Jackson Books

I truly do appreciate this book. I truly do. Nancy Farmer has a gift for creativity and I'm in love with the way she makes a blend of culture, sci-fi, and morality. This is a complex and thought-provoking novel, written quite well.

That said, I still did not like it.

It's dark, severe, grating, and hard-to-swallow. Which works well for many a book, but I'm afraid that it only made the end of this book all the more cheesy. And this is one top of the bizarre family connections.

There's an icy feeling that connects almost all the characters, and I don't think Ms. Farmer properly escaped it in time to leave one satisfied.

Thank-you, Ms. Farmer, for putting such incredible concepts into a YA book with your talented writing, but please do not expect everyone to enjoy this.

Though I'm sure the right crowd will love it. I do not complain against its awards

at the end of my freshman year of highschool we had to clean out our lockers. this book had been on our required reading list so many kids had bought it. i must have picked up 6 copies that were about to be trashed...my plan was to sell them on ebay **sigh**.

anyways...im not going to be boring and tell you what happens, because there are 31 boring pages of reviews that do that. and im not going to try and imitate book reviewers like all these other people did. so, read the classic phrases, like, "page turner", "couldnt put it down" someplace else.

im pretty sure that nancy farmers pyschologist diagnosed her with ADD after this book was written. wow...she cant stay on subject. the book starts out pretty good, but has no qualms about meandering into mediocraty. the timing is just awful. she tried to accomplish too much, and poorly developed the story.

in school they told us about something called a climax. maybe someone should have told mrs. farmer what that means. the last hundred pages are just cheating. she dumps direction the book is going in and sets us off on a bizarre, pointless trip to an orphanage where she starts ratting off communism. i know, i know, it doesnt make much sense. from here the book is filled with mediocre stereotypes that has absolutely no place in the story that i had been reading. while she was writing this trite part her publisher called her and said that she only had 380 pages to work with. oops...so she hits the fastforward button, speeding to the close, and arriving at the finish line with a puzzling ending.

the concept was good, but she changed styles and purpose so many times that in the end we're left with a pretty unsatisfying experience. i think that pretty much everyone who read it will agree with me that she should have made the part where he went to give the old guy his heart the climax. after that i felt like i was just reading to finish it. the story was over....the whole thing with his girlfriend and her mother was just very unliterary. there were like, four weird mother in law jokes at the end that didnt help anything.

her scramblings to tie up all loose ends throughout the book was admirable...her shortcomings too blatantly obvious to even warrant time being discussed. and then, 2 pages from the finish she decided that matt scoring 6-6 (fortune, girl, acceptance into civilazation, friends, mother, freeing eejets) would be a little silly. so she killed off the scottish father figure. his comical death was stretching just a little bit...she tried to explain it, but it must have been hard sense she didnt seem to understand it either.

the pressing moral and eithical sociological question of whether or not clones were equal to humans was solved, typically rushed and anticlaimatic, buried somewhere in midparagraph that was intended to make everything okay at the end.

okay, well i think ive rambled enough, if you want more ramblings, read the house of the scorpion...

I made Scorpion part of my advanced summer reading program because of its description and the awards it has won. The story is about the life of a boy who is a clone of a drug-lord. I think the book won the awards for the issues it raises such as morality, cloning, and prejudice rather then the quality of story or writing. I found the characters uninteresting especially the dialog. The writing did not transport me to this foreign location and time period. Overall I found the book a chore to complete. I recommend some of my other summer choices: The Book Thief, Octavian Nothing, To Kill a Mockingbird and Skellig. I really felt House of the Scorpion was a waste of my time.

This was a nice one, a fast, easy, interesting read that I got to after reading a few heavy, slow-moving books. When it's taken me a week to read each of the last two books, I really need a one-day read as a pick-me-up, and that's what this was. The House of the Scorpion is a very interesting little dystopia: the drug lords of Mexico, led by one Matteo Alacran, managed to swing a deal with the US and Mexico whereby they were given the area around the border between the two countries as their own sovereign territory; in exchange, they agreed to stop completely the flow of illegal immigrants, and also promised not to sell their drugs in either nation, but go to Europe, Asia, and Africa with their product. So now, 100 years later, Matteo Alacran is still alive, owing to the fact that he keeps growing new clones of himself in order to harvest their organs. He's not unique in this, the other drug lords do the same, but what is unique is that Alacran allows his clones to retain their minds, to learn and experience life until he needs to cut them open and take their still-beating heart, so to speak. The novel is the story of the last of these clones, who goes by Matt.

The author does a nice job of portraying life as the complete outsider. She also created excellent characters for El Patron, who is the original Alacran, and Tam Lin, the IRA terrorist-cum-bodyguard who befriends little Matt. It's a nice little idea that Alacran gets his security personnel from other countries, since, as he tells Matt, that means it's harder for them to plot against him; his most recent hiring was a group of English soccer hooligans. There's also a nice idea of how the country turns the captured illegal immigrants into mindless slaves to work the fields, and I love the depiction of the Alacran family and its infighting and scandal and hatred of themselves and pretty much everyone else.

The problem, if there was any, was in the last part of the book; it's a nice little chapter in the story and it has a good resolution, but the only problem with it is that it has no connection to the rest of the book: the last section is about Communist oppression and government corruption, and the first parts of the book are not. It disappoints because the themes in the first section are so strong, so immediate -- drug cartels, illegal immigrants, cloning; it is about what makes one a human being, what makes people into a family, and also gets deep into the purpose of a nation and a government. These were all explored, all fascinating, all done with an adept touch as the book never got too profound or preachy -- and then they were all abandoned as the setting shifts. I suppose we could see the last section as offering an alternative to the nation of Opium, and trying to show that every nation has its problems, but that is rather a different idea, and not one that connects well with the other main points.

Despite my henpecking, however, the ending of the book was fine, and the first three-quarters of the book were excellent. This is a great recommendation -- especially for boys who aren't big readers, as it was recommended to me by one such. It's science fiction and action, but both are thoughtful, and neither is overwhelming.

This book is simply amazing--fluidly well told, with none of the typical "coming of age" tawdry sexualization, no offensive language, just an interesting take on contemporary issues. The realistic characters and well-paced story make this book worthy of all the awards it garnered. Buy your kid this book--then read it yourself!

This was my 8th grade son's summer reading. He could not stop reading it and it caused him to initiate a lot of conversation with us about the holocaust. Since it was from the perspective of a girl his own age, he really identified with it.

I have just started reading more accounts of World War II and really enjoyed this survivor story. It is a big account in a small package. It is not about the gory details, but more about the emotions behind them. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

this book was awesome. i read it in a day. very hard to read, but you have to do it. buy!!!!

The book shows plenty of emotions of their loved ones being lost. Livia wrote her memory into a book, like most Holocaust survivors did. Most people are unaware of the presence of the Holocaust or just were uninterested. Like most Holocaust books they show the nightmare they experienced. Elli gives the reader an idea that they have hope to survive.
Some people read certain Holocaust books that fits their writing style and her Livia gives the reader the first person point of view.
We chose this book for our English class and we presented how they were killed like if one person in the barrack did not cooperate with the SS officers, the entire barrack was sent to gas chambers.
I recommend readers read this book.

This book is so powerful. I have read many stories of Holocaust survivors, but few if any have presented such a vivid view of the horrors the Jews faced. Some parts were disturbing, but they describe true history, so they are definitely important to read. If you're interested in the Holocaust, this is a great read.

In this installment of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, the characters mature in parallel to the scope and urgency of the conflict. Annabeth, Percy, Grover, Clarisse and others wisen and deepen as the conflict takes on a more personal edge.

It opens light-hearted enough: Percy has a run-in with some not-so-peppy cheerleaders and manages to put Annabeth in a jealousy-inspired fit in the process. However, as we find out more about the approaching war with the Titans, the reader is quickly drawn into a literal maze of difficulties.

All of the main characters have crucial choices they have to make, and this drives the plot forward: Percy has to deliberately decide several times to renounce his own desires in favor of others' needs; Annabeth has to exercise both her wisdom and humility; Grover has to simply grow; and we even see some beautiful character-deepening in Clarisse and Mr. D.

My favorite aspect of this part of the series is how the personal choices of the characters--whether major or minor characters--so profoundly affect the overall battle between good and evil. In literature, it is too easy to allow these forces to runaway and not ultimately be affected by individual decisions, but if it is to be real, and real fantasy, this element is essential. Riordan masters this chillingly well; even in the stunning, picturesque comeback of Kronos he reminds us of the importance of individual choice. Book 4 goes necessarily deeper than the previous books, so much so that I am still mulling over it several days after completing it.

While it cannot exactly be a cliffhanger, Riordan is definitely segueing into The Last Olympian. Book 4 is a wonderful story in and of itself, but we are painstakingly set up for the conclusion, and it's just a shame we have to wait so long to get it!

These books are always enjoyable. I've been a mythology enthusiast since I was a kid and am still a sucker for creative variations on Greek Myths. I had to particularly laugh at the Sphinx who ditches the traditional riddle contest for a standardized test. Her lines are classic.

"Think? How am I supposed to test whether you can think?, that's ridiculous!"

"If you won't pass, you fail. And since we can't allow any children to be held back, you'll be eaten!"

"My grading machine! I can't be exemplary without my test scores!"

OK, I'm a teacher. I probably found this much more amusing than the kids that this book is targeted toward.

This is the 4th book in the Percy and the Olympians series. I have heard that there are supposed to be 5 books in the series. This book was as good as the previous ones and follows the same basic formula as those ones. I listened to this on audiobook and the audiobook was very well done!

Percy is going to orientation at yet another new school. This time more is at stake because he was allowed into this school on a recommendation from his mother's boyfriend. As usual trouble ensues and he is attacked right off the bat by evil monster cheerleaders. So starts another fun fast-paced adventure with Percy and his buddies.

Percy flees the scene meeting Annabeth on the way and they end up back at camp half-blood where Annabeth is finally given a quest. Her quest will take her, Tyson, Percy, and Grover through the depths of the fabled Labyrinth and through many other fantastical areas of Greek mythology. As Aphrodite promised Percy's "love life" begins to get difficult with the addition of Elizabeth Rachel Dare to the story.

This was another great book. I continue to love how the Greek myths are woven in with everyday reality. I love the characters. I love how even Percy's everyday normal mortal life is kept track of and not forgotten about. This is just an all-in-all great book. I love this series and am very excited to see how it ends.

Great book!
Karissabooks.blogspot.com

I had purchased The Lightning Thief (1st book in the series of 4, so far...) for my 11 year old son who does NOT like to read silently, figuring that we could read it aloud together, and to try to get him interested in non-fiction. It also coincided with Greek Mythology a social studies subject in 6th grade. It was fabulous, and we have since read books 2 and 3. He was THRILLED that a new installment was avaailable and even read it himself! Can't wait for book 5, Riordan is a genius!

The Battle of the Labyrinth, I have to say, is my second favorite book in the "Percy Jackson and the Olympians series." The Lightning Thief is my favorite. The Battle of the Labyrinth is thrilling and spectacular. If you like mystery and adventure, read this book.
Percy Jackson is the main character who is brave and courageous. He is a half-blood, meaning his dad is a god, Poseidon, and his mom is mortal. He is a fourteen-year-old teenager who is learning about the powers that he possesses. He needs to learn how to use his powers appropriately or run away. Percy, also, can be obnoxious because he makes stupid jokes at the worst times.
This epic starts with a surprise attack on Percy by a demon-cheerleader while he is at summer orientation for another new school. As he flees, he takes a taxi to Camp Half-Blood and the real adventure begins. Percy and his friends, Annabeth, Grover, and Tyson, find a secret entrance to the labyrinth and searches for its inventor, Daedalus, and a way to stop the evil Titan lord's , Kronos, invasion. Inside the labyrinth, it is dark, murky, chilly, and ever changing. It is full of entrances, exits, changing paths, and monsters. Percy kills monster after monster with his pen that turns into a 3-foot sword named Riptide. Inside Daedalus' workshop, they ask for the addias string, which is a guide that point the way through the labyrinth. They leave the labyrinth to get ready to destroy Kronos and his army. The camp was losing to the evil army until Daedalus sacrifices himself to destroy his creation, the labyrinth. Percy thinks his adventure of fighting Kronos is over but he was mistaken. (We will have to read the next book to find out what happens.)
The theme of The Battle of the Labyrinth is to have great friends that you can trust, because friendships must prevail no matter the odds.

How delightful: hang on your wall or give someone you like a picture that says "Go F**k Yourself?" Classy!

If someone gave me one of these disgusting items, I'd throw it back in her face for the crass insult it is.

Like you, I also can't stand sickly-sweet Precious Moments drivel and have never stitched anything like those. But, apparently amazing, I have found hundreds of patterns that allow me to display skill in stitching and learn how to design. I'm proud to display these. I don't have to run around my house and hide them when children or people I respect come over.

If your maturity level is that of a 12-year-old who secretly "gives the finger" or runs into the boys' bathroom on a dare, by all means get this book and do all the projects.

Or grow up.

If you have any self-respect or dignity--don't even look at it.

All the women in my family are very creative and artsy, every single one of them, except me, I tried every craft that looked remotely interesting and not a one panned out for me. And then I found this book, and I fell in love. My grandmother had done cross stitching for as long as I can remember, but died before she had a chance to teach me. So now I finally have my craft, its perfect for a tattooed domestic goddess such as myself!

This books rocks my socks. I'm a novice cross stitcher and this book has some fun, basic designs you can make right away. It also has a great resource guide and other ideas to further you on your cross stitching career once you've got the basics. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to pick up cross stitching or those who are sick of stitching cutesy bunnies and flowers and such and are looking for something new and fun.

Subversive Cross Stitch makes a good gift for the cross-stitch enthusiast with a quirky sense of humor. The book includes patterns for cross-stitch projects with a twist, as well a helpful guide to making your own projects.

A word of caution, however, this book may not be appropriate for young viewers as it does contain some profanity. Otherwise, it's rollicking good fun!

(New Hallmark slogan)
"If it's good enough to send to Ann Coulter, that's good enough for me!"
http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/years/2007/1127071coulter1.html
(the police report mentions this book, because some fool sent a card to her!)
(on pages 3 & 4)

Luke Jackson, the thirteen-year-old author of this book, says he wrote it because "so many books are written about us, but none are written directly to adolescents with Asperger Syndrome. I thought I would write one in the hope that we could all learn together." And he does an amazing job of appealing to his peers in a colloquial manner. Jackson's style is almost precocious at times, but effective. He tackles many topics, includinging sensory perception, physiology, and sleep, listing some helpful tips. For example, Jackson suggests to look at people's mouths when they're talking, which is close enough to making eye contact.The section on physiology discussed, among other things, the GF/CF diet.

Next Jackson writes about language difficulties, dealing with slang and idioms, and suggests to parents that they write out steps to complete a task and give clear and specific instructions. The next chapters cover school problems and bullying, with some tips for dealing with bullies, stressing that it's important to tell someone. Jackson then mentions Taekwondo for self-defense, as well as the many other benefits it provides. The following three chapters deal with friendships, dating, and morals and principles. The "morals and principles" chapter also is beneficial in that it stresses not to let people entice you to do something that is wrong, that you don't need friends like that.

The end of the book has a nice positive note about AS people being amazing in their own ways, even if not savants (after a discussion about the movie Rainman). It is certainly amazing for a thirteen-year-old to write such an organized, insightful book. I found it to be very helpful, including the appendices on idioms (with definitions of being "on cloud nine" and "don't cry over spilled milk") and references for further information (books, websites, and organizations). All in all, a worthwhile book for parents and kids alike.

I read it, my Dad read it in 2 days. Very practical, humorous.When my son, with Asperger's, gets a little older, I will give this book to him. I want to meet Luke Jackson. What a great personality!

This book is a keeper. Luke speaks from experience and shares his experience and suggestions for kids with aspergers, parents, friends and physicians on how a an AS kid can handle real-life situations by sharing what has worked for him. This book is an easy read and would be good for teens and adults to read whether they have AS themselves or are related to or know someone who does.

This was a great resource for us as parents of an Asperger son to get an idea of how the adolescent with Asperger thinks and relates to others. It will eventually be a great book to let our son read. The adolescent author of this book feels very strongly that all Asperger children should be told what they have (by name) so that they won't feel like something is wrong with them, but will come to understand that they are the way they are because of Aspergers.

This book is intended for a person with Asperger's however, it can also be used by a child being bullied.

I love stories with military men. Of all the Madaris books, I do believe that this is my all time favorite. I love Trevor. He's perfect. The fact that heand Corinthian's had a somewhat embarrassing history just made it that much more good. I love how she tried to ignore her feelings for him and fight him the entire way. I myself would have loved to be stranded in the middle of a rain forest with an ex Recon Marine. In the end, they ended up living happily ever after, which I always love. They're just so cute together, and I especially love how Mrs. Jackson gives us updates on all of her previous characters.

This, as usual, is a GREAT book. I like how Brenda Jackson pits two people together who can't stand each other but secretly have the hots for each other, and then all of a sudden they can't stay away from each other. The passion in her books is...... WOW!

I am a ruge fan. Since Jan '07, I have read no less than 20 of her books and have enjoyed every one. This in itself is amazing because before reading her books I was not a big fan of reading. You turned me into a readaholic!

The only problem in the book, Mrs. Jackson, is that Grambling State is not in Shreveport, LA but 67 miles away in Grambling, LA. However, thanks for mentioning G-town in your book!

I really enjoyed reading this book. Although it does`nt compare to the "Madaris Saga", it`s still 1st rate none the less. I put Trevor up there right along with the Madaris brothers. Corinthians....YOU GO GIRL!!!! Brenda Jackson fans, if you don`t have this book, get it, believe me you won`t be disappointed. Brenda Jackson has the tendency to make the main characters of her novels hate each other at first, but when they fall in love....LOOK OUT. Fire and Desire is a MUST READ.

Fire and Desire is just like the title suggest. Pure fire and so much desire that I couldn't go to sleep until I finished reading the book. This was the first book I read by Brenda Jackson and since then I've read all of her work and she's an excellent writer, but there was nothing like FIRE & DESIRE.

Trevor and Corinthians hated each other. Seriously. She showed too much that night two years ago and he saw her in a way that Corinthians would desperately like to forget. Trevor hated her just that much cause he seen too much that night and he hasn't gotten a good night's sleep since then.

Well what do you do when two people want each other but don't like each other enough to like nature takes it's course? You throw them together isolated from the outside world. Trevor and Corinthians wound up escaping into the jungle when their hotel became under attack. He kept them alive and she kept in hard. REALLY HARD! This book is a definite read. Way to Go, Mrs. Jackson!

I have read 5 books so far out of the Madaris and Friends series and in my opinion this is the best one!!!!! I look forward to reading about the Madaris brothers romances. Having discovered them in The Best Man, Surrender and Unfinished business yes folks I ended up reading the whole saga backwards but still want to know how they met they wives, anyway going off track. This book is good and I bet more interesting than the Madaris romances, sorry Brenda it just is!!! Keep up the good work tho!

Mark's books are fun and easy to read while offering the thoughts and insights of a true horseman. His methods are gentle and honor the horse. Delightful.

It is a very good book as I have found all of his are. Good reading no matter how long you have had horses or horse experience. His relaxed way of dealing with horses and training makes sense.

This is one of those great books that can reach across all interest groups and walks of life. The way the author relates his personal stories to shed light on horse training really drew me in. But, not only do these stories relate to dealing with animals, they are like Easop's fables... there is a nugget of wisdom to be taken away and stored for you to use dealing with people and struggles in everyday life. He has great insight into behavior of those around him, not only the horses, but the wisdom of the old man. We could all learn something from this book and I'll definitely buy his other books. I had to doctor a sick calf just a few days ago, and I used some of the patience and techniques he uses on the horses, and I felt like the calf whisperer! Instead of it being a grueling chore in freezing weather, I really started to feel a sense of accomplishment that I was helping an animal.

It is hard to find people in my local horse world who don't believe that a firm hand (or boot) is the way to train horses. It was very refreshing to read about Rashid's successful training without physical abuse. I've been using many of his ideas to work with my donkey and have been so proud of the results. Thank you Mark Rashid!

Mark Rashid is amazing. Can't say enough about his books, ideas and training methods. I've been a horse owner for over 25 years, yet Mark has a way of teaching that still leaves me saying "ahh-HA! I never thought about that!!!". Mark's inspiring books have kept me trying with a Mustang I purchased that everyone else gave up on. If it weren't for Mark, I don't know where my horse would be today. I've purchased this book three times and given away two copies to friends that are also horse owners. Read Mark's books - get inspired - get enthused - and build a better relationship with your horse through understanding the "try". Thanks Mark, for putting things in perspective.

I loved this story and with a sound track!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I loved how you got LadyBlake and Reese Anthony together. the story is a page turner
and everytime I do a reread I find something new.....thank you for a great
story and some great music.............Debe

Ms. Jenkins does it again. She makes the historical familial connection with her previous characters. It is good to see their offspring. This book will capture your attention and heart. You will be a champion of the relationship between JT and Reese. As always, Ms. Jenkins brings out the suspence, the drama, the conflict and of course the love.

Deadly Sexy

I encourage readers to read all of Ms. Beverly's books. However, I give this book a three star. It was an okay read for me. I wasn't too enamored with it for the following reasons:

Pet Peeves:

I remember clearly in her description of Reese she described him as being 5'10". However on page 270, she says "She took him in, all six-foot-plus glorious inch of him." She is referring to Reese.

I also remember clearly her referring to Misha, her tech person, as a Nigerian. Later on page 221, she writes "She, the sheltered, twenty-one year old, nerd daughter of a British family with roots in Jamaica, had been immediately drawn to him."

The inconsistencies really rubbed me the wrong way. Characterizations are very important and stick with me as I am reading. When there is a glaring inconsistency, my attention is caught immediately.

This book isn't a bad book and some readers may not even notice, but I expect to be taken seriously as a reader and for her work to make sense. Ms. Beverly is a good storyteller, and I love the incorporation of history. However, as a reader, I cannot tolerate such sloppiness in her work.

These are my reasons for giving the work a three star. Otherwise, I would have given the book a solid 4 star.

I absolutely loved this story, JT Blake is my girl! I love Miss Jenkins work! She's a very realistically imaginitive writer.

I am a big fan of Beverly Jenkins books and I really in enjoyed this one!

I recently read Secret Love based solely on the fact that it was a Madaris Family novel. I have read all the others in the series except one, Fire and Desire. I really enjoy this story line and the fabulous way that Ms. Jackson has put it together. I have decided to read the entire saga in order even though it will mean re-reading some of them. The characters are positive, strong and interesting. And reading the stories in the order that they were written, just make you want more. The only story I haven't read is Fire and Desire, the first book. I knew that they were being re-released and I just pre-ordered a copy. If you haven't read about the Madaris Family you are in for a treat. Thank You Brenda Jackson for providing several hours of enjoyable reading entertainment.

Not oe of her best, but not one of her worst. Cute story. MY thing is, that they were entirly too proper and sophidticated for with each other. I'm young, so I like ebonics. l0l.No, really. It's a good book.

I loved the book and all of the sexy romantic scenes.

Jake a rancher loses a bet with his best friend Sterling Hamilton and the pay off is to have Diamond Swain stay with Jake on his ranch for some much needed rest.

Once they see each other for the first time sparks fly. Although, they try not to give into each others attraction, they end up falling in love.

They also have to fight to keep their lifestyles in tacked by not having the other loose themselves in the others career.

This book was my favorite out of all of the Madaris books and I read it more than once.

Another great Madris story. Jake a handsome successful rancher married actress Diamond Swain in secret. After a madman begins to stalk Diamond she runs for cover and safety on her husbands ranch "Whispering Pines". Deciedeing she's ready to come out of the closet about her secret marriage to Jake, they hold a press conference. The madman doesn't like this and sets out to kill Jake if he doesn't leave Diamond alone. Jake not wanting Diamond to know refuses to tell her of the madman. When Diamond finds out she feels she's been betrayed by her husbands secret, will their love be enough to save their marriage?

Such a wonderful read. I can honestly say that I read this book in one sitting. The words flowed off the page, a peice of literary art. I know that this is sad but this the first book that I read of hers and as soon as I finished I went and bought as many of her books as possible. And since I was on vacation I read them all. Dont we all want men like Jacob..

A picture book for ages 4-7, and perfect for adults of any age, the story of family visiting brims with positive energy, and is vividly descriptive of the sights and sounds the visitors brought. "The Relatives Came" provides material for discussion of family roles and expectations. I sent the book to my sister after our family had come through some intense time together.

I'm giving this book to lots of grandmothers!! All 7 arrived quickly and it was a great transaction.

This is one of my favorite books and also of my daughters. The illustrations are beautiful, and the heart warming story of family visits, appreciation and love just makes you feel good. I like this book so much that I will add more Cynthia Rylant books to our home library.

We're from a large family and the images and descriptions of the family reunion really touched home. I've given it to two different sets of nieces and nephews, and hope they'll have the same great stories to tell about our family that Cynthia Rylant relates.

I bought this book to use for a discussion about how authors can paint pictures with their words. My first graders loved this book and we were able to talk about our favorite parts in the book and all the children can relate because they have either gone to visit relatives or relatives have come to visit them. They loved the pictures and the story!