Spencer Books

A bit out there, I enjoy fantasy more then SF and the basis of this series is a bit difficult for me to believe, but the writer is so good, that I have read the entire series and found I could not put any of these books down... A Great Read..!

The latest in the Ikiah Oregon series maintains the standards of the series; lots of action, mystery, humor, blood and a little sex on the side. Now we find the DEA entering the action. Nice character development with the addition of Atticus and Ru, a real charmer.

Three "Ukiah Oregon" books ago, Wen Spencer was a new novelist with an engaging character and some new novelist faux pas under her belt. I still read "Alien Taste" in one sitting and went out and got the next two books. "Bitter Water" is the toughest read of the group, but every one of them is enjoyable and pulls you through the story.

The first thing I will say about Book Four is you don't need the first three books to read and understand it. But, I believe you will be so engaged by Ukiah Oregon's story that you will WANT them.

In this novel, Ukiah Oregon discovers he has a big brother. While the feeling of not being the only one is good, neither brother can trust the other.

Strongly recommend you read this book when you have several hours to devote to it. You will not want to put it down.

Atticus Steele and his friends always knew he was strange with the abillity to heal from things that kill other people but finding a man who apart from looking younger could be his twin was a shock. The story he is told when the man who is his brother heals is more of one and what he can find out about him makes him wonder weather to trust him at all.
The story only gets faster and more complex after that a good read. I read it in one day.

Spencer introduces Atticus Steele and friends in this latest novel following the trials and tribulations of Ukiah Oregon.

Atticus and his partner discover Ukiah dead in a trunk of a car surrounded by mice. Obviously something they have seen before. Apparently, Atticus had more than his share of run-ins with death and mice. Not to mentioned this "kid" looked exactly like him. So, of course they decide to save him.

I like the fact Spencer decides to add a new character and for much of the book, the story is told from Atticus' view point. The reader also dicovers Atticus' love interest is different from Ukiah, also. Which continues the homosexual theme that began with Ukiah's moms. It also gives the Dog Warriors reason to leave another "breeder" alone. The action is nonstop and the reader can't help but feel for these characters. I really enjoyed all the books from this series.

The reason I chose to give it four stars instead of the usual five is that I felt Spencer should have explained situations more fully. For example, in this novel she shows the cult as trying to save mankind. Yet, they know by know that the sex drug is lethal to humans (many of their own have died from it) and does absolutely nothing to the "demons." Still they continue to manufactor it and sell it the the people. This completely goes against their agenda. There were several other things I found that were a contradiction to the character's or group belief.

Still, if you can overlook these things, I'm sure you will enjoy this novel.

This book is a great reference guide for those who are considering the low-carb lifestyle and want to compare various plans and their pros and cons. He gives insight into the history of low-carb dieting and writes in a clear, pleasant to read format. It is a nice break from many diet books which seem to offer a gloom and doom approach to dieting. He is concise and informative. I really enjoyed this book

I am an average stay at home mom who needs to lose about 30-40 lbs. I recently started the Atkins diet and was immediately fascinated that for the first time in my life, my cravings were under control. It was amazing. In the past few weeks I have become somewhat obsessed with the low carb lifestyle. I was at a large bookstore the other day looking for a low carb cookbook when I stumbled across this book. I am so glad that I did. This book explains so much of how low carb works and how it affects our bodies. The author is a fantastic writer and he does not seem biased when he reviews many of the popular low carb plans. That is one thing I was worried about and was somewhat skeptical to buy this book for that reason.

My favorite thing about this book is that it helps you pick and choose the best parts of each low carb plan to put together the ultimate plan FOR ME. I do enjoy the current plan I am on but I love that I can add aspects of other LC plans to my lifestyle. This book will also help you set yourself up for success. There are many tips on how to be successful and answers to many questions that you may have regarding low carb eating. This book is well rounded and covers all of the bases. Plus you can't beat the low price.

I can't believe I bought this book and left it in my bookshelf for almost a year. This is an exceptionally well written book.
Don't let Jonny Bowden's picture drive you away from the book. The back cover shows a man that seems too strong to be smart. Yet Jonny has the gift of writing. All his book is well-referenced, interesting, and a pleasure to read.
Bowden certainly did his homework. Before writing his book, he read everything there is to read. When he quotes or criticizes a book, he does it with knowledge, authority and style.
I noticed that some Amazon reviewers behave as if they were book salesmen. I won't do that. I believe this book is not for everyone. This book has a wealthy of information that might intimidate superficial readers. But if you are serious about lowcarb diet, or if you want to be educated about it, this book is a treasure.

Overweight people, parents, folks with auto-immune diseases, EVERYONE should read this book! It's an easy read and witty, not muddied down at all with too much jargon, but written clearly with plenty of scientific facts and studies to back up Jonny's advice on eating. Too Americans are either fat or unhealthy or both and we need help. I switched to this low-carb way of eating a month and a half ago and have dropped two sizes (hoping to drop 1 or 2 more to reach goal weight). NOTHING else worked for me. It is all SO CLEAR now why it is impossible to stick to a healthy diet while eating the typical 400 grams of carbs a day that Americans eat, when we should all be eating 60-90 carbs a day instead. I am finding this way of eating so satisfying and feel better than I ever have. My kids and hubby are going to be weaned from all the processed sugary junk, too and I hope I can help them not be future diabetics, among other things.

I love how the book can be easily used as a resource. It's quite different from Dr. Phil or any other diet book! You will love it and be grateful for it. Trust me.

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R1H00BCVNZLHNH *****
This book reviews 14 different low carbohydrate eating plans, and gives you the tools to put together an eating plan that is right for you. In this video I share about the book, the plans, and how it helped me. It is my hope that it will give you the information you need to decide if this excellent book is for you.
*****

A friend recommended this to me when I expressed the desire to read a little more about elephants (after reading Philosophy Made Simple and Water for Elephants). It makes sense... elephants and the circus go together, yes?

In this collection, Cathy Day plays with the structures of stories. Each is constructed a little differently than the last, but all interweave to paint a portrait of a small town with a unique past and a distinctly midwestern present. Experimental structures can fall flat as easily as they work. I don't require a linear narrative, but I do require that a story be told. This book tells one.

True to the title, the circus performers are mostly shown during the downtime, weathering winter and waiting to get back on the train. The way that their lives butt up to the lives of ordinary folks is interesting to read about. Several stories deal with the ways in which men do not comprehend the longings of women, and Day handles this theme beautifully and without accusation, especially in The King and His Court and the very tragic The Lone Star Cowboy.

It's a beautiful book. But...

(spoilers)

...the elephants are only shown dying. I can't stand it. Their deep eyes, their hairy hides, their questing trunks, and then they die.

Since the stories are called "exhibits," the question of human oddity ("born" and "made") is called into question. Well, this was part of the circus. One of the stories deals with a young man who has dwarfism, and how he happily accepts the role of town mascot, and what happens when that role is inexplicably (to him) withdrawn. I've read too many stories in which a little person comes in to serve as a metaphor, a symbol, as if somehow a person who has dwarfism is not a person, just the condition that makes him short. Day does a nice job of portraying a person. He is an innocent boy, then a clueless young man, and then an angry young man. He is more than the sum of his bones.

Very highly recommended.

I've never liked the circus. But this book made me want to learn more about people who live a life tied to it. Day paints beautiful and poignant images of her characters and she weaves a mighty beautiful web in the process.

The first stories in this collection are small masterpieces. Cathy Day can take us deep into the secret, hidden hearts of her characters. There were passages that I read, over and over, just to enjoy the beauty of her writing.

It was close to perfect.

I was worried that a 'circus story' would be all about the freaks and geeks. Instead, it was about real people struggling against the loneliness of midwestern winters, coping with broken dreams, the constraints of small town lives, and the endless allure of life on the road.

Sadly, the seams started to show towards the end of the collection. There was nothing bad, so much as a sense of that, in a few of the later stories, she was repeating her best stories (or giving us an early, less polished version of them). One story could have been dropped with no loss ("Jungle Boolah Boy" didn't feel very integrated with the rest of the stories), and another ("Boss Man") felt a bit strained although it did help to tie some of the themes and characters together.

This is a wonderful,short book that I really enjoyed.
The author brings you into the world of circus folks. Sometimes funny,sometimes sad but always interesting. She gives us the story many different ways,which at times can be trying.

Her characters are well fleshed out making you want to know more. She carries thru with this by bringing you from the past to the future and back. A good fun read!

This book of interconnected short stories related to residents of the old circus town of Lima, Indiana (it's real life counterpart is Peru, Indiana) is just excellent. Great writing, great characterizations and great stories that seem like they could have really happened. Do yourself a favor and read THE CIRCUS IN WINTER instead of WATER FOR ELEPHANTS which is more romance novel than literature but for some unknown reason is reaping a lot of positive buzz.

I loved deep thoughts ever since I saw them on Saturday Night Live. This book is worth every penny!

Don't let the small size of this book let you think it a light weight in the world of books on deep thoughts.What I'm really trying to say is that when something is really thought out ,it doesn' take a volumous manuscript to get the message across. Take Moses,for example,he could have filled 50 volumes explaining God's instructions.He took two stones,and in 10 Commandments,got the message across clear and simple.
When Handley set out to explain deep thinking,he managed to do it in so few pages ,he didn't even have to number them.Not only that,most of the page is a simple picture.
Most of the reviewers talk about how funny this book is.What he really makes us laugh so hard ; is how complicated we make the thoughts on living for ourselves.The great Philosophers have tried over the ages to give us great thoughts to live by.You know what? It ain't that difficult.
For instant,much has been written on the meaning of life.Handey tells us to think deep.
"Life is a constant battle between the heart and the brain.
But guess who wins. The skeleton."
Or how about this;
"You might think that the favorite plant of the porcupine is
the cactus,but it's thinking like that that almost ruined
this country."
Then his thoughts on afterlife;
"In my next life,I hope I come back as a parrot,because I
already know quite a few words."
And finally a deep thought in case we are invaded by Aliens;
"Warning to all outer-spage guys: You can capture me and put me
in your "space zoo" if you like,but I will sit way in the
back of my cage,where it's hard to see me.And when I do come
out,I won't be wearing any pants."
Now,how about that; Deep thoughts or what? Yeah,and it'll
make you laugh,too.

If you have any sort of a sense of humor whatsoever, you must get this book. Jack Handey is one of the most hilarious people alive! You may already be familiar with Handey's work, his work was featured on Saturday Night Live some years back. These are great to memorize and randomly quote throughout the day. I love this book, I've read it a bunch of times, and it's always funny.

A great break from school-related/work-related readings. Jack Handey is a genius and he will take you away from your problems--whatever they may be. I always read this book when I am upset about anything...I post the quotes around my house too. Funnier than comics.

If I were a rich gal, I would buy everyone in the world a copy of this book, because inside are some of the funniest thoughts ever produced! Each page holds a different "deep thought"; some immediately bring out the laughter, while others take a sec or two to sink in. Then you grin and want to immediately share it with someone. I think this would make a wonderful coffee table book. Put it out there at your next get-together and watch people chuckle, roar, giggle, snort, whoop, guffaw, howl, snicker, crack up, or whatever they do when they've just read something hilarious.

Rare it is to find a guide so well crafted by a writer successful in his own right. I found this the perfect abridged bible for anyone with a career or contemplating a career in the musical theater. David Spencer's frank tone tears down the dream and shows the true reality of the business. With diligent and witty writing, Spencer's guide is as fun as it is rigorous. The author includes bits of his own writing process mingled with very generous advice on what works and what does not. It's reading list alone would recommend it. This book will make many a musical theater writer conscious of the hidden pitfalls prevalent in the business and so will, with an increase of its readership, increase the quantity as well as quality of musical authorship on and off-Broadway, a deed most needed.

You get the feeling the author cares about the reader's survival through life as well as on the perilous if rewarding journey of musical theater writing. The book is surprisingly also a brilliant textbook for navigating professional and private relationships as Spencer is of the clever opinion that success in any field requires such skill. Theater-goers may benefit as well from its clear picture of the creative process behind the large shows. No one interested in musical theater should be without this book.

David Spencer's book is without question the most comprehensive, concise and informative book on writing contemporary musical theatre I've found on the market to date. An astonishingly quick (and entertaining) read, the book covers all of the bases of writing shows, from the creative process to dealing with the business end of getting an original musical produced. It is also jam-packed with useful information regarding the 'knit-picky' details of standard conventions (such as formatting scripts, creating and distributing demos, etc) that are worth the price of purchase alone.

The book is well-structured into concise, easy to read sections that are easy to refer to when necessary. Appropriately titled a "Survival Guide," Spencer makes no attempt to create an 'everything-you-need-to-know-to-write-a-musical' guide; instead, he provides brief (but considerably detailed) insight into each topic.

This is not a book for a beginner who is looking to learn how to write songs, but rather for ambitious young artists who are serious about creating new musical theatre. There are entire books that deal with the considerations posed by individual chapters (such as musical forms, rhyme, characterization, etc) that supplant the information in this book; his list of suggested readings is very helpful. Consider this book to be the 'study-guide' for the test; there is no other book on the market that covers so much terrain with such detail in such a small volume. It truly has become my survival guide - thank you David Spencer!

I have read some books on writing Broadway Musicals which were quite good but this one has a direct clarity that demystify's the process of creating a musical. Good advice is given in every important area from story to page layout and fonts to the politics involved in collaboration. An invaluable tool for a writer that's seasoned or just starting out.

I am an aspiring musical theatre writer with no real experience yet, but reading this makes me feel like I have twenty years of experience under my belt! It seems that Mr. Spencer has thoughtfully included, out of his own widespread experience in the biz, absolutely every thought, information, helpful tidbit or advice that I think EVERY new or seasoned musical theatre writer will find very, very helpful. He is very intentional about sharing stories and information to help young writers avoid pitfalls and mistakes he once made, or is familiar with. Every chapter flows well, is thorough, well-structured, & intriguing to read. I am sure I will continue looking back to this for frequent reference as I continue pursuing this career. Thank you, Mr. Spencer, for this invaluable resource!! It is worth more than every penny!

THE MUSICAL THEATRE WRITER'S SURVIVAL GUIDE is, one the whole, an excellent and much-needed resource. This is not so much a book about how to write a musical, but what to do with it once you have written it. The most valuable parts for me were the sections dealing with collaboration. Author David Spencer discusses not only how to deal with writing partners, but also with the other collaborators, like the director, the producer and the designer. He also gives practical advice about the most effective way of presenting the reading and making the demo recording. He goes into great detail about what any material that you send out should look like. These parts of the book alone make it worth owning.

I felt that Spencer jumped the track toward the end with a lengthy discussion of setting up one's own recording studio, which would have been much better as an appendix, rather than in the main body of the book. My other quibbles with the book are the rather gag-inducing Sondheim worship and the author's frequent tooting of this own horn. (I found the section dealing with awards and grants depressing because it only pointed up the unlikelihood that material by a maverick like me would ever be considered.) There are a couple of minor errors (such as when he says that William Redfield played Rosencrantz in Burton's HAMLET, when in reality he played Guildenstern) and there is a glaring use of "principle" as an adjective, rather than "principal." But in general, I found this an invaluable book that absolutely needed to be written. Every serious musical theatre writer should have his own copy. This one is simply essential.

This book is about four kids, Judd, Vicki, Lionel, and Ryan. They are going through the last seven years left on earth after the Rapture. None of them have parents because they were either taken during the Rapture or they died. They have all become Christians and are beginning the fight towards the antichrist, Nicolae Carpathia. Their pastor Bruce was just killed in a bombing in Chicago, and now they have to face the future without parents or a pastor.

I thought this book was very good. It helped me become a better Christian and better believer of Christ. This book would be good for people who are Christians or people who want to learn more about the Rapture and about being a Christian. Reading this book helped me to be more aware and know more about the Rapture also. I think the lesson is to accept Christ before it is too late because you never know when your last day will be.

I have always enjoyed the adult series of Left Behind books. The kids books are just as good. The kids interact with the characters from the adult series, experience the same events, etc. However, since the main characters are teens, these books can appeal to younger readers. So far, the stories haven't had the ups and downs that the adult series has had. The adult series has books that are a lot more boring than others. The kids series seems to be good in every book. These are not for really young kids, but would be appropriate for young teens. I enjoy them and I am an adult.

I like to read a variety of books, but since I have come upon the adult and kid's series of left behind, I just can't really get into another book until I know I have read the last one of both series.

Death Strike is the 8th book in the LBTK series, and probably the most crammed, adventure filled book, in the whole series to date (#32, and counting).
We last left off with Vicki being taken back to Northside Detention Center. After a run-in with trouble, Vicki is left injured within the first few pages, and recieves word that there is someone that would like to adopt her! Who could it be, and will she want to go with them? Also, Vicki finds friendship within a girl named Janie, but wonders if she will ever believe the truth.
Meanwhile, back home, Judd, Lionel, and Ryan are left amazed through the teachings of Pastor Bruce Barnes. With new security measures being brought up within Nicolae High, can they really risk bringing back "The Underground", since they have witnessed the trouble it can bring?
With the return of a new friend, Judd decides to travel to Israel with Bruce, but when a mysterious illness strikes the pastor, the Young Trib Force is left to deal with the loss of a great friend, and the disapperance of another. World Word 3 begins, and it's going to be a rocky ride.
Truly a favorite in the series, Death Strike delivers and really set the standards I've put the series up to. Always suspensful, and always inpirational, this series is one that you can't afford not to read.

This eighth installment in the series about a group of teens struggling to survive the Tribulation and spread the Truth of the existence of God to a world caught in the Antichrist's web of deceit is one of the most exciting in the series so far. Death Strike starts one year after the events of book 7. The Antichrist's regime has gained complete control of the world, decieving people into thinking that Nicolae Carpathia is the savior of the world. The young Trib Force sees this man as he really is - the most evil man on Earth. They are determined to resist the power that this regime has over the world.

Vicki Byrne, now 15 years old, is still detained in the detention center, where she has been fighting for her life for one year. Judd, Lionel, Ryan, John, and Mark are continuing their undercover ministry at Nicolae High. Judd, now 17 years old, sets a new goal that could put the entire group in the greatest danger yet. At his graduation ceremony, he proclaims the message of the Bible and how to recieve God's salvation. He is dragged out of the ceremony by Global Community gaurds and given no credit.
Then conflict arises, the rise of a rebel group fighting against Carpathia's regime triggers war and Judd, Mark and Vicki, who finally makes it out of the detention center, are almost killed by a sudden attack of GC soldiers against a gathering of Militia rebels.
Then global catastrophe strikes. When the GC military bomb the Militia's nike base, World War 3 begins, leaving the young Trib Force fighting for their lives. As GC fighter planes soar over Chicago dropping bombs on buildings and neighborhoods, the kids desperately search for Mark, whom they fear is dead. They find him, barely alive, but alive nonetheless. But the kids are given a heartbreaking challenge when one of their closest friends is killed by the bombings.

Book 8 in the Left Behind Kids series is one of the most suspenseful books in this series so far. It kept me on the edge of my seat to the very end, and the cliffhanger ending left me hanging. I highly reccomend this series to anyone.

A great read, and quick. Get the whole series, it's that good. You don't have to read prequels first (The Circle Trilogy), and I appreciate that!
But, hey! you will probably want to read them after you're done, (Ted Dekker makes you curious enough) to enhance your understanding of one character, Thomas' prior history. We did! :)

Once again, the plot is fast and intoxicating as Johnis rushes to save those he loves, following his heart against all odds into the very centers of darkness, being forced to trust in the light of Elyon to prevail.

the mission for the books is on in this second book but we finally start to get a more personal and real look at our hero, giving some much needed character development after the first series.
the plot is again exciting and leaves you desperate to get to the end, to know how it ends.
However, there are a few times that it seems circumstances/situations are too easily resolved and though a great, quick read, by the end, I was hoping for something a little more.

I would give it a three for lack of detail in the world and a more complex execution of the plot, but it is tagged for young adult AND i can't deny I raced through the book, enjoying every minute....

This is an awesome series. I have read the first two books and my 13 and 15 year old son and daughter have read them too. Buy'm soon

This is an amazing book. I love how Ted Dekker ties this story into the Circle trilogy. This is a wonderful follow-up story to CHOSEN. If you've read BLACK, RED and WHITE, you need to read this!!

Johnis stepped forward and lifted the ring. He recognized it immediately. "My mother's ring!"
"Your mother's?" Silvie asked. 'Michal wanted you to know that the Horde took it?'
But Johnis didn't think that was what Michal had meant by leaving the ring. Sweat beaded on his forehead. "She's alive."
Johnis is a regular 16 year old in a land similar to our own. There are no cars or electricity, and you are permitted to get married at age 16. In this land there are two tribes, the Forest Guards, whom Johnis is a part of, and the Horde. The Horde and the Forest Guards have been in a long war and the Horde believes they can defeat the Forest Guards. Johnis, while watching the tryouts for new recruits is suddenly pushed into the game. Johnis and three other companions were sent on a mission. Their original mission was to find 4 Catalina cacti, but while on the mission he and his companions, Darsal, Billos, and Silvie, run into the Horde. He is saved by a white bat called a roush and he is told he is to find the 6 Lost Books of History, books that are so powerful you will die if you open it. These books are the final hope of defeating the Horde, but he's not the only one searching for the books. Teeleh, an evil bat wants to use the books' power to take over all the land. Johnis is in a race to find the books... (End of book 1)
After he receives 3 books he heads home. He is honored and celebrated as a hero because everyone believes he escaped the Horde. After the celebration he runs into Michal, the roush he ran into earlier. Michal hands him a ring where he finds out that his long lost mother, who was taken prisoner of the Horde, is still alive. Now he has a new mission, to find his mother...
This Fantasy Fiction book teaches one that they should always obey God's laws. Johnis betrayed his people by taking over a hundred forest guards to save his mother. He did not find his mother and killed more than half of them in battle. This book is full of action and suspense, Ted Dekker is an amazing author. Infidel is a great second book in the series; I can't wait until the saga is complete. I believe both teenagers and adults will love this fun and short book, anyone will enjoy this book and I'm sure everyone will love the series.

Tim's story is amazing. He is an unbelievable man who has persevered through many trials. I liked the beginning of the book better than the latter parts. The part where he focuses on his story is much more interesting and captivating. A good, easy read.

I keep this book at all times to give to friends who have had surgery or any kind of physical "ailment." It is very inspiring; and I recommend it even to those who are well!

I read this book after being in a wheelchair for a year. Even though I had to spend another year in that chair, my outlook on life changed completely! I am now buying copies for others who are in the same circumstances. I would recommend this book to anyone who is suffering from depression or discouragement due to a debilitating injury or illness! Life is not over! A new chapter has just begun!

Tim draws on his vast understanding of pain and suffering to write this and other books. He is a kind man, who loves God and wants to serve Him with all he has. Even through the pain, he still desires to share his faith and tell his story. Joy is one of the most difficult ideas to grasp, but Tim does it and lives it. This book is great for all readers, young and old, healthy and sick. You will find a renewed perspective on life and living every minute of it with the joy that comes from above

The author's story was very interesting to read. The way he handled being seriously injured in a mountain climbing accident, and then having to live the rest of his life in severe pain, was highly inspiring. I hope I can apply the same principles to improve my attitude about life and overcome depression!

This book is simply one of the most powerful books you could read to draw you to the Lord, in increased trust, fervor and understanding of His love.

This work regarding the testimony of God's faithfulness to Hudson Taylor is truly inspiring and amazing. Hudson Taylor was truly a unique individual that sought to pioneer the mission movement in inland. While other missionaries were content to stay in the large metropolitan centers of Asia dotted along the coastline, Taylor ventured forth with a firm faith in God with the purpose of bringing the Gospel to the Chinese countryside. The title of the book is somewhat of a misnomer as the secret is no secret. Taylor bowed his knee in simple obedience to clear biblical commands. The secret of the book is how it documents Taylor's account of how God used him. God said "Go!" and Taylor went, and the influence of that is still being impacted on Asia. The book shows the uniqueness of Taylor as God worked in his spiritual formation, mission philosophy and practice. The Hudson Taylor's spiritual secret is attributed to his radical commitment to live a life in which he completely trusted in God and the living out of the Great Commission.

Very informative and honest account of what it is really like in practice to trust in Jesus Christ to fulfill your needs when you are loving and obeying the Lord's Word (the Bible).

Very well written and worthy of commendation. I recommend in for all, especially to those who are seeking, with hope, a trophy of God's dispensations in the diverse and many operations of this world about them, and in them.
There certainly is a refuge in the midst of the storms, who is Christ Jesus...but, sometimes, it is neddful to direct thy bow to face the storm, and to ride the waves right into the storm. It is there, that we may find an "eye" in the storm, with peace and tranquility our anchors and mainstay.

This got me an A on a college paper on Missionaries in China. It is a great primary source.

I have had tons of pets. But none as demanding as cats. Now that I think about it cats are good training for dating, but I'm getting off track. Sumire Iwaya finds Momo, a homeless guy in a box, and takes him in. But in order for him to stay with her and eat her food he has to be her pet. Which is why he has a female dog's name. Now that seems simple, till her old flame shows up and wants to link up with her again. What if he wants to come over? What if he wants to have dinner with her? What if he wants to have sex with her? Things may get complex. I plan to keep an eye on this manga series.

I really can't add much to the detailed reviews already listed, so I'm just here to add more stars to this under publicized manga. I own volumes 1-13, and am eagerly awaiting the final volume- too bad they take four months in between each volume. This manga is intelligent and funny, with great romantic moments. And it is refreshing that all the main characters have well developed personalities, and are talented (as opposed to the stupid-but-sweet girl with smart guy dynamic you sometimes see playing out in shoujo manga.. eh..). This is definitely manga for an older teen or adults. Don't be turned off by the questionable title- you'll be missing out on a great story (in Japanese (Kimi wa Petto), the title literally means "You're My Pet" but I guess Tokyopop didn't find that catchy enough). Highly recommended.

Sumire Iwaya is a tall, workaholic, head-strong woman with a commanding personality. She has a smoking problem, tends to get drunk on wine, and dates men who are at her height or taller. In the first two pages of the manga, her personality and several of her habits are revealed, as well as her punching her now ex-boyfriend for cheating on her in the office. As she frustratingly tries to deal with her loss, she kicks a box lying at her doorstep and looks down in horror when she sees a body inside.

Enter Momo...or that's what Sumire decided to call her 'pet'. With a bouncy, energetic attitude, Momo, named after a real dog Sumire had a long time ago, allows Sumire's comfort as she washes him, feeds him, pets him and talks to him about her deepest feelings. Momo, in return, opens up to Sumire that he takes ballet classes and hopes to make a career in what he does. Like Sumire, he also has a tragic past, but he's a lot more quiet about it. Sumire aso has to hide Momo as her human pet from everyone in her office (they all think he's a cat!), especially her new love interest, a sexy man named Senpai Hasumi. While she struggles to let go of her feelings for Hasumi, she also can't seem to let go of Momo as well, being the one major conflict in the volumes to come.

The good thing about the first volume is that although it tends to rush into things quite too fast (Kissing Momo already?), it keeps you reading to find out if Sumire will have one of her bitchy moments, seeing more of Momo's hilarious antics, and to see the slowly developing relationship between Sumire and Hasumi. The humor is spot-on, with Momo taking the role of a dog a bit too seriously as he shakes himself dry after a bath, or curling up on the couch the same way a dog would do.

It's a romantic comedy that can be pretty humorous and some parts had me laughing outright. You can feel for Sumire and her struggles between a man she loves, and the 'pet' she took in. And her love for Momo shows, especially when Momo takes off for ballet 'unannounced', leaving Sumire in a nervous breakdown of guilt and indepression. To anyone who likes romance that isn't afraid to take itself to some funny levels, this manga is for you. Good stuff.

I've read a lot of manga in my time, and this is, by far, one of the best. Tramps Like Us is an off-beat romantic story about a young(ish) professional woman who takes in a 17-year-old boy as a pet. What I really like about this manga is that it doesn't fit into the classic romantic comedy manga format. Speaking about the series in general (not just Volume 1), Sumire does have a boyfriend, an ex that she arguably hasn't gotten over, and issues with her family. But what makes the story (in Volume 1) is when she takes in an injured boy as a pet, naming him "Momo" after her dog that died when she was a child. This causes trouble as Momo seems to have some deeper feelings for Sumire, and suspicion arises when Sumire won't bring her boyfriend over to her house because of her "dog". She eventually has to learn to divide her time between the two, all while keeping her boyfriend from knowing that she's keeping a boy as a pet.

The manga is also very well written and well drawn. I saw the TV series, "Kimi Wa Pet" that was based on the manga, and it was good but it didn't seem to measure up to this manga. I like Yayoi Ogawa's style and use of facial expressions. Also the end and beginning of chapter artwork is always really cute. :) If you love manga, are just getting into it, or want to try it, I highly recommend this series. Even reading through just the first novel gets you hooked. It's sweet, addictive and original...you'll love it!

The title Tramps Like Us could refer to the fact that the main character, Sumire - a girl in her late twenties, offers to take in a homeless young man for a night as a gesture of goodwill ... but I prefer to think it refers to the characters's quest to find their place in the world. All the characters in this series are "homeless" as they are looking for their place to belong, whether it be at work or in a relationship.

Normally in stories featuring a twenty-something girl, like Bridget Jones, the main character deals with problems such as looking slim and trying to cope with work. However Yayoi bravely gives us a main character who is so attractive she resembles a model, is highly educated, and, apart from a few hiccups, has a successful career. Yayoi shows us the inner thoughts of this "perfect" woman, who is actually very insecure and lonely. She has to cope with her workmates misinterpreting her shyness with being an a cold hearted [...]. Women dislike her because she is so goodlooking, while men feel threatened by her high education, tallness, and career success. After being dumped by her boyfriend, when he makes his secret girl-friend pregnant, she makes a vow never to date anyone who is shorter than her, makes less money, or is not as qualified as she is.

One night she finds a young man living homeless outside her house. After letting him stay one night and, in a bid to make him leave and as a joke, she offers him the chance to live in her flat as long as he agrees to be her "pet." And to her surprise, he agrees! Sumire names him Momo, the same name as her childhood dog, and treats him exactly as she would a dog. She gives him a home, feeds him, and tells him her problems. As she does not think of him as a "man" she is completely at ease to be herself and does not feel the need to pretend to be "perfect" as she does with the men she dates. However, because she thinks of him as a pet, she does not think of the possibility of a relationship with him. Before she realises it, he becomes her confident and her emotional support. Problems arise when she meets up with her first boyfriend/crush, the goodlooking, successful, and really nice guy Hasumi. Her relationship with him in college ended prematurely in college and they both see this as a second chance. However she cannot admit to Hasumi that she keeps a young man as a pet.

Yayoi gives us three dimensional, very human characters. Both Hasumi and Momo, while being completely different in looks and personality, are both sweet, attractive and considerate. Sumire is also very likeable. She is only truly comfortable in jogging bottoms, smoking, playing playstation games, or watching trashy tv. These are her secret vices that only her best-friend and Momo can see. It is a welcome change to read a romance with older characters, from the normal high school stories, and Yayoi delivers honest believable three dimensional characters, attractive art, and a very addictive romantic (and often funny) storyline.

The story is about finding companionship, about how the prospect of love can be so close to you that you miss it, about the difficulties a successful career woman has in a male dominated work environment, about how women are faced with the prospect of choosing between marriage and work, and about finding your place in the world. A place where you can be truly free to be yourself, comfortable in the knowledge that you are loved for your faults as well as your successes.