R Books

This book has great content for use with a home school speech and rhetoric program. Not to lengthy, it is an interesting and easy read.

I recommend this book for anyone who would like a few more clues on the many ways masterful sentences are put together. If you have the soul for good writing, but need a little more concrete guidance on how powerful phrases from the Bible to Virgil to Shakespeare to Churchill are constructed--this book will be a delightful little teacher.

I was impressed by the lighthearted and humble approach of the author. Although he gives the formal (and quite forgettable) names for the figures of speech, he says he doesn't expect readers to remember the names, but rather to "taste" the examples he cites, and to get a feel for how to apply these patterns in their own writing. He repeatedly stresses that knowing how to use words and rhetorical patterns is far more important than memorizing their names or even agreeing upon their proper classifications.

The author also cites classics ancient and modern in making the unconventional and refreshing point that we need not slavishly follow the dictates of the now-popular rules of usage as promulgated by Strunk and White and other like-minded authorities. For example, while contemporary authorities repeatedly (yes, ironically) stress the importance of avoiding any unnecessary words, the author of Figures of Speech cites many passages from the Bible, Shakespeare, and other sources of distinction, that clearly do not follow such strictures--and choose elaboration and repitition over spare economy.

Overall, the book is informative, accessible, generous-spirited, and, in places, even humorous and playful.

When I got to the end of the slim volume I found myself wishing there was more.

Short, easy to read. Full of great examples. Will make you a better speaker and heighten your appreciation of great literature, as well as showing you the techniques used by playwrights, poets, politicians, lawyers, clergy, and all others who earn their bread with their tongues. An eye-opener.

Professor Quinn's slim volume is perhaps the best treatment of the subject of rhetorical devices that I have ever read. I say "best," not because it is the most extensive, nor because it is the most detailed coverage of the subject. I say "best" because I feel it is the most *useful* coverage I have ever encountered.

In concise fashion, Professor Quinn takes the reader through many of the most common figures of speech, tells us the formal names, and provides numerous illustrative examples.

It is true that simply knowing the name given to a particular turn of phrase will not guarantee that one can effectively employ it in one's writing. Nevertheless knowing the
forms and having names to identify them makes it easier to see them in use in the writing of others. By thus making them memorable, they also become a more ready part of one's writing toolkit.

The engaging and entertaining style which Quinn uses throughout the book makes even the most daunting technical terms readily accessible. His well-chosen examples are also entertaining and informative, and most are quite memorable. I can't be certain that merely reading this book will improve every reader's writing, but I believe that most folks will benefit from reading it.

"Fair is foul and foul is fair."

"Circumstances rule men; men do not rule circumstances."

"Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you."

By now, you may have noticed the similarity among these three phrases: an inverse repetition of words. But you may not know this style has its own technical term (epanados). Figures of Speech: 60 Ways to Turn a Phrase, a tiny tome, lists and explains the technical terms of 60 such style devices.

Rooted in Latin, these terms are not important in that each and every one should be memorized. In fact, the author himself notes the foolishness of such a pursuit. But writers (and editors!) should know how to recognize them, and, ideally, experiment with them in their own writing.

Arthur Quinn does a solid job of explaining how to use these figures of speech. He provides brief definitions and illustrates them by listing examples from eminent writers and the Bible. However, I do have a few complaints. Sometimes Quinn glosses too quickly over a term, not giving it a full definition. He also often does not explain how his examples show a particular style device (it would be nice if he bolded them, when possible). Sure, sometimes the examples are self-explanatory but for the confusing concepts it would aid comprehension. His glossary is also a little erratic, sufficiently explaining one term while insufficiently explaining another.

Overall, however, Quinn has created a valuable resource for creative writers. It's a gem of a book in its brevity, and I wish another edition would come out to renew people's interest.

A nicely researched and insightful biography of Florence Lawrence, one of the most shadowy yet important figures of early cinema. Many things about Florence's life and career will perhaps always remain vague, but Kelly Brown gives a worthy account of America's "first movie star." It is refreshing to know that Flo is finally getting the recognition she deserves. This book is a must for the true film buff.

This slender volume is fascinating because it finally paints a well-researched picture of the long forgotten Florence Lawrence. I've always been fascinated by her after seeing publicity stills of her from the mid-1900s. She appeared to be warm, charismatic and fascinating. Her greatest tragedy is that none of her films have been shown in eighty years. I have one of her shorts, "Flo's Discipline" which only lasts about twelve minutes but it gives you a hint of how dazzling she was before the cameras. While her cohort, Mary Pickford, went onto a spectacular career that included mind-boggling salaries and a world-famous Hollywood castle, Pickfair, poor Lawrence was living in a small, hotel room, being paid a few dollars a week as an extra at MGM. Her life would make a wonderful movie--and a cautionary tale about the pitfalls of how fleeting fame is, and how fickle is the public when it comes to remaining faithful to the flavor of the month.

Florence Lawrence was an enigma I had always wanted to know about, having been interested in silent films for many years. Information on her was scarce, save for some still photographs in silent movie history books. Kelly Brown really did her homework, in what must have been a difficult task, digging up information about a star whose heyday was almost 90 years ago! Congratulations, Kelly, on a job well done! I can't recommend this book highly enough!

I always enjoy a good biography, especially those of the nearly forgotten silent screen stars. This biography of Florence Lawrence was well researched and had many wonderful photos. The author did a good job with the resources available. Most of the films and people involved in silents are gone now, so the job is doubly difficult. Although pricey, this biography is well worth reading.

Florence Lawrence was "big" before there were movie stars. She was the original "Biograph Girl" before Mary Pickford was given that name by movie fans. After losing her job at Biograph, she was hired by Carl Laemmle's IMP company (later Universal). As a publicity stunt, Laemmle started a rumor that she was dead. Then she made a personal appearance in St. Louis and was mobbed by fans.

Unfortunately she was pretty much out of work in five years. Poor managemet by her husband Harry, as well as a painful injury forced her into bit parts. She was still acting in very small parts into 1938, when she gave up on life and committed suicide.

Kelly Brown has done an incredible research job. Using Florence's surviving correspondence, as well as trade magazine artices and advertisements, she has reconstructed Florence's life. The book has many footnotes noting sources, and there is a very detailed filmography. Instead of a book full of dry facts, Ms. Brown keeps Florence's story interesting. If you are interested in early cinema, or even important women actresses, you should definitely read this book.

''Supposing that by casting all these things into an imaginary world, stripping them of their stained-glass and Sunday school associations, one could make them for the first time appear in their real potency?''
--C.S. Lewis

The heart of Narnia is its creator, the great lion, Aslan. Aslan, according to Lewis, is not allegorically Christ, but Christ in another form for another world. The heart and soul of Narnia is in its Christian roots; Aslan, is son of the Emperor across the sea. He wanders in and out of Narnian history, to give himself in sacrifice as Christ did, to right wrongs thousands of years old, liberating hostages and bringing life to the land, and to guide earthling adventurers in their quests. In these adventures, their main goal is to grow closer to him, though, as Lucy and Edmund are told, they must eventually come to know him by another name in our world.

Kenneth McIntosh helps children do just that in this wonderful book of devotions. He makes it easy to grasp onto those things about Aslan and Narnia that illustrate biblical truths, and illuminates them for young and old alike. Following Aslan is a great companion piece for those who wish to see just how deeply rooted Narnia is in the Christian worldview of its author, C.S. Lewis.

Watching Prince Caspian (the second in the Narnia film series) today, I was struck by the power of one simple line. When an older sibling asks why they hadn't seen Aslan, the youngest, Lucy, says, "Perhaps it's because you weren't looking." Perhaps that was it, indeed.

Look for Aslan in this warm, enlightening book. And then, once you've found Him, take Him to heart. You won't regret it.

I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked up Following Aslan, but I am very happy with what I discovered. As a child, I enjoyed The Chronicles of Narnia, and with the new movies being released, I thought this might be a good way to share a different aspect of the stories with my nieces and nephews. And it is! The chapters are short enough to keep the interest of even very young children, yet, they are chocked full of descriptions and actions. I enthusiastically recommend this book.

My kids love reading these devotions. I enjoy the way the Kenneth McIntosh relates the scriptures to the Narnia story in a way the children can easily understand. The simple prayers at the end of each devotion are another excellent tool in teaching kids how to talk to God.

It's nice to see a book of children's devotions that's relavant to their interests and reading habits. I enjoy reading the stories myself!!

As the mother of a five-year-old who loves books, I search for new books and new authors to encourage her love of reading. Kenneth McIntosh's Following Aslan is a wonderful find for me and other parents on the same journey. Although my daughter is not familiar with the Narnia characters, she loves this book and she especially enjoys the drawings. Mr. McIntosh provides enough information about the characters that my daughter feels she knows, and loves, most of them! Each chapter clearly tells a story that can stand on its own. When viewed together, Mr. McIntosh has drawn a life map that any person--let alone a child--would benefit from following.

I used this book as a textbokk in a summer school class called American Military History. The book gave great info, and will be used as a nice reference companion in the future.

This fascinating study examines Ameircan military history from the Pilgrims of the 17th century to the Gulf War. Although published in 1994 and thus not covering the war in Afghanistan or the second invasion of Iraq, this book presents a fascinating analysis of American military history. It examines the size of the army and the role of militias and the national guard. A brilliant history that tells the tale of the American military and the nature of common defense, the older system of defending America when it was still a simple agrarian country.

Seth J. Frantzman

I only have one thing to say: If you are wanting to have any serious understanding of American history, then you need this book in your library.

I read David Hackett Fischer's "Washington's Crossing" (2004) and it was excellent. If you read reviews of it on Amazon.com -- everything everyone says there is JUST what I felt in reading it. Wished it would never end and that he'd write all the early history of America.

"For the Common Defense" struck me the same way. A friend of my son's liked it and got it for him. I picked it up by accident and thought, "dull, dull, dull!" and started reading (only because I'm an habitual read-a-holic). As I read, prejudiced by my first thoughts, I still thought, "dull, dull, dull..." Then my eyes started opening and I realized, "This is VERY interesting!" Finally I started reading it aloud to my husband, and now we are soooo excited to realize, "The kids are in bed! We can read THE BOOK!" We relish it -- truly the highlight of our day! We have learned so much. We really didn't know our country before. The authors' lists of books (and their enthusiastic descriptions of their especial favorites) after each section is a most excellent reference for more detailed reading into one's particular area of interest.

"For the Common Defense" is an overview, but of ALL America's military history, with an eye for the telling detail. This is from p. 238: Joshua Chamberlain, commander of the 20th Maine Volunteers, describes the night of December 13-14 at Frederickburg. It's incredible writing, so I called my best friend long distance to read it to her:

"But out of that silence from the battle's crash and roar rose new sounds more appalling still; rose or fell, you knew not which, or whether from the earth or air; a strange ventriloquism, of which you could not locate the source, a smothered moan that seemed to come from distances beyond the reach of the natural sense, a wail so far and deep and wide, as if a thousand discords were flowing together into a key-note weird, unearthly, terrible to hear and bear, yet startling with its nearness; the writhing concord broken by cries for help, pierced by shrieks of paroxysm; some begging for a drop of water; some calling on God for pity; and some on friendly hands to finish what the enemy had so horribly begun; some with delirious, dreamy voices murmuring loved names, as if the dearest were bending over them; some gathering their last strength to fire a musket to call attention to them where they lay helpless and deserted; and underneath, all the time, that deep bass note from closed lips too hopeless or too heroic to articulate their agony."

I read David Hackett Fischer's "Washington's Crossing" (2004) and it was excellent. If you read reviews of it on Amazon.com -- everything everyone says there is JUST what I felt in reading it. Wished it would never end and that he'd write all the early history of America.

"For the Common Defense" struck me the same way. A friend of my son's liked it and got it for him. I picked it up by accident and thought, "dull, dull, dull!" and started reading (only because I'm an habitual read-a-holic). As I read, prejudiced by my first thoughts, I still thought, "dull, dull, dull..." Then my eyes started opening and I realized, "This is VERY interesting!" Finally I started reading it aloud to my husband, and now we are soooo excited to realize, "The kids are in bed! We can read THE BOOK!" We relish it -- truly the highlight of our day! We have learned so much. We really didn't know our country before. The authors' lists of books (and their enthusiastic descriptions of their especial favorites) after each section is a most excellent reference for more detailed reading into one's particular area of interest.

"For the Common Defense" is an overview, but of ALL America's military history, with an eye for the telling detail. This is from p. 238: Joshua Chamberlain, commander of the 20th Maine Volunteers, describes the night of December 13-14 at Frederickburg. It's incredible writing, so I called my best friend long distance to read it to her:

"But out of that silence from the battle's crash and roar rose new sounds more appalling still; rose or fell, you knew not which, or whether from the earth or air; a strange ventriloquism, of which you could not locate the source, a smothered moan that seemed to come from distances beyond the reach of the natural sense, a wail so far and deep and wide, as if a thousand discords were flowing together into a key-note weird, unearthly, terrible to hear and bear, yet startling with its nearness; the writhing concord broken by cries for help, pierced by shrieks of paroxysm; some begging for a drop of water; some calling on God for pity; and some on friendly hands to finish what the enemy had so horribly begun; some with delirious, dreamy voices murmuring loved names, as if the dearest were bending over them; some gathering their last strength to fire a musket to call attention to them where they lay helpless and deserted; and underneath, all the time, that deep bass note from closed lips too hopeless or too heroic to articulate their agony."

Brooks wrote the Freddy series between 1927 and 1958. They combine superb character development, unbelievable educational content, and generally mesmerizing entertainment. They are appropriate for reading to children as young as five or six, and make excellent readers for children from nine to as old as early teens.

If you read Freddy to very young children, expect to leave out some slower-moving segments and provide lots of side explanations. The good news is that these books can make your kids WANT to know more about judges and juries, bond and bail, the electoral process, World War II, banking, newspaper publishing, geography, ... I could go on and on. The vocabulary-building value is also enormous: words like "constituents" and "torrid" are sprinkled in throughout.

If you look at the membership of the Friends of Freddy organization, you'll find it is predominantly male. I think that's because of the book titles, not the content. My second grade daughter looks forward to my reading Freddy every night. She has named toys after Brooks' characters. Brooks handles the characters and their relationships so deftly that literary experts have suggested that these works actually inspired Orwell's Animal Farm. Oh, and the president of the First Animal Republic was a female.

Before Overlook republished the entire series, some rarer titles were bringing as high as $200 each. That fact aside, this combination of the first three titles in a single volume is a terrific bargain. I would argue that Freddy Goes to Florida and Freddy the Detective are the two best books of the 26 book series anyway.

In this age of unlimited access to Disney DVDs and slam-bam, in-your-face video games, the Freddy series just might be your kids' ticket back to calmer, more thoughtful, and much more valuable entertainment. But be warned: you may find your fifth grader reading under his blankets with a flashlight long after he's supposed to be asleep. It happened to my parents when I was in the fifth grade.

Such fond memories from my childhood. I read all of Freddie's adventures when I was around 8 years old and they stick in my memory. That was over 50 years ago! I can't believe I remembered Freddie's name. Any child will enjoy this series. Freddy has been a good friend in my memory for all these years. Enjoy!

My 5th grade boy couldn't seem to get as interested in reading as his older borther was at the same age. He disliked all of the many, many books we have from when his older brother was that age. His older brother liked conflict type books like Jacques' Redwall series where there always seemed to be some grand battle brewing between good and evil.

The younger one is much gentler and avoids conflict and dark books like the Harry Potter series. Finally, I found that he likes the same Freddy the Pig stories that I so tremendously enjoyed reading when I was his age. There is no fighting although there is adventure and a gentle page-turning plot of "what will come next". To my surprise I find these are much better than the more recent books intended for his age group so I guess he just has good taste.

I read them to him at bedtime and he reads them on his own at other times. The earlier stories are almost 80 years old but they don't seem at all dated. Each book has a main plot with lots of little sub-plots running though them just like an adult novel. Once you accept pigs, cats, mice, etc, talking and interacting with humans everything seems perfectly reasonable. Interesting and fun - highest recommendation.

I was seven or eight when I found the Freddy books on tape at my library. I checked one out and am still listening and reading them five years later. My parents constantly wonder why I read such easy and, to them, childish books.
But the reason is very simple. They are wonderful books, which immediatly
transport you to the marvelous world of Freddy and his friends. Cocky Charles the Rooster and his irritable wife, Henrietta, the sarcastic and witty Jinx the Cat, Mrs. Wiggins, the intelligent cow, and a plethora of other well written charecters grace the pages of these books. They are also books that make you think. More than once I had to ask my parents what words like "constituents" ment. I learned things about banking, trial and jury, and geography, among other things.
These are books for everyone, but especially children. Freddy was a magical part of my childhood. Anyone who hasn't read these is missing out
on a magical part of life.

The Freddy books are so great! They are especially good for reading out loud and the whole family will find them exciting and hilarious. They're good books for all ages.

This is an excellent book to read before surgery and to look at during recovery!! WONDERFUL!

I agree, every orthopaedic patient should leave the hospital with this book! My only wish is that I'd had it sooner after discharge. Helps with topics other titles just don't cover, like flying while disabled, etc.

Much of the book is dedicated to getting around on crutches. Under "Fitting of Crutches" Pryor states "All too frequently crutches are fitted improperly - generally too long - even by trained personnel." This is exactly what happened to me. I was nearly falling off the crutches every "swing-through" step. I fitted the crutches per instructions. By the next day I had the swing-through step down. By the next week I was successfully practising "non-weight bearing" stair climbing. This made a huge difference to me as my bedroom is on the second floor and the kitchen and living room are on the bottom floor. The detail of the book is wonderful for doing things the first (few) times. Keep re-reading. All that detail makes perfect sense when you are learning. Some of the hints are counter-intuitive and this saves you the trouble of doing it wrong or getting discouraged and giving up. I really wish the hospital had given me this book.

This book actually delivers on what it promises: extremely practical and helpful advice for post surgery or injury. Things you never even think of are presented in a clear and well thought out manner. Do yourself a favor and get it BEFORE you go to the hospital.

I've bought this and other books regarding knee rehab etc. and found this one is great if you want to find out how to maximise the use of critches after your surgery. There is very little information on what you need to do for rehab.

If your looking for a book to help you get about on crutches after surgery, it covers every thing from climbing stairs to driving!, try this one.

This book is really cool I read it in 1 week, I also want to read another one, but in unfortune it's only a book project and I don't have one. In school surly that there are more so I'll keep reading until I finish all Goosebumps book. I'm going to see if they can lend me some books to readed in my house. I liked the part Fred (the monster one) was so strong he could take a car, also when he was good at soccer.

This book is spooky. Ghost in the Mirror (Goosebumps Series 2000) is a good book. Everybody should read it. My favorite part was when Buzzy the dog attacked the main character. It had a lot of excitement because the dog was acting so strangely. I was worried that the main character was going to die. Read the book to find out the rest!

All the books by R.L. is (I can tell) done quickly and after each chapter, there is always a I gasped,or I screamed, whatever. It is not that scary and all there is is fun. The books are fun to read but not scary. Not by a little. Don't get me wrong here. I mean, he wrote a lot of Goosebumps~!

This captivating tale of a mysterious and mesmerizing "haunted" mirror is a gem in the Goosebumps series. The climax is as strange as it is exciting, and the enjoyable characters, including the mirror as one, provides page-turning reading fun. ut R.L.Stine seemed eager to end this one, making this the shortest Goosebumps book yet. Parts of the story seem routine and rushed insomuch that I wish R.L.Stine had took his time, but kudos on an excellent series and good book.

When Jason Sloves had a new mirror all was fine to him. When Fred came to his house, Jason let him see the mirror. when Jason was getting something, Fred vanished. But when he came to school, he saw a-not normal Fred. When he was injuried because of Fred he went home. That night, he saw something in the mirror. He saw Fred, pleading for help. When Fred let Jason in the mirror, they had a long time exploring the mirror. It was like HOUSE OF MIRRORS. At the ending, Jason and Fred got out but the mirror was shattered!

I really enjoyed reading this book because it provided a real experience of how it would be like living on that base which most people will never get to experience. The book provided so much information about the history of the base as well as the personalities of the families that live there. I actually feel like a tiny expert on Gitmo.
The book was a very enjoyable read and I would highly recommend it.
Looking forward to another book from this author. Great Job.

For anyone who has "been there" or is just curious to know "what's there" this is a must read! K. R. Jones captures the unique feel of life in GTMO on each page. The story is intriguing, mysterious and surprising. The characters passionate, compelling and all too real.
The ending had several "A HA" moments-definitely not one of those stories where you can figure out what happens! Cleverly done and most satisfying!
Bake up a loaf of mango bread, pour yourself a rum punch and get ready to "dive in" to life, love and mystery in "the least worst place" AKA Guantanamo Bay-a place near and dear to my heart.
Congratulations K.R. and best wishes for a successful future!

Writing about combat is easy. KR Jones writes about the true 'garrison' military that non-deployed soldiers face every day. She writes of the excitement of arriving at a new duty station and spares no details in describing the setting of GITMO, but also the effect a base and its personnel can have on service members. And she also includes an engaging mystery that will cause you to lose a day reading the book; you won't be putting this one down!

Marine Captain Adam Claiborne and his wife Audrey have just been assigned to Guantanamo Bay, a US Naval Base situated on the island of Cuba. From the very start, the couple realizes that things run a bit differently at Guantanamo Bay than at other Naval Bases. The commanding officer and his wife run the island like tyrants. Officer's wives are expected to comply with all orders as given by the commander's wife. Woe be she who gets on the bad side of the woman. One husband is severely disciplined when his wife doesn't wave to the commander's wife.

Guantanamo Bay is also the home to multiple mysteries and cover ups. Everyone seems to be having an affair with someone on the base. Official records are often doctored. Telephone calls and private conversations with the chaplain are monitored. Then there are the strange deaths that don't seem to have any logical explanations.

The Ghost of Guantanamo Bay is a well developed book that delves into the dirty world of Guantanamo Bay. I was quite partial to the characters of Adam and Audrey. I could see myself getting deeper and deeper into a messy situation and not quite able to let it go, just like Audrey. I could also see my husband wanting me to drop it but secretly being just as curious and drawn to the mystery like Adam.

My husband was stationed in Gitmo from 1973-1976. Both my children were born there. I found the history of the Naval Base very interesting and plan to purchase this book for my children, too.

This book is one of the best I have ever read. It creates the feeling that you actually are THERE, with the characters, experiencing everything they do. At the end of the book... well, I won't spoil the ending for anyone who hasn't read it, but it makes you feel as though you helped, and get to join in the celebration rightfully.

Read this book. While you're at it, read the rest of the series. You won't be let down.

The title of my book is Bruno and Boots, Go Jump In The Pool and the author is Gordon Korman. This book is about 2 boys named Bruno and Boots who go to Macdonald Hall.(A boarding school.) They want to have a swimming pool like their like their enemies who go York Academy. Bruno, Boots and all their friends and classmates have to raise 25,000$ in order to have a pool.At the beginning Mr.Sturgeon (The head of the school,) likes the idea of have having a pool like the York Academy.The only reason the students at Macdonald Hall wants a swimming pool is because they do not like swimming with York Academy and if they don't get one Boots will have to go to York Academy. I think Bruno And Boots Go Jump In The Pool is a good, funny book.I think Gordon Korman is a good author.This is my first Gordon Korman book that I have ever read and I realy enjoyed it. I uasually read books by Ann.M. Martin.I think that Gordon Korman is good at thinking up great ideas for books.If I were Gordon Korman I would make 3 things different.1.Boots go to York Academy and Bruno goes to Macdonald Hall but they are still best friends,2.Bruno and Boots both have pets, and3.Call Boots by his real name.I would call Boots his real name Melvin because I think the name Boots sounds like a cat's name. I would recomand this book to anyone who likes to read.I think kids in grade four, five, or six would realy like this book.I liked this book. BY CLAIRE LEDERMAN

There is no one in the world who does not love Gordon Korman's novels. Even my dad, who is almost 50 years old, laughs hysterically when he reads them. I don't just laugh while I'm reading them, I laugh whenever I even THINK about them! This is my very favourite book by Gordon Korman. I loved the whole Bruno and Boots series, but I thought this one was the best. Gordon Korman has this great way of working up to a climax, and finishing the book in a totally bizarre and hilarious way. My favourite character is The Fish - there are so many great descriptions of him! Great book - you have to read it, whether you're a fourth grader or a college graduate. No one is too old for Bruno and Boots!

The author of my book Go Jump in the Pool,is Gordon Korman.Gordon Korman's book's are just about humour,and he started writing his first book in grade 7. In my book,Go Jump in the Pool,the main characters are Boots and Bruno. Boots is a teenager he has short blond hair and Bruno is a teenager with short brown hair.Bruno's and Boots personalitys are mischief makers,funny,they like to laugh,they are loyol firends,and they are kind.Boots and Bruno are two boys who live at MacDonald Hall.MacDonald Hall is a bording school for boys.Across the the road theres a bording school for girls. Once every few monthes MacDonald Hall students will race York Academy to see which school's the fastest at swimming.York Academy has there own pool and MacDonald Hall doesn't have a pool. York Academy always wins but it's not really fair because York Academy their own pool.York Academy is a boys bording school too.So Boots and Bruno are trying to raisea lot of money to buy a pool for MacDonald Hall. They get in a lot of mischief while trying to raise all the money.You will have to read Go Jump in the Pool if you want to find out if they raise it all or not. I liked this book because its fun to read its fun to read because Boots and Bruno are trying to raise money for the school they get in troble.And when they get in troble they always get in troble by doing something funny.I realy like Gordan Korman books.

This is one of the best in the extremely funny and well-done Bruno and Boots series by Gordon Korman.

Bruno and Boots find themselves trying to raise money so that MacDonald Hall can have a swimming pool, and their efforts are fueld by a sense of competition with a neighboring institution. They try everything from playing the stock market to erecting a toll booth, and the wacky cast of supporting characters (including my favorite, science nerd Eelmer Drimsdale) offers up plenty of yuks.

Some of the best material comes in the midst of a talent show that Bruno and Boots put on, with predictably entertaining (and somewhat disastrous) results.

Written very early in Korman's career (which began well before he graduated high school), this book is one of the ones upon which his reputation for humor and well-paced novels was based. As a new, fresh writer, Korman showed that he had something to say, and young readers everywhere were all ears.

It is true that his characters can be cartoonish, and the actions often stray from the realm of believability, but you just have to accept that as part of the fun.

This is a great book to cut your Korman-teeth on. You're guaranteed to find it entertaining.

Even better than the original, "Book of Love," digs deeper into the true passions of the goomba--from food to cars to oh, woman, of course.

What are some goomba characteristics?
It's already pre-determined that the real old-school East Coast Italian-Americans must drive Caddies, wear Fila jumpsuits and sport gold chains. But these "traditions" aren't just done for the hell of it. There are reasons why the guido does certain things...

CLOTHES: Most Italian goombas wear colorful Fila track outfits as casualwear because having an easily recognizable matching uniform is essential. Also, because most guidos are a little on the heavy side, the Filas flatter the body shape and are comfortable all year round. Of course Fila is an Italian company so that is always the best brand. Guido dress-up attire is usually a dark matching suit (with either a tropical print silk shirt underneath or a dark shirt with brightly patterned tie for real formal events). The guido likes to stand out and always lives by the credo that tasteful gaudiness is classy.

ACCESSORIES: Most Italian goombas wear tons of gold because it makes them look like they have some money, even if that's not the case. The money that the guido does carry is in a roll with a rubber band around it with the big fazool (a ten spot) on the outside. Bracelets, watches, pinkie rings, and of course, necklaces are always worn. The religious emblems (Christ on the cross, Holy Mary) are usually around the neck because most guidos are Catholic.

CARS: Most Italian goombas drive old Caddies and Lincolns because they are big, powerful and roomy. Other guidos may pick a Monte Carlo or Mustang or another flashy sportscar but traditionalists will go for the Caddie. Most Mafiosos drive Caddies because they are flashy and represent luxury to the fullest but regular guidos who can't afford brand new ones go for second-handers and spice them up with tints and sound systems. And of course, the red horn is hung from the rearview mirror and the Italian flag decal is on the back bumper. I don't know about guidos outside of my neighborhood, but Jersey guidos never drive Japanese cars, only American cars.

FOOD: Most Italian goombas eat Italian-American food, not Olive Garden garbage but food from old-fashioned local spots run by fellow guidos or better yet, from Mama or Nonna. Meatballs, macaroni, eggplant, pizza, gabagol, and other old-fashioned goodness. Why? Because it tastes the best of course, and is the most filling. The guido will eat other non-Italian foods at times (it must be satisfying) but none of this modern new wave kind of eclectic cuisine is eaten, and an Italian meatball is always chosen before an American meatloaf if the option is given.

ENTERTAINMENT: Most Italian goombas like Joe Pesci and other Italian actors because they are the most relatable. These guys come from the neighborhood and talk, act and look like the local guido. That's why every Italian guido from Jersey thinks they can be on "The Sopranos." The guido has a fascination with the Mafia because of the similarities but also adores non-gangster portrayals as well, like Rocky Balboa and the all-time King Guido: Tony Manero of "Saturday Night Fever." Music is a huge part of the guido lifestyle. Anything Italian from Sinatra to Bon Jovi to Angelo Venuto are listened to. The music is usually light and danceable, none of those deep Celine Dion ballads or country tunes.

ATTITUDE: Most Italian goombas are from the East Coast so they have that "numero uno" attitude. Guidos haggle when buying something to get the best prices, are outgoing, do everything to the extreme, and show pride in all of their interests-the main one being the Italian-American heritage. Guidos never back down from fights and always go after what they want, whether it's a job or a girl or a calzone. Guidos talk with their own slang, use hand gestures, and strut. The guido's life is a constant hustle, book smarts are not always top priority when Italian charm and quick wit can be used instead. And when all else fails, God and mama are always there. The guido loves all the guido stereotypes, plays them up and doesn't give a damn what anyone thinks.

HOME LIFE: Most Italian goombas are married to a guidette who can cook and look hot doing it. Guidettes can give their men agita and turn them on at the same time. The guido-guidette relationship is always emotional, and the harder the fights are the harder the you-know-what is. The bedroom has a Crucifix above the bed, the sofa is protected with plastic and the house must have a leather recliner, a crystal chandelier, a white and red checkered tablecloth, a mini Tower of Pisa statue in the backyard, and an Italian flag on the front lawn. The kids are junior guidos and guidettes of course, and will grow up to be adult guidos and guidettes. There are always cousins and other relatives dropping by. The closeness of family and friends is always evident and the high level of drama exists because the guido is emotional and passionate about everything.

I really enjoyed this book. It was a few good laughs over a few good dumps. What else can a Goomba ask from a book sittin' on the back of the cammode.

I knew guys like this growing up! This book is HILARIOUS!!!

I loved this book. I found it to be very funny (..). Great entertainment.

Well known to countless fans of television's The Sopranos as Bobby "Bacala" Baccilieri, Steven Schirripa turned to the world of books and penned "A Goomba's Guide To Life," a top seller not only for Sopranos aficionados but others who enjoy smiles mixed with neighborhood sagacity.

Now, Mr. Schirripa follows with "The Goomba's Book Of Love," read by the only voice to share this wisdom - Mr. Schirripa himself.

Love in the goomba lexicon refers not only to the attraction between male and female but his undying love for his mother and her pasta sauce, deeply felt affection for his children, and his car (he cautions that no one better be caught eating in it).

The goomba, it seems, is a veritable wellspring of love - for his neighborhood, his friends, his extended family and, of course, broads. The criteria for a real goomba broad? "She'd go to the chair for me."

For the uninitiated, the dictionary defines a goomba, also "goombah" as the senior member of a criminal gang. Also, for the uninitiated, "The Goomba's Book Of Love" is pure entertainment. If you want sex tips, consult Dr. Ruth. If you want laughter and good humor, listen to this.

- Gail Cooke