Stewart Books

The Complete Chronicles of Narnia CD Box Set was an outstanding purchase. Not only are the books well read by famous voices, but they are accurate to a word. I've heard all but the last two and will share them with my 7 year old granddaughter when I'm done to introduce her to C.S. Lewis. My only disappointment was that I could not load them on to my computer to put them on my ipod for my walks, but I listen from my CD player in the house and enjoy every moment. I highly recommend the attractive and well done set. It does include some illustrations in case you do not have the books in your library.

I have to agree with a previous review, this is a FANTASTIC Audio production. The actors reading the books do a superb job: to the point that at times I don't believe it is the same person reading the different parts. They put such enthusiasm and character in to the voices and the readings that it makes the book come alive. Also a previous review recommended a different order in the reading of the books and I have to agree that the following order worked well for me.
1. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
2. Prince Caspian
3. The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (Lewis planned on stopping the series here, but apparently it took on a life of its own)
4. The Silver Chair (Actually written after, but published before "The Horse and His Boy")
5. The Horse and his Boy
6. The Magician's Nephew (Could be read first but I am glad I read (The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe) first.
7. The Last Battle.
Note: I bought this series for my grand children and I have really enjoyed each and every book.

We had seen the movies and heard of the series but never read them. We decided to purchase the complete seris on CD for a trip and they are awesome. I recommend these books for anyone wanting a good family friendly story. These were never boring and they are filled with good lessons; but not preachy.

The Complete Chronicles of Narnia is a wonderful addition to any family's entertainment collection. Even the boxes and discs are beautifully illustrated. More importantly, each of the seven novels is masterfully read by a talented actor who breathes life into the stories and characters. We listened to several books while moving across country and it certainly helped the miles go by!

A favorite series since I was young, but seems to get better with age! I find the lessons and characters erupting --like magic-- into my own life. Though generally considered Christian-based, it stands alone.

The performances are all wonderful, but Kenneth Branagh is truly inspired in "The Magician's Nephew". He is a brilliant (as the Brits would say) story teller. It makes me laugh out loud just to think of his voices for the talking animals (the bulldog, she elephant, leopard...)

this book is very interesting and impressive, because it is out of real life stories. Due to that, I could read it more seriously, and the stories made me think. At the same time, I could learn more about reality of marriage. this book is very helpful to understand all the theories and myth about marriage, and gives very thoughful ideas about how to construct marital relationship in the future.

This book was a wonderful depiction of real divorce. The book describes very sad and incredibly moving real life stories of the true victims of divorce. This book has made me rethink everything I thought about marriage and understand what divorce can do, not only to you and your spouse, but to innocent children. I think that everyone should have to read this before they get married, it shows you real consequences of not taking marriage seriously.

I thought this book was extremely powerful because the readers got to read real-life testimonies of the many people who suffered through the effects of a divorce. The fact that the stories were real made it so much easier for readers to really understand the heartache that people go through. This book really hits you hard and forces you to accept the harsh realities of divorce. You can really feel the emotions that the authors of each story are going through and it almost seems too painful to be real. I thought this book went really well with Clarke-Stewart and Brentano's other book "Divorce: Causes and Consequences" because while that book was filled with facts about divorce, this book let you peek into what happens in real life. I recommend this very powerful book to everyone.

This book is different in that it provides the readers with the reality of what many people go through prior, during and after the divorce . this book is a highly recomanded, especially for those who plan to read "Divorce causes and consequences". each chapter provides information which is backed up with real stories from people who went through divorce. then at the end of the chapter there is a summery of things that need to be learned from those stories. This book makes it much more easier to actually understand the process of divorce.

The bulk of Clarke-Stewart and Brentano's book consists of real-life stories from individuals who experienced the pains and struggles of their parents' divorce. These stories are truly gut-wrenching and tear-jerking, and the effects are felt! Clarke-Stewart and Brentano attempt to put a real face on the concept of divorce. Most people do not think that these things can happen, or that once they marry it is for good. These stories offer the reality of divorce, the hardships that are felt and can continue to linger decades after the actual separation. However, not all stories shed light on the potential hardships of a divorce. There are some that provide inspiration and advice, showing that people can triumphantly conquer these adversities.

These stories are extremely poignant, and force the reader to truly consider all the possibilities and potential problems before jumping into a marriage. My heart cries out for those who have suffered tremendously from selfish parents who involve their children in their adult disputes. However, as this book suggests, anything is attainable with the right mindset. This book was a true inspiration; I find myself repeating these stories to my friends and family, exposing them to the raw world of divorce as discovered in this book. For anyone starting a family, or thinking of marrying, PLEASE read this book. You, and your children, will definitely not regret it.

This is very prcatical and helpful book to learn about not only divorce, but also marriage, including reasonable reason to marry, types of things to consider before marriage, marriage plan, relationships...on and on.
It is not like listing of theories and statistics, but very practical to learn something out of it. In addition, contents are very organized well, and easy to read. This is one of the book i would keep, and recommend to friends who are in relationship.

This book was a wonderful presentation of the functioning, or rather, disfunctioning of a marriage and how factors can lead up to a divorce. The book walks you through the reasons and factors that push individuals to divorce, also it describes the aftermath of the event and what happens to everyone involved.

This book does an amazing job going through the entire process of divorce from start to finish. The book begins with the history of divorce and ends with the future of divorce. I can honestly say that I have learned so much just by reading this book. Clarke-Stewart and Brentano cover every aspect of divorce in a way that is easy to read and easy to understand. Their knowledge concerning risk factors and effects of divorce is very insightful. The authors do not give brief statements on the many topics of divorce, rather, they go in depth and include many different studies to support their conclusions. After reading this book, it really opened my eyes to what millions of adults and children have to endure because of divorce. It has also made me reevaluate what I want in a marriage and in my future partner. I highly recommend this book to everyone.

I recommend this book to anyone who has ever though about getting married at any point in their life. Although there is a plethora of information, the book itself is an easy read. Clarke-Stewart and Brentano present the topics in an organized and readily understood manner. This book provides useful knowledge pertaining to the causes and consequences of divorce. Even more helpful, are the suggestions provided for prevention and coping. As a college student, I would easily ignore this book on the shelves at a bookstore since I have no plans on getting married soon, let alone divorce. But, this book helps you question certain aspects in your life when dealing with relationships and learning more about yourself. Overall, this book provides great insight on the topic of divorce and I would highly recommend it to anyone.

Prior to reading the literature found in this text I was unaware of so many risk factors and characteristics commonly associated with "at-risk" marital companions. Not to say that the book steers readers away from the idea of marriage, rather it highlights facts that everyone in a serious relationship should take into account upon entering a lifelong commitment. I feel that I have personally benefited from the material in this book and believe that anyone in a relationship or in a marriage needs to purchase this book. Understanding the evolutionary process of divorce, statistical facts regarding the subject and ways to avoid the dissolution of a marriage are key facts that can alter one's life and I feel that I am at an advantege after having read this text.

Get out of your usual routine and get fantastic results with this workout program. Whether you're a Navy SEAL or not, this program will get you into shape.

The book was delivered fast and in good condition. The writing is easy to follow with plenty of pictures to also show correct formfor most of the exercises. I have started the basic workout and in just 3 weeks have noticed a difference even though i am not doing the swiming all round a very helpfull book

Haven't started following the routines yet.
The exercises taught in the video are great.
I never knew there was a easier way to increase
the number of pull ups
even if you cannot do one.

First instruction book I found that teaches running in sand.

I am in the 12th week of the 12 week program and have just
> completed the max push/pull/situp day. I am so impressed. I have gone from only 7 pullups/75 pushups/ and 55 situps in week one to 38 pullups/125 pushups/ and 80 situps in week 12. I have lost about 15 pounds and I am in the best shape of my life. I love the fact that I can look around at the gym and I am confident that no one is working out as hard as I am. I am also trying to convert my friends to the workout, but I think they doubt themselves when I tell them about it. Heck, I was doubting myself when I would look to the workouts later in the program. This is a great book for anyone looking to lose weight, tone up, and gain alot of strength.

I was the type of kid in highschool that did every sport i could...football, track, basketball, and heavy weight training...when i got this book i thought wow this isnt gonna do anything for me...wow was i wrong. I never felt this good in my life, who woulda thought pushups, situps, and pullups with swimming and running could get you in such good shape...This book's awesome i advise anyone who has the work hard mentality to get this book it's well worth the 15 dollars to get it, VERY VERY PLEASED.

Words cannot express how completely awesome and spine-tingling this book is. I saw Marshall Ball on the Oprah show several years ago and was so in awe of him that as soon as the show ended I got in the car and drove to the bookstore to buy the book. It will make you smile, cry and laugh; it really left me with the lessons of 'miracles do happen' and 'you never know what someone can do until you give them a chance'. It's a definite must read.

Marshall Ball is exquisite. With the simplicity of a child and the wisdom of the ages, he speaks with a profound understanding that could only be Divine. Marshall cannot speak, so he uses an alphabet board to point to each letter. This is a painstakingly long process. He was born with a disease that keeps him confined to a wheelchair. At age nine, he was evaluated at school with a twelfth-grade reading level. I was pleasantly inspired by Marshall and eagerly await more writings from him. My favorite quote from Marshall is: "Can we free the world to think perfectly about the listening and marvelous children?" I highly recommend this book.

Recommendation:
A great book for traveling on a journey with a special child. If you have a special child, get this book, because you may learn more about your child, and their own journey and thoughts. If you don't have an special child, then get this book and learn about the blessings that come with the pain and challenges of the journeys that parents of special children travel.

Book Review
Marshall writes, with physical assistance, of things we cannot see, or imagine in our busy and cluttered lives. Yet, these are the important, and permanent things that life is determined on, not the urgent and unimportant.

His poems are very good (fantastic considering his age and issues) and offer a mature, yet spiritually innocent viewpoint that remains objective and not caught up with our worldly challenges.

Marshall is here and suffers in order to fulfill God's purpose of helping us, and those who need spiritual assistance.

How Marshall Helped Us Learn of Our Daughter's Thoughts, and Experiences:
We have a daughter with severe cerebral palsy who cannot speak or walk an had just finished two weeks of therapy in Chicago and were catching a plane for the ride home. This was two years ago, so she was four at the time. By accident, I packed her reading books, so we stopped in the book store to find a book to read. We accidently came across Marshall's book and I explained to my daughter that Marshall was like her, and could not speak or walk, and was just a few years older. Then, I asked her if she wanted to get Marshall's book, she got very excited (happy).

On the plane we read the first few pages and came across this part of Marshall's poem...

Even though my individuality finds
sweet knowing perfection, I listen
for the answers to wishes from above.

So, I asked my daughter if God spoke to her about her wishes and prayers. She just about jumped out of her skin!!! It was like finally!!!! Someone knows my secrets!!!! Yes, I speak to God and He speaks to me!!!!

I was startled, and asked her some poorly developed questions. After a couple of months, I thought about the questions I asked and also her answers, and I realized that I really did not learn what I thought I had learned. (We have to ask her questions, with two or three answers for her to choose from, then ask additional questions to further determine her correct and precise answers).

Because I only want the truth, regardless of the issues, I spent some time to relaly think about the questions, and alternative answers that could be gleaned from my technique, then began to ask her more precise questions to nail down her responses.

What I found is that she did speak to and hear from God every night. That she did remember her personal journey (died at birth for 35 minutes), and remembered seeing God when she died. She did not remember being in the hospital, being taken off life support, or anything else.

But, when she died, she went to heaven, and was not given a choice, but was told to return to her Mommy and Daddy (which she wanted); and she was told that her purpose was to help a lot of children who were in need. (...) She came back to us - obviously - and now is a bright 6 year old who goes to full inclusion school, has many friends and lots of fun. Yet, she cannot speak, or walk, yet. (But is making great progress!)

Without reading Marshall's book, I would never have thought to ask these questions, and would have never have learned my daughter's secrets.

As heralded by such masters as Eckhart Tolle and Don Miguel Ruiz the earth at this time is graced by a number of awakened divine flowers of consciousness which grace us with their tremendous healing power and gentility. Marshall Ball is no doubt one such light in our world. His healing gift is through the power of his words. In these important documents of our time [Kiss of God & A Good Kiss] Marshall Ball uses his gentle and seemingly simple use of the English language to incite a healing effect that evokes deep emotions and directly effects the heart. Short of a miracle, both of Marshall Ball's books are a collection of communications poetically expressed and clearly echo teachings from A Course in Miracles, Eckhart Tolle's Power of Now and Stillness Speaks, and the Conversations with God books, none of which have been a source of study for this young man of 17. It seems Truth is spoken again by another source of pure love, but here, with heavenly gentleness and a poetic voice that can lift and heal the coldest of hearts. I highly recommend reading and studying both "Kiss of God" and "A Good Kiss" as material for spiritual study and personal growth. May this gentle heavenly force continue to grace us with his divine wisdom and healing voice.

This book will touch you. There is a simplicity and purity of thought, but there are deeper more profound meanings there for you to discover on your own. Marshall is a special child of God, as we all are in our own way. Love and listening are prevalent themes in Marshall's short poems and prose. I am a grown man with grown children, and I am not prone to tears, but many of Marshall's words brought tears to my eyes. I know God talks through Marshall. Share this book with your friends and family.

There are letters from `very' different types of people such as George W. Bush (after he was shot down) and from George McGovern (who was a bomber pilot). I really don't care whose side (politically speaking) the authors of the various letters represent as long as it deals with the stated topic (WAR LETTERS). This is why I only gave the book 3 stars. What in the blue blazes are letters from Helen Keller (who is writing about a friend she once knew who is now in jail for being an American commie) & a letter from the American commie traitor Alger Hiss doing in the book? Neither of these letters even remotely have anything to do with an American War.
There are other letters which also have very little to do with a U.S. war but I looked over these as they `sort of' and that is a stretch - were leading up to a war. I do not know for sure - but I believe the author is a left of center sort of guy and it comes through in the letters he chose.

This book is a great read. It is refeshing to be able to read words, thoughts and dreams from people as they perform such honorable duty overseas. This book is powerful and should be required reading for all, especially Americans.

Some anti-war activist may think it is "pro-war" but it isn't just that. This book reveals personal thoughts and challenges faced by American military personnel in wars from the Civil War until the later conflicts in the 20th century. It is pro-war, anti-war and everything in between.

This book reminds me of the sacrifice that so many make for their country. It is a great tribute for those who have served.

I actually read a review about this book and gave it as a gift to my sister-in-law who teaches high school history. She LOVES it and told me it was an amazing collection of actual letters. She said all of the teachers that she works with have been borrowing it!!

I received this book as a gift because my family knows I love reading personal histories from those who lived it and "War Letters" seemed perfect for that. I enjoy learning what life was like for the average citizen in an era, whether its someone riding the Erie Canal in 1840, a foot soldier in the American revolution, or a journal from the Civil War.

This is a remarkable book and taken individually there are many, many heart-rending emotional stories that probably need to be read by many people. It does in fact put a personal face on war. Because it is a collection of letters, the book is easily read in short spurts; you don't want (and shouldn't) read this book quickly.

I only gave the book 4 stars because I actually found it hard to read. While the personal letters (the spelling, mannerisms of the authors) help tell their stories, it also keeps the book from developing any flow. Some letters are agonzingly slow to read and understand. I'm certainly not faulting the authors or their stories; but if you're looking for a great, well-written, smooth-flowing story that you can't put down, this isn't it.

i only gave it three stars because many of the stories were more about patriotism than about the war themselves. Of course every book has its bias so its still a useful and moving read when taken with this grain of salt.

The time of this story takes place in the mid 1930s and the family of the little girl of the story has had some hard times as so many families did during those horrible years. Briefly, the little girl is sent to live with her uncle Jim in the city until her father can find work and get the family back on thier feet. The author has chosen to tell this story via letter written back home to the little girl's family, by the girl herself. The story is through her eyes. The story is excellent, as it points out just what one person, even a little one, can do to change people lives. The running theme throughout of course is the little girls love for gardening. I certainly will not go into a blow by blow account of the plot, etc. as that has been done here several times, and done quite well. The text though, is quite readable and the illustrations are great. One other theme, other than the gardening, that runs through the story, is the fact that the little girl seems to be quite concerned over the fact that uncle Jim never smiles. In the end....well, you will have to read the story yourself, does he or does he not smile...you figure it out! Love this book and recommend it highly.

This children's book is a great gift for anyone with a heart who loves to garden. The little girl in the story must go to live with her uncle during hard times. He is a gruff baker but his little niece brightens his world with her loving charm and amazing gardening skills.

This is a book is written as a series in letters and has a lot of great pictures. It is about a little girl whose mother and father don't have jobs. She also has a grandmother who gave her, her love for gardening. Lynda-Grace (the girl) has to go live with her uncle who never smiles. When she gets there she finds out that her uncle own a bakery and has helpers. One of the helpers name's is Emma. Emma and Lynda-Grace and Emma have a scheme to make Uncle Jim smile! Read the book to find out what happens!

This is a really good picture book. As I said before, it is in teh form of letters from Lynda-Grace to her parent's and grandmother. It is a fantastic book for all ages!


Give "The Gardener" a try!

My mom bought this book last year for my daughter, now 6. My daughter loves gardening and "old-fashioned" books, and really enjoys the story and the pictures. She focuses mostly on Lydia's garden and cat. I cry every time I read it, because I focus on the little girl leaving her parents. My mom used to read this at a parenting group she ran at a women's prison. She said all the women were touched by it, as they had the experience of sending their kids away to live with other people. My mom pointed out that while Lydia's letters are very brave and positive, the pictures often show the sadness and loneliness of Lydia's situation in the first half of the book. So this is a very complex and thoughtful book, but still simple enough to be enjoyed by young children.

This is one of those books that I call a real book--not for kids, not for adults, not for girls...just a good, well-written and illustrated book that is brilliantly designed to reach you where you are at. It did have the added bonus of making me cry on the last page, in a bittersweet sort of way.

This is a beautiful book that can easily grow up with a child, and also something a whole family can read together and connect to.

Delightful stories of the Hundred-Acre Wood and all of its lovable characters. Pooh and friends have quite a few adventures (or misadventures) in this collection of Winnie-the-Pooh stories. The stories remind me of childhood, making them special each time I reread them. I wouldn't even be able to choose my favorite chapter in this book -- each one is full of wonder, laughter, and Pooh.

The charming and timeless story of Christopher Robin, Winnie-the-Pooh, their friends and their adventures. I truly enjoyed this more than I thought I would. After all the years working at TDS where we had the Disney version of Winnie-the-Pooh shoved at us from all directions, I'd taken to having a distinctly soured view of the bear and all his friends.

It occurred to me one day that I had never actually read the original, and thought maybe I should give that a chance, and am glad that I did. It's a simple and direct story, and proved to be a joy to read.

What does it say of a reader who, as an adult, reads 'Winnie the Pooh' for the first time - and - and - feels it one of the best novels he ever read.
So pristine, so perfect - would I have appreciated it as a child? Who knows (I was too busy feeding my literary hunger with comics). Anyway I have my copy of 'Winnie the Pooh' on the top shelf of my book case, next to the others I consider great (Ulysses, 1984, Great Expectations ...) for all to see.
And who can contest that for "I am a bear of very little brain, and big things bother me".

My 2 1/2 year old loves this! It is soooo much better than letting her watch tv as this uses her imagination. I'm very happy I bought this.

This book was such a sweet little something to come home to at night. This book isn't just for kids, but for adults too! relax and enjoy!

This is a real treat: the classic story and a very talented man reading/performing in all its characters as if there were a whole host of different voices. A favorite to hear every year.

I bought this on audio cassette tape 15 years ago. I have also seen Mr. Stewart's one-man show in LA. I have listened to this 100's of times (literally) and it never fails to move me. I could listen to Patrick Stewart read the phone directory, and probably find it enjoyable, but his performance of this classic work is nothing short of amazing. I feel like I am in the story myself and it is so entertaining. My cassettes died the other day so I am happy to see that this brilliant work is still available in some form. Thank you, Patrick, for this wonderful gift, and thank you Amazon, for carrying it. I would have been heartbroken not to be able to replace it.

With the myriad excellent film and stage versions of "A Christmas Carol" out there, the enduring power of Dickens' prose is often overlooked. Mr. Stewart's reading puts they focus right back on the text itself (in his stage performance, he opens the prop-less, set-less show simply by holding aloft his script like a trophy). The pointed social criticism--still relevant after 150 years--and wry wit of Dickens' work comes through loud and clear in Mr. Stewart's commanding voice.

Sitting down and listening to this version is like hearing a beloved uncle tell your favorite story. A fine way to spend a quiet holiday evening.

As a huge fan of Patrick Stewart in his various movies, I was curious of this audio-performance. And I wasn't disappointed. His rich voice and his stage-trained intonation give his performance such a superb quality that I can actually SEE the small fire, SMELL the food in the kitchen and SHIVER in the cold, while the ghost takes Scrooge to the various stations of his life. All is so very authentic that it gives me shivers and gooseflesh is crawling up my arms while listening...Get your copy if you like Dickens. To me it is the best performance ever.

Stewart does an amazing job reading the story. It must be an incredible one-man show. He does all the voices and the sound effects. For example, he just says "ding" for the ringing of the clock as it strikes the top of the hour, but in the way Patrick Stewart does it he pulls you into Scrooge's nervous anticipation of the striking of the final bell. Using different intonations and voices, Stewart draws you into the story. His enthusiam for the story is infectious. His voice is mesmerizing. I can not recommend this audio book enough.

A Cinderella story. I loved it when I read it years ago. I have continued to re-read it. And I love it now.

My public had to dig it up from the hidden stacks, but a few years back I checked out and read The Revenger's Tragedy, which Stewart quotes as epigrams before chapters. I fell in love with Shakespeare's "The Tempest" after reading "This Rough Magic," and other novels assume a knowledge of Greek drama. It's great to see this new edition, but I wonder if a Gothic romance of this erudition could be published today.

This is an absolutely fantastic mystery/romance. I own it and have read it multiple times, along with most of the rest of Mary Stewarts books. It's one of the books I never get tired of. No matter how many times I read it, I still can't put it down when I'm in the middle of it. I highly, highly recommend it.

This is the first Mary Stewart novel I've read and while I enjoyed the book's atmosphere and lead characters, I was a bit let down by the plot on the whole.
From reviews I had read, I was hoping for a dark and intricately plotted mystery. While there were several very suspenseful passages, the story was a bit too predictable and the ending seemed to drag on a little too long.

I did enjoy the fact that 'Nine Coaches Waiting' is mainly a mystery with just a sprinkling of romance. However, I felt that even with the main focus not on the romance, that part of the story could have been handled a lot better. The romantic entanglements between the two main protagonists seem much too rushed and unrealistic.

All that being said, I still enjoyed reading 'Nine Coaches Waiting' (even though it did not live up to expectations)and will give the author's other books a try.

I enjoyed this book. It's the story of a young girl 23 who becomes a governess in a French mansion with a dark side to a little boy and she falls in love with a handsome but dark and mysterious man named Raoul. It was a good gothic mystery when strange things start happening to her.

This book was my introduction to Mary Stewart. I found it in a box of books in the attic when I was about twelve or thirteen. I read it and most if not all of her other novels throughout my teenage and young adult years. I reread this recently (30 years later) and find it is still enjoyable. It seems all the romances on the market these days are nothing but bodice rippers and they get boring real fast. I much prefer books with a plot and character development. I highly recommend Mary Stewart's novels to every one.

Has any one else noticed that her characters smoke so many cigarettes in her novels? Maybe I do because I'm an ex smoker.