Henry Books

We love all of the books in Max Velthuijs' Frog Series. Our all-time favorite is "Frog is Frog"--but this one rates high up there as well!

A Frog and a Duck - love knows no boundaries. Anyone who has ever experienced that sick feeling of falling for someone - where you can't eat, sleep, think or talk will love this book! Frog in his red and white board shorts falls in love with white duck - a book to explain the beauty of love to young children and a book to give to the one you've fall in love with.

This is a wonderfully written story about Frog who is in love with Duck. The morale of the story is "love knows no boundaries"--color doesn't matter. :)

This must be it : the greatest love-story ever written. Any age ! Love can't be love without a violin playing frog...

I first came across "Frog In Love" as a pre-school teacher. I was asked to read it for our Valentines Day celebration. I was deeply touched by Max Velthuijs's amazing ability to tenderly convey such a hopeful message that both young children, as well as adults can grasp easily. My husband and I were very much like frog and duck when we were good friends. Ironically, just as frog meets with an accident, so did my husband and just like duck, I was able to help him and we admitted our deep affection for eachother. Naturally I went and bought the story for my husband and read it to him. When I got to the last page, and read the words "Love knows no boundaries" we both had tears in our eyes. Someday when we have our children, we'll read this lovely story to them!

This is a great book on the theoretical aspects of gas turbine engineering. It is a basic text that introduces all the basic concepts. It also has a lot of fundamental governing equations (i.e., mathematics) and formulas useful for engineers needing a basic introduction. It explains the state-of-the-art. Heavy emphasis is on industrial gas turbines (power plants for electricity generation). There is also reference to future gas turbine technologies.

I have acquired the fifth edition of Gas Turbine Theory by Professor Saravanamuttoo to add to the previous four editions in my library. Like the previous four editions, I have found the latest edition to be the best book ever written on Gas Turbine Theory and Design.
I have noticed many improvements throughout the new edition with updated information on both Industrial and Aero Gas Turbine applications. In fact, it is the only textbook that covers both types of Gas Turbines with great clarity and depth for students ande practising engineers.
In particular, it has more illustrations with pictures and reference to actual Gas Turbine plant performance and design features as compared to the previous editions which makes it most relevant to real world applications.
As a practising engineer(O&M) in a Gas Turbine Generating Plant(630MW), I have found the inclusion of Performance Monitoring and Degradation to be most welcome given my special interest in this area.
I used the second edition as a student at University and the latest edition as my preferred and favourite textbook for the Gas Turbine part of a course that I teach in Thermal Power to final year students reading for the BSc in Mechanical Engineering at the University of the West Indies.
After comparing it to all other textbooks in this area, I consider it to be the most outstanding and excellent coverage of Gas Turbine Theory and Design for both students and practising engineers. It is extremely comprehensive with geat emphasis on details and contains the depth to provide the reader with a thorough knowledge of the subject matter.
It is my opinion that this book culminating in its 50th year of existence since the birth of the Gas Turbine engine would become a collectors item worth much more than was paid for it. It is real value for money and may be grossly underpriced. What a great bargain if ever there was one!
I would strongly recommend this new edition for students pursuing courses in gas Turbine Engineering at both the undergraduate and graduate levels and practising engineers involved in all applications of the Gas Turbine.

This is one of the best books available in the market today covering both the theory and applications of gas turbines. It is unique in that the treatment contains both theoretical and practical aspects of gas turbine engineering. As an engineer who has spent over 23 years working with gas turbines I have used earlier editions of this book and it has helped me immensely in getting a clear understanding of gas turbine operations and specifically of the components and matching of turbine and compressors. It is a well-written and organized book that has clearly stood the test of time- this being the 50th year of its publication. Unlike many other traditional gas turbine textbooks, Prof. Saravanamuttoo brings his vast practical and industrial experience into the text -a feature that many operating engineers will appreciate. This edition is noteworthy as it incorporates latest technologies relating to gas turbines (advanced gas turbine, low NOx combustors, new cycles etc.) while retaining it classic lucid writing style. Every engineer who operates a gas turbine can benefit from this book as it will provide a deeper understanding of different components and their interactions. I highly recommend this book!

This is a great book for students who face by first time a gas turbine course. The only disadvantage is the lack of explicit information about turboprop, turboshaft, ramjet and scranjet. But, overall is a good book.

I have always used this book as a textbook of the gas turbine course for mechanical engineers and I find it perfect for its clarity and completeness.

The Golden Booklet of the True Christian Life is a separate printing of Chapters 6 through 10 of Book III of John Calvin's magnum opus Institutes of the Christian Religion. As these chapters were considered to be among the more practical of Calvin's texts on the Christian life, they were printed separately as early as 1550. They consist mostly of short, pithy sayings on the Christian life. (Calvin at one point even says that brevity is his stock in trade!)

Calvin had a gift for writing short, often hard-hitting, and almost invariably profitable maxims that are also very quotable. To cite just three: "A sincere repentance from the heart does not guarantee that we shall not wander from the straight path and sometimes become bewildered"; "Everyone flatters himself and carries a kingdom in his breast"; and "The cross of Christ triumphs only in the hearts of believers over the devil and the flesh, over sin and wickedness, when they lift their eyes to behold the power of the resurrection."

If Calvin's brevity is a virtue, it's unfortunately also true that the chapters do not always hang together successfully. Occasionally, Calvin makes a jump from one topic to another with little-to-no transition. Modern-day editors have tried to soften this blow by adding section headings and even numeration to indicate changes in focus, but they do not entirely solve the problem. Readers, as well, may find themselves wanting more on a given topic than Calvin provides.

Another weak point is that Calvin tacks back and forth between asking Christians to look to the next life and consider this life of little account, and counseling Christians that they should thank God for this life. Admittedly, this tension dates back at minimum to the apostle Paul, but Calvin seems to be deeply conflicted on this matter. He counsels Christians that they should never hate their earthly lives, which God uses to sanctify and bless them, but he also calls this life "nothing but misery" and counsels Christians to long for death. There's a balance to be obtained here that's not quite in evidence in the Golden Booklet, despite Calvin's valuable instruction.

But such weaknesses do little to diminish the luster of this powerful collection. The Golden Booklet takes Christians on a journey to holiness as expressed through obedience, self-denial, taking up one's cross, living in light of eternity, and rightly living this earthly life. It does not pretend to offer a complete examination of these topics, but what Calvin does do, he does very well. Calvin's classic text -- whether read within the Institutes or as this separate printing -- is highly recommended for all Christians.

This book is written with sincerety and is heavily weighted in Biblical truth. It weaves together solid intellectual thought with a wholehearted drive for practicality.

Besides being worth its weight in gold, it is actually quite an easy read! This is a true gem pulled out of the period of the Reformation, and highly recommended for Christians of our era!

This section from Calvin's Institutes of the Christian Religion makes one hungry for more. Modern writers cannot hold a candle to the depth of Christ-knowledge that our older brothers had. Indeed, we are in a time of spiritual declension. But Calvin, Knox, Spurgeon, A.W. Pink, Asahel Nettleton, and others were "meat", whereas almost all of the latest titles available at the local "Christian" bookstore are mere "dessert"- sweet (sounding), but in the end empty, and unable to satisfy. No substance to them. I will say this as politely as possible: Put away your Max Lucado and your "Left Behind" (false eschatology) and get into God's Word, and then go and see how God taught the ancients. These men were not focused on making men "feel" good about themselves. No Arminian lightweights were they. If you read this booklet, and its content does not resonate within your soul, then you will have reason to fear that you have not learned Christ aright. This booklet is required reading for all in my household. Read it and see why.

May I also recommend www.graceonlinelibrary.org

This thin little book is no lightweight. It's a Trojan horse that delivers timeless substance from the Scriptures on how to think about and live the Christian life. It reaches head and heart, and so is extremely practical--without being a simplistic "how-to" book. I have used it in a number of one-on-one discipling relationships; its small size makes it manageable and appealing to busy people, but God uses its substantive and convicting teaching to affect lives. Buy a copy for yourself and another for someone you care about, and get ready for sharpening discussions.

How do you review a book such as this one? When I first read this book several years ago, it changed the way I thought and lived the Christian life. Now, rereading it some years later, it reminds me of just how foundational it was in my way of thinking of "the Christian life". Especially in the way it taught me (and others through me who I teach) how important and "normal" is suffering in the true Christian life. It is through suffering God conforms us to the image of Christ.

This is a volume taken from the third volume of 'Calvin's Institutes' and has been incredibly helpful for Christians for over 400 years! One of the things you will find about this book is how extremely easy it is to understand it, as well as practical (in fact it is almost like it was written yesterday). Oftentimes, it is easy to think that a book written originally in the 16th century would be both difficult and impractical! However, this book is biblically crystal clear as well as useful! I have given this book away often and I have only seen growth in those to whom I have given it! May it be a new book for you, or one you buy again for a friend.

I just found out this author is my cousin! Small world, isn't it?

In a time when most novels read like hard-bound screenplays, Sernovitz has written a masterpiece that stands out as original, hysterically funny, and insightful.

He studied everything he could find from the wisdom of long forgotten sales mogul Alfred Orditz in an attempt to make a living. However, twenty-four years old Ed Steinke fails to sell any Bracket 180-X piano organs at the State Fair in spite of his efforts to learn. Barry, his assistant and younger brother hates the gig and wonders how he stepped away from his music group The Hotels to land in this great void. He no longer expects an answer to his inquiry of "And Then?" because like Ed, he sees no future.

However, the gloom and doom of the present vanishes when store clerk Leila Genet wanders the floor of the Great Exhibition Hall. Leila is extremely shy and avoids anyone saying more than hello to her. Still Ed and Barry fall for her in different but big ways. Yet all three have entrenched demons devouring their individual souls so that any relationship seems slim and a triangle impossible.

GREAT AMERICAN PLAIN is an intriguing look at one day in the lives of three apparent losers whose inabilities to communicate costs them happiness and contentment. Overall the story line moves forward at a reasonable pace, but occasionally slows down for the audience to better understand the key players (through flashbacks and parallel interactions). Gary Sernovitz encourages the reader to ponder the fumbling of micro-miscommunication in the simplest social settings as opposed to the world stage in this well written thinking person's novel.

Harriet Klausner

This book is great! It brought back so many memories of growing up and the years right after college. It's incredibly well written -- the word choices are stunning and he paints such vivid pictures. Best of all, it's funny, funny funny.

This is a completely unassuming novel that starts off in recognizable First Novel Country (the overwriting, the portentousness, the effort) and winds up as one of the most insightful, charming, and lovely books about the Midwest I've ever read. It reminded me a bit of Room Temperature by Nicholson Baker and a little of Martin Amis and a little bit of David Foster Wallace. Sernovitz is terrifically funny (one of his more uptight characters "worships at the First Church of the Holy Necktie") and he handles character startlingly well for such a young guy, though I am only assuming he is young. This book is a real find in today's climate, and should be loved by everyone Midwestern or who feels Midwestern. Once you read this, you'll know what that means. Messrs Joel and Ethan Coen, please buy the rights to this--it's so clearly your next film.

My son loves the serie. And this is quite surprising, given that he comes from years of reading challenges. The fact that Hank -the main character- has learning challenges, but lives a rather exciting life in fourth grade, with his friends and family, has probably a lot to do with it. I personally like to sarcastic, realistic and hopeful undertone of the book, which is much like my son's psyche.

Initially, I was hesitant to buy this book; I was unfamiliar with the series and knew that books by actors-turned-writers aren't always quality literature. After reading it, I am so thankful I decided to buy! This fast-paced book is great for boys or girls alike, it will keep them laughing and leave them feeling like Hank is a friend of theirs. The book handles Hank's learning disability with understanding, yet never one time begs for compassion from the reader. A great book to use to introduce learning disabilities/dyslexia to your child or class!

This book is another winner from Henry Winkler! Very realistic, and funny. My son (10 years old) loves these books. This one is great because it reminds my son of the year he had to go to summer school. Very enjoyable to read together!

We love Hank Zipzer!

Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver have nailed the world of the LD child. Hank Zipzer is the quintessential kid with a learning disability. He's smart, he's funny, he thinks outside the box (ok he doesn't even see the box)and views the world as only a child with LD can. I read this book to my fourth graders who immediately demanded more of the same. Everyone in my class felt an instant kinship to Hank, and gained insight into LD that I could only wish for before. My students with LD identified with Hank and suddenly saw themselves in a different, more positive light. Kudos to Winkler and Oliver, and thank you so much for helping the world see LD for what it truly is.

This is a well written series of kids books - funny, good lessons, good plots.

A wonderful book, not just for writers or literature lovers, but for anyone interested in thinking and living creatively. Packed with well-worded wisdom. My favorite passages have become guidelines for my life. Some examples:

It should be borne in mind, of course, that there is an inevitable discrepancy between the truth of the matter and what one thinks, even about himself. * Writing, like life itself, is a voyage of discovery. * I began in absolute chaos and darkness, in a bog or swamp of ideas and emotions and experiences. * Good and bad dropped out of my vocabulary. * I talk now about Reality, but I know there is no getting at it. * I eschew all clear cut interpretations: with increasing simplification the mystery heightens. * What I know tends to become more and more unstable. * I find there is plenty of room in the world for everybody. * One can only go forward by going backward and then sideways and then up and then down. * My charts and plans are the slenderest sort of guides. * Understanding is not a piercing of the mystery, but an acceptance of it, a living blissfully with it, in it, through it and by it. * Every line and word is vitally connected with my life, my life only, be it in the form of deed, event, fact, thought, emotion, desire, evasion, frustration, dream, revery, vagary, even the unfinished nothings which float listlessly in the brain like the snapped filaments of a spider's web. * I had to learn to think, feel and see in a totally new fashion, in an uneducated way, in my own way, which is the hardest thing in the world.

If you read Henry Miller, you are well aware that his use of language is both poetic and direct. He does little apologizing, and this book follows that philosophy. The book is a gathering of previously and not previously published works concerning the art of writing. It is edited by Thomas H. Moore, who worked with Miller to complete it.

Throughout the pages we see Miller in familiar lighting as he stresses those things about his craft that are most important to him. We also read how Miller was sometimes so absorbed in his work that he couldn't get through a meal with scribbling out pages between bites. To that end, Miller gives his greatest lesson to would-be writers - Dedication and discipline are the pillars on which the writer lives. Without those, one merely writes. He even lists "Commandments" in part of the text, wherein he describes the requirements that he placed on himself. These include, basically, writing without bounds, living fully, and placing the art of writing above friends and hobbies. It is this reinforcement that shows how hard Miller struggled to maintain his place as a writer. He reminded himself to work on one piece at a time.

There is a section entitled "Obscenity and the Law of Reflection," and it defines Miller's view on what obscenity is why it cannot truly be debated or defined. All of this is treasured reading for the Miller fan. There are many fine chapters covering the various aspects of the life and the profession of Henry Miller. It is extremely well written and organized. If you enjoy Miller, this book will only enhance your opinions. If you do not care for his work, perhaps this book will explain why Miller chose to write what he had inside of him and how he shaped his style to fit his soul. Pick up a copy! Another book I need to recommend -- completely unrelated to Miller, but very much on my mind since I purchased it off Amazon is "The Losers' Club" by Richard Perez, an exceptional, highly entertaining little novel I can't stop thinking about.

An especially important book for any aspiring writers or students of fiction or the creative mind. Henry Miller on Writing shows Miller as he struggles to learn how to write and questions and wrestles with all the insecurities and self-loathing that is endemic to writing. As important as John Gardner's books on writing, only more readable and more fun.

I absolutely love, love, love, love, love, love, love this book! I agree with the person who said you don't have to be a writer to enjoy this book. I am a writer still "finding myself" in mid-50s and this book is absolutely MAGICAL to me. In the most atheistic and blissful sense of the word. I first got a hardback (New Directons Paperbook) copy at the local library. Then I had to renew it. And now I have had to order a copy for myself because I want to LIVE with this book -- touch it, read it, hold it, carry it, cherish it. Is it that good? Yes, it is that good. It is so good as a matter of fact I just spent all of next week's grocery money to get a copy in hardback. I feel as if I just bought a Ming vase or a rare coin collection. I cannot explain. Here is one of many awesome quotes in the book:

"By being crazy is understood losing one's reason. Reason, but not the truth, for there are madmen who speak truths while others keep silent,"

and

"'Je ne parle pas logique', said Montherlant, 'je parle générosité', I don't think you heard it very well, since it was in French. I'll repeat it for you, in the Queen's own language: 'I'm not talking logic, I'm talking generosity'. That's bad English, as the Queen herself might speak it, but it's clear. Generosity -- do you hear? You never practice it, any of you, either in peace or in war. You don't know the meaning of the word. You think to supply guns and ammunition to the winning side is generosity; you think sending Red Cross nurses to the front, or the Salvation Army, is generosity. You think a bonus twenty years too late is generosity; you think a little pension and a wheel-chair is generosity; you think if you give a man his old job back it's generosity. You don't know what the f**king word means, you bastards! To be generous is to say Yes before the man opens his mouth,"

and

"Every day we slaughter our finest impulses. That is why we get a heart-ache when we read those lines written by the hand of a master and recognize them as our own, as the tender shoots which we stifled because we lacked the faith to believe in our own powers, our own criterion of truth and beauty. Every man, when he gets quiet, when he becomes desperately honest with himself, is capable of uttering profound truths."

If you read Henry Miller, you are well aware that his use of language is both poetic and direct. He does little apologizing, and this book follows that philosophy. The book is a gathering of previously and not previously published works concerning the art of writing. It is edited by Thomas H. Moore, who worked with Miller to complete it.

Throughout the pages we see Miller in familiar lighting as he stresses those things about his craft that are most important to him. We also read how Miller was sometimes so absorbed in his work that he couldn't get through a meal with scribbling out pages between bites. To that end, Miller gives his greatest lesson to would-be writers - Dedication and discipline are the pillars on which the writer lives. Without those, one merely writes. He even lists "Commandments" in part of the text, wherein he describes the requirements that he placed on himself. These include, basically, writing without bounds, living fully, and placing the art of writing above friends and hobbies. It is this reinforcement that shows how hard Miller struggled to maintain his place as a writer. He reminded himself to work on one piece at a time.

There is a section entitled "Obscenity and the Law of Reflection," and it defines Miller's view on what obscenity is why it cannot truly be debated or defined. All of this is treasured reading for the Miller fan. There are many fine chapters covering the various aspects of the life and the profession of Henry Miller. It is extremely well written and organized. If you enjoy Miller, this book will only enhance your opinions. If you do not care for his work, perhaps this book will explain why Miller chose to write what he had inside of him and how he shaped his style to fit his soul. Along with this novel, I'd like to recommend another Amazon pick, THE LOSERS' CLUB by Richard Perez, which is about a struggling would-be author -- a personal novel obviously influenced by the ideas and life of Henry Miller.

This book is about a boy named Henry Reed who went to a place called Grover's Corner for the summer. He and his friend, Margaret Glass, thought about different ways to earn some money. They decided to create a babysitter's service. This book is good because it helps kids learn about the different ways to earn money for the summer. It also helps kids learn how to babysit different types of children. I loved this book. I hope you will read it.

This was the first Henry Reed book I ever read, shown to me by my mother. Right away I got into the story, though I hadn't read the preceding books in the series. I couldn't keep my eyes off the predicaments of Henry and his best friend, Midge, as they went through their problems and misadventures while looking after children. Told from Henry's point of view in a diary format, he tells a story well and with bits of humour inserted in there additionally. Keith Robertson has made a good character.

Henry Reed, the thin and studious boy who likes to address problems in a logical manner, has set his sights on continuing his fledgling business. Reed and Glass, Inc. made Henry and his sometimes-obnoxious friend Midge Glass some money last year, and after a survey of the neighborhood, Henry discovers that there is a need for baby-sitters in the area. The bulk of the book focuses on the adventures that Henry faces as he tries to run a business with as many problems as rewards.

Even though this might seem like a somewhat dull premise, the character of Henry Reed is so indomitable that he maintains our interest throughout. Children will be impressed with his ability to apply his skills to seemingly insurmountable obstacles, and also with the way that Henry manages to earn respect from the adults that he meets. His intelligence and Midge's creativity lead to amusing solutions for outwitting the children that are determined to be disruptive.

The book is presented as Henry's journal, which allows us to experience the events through Henry's eyes. This works fabulously.

The Henry Reed series was captivating to me as a child in the early eighties, and remained a favorite of mine for many years. Anyone who gives it a chance will fall in love with it.

This book, like the other books in the Henry Reed series, is very enjoyable. Kids of all ages will enjoy Henry's adventures in babysitting. These books are timeless in their ability to provoke laughter and create a sense of fun for the reader.

Anyone who has ever babysat before will be all-too-familiar with the trials Henry and Midge have to suffer through in this third book of the Henry Reed series. Keith Robertson does it once again with wacky babysitting scenarios everyone can identify with. You'll be cheering by the end of the book -- I guarantee it.

Yet again, J Ridley takes the reader on a remarkable journey, guiding you through the maze of factual background without ever letting your hand go. His mastery of the English language and notable training as a barrister make him the best narrator of the century.

Ridley is brilliant as ever. In his masterly style, he portrays both historic detail and periodic insight in such manner that the reader is captivated from the first page onwards. The ongoing battle with Lady Antonia Frazer's biography is a delight (especially when historical inaccuracies in her biography are condemned to footnotes). A book one cannot put down for a single moment.

Ridley paints a picture of a King who is as ruthless a tyrant as any 20th Century dictator. Henry VIII is shown as a ruler who forced his ministers to do his bidding and then executed them to satisfy public opinion, once his policies began to loose popular support. He would stop at nothing to get what he wanted, including breaking with the Pope in Rome and reforming the Church in England with him as the head, when the Pope refused to grant him an annulment from his wife, who could not give him a male heir. Thereafter, Henry played Protestant and Catholic factions against each other, so that he could remain in complete control as an arbiter; alternatively burning influential Protestants as heretics and Catholics who refused to recognize him as Supreme head of the Church of England as traitors. Ridley's picture shows us a king who would stop at absolutely nothing to get what he wanted, including turning society and 1000 years of religion completely upside down! A fascinating look at the Stalin of the 1500s!

Sometimes appearances can be deceiving. When I first received this book and saw how HUGE it was (and in small print, yet), I thought I was in for a long, tedious and boring read. In other words, the kind of book that you start but it becomes harder and harder to keep reading until you finally give up way before the ending.

To my surprise, this book engrossed my attention from day one and became impossible to put down. Jasper Ridley has done a masterful job of giving us a very detailed biography of one of the most memorable kings in history. Unlike so many other books about Henry, Ridley refuses to monopolize the subject matter with sensationalistic details revolving around Henry's wives. Instead, he concentrates on the much more important religious, political and social aspects of his reign.

I think this book captures the true essence of Henry VIII--a tyrant, selfish, arrogant, and demanding. A person who in almost every instance was able to manipulate people into doing his dirty work for him. An individual who could play tennis with a subject he considered a "friend", such as Thomas More, and then easily have this bosom companion executed without nary a shred of remorse whenever it would serve Henry's advantage to do so. One of Henry's most popular practices was to sail the Thames surrounded by women and fawning courtiers while a former close advisor, friend etc. was being executed. This king was a master of disguise, making it appear that he had little or nothing to do with distasteful events and absenting himself from the controversy at hand.

The author mentions early on that, in effect, while gazing at the famous Holbein portrait of Henry VIII in all his glory, people were mesmerized by the majesty as portrayed in the painting. What they did not notice were the hard, unfeeling and pig-like eyes that were barely visible in the already bloated face. If the eyes indeed are the "windows of the soul", Henry was a very cruel individual indeed.

Although his reign was extremely productive in many ways, such as his interest in solidifying England as a naval power, the most striking aspect is, of course, the religious break with Rome. Here too, Henry waffles back and forth as the winds blow. To say this was an achievement is merely subjective; it began a period of intense religious misunderstandings which resulted in the deaths of untold innocent people who refused to accept this or that form of religious belief and worship. As such, I cannot classify Henry's break with Rome as a positive issue. I am not religious, and therefore perhaps not qualified to judge this. But the results of this action are being felt well into modern times. It is a subjective issue as to whether this extreme action on his part set his country and Europe on the right course.

As initially stated, do not be put off by the size of this book. It will engage your attention and provide a picture of Henry (essentially minus the much touted wife leaping) that probably comes closest to what this famous monarch was actually like.

Jasper Ridley's bio of Henry VIII, if nothing else, suggests to me that executioners must have had a steady employment during early 16th-century England. In Ridley's biography, England's formative king is essentially a psychopath, and the country became Protestant, not because of any doctrinal attachment to the Reformation, but as a consequence of political machinations and goals on Henry's part. This, in fact, is one of the book's great strengths; Ridley is rare among biographers in his thorough attention to and excellent summary of the thicket of political events surrounding Tudor England, and this book does an excellent job of explaining these intricacies. Especially fascinating was the depiction of the conflict between Henry and Holy Roman Emperor Charles V. Henry would have probably gotten the papal annulment that he wanted to dissolve his marriage to Katharine of Aragon, if only Charles had not effectively controlled the pope and been such a bitter enemy of Henry's; then Henry would have found no need to break from the Catholic Church, and history would be entirely different! For a Renaissance monarch, Henry seems more to resemble one of the 20th century's bloodthirsty dictators in this book. While the depiction initially surprised me, Ridley backs up his claims with such excellent documentation and use of primary sources (which I was able to check), that he definitely has a point! A fascinating bio.

I REALLY loved this book. I like to read, but it's only sometimes that I find a book that I get hooked to. At first I just picked it out because it had a nice cover. I figured, since it was long and I was reading some other books at the time, that it would be another book that I would just get partway through. Reading about all these animals was so fun! Before this I had never heard of a bulbul or a sugar glider. It has cute illustrations too. I am definatly glad I read it and I think you will love it too!

My whole family loved THE HOUSE OF A MILLION PETS. I gave it to my 14-year-old for Christmas and then all the adults in the house snuck it and read it while he wasn't looking. It is both touching and hysterically funny. The stories reminded me of Jean Shepherd's books. A great gift for the pet-lover in your life.

Yes, this is ostensibly a children's book, so I started by reading it to my 9-year-old daughter one evening before she went to bed. However, it was so enjoyable that I couldn't resist continuing on my own. When I got to the chapter about the dogs I laughed so hard I thought I'd wake up the entire house. This book is simultaneously thoughtful and uproarious, practical and fun. It'll be the perfect kids' birthday present- I've already ordered several copies. Both my daughter and I can't wait to see what the author comes up with next!

Compared to animal lover and caretaker Hodgman, I'm a novice, with my dog and my beta fish, but her book is so inspiring, I'm thinking of getting a sugar glider or a white capped bulbul or maybe just a dachshund. Definitely not a baby bat, although I enjoyed reading about how she lovingly cared for one. This is a book I'll give my vet to keep in the waiting room. There's something for everyone in it, and it's hard to put it down, but when you do, you'll be smiling. The illustrations are precious; they work for readers of any age.

This is a charming book for all ages. The author describes her experiences with dozens of pets, from dogs and cats to prairie dogs, bulbuls, wild owls, and snapping turtles. The book imparts a lot of fascinating information, and at the same time is very funny. A great find!

'How I Got This Way' is a great book. My friend got me hooked on Pat McManus when she had me read 'Deer Magic', and now I can't stop reading. She gave me a couple of books from Amazon for my birthday, and I have to say that they're great. Even though I'm not an outdoor-type (I do enjoy fishing, though), I love the humor. McManus is a great author, and I can't read a single story without cracking a smile or laughing my head off, though I think I like 'How I Got This Way' the most. Enjoy!

McManus is a delight to read. His humor is easy to digest and transfers you away from the trials of today's world into his wonderful world of FUN!

- A real fan . . . ed

I have read all but one of Patrick McManus's books and love them all. This one is just as funny as the others. The things he writes about remind me of stories my own father would tell me about his misadventures growing up. If you love hunting, fishing, camping, and/or the outdoors in general, you'll like this book. OK, even if you hate the outdoors, you will still find this book funny.

I have always thought that Patrick McManus is the funniest writer on the planet. I read his stories when I need to laugh or relax. Sometimes I irritate my wife by reading it in bed. I try not to laugh out loud, but I only succeed in sounding like I am trying to muffle continuous sneezes.

However, not everyone gets it. I have been shocked by watching people read McManus without so much as a smile (though most start snorting like wild pigs on acid) . My only guess is that getting McManus requires a couple things. First, it requires some understanding of his experiences. He absolutely nails all of the stupid things 'outdoors men (outdoors people)' do and think, but don't want anybody to know about. Second, you have to see the self-deprecating aspect of his humor. Third, you can't look for great literature in integrated books. Patrick McManus is an excellent writer, if you see these as independent stories simply collected in a volume. They are meant for adults who want to laugh at themselves. So, If you are willing to or already meet the above three criteria, you will love this book.

By the way, I am a professor of clinical psychology and (other than worrying a little about McManus) I sometimes recommend this and other McManus books. I do this with people who have racing thoughts and anxiety at bedtime, and when I believe they have the necessary experiences to find it funny. It often works quite well. I think of his stories as little pieces of happiness. (Oh, that even makes me sick to hear. Sorry)

No matter if you are the outdoors type or not this book is funny. Out of all all his books this one is best since he tells of the characters of his youth, plus a little embellishments. Also makes fun of himself most of the time which he is supremely talented at. WOuld also recomend the audio version which gives a touch of humorous sound to the funny words.