N Books

I am very disappointed in this study. Very little practical application in the daily lessons. I'm so used to Beth Moore "talking to me" every day in her lessons, this has been a bit disappointing. Lots of Bible verses, but tell me what I'm supposed to be getting from this.

If you feel like you have gotten off track with the path God wants you to go I highly recommend this book. I have taken each chapter and really applied it to my prayer life and the results have been amazing. When you turn to God first life doesn't seem so bad.

This is the first Omartian book I have read, and I love it. The breakdown is short easy chapters, so I can read a few minutes and still cover a topic. Great advise and insights are on every page. I also plan to use it as a reference/refresher when I need advice.

Don't order from Caesureus I hear the book is very good. Still have not recieved shipment though ordered over a mont ago!

This is an excellent book. It was recommended to me by a friend and worth every penny. Extremely motivating. I have two other books in the series that I enjoy just as much.

A beautiful story about how friendship can endure despite time, distance, and life's circumstances. I could see pieces of myself in each of the main characters. I bought this four years ago, and , sadly, let it sit on the shelf all these years. Although I haven't been able to find the time to read a book all the way through in the past 4 years, I read this one from cover to cover in 2 days! I highly recommend it! I'm now sending it to my best friend who lives several states away.

Between Friends centers around friends Jillian Lawton and Lesley Adamski. The two girls are born in the same town, Jillian to wealthy older parents who have long-awaited their first child, and Lesley as a result of an unplanned teenage pregnancy; despite the differences in their backgrounds, the girls become fast friends. Rather than tell their story through traditional narrative means, author Debbie Macomber draws from alternate sources, namely letters that Jillian and Lesley write to each other but also their journals, news clippings, and other correspondence. I enjoyed this unique format, which lends itself particularly well to quick and easy reading.

Jillian and Lesley were both born in 1948, and so they were teenagers in the 1960s, when they struggled to make sense of issues going in their world going on at that time, namely Vietnam. Throughout the book, Macomber does a nice job of working in historical events. Vietnam figures heavily into the plot, but other events, such as the American Legion convention and the advent of the computer age, affect the characters as well. Sometimes these inclusions were a bit predictable or even contrived (eg, one letter contained the postscript "my land, what is the world coming to that people are tainting headache pills with cyanide?"), but even so, they added interest to the story.

This was the first book I read by Debbie Macomber, but it won't be the last. Although this book is likely to appeal mainly to women, Macomber injects a genuineness and warmth into her story that goes beyond "chick lit," and I look forward to discovering what else she has to offer.

There isn't any thing about this book that I didn't like. It grabbed my interest from the very beginning and had me reading it until the wee hours of the night, I just could not put it down. I fell in love with the characters and felt as though I were a part of their friendship. I especially loved the format of this book: journal entries, letters, etc.
I highly recommend this book!

Between Friends is the story of 2 girls that became friends at the age of 5 and remained best friends all their lives. The entire book was written in the format of letters, journal entries, and newspaper clippings. It was a strange format, and yet it seemed to give us a deeper glimpse into the lives of these 2 very different women.

Lesley grew up the oldest of 6 kids in a working class family. Her dad spent more time out of work than he did employeed, and her mom had to learn to live with him and all his faults. Jillian, the only child of Judge and his wife, grew up in the lap of luxary. And yet, through time and completely different circumstances, they stayed friends. This book encompasses decades in the lives of the 2 friends, through marriage, children, divorce, death and war. At times a little sappy and at times very touching, I found this book very enjoyable.

I absolutely loved this book. This author is so very talented and this particular book truly showcases her talents for capturing life and friendship.

As a parent who contributed a personal story to this book, I was so delighted to read what all the other parents who contributed had to say. I could find a piece of myself or my child in every story. I agree that this should be required reading for all educational professionals before they enter a classroom.

Lorie B.

This book is a must have for any parents with special needs kids. The stories are riveting and triumphant and heartbreaking all at the same time. True to life stories of how parents deal with these kids. You go from one story to the next. I found it impossible to put down and I don't even have children!

Gerard Zemek
husband of author of "My Funny Dad, Harry"

I loved this book! The stories were wonderful. It takes bravery to be so open and honest. Every story had something I could relate to as a parent and as a parent of special needs children. It was wonderful!

If you are looking for an honest book and not a sugar coated foo foo book, this is for you! The title says it all - The extraordinary HIGHS and heartbreaking LOWS...it's all covered. I have read this book, highlighted, circled, folded pages and bookmarked sentimental excerpts. I keep it handy for the rough days and lend it out to other parents who need a little reassurance that they are not alone. No matter what hand you've been dealt, there is something written in this book by someone like you. You will smile as recognize the rewards other parents have experienced and cry because you have been there. This is my personal bible, exactly what I need to pick me up on the hard days and remind me how blessed I am on the good days.

As the mother of a special needs, medically fragile child, I appreciate the honest writing of the essays in the book. Most of them are great. However I found a couple offensive--and I'm not easily offended. A couple parents assume that having kids with physical and easily recognizable disabilities is easier than having a child with an "invisible" disability. Even going so far as to say it's easy for schools to accommodate a child in a wheel chair. Anyone whose dealt with the public school system knows that's not true. I know there is a tendency to feel like your child's disability is worse than any other and that the grass is always greener. But we are one big special needs family and perhaps divisive essays should not have been included.

As RED's editor, my policy is never to be the one posting these--even when readers email to tell me they're too young or don't have/can't open Amazon accounts. No one wants to hear it from me. Ewwwww. But in this case, an exception because I love that a boy was moved enough by RED to be bothered to spread the word. Plus, it's the 4th of July and I'm all for more generous American relations with the rest of the world. Here's what James Shepherd, a 23-year-old MALE fan in London, posted two days ago on Amazon UK (no account for the US version):

"An enjoyable and educational read for all teens! The book contains 58 essays by young American women. All the essays are accounts of real events from the viewpoint of the author. From how the events of 911 affected some, to hurricane katrina, from bullying to boys and beauty.

I originally got this book because of one essay in it that i wanted to read...i ended up reading the whole thing! (in about 4 days i might add)
This book is so amazing! I think all young women should read this book, which is why i am making my sister read it. I hope she learns from it. I just wish i had read this when i was a teen i might have had a better understanding of you lot lol."

Posting this review on behalf of my 13-year-old daughter who doesn't have her own amazon account:

"Books written by older generations to ours about being a teenager are
stupid and irritating. Finally here is a book from our generation
telling it like it is."

The world really is a different place for our girls than it was when we were growing up. This book has helped this particular irritating mother get a clue.

From the introduction by editor Amy Goldwasser, Red: The Next Generation of American Writers provides countless insights about today's adolescent women, through the eyes of 58 essayists from around the U.S.
Goldwasser, a long-time editor and free-lance writer, culled the collection from more than 800 entries she received after sending out an e-mail to a group of friends, asking them to put her in touch with teen-age girls who might be interested in contributing to a collection of essays. She edited very little and found the essays fell into eight, natural categories: body image (the vast majority of essays fell into this category), family, school, friendships, crushes and sex, extracurricular, media and pop culture and a chapter she subtitled "Battle Cries."
"As opposed to a collection held together by adult writers on a single theme," Goldwasser writes, "the essays in Red have, really, only one thing in common. It's their heart."
Indeed, these girls open their hearts wide, pouring out love and anger and frustration and attitude in a riotous, ever-widening stream of consciousness. Some voices seem polished and thoughtful, others carve words from raw emotion. They discuss subjects as intimate as a sexual relationship, as excruciating as suicide attempts and eating disorders, as touching as a tribute to a lost friend and as hysterically funny as the kind of incomprehensible behavior that comes with having a crush.
Three of the essays come from Michigan girls, including twins Hannah and Sarah Morris, who confront not only their similarities, but their differences. Though biologically identical, they seem quite different in outlook and voice; according to Sarah, they look different as well. She worries about her sister's weight and the toll she believes it will take in the future. Hannah focuses more attention on their family relationships and what it means to be a twin. What they share in sisterhood, however, far outshines any differences.
These glimpses into the hearts of young women show us not only how today's generation differs in its dependence on technology and its powerful impact on relationships and education, but also how much these young women share with previous generations. We all fell in love with boy-out-of-reach, we all came to terms with our first bras, we all loved/hated our mothers.
And in Red, we now have a platform upon which to share these memories, these bits and pieces of the female collective.

RED is the most truthful book on my shelf. These girls' stories are potent, there is no watering down--everybody can find a piece of her(or his)self in here.

This collection of essays compiled by Amy Goldwasser is nothing less than a masterpiece, as it eschews the typical teenage bubble-gum-book syndrome in favor of a richly detailed, complex, emotive and, above all, substantial body of work from an array of teenage young women as diverse as their topics.

A standout is Carey Dunne's hysterical essay, "Gym at Riverton," about surviving gym class at private school. Also exceptional: Kathryn Pavia's essay "The Fourth Floor," which is an account of her brother's ilnness, but done in an incredibly subtle, heartbreaking way that unfolds in a dream-like manner, showing the mundane, unlikely things we notice and react to, in times of sadness. It's stunning in its maturity and restraint. This writer, as with others in this book, will go far.

The book goes from specific to broad, serious to comical, abstract to photographically-detailed. In sum, both teenagers and their parents will find it richly rewarding, and conversation-provoking. Gimmicky book concepts, especially for teens, come and go, but classic essay writing like this is something that will endure. -S.

This book is about a 10 year old girl named Sookan and she lives with her mother, grandfather,aunt, and little brother. They live in North Korea in 1945. Her and her mother and aunt work in a sock factory for the Japanese soliders in World War II. They had a Captain Narita and he came by and it was her sister's birthday and mother went to go get a book from older sister at the convent. Mother gave it to her and Captain Narita told his men to destroy it. Sookan's mother can't even have a garden or else Captain Narita will have his men step on them. Her father is in the military and her sister is in a convent. Also, her older brothers were sent away tp labor camps. The war ends and the Japanese lose. The Russions take over North Korea and brainwash them into loving Russia, so Sookan and her brother must go to South Korea because she thinks that her dad and older brothers and sister are waiting for them. She hopes she will find freedom in South Korea. I think that is really sad to not have your father around or older brothers and to have to work in the sock factory. Also, I liked how her and her brother stood side by side. This book is a Fantasy book and the theme is Fictional.

Sookan is a 10-year old girl living in Korea in 1945. The Japanese have taken over and force communist ideas and laws onto the Koreans. Each day, Captain Narita inspects the house and backyard. Their backyard holds a shack that is used for sock-making. The sock-girls would work day and night trying to meet their quotas. Koreans are deprived of rice and money. The children, including Sookan and her brother Inchun, have to attend a very strict Japanese run school. When the Japanese leave, the Koreans rejoice, but are shortly taken over by the Russians. Things begin to get worse, and Sookan, with her mother and brother, try desperately to escape to the South where the Americans are.

This historical fiction book takes you along the incredible journey of 2 children as they take drastic forms of lifestyles to earn the freedom they deserve. The beginning of this book started out slow, but took fast pace when the Russians were introduced. The author has a wonderful writing style that truly makes you feel like you are part of the story, especially near the end. This is my favorite book and I recommend it to everybody of all ages. Do not miss out on this surprisingly realistic journey.

Sookan is ten years old, living in Korea with her mother, grandfather, aunt, cousin, and little brother. World War II is going on and things are very hard in Korea. The Japanese forces are in control of their country and they treat the Korean people like slaves in their own home, making them give up all valuables to help the Japanese army, putting them to work making clothing for the Japanese and sending the children to schools where they make weapons and learn propaganda about the Japanese army. More than anything, Sookan wishes she were with her father, her older sister or her three older brothers, who are all far away. Her father is working with the resistance forces, her brothers have been taken away to labor camps and her sister is in a convent.

Then after what seems like an eternity of being at war and under Japanese control, the war is over and the Japanese have lost. Sookan and her family think that things will be much better now, but then they find that their country has been divided into two parts. Rather than being helped by the Americans as they'd hoped, they are instead under Russian control, and the Russians seem determined to brainwash everyone into loving Russia. They make everyone go to meetings to show their support and those in authority are constantly looking for traitors. It becomes clear to Sookan's mother that they need to get to South Korea where the Americans are, and where she expects Sookan's father and brothers may be waiting for them. But will Sookan and her little brother be able to make the journey to safety?

I liked the descriptions of what life in Korea was like during the war. It's hard to imagine what was going on in other countries when we mostly hear about what was happening in our country. I also liked the interaction between Sookan and her brother. They were really nice to each other and probably wouldn't have made it without each other's help.

It was sad to read about the lives of the Koreans during the war; it sounds like such a horrible way for anyone to spend a childhood.

You MUST read this book and the two other books by Choi-Echoes of White Giraffe & Gathering of Pearls. All three books are written from Sookan's perspective, as she grows up in the midst of the Japanese occupation, the war and in America, as a foreign college student. Aside from the cultural issues, as well as historic issues, the plot flows very well. The stories are very personal & honest. I really enjoyed these books and I know that when my kids, ages 5 and 9, get a little older, they will also. These are enjoyable and educational stories.

The Year of Impossible Goodbyes is written by Sook Nyul Choi. The book is 169 pages in length. It is about a girl named Sookan who lives in Korea during World War II. At this time, Korea is under control of the Japanese. Sookan and her family are being suppressed by the Japanese. Sookan's mother is a supervisor at a sock factory. But, the workers at the sock factory were sent away to the war, forcing Sookan's mother to close down the factory. Then, Sookan is sent to a Japanese school, where she learns about Japan and nothing else. But soon after, the war ends! Freedom at last! Sookan and her family rejoice! But neither the rest of their family nor the sock girls have returned. Sookan is worried. Also, to make things worse, Russia took over North Korea, and they again are suppressed. But, after a couple of attempts, she and her family make it to liberated South Korea!
Sookan is kind, loving, compassionate, smart child. She takes care of others and has an unbroken spirit. She is resolute and determined.
Sookan faces many conflicts throughout this book. First, she hates her enemies, the Japanese, who have been occupying her country for many years. She is taught not to hate; yet she is unable to suppress these feelings. Sookan knows that if she spoke what is on her mind, her whole family could be executed. Luckily, she is mature enough to realize this and keeps her emotions to herself.
Another of Sookan's conflicts is her attempt to escape from northern Korea. She gets separated from her mother at the passport checkpoint and is left with caring for her younger brother. Sookan is ten years old and has neither currency nor provisions. She is by herself. Escaping is very risky and life hostile. Sookan and her brother stay alive on their own and make it to South Korea; where they are reunited with their family.
Finally, the Japanese occupying Korea is another conflict Sookan has to face. The Japanese suppress Sookan's family, forcing them to do Japan's bidding. The Japanese police take their belongings to help in the war effort and force Sookan's mother to supervise a sock factory. Sookan's patience helped her wait out the war.
The author uses the reoccurring theme of determination in her novel. An example of this theme is when Sookan gets divided from her mother at the identification checkpoint and is left with caring for her youthful sibling. Sookan is ten years old and has no money or food. She is on her own. Escaping is very dangerous and life threatening. Sookan and her brother manage to survive on their own and finally reach South Korea, where they are reunited with her family. This shows determination because she is only ten in an unknown world. She has no money and has to take care of her younger brother.
Another example of the determination theme occurs at the beginning of the story. The Japanese suppress Sookan's family, forcing them to do Japan's bidding. In fact, the Japanese police take their belongings to help in the war effort and force Sookan's mother to supervise a sock factory. Still, Sookan's patience helped her wait out the war. This shows determination because she does not give up her life and try to run away, but is patient.
The style of novel is very unique. Author Sook Choi writes in first person view and adds very smooth sentences. Most of her sentences are like this,"Listening to this boy was as refreshing as diving into a cool stream". In this sentence she uses many descriptive words and there was no comma to slow it down. Choi's sentences are both short and long. Many authors use only one kind of sentence. This is what makes this novel and author unique.
The plot, characters, theme, and style are all good, which makes this book really fun to read. It's filled with adventures and many other thrilling topics. This book is great for most ages. I recommend this book to whoever loves adventure!

I am enjoying this book . It has truly made me think about my life and how I should be living it

I am glad I choose this book as a permantant part of my library.

Patricia Newton
Elgin, Il

Good for goal-planning and moving forward in your life.
Debbie Ford always hits the nail on the head!~

I have 3 of her books and I found this the most useful. It was geared more towards action, and not as much on a philosophical level. Very helpful.
I am involved in the coaching program through her institute and it has had a dramatic change on my life.

This small book packs a punch, if you let it. If you spend just a few minutes applying the concepts to your own life and your own experience, Debbie Ford's words could possibly change your experience of life. This is not one of those "if you can imagine it, it will happen" kinds of books. In fact, she stresses that fantasizing will not get us the life we want. Instead, she focuses on methods for getting closer to your own integrity and your own best self. I'd describe the book as practical, engaging, and highly useful.

This book has given me the inspiration to re-create my life; re-create myself. For me, I'm not even thinking of it as the best 'year' of my life... I'm looking at it as the best LIFE I could possibly create. So far, I've gotten off of depression meds, stopped smoking, joined weight watchers, stopped existing off of soda, and began preperations for nursing school entrance. The sky's the limit, and I don't plan on stopping the transformation anytime soon. Every time I pick up this book, I feel inspired for the day. I read a page from it every day before I even get out of bed, and it sets the tone for my day. If you're looking to start over or re-create yourself, or just to start living the life that you KNOW you should be living... this book is a must have. I can't say enough good things about it.

I would give this book 4 1/2 stars if it was available. This story was moving and funny all at once. I just thought it was a little long. It gives you a real inside look at Alzheimer's and you see that even in the midst of their dieses they have a life and are still people. I really enjoyed getting to know the people of Maplewood. This is a great story for anyone who is dealing with or knows someone or has an interest in Alzheimer's.

"Dancing with Rose" is neither mystery nor animated action story, but for those of us in long term care, it is definitely a page turner. Lauren Kessler's warm approach takes one inside the hearts and minds of the staff, families and the residents of Maplewood. One can only imagine that long after reading this book, Kessler must still be visiting the residents, who became more like family. This book validates why those of who continue to work in long term care are there and will be there every day.

When I was told my Mother had early stage altzheimers I was at sea. I bought three books on the subject and while each had a different "slant" for those who are watching this terrible disease they were very helpful in finding out what was happening and what I could expect. This book, tho but everything into human terms. It is a companion book to "Learning to Speak Altheizmers" . I highly recommend this book to anyone who is trying to learn more about what happens to a family member as they go on this journey.

This book really touched me in many, many ways. From the personal level, the relating to Lauren's job, and in the residents that Lauren took care of. Sometimes I had to put the book down from a few minutes--to a few hours to allow me time to reflect. Thank you Lauren for sharing your experiences with us the reader. I look at Alzheimer's disease in a better, deeper way then before I read this book. :)

This author took a job as a caregiver in an Alzheimer's facility with the idea of working through her relationship with her mother, who suffered with the disease, and writing a memoir that would help others understand people with the disease and the system caring for them. As a psychologist and daughter of a man with Alzheimer's, I would say she did a wonderful job with both.

If you have elderly parents or are getting older (and who are we kidding, aren't we all?), this is must-read. A touching, heartbreaking look into the world of dementia care facilities and a wake-up call for all of us about our futures as we age.

I love this book. It is one of my favs. out of all 13 books

i have read all of the daughter of the moon books several times
they are all totaly awesome.serena is getting possessed she is not acting like her self.you will not regret readingthese books i've allready gotten friends to read the books and one of my teachers wanted to read it!!!!!!!!!!

i thought this book was amazing ! it was so good but it was also really sad with stanton...i think serena is just so cool and i lyk that she has that dark side which cna keep her with stanton

This book was good. We find out in the end that Serena has a 3rd choice, unlike the other Daughters. You have to read the book becasue I am not telling you what it is. This book is also revloving around Serena and Stanton again. Hopefully thought her next one won't be.

Payasa


Possession was an AWSOME book, like all of the other Daughter of the Moon books! It was about a girl named Serena who can read minds. All of her friends have powers too. She was running away from Jerome, a boy who has a total crush on Serena, but she tottaly hates him, and she bumps into this old lady who gives her some potion stuff. She wakes up hours later and walks home, but a black Lexus follows her. She went to sleep with an awful headache. She wakes up to find herself in the kitchen with words writen in her own blood'"YOU'RE NOT ALONE ANYMORE". Her friend, Catty's, mom invited them to read the future in a coffee cup, and she saw snakes, which means "an enemy has come to visit". Serena gets spaces in time where she can't remember anything. She starts to get really freaked. She finds the old woman and she is able to undo the curse by fighting the followers that the old woman is leading along with Lambart.This is a great book and I highly recomend it for readers that have read the rest of the series because it just gets better with every book. For those who haven't read any other books in the series, I recomend it if you like present day fantasy based in Los Angeles.

Darren Shan has talent in taking the horrible and face-first macabre and combining it with stunning emotion. For example, this first adventure of Grubbs Grady who comes home to find his family murdered in the worst, most undescribable (yet Shan describes it anyway) imaginable. Which really has to suck. I applaud Shan for keeping the emotion and insanity in keeping with the fast-paced plot of wizards, demons, and a good game of chess.

I am a teen reader and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story. The premise for the story is very original what with the whole chess thing (certainly different from anything I've read). It didn't take long for the action to get started and several unexpected twists kept the story from being too predictable.

Be advised though; this story is NOT for those who are easily disturbed and do not appreciate graphic descriptions of gore.

Lord Loss is an exciting fantasy/horror story, filled with suspense that left me wanting to read more. After his parents are killed by the demon master, Lord Loss, a teenage is introduced into a world of demons and magic by his uncle. I think a lot of teenagers would enjoy reading this book. Darren Shan uses every word in the book to describe the characters, the thing around them, and their feelings. The story is completely unpredictable and I was left reading chapteer after chapter, The characters are realistic and I can relate to what they feel. I gave this book a 4 out of 5. It is one of my favorite books because of how the story is told which so much detail in every sentence.

Demonata
Book 1: Lord Loss

This story starts off with this one kid and his family who absolutely loves chess. They play a game every night and they are the best of the state and know one can beat them. Grubbs (Grubitsch) Grady doesn't get why his family has to play chess so much. He doesn't get why it's so important to the family, but soon, very soon he will find out the truth.
Grubbs family went out of town to a ballet Grubbs spends the night at his aunt's house for the night. But Grubbs was too curious to let his family treating him differently unnoticed. He sneaks out of his grandma's house to see what id really going on.
He finally gets to his house and his parents vehicles are still there. His front door was unlocked so he went in. The whole house was unusually cold. Every chess set that was in the house was broken and skewed around the house. The only light on in the house was in his room. Grubbs never learned what curiosity killed the cat meant until now.
When Grubbs opens the door to his room all he sees is blood stained walls and the demon artery eating his sister alive and the other demon Vein chewing alive his mom.
That's just the beginning, if you like horror books and demons and werewolves, this is the book for you. There's a lot more to this book than what you just read and it get's much, much better than the beginning is.
This book comes close to being just as good as the Cirque De Freak, but it's not quite there yet.

First book in the Demonata series.

Grubitsch "Grubbs" Grady goes to live with his Uncle Dervish in a creepy old mansion after his parents and sister are torn to shreds by an evil demon named Lord Loss and his familiars, Vein and Artery. Grubbs witnesses the gory scene, but escapes by tapping into a magical ability he never knew he possessed. Once in his uncle's house, Grubbs learns more than he ever wanted to know about the Grady family curse, which involves werewolves, demons, and chess.

I purchased one book and my boys (three at the time) loved it. I purchased another in the series and then finally the last two. We've got a lot of bible story books my kids had no or little interest in. These are so engaging--the writing, the pictures, the selection of stories. These stories inspire them to pretend and re-tell the stories themselves. They are also easy to use as a lesson--the story, acting it out, doing a craft. I only wish there were more in the series!

I bought the first two books of the series over a dozen years ago when my youngest son was little. I was a preschool teacher of four year olds for many years and used these stories. I have also have used them with two-year-olds in Sunday School and the children like them.They get to the essence of the story with simple words and explanations. I love the simple and clear artwork with watercolor drawings. I think the simple story and artwork allows the feeling of the story to come through. I had looked for these books in stores over the years with no luck. Now with a grandson, I was delighted to find them to complete my collection. I can't wait to read the stories to him.

We used this book for our children from the time they were born until they were three years old. They loved it! The illustrations are fantastic and beautiful. Any time I give a baby gift I always include this book. Highly recommended!

When my son was in preschool, this was hands down one of his favorite books, along with Vol. 1. The stories are simply written yet remain true to the spirit of the Word. We highly recommend these books!

PERFECT FOR TODDLERS! This book offers short bible stories in language that is perfect for preschoolers!