helped me to find out what my purpose in God was and to be bold and not let the devil steal what God was assigning me to do in the Kingdom Of God. La'Kesha is a great author in how she writes and explain biblical principles that can help in everday life. I can't wait for her next book or even movie/play hey God is really going to use this Woman Of God to help people find and develop their gifts, because has done that for me, Praise God!

La'Kesha is an excellent writer who humbles herself and listens to God's direction to reach others through her writings. Her writings are inspiring, encouraging and uplifting. Her daily devotions are for all to enjoy, be lead by God and strengthened through God's word and his divine plan for all of our lives. I was/am truly blessed by this book and also bought one for my mother and her daily walk with God. Thanks La'Kesha. Keep be a blessing to all those who read what God has put into your spirit to share with others.

This book is awesome. I find it hard to put down. So much of it speaks to me personally.

This book of devotionals is truly awesome! It gives great inspiration and hope to Christians during our daily walk with The Lord. There are so many things that take place in our everyday lives and this book helps us to meditate on God's Word, in order to make it through those times. It truly blessed me and my family!

I have several books about Major Ray and his wife, but also my research includes the friends of his the giant Capt. Shields and his wife, they were my 3 time great grand parents. There relationship with Major Ray and his wife is a great story.

I loved this book because I thought it was very interesting learning about the lives of Major and Jenny Ray. Major and Jenny were 36" and 37" inches tall and travelled with the Sells Brothers Circus. Jenny always carried her Bible. Major had always wanted a wife his size and when he found her he loved her and cared for her until she died. The part I liked best was Major building Jennie a house with beds, tables, chairs, and stairwells all her size. Laura Ford must have spent a long time writing this book. The collections of pictures and illistrations made this book better.

For the Love of Jennie was a wonderful book. I absolutely loved it. It was filled with joy along with heartache. I thougt it was a very good book for anybody at any age to read. I liked the part where Jennie and Major Ray got married, because they both found what they were looking for. The end was very emotional. It was very sad. The book For the Love of Jennie, was an over all wonderful book. I enjoyed it very much.

For The Love of Jennie was a really good book. I liked the book because it was neat how they were little and lived near Kennett. My favorite part from the book was where he bought Jennie that house in Cardwell and had someone made her a little dreeser and bed. He did it for her while she was gone to see her parents and when she got home he surprised her with it. This book was a great book. I would recommend it to other people. It's a story you won't forget.

I am in the eighth grade.

Leaving the comfort of her home, her family, and friends, 37-inch tall Jennie embarks on her journey with her newly wed husband, Major Ray. In FOR THE LOVE OF JENNIE readers experience a heart warming and tragic tale which captures all the human emotions as the main characters travel with Sells Brothers Circus, enduring stares, embarassment, and at times sneers from crowds, yet Jennie finds love, happiness, and lasting friendships among the circus family, with a special bond forming between Jennie and Major Ray and a giant and giantess, a friendship that turns into a life long commitment.

Despite her long hours in front of crowds, despite a body weakened by disease, despite her longing to be back home, Jennie with her most powerful weapon, her Bible, carves out a life with the man she most adores. When disaster strikes, the characters endure as they sail across the sea to strange lands where they meet Queen Liliuokalant, the last queen of Hawaii and learn the secrets of the Island, Molokai. Jennie and Major experience fear during civil unrest between native followers of the ruling King Malietoa and rebellious followers of the exhiled chief as their ship is docked in Samoa.

The book is heart warming and tragic and captures the late 1890's and early 1900's, an era when circuses were at their peak and Buffalo Bill was every boy's hero.--Publisher

Every once in a while a book sticks in the back of your mind. Among the few books that has done that for me is Memoir of a Misfit. It isn't so much the style of writting or the subject matter though I suppose that both touch a place of my life my "too cool for school" attitude was created to overcome. In a word, it's honesty. Not simply honesty to describe events and choices without tayloring or coloring but honesty to admit the silly, colorfull, comical, and often tragic choices misfits tend to make. Every misfit wants a family. Every misifit wants to understand the science of belonging. And every misfit wonders late at night when lonelyness is at it's worst what kind of horrible bargaining could put an end to the fear and isolation the a part of daily life.
Memoir may not be the story of your life but, if you have felt this way at all, it may tell the story of your thoughts and feelings. Don't miss out on it.

I really don't know whatto say,but I suppose everyone says that. I must admit that so many things you've said made me laugh because I knew that you were me with every word. Finding myself alone in a corner asking... no, screaming at God; demanding answers to why he has left me. I find myself answering "of course not" to the question "how are you" all the time and staring in the mirror wondering why people find me so interesting to stare at. What's wrong with me? You managed to bring into words the feelings I could not. Thank you. And thank you for Liz.
-Tieshia

It was an incredible experience to read into the world of Marcia Ford. I found myself unable to put it down, thinking, what could possible happen to her next!? She has been through so many hardships, most that she can look at now with a humor that makes life seem easier to live. I myself am still searching for that home that is so frequently spoken of in this book. I learned so much from her life, and thanked God that I didn't have to learn it the hard way like she did. Her strength encouraged me a great deal. The day I finished I let a friend borrow it. It is the kind of story that HAS to be shared because different people will gain differently from it.

Marcia Ford is an authentic child of the '60s, affected by the swirling tempests of Vietnam, flowering drug use and societal disintegration. Yet, she found her way out of this morass of rebellion -- only to discover manipulative forces at work in the church as well. She writes about all this with a verve and an eye for detail that is both humorous and insightful. I think what I liked best about this book was that, in the end, the author maintained her faith instead of the all-too-common: "Life stinks, everyone's a hypocrite and we're all oppressed" infantile musings that pass for philosophy. This book is a page turning delight.

Marcia Ford claims she's always felt like a "misfit," and for most of her life, she says people have looked at her "funny." Initially, she thought it was because her family was so weird, walking down the sidewalk in a straight line, as they often did. But at the age of ten, when she was away at camp and her family moved without telling her, Ford found herself standing in a room full of strangers who were all looking at her funny. And lo and behold, she wasn't with her family. Unfortunately for Ford, the funny looks continued long after she was "born again" and desperately tries to fit in with other Christians.

In MEMOIR OF A MISFIT, Ford writes what it's like to be a square peg trying to fit into a round hole --- something most of us can relate to, especially within church walls. But what sets Ford apart from the rest of us "misfits" in Christendom is her willingness to stop embracing the impossible ideal of what a Christian is supposed to look, act and feel like and just be...herself. On the way there, though, she runs around in circles, trying everything --- promiscuity, marriage, drugs, alcohol, suicidal thoughts, fundamentalist Christianity, finally chucking all religion --- before eventually coming around, thanks to a couple of Christians showing her unconditional love, to a new faith and realistic understanding of God.

At certain points in her narrative, I felt Ford was sharing too much personal information and it made me a tad uncomfortable. But it works because she writes her tragic tale with so much honesty and tongue-in-cheek wit that it keeps you from getting bogged down in just how sad her story really is. Maybe it's because there's so much to read between the lines.

I thought about Ford's words and my status as a "misfit" as I sat in church last weekend, surrounded by people who all seem to have their act together. Everyone was smiling. Everyone looked so perfect. During the sermon, I actually turned every which way, scanning the crowd to see if I could find someone, anyone not fitting that mold Ford desperately had to break free from before she was able to have an honest and growing relationship with God. I was a hair's breath away from asking the person sitting behind me if she ever questioned anything or if she had any problems. I admit, Ford's book made me wonder how much of myself I had checked at the sanctuary door without noticing before that moment.

Ford's bottom line? Breaking free. And that bottom line serves several purposes: First, to admonish fellow Christians to allow others to discover God loves them, quirks and all. To deny that basic tenet of the Christian faith narrows the Gospel message to one of "fitting in." Her life story echoes Jesus' words in Matthew 9 as he scolds the Pharisees, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick...I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."

Ford's should serve as encouragement to other misfits in the church --- and all of us fit into that category, really --- to stop contorting ourselves into acceptance. Right now. Her journey of faith hasn't exactly been a straight line, but thankfully, she's forged a path for all of us who love God but have been turned off by the church. She wants us to come back and try again. This time, not looking around, comparing ourselves to others but rather looking up and getting to know God --- the God of misfits.

--- Reviewed by Diana Keough

Why the Ships are She? Because Terri Ford says so, and with the authority of a true artist. These poems are full of heart and wit and wisdom. They speak directly, intimately to the reader, and once they have your ear, they tell you things worth hearing, that you've never been told before! I love this book, and would give it six stars if I could.

Don't read this book if you're faint of heart. It will melt your teeth. It will save your soul. These poems stare back at you, as the poet writes about a snakey mating ritual, with "mouths/ full of needles, wide/ as bejesus, sleeping // in the hyacinth marsh." Terri Ford is the grand anaconda mama incarnate, with enough passion and humor and absolute delight in language to help us all through the darkest day.

Imaginative and truly original - as surprising and fun as the poet herself.

This book is heartbreaking and hilarious, much like life when you've got the right attitude. Ms. Ford certainly does. I reccommend this book to anyone in need of a kick in the pants. Ms. Ford treats words like tinker-toys and reminds us that poetry is indeed fun.

Terri Ford's _Why the Ships Are She_ is in a total delight--all glee, wit, charisma and surprise. She's one of those rare poets who understands that humor and seriousness can, and should--really, must!--co-exist. There's not a pretentious or a sentimental bone in her body, and that means she gets to real emotions in all their complexity over and over and over again. I love her jumpy, skippy, tricky syncopating rhythms. Terri Ford has a great ear, a great heart--and writes great poems. Buy this book right now! You'll recommend it to your friends. And you'll realize all over again that fun is a wonderful, serious, poetic business.

This was eye opening. I am the family member of an alcoholic and this book tells the truth about addiction!

This book is written in a simple question and answer format. This helps make important information very understandable. The book covers both alcoholism and drug addiction and basically, they are the same disease since alcohol is a drug. What Dr. West makes clear is that addiction is a life long battle. Even after years of recovery, relapsing is possible. Accordingly, it is essential to attend AA meetings or NA meetings even after years of sobriety. If you learn only one thing from this book, it should be that recovery never ends and that, therefore, the alcoholic must never again have a drink and that the addict must never again try any kind of mood altering drug, regarless of whether that drug is legal or not.

In the answer to one question, Dr. West sets forth the outwardly visible symptoms of addiction. What he had to say was uncanny. I have a family member who is a recovering addict and Dr. West could have been describing him. The family member had mood swings, lowered grades and eventually nonattendance at school, different friends than he used to have, he lied, stole, and basically fit Dr. West's description perfectly. I thank God that due to therapy of the type advocated by Dr. West, my loved one is in recovery and has a new, positive attitude. Seeing this description and learning that people fitting the description can and do remain in recovery has given me hope.

I highly recommend this book. Although it was written several years ago, it is in no way dated and remains completely relevant. It is a truly essential resource for addicts and their families.

During Family week at the BFC I sat in a lecture conducted by Dr. West. It was during this informal lecture that I came to the reality that I had all of the characteristics of an alcoholic and was in need of help to save my life just as much if not more than the family member I was there for. The main item in the "Book of Answers" that made me realize this, among other things, is listed on pages 20-21. Dr. West reviewed them and realized I had most of the attributes of an alcoholic.

I've been clean and sober for over 10 years. BFC and Dr. West literally "SAVED MY LIFE". I only pray that many other lives as well as relationships can be saved and mended by reading this "Book of Answers". Thank You Betty Ford Center and Dr. West.

This book is a compendium of multiple newspaper columns written over several years. In it Dr West shares practical knowledge, insights, and compassion that is rarely seen in medical texts. As a medical oncologist I have occasion to work with many people with varying stages of alcoholism. I have found this book very helpful for practical points of view that are not seen often in medical literature. I recommend this easy to read useful book by this authoritative source to all in the healthcare profession.

A clear, easy to read but thourough treatment of substance abuse and it's effects on the victims and their families. Dr. West is able to explain many types of substance abuse, their origins and then make practical suggestions for recovery.

Absolutely enchanting and I cannot stop smiling from the pleasure !! Thank you for the most favourite book any sailor could read . Well done Bungee with lots of love.

Bungee's voyage is a wonderful read for adults and children alike. Peter Dudley's amazing illustrations and Sally Ford's charming narrative combine to make a childrens book that I hope will become a classic. I really deserves that honor. I'm an adult (and a sailor) and I found myself enjoying Bungee's adventures and day dreaming of my own sailing trips; those already completed and those still being planned. My son is 15 months old and I secretly hope that he will become a sailor (like his Dad). Bungee's Voyage is my secret weapon to inspire him into the wonderful world of boats and far away places. If you know anyone with children whose day needs brightening, buy this book and give it as a gift.

This would be a terrific book to use in the classroom. It's subjects include (but are not limited to): map reading, sailing,naviagation, knot tying, weather prediction, geography, Gaugin (yes the artist), poetry and so much more. If I was still a teacher, I would use this book to plan an entire unit.
Also use to start students questioning their goals, courage, perserverence etc.

This charmingly written and beautifully illlustrated book should become a classic for readers who day dream about sailing around the world, or who care about just messing around in boats. Ostensibly a children's book, Bungee's Voyage tells the story of a dog who sails from New England to Tahiti. Sailing in a wonderful wooden boat, Bungee has a series of adventures which are artfully described by Sally Ford and beautifully illustrated by Peter Dudley. Ford and Dudley know sailing, boats, and ocean waters and it shows. Children will love reading or hearing this story and adults will love reading it too. I loved reading about how Bungee faced adversity. The illustrations show that Dudley also knows his way around boats -- down to the rigging.

I think that Bungee's Voyage is the greatest children's book I've ever seen. "Gypsy Rover" is a great name for the sailboat, but "Peapod" for the dingy is inspired.

Besides the beguiling story with its smooth sailing and its blackened-pages storm, to incorporate song, art, poetry, unique glossary, map, and ship details makes this such a complete book. It should make a lot of little landlubbers want to be little sailors. As you can gather, I think it's a masterpiece. Did I mention the illustrations? Perfect and beautiful.

-- Bonnie