Jackson Books

I really enjoyed this book, as a fan for over 25 years I was delighted to read this biography! I recommend :)

For any fan, the biography of their idol is usually found wanting. As a U2 fan and Bono enthusiast, it's difficult for me to give a good review on a biography of Bono simply because it's irrelevant for me to own a biography on Bono. For the obsessive fan, there's rarely any new information that i haven't already heard; also, biography's on living people are already hard to judge simply because they're obsolete the day they're released.

All of that aside, this book was a great addition to my U2 collection. Jackson presents a well-rounded look at the rock star's life, focussing mostly on his social work. Of course, if i had written this book it would have been gushing with admiration and fan-boy emulation. the fact that it's not proves that it's a superior, well-written account written for anybody on the reader spectrum, long-time fans and non-fans alike.

My only complaint is the lack of focus on Bono's spiritual side. This book almost gives the impression that Bono's endeavors are purely socially and politically motivated, almost without any transcendent consideration. Of course, enough has been written and discusssed about Bono's spirituality, so perhaps a fresh take on his life story thus far is something fans can use. However, for a social and spiritual balance, i recommend reading Walk On: The Spiritual Journey of U2, although that succumbs to several of the inherent problems with fan biographies.

"God, it's hell being a writer.........." With tongue firmly embedded in cheek, Simon Brett tells the tale of one writer's foolproof plan to win the Booker Prize.

This delightful story takes the form of a biography on Geraldine Buyers; unknown author of one faintly acclaimed novel. In her quest for recognition, Geraldine sets forth to win the Booker Prize. Her logic is sound and her plan destined for success. She will write her brilliant and original new novel involving a beautiful young girl persecuted by two cruel stepsisters in the style of the current Booker Prizewinner. Unfortunately for Geraldine, but to the continual enjoyment of the reader, her manuscript is never quite finished before the next winner is announced, leaving her no choice but to begin her novel again, and again and again.........

Reading the trials and traumas of Geraldine Buyers, you get the unsettling feeling that she was somehow 'dropped' from an intellectually superior world into our bewildering jungle of lesser mortals. She is unbelievably self centred, remarkably untalented and yet somehow, her numerous encounters with disaster endear her to the reader. As E.F. Benson wrote of Lucia, "Don't get angry with her, just richly enjoy her."

Although set in the publishing world, this book is so wonderfully written that everybody will enjoy it. The humour is sharp and addictive, (I've read the book countless times and still laugh out loud!) The only possible critique of this marvellously funny book is the 'over the top' naivety of Geraldine's biographer. Supposedly a woman of the eighties, she is a frightening and not very funny version of Adrian Mole.

On the whole, Simon Brett's 'The Booker Book' is a successful and hilarious novel with well thought out characters who work together to create a strong base for the life and pitfalls of our heroine. My advice? Buy it, enjoy it, but don't be surprised if Geraldine lives in your life for longer than it takes to read her story......

"God, it's hell being a writer....."

With tongue firmly embedded in cheek, Simon Brett tells the tale of one writer's foolproof plan to win the Booker Prize.

This delightful story takes the form of a biography on Geraldine Buyers; unknown author of one faintly acclaimed novel. In her quest for recognition, Geraldine sets forth to win the Booker Prize. Her logic is sound and her plan destined for success. She will write her brilliant and original new novel involving a beautiful young girl persecuted by two cruel stepsisters in the style of the current Booker Prize-winner. Unfortunately for Geraldine, but to the continual enjoyment of the reader, her manuscript is never quite finished before the next winner is announced, leaving her no choice but to begin her novel again, and again and again.........

Although set in the publishing world, this book is so wonderfully written that everybody will enjoy it. The humour is sharp and addictive, (I've read the book countless times and still laugh out loud!) The only possible critique of this marvellously funny book is the 'over the top' naivety of Geraldine's biographer. Supposedly a woman of the eighties, she is a frightening and not very funny version of Adrian Mole.

On the whole, Simon Brett's 'The Booker Book' is a successful and hilarious novel with well thought out characters who work together to create a strong base for the life and pitfalls of our heroine. My advice? Buy it, enjoy it, but don't be surprised if Geraldine lives in your life for longer than it takes to read her story. She is unbelievably self centred, remarkably untalented and yet somehow, her numerous encounters with disaster endear her to the reader. As E.F. Benson wrote of Lucia, "Don't get angry with her, just richly enjoy her."

I bought three books by this author because the Fresno Bee said they had received many awards and not many sales. This is the early 1950s. This is Fresno Calif. Several lives are involved in this book. I normally don't read kids books because I am 73. But, this book is a delight. There is morals, accountaility, humor, kindness, thoughtfulness, acceptance, caring, and love. A family of 10 kids and the pop and mom and their friends. I have no idea why these books are not selling; they are a delight. Perhaps they are not selling because there is no cussing, blood and guts, but,there is the type of romance I remember where a sister parks with her boyfriend. Are you too old to read this book? Never, it will leave you with a warm heart. Your pre teens and teens should really enjoy this book.

My husband and I read this book aloud on a trip across country, and it was wonderful. I want to use it with my 6th graders this coming school year. It reflects the very American voices of Twain and Steinbeck, and, like both these authors' works, is filled with humor, social commentary, and honest emotions. I am so glad that the title and cover caught my eye!

I was tired and stressed, and I picked up this book. Within the first pages I was captured, taken away into an amusing and warm tale. Jackson and Hetty, all the characters are so real. The story is very much like a really good romantic movie. Loved it.

A BRIDE FOR JACKSON POWERS is the perfect antidote for winter blahs, especially after the recent snow and ice storms. It could have happened to anyone, but when it happens to the kind of people Browning is famous for creating, it's fun--pure, unadulterated fun!

Hurry and write another book Dixie, Spring hasn't sprung yet.

From a Tar Heel fan who would rather read than fly.

Who is Bridget Biddy Mason? Biddy is an African American female legend that grew up a slave and died a philanthropist. During her life is endured harsh treatment from slave owners, the journey of walking from Mississippi to Los Angeles without shoes, and building an empire that would serve thousands. Bridget Biddy Mason is someone that everyone in the country needs to learn about in order to appreciate her struggle. BRIDGET BIDDY MASON: A WALKING SENSATION is a remarkable tale of endurance, persistence, and Christian service.

Williams and Ford have a God given talent for writing that is sure to inspire children for many years to come. The illustrations are brilliant and will certainly promote discussions between parents and their children. The characters are vividly depicted according to the time period while the facial expressions speak volumes. I'm ready for the next installment in the "We Were Always There" series.

Reviewed by: M. Bruner, 2005 Marguerite Reviewer of the Year
[...]

Biddy Mason takes you on a historic journey through the eyes of a curious child. My daughter absolutely loved this book. The illustrations kept us both cozy and delightful. I would recommend that every child from pre-k through second grade read this book. Biddy Mason was quite a driven woman...I just visited the publishers website to hear the sing along song. Spread the word!!!! Sing- Biddy Biddy- OH Biddy Biddy- Biddy Mason...

Moki is a girl who would rathe be a boy than a girl. She want's to prove that girls can be just as good as boys.Even though her friends don't understand her Moki has mad up her my ,and nothing can stand in her way! I like this book for one reason, and one reason only.Moki is a courgous girl. I recommend this book for all ages. So get the book now,and this is a book you can not put down.

Moki is a girl who would rather be a boy than a girl. She wants to prove that girls can be just as good as boys. Even though her friends don't understand her, Moki has made up her mind, and nothing can stand in her way! I like this book for one reason. Moki is a courageous girl. I recommend this book for all ages. So get the book now, because this a book you cannot put down.

I just love The Cat Who series,really fun. A very enjoyable read, without all that smut other mystery writers have to add.

Lillian Jackson Braun has done what I thought was impossible. She made me love cats! Every one of her books (this one included) is a joy for the mystery lover looking for light and highly entertaining reading. I am a fan forever!

I saw the author reading chapter three of this novel at Word Fest at the Forum Theatre, and I tried to find the novel, but found instead the audiobook. It's a wonderful performance of a very funny and sarcastic book. Arte Johnson, the reader, attacks the piece like an actor, and he invests each character not only with a distinct voice but with a distinct attitude. Perhaps his best characterization is a Sydney Greenstreet impersonation (from THE MALTESE FALCON) that he manages to hilariously sustain for about ten minutes. Definitely for "adults only" but a terrifically funny piece of work.

If you're sick of walking through the mystery section of your local bookstore and being inundated by the sheer number of Cat Who... mysteries by Lilian Jackson Braun (there were almost 30 at last count), then Robert Kaplow's The Cat Who Killed Lilian Jackson Braun just may be the book for you. Combining satire with clever plotting, Kaplow has made more than a simple parody -- he's made a laugh-out-loud reading riot.

Best known for his other, more serious novels for young adults like Me and Orson Welles, Robert Kaplow is also the man behind "Moe Moskowitz and the Punsters" from NPR's Morning Edition. In The Cat Who Killed Lilian Jackson Braun, he gives the wit and imagination he has brought to many a bored commuter's morning drivetime to the mystery novel, sure to be a hit with those same commuters in the form of the audiobook read by Arte Johnson (who gets to refer to himself within the text, yet another brilliant idea).

"America's most beloved author," Lilian Jackson Braun's headless body has been found in a public restroom (so much for being beloved). Her friend, children's book author James Qafka, and his two preternaturally intelligent cats, Yong-Ting and Poon-Tang, get involved in the solution of her murder. This leads him and his assistant Sally into an underworld the opposite of the one Braun depicted in novels like The Cat Who Ate Danish Modern. The jokes fly fast and furious in the spirit of Airplane!, with loads of quirky characters and even an entire chapter written around a single pun.

I've read a couple of these books myself over the years, but you don't have to in order to enjoy Kaplow's take. He really lets his imagination run free, and The Cat Who Killed Lilian Jackson Braun is liable to bring a flush to the cheeks of Braun's regular readers. The book is full of sex, whether it is being done or just talked about (he even refers to it himself when he speaks of catching up readers who are skipping around for the dirty bits). But sex and parody of Braun's world would wear thin eventually, so Kaplow offers up a side mystery for those of us who actually enjoy a little story with our parody (something fellow mystery parody ...Go to Helena Handbasket sorely missed). It involves Harry Houdini, Dashiell Hammett, Arthur Conan Doyle, John Huston, and the sexually explicit diaries of Mary Astor, connecting them all in a plot reminiscent of The Maltese Falcon: the search for a raccoon with connections to The Honeymooners.

There is also a scathingly funny portrait of author Philip Roth, who manages to find anti-Semitism in the pages of Braun and then goes on to insult practically every other living author in addition to proclaiming how every one of his own novels should have won the Pulitzer Prize. Kaplow leaves practically no stone uninsulted in The Cat Who Killed Lilian Jackson Braun, making it a sure-fire humor bet for those who don't mind a big dollop of tastelessness with their parody (one character's gaseous emissions "wailed like an artillery shell"). Arte Johnson's reading of the audiobook only makes the blend sweeter, levying a snide George Guidall impersonation (the reader of all the Lilian Jackson Braun audiobooks) along with his insightful reading (and a chance to do some of his old Laugh-In voices again).

In the 8th book in The Cat Who...series, James Qwilleran aka "Qwill", is busy with the first issue of the redesigned newspaper to be published in Moose County (400 miles north of everywhere). He is currently living with his two beautiful Siamese cats (KoKo and Yum Yum) in an apartment over the old Klingenschoen garage and has settled in for a five year stay to fulfill the requirements of Aunt Fanny's will.

As the book begins, Moose County is dealing with a rash of vandalism that has been escalating to increasingly violent acts. One of the suspects in the vandalism ring is Chad Lanspeak, son of the owners of the Lanspeak's Department Store. As Chad's parents are good friends of Qwill, he tries to befriend the young man, and begins to believe that Chad was not involved in the violence. A murder of two prominent citizens occurs, and the prime suspects in the murder are Chad and his friends. When a car crash kills Chad and two other suspects in the vandalism ring, the police are quick to close the case. Qwill suspects that the police have closed the case prematurely, and continues to quietly investigate. With KoKo developing a fascination with glue, and Polly becoming more and more distant to his affections, Qwill is kept busy while trying to solve the murders and to clear the name of his good friend's son.

This is my favorite cozy mystery series! I had read all of the books in the past, and wanted to read them again for a second time. This time around, I have chosen to listen to them on CD, as I love the voice of George Guidall. I am happily rediscovering how Qwill became a long-time resident of Moose County, and how many of the series regulars join him from "down below". This installment discusses how the newspaper is launched, and how Qwill starts to write his famous column.

This is a great series by my favorite author!

The first book in the series is called "The Cat who Could Read Backwards". Enjoy!

Right up until the end, I wasn't sure "who dun-it." It was one of her better books and I really enjoyed it. I stayed up all night just so I would know who was the murderer because the suspense was killing me.

I have been a fan of the Lilian Jackson Braun series for many years, and received this book as a gift a few weeks ago. I enjoyed the quizzes, as they were not of the typical quiz book variety. Each quiz appealed to the me as a reader of the series. My only regret is I did not buy this book for myself sooner. A great book to take on vacation...

KoKo would be knocking this book off the shelf, yowling, "Pay attention! You must have this!"

By no means does one find the typical list of simple, answer-apparent questions throughout this Quiz book. Dr. Headrick's academic background shines forth as he has designed a companion book which appeals to all levels of Cat Who... aficionados ~~ from the `light' readers to the most serious. With many different modalities of questions, ranging from easy, general questions to ones requiring close attention during reading, this companion book is great fun for all readers.

How well do you really know `The Women in Quill's Life'? The idiosyncrasies of KoKo and Yum Yum? What one would see if meandering through Pickax and Moose County? Through Junktown? Most importantly, the history of Qwill's life and all the continuing characters who changed his life's path?

You may consider yourself well-versed in your readings of The Cat Who ... books, but be prepared for surprises. After taking one quiz in this Quiz Book, you'll find yourself reading the next with much more attention and care.

The Cat Who Quiz Book is not designed to be a scholarly study of Lilian Jackson Braun's infamous series, but through Dr. Headrick's book, one does pay closer attention during readings. It's an absolute must to have on hand after reading a Cat Who ... book, challenging yourself to better your score than on the last one read. Also so makes one wish Dr. Headrick was the prof in your classroom, stimulating one's brain in the most entertaining way!

The Cat Who Quiz Book is definitely challenging, thought provoking and such great fun. A perfect `game' book for get togethers with fellow Cat Who ... readers or for a great solitary escape time. Yes, you may have to reread a Cat Who ... book to complete a quiz, but that's the best part. On your next read, be on the lookout for those salient factors .... the mystery continues as you see how well you do!

Highly recommended!!!!