Jones Books

My boyfriend bought this book for me 22 years ago and it has followed me around through seven changes of address. I can honestly say that but for this book, I don't think I would have read Crime and Punishment or The Grapes of Wrath. I wanted to be sure I was getting all the jokes. It was funny in 1984 and it is still funny.

To save the Cleavers from the network axe, past and contemporary literary giants pour forth their own "episodes" for the Beave and crew. Everyone's character --including Eddie Haskell--gets fleshed out in ways you'll never see on Nickelodeon. Personal favorites include Tennessee William's turn on Miss Landers and June. Brilliant and absurdly funny blend of high prose and Americana 50's schmaltz. Made me laugh out loud at every read.

When I first read the Dostoevsky episode ("Hey, Wally, do you think it's OK to kill an old lady?" "I don't know, Beav. We haven't gotten that far in civics."), I was in convulsions. This is the funniest book in the history of Western Civilization, even funnier than "The Lazlo Letters," and that's saying something. That it is out of print is some kind of culture crime.

In an attempt to save "Leave It To Beaver" from going off the air in 1963, famous authors submit scripts hoping their influence will persuade the network from dumping the show. Scripts include "Lady Cleaver's Beaver" by D. H. Lawrence, "Beavermorphosis" by Franz Kafka (where Theodore actually transforms into a giant beaver), and my personal favorite "And Thus Spake Beaver" by Nietzche ... "And Beaver descended alone from the house encountering no one, and all at once there stood before him Larry Mondello who bit into an apple. And thus spake Beaver unto Larry Mondello, 'Shared cookies make a friend, not getting in trouble together', and he punched Larry Mondello in the stomach." If you love the Beave and love Literary Parodies, you'll love this book.

Wow -- it's nice to see that there are other people out there who have read this book and loved it as much as I did. I bought the book when it first came out in 1985 and I was in college. I almost peed my pants reading it in the bookstore, so I figured I'd better buy it before they threw me out. I still have it on my shelf, and it's provided countless hours of amusement ever since. About the only books I would consider funnier than this one are George Ade's "Fables in Slang" and "More Fables in Slang", which are sadly almost unknown today. They should really reprint this, because it's as hilarious today as it was almost 15 years ago.

This is the second in a series of 3 and I loved every one. This is the first review I have ever written so it had to be really good for me to make this effort! I have read all of Pauline B. Jones' books except Do Wah Diddy Die, which I am about to start. Every one of these books really pulls you in and makes you want to read more. You can't put them down. I want to say I especially liked this Lonesome Lawman Series, but then I loved them all! So I can't really play favorites. It is very suspenseful & romantic with a little humor thrown in! I especially appreciated the author's humor. Read all of this author's books. You will be glad you did.

Phoebe Mentel (computer handle "Pathphinder") is very good in virtual reality computer simulations. She has gotten so good that finally she is going to do something she has longed for a long time to do. She is going after the very powerful Peter Harding with a little help from Phagan, her anonymous boss and a few other fellow runaway outcasts. But, almost from the beginning and thanks to a very small mistake on her part, things begin to go haywire.

At the same time, Deputy United States Marshall Jake Kirby is chasing the same group for other cyber rimes. He has been called to the scene of the death of one of his fugitives. Ollie Smith is dead and was wanted for a variety of computer crimes and high tech burglaries. Jake soon realizes that Dewey Hyatt, another man he is looking for has been to this same apartment where Ollie died.

Bryn Bailey of the FBI soon joins Jake in his inspection of the scene. She works electronic crimes and gotten a hot tip from the mysterious Phagan. She has been hunting him and he still sends her leads to other problems as well as attempting through cyberspace to romance her. While on level she is flattered and interested, on another level she is annoyed with how he toys with her. He toys with her again by leaving her a computer message in Smith's apartment.

While the computer isn't helpful, they find a couple of clues that lead them to JR's Bar in Estes Park, Colorado. Phoebe's one little mistake has lead them to her doorstep and she begins a cat and mouse game with Jake while at the same time, going forward in her plans for revenge. She has very personal reasons for going after Peter Harding and her hatred will not allow her to back down and change her plans now. Once committed, she can't let go. Phagan also plays his own game with in games and continues to seduce Bryn. Soon, both agents of law enforcement face the choice between their hearts and their jobs as the plan works towards a violent conclusion.

While I have simplified the story considerably, there is no simplifying the results of this book. This is a very good novel with plenty of action and complicated characters. The computer stuff was more of a background level and did not overshadow the plot or storyline. The characters are real and complex and the story has plenty of twists and turns. At 242 pages, it was well worth the read and I look forward to reading more work by this very enjoyable author.

Also the third part of Pauline Baird Jones's "Lonesome Lawman" series is definitely worth reading. We are reunited with old friends, hence fans of Matt, Dani, Jake and Phoebe shouldn't miss reading this novel on any account. Even Phagan is part of the gang again. All in all, a successful end to the saga of the good looking Kirby brothers. Action and fun guaranteed!

Once again Pauline Baird Jones gives her readers a great story of mystery, thrills, and romance. It's little wonder that she's becoming one of the fastest growing stars in the genre!

If you're facing a dull evening and want to liven it up with something warm and fun, pick up Pauline Jones's book. A fast paced interesting read.

Jigsaw Jones was trying to find a missing hamster. I liked this book. I don't have a favorite part because I liked the whole thing! You should read this book, too.

Jigsaw Jones: Case of Hermie the Missing Hamster is a detective novel featuring a wise-cracking PI who also happens to be in the second grade and have his office in a treehouse.

The most reluctant reader will become a dedicated fan of this book, turning the pages for one laugh after another until the satisfying conclusion.

This is a great book with some cute illustrations and it is most definitely not to be missed! Parents, buy this book for your child, and you will have a reader for life.

Bravo, James Preller!

I am so excited to find this series. My first grader loves mysteries, and these are well written. They are challenging enough, not intimidating with the print size, and have great pictures. Those are things that will capture his interest in the first place. They really do sound like a kid is talking. I think the thing I like the most is the choice of words that are used to describe coversations. Most of the books written for this age are "said," "asked," and rarely, things like "replied." This author uses much more interesting, descriptive words. I know that sounds trivial, but as an avid reader who hopes my son will continue to love reading as well, it's refreshing to see someone who takes time to pay attention to the choice of words that show how someone is talking, not just what they said.

I think this book is one of the best books in the world. It's probably my favorite of the first three Jigsaw Jones books. I like Jigsaw Jones because he's funny. He's the best detective in second grade. I'm going to be in second grade, too and it's fun reading about kids my age. I think other kids my age would like these books!

I would like to write areview of a book called The Case of the Missing Hamster. I like to read all kinds of mystery books. This is a book from the series Jigsaw Jones. I liked it because it talked about ways to figure out things. For one, a girl uses her senses because she was allergic to animal fur. I recommend the book to mystery fans. The series includes The Case of The Runaway Dog, The Case of the Secret Valentine, The Case of The Missing Hamster, The Case of The Christmas Snowman, The Case of the Spooky Sleepover, The case of the Stolen Baseball Cards, The case of the Mummy Mystery, and coming soon, The case of the Great Sled Race. Go to your local library and check out one of these books!

I am a teenager,and my mom always wants me to read.For my b-day she went to the Christian book store to find me a book I thought I would like.I really do not like reading.She bought me this book,and now I can not put it down!!! It is the best book I have ever read in my whole entire life!! I have books 1-9 and I am hoping to get more for Christmas.I really hope I do!!!! Merry Christmas Everyone!!!!!!

These books are wonderful!! I loved them. I can read the series and then start at the beginning and go through it all again!!!

The Christy Miller Series # 1-4 Are totally awesome. I loved them!! They give Christian perspectives on issues that teenage christians fight everyday. It also has twists of romance an tragedy! It is a totally awesome book And Anyone would LUV IT!! If you're a teen, get these books!!!!

My best friend introduced me to the Christy Miller series this summer. I haven't been able to put them down! Christy and her friends go through the exact same things that most teens face. Not only do you read ABOUT Christy, you get inside her head, which can be encouraging because she ISN'T perfect. She's just a normal girl. However, Christy has one advantage - a complete love relationship with a God who loves her more than anyone else ever can and is there to give her strength and courage 24/7. If you are a Christian girl looking for a romance book that will actually bring you closer to God - these books are for you. If you aren't a Christian, I dare you to discover with Christy all that God has for everyone who loves Him.

I first discovered the Christy Miller seris when I was in 8th grade and since then I have grown up with her. She has helped me understand how God works in my life and that he is always there!! This seris is THE BEST for teens and young adults both! I'm now a sophomore in college and the situations and words in the Christy Miller seris and Sierra Jenson seris still hold true. This is a MUST read for everyone!!!

The book was a very interesting look, and brilliantly put together, but there could have been more about the the kingdom of the crystal skull. Most of the book heavenly takes you into the world of the first 3 movies.

This is a great read and I recommend it to any Indy fan or reader that enjoys a good "making of movie" book.
From the same writer and style written as The making of Star Wars, this book has it all from the 4 movies. The introduction on how George Lucas and Steven Spielberg got the whole thing going was interesting. Learning all the funny little things that happened on set were amusing as well. Amazing pictures, I thought I'd seen all Indy pictures until I saw this book.
Definitely a good read and well, well worth the money.

This is one of the best books on my bookcase. It's just a great book. I paid $35 for it, and at that it was a bargain. It's even cheaper here, so absolutely no reason to buy it.

It begins with the origins of the Indiana Jones character recounted as the classic tale of what happens when Spielberg and Lucas joined forces. But with more detail than what I had heard previously. Then the process and making of each film is included with great pictures, storyboards and models of sets.

Then it ends with Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. The interesting part is how it details the development process and I was astonished about how many times Indy IV was going to be made and then pushed back for some reason.

A great purchase. Highly Recommended.

For any fan of the "Indy" film series, this is the ultimate book... While it does contain information we all may have heard or seen in archival footage or interviews on the two recent DVD releases, it also contains an abundant amount of new insight and some really great photographs straight out of the Lucasfilm Archives!

If you hated the new film, you can skip the last chapter, but it is also an insightful read - It also shows, and explains, in great detail how virtually every BAD idea associated with the series can be attributed to Lucas... who miraculously seems to win arguments with Spielberg just by wearing him down over time. While the book is never critical of Lucas, it nevertheless paints a less than flattering picture of him... It's odd that he let certain things come to light.

Anyway. This is the ultimate book for any hardcore "Indy" fan - a must buy.

I have to say that the research involved in this book was intensive. I am a pretty well-read fan of Lucas and Spielberg and I was still discovering cool snippets of information on every page.

If you need a frame of reference for the amount of love put into the writing of this book you should look at Rinzler's The Making of Star Wars, and Bouzereau's Star Wars: The Annotated Screenplays. If you liked those books, you will love this book too.

If you are a fairweather fan, you may find the information overwhelming. For those fans, this is not a fluff PR book put out by the marketing guys.

This truly is as "definitive" a chronicle of the "Indiana Jones" movies as you can get.

Last note...if you want this book in HARDCOVER, it is not available in North America. However, the remedy is very simple...go to AMAZON UK to get it in hardcover. Get it now while they are still available. At the time I'm writing this, they've already sold out of their softcover versions.

I've seen "Monty Python's Flying Circus" so many times that I can recite long stretches of it. But those guys are always using weird accents and manic deliveries ("My neeples explode with delight!"), and sometimes they're hard to understad.

Fortunately for those times, Python fans have "The Complete Monty Python's Flying Circus: All the Words," a series from the second half of the classic comedy skit show. These are only trascripts (a bit lacking in details), but still enormous fun and full of delightfully quotable lines ("And now my lords, my ladies... your LUPINS!").

It opes with the weird "Conquistador Coffee" sketch, in which a boss berates his employee for changing the brand's name to Conquistador Instant Leprosy. ("The tingling fresh coffee that brings you exciting new cholera, mange, dropsy, the clap, hard pad, and athlete's foot." "It was a soft sell, sir.")

And then it contains plenty of others: the cheese shop with no cheese, films with giant teeth, spam spam spam, cannibal undertakers, Njorl's it's-not-that-terrible saga, the BBC's financial troubles, the Money Programme, the pantomime horse, hairdressers climbing Everest, the war against pornography, Gumbys, Dennis Moore, kamikaze highlanders, and the golden age of ballooning ("I am so excited I can hardly wash!").

The dialogue to each one is carefully outlined, with each character identified as being played by one of the guys (like "Interviewer (JOHN)"), although we usually don't get to hear much about Terry Gilliam's mad animations. Most of these episodes are one long continuing sketch that spills from one scenario to the next, but occasionally we'll have different ones patched together.

These guys had a rare, crazy talent -- these sketches are crammed with glorious dialogue ("Drop your panties, Sir William. I cannot wait till lunchtime") and bizarre insults ("you cloth-eared heap of anteater's catarrh"). Not much description of the action in places, although in a few we get plenty of detail when it's called for (such as the weirdness convention).

The problem is that this should only be read after you've seen the series. If you don't, it all seems like a befuddling string of of stream-of-consciousness comedy numbers, full of in-jokes and surreal twists. You have a better chance of finding Ilchester in a cheese shop than understanding this without seeing the skits first.

In case you couldn't understand what Eric Idle was bibbling in one episode, or John Cleese was screaming in another, "The Complete Monty Python's Flying Circus: All the Words Volume 2" will tell you what is going on. No time to lose!

This item was purchased for my daughter and she absolutely loved it. It was received in good order and in a timely manner

The Complete Monty Python's Flying Circus: All the Words, Volume 2 is the second half of a set containing the scripts of the entire series (45 episodes). This book, volume 2, contains scripts for episode 24: "How not to be seen" through episode 45: "Party Political Broadcast". This book is more fun than an endless supply of "lupins". Both volumes make great companions to the MPFC video/dvd collection ("There you go, can't be bad.") and also unlike the DVDs, there are no edits, these are the original words. So that horrible "m" word that Graham said in episode 31: "The All England Summarize Proust Competition" is in this book. Enjoy!

Yours etc., Brigadier Mainwaring Smith Smith Smith etc., Deceased etc.

FYI-This is the same as the review of Volume 1. There was no real sense in distinguishing the two.

As a fan of MPFC since it first aired on PBS in 1973, these two volumes sort of put a cap on a 30 year fascination with the team. Maybe like me, you've watched every Python-Marathon or taped every show, but having these scripts really is the icing on the cake.

What's striking to me is the simplicity of the scripts. When you watch the episodes, the gags seem so complicated. Then to see The Dead Parrot sketch reduced to just a few pages, you realize how brilliant those guys were in terms of compression, and in terms of acting. An added plus, for me at least, was to finally see the words and phrases that I never quite "got" because they were unique to British English. From there, I logged on to a few websites on British slang and, boy, I realized what MPFC got away with...some of it was pretty raunchy. Anyway, this is two-volume set is priceless for any fan.

"It's satire."
"No, it isn't. This is zany madcap humour."

With that immortal exchange, nearly everything Pythonian is summed up. For those who haven't memorized every single Python skit (or for those who have and who are looking to free up some short-term memory), this book and its companion volume ("All The Words, Volume I") are must-haves. Every single word from every single bit ever done on "Monty Python's Flying Circus" is in here. It's a joy and a treasure and a non-stap laff riot.

Every Python nut is familiar with the "wink, wink, nudge, nudge" tale, the dead parrot sketch, the Ministry of Silly Walks and so on. But even beyond these justly famed classics, there is wonderfully silly stuff herein. I never realized until buying this and the companion Volume I how utterly the Python crew had mastered the gorgeously silly non-sequiter. To wit:

"Would Albert Einstein ever have hit upon the theory of relativity if he hadn't been clever?"

"Don't call me señor! I'm not a Spanish person. You must call me Mr. Biggles, or Group Captain Biggles, or Mary Biggles if I'm dressed as my wife, but never señor."

"I'm afraid we are unable to show you any more of that letter. We continue with a man with a stoat through his head."

"Were you worried when his head started to come loose?"

It just doesn't get any better than this, and being able to sit and peruse the scripts without watching the frenetic activity on the screen only goes to strengthen the generally accepted view that these guys were genius writers. As the book back states, these volumes are the winners of "the 1989 PYTHON PRIZE for their own books." ARE there higher honors than this?

"A Dead Man Speaks" is a top notch thriller with well-defined characters. I couldn't put the book down. It kept me guessing "who done it" until the very end. It was also thought provoking in showing how people are often a product of their pasts, and in order to move on forgiveness is key. A must read! Can't wait for the movie and the author's next book!

This is one of the best books I've read in a long time. Couldn't put it down once I picked it up. It's a mystery with a message on life, growing, self and other awareness, forgiving. It makes you think and ponder about your own experiences. Looking forward to more books from this author!

A Dead Man Speaks by Lisa Jones-Johnson is not only entertaining, but it has a very important message (unusual for a murder mystery) which the reader experiences as the story comes to a close, although you get glimpses of the message throughout the book as well. Congrats to the author on creating a murder mystery that includes this powerful message within its pages. I won't give anything away I shouldn't. While reading this book I felt like I could get into the hearts and minds of the characters involved because of the descriptive way their stories were told. What I liked most was that the author (Lisa Jones-Johnson) chose to have the reader view the lives of the characters as told through THEIR eyes/perspective and that made me feel like I really got to know the personality of the character on a more personal level. It was brilliantly written on so many levels and through the experiences of the characters raised my understanding a bit on the Civil Rights movement as well which I really appreciated. I highly recommend this book because it is not only entertaining (I couldn't put the book down) but it was thoughtfully written and highly worth my time.

This is hands down the best novel I've ever read. What makes it so? The intention of the Author to not only intrigue and entertainment, which she does most effectively, but her intention to provoke change in the reader.
Not since Shogun by James Clavell, have I been pulled into a novel and forced to carry it with me so I could take advantage of every spare moment to continue the journey. Not since Devil In The Blue Dress by Walter Mosley has a tale of the Black experience captivated me so thoroughly. And never, in any of these reading experiences have I walked away improved from the experienced. I'm talking about a tangible effective transformation based on the experience the finale of the book provoked in me. And do yourself a favor...don't read the end to see what I am talking about. Part of the process I experienced occurred because I resisted the urge to do so and flowed sequentially through the material and thus had the experience the Author intended and created the vehicle to accomplish.
Writing in multiple First Persons, Lisa Johnson gives us both the objective AND subjective experience of the major characters from her novel, an interesting juxtaposition of what we thought we knew from what we observed, and what the characters actually knew from their prospective, which results in a greater understanding of ourselves and what we might need to do to improve our self, as do the two main characters.
I think this book is the point of transition to the next area of literary focus, namely Human Transformation. So if you are almost tired of murder as the focus and subject matter of nearly all English writings in the fiction vain, and plan to stop reading the genre all together soon, then make A Dead Man Speaks your last stop along this road. I think you'll be glad you did.

I am an avid reader - and I love thrillers. I love books by Lee Child and James Lee Burke and everyone in between. This first novel by Lisa Jones-Johnson is very intriguing. And it certainly is worthy of the "in between" category I describe above. Her concept is so unique that at first I thought it might be contrived or the story line would be too obvious. But, happily, I was wrong on both counts. The characters are completely independent of each other- so much so that you will quickly visualize them as they take on their own form and personality. And for a first time novelist the consistency of the characters and the story line is remarkable. You can almost see this story "happening" before you as you read. It is definitely "film" material. The story itself, while simple, is seriously complicated by the nature of the basic theme-- a man unable to "let go" and die is trapped by the need to uncover his murderer and must "visit" those living persons who are involved in the crime to help guide them to the answers he - and they - seek - to solve the mystery.

I highly recommend this book to serious readers. It will "enter" you the same way the dying Clive January enters the minds and souls of those whose help he needs....And you will travel with them to unravel the clues and find the answers to this very fascinating story.

The Demise of Luleta Jones by Mark Allen Boone is an excellent literary novel.

The first chapter immediately tells of the suicide of Luleta Jones--an eccentric 39-years-old African American, public school teacher. Clayton Hemphill, a 75-year-old retiree and unwavering fan of Luleta, finds her body hanging from a rafter on the second floor of his 2-flat apartment building. Theophilous `Theo' Pugh, who tells the story through interviews, is an unrelenting reporter for the Chicago Weekly Word.

Theo comes to Lincoln Manor on the West Side of Chicago to profile the community and stumbles upon the story of Jones's suicide that had happened two years prior. He slowly uncovers how she died, power grabs by African American bourgeoisies, backstabbing, and family infighting. What becomes apparent is that Luleta was a person capable of seeing good in all people, a woman who believed that all human beings had worth. This cause love and hate relationships for the talented, self-confident, beautiful, independent woman. Theo's life is touched in startling ways. In his decision to put her life on paper, and in interviewing various members of the community, Theo falls in love with the deceased woman and is obsessed with her story. Could his obsession with Luleta cause Theophilous Pugh to lose his grip on reality?

Mark Allen Boone's methodical descent to the end is emotional, heartwarming and much unexpected. He is an excellent writer; his characters are so close to reality that you find yourself lost in each of their lives--so very true with the life of Luleta Jones. The Demise of Luleta Jones is indeed an excellent, fresh read. I hope to see more of his work in the near future.

Why do people get sidetracked with nonsense, things that don't feed the soul but rather things that fuel the ego and causes anger, jealousy, hatred and disruption? Some are able to nip nonsense in the bud before it consumes them - for reasons that we may never know some actually choose to be consumed as shown in the story - The Demise of Luleta Jones.

Luleta Jones, a free-spirit, caring, regal, phenomenal creature was not afraid to go against the status-quo. By simply being herself, uproar was created in a local African American community that eventually led to Luleta's downfall. The Demise of Luleta Jones shows what happens when ill-will feelings are invoked and allowed to control your very existence. Luleta - you either hated her or you loved her. What an intricate WEB we weave when we chose to hate. Without a doubt I loved Luleta - her character reminded me of a treasure - a treasure that was full of life and vitality with an aura that demanded respect.

And then there's Theo, the moralistic, happy go lucky, compassionate journalist that brings Luleta back to life; Theo is someone that I certainly hope to see again. Mark Boone created a captivating novel; he managed to eloquently intertwine so many facets of life into this story; human behavior, murder, drugs, greed, mystery and most of all love - it's a book that I highly recommend.

Sharon - Sisters Sippiin' Tea Literary Group - Tulsa Chapter

I found The Demise of Luleta Jones to be a well-paced, well-conceived novel that leaves me looking forward to Mr. Boone's next work of fiction. I enjoyed meeting each character and how he/she intersected with Luleta Jones. While I would not classify the book as a 'thriller' it certainly did hold my attention. I was readily able to visualize the characters and settings which lent to my enjoyment of the book.

Mark Allen Boone captured my attention (and bemusement) in the opening chapter - an evicted woman on the street with her grand piano and a passerby with a sudden urge to rescue the woman and the piano. No motivation, no long description of how the impulse was nutured, just one of those random things life throws at one; and, therefore, quite believable. He had me until chapter nine - Mrs. McBride, the wealthy snob whose sole purpose in life seems to be putting others down (she'd say, of course, that she's merely putting them in their (rightful) place.

Roughly, the structure of the book is that each chapter provides another character's perspective on the late (possibly lamented) Luleta Jones. As I continued with the book, I understood that Boone was deliberate in his use of characters to represent a social group's perspective - not to the extent of loosing individuality - to make the story a social commentary about human nature. As the plot and structure unfolded, I saw why he presented Mrs. McBride as he did.

What I appreciated most about the novel, however, is a very minor point - Boone has the perfect touch in finding an uncommon, perfectly-fitting aphorism. You have to find them for yourself - I'm not giving away the best part of the book :-)

I can't say that the book held my attention as well as some mysteries - until two-thirds of the way through, I could put the book down; I was never tempted to quit. While a mystery is an appropriate genre for this work, its focus is much more philosophical - what makes a person an example of life lived to the full, and why do others hate such a person? Boone's analysis is precisely on target - that makes the book well worth reading.

In 1996 Theophilous (Theo) Pugh, a writer for the "Chicago Weekly Word," composed an article about Lincoln Manor, a Chicago neighborhood that had undergone both racial change and gentrification to become "the West Side's crown jewel." He becomes fascinated, however, with the mysterious death of Luleta Jones a thirty-nine-year-old African American music teacher. The police made little of her death, ruling it as a suicide; but many people who knew her, including Clayton Hemphill, who keeps her memory alive with a museum in her honor, believe that she was murdered. Theo sets out on a dangerous journey in Mark Allen Boone's beautifully written novel to find out the truth about this elusive woman.

The novel opens with a unforgettable image of a woman (we soon learn it is Luleta) standing in the pouring rain with all of her possessions, including a grand piano that she has covered with plastic to protect it. Both Hemphill, the man who sees her, and the reader are both mesmerized by this character. A jeweler by trade, he compares Luleta to a diamond with many facets. Everyone sees her from a different angle and has his or her own opinion about her. I would love to know if she is based on a real person. I certainly would have liked to have known her.

Mr. Boone deftly brings serious topics into this mystery without being didactic: insurance redlining, white flight, racism and finally the plight of teachers and others who challenge the status quo by bringing fresh new ideas both into and outside the classroom. They listen to their own drummer but at their peril. (Luleta believed, for instance, that her responsibility as a music teacher was "to facilitate, to enable, to fling open the doors and throw up the windows so the music can get out to do what it was meant to do." Tell that to a high school principal who probably is sitting on two degrees in physical education.)

Mr. Boone's language is smooth as silk and highly descriptive. One character's skin is "eggplant-smooth," and another's is "raisin brown." He gets his Southern colloquialisms right too, ("you're not from around here, are you?") and reminded me that you make a military bed so tight that you can bounce a quarter off it. My favorite line, however, belongs to the character Mozelle when she speaks of her honesty: "As the old folks say, 'If I tell you a rooster dips snuff, you can look underneath his wing and find the tin.'"

This really good mystery that should appeal to all thoughtful readers does not turn out the way I had hoped it would, but then life doesn't either. Perhaps Boone will write more novels with Theo as the central character who will solve other cases while subtly teaching moral lessons much as the way Walter Mosley's Easy Rawlins does. We certainly hope so.

I am from Russia originally. This book tremendously helped me in improving my English and it was fun to read at the same time. I would recommend it to anybody who is trying to improve their English and comprehension skills. The book is funny and I laughed all through the book.

I love the stories and the format. My granddaughters and I have been lying outside in our hammock and taking turns reading aloud the introductory story and the dialogue. I think the stories are both engaging and humorous....a very difficult combination to find!

I think I enjoyed this book more than my kids did, and it is supposed to be for kids!

I loved this book even though I bought it for my kids.

This book is special! It teaches and is funny at the same time.

Following the advice in this book reduced my total cholesterol by 30 points, and my waistline by 15 pounds! No other book has been able to deliver like this one. I'm never bored by the recipes, and Jones makes it easy to shop, eat, and live a healthy life. Totally delectable and worth every penny.

We're discovering this cook book and we're just loving it. Last night we did a vegetarian meal that featured the Healthy Lentil Salad with Tomatoes and Radishes, Hearts of Palm, Tomato and Asparagus Salad, and the Romaine Lettuce with Chickpeas, Feta and Lemon Shallot Vinaigrette.... DELISH and totally filling.

We're also big fans of:

Chicken, Arugula, Sun-Dried Tomato, Olive, and Feta Cheese Pasta Salad
Chicken Fajitas with Homemade Guacamole (YUM! - Served it at a dinner party and it was a huge hit)
Feta and Fresh Basil Chicken Burgers
Turkey Loaf
Southwestern Breakfast Burrito

The recipes are very easy to make. The ingredients affordable. And the taste is something everyone in the family will appreciate!!!

This book has a very good introduction on how to change the way you cook and eat. The recipes are simple and easy to prepare. Basically shows how to replace high calorie ingredients with low-fat, non-fat ingredients. Quite good overall.

I have loved all the recipes so far. Recipes use some of the same ingredients so that you don't have to spend tons of money. Nice information sections of foods to stay away from and why. I feel heart healthier already.

Let me start by saying that I love this book! I'm not calling it a cookbook because it is so much more than that. It is also an easy to understand nutritional reference.
I do not have high cholesterol, nor does my husband or children, but I stumbled on this book and it quickly grabbed me. Anyone and everyone can benefit from following a heart-healthy diet.
The recipes are fantastic. Some of my family's favorites are: Black Bean Soup, Crab Cakes with tomatillo-avacado sauce, Sesame coated Yellowfin Tuna, Lupita's Lemon Chicken, Chicken Fajitas with homemade guacamole, Buffalo Burgers, and Cashew Chicken. I've made several wonderful vegetable and salad recipes as well. The desserts are delicious AND heart-healthy!
The book also helps me with making food choices when I need to pack processed snacks for my kids or when desperate measures call for fast food. The nutritional information that I gained from this book is invaluable. A MUST READ!