Thomas Books

Over 50 years ago I read these books in Swedish (original language)and now I read them in English. I just love them, to me they are the best fairy tales ever written for children and for adults. Jan

Tove Jansson's tales from the Moominvalley are fascinating reading for adults and children alike. Although I read my first copy in Finnish, the English translation is equally enjoyable. I am surprised that Disney has not yet bought rights to the series that would make wonderful animated movies.

This is not exacly a book for kids and much as I liked some of the other Moomin books, I used to hate this one. Only after my visit to Finland this year and seeing the museum of Moomins did I re-read all the books.

I fell in love with them. Totally and permanently.

If not for anything else, get this book for the story of the Hemulen who loved silence. I actually had tears in my eyes when reading it.

Beautiful, warm, mature and full of hope, like all the other Moomin books.

I picked up this book because I thought I hadn't read it before, wanting to see the Moominvalley books through adult eyes - not to have my childhood memories of favourite books tarnished. As it turns out, I had read "Tales from Moominvalley" before (the fungus-covered granny was the trigger for my recollection), but I was really relieved to find that Tove Jansson's books are just as good as I remember - and there is, I think, even more for the adult to appreciate and enjoy than there is for the child.
I generally dislike the short story genre, but not when it's done like this. Every short story is simply that, a short story; not a contrived literary exercise with the obligatory "twist in the tail". Jansson's stories are charming little gems, full of wonderful moments and images, thought-provoking and touching. Her characters are often the lonely, the lost, and the troubled, and she makes you feel for them and understand them, without ever becoming ridiculous or sentimental. The tales about Snufkin and his tune and the Fillyjonk who believed in disasters are shining examples of this. But Jansson can write humour and happiness just as well, as the tales of the invisible child and the fir tree show.
I really can't speak highly enough of this book. Jansson's wonderful insight into people, her spare, deft prose, and her brilliant imagination make a great combination. Buy it for your children or for yourself.

As many readers have noted, Tove Jansson's Moomin books may be appreciated by adults as well as children (particularly children who are of a quirky, thoughtful bent, in grades 4 and up.) The "Tales" is a late collection of short stories and not a complete novel like most of the other ones (beginners should start with "Comet in Moominland" instead), but it contains all the characters we know and love from the series. As usual, Jansson deftly captures the exact mood of the time of year portrayed in each tale, as well as the complicated inner workings of the misfit characters, with a few deft words. Two of these stories are absolute masterpieces. The first is "A Spring Tune," in which the fiercely independent Snufkin is prevented from writing a melody by a lonely, talkative squirrel. The other is "The Fir Tree," which comes at the end of the book and is perhaps the finest Christmas short story I have ever read, which is praise indeed. (Were ever layers of irony so superb? All writers take note of this one.) In between we get an offbeat collection of curious tales, not as memorable perhaps as the novels but jolly good fun, and emotionally pure like all of Jansson's amazing body of work. How else to describe it? Read for yourself.

If you're facing a tough challenge in your life, this is a good way to start down the road to facing it. It doesn't have all the answers, but it makes some good points along the way. It also let's you know that you're not the only one facing difficult times.

No wonder Rober Schuller with his inner wisdom shares his thoughts to show you how to build a self image with positive thoughts and know the truth that after every storm, there is a calm! Every problem has a solution. Tough times never last..is a Gift giver to self and others. It's the attitude to get going when the going gets tough as you face the challenges in life and struggle to face obstacles that rob your mental or physical peace. I gave this book to my hubby during his worst trial period of life in his career and he came out with positive influence to be a sane and wise decision maker to start a business on his own and reach to heights of success today! There is always a twist n sharp turns in life and Rob's book with his dynamic principles in life makes you build positive self image and turn out to be a success. Life isn't a tempest nor a midsummer night's dream, But a comedy of erros, Take it As you Like it!!! A Spiritual Motivation - another bedside shelf book to peek-a-boo to boost your spirits. After all, tough times never last, tough people do!

This is a book full of time tested techniques for dealing with adversity.

If he had written the book today, I think that he would have focused more on the development of resilience. That concept was in its infancy when he was writing, but in fact many of the practical methods in the book form basic biulding blocks of this important personal attribute.

Not just a book for people in trouble: it wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark!

Great book! Very inspiring! If you use the book's bottom line, to never give up, and repeat it to yourself so you eventually believe it, the book will work miracles! It is a must read!

"Tough Times Never Last, But Tough People Do!" and the "Be Happy Attitudes" are the best of Robert Schuller. I give out the Tough Times book to friends in tough times. It was a real help to me, and the folks I talk to find it helpful. Easy to read, easy to remember, and easy to apply. This book has the 'how tos' that are needed in the real world -- not high sounding theory.

Tom, I cant even fathom to call him Thomas, has caught the essence of what it is to be a Guard "Bum". Guardsmen and Guardswomen from across the country can really relate to this book and the feel is Just right. As Tom's real life former First Sergeant, it is with pride I recommend this book. I read it from cover to cover in one day and went back to read it again just to enjoy it all over again.

I got this book on a recommendation from someone on one of the discussion boards I frequent. I can't say that I was disappointed by this book. It was very well written, although it would have been nice if he would have saved some of the stuff for the end of the book. It kind of ruined it knowing the end. Although, those things added to the book as it was being read and it did give a bit of tension to it.

But it was a different perspective on aviators.

Full disclosure -- Tommy Young (he will never be the more formal "Thomas W. Young" to me) is a good personal friend and former squadron-mate, and when we were activated and deployed to the desert as C-130 crewmembers in 2003 I spent many mornings on the porch of his tent, drinking his coffee and talking about life and literature. When we returned he told me he had written a book and that it had been published and was available on Amazon, but I bought it with some trepidation, wondering what I should say if I read it and didn't like it. I should not have been concerned. This book tells the story of a fictitious Air Guard C-130 crew and the intrigue they get caught up in on an airlift mission in South America. The characters are given great depth and the story has a wealth of detail about modern Air Guard airlift missions and the situations aircrews can find themselves in. Every detail is true to life and drawn from the many hours Tommy has spent on missions like the one he describes. The plot was suspenseful and made this book a page-turner. I highly recommend this book.

Tom Young has worked very hard to provide an inside view of the air crewmembers and maintenance support for the venerable C-130 Hercules. Tom is very acute in describing the overall mission of the C-130, and of her other military roles as well. An airplane is not an airplane unless the personnel factor is involved, and only Tom and his experienced writing career can provide this. Buy this book, and it will become a treasured piece in your library.

As a loadmaster on C-130s, this book is a must read for all flyers! Has a great storyline and true to the life of a flyer.

This is an amazing book. It's listed as romance but I'd actually call it "women's fiction" because, although Allie and Luke fall in love, the story is about Allie and the people of the community and not about the romance. There are no sex scenes in this book, which is partly why I'm so surprised I loved it. It's just a sweet, beautiful, touching story about a strong young woman and her Nana finding a place to grow and belong.

A community of misfits comes together and becomes a family. The story is set in Texas, but I wouldn't call it a "Western". There is a mystery/suspense thread throughout the book relating to Allie's "uncle" and some strange occurrences around the lake, but that's all just secondary to the story of Allie growing as a person and getting to know and love her neighbors.

Nana reminded me of both of my own grandmothers, and she was even from the same hometown that my grandparents and my parents are from. This book made me cry several times, but not because the story was sad. As a matter of fact, it wasn't sad at all. It's just very touching, and the story has a very serene and wistful feel that made me homesick for small town life.

This is my first Jodi Thomas book, and it certainly won't be my last. TWISTED CREEK is a new Desert Isle Keeper for me.

If you like something different in the romance genre, this is for you. Twisted Creek is about Allie, an average woman whoses life has not gone in any good direction, ever. When she inherits an old bait supply/cafe from an uncle she never knew she had; she's suspicious but game.

The resulting charachters, plot and setting are compelling, complex and keep you turning pages.

I've never read Jodi Thomas before but plan on finding her backlist. This story was both moving and interesting. If you like Pamela Morsi, you'll love Jodi Thomas; like Morsi her charachters are human, fallable, and interesting. Great read! Honestly, I couldn't put it down.

I really enjoyed this book! I have not read very many of Ms.Thomas contemporary novels; I prefer her historical novels, but this one caught me from the start. Her characters a lovable and her heroine/hero are ones you can root for! A great summer read!

In this story you read about two generations and how love for a grandmother the affection that never really died between a grandmother and her affection for a man that she never forgotten and a new love between the grandauther and the man she met. And the emotion of the gradauther when she is confronted with when grandma starts loosing all memory of life.

I'm a huge fan of Jodi's historical romances but I liked how this one started out and thought I'd give it a read. I'm glad I did.

Jodi Thomas writes the best romances, and they're just that "romances" not bits of dialogue used as filler between sex scenes - she gives you an actual engaging story that you want to follow all the way to the end.

Keep up the good work, Jodi!

I read this book and tried to hold back tears through a lot of it. Its hard to imagine that a human being could be that cruel to another human being. Its also hard to believe that it went on as long as it did and nothing was done to stop it. Its hard to imagine someone surviving all that and then going through everything afterwards. Though this would be a hard book to read without any emotion, it was extra hard for me because I am good friends with her brother Chiefy and his family. Knowing what happened to him and his siblings brought an extra tear to the eye because it felt more personal. I am glad that all the birth siblings of the author and Mrs. Thomas herself all moved on and started families of their own and found eachother. It really puts a happy ending to a nightmare begining.

This book was written very well. The story it tells comes across very honest and candid. The most important message it conveys is that we should never ignore the warning signs of child abuse.

...like so many others I was unable to put this book down. It is a book that I keep on my desk at home and refer to often. I have highlighted many words as they are what I have been trying to put into words for years. There was no sexual abuse, starvation or foster care in my childhood. I instead suffered only physical and emotional abuse untill my teenage years. Like Kim I blocked those events from my memory. I am 48 and only remember my life clearly from April of 1974 when the person I thought was my "MAMA" died. I have two sons and an ex-husband that don't understand why I keep telling everyone "I want to go home." I met Kim in March of 2004 and consider her my best friend I will ever have. We don't talk or see each other often but I knowthat she is the only person I have met to date that truly understands what I feel inside. Kim has the strength and courage to pursue what I have only dreamed about. My heart is with her and those that are still hiding secrets of thier past. With Kim's determination and support from her books I beleive we all can "go home" someday. We can make peace with that fact that we are not to blame for the actions of those we trusted with our futures. We are victims and we can speak out to prevent the abuse cycle. Thank-you Kim for letting the world see abuse thru the " eyes of a child."

Takes a brave woman to tell her story, she is no doubt a remarkable woman. Unfortunately for me, there were a few stories that she shared, that I myself remember as a child and I realize that I do not have to courage to reveal those secrets...Thank-you for sharing your story with myself and others. I have passed this book's title along and several of my friends are reading it.

I live in the same town as your brother Chiefy, at least when he is not on his ship. He spoke to me off and on about his childhood and it was just so sad,then I read the book and there were parts when I couldn't help but cry and there were parts that just disgusted me. It's so hard to believe that a human being can be that sick in the head-and to think he got away with it just revolts mee. Chiefy told me he has passed away though, so I'm sure now he is paying for what he did. I certainly hope so because no human being deserves to go through what all of you did. I'm surprised and glad that you all kept your sanity and are normal people today. You all deserve alot of credit. You're a good writer. I can't wait to read your next book.
Mimi M
Lakeside,CA

This book is a practical guide to living through suffering. The first chapter deals with looking at your situation to be clear on "who's fault is it?" Did you make choices that landed you here; was it someone else's fault; or was it nobody's fault -- just life as it happened. He doesn't bog you down in that -- he just wants you to look at how you got to this point so that you can use those lessons and move forward, even if it's still on that road you didn't want to travel. I find that there is a lot in common here with the Zen teachings that it's not the suffering that causes our problems, it's trying to avoid those sufferings.

I, too, am going through a separation now and while I was the one who packed up and left, this road certainly isn't the one I saw myself taking when I took wedding vows over 15 years ago. I can face that and move forward and this book has practical steps of how to get there.

The balance of personal stories with the Biblical background of the children of Israel seems just right. I can find myself in the stories and then see how my struggles are thousands of years old and common to humans.

GREAT BOOK -- would recommend it to anyone who finds themselves in a place they didn't want to be, can't get out of or want to walk through in a way that glorifies God.

I'm about halfway through this book and I'm enjoying Mark's perspective on life and how to handle potential hurdles.

I'm not quite finished reading the book, and I have already learned and enjoyed this book so much. It is an amazing find, for anyone, whether you're on a "hard road" or not. I would recommend it to anyone!

I read Walking with God on the road you never wanted to travel some months back and have kept it out because I refer to sections that I've highlighted when I need help with my impending divorce.

I found Mark's words and passages a source of healing and comfort. I hope that I can look back on my experience and email Mark with a success story someday. If you are currently dealing with a huge "why did this happen to me" situation this book is the one to read and re-read because of the many examples, biblical passages, and words of encouragement are well worth the book's price.

The name of this book is misleading. The title leaves the impression that this book will present deep insights into the mind of God on the topic of God and human suffering, when in fact, that is not the subject at all.

The title of this book should be "How to Walk with God on the Road You Never Wanted to Travel". Mark Atteberry makes it VERY plain and clear at the beginning that this is a HOW TO book, only, and not a book that seeks to answer the WHY questions.

The exodus of the Israelites out of the land of ancient Egypt is both the backdrop and the main source of Atteberry's material, which he uses to demonstrate the lessons he wishes to teach. Each chapter contains a mix of biblical scriptures along with his experiences as a pastor/counselor. His biblical discussions were much more helpful to me than his personal experience stories.

One of the important things this book drove home in my mind, is that a lifetime walk with God is a guaranteed certainty that the journey will be on a route no one would ever deliberately choose. Be careful what you ask for.....you just may get it!

On the other hand, it is an irritating turn-off that Atteberry uses the "Devil's gonna get you" mentality throughout his book. Living in fear of Satan is not a basis for righteous living. It is more important to live a life motivated by the love of God.

My two year old grandson is totally in love with trains, especially Thomas and friends. He loves anything with trains. This was a perfect fit for him.

The illustrations are interesting and lend themselve to questions and answers. The flaps are large and sturdy, and opening one actually changes the action in the picture.

My little girl's birthday gift arrived on time and in great shape. It also cost a lot less that it would have if I had gone to the mall AND I didn't have to drive. :-)

This book was just right for the price. I bought it for my 2 yr. old boy because he loves Thomas and I needed to spend a few more dollars to save on shipping costs. The book has been a huge hit with him! He loves the flaps and that James is on one of the pages also.

Thomas is our 2-yr old son's favorite thing right now so we got him a new Thomas book. "Wave Hello to Thomas" is a very simple book with nice pictures and fun flaps. After just a few weeks he has memorized the book and will sit happily "reading" and lifting the flaps. He even takes the book to bed with him.

Jim Palmer has had a fascinating spiritual journal. Though his resume includes working in pastoral ministry at Willow Creek Community Church and pioneering an emerging church in Nashville, Tennessee, Palmer has found his own faith grow wildly by stepping outside the confines of traditional religion and experiencing the fullness of God in everyday life. WIDE OPEN SPACES is the follow-up to his debut, DIVINE NOBODIES, and invites readers to look for a deeper spirituality beyond the status-quo. Palmer believes that the kingdom of God that includes love, peace and freedom is awaiting every follower of Jesus who will open his eyes and hear what God wants to do.

Each chapter of WIDE OPEN SPACES takes a different snapshot of Palmer's spiritual journey and ideas. The chapter titles play on pop culture phrases and references such as "The Devil Wears Levis 501 Jeans" and "Humankind is from Mars, God is from Venus." The subtitles, though, more clearly identify the purpose of each chapter-length essay. They ask thought-provoking questions such as "Does It Matter If We Can't Do It?" "Is the Reality of Evil an Inconvenient Truth?" and "Can We Trust Our Gut?" Along the way, readers get insights into Palmer's thought process, background and life.

Though well written throughout, the best chapter of the book is also the first, "My God Can Whup Your God! Is God a Belief System?" Palmer writes, "One of the most freeing discoveries these past few years in my relationship with God (and it's still sinking in) is that God is not a belief system or a fixed set of theological propositions. On the one hand, it seems patently obvious that a list of claims about God can't actually be God himself. There isn't a lockbox at the center of the universe containing a divine computer program and doctrinal code. Hopefully we've all realized that THE HITCHHIKER'S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY is fiction and that the number forty-two doesn't answer anything of ultimate significance."

Despite such realizations, Palmer points out that for years Christianity was thought of as a well-defined set of propositions and practices. As a result, he spent many years treating his belief system as his savior. While important, solid doctrine is not the basis for salvation; instead, it's a relationship with Christ. Palmer shares quite transparently that for years his sense of security and comfort came from being right about God. Now he finds his security and comfort in knowing God and discovering His compassion, goodness, favor, forgiveness, beauty, truth and love. As demonstrated throughout the book, he finds it in more places than you can imagine.

WIDE OPEN SPACES is a well-written book that contributes to the emerging conversation on where the church has been as well as where it is going and what that journey looks like in one little Christ-follower's life. It is recommended to people who are ready to color outside the lines of traditional faith and delve into a deeper relationship with Christ.

--- Reviewed by Margaret Oines

I found this book to be incredibly amazing and thought provoking. I am currently reading Palmer's first book "Divine Nobodies" and i would recommend that as well. it really struck a chord with me and everyone should think about picking it up!

Palmer's former life as an executive pastor is a little bit fresh, making his outline of a new kind of orthopraxy both refreshingly freedom-focused and depressingly churchy in its expression. Still, Palmer is vulnerable (and cautious not to overstay his welcome) in sharing his changed perspective on Christ and Christ's message. The result is a challenge to orthodoxy that almost sings (especially his careful explication of American culture's sky-god). If you're fed up with traditional church, read this book.

I am likely one of a few who never read Divine Nobodies. I was lured to this book by the emphatic reviews and perspectives offered by the reviews both professional and the ones on Amazon. I was also enticed by the book McLaren claimes is by the NEW Don Miller (I pray for whatever happened to the last one).

Jim offers a refreshing perspective for those tired of church. This goes for those from everything from Traditional to Mega to Emerging church. Jim redefines church for the past couple of generations that have been stifled by the institutional merchants of religion that have occupied the leadership of most churches.

Jim is not peddling some new model. He is modeling however a life led by daily communion with the Spirit of God. It is a connection that is often preached, but rarely exhibited in the institutional church. Our centuries of reliance upon leadership to identify where God is at work has left us blind to the Kingdom that God is building all around us. Jim challenges us to open our eyes, remove the lens of the modern faith, and to follow the model of Christ with reckless abandonment. Stop going to a church and start behaving like a little Christ. Stop being defined by a faith that revolves around your thoughts about Christ, and redefine others perspective of those that follow Jesus by showing love. Stop trying to proselytize through confrontation, and put your arm around the shoulder of a stranger. Jim's approach to faith is a breath of fresh air. Every page and story brings a better perspective of a life lived in connection to a living God.

As a warning to some, Jim does bring to the table some perspectives that are seeming Eastern at times. They may be difficult to buy. Oddly enough, I do not believe he cares if you buy them. Ponder on them and grind them out. Digging tough these deep and hugely consequential thoughts will greatly add to your faith.

Now go and love.

With some beautiful insight on the Christian faith, Jim Palmer tells of his faith journey without the support of the church institution. This book could easily fall into the trap of church-bashing, but Palmer has more of a "that didn't work for me but it could work for others" attitude. Through his own experiences and insights, he encourages the reader to look at his/her own spiritual journey and leads towards a deeper understanding of his/her concept of God and religion.
Anyone who appreciates the Don Miller style and depth of writing will enjoy Jim Palmer's new book. This is one of the few books I will keep and reread for many years to come. Happy reading!

I loved reading the first book to this series written by Hilda Stahl. When I saw that her daughter wrote the second book in the series, I wasn't sure if it would be as good. But, I was not disappointed...this book was just as good as the first one, I only wish that the series had continued.

I just finished this book last night and i thought it was excellent! I have never before read any books by Laurie Stahl but know i want to read all her other ones.I bought it thinking it would probably be boring but right from the beginning it held my apt attention! There are a few parts that are kinda corny and someplaces where u can predict just what is going to happen, but it does not take away from the wonderful story that it is!

This book was so interesting that I couldn't put it down. It was very unpredictable. Now, where can I find sequel 3?

Right away I was skeptical about the book, thinking I would see differences between the sequel and the original, but I was completely wrong! The whole story line had flowed so well from the first book to the second that my grandma didn't even notice there were two different authors. The book gave me so many different emotions and I loved every bit of it!! From happiness and laughter to anger and sadness, I took in everything I could from this book and I feel that it has made me a better person. I encourage anyone who sees this book to buy it right away, along with the first one because the story line and characters will touch you in such a way I cannot describe. When I finished reading it I ran to the computer right away to see if there was another sequel, but to my despair I have not found one. Where is #3 Laurie????

What a refreshing continuation of the Women of Catawba. Laurie did a wonderful job of following the style and personalities of the characters in this sequel to the book her Mom wrote. We were pulled into another era with ease and felt the dedication to God these women had as they faced their own challenges in life. I agree, where is book III, Laurie?

As everyone seems to agree, one only need read about twenty pages into the book to realize that Inman Majors has an excellent grasp on the English language. On top of that, he has a very clever wit, as does his protagonist here, Dev Degraw. The entire book is filled with his cynical, circumlocutory humor--it literally never stops.
The end result is a 'loser lit' tale that reads like an extremely long series of consecutive, self-deprecating wisecracks on Degraw's situation. The book does indeed contain many hilarious moments, but alas, they are nothing more than momentary. The witty, eloquent cynicism first comes as a fun, promising read, but eventually forces you to strain your eyes as you try to see the story beneath the language. This gets old very quickly.
The story underneath--and, in my opinion, the book in general--could have been much better. Had the quality of the plot equalled the quality of the writing, this book would have easily recieved five stars, but as it fails in the latter department, I must rate it a 3/5.

While Wonderdog is a fast an easy read, Inman Majors gives glimpses of his complex understanding of the English language. Between laughing out loud at the antics of Dev Degraw, I found myself re-reading several areas in which Majors shows off his talents as a true wordsmith. Thanks for a really enjoyable book! I am looking forward to more.

The humor of this book is quick and intelligent. "At this point the basement smells like a subtle mixture of dead man's toes, cheese fondue, and a barrelful of monkey ear wax set aflame." Highly recommend this book. Would make a great gift for hipper fathers. Reminds me of some of the old Burt Reynold's comedies...but better. Would transfer to the screen successfully. Jason Bateman as Dev.

I decided to read Wonderdog because Inman Majors was featured at my local library's Southern Voices Conference, but to be honest my expectations had been set pretty low by the lackluster review of the book. I was so surprised to find myself enjoying this book enormously! I did recall a couple of Walker Percy characters, and the comparison to Confederacy of Dunces was appropriate...but this book treaded the difficult waters of staying humorous and intelligent but not resorting all the way to "loser lit"... it did not evoke sadness like some of those books did, and I found myself laughing more than I ever do when reading a novel. The author's use of language was a huge asset to the book -- I am usually turned off when authors seem to be trying to impress with an abundance of "big words" -- THIS author, however, constructed some of the funniest sentences I have read in recent years. The characters who were no more than cardboard thick were still funny in their placement in the story. I couldn't recommend this book more! I am looking forward to reading more by this southern author.

At last, the American writer who appreciates Ralph Malph as the American writer should of the humor!

This is story of governor-elect (in the matter of insanity) Dev Degraw and four dogs, the wiener dogs of torment meeting the eerie parallel of the (late, great) Thor (now fetching Pa in heaven!) and his not-pale imitative descendent, Comet, who may be the title dog.

I quote "may be" title dog, for is Dev Degraw not the symbolic title dog of himself? Why the D here, and why the D there? Perhaps Dev's name should be Dog Dog to make Biminim's d-light complete?

For Dev is a dog as surely as man is a dog and as surely as Inman Majors is genius!

Must not man be dog to run for the Head of the Heart of Dixie? Can you not see George Wallace as wiener dog #1 and Fob James as wiener dog #2?

All hail again Inman Majors (I.M. yall), and may you not fill your threesome with Bunny Akins and Odelle Bailey!