Lee Books

This is a fabulous book. I happened to see a documentary on PBS about this family. So after watching it, I checked out Amazon to see if there was a book, also. I ordered the book and read it in 1 day. I could not put it down. Highly recommended!!

I really don't like to read...let alone do a report on something that I have read! I don't know why, but I actually like doing it for this book...... It has some really funny, sad, and just odd things in it. I mean who would have a pet goat as a kid? I am in Highschool and lots of my friends and teachers were all dying to read this book. I would sit in class and read bits and pieces and the kids around me would always want to hear more...it was weird! Stuff like having a boxing ring in the front yard, or ten sisters sleeping in one bed not knowing who wet the bed in the morning...for some reason that sparked their interest???? Then there was the sad stuff in the book that was described in detail. It really made me learn a lot more then I already knew about these ladies, it's like stepping into their shoes (although they didn't wear them too often) I really like the book, after I read it there were just soo many things to tell about it in the report I did for my sophmore English class that it ended up getting an "A"...which is odd for me! :) This book is great...there are just soo many things to like about it, so many stories. The part I really like about the book though was that sometimes the sisters had different view points about the story, it was kinda neat to see what each one said about certain things...if they remembered or included it. And living in Iowa, it was a big highlight of my life...not many things can do that here! thanx-AM

Courage comes at an early age... these women had it in 1942 and even today display that same courage. As I know each one of these women personnally, my review may be a bit biased...but anyone that reads this work will see that I am only telling the facts. Each sister is a remarkable work of art. This book is a true "Love story" about "Family" and the meaning it gives to our lives. "Divided" as a family at such an early age has given great meaning to "togetherness" as each sister worked their way from mid 20th Century to present day.... Their style of writing is free and bold as they tell of perceptions and feelings. Just to get ten sisters to sit down and author a book together is almost fiction. Yet again their spirit of "one for all" won out, and I, a reader won too. This book is "true LIFE" at its worst, and best

I became interested in "Ten Sisters" when I noticed that the story took place in my home state of Illinois, but specifically central Illinois. I just graduated from EIU which is located in Charleston and just next door to Mattoon. Reading about the Waggoners in those towns was such a joy, but meeting nine of the sisters was an even greater honor. They signed my book at the mall in Mattoon and were extremely gracious at my interest in their stories. I wasn't able to finish the novel before I met them, but even so, reading the chapters after I had met the authors gave the book a personal touch. I was in disbelief at some of the personal trials they went through. It is amazing that any of them survived so much heartache and uncertainty! My favorite aspect of the book is how Jenny and the older sisters wrote about the same period of time, but by the time you get to Vera's, Audrey's, and Doris' chapters, you are set in a completely different timeframe with completely different lifestyles. It is amazing how so many different stories come out of one very close, very special family. They told me that they will be coming out with an audio version of the book and they'll be featured in a popular women's magazine in Nov. or Dec. I'll be sure to check it out, and you should too!

It was recommended by my friends to read Mr. Weems' book. It is very easy to read and smoothly written. The author slowly and naturally brings the story to its climax through the narration of the little brother. The main character in my opinion is his sister, and with her ghostly appearances in her brother's dreams helped to reveal the family's past with painful memories. While intrigued by the concept of ghosts throughout the entire book, it is in fact a tragic family drama with some disturbing details.

If ghosts do exist, I wish they all come out of the dark place and rest in peace.

The story opens slowly with the disjointed ramblings of an old man close to death. As the ramblings begin to shift into focus, the narrative switches to twelve-year-old Sol, explaining the ghosts in his life. The account focuses on one short month in Sol's life, using the memories recounted to him by others and his own logical guesses to fill in missing information.

Sol appears as a carefree farm boy near the turn of the century, and while the time and setting are important to the tale he unfolds, it is a story without time or place. There are undercurrents around Sol over which he has no control; his destiny is largely decided by the decisions and misunderstandings of those around him.

Weems' characters are dimensional, human; they are people we meet daily. His narrative moves like an undertow--pulling the reader relentlessly, but not overt. The reader wants Sol to prevail over the evil in the world and is caught in his story. The author sees most people as basically good, and he offers to each the opportunity for a happy ending. It is a hypnotic story. We can hope the Weems has many more.

BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Solomon Mayfield is haunted by the ghosts of his past. An old man in a nursing home, Sol has kept the secrets of his childhood hidden for many years. Bur when he dies in his sleep, those secrets come come back to haunt him along with some others he never knew.

In the summer of 1909, twelve year old Sol wakes to find his world changed. His mother and sister have disappeared, leaving Sol behind with his alcoholic father, Pap, who has a violent temper and troubled past. Everyone in the small farming community suspects Pap is hiding something, but what it is, no one truly knows. Sol's own suspicions strengthen as he begins to have visions of his sister's ghost, seeking him out from the dark place. In his search for teh truth, Sol will walk a strange path into the past and the place where the dead dwell. It is there he will discover the secret of the ghosts of Varner Creek.

Eighty something year old Solomon Grady lives in a nursing home where he is constantly visited by the ghost of a woman whose face is in shadows. When he dies he meets up with loved one and sees the events that led up to the tragedy that changed his life in 1909 when he was only twelve years old. Sol's mother Annie caught the attention of field hand Abram Mayfield and though she didn't love him she felt she had to marry him when he made her pregnant.

This was not a happy marriage and Sol remembers as a child that his pap used to hit and shove his mother leaving bruises on her face and arms. One day he beats her so hard he almost kills her; his father's best friend Colby who married Annie's sister Emma intervenes and beats him up. After that he stops hitting her and starts in on Sol. On the day of his sister Sarah's birthday everyone notices she is preoccupied. The next day when he wakes up Abram tells him his mother left them and took his sister with her. When he goes to stay at his Aunt Emma's home he sees the ghost of Sarah and starts to wonder if his mother and sister really deserted him after all.

This is as much a mystery as it is a family drama focusing on a drunken abusive man who makes life miserable for everyone who loved him. Readers will have no sympathy for passive Annie who is has been so beaten into submission that she is unable to prevent her husband from hitting her child or treating his offspring and wife as slaves to be abused. This tale is very atmospheric with dark overtones that imply a paranormal gothic mystery.

Harriet Klausner

I HAVE LISTENED WITH GREAT INTEREST TO THE HISTORY OF THIS HEMISPHERE HAVING DROPPED THE SUBJECT AT SCHOOL THROUGH SHEER BOREDOM. SO MUCH ITS CONTENT HAS HAD ME AMAZED.

I was totally captivated! What an incredible, sweeping history, sumptuously written and produced; rich by far in audio than if it were produced on film. Bravo BBC! At one point I even briefly understood the English soccer hooligans - after all, rampaging around the Continent thumping foreigners is only what their predecessors have done for 1000 years! With an incredibly rich and diverse history and an incalculable contribution to the world's culture (hooliganism excepted!), Britons almost have the right to be admired and to be what they are not - arrogant and boastful. We must admire too, their charm, wit and self-effacing modesty. A tip of the hat from California!

I am almost ashamed to admit that the book version of this title sat on my bookshelf for a year, as I thought it would be a very cumbersome read. Recently I picked up a CD version, of the title, from my local library. (There are approximately 10 CD's, each covering approx. 200 years of history). Now I am devouring the book, wondering why I waited so long to read it. I have borrowed & re-borrowed the CD's from the library, & I listen to them at home over & over again. What I particularly like about this title is the way the author refers to contemporary documents relevant to the time in history being covered. Christopher Lee has taken a subject which, in other's hands, can sometimes be flat & 'dry', & he has created a masterpiece. If you have even the slighest interest in history I urge you to either read the print version of the title, or if you can't get your hands on that beg or borrow a copy, in either print, on tape, or on CD. You WON'T be disappointed. I only wish someone would produce a masterpiece of this calibre for 'other' history e.g. French, Italian etc Oh, & BTW, 'This Sceptred Isle - Twentieth Century' has just hit the shelves in Australia. I have already purchased my copy. I expect it will be every bit as good as '55BC - 1901'

Given sets of these tapes as a holiday gift, I was slowed in my enthusiasm toward the givers. Facing a long drive, with ample entertainment backup, I listened to the first of many tapes. Could history on tape possibly subvert popular culture and current events ? I have now listened to these tapes more than 6 times. The presentation, content, and most of all attitude of the material is addictive. The BBC should be commended again for their quality educational products, and their significant contributions toward restoring the positive reputation of the British people. I HIGHLY recommend purchasing these tapes for yourselves and your children's enlightenment.

My mother first came across this book when she checked it out of the library for my niece (my niece was about four years old at the time). While they soon realized that the book seemed to be targeted at a younger audience, they discovered that it was also a wonderful first-time reader since the entire book contains only five words: Three / Yellow / Dogs / Run / Home. My niece was so proud of herself when she mastered this book and was eager to continue her reading journey. My son, Alex, just turned four and my mother checked out "Three Yellow Dogs" for him. He easily mastered the five words and is very excited that he can actually read this whole book by himself. In addition, he just loves the illustrations and likes to discuss them as well. Thanks to this book, my son has developed an interest in continuing his reading journey and has the confidence to do so. I highly recommend this book for all first-time readers.

My mother first came across this book when she checked it out of the library for my niece (my niece was about four years old at the time). While they soon realized that the book seemed to be targeted at a younger audience, they discovered that it was also a wonderful first-time reader since the entire book contains only five words: Three / Yellow / Dogs / Run / Home. My niece was so proud of herself when she mastered this book and was eager to continue her reading journey. My son, Alex, just turned four and my mother checked out "Three Yellow Dogs" for him. He easily mastered the five words and is very excited that he can actually read this whole book by himself. In addition, he just loves the illustrations and likes to discuss them as well. Thanks to this book, my son has developed an interest in continuing his reading journey and has the confidence to do so. I highly recommend this book for all first-time readers.

My mother first came across this book when she checked it out of the library for my niece (my niece was about four years old at the time). While they soon realized that the book seemed to be targeted at a younger audience, they discovered that it was also a wonderful first-time reader since the entire book contains only five words: Three / Yellow / Dogs / Run / Home. My niece was so proud of herself when she mastered this book and was eager to continue her reading journey. My son, Alex, just turned four and my mother checked out "Three Yellow Dogs" for him. He easily mastered the five words and is very excited that he can actually read this whole book by himself. In addition, he just loves the illustrations and likes to discuss them as well. Thanks to this book, my son has developed an interest in continuing his reading journey and has the confidence to do so. I highly recommend this book for all first-time readers.

My mother first came across this book when she checked it outof the library for my niece (my niece was about four years old at thetime). While they soon realized that the book seemed to be targeted at a younger audience, they discovered that it was also a wonderful first-time reader since the entire book contains only five words: Three / Yellow / Dogs / Run / Home. My niece was so proud of herself when she mastered this book and was eager to continue her reading journey. My son, Alex, just turned four and my mother checked out "Three Yellow Dogs" for him. He easily mastered the five words and is very excited that he can actually read this whole book by himself. In addition, he just loves the illustrations and likes to discuss them as well. Thanks to this book, my son has developed an interest in continuing his reading journey and has the confidence to do so. I highly recommend this book for all first-time readers.

As an avid reader - over 150 books per year - thrillers and books with suspense in them are my favorites!! As a long time advocate of the International Thriller Writers website, I LOVED and HIGHLY recommend this anthology.

First of all, it allows you to sample - like a Chinese food menue - different authors. Then, if you like the story, you can search Amazon for additional works by that Author.

I've discovered some new authors this way, and have had HOURS of fun.

Run - do NOT walk - and get this book. I'm certain that you too will find many hours of enjoyment within its covers.

Several mystery/thriller authors have gotten together to form a new professional organization and this book is a first - a thriller anthology. Thirty thriller writers have contributed short stories; James Patterson introduces each author and his/her story.

The settings are varied - France, England, New York, old west and anywhere the writers' imaginations take them. The time periods vary - anywhere from the 1700's to present day. I confess I started a few of the stories and had to skip to the next one. But most are quick reads with a twist at the end. I hope to see another book from the group.

Great read for both old-time thrill readers or anyone new to this genre. Short stories from some of the best "thrill" writers around. Many of the writers use characters that they have developed in their other books. A must read for anyone that enjoys a good "thrill". Thanks to James Patterson (editor) and the International Thriller Writers, Inc. I hope they are willing to put together a Thriller II.

There are a few reasons you should read this book. First, it is likely you will get a taste of the writings of authors you otherwise would not have ever tried.
Second, there are variations here on what defines a "thriller." Don't be prejudiced by your own definition of the term -- read these with an open mind to possibilities.
Third, if your life is as hectic as mine, it is great to be able to dip in for 20 or 30 minutes and enjoying a complete quality story; there are many of them in this collection.
Finally, many reviewers here write about how the collection was weak except for... and then they name the few stories they think were best. Peruse the reviews and you will see they are not all the same few stories... all in all, most of the stories were enjoyed by someone here! Which is to say that the lower ratings are because of TASTE, not QUALITY. Enjoy the breadth, indulge in your favorites, and don't be deterred by the selective ratings of the reviewers here.
A quality anthology -- can't wait for Vol 2!!

I bought two copies of the book -- one for me, and one for my 6-year old granddaughter to take home, and I can't wait to read it with her. Tilly's "eyes" on the cover compelled me to read the book as soon as I opened the package from Amazon. After reading it, I felt the desire to order more copies to give as gifts. This is a wonderful example of what life is about. Everything about this book is excellent -- from the story with its wonderful "cast of characters," to the drawings, to the lessons learned from the compassion of the kind verinarian to Tilly's rescuers and barnyard friends. I plan to keep it on my table to remind me of what life is about. Thanks to the authors and everyone involved.

I read this book and it is about a deer who was all alone...Tilly was rescued, cared for, and found comfort in her new friends at her new home, a barn with many friendly animals. Even as she suffered a serious leg injury, her animal friends at the barn waited for her and stood by her.
Ultimately, regardless of her leg injury, Tilly showed the strength to help other baby deer who were later rescued and brought to the barn, just as she was.
This is a very heartfelt story about animals and people who care about animals. It shows how a little "kindness" can give so much "strength."

Based on a true story, Tilly...A Deer's Tale by Lee Manning-Vogelstein, Elizabeth Walker and Kristin Currid is the story of a young deer rescued from a river and raised on a farm, who is gradually prepared for release into the wild. Tilly... A Deer's Tale emphasizes respect for living things, and sees the world through the wide eyes of animals learning to grow up and fend for themselves, and teach others to do the same. Gentle, realistic color illustrations bring this heartwarming story to life. Highly recommended. A portion of the proceeds for Tilly... A Deer's Tale will be donated by the author to local animal rescue efforts.

I love the fact that this story teaches kids to be accepting of others with disabilities and to be compassionate. My daughters loved the book. With everything kids have to deal with today in schools I'm glad there are books like this one with a positive message.

If you, like me, dream of exploring space, then this is the book for you to read. This book litteraly puts you in the shuttle during one of the flights. From countdown to landing, this book takes you through it all. Out of all the astronaut books that I have read, this one is the best.

This is a wonderful, well-written book about a space shuttle mission from start to finish. My 7-year old was enthralled by the book and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it to him. The book covers topics that are of interest to kids as well as adults, such as how astronauts go to the bathroom in space, how they eat, sleep and shave, etc. It also covers topics that earthbound folk such as me never even thought about, such as what is done with all the weightless hair, crumbs, and the like that float around the cabin at the end of the day. The topics range from the mundane to the scientific. Orbit, launching and retrieving sattelites, and scientific experiments are discussed in easily understable language. I highly recommend this book.

Heard the taped version of TO SPACE AND BACK by Sally Ride, the first American woman to fly in space . . . though supposedly written for a young adult audience, I nevertheless found it a fascinating account of what it would be to like to have to eat, sleep and work while circling the Earth.

It has also made me think twice about consuming something as simple as a peanut butter sandwich . . . while you or I would just go to our fridge and prepare such a delicacy in minutes, when in space, you can't just do this whenever you want to . . . you must have at least one other person with you at all times to do such mundane tasks as hold the jar lid when you go to get a knife.

Long an advocate for improved science education, astronaut Sally Ride, the first American women to fly in space, has written four children's books: "Voyager: An Adventure to the Edge of the Solar System"; "The Third Planet: Exploring the Earth from Space"; "The Mystery of Mars"; and this one, "To Space and Back."

In this book Dr. Ride takes children on a first person tour of a space shuttle mission. She describes preparations for the flight, the actual launch, orbital flight with its characteristic weightlessness, and the return to Earth when the shuttle lands like an airplane on a runway.

As an example of how she approaches this subject. She writes that at launch plus six minutes: "The force pushing us against the backs of our seats steadily increases. We can barely move because we're being held in place by a force of 3 g's--three times the force of gravity we feel on Earth. At first we don't mind it--we've all felt much more than that when we've done acrobatics in our jet training airplanes. But that lasted only a few seconds, and this seems to go on forever. After a couple of minutes of 3 g's, we're uncomfortable, straining to hold our books on our laps and craning our necks against the force to read the instruments. I find myself wisping we'd hurry up and get into orbit." Then she describes how, at about eight minutes after launch, the engines cut off and she is weightless in Earth orbit.

This book is a treat for young readers. It captures the excitement and mystery of space exploration as only a veteran astronaut--one who is both reflective and committed to the education of young people--can relate it. Share it with them.

I really was not interested in reading a book on slaves and war. So when I finally decided to read the book I could not put it down. The love scenes were so passionated and the strength that the famlies had for each other was so binding. You will enjoy this book.

I really was not interested in reading this book about slaves and war. When I finally decided to read the book I could not put it down. The love scenes were so passionated, and the togetherness that the families had for each other was so full of strength. You will be surprise at what this book holds.

An enjoyable read, full of intrigue and romance. Although I am no fan of the Civil War era, the story held my attention as these characters faced many obstacles to their love during the conflicts of war. I recommend this book to any one who loves an historically accurate and captivating drama.

This is a must-read book for anyone who loves historical romances, particularly those of the Civil War era. The characters are rich and full, with family ties and love being the strings that bind them all in one way or another. This is a novel of a family forced to deal with strong beliefs and opinions, frequently at odds with each other, but always with love enough to fill even the reader's heart. You will want to read every word on every page of this Civil War saga. I have just three more words to say: sequel, sequel, sequel!

This is a beautiful book. Hope and direction are offered from a clear account of the author's personal, direct experience. Innovative and clear, this is a must have for anyone wanting support in facing their experience of trauma... that scary place avoided at all costs.
Unique and accessible... I highly recommend this book.

This book really hit me. I have read many, many books on trauma and healing. In Trauma into Truth, Rythea Lee literally transforms her own trauma into a vibrant, edifying and entertaining Truth. Her truth - her discovery of her "innate goodness".

This book, tho it deals with very painful subject matter, is, well, again: vibrant! Reading it was like having really good seats at a really great play, one that is full of life, humor, honesty. The aliveness of this book is what hit me - Rythea Lee has gone beyond recovery - she's used her difficult life experiences to create something utterly beautiful. Not to mention funny, strong, kind and hopeful. I give this book a standing ovation!

Trauma into Truth is a smart, thoughtful, truthful journey about what to expect when one begins their own healing path. It is clear Rythea Lee has done a tremendous amount of her own healing work, it is evident on every page. If you are someone who prefers the author to have walked the walk, this book is for you. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is poised to begin their healing journey. As a Social Worker I also recommend this book to any therapist who works with clients healing from childhood trauma. As an added bonus, Trauma into Truth is filled with orginal art by Rythea Lee.

A treasure of poetic prose and powerful paintings that should be in every trauma therapist's waiting room. A coffee table book for trauma survivors who, like the author, have "come to know and experience one's own innate goodness" (p. 1).

I think most believers, after initial salvation, want to please God. So they attempt to try and do something for God. Even many sermons given speak much on worship in a manner of working for the Lord but the source is of one's own zeal rather then God's life opperation within. But immediately after the creation of man, God put man in front of the tree of life that man may take the tree of life as his food. God had no intention to ask man to do anything for Him. God's intention was that man would simply take God as his food!

These messages given by Witness Lee in Los Angeles, California in 1965 are still so crucial today, in an age when so many Christians are attempting to do something for God.

God after creating man put him in front of the tree of life. The tree of life signifies God in Christ as the Spirit. After God created man, God did not give man a list of commandments, but instead told man to eat of the tree of life. This strongly indicates that God's intention from the very beginning is for us to receive Him. Thus, the author changed my concept from one of doing something for God to one of opening to God and receiving God as the tree of life. Read this book for yourself and have your concept changed from doing to eating!

In The Tree of Life Witness Lee first presents that the "tree of life is God in Christ as the Spirit to be life to us." He shows that the way to the tree of life was closed because of the fall of Adam, but through Christ's redemption He has opened the way to the tree of life. He then goes on to show that the tree of life is the way for God to fulfill His purpose in creating man.

A striking point of this book is that the author pays equal attention to both the truths in the Scriptures and their practical applications. For example, he not only explores how the tree of life functions in Christian growth and transformation, but also dwells on how to feast on the tree of life through the word and prayer.

On the one hand, I appreciate the truth concerning the tree of life presented in this book. On the other hand, I treasure more its applications shown through the author's own personal experiences with the Lord. My daily fellowship with God was greatly helped when I applied what I had learned from this wonderful book.

The tree of life appears at the beginning of the Bible (Gen. 2), at the end of the Bible (Rev.22), and in different aspects, throughout the Old and New Testaments. What is this mysterious tree? It is not what, but a wonderful Who. It is the very God embodied in Jesus Christ and realized as the Spirit to be life to man. It is God in the form of food to be received by man. Though shattering to the natural, traditional, and religious concept, it is the central subject of the Bible, as Witness Lee clearly points out. The first thing God presented to man was not the law but the tree of life. This means that God's original intention and primary concern was that man would receive Him and enjoy Him. Even the redemption accomplished by Christ was not an end in itself but the procedure to bring fallen man back to the tree of life. Therefore, in the New Testament Christ is presented as 6 major items to His believers: life, light, food, drink, breath, and abode. All these are simply different aspects of the tree of life. Eventually in the New Jerusalem we will enjoy Christ as the tree of life for eternity.

As with many of Witness Lee's books, the writing is pleasantly simple, the message is spiritually profound, and the reading is absolutely enjoyable. This is a book that can revolutionize one's Christian life and bring it to a higher plane.