Ross Books

I think that this book can be very helpful to any writer that wants to sell his/her book. I am using several of the ideas that I recieved in the book to sell my book 31 Steps to Your Millions in Antiques and collectibles. it has increased my sales. Daryle

I've never read a more informative book. It not only points out what you should do to promote, it actually gives you the tools to do it. Both phone numbers and websites that will really help you. It is the first self help book that doesn't tell you what it is going to tell you, IT JUST TELLS YOU. How novel. It will take me weeks to implement all the information, but each step is clearly presented. If you write to sell you need this book as flowers need rain.

The position of a first-time self-published author is not an enviable one; you've already written your manuscript, invested money in typesetting, cover design and an initial print run, you've purchased an ISBN number and your book is in Ingram's database, so it can be ordered in stores. You wait a week, and then another, for book sales to start coming in. Finally, realization begins to set in - just because it is possible for someone to walk into a book store and order your book, it isn't very likely that it will happen, because nobody knows about it.

Marilyn and Tom Ross have written an excellent resource for self-published authors and small publishers who want to get their book sales going, and their techniques are considerate of the budgets that most self-published authors are constrained by.

If you successfully self-publish your book, there are three steps for you to follow:

1. Write a solid, clear and engaging book that people will enjoy reading. Refer to books about clear and effective writing.

2. Work your way through the publishing process. Refer to Dan Poynter's "Self-Publishing Manual".

3. Get the word out about your recently published work - this is exactly what the Marilyn and Tom Ross show you how to do in "Jump-Start Your Book Sales".

In short, if you are a self-published author, are considering self-publishing, are a small publisher, or even if you're a traditionally published author who wants to take a more active role in the promotion of your book (which most publishers will expect you to do anyway), you should read this book.

Danny Iny
Author of "Ordinary Miracles - Harness the power of writing and get your point across!" (ISBN 1-4116-7252-6)

through the self publishing process of my new book. More than a notion, self publishing is very rewarding but extremely time consuming, and SUPER hard work. I thought writing the book was hard. Ha! That was the easy part!!! Thank goodness I bought this book, as its given me many great ideas for marketing and promotion. It's wonderful to have written the best book in the world, but it doesn't mean anything if no one knows about it! Thanks Marilyn!!!!

Do you know when you should start marketing your book? Marilyn Ross does, and in "Jump Start Your Book Sales" she reveals the answer. (Hint: It's before you start writing it!)

Before, during, and after -- in fact. Regardless of where you are in the writing and publishing process, book marketing should be at the forefront of your thinking. Is your book even marketable? What is the market? What length of book are those people used to buying? Why would they buy yours instead of (or in addition to) all the other similar books on the market? What will differentiate yours? These are the kind of questions you should be asking yourself even before you put pen to paper, or fingers to keys, as the case may be.

These strategic concepts are the bread and butter of the pages comprising "Jump Start." Don't be surprised if you find meat in the middle that you can really sink your teeth into. This isn't another rehash of duplicative information available for free from countless websites. This is the real deal, written by the co-founder of the Small Publishers Association of North America. Highly recommended reading before you start writing, before you start publishing, and after you think you've marketed it all. - Brent Sampson, author of Self-Publishing Simplified

If there is ever one word to describe this book, its powerful. What a concept...that suffering is never meaningless, but a vehicle of purposeful intent and that we, as eternal souls, planned to use certain challenges to foster growth not only for our own souls but for the sake of our soul group and the universe at large. Putting it into a context like this, suffering has a whole different meaning.

According to the book, those around us also plan our lives intertwined with ours and all decisions are made out of love, no exception. I now think about my own challenges and those who have played a key role in my own personal growth and look upon them with gratitude and not judgment, including the "villains" in my story, because they fostered the most growth out of me. I am only now beginning to see the perfection of life. Aside from clarity, this book will bring healing and infinite comfort to those going through extreme suffering in their lives by learning there are no victims in this world.

Part of me picked up this book to find comfort for my own inner wounds. I cried when I read the words "Only the courageous plan fear" for I knew, that was what I intended to heal and have been working on it for years, having them dissipate one by one.

It has been a long time since I closed a book and felt warm, comforted and knowledgeable. The author takes you by the hand and guides you through this information with compassion, grace and great wisdom. I just cannot fully express how wonderful this book is. It is absolute perfection and if I could, I'd give it more stars. If there is ever a book I'd recommend, it would be this one!

I absolutely love this book! I knew that we had pre-planned our lives before reading it, but it explains it so well with people's stories to show you examples. I really hope I can get my friend to read it as I think it will help her to understand the reasons for some of her challenges in her childhood and now. EXCELLENT BOOK!

Wonderful reference book for anyone researching reincarnation. Answers many question as well as raising them.

Courageous Souls: Do We Plan Our Life Challenges Before Birth?Best book I have ever read on the subject of Pre Birth Planning. So well written and easy to relate to. It has brought great healing to my life and I continue to explore all possibilities. It has certainly given me a better understanding to life and knowing that everyone is on a journey to better their soul. A must read for anyone on a spiritual path to healing.

Everything always makes sense when you can see the big picture. This book provides a glimpse into why events we perceive as "bad" happen, through a varied collection of individual cases.

Our lives in this "reality" are just learning experiences, to expand our awareness of ourselves, we agreed to before we arrived on the planet.

From story board to stunning completed product, an overview of Mr.Ross' DC comics work, focusing particularly on the big three; Superman, Wonder Woman and Batman, with loving attention to the rest of the JLA as well.

Lots of beautiful 'work in progress to completion' pictures and even a few that never got to see the go light of editors.
Inspirational for the new painter or seasoned storybook artist - makes quite the case for gouache!

Please note! this is NOT an 'origins' book or even a story, this is meant to specifically address the artwork itself and the processes by which it is done.

By the by, many a comic book irritates me no end with its sexist imagery -this book is a rare exception in supehero comics.
None of the women are bimboes and the men are, dare I say, as beautiful as the ladies.

For my part, the explanations of the new Kingdom Come versions of the classic DC cast were the finest aspect of this book.
If you're at all a fan of Alex Ross' incredible way with a brush, you must own this, if only for the most drool worthy versions of beloved heroes.

If you love the classic DC pantheon, you need this book, 'nuff said!

Mythology collects the stellar art work of Alex Ross showcasing the worlds finest images of the major DC characters such as Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman. This book highlights key points of the characters beginnings and evolutions with clear and informative writing. Gorgeously illustrated by Alex Ross coupled with wonderfully laid out design work the reader will find it quite difficult to put down this handsome book.Mythology: The DC Comics Art of Alex Ross

An amazingly illustrated montage of Ross's work. A beautiful book for fans of comic book art and art in general.

AMAZING. Totally worth buying. If you like Alex Ross, you will not regret this purchase. The book includes Ross' comments on inspiration, collaborations, thoughts, insights, and much more. Truly inspiring.

It's a great work, detailing all the work of Alex Ross in DC Comics. In this book, we get the notions of how he figures out the characters, their concepts and ideologies, etc. Moreover, with this book we can see how the Art is transported from the artist's mind to the paper.
There's just one book better than this one: it's hardcover version, much more beautiful.

I have to agree with the only other two-star review of this book: I'm rather amazed by all the praise. The message the book conveys is a fantastic one, true, but that's all it is~a message. In my opinion, Where Peace Lives is a "peace class" masquerading as a story. The metaphors all exist right on the surface; there is no need to look deeper. Because of this, the characters are not real~they're just different mouthpieces for the author's "message," like puppets. And the main character (the "I" of the story) is not developed at all. We know almost nothing about her, except that she likes the taste of orange popsicles and she's felt bad because other children have made fun of her or refused to play with her. She also doesn't seem like a child, despite her juvenile speeches. Writers need to understand that talking about tasty popsicles and play-dates is not all it takes to write for children.

I realize this all sounds pretty scathing, and I need to apologize somewhat for that. It's just that I was really looking forward to reading this book because of its premise, and now that I have, I feel immensely let down. I don't mind the idea of educating children about peace~in fact, I think that's great~but I expected more of a story from a book marketed as one.

Like all of us, the main character in Where Peace Lives longed for true peace. Each night she wished for peace and then fell into a deep sleep, as if wrapped in the arms of an angel. However, when she awoke each morning, she returned to reality. It seemed to her that despite everyone wishing for peace, that end seemed impossible.

A knock at her door would change everything. There stood Luther the Bear. Luther was king of The Mountain Where Dreams Are Made. He came with news that the angel Peace had been locked in a glass box and only the three keys to peace could set her free. The two set off to The City of Right and Wrong where the debate over milk had completely divided the city. Their real journey was about to begin.

Where Peace Lives is a beautifully woven entertaining tale from which we can all gain insight. The story and the characters are inspired by and based upon the historic Buddha, Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr, Jesus, Moses, and Muhammad. I love the interfaith quality of the story showing that we may all think and believe differently but ultimately we all want to be treated fairly and live a peaceful life.

Where does peace come from? It isn't something born of war, or won through argument. Author Debbie Robins explores peace and finds three keys to it in her book, "Where Peace Lives." A book for all ages, children and adults, it is sure to become a classic along the lines of "The Little Prince." More than that, it is a delightful read, and a tool for spreading some very valuable lessons.

The narrator is worried about the world and wonders why everyone can't just get along. One night, a visitor comes and insists that the angel, Peace, needs to be set free. Peace is trapped in a glass box and three keys are needed to open the lock. They need to find the keys, and they begin by looking in the City of Right and Wrong. There, terrible things are happening. The residents are divided and each side insists that the other side is wrong. What's even worse is that the Cube of Bitterness hovers above and devours those who are the "right ones". Donkeys and elephants play tug of war, only it isn't a game. It looks like there is no hope for peace. However, Mister Buddha, a poetic cat, is sharing a potion called Acceptance, and so there is hope after all.

Mister Buddha introduces our narrator to the concept of acceptance and the fact that kindness begets kindness, and also to his best friend, Mahma. The adventure continues with a story of understanding and Oneness, and then on to the Sea of Forgiveness, where two orangutans, Chris and Mo impart more wisdom. Through a desert and to a waterfall, and up a mountaintop, the keys are sought. Will they be found in time to set Peace free?

A parable, the story can be taken at face value, with lessons still understood. Upon further reflection, deeper meanings come to light and the reader can see how important choices are. The colorful characters' teachings are inspired by and reflect those of Ghandi, Jesus, Buddha, Mohammad and Martin Luther King. With exquisite illustrations, a delightful cast of characters, and a most important plot, "Where Peace Lives" rates my highest recommendation. Additional biographical information on these key people is included at the back of the book, as well as journaling space and an exercise to "strengthen your peace muscle'. Well written and enjoyable to experience, this book is a must read for everyone you know.

In this lovely fable, Peace is an angel who appears in the narrator's dreams--and then is suddenly the object of a quest. She has been locked inside an unbreakable glass box, and three keys must be found in order to free her before the evil Cube of Bitterness devours the world.

In the search for the keys, the narrator meets and is assisted by a bear named Luther, King of the Mountain Where Dreams Are Made; Mister Budd Ha, a Siamese cat who peddles bottles of Acceptance; and several other creatures who promote peace. Philosophically, the characters are based on the peaceful teachings of Martin Luther King, Jr., the Buddha, Mahatma Gandhi, Moses, the Prophet Mohammad, and Jesus Christ. Debbie Robins portrays their ideas with both humor and understanding.

While the outcome of the story is fairly obvious, the language used to tell it is lyrical and peaceful in and of itself. The pen and ink illustrations by Victor Robert are also fantastic. I loved the Roomy Tea Garden and the tree named Bodhi. This is not just a picture book, but a book to be shared by child and parent/caregiver. It should appeal on different levels to both reader and listener. I read several sections aloud and found the words and phrases to flow in a charming way. I especially recommend it to those like their children's books to have a bit of substance.

At the end of the book, Robins also provides the reader with biographical information and philosophical summaries of those figures whose philosophies of peace she incorporates. There are also a few pages to jot down the reader's own ideas of how to bring more peace into today's world.

Armchair Interviews: An unique children's book about peace.

WHERE PEACE LIVES is a captivating adventure for children and adults alike. It teaches us that peace requires a profound internal shift in how we perceive and respond to each other. This book is essential for those of us who seek to transform ourselves and change our world. Eleanor Barr

This is the fourth and sadly the last of the Julian Kestrel Mysteries.

I have enjoyed reading all of the books in this series. The first three take place in England while this story unfolds in Italy.

In Italy a wealthy nobleman, Lodovico Malvezzi, was murdered five years ago, the true cause of his death was concealed for years and has only recently been disclosed to his family. The prime suspect in Malvezzi's murder is the young English tenor he was grooming for a career on stage. The singer's true identity was unknown to all but Malvezzi, who concealed it from everyone and referred to the singer only as 'Orfeo'. Orfeo vanished five years ago.

I thought this was the most intricate story of all the Julian Kestrel mysteries. I enjoyed learning more about Julian's youth and upbringing.
I was surprised several times by the twists and turns of the story and I was pleased that I figured out who the murderer was. And just as I was wishing for a particular thing to happen, the author granted my wish!

I'm very sad that Kate Ross has left us and with her died Julian Kestrel.

If you like historical novels and mysteries my guess is you will like this as well. I recommend reading the Julian Kestrel Mysteries in the order they were written.

Once again I liked the list of the cast of characters and the map of the region.

This excellent fiction falls between four and five stars, and I'm rounding up, as a generous Italian may have during the lively festival that occurs in one segment of the book. The late Ms. Ross has chosen an unusual time and place for her intrigue and historical backdrop, 1820s northern Italy post-Napoleon, and an atypical hook with the opera in a key role. Those fundamentals bring a freshness to the story, as providing the background on the political scene, culture, the meaning of rank relative to the peasants, daily life and music gave Ms. Ross plenty of room for overview and vivid detail without being stale.

The length (440 pages) came in a little too long for me, with some trimming certainly possible. The wrap-up after the climax was a little disjointed, as there was quite a bit of dialog in the remaining scenes finishing the story and explaining much of the complexity. The plus side of the length is that she gave depth to the background and characters, with multiple threads, all related. I can't recall any completely irrelevant subplots, as seemingly every character who appeared more than a trivial amount somehow figured into the plot itself or its resolution. Many tidbits read as obvious clues - they just won't be obvious in meaning. For example, Julian discovers that a servant is literate and knows Latin, highly unusual at the time. If you don't figure out why that matters, you will eventually.

Don't be scared off if you have no interest in opera and think this is a story for specialists. Music lovers may have an extra appreciation of the scenes at the opera, perhaps, but the connection is handled lightly enough and with enough explanation to be entertaining and informative for the casual reader. I say that as someone with virtually no interest in opera.

Also have no fear of reading "The Devil in Music" without any familiarity with Julian Kestrel from her three other novels. Ms. Ross included sufficient background for you to get the idea, and I assume that this one stands well enough on its own that those three wouldn't necessarily have given the reader a better chance of solving the mystery early.

Julian seemed almost too good to be true, living the life of the "dandy" and blending with the aristocracy that somehow keeps itself occupied and (usually) funded. And he's a natural with the servants and peasants, too. Smart, sophisticated, musically talented and courageous, who could blame him for his attraction to Beatrice or another sultry, spirited Italian. Some other characters, such as the unfriendly Grimani and the murdered marchese, have enough edge to be plausible and interesting.

How did a trial lawyer manage to write such an intelligent novel? It's sad to imagine what else she may have published in the ten years since this fine work.

I grieve for the marvelous Kate Ross, who died after penning three of the best novels in any genre. Luckily, the strength of her writing (plot, characters, feeling for historical setting) allow for endless re-reading. The Devil in Music is, to pun, a virtuoso masterpiece. A tense manor house mystery becomes something far more grand, with much more reach when it is set against political upheaval in 1820's Italy. The role the opera serves that piece of society, the effect music has on every soul are both explored, but in a way that does not necessitate a previous knowledge of any of the subject matter. Julian Kestrel's man-servant provides an outsider's view of everything, particularly of political high fliers and of those who hide behind costumes for the opera. He serves as Tolstoy's Natasha at the theatre.
Ross lets the tension ease only to bring it on more strongly. The reader is gripped from beginning to end by the intense personalities of the main characters. Evil seems to lurk everywhere, and only the astute Julian Kestrel will ever be able to see things for what they are--and they are very, very unexpected.

Kate Ross left us far too early, but as the reviewer below stated, she did leave us with Julian Kestrel. And for that, we are grateful.

What an amazing fourth book. Unlike the previous three in the series, this one does not take place in England, but in Italy. The ending was as surprising a twist as any twist I've read in recent memory. The plot is rich, the characters are colorful, the dialogue wonderful, and Julian is once again the character you stand up and cheer for. Please do not be put off by the thickness of the book. The pages fly by and when it's finished, you'll find yourself wanting more.

These are the Julian Kestrel books in chronological order:

Cut to the Quick
A Broken Vessel
For Whom the Gods Love
The Devil in Music

I heartily recommend this series to everybody, not just historical mystery fans.

Kate Ross's body of work may be small - only four Julian Kestrel novels - but it stands up to the greats of the genre. All the Kestrel novels are rewarding reads and this is the best of the four. As much about the passionate love of music as passionate love itself and what it can drives us to do, The Devil in Music is fine mystery, a fine comedy of manners and a great novel. Kate Ross left us too soon; thankfully she left us with Julian Kestrel.

This is a book that I would reccomend everyone read. It is a wonderful guide to the grieving process. It not only helps those going through the process realize what to expect and what is normal, but it also helps those surrounding this person understand better what they are going through. Loss is something we all encounter in our lives and this book helps in preparing us for those times. Also I would reccomend this book as a gift to a grieving person.

This book is an excellent source for the grieving. The material covers any type of loss. I have experienced the loss of my son to suicide and found it exceptional!

I was widowed less than a year ago. This book helped me understand what I was going through emotionally. Every page was a comfort to me. It not only helped me to understand myself better, but it helped me to better support a friend dealing with grief. I highly recommend this book to everyone dealing with grief.

This book was recommended by a bookstore employee.I lost my dad a year ago to cancer. I've been seeing a grief councelor for almost a year now. I started reading it about 4 days before the 1 year date of his passing and I'm glad I did. When I went to his grave on that day, my mourning wasn't as tragic as I thought it would be. I felt a sense of peace when I left, and I know it came from reading this book. It helped me to better understand ALL the processes of grief. I told my councelor about the book and she is recommending it to her clients based on my praises of this book. I believe it was a WONDERFUL tool/aide in my healing process. I am ordering copies for my sister and stepmother.

"Grief is the intense emotional response to the pain of a loss. It is the reflection of a connection that has been broken. Most important, grief is an emotional, spiritual, and psychological journey to healing." pg. 227

This book has been a tremendous help to me. I lost my husband, my best friend 7 months ago. I am not the kind of person who opens up to my close friends and family much less a therapist. I new I needed some help to get a perspective of what I was experiencing and feeling in my loss.
I saw myself going through the 5 stages of grief; Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression and Acceptance.
In going through all these stages and reading this wonderful book I realize that it is ok to feel sad, it is ok to look at the picture of us and cry and even be angry because we won't be going back to Hawaii like we talked about. It's ok to not want to get out of bed some days.
The most important thing I gained from reading this book is the fact that because he went away, my life is forever changed, I will never "get over it", and my family and friends will have to realize that.
"The person you were is forever changed.
A part of the old you died with your loved one.And a part of your loved one lives on in the new you." pg. 119

i got this book just yesterday, read a few chapters, and already see and feel results in my day-to-day commute. don't be fooled into thinking that the information in this book can only be used on the race track. there is a lot of information here that is useful for driving in general. other than driving at the limit (i.e. redline), everything is practical for better day to day driving. already today on my usual drive to get errands, i found myself more focused, remembering certain instructions and guidelines. when to downshift, how soon, how abrupt, how to feel the car, how to turn, how to steer...these are basics covered in two chapters that made my commute around town that much more enjoyable, safer, and smarter. this book is definitely a keeper.

only complaint is that it is short, but it is 1 in a series of many books of the same title.

i recommend the full length textbook by Danny Sullivan, "Going Faster" as the main course book and this book as a cliff-notes or just a reminder handbook to keep in the car with you.

Precious information to any one who practice or simply want to understand the technical side of motor sports.

I read this book upon a recommendation of another book titled "Go Ahead - Take the Wheel" which describes how people can begin racing. The author of that book explains that it's purpose is to provide people the necessary guidance needed to get into racing (which it does a fantastic job of), and recommends a couple of other books that discuss driving techniques. One of the books "Go Ahead - Take the Wheel" recommended is Speed Secrets. Both books are very well written and provided me everything I need to get started in racing.

I really enjoyed how Speed Secrets was written and made me feel like the author Ross was coaching me in person. Great gook and well worth the money.

This book is an absolute must for any novice or even intermediate racer. I race karts often and bought this book recently to enhance my skills.
Within a week of reading this book I have already dropped more than a FULL SECOND off my lap times!!! MUST READ MATERIAL!

Read the book over vacation, the info it gives you is great but a lot of it only works if you actually drive a Formula or Sport Racer Vehicle. Lots of info about tracks and courses, how to get the ideal line in an apex, and how to drive smoothly and fast gain control, then it repeats itself again, so this makes an illusion that there are a lot of secrets even though he is just repeating it using different verbiage. This is a great book for advanced racers that understand the concept and terminology of F1 type races and it helps you prepare for a F1 race too but for an average driver trying to learn the ropes this book might be to hard and doesn't help much with everyday driving since a lot of the techniques is for driving above 150mph and plus F1 has totally different suspension systems and steering systems then regular sport cars so if you try it it might feel weird. You learn the heal toe move which I have been trying to get for a while, very detailed and lots of graphs, data charts, and drawings. I personally had to skip some chapters because I was not interested tracks, officials, and what they do with the flags, and some more stuff because a lot of it does not apply to me as I do not own a formula car or race professionally in such a track they described, but I did read about perfect turning and control plus weight transfer and how to keep that center of gravity which helps me in the real world of driving on the streets. I feel that I am going a lot faster in my car by being able to turn safely yet not slowing my car down to much where it would take longer to accelerate plus I have been able to drive fast yet so smooth that my mom fell asleep the whole time as I drove her. So i was really happy with that info. I am a mechanic and I test race clients vehicles at the track, my average speed is 140mph so you know my point of view

How exciting to find two of my favorite people are friends and are teaching similar things: Eckhart Tolle and Steve Ross! This book delivers exactly what it states, how to be happy, how to do yoga, and how to do happy yoga! YEAH! (Notably, I appreciate the easability of reading and thus getting the information.)

Kudos Mr. Ross

Jessica Stone Rampton
Creator of UpLift Energy & Nutrition

Steve Ross is by far the best Yoga teacher! This book explained why I feel so good after yoga and so much more! I am so happy I bought this book! Steve Ross now needs a dvd....

- I love this book because I feel as though I was talking with someone who had my same doubts and questions.
- I love it because it's written in a plain and simple language.
- I love it because it makes me laugh.
- I love it because when I read it I feel as though Steve Ross were right beside me.
- I love it because it infuses me with the energy to keep on moving, exploring, asking, laughing, loving.

I have read this book twice and I still feel that it has something for me whenever I take it and open it randomly. It's like a friend who's there for me. Full of good advices and acceptance at the same time.

A joyful romp of a book.

Mr Ross makes simple the concepts behind yoga practice. The concepts which are in fact the very heart of yoga and without which physical yoga, by itself, is only going to do a body so much good.

I'd highly recommend this book to anyone, even if you're brand new to yoga, or just interested in yoga from a "what the heck is the philosopy of yoga, from a spiritual, religious perspective?" mindset.

Now down to the nitty gritty: Will this book make you happy? Actually, if you take it's message to heart and mind, I'd say yes.

I recommend reading this [[ASIN:0385524587 A Complaint Free World: How to Stop Complaining and Start Enjoying the Life You Always Wanted] with Happy Yoga, for a complete transformation.

This book really inspired and mademe realize what is important in my life. LOVE IT for that I will give this book to everybody I know.

I love the show 'Heroes,' but this isn't the show. This compilation of the on-line comics is nice to read, but not essential to the enjoyment of the show even though it does add to the cache of information the show offers. The artwork is not very good at all in some of the mini-issues, and the writing is minimalistic.

If you like comic books and the show, I recommend you read this. If you like the show but don't like comic books, don't come near this. If you don't like the show but love comics, stay away.

I'm glad my library had this in stock! I'd have hated to pay for it just to get 30 minutes of entertainment.

I really liked how this book came. It was wrapped up in plastic so it could be kept as a collectors piece. I gave it as a gift and when he opened it, the graphics were unbelievable. I think that everyone in our family wanted to borrow it. I love the book! Too bad I couldnt read it before I gave it :(

i'm a huge fan of the tv show, heroes. and i love illustrated books. so i was pretty stoked when friends gave me this gorgeous book for christmas.

the chapters in this book (each very short) were created, originally, as web comix for the show's site. they were developed prior to and concurrently with the show's script development. as a result, they're complimentary to the show, as opposed to merely being a recap of the first season. there are characters who aren't in the show, and scenes with the show's characters that aren't in the tv episodes.

that said, this book would be almost impossible to follow for someone who didn't see the show.

the illustrations are stunning, and i really enjoyed it. but, ultimately, it's a book for fans of the tv series.

Over the years we've seen superheroes leap from the four colour pages of comics onto the big screen and even the television.

The quality of these shows has varied greatly over the years. But, for the most part, the movies were terrible up until the turn of the century.

Take a look at the movies that we had based on superheroes, until Tim Burton's Batman, (lets try and forget Batman 3 & 4, ok?) they pretty much all sucked! Any of you old enough to remember the original Spiderman movies from the 70's? Dr. Strange anyone? Or, how about the Swamp Thing?

The same can be said about most superheroes that made it onto the small screen. Sure, there were some pretty good shows (Flash anyone?), some that were so campy I'm shocked that they survived (Batman from the 60's), and some that were just mediocre, but somehow managed to stick around for several seasons (Mutant X comes to mind).

I personally found that the best way for superheroes to be portrayed was, of course, through the animation medium. We've had numerous Spiderman, Superman, Batman and X-men incarnations over the years, and every few years the studios try to re-imagine our favourite superheroes.

Once again, to varying degrees of success.

Now, Back in September of 2006 we had a show hit the airwaves that totally changed the face of entire genre for television.

Heroes hit the airwaves.

Now, this show, as anyone who follows it knows, isn't about flashy special effects or multi-coloured spandex... it's about people.

Ordinary people who are doing their best to lead normal lives, people who discover that they possess extraordinary abilities that set them apart from humanity.

And, of course, the secret organization that plans on controlling these special people.

Another thing that really set the show apart from others of its ilk that didn't survive (Birds of Prey, anyone?) is the fact that it was also supported online. Fake blogs, trivia, production stills, being able to watch entire episodes online and finally, one really, really cool feature...

The online graphic novel.

In my case, I didn't bother reading the online graphic novel, simply because I'm not all that big into comics, and, to be totally honest? I completely forgot about it!

That is until I found the first volume, which contains the first 34 issues of the online comic, at my local bookstore.

Being a fan of the series that I am, I decided to pick it up. Despite the fact that I'm not really what one would call a fan of the four colour books.

I bought the book for several reasons. First of all, I skimmed the book and was, for the most part, pretty impressed with the artwork throughout. Even years ago, before married life took hold of me when I was heavily into comics, I found that if I didn't enjoy the art, it didn't matter how well it's written. I just couldn't read it.

That wasn't the case with this graphic novel.

Secondly, and the biggest reason is because I AM a fan of the series. It was really neat to see all these short comics that add more depth to the main characters, and others that showed up only for a very brief period of time in the show.

To me, it was just filler, background information, but useful information, not regurgitated info that we already knew about in the show.

Since I haven't followed comic book writers or for that matter artists for nearly two decades, I have no idea who the people were that were mentioned in the credits. I don't know what work they have done previously to the graphic novel, so I can't say if any of them are considered to be powerhouses in the industry.

Still, I enjoyed the artwork throughout. It was, as one person has put it in the past, up to my fascist demands when it comes to artwork.

As a bonus, there is an introduction Masi Oka AKA Hiro Nakamura and an interview between series executive producer Jeph Lobe, and series writers Aron Eli Coleite and Joe Pokaski.

Now, in ending, the book is hardcover, and because of this, quite expensive at $[...]Canadian and $[...] American. But, consider that it is over 234 pages in length, you're getting your money's worth.

5 out of 5

This graphic novel contains a serie of short stories that were previously published on the internet and that give you additional information about the characters and all the story. It's an amazing read if you're a fan of HEROES, as it provides you with some interesant hindsights on the Heroes's world.
Also, the drawings and the story telling are superb.

This has to be one of my favorites and no child should be without it. The text is lively and easy to read and reads like people really talk, which gives the story a lot of warmth. The illustrations are beautifully drawn with lots of detail and humor and also look true to life, from the pained expression on the dad's face as he's rowing the boat, to sister Jane peeking from the top of the stairs or chasing the cat under the bench in Mr. Condon's store. Jane is depicted just as most children her age really are - a real livewire who is both curious and active, climbing and getting into things - she reminds me of my 16 month old daughter! And Sal is accurately portrayed as a typical preschooler - asking detailed questions about everything and talking up a storm.

You won't be disappointed. This classic is a must for any preschooler.

This book is a beautiful picture book, and I still enjoy looking at it. The pictures are gorgeous. And this isn't a cheesy book. It's a wonderful story for children, and I highly recommend it! Buy it. You won't be disappointed.

Great condition! I remember this childhood book being illustrated in navy blue ink. Has this been changed? I was looking forward to that. Great service. Thank you.

I had this book when I was a child and bought it for my grand-neice because I love the book. I was so happy to see that it is still in print. It is a wonderful little story and the illustrations are amazing. I highly recommend this story for all youngsters.

To a child, every morning is a new start with infinite possibilities; at least that's how it should be. In this classic 1953 book Robert McCloskey brings a child's simple world to life. McCloskey, better known for his Make Way for Ducklings and Blueberries for Sal, gives us another look at little Sal. The story is timeless and his line drawings bring the children to life.

The simple coastal lifestyle of more than half a century ago may be hard to find today, in part because of the high local tax valuation of shore and island properties. Still, if you were to take a child to the rocky coast of Maine this summer, she could be little Sal in the clam flats. One Morning in Maine (Picture Puffin) is full of that magical atmosphere where the land and ocean meet. We all want that magic!

McCloskey's Caldecott-honored book tells a simple story. Young Sal wakes up on a sunny morning in Maine with an adventure in store. She and her little sister are going with their father in the boat to Buck's Harbor to dig clams. There are idyllic family scenes, lessons from their father about the world around them, ice cream cones at the store, and the disappointment of a loose tooth lost in the clam flats.

Simple stuff? It certainly is, and just the sort of simple stuff children thrive on. Sal's morning may be long ago and far away, but the curiosity and wonder of a child's new day will be with us forever.

Linda Bulger, 2008