California Books

I had never delved into the Book of Hosea on which this novel is based, but let me tell you, by the time I finished Redeeming Love, I had a hunger to search The Word. What I found in Hosea was not a love story, in fact, there wasn't much about Hosea and his wife at all. What I did find in those 14 chapters was a prophet delivering the word of the Lord and not just speaking God's commands, but following them in his everyday life.

Let me tell you, from chapter 1 to chapter 6, God is angry with his people. Then in the first three verses of chapter 6 He says He has torn us into pieces, but will heal us, restore us and bless us so that we may live in His presence. Then in verse 4, He continues all the way to chapter 14 with series of reprimands and punishments for Isreal because of their disobedience. They had everything, fruitful crops, children to carry on their lineage, all the desires of their hearts, yet they were giving praise to an idol for what God had given them. But through it all, God proves himself merciful and says in chapter 14 that all we have to do is ask for His forgiveness and He will restore us.

Wow, what a powerful message not only for the Isrealites of Hosea's time, but for all who love Him and those who are yet to know Him today. While Redeeming Love is a wonderful book and I am grateful for the talent God has give Francine Rivers, I would encourage everyone to read and study Hosea for themselves. This was life changing for me, not Redeeming Love, but Hosea in the inspired, unfailing Word of God.

Francine Rivers uses Biblical truths in Redeeming Love to accurately display spiritual, physical, and emotional battles that come and go in life. The sacrificial and covenant love that is displayed really tugs at you heart!

I couldn't put this book down. I highly recommend it, especially for teenage girls who need to take a closer look at their relationship with God.

This is a MUST READ book! The characters are encaptivating. Worth every penny.

This book was so moving and really brought about a change in my heart. Everything I read doctrine-wise concerning scripture I already knew, but it made me see God's love from another vantage point and held such a powerful grip on me that once I was halfway through it I could not put it down! If you are not a Believer, I don't think you'll fully understand the amazing message this book can send to those that love Christ. Truly, you should pray before beginning this book and ask God to give you eyes to see what he's trying to teach you through this story. GRACE-that's one of the main themes you should take from this novel.

I highly recommend this reading, it is excellent!

Oh how I felt for this child. My heart was torn in two. Child abuse just astounds me. How does it happen. And then the ignorance of the legal system! The school dragging their feet along, knowing something was wrong. I cried through this book.

Some of the writing is uneven, the plot a little bit disjointed, but in fairness to the author, he is writing from the perspective of a twelve-year-old boy.

This book is vitally important, because there still isn't much in the way of non-fiction written by grown men who were abused as children. Their needs are completely different from those of girls. Pelzer's reaction to being placed into his first foster home - literally bouncing off the walls, jumping on all the beds, is perfectly normal behavior for a boy who has been abused. At times, boys taken into foster care are doubly abused, by well-meaning caretakers who don't understand the unique temperament of the abused male child.

In my view, the system very nearly failed Pelzer by shifting him from one placement to another, often at the last minute. However, his positive attitude is truly inspiring, and he has only praise for the social workers and foster parents he dealt with as a child.

It is impossible for a normal person from an intact Brady-bunch family to understand why a child, placed into a loving and safe second home, would start acting insane and doing everything they could to get kicked out of that home. It's a child's fantasy that holds out even into teenage years, that somehow, being kicked out of a foster home means that they're one step closer to going home, even if deep down, they honestly know that they can't ever live with their parents again.

I highly recommend this book to any person considering becoming a foster parent, and for people who are employed as caretakers in group homes or who work with children and young adults in placement. The writing style is easy enough to appeal to even a middle-school age child, especially one that is already in foster care.

I also enjoyed this book as much as A Child Called "IT". This also made me cry as much as as the first one. I could not put it down as well.

This book among others written by Dave have left me riveted. I can't put them down. All I see is a man who has overcome the circumstances placed before him. He is such an inspiration, I only wish more people would read his books and make something out of their lives, instead of playing the victim (which is much easier to do)

The Lost Boy: A Foster Child's Search for the Love of a Family by Dave Pelzer is a sequel to the heartbreaking memoir, A Child Called "It". Pelzer explains what happened after he was taken away by his abusive mother and neglectful father. This book is really uplifting and moving. I highly recommend this fascinating story and his quest to find a foster family who will love him unconditionally. Enjoy!

being a mother, my heart bleeds for Sharon...I cried through the whole story - that Scott deserves nothing less than eternal hell - he did it - there is no doubt - I just cannot believe the difference from "lover" to "murderer" - I've seen it, not the murderer part but know of hot/cold people - it boggles the mind that even when they(Laci's family) tried to extend sympathy to the Peterson family they said "F you" in those words - I cannot get over that unless their own shame for what their son clearly did astounds them as well - I don't know - I just know that this book is amazing and I kiss my little ones extra hard because I cannot imagine having to go through something like this - God Bless Sharon, and Ron and Bret and Amy - hopefully you shall find peace - never again will I sweat the small stuff - this book had more of a profound effect on me than I thought it would - every mother/father should read it - it's unreal....

I purchased this book for my daughter. She read and finished the book and told me that it was well written and that it was very interesting reading. I didn't read it so I would be hesitant to recommend.

I loved this book! My heart goes out to Sharon Rocha and the rest of Laci's family.

I was pregnant with my 3rd son when Laci went missing and was so devastated to hear how she went missing. As time went on, and I looked at Scott on TV, I could tell he was guilty. He was blank, cold, and detached looking. I felt so sad for Laci and her son. She was so beautiful and looked to be like such a sweet loving woman. I was drawn to the story, and waited for her mother to write a book about her. I realized it might not happen, but was happy when she finally wrote this book. I read the book by Scott's half sister, and really enjoyed that book. I also read this book and cried like a baby at certain parts. I was confused how Laci could have been so trusting of Scott, as most women (or at least I thought) have women's intuition that would tell them something was wrong. I am happy that her mother wrote this book. I always wondered what went on with Laci's side of the family during this whole tragedy. Even though I cried many tears while reading this book, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

For Laci: A Mother's Story of Love, Loss, and Justice is a heart-wrenching tale of a mother's most painful times after her daughter and grandson are murdered -- by the one person none of them would have suspected, her husband.

We read about Laci's childhood, her wonderfully vibrant personality, and how she met the love of her life -- Scott Peterson. Behind closed doors, what went on in this family that would turn the beautiful fairytale story into a tragic nightmare?

There is little in the book to reveal the clues to that tale -- others conclude that the truth lay somewhere in the psyche of a sociopath, a charming young man whose goal in life was to satisfy his own needs.

This story seems near to my heart, since I once lived in the community where all of this took place, and even attended the community college there (Modesto, CA).

Another book that lends another aspect to the mysterious events is the story told by Amber Frey, Scott Peterson's mistress, in Witness: For the Prosecution of Scott Peterson.

Even after several years, this story of what can go wrong in a picture-book life holds fascination for many. Do we read the titillating tales because we want to stave off misfortune in our own lives?

Whatever our reasons, these questions linger. And the pain of the loss for people like Laci's mother will never be assuaged.

As a Psychotherapist and campaigner for the rights of children I would recommend this book as a compulsory text for any course on child care, therapy or education.
It is gripping, moving,shocking and eye-opening. It is particularly relevant to understand the capacity of disturbed parents to hide and disguise their cruelty and the mind confusing, emotionally scarring dilemmas faced by the abused child.
And yet it is hopeful and heart warming.

I am a special education teacher at a residential treatment facility that works with children in similar situations. As an end of the year project, I read this story to my 16-18 year old high school girls. They wouldn't let me put it down. The emotions, empathy, and similar situations my girls experienced were finally put into words. David, to them, is a survivor and has given them hope for their own future! Thank you Mr. Pelzer for sharing your story and helping my girls know that they are not the only ones!

This book was about a boy named David who went through a rough time when he was younger. He would get abused by his mother and his dad was an alcholic. The boy had no right and no say in that house hold his younger brothers had more say then he did. he would get tortured everyday and his mother would make him stay and live in the basement with nothing. Later in the book he finally gets rescued and is put into a shelter home. His life isnt how it use to be anymore.

As I read this, parts of the text were unbearable. Yet, Dave's story is an unfortunate reality of the deviance that exists within the human psyche to control, manipulate and abuse another. Anyone involved with educating children in whatever form they chose should read this because the truth brings to light what is hidden in the darkness. Dave is definitely an overcomer and his book will challenge you to look at the little boys and girls we see each day...a bit more carefully and mercifully.

The story a child called "it" it shows us the life of a boy longing to be loved. he is abused by his alcoholic mother. his father is torn between the two but chooses not to tell anyone. all his younger syblings are treated with love and care. he is trying to survive in his mothers 'hell'. i recommend this book to teens and young adults it will open your eyes to smoething you might have been blinded by but yet still happens in the world today... Abuse. some people just dont have the courage to stand up for what they know and believe is right. but just think about it you would be saving and inoccent life and giving a chance that wouldnt have been givin.

Book hard to find, received in condtion stated, great pacaging, shipping times as stated. Would purchase from seller again.

I was trying to find a book for my 10 year old granddaughter for Christmas and remembered this book from my childhood. I was very excited I was able to find it for her

I am 48 and read this book when I was much, much younger; however, I never forgot this book. It is probably by far the best book I have ever read (and I have read many). I was very happy to see it in print again. I bought the book (again) to add to my collection.

After reading so many of the reviews I found it funny to see so many written by woman like me who after 30 years re-found this book from their chidhood memory. I have four daughters and of course I have recommended this book to them. I will re-read this book for years to come.
Out of all the books I have read throughout my life, this book still stays in my head. Lisa

It's been decades since I was a young reader at Sevilla Elementary School in Phoenix, entranced with reading as many library books as I could carry home every few days.

Usually, I only checked out each title once. One book, however, kept me coming back for more: "The Velvet Room."

Maybe it was because the heroine in the book had a secret place of her own, something as the middle child among five siblings my world definitely lacked. I'm not sure, though, as it has been many years since I've picked up a copy.

Thanks, Zlipha Keatley Snyder. Your work filled many otherwise blah afternoons with the adventure found only in great children's fiction.

Someday, hopefully soon, I will take another look at the story - this time through the eyes of an adult. Will I still like it? I can't say for sure.

Young people of today, however, likely will. The need for personal space is timeless.

I'd suggest this book as a great gift for any young girl who loves to read.

-- RuthAnn

I read this book in my teens and LOVED it then. I thought of it often in the years that followed. This book can renew your love for the whole human race. It is heart-warming in the best sense of the word. The conversational tone makes it a quick read, but you will want to read it again and again.
It tells the true story of a couple who are unable to conceive and set about to adopt children. The standard policy of the time (1940's - 1950's) was to place children in homes with parents of the same race. When the couple learns of this policy, they are surprised and vehemently object, promising the adoption agencies that the race of the child would make no difference to them. In time, they break down the objections of the agencies and nurture a growing family of children of many races and backgrounds - - providing a lesson in love and equality to the people around them.

My mom read this book when she was young, and it inspired her to later have 15 children (9 of them adopted, from different races/cultural backgrounds). This book is so warm, heartfelt and inspiring (especially when you consider the decade in which it was written). The author is a great story-teller, using her family's up's/down's, sad moments, comedic moments for the basis of her story. I only wish that the "preface"/family update (new to this edition) was longer and more specific.... However, after years of being out of print, I am so happy to see that it is being published again. A must read!!!

I read this book in junior high and fell in love with the idea of a family created from so many orphaned children. At the time I read it I decided that even if I did have biological children I'd try and convince my husband to adopt at least one child. As fate would have it, I haven't ever gotten married but three and a half years ago I adopted a beautiful baby girl from Russia. This book was the real beginning of that journey for me. What a blessing!

This book was received in excellent condition as it was listed on Amazon. Also, the book was received in a quick manor. Thanks!

I was VERY disappointed and, at first, pretty confused when I discovered the haphazard way this edition of the book is put together. Less than one quarter into the book, approximately 20 pages come up missing. Upon searching for them, I found other pages printed twice (some 20 pages), but the missing pages were NOT there. It was early into the story, and I was disappointed not to be able to get the whole story on such an admirable, loving, Christian family. The binding is new; pages were NOT torn out. It was actually bound this way!

This book is truly inspirational! I thought it would just be about the life of an owl, but it was really about so much more. It touched me deeply and I don't think I will ever forget this book.

Enlightening insight into the life and emotions of an owl. I've always admired owls and wonder how it would be to have an owl. It's a magnificent book on Wesley's behavior and a really credit to the patience and love of Stacy O'Brien. Wonderful.
gloria

I just finished reading Wesley The Owl and was extremely moved by this book. A remarkable love story indeed. You were both so lucky to have found eachother. Thank you Stacey for sharing Wesley with us.

I felt this book was more about the history of owls than anything else. I was expecting something more along the lines of Marley and Me. It isnt even close to being as good.

I absolutely LOVED this book. I laughed and I cried and I learned so much about owls. I never knew they were so fasinating. I would not mind having one as a pet, but I think the eating mice thing is not my cup of tea. It truly is a love story.

This is a very good reference book with tons of information. It is well written and easy to use.

Anybody who knows anything about mushrooms will most likely have this book! This book tells you EVERYTHING you need to know about mushrooms, including regional lore and legends about the mushrooms. This book is also very good for identifying mushrooms. has something like 300 color pics in which at least one of the mushrooms in those pics will resemble the one you want to identify and point you in the right direction. the keys in the front of each section are also very useful for identification.

it would be nice, however, to have more pictures. i also have Audubon field guide for the pictures and for the small size for a field guide. its a good combo. i look through the pics of the Audubon and read the short description and then i look that up in arora's book for a much more detailed description and to compare with other similar species.

I have owned this book for many years; and, through may hunts, it has proven invaluble for classifying mushrooms into their proper categories. However, I would caution buyers to know something about mycology BEFORE they buy this book! This is an area which requires experience!
David Auora is a mycological authority, and this is mostly written to the WEST COAST varietals and people who are familair with the basics.

While the variations from the west coast to the east coast are similar, the differences are what can kill you!

Remember, mushroom hunting and identification can be DEADLY!

This book arms you only with enough information to get you in the ball park unless you are an experienced hunter with many varieties.

Excellent reference, but not for the beginner!

Everything went smoothly with this transaction. I bought it used; it seems brand new except for some rather deliberate-looking permanent marker dashes on the unbound sides of the book (on the page tips, whatever that's called). Shipping time was on the fast side of the range of days.

Excellent guide, however primarily for western states. Could easily be used as a college textbook, but easy enough for a novice to use.

Ok, here's the thing. After reading all these reviews, i thought that for once, a book could make me cry. All you Amazon reviewers said that this was the saddest book, that it made you sob. Well, this book didn't make me cry, even one tear, didn't make me even SAD, which i thought was absurd, because the concept of a mother dying IS sad, but this book didn't make me FEEL it. What a huge disappointment. I was interested in the book, sure, i gave it a shot, i reread it, but it DIDN'T MAKE ME FEEL SAD NO MATTER HOW MANY TIMES I READ IT!!! It was frustrating because MsMartin is usually a very good writer who makes you feel the character's pain or anger or sadness or whatever, but this book didn't cut it.
Sunny is a good character. It's a shame that the author couldn't make her into a GREAT character in this book.
This book gained 2 stars because I WANTED to read it again, plus its cover was good, and it tied up the fight with Ducky. That was decent.
Anyway, if you enjoy sad books with FEELING, this book IS NOT FOR YOU. If you enjoy reading books that have absolutely zero impact on you whatsoever, BUY THIS BOOK.
gotsa go,
but one thing 2 say,
this book DID NOT CUT IT
luvyasall & toodles
Mel-jane

Ok...well at first i thought the book was gonna [be bad] because it was assigned in school but, once i picked it up i could not put it down. Ann Martin makes you be part of Sunny. You feel what she feels and want what she wants. Its fantastic. The book made me cry and I've never cried in one single movie! I recomend this books to teens everywhere! This book has also influenced me to read many other of the California Diaries.
-Rebecca

Sunny is a teenager who is going through a tradgety. She is loosing her mom to canser. Sunny used to cope with this by skipping school, not studying, and even running away. Iused to think that sunny was a selfish character, because she didnt even visit her mother in the hospital. In this book, she stopped running from her problems. She handled her mothers death with a lot of maturity. I think Sunny is very brave. Even though she is a character from a book, i respect her.

This book opened up my heart into a new perspective. I couldn't imagin loosing my mother but this book opened up my eyes and made me see more of what a tragedy loosing your mother is. After all the [stuff] she gave to all her freinds they all realized that it was a time of need for her. With her freinds coping her every step of the way she managed to survive the tragedy of her loss. If you are a fanatic as I am READ THIS BOOK and have a box of tissues reading it you'll need it.

im a great fan of ann martin. SUNNY DIARY#3 was EXTRAORDINARY. it is SOOOOOOOO touching. i think it is the best in the seires. SUNNY is a WONDERFUL. SHE IS A VERY rich charachter. she is ,in her third diary,facing her problems at last. she is so hurt and the reader feels it,it is so HARD to say goodbye or farwell to a person especially if it is your mom. ann has succeeded in going deep through her.the readers tears is a great evidence. im 16 and i see the book is suitable for all ages. anns aim isnt describing sunny s suffering only but i think she wants to tell us how LUCKYwe are. we should VALUE our parents more and stop complaing about our lives. all over the world many people are suffering even more than sunny .the diaries give us HOPE. .even sunny HAS a bright side to look at. She still has her friends . so she will be healed soon. in fact ANN shows sunny that her mom ISNT DEAD. she WILL be always be with her.in her mind. in her heart ,in Sunny herself.i think ann deserves the nobel prize,doesent she?so ahead and read CD#12.

I recently moved to L.A. and bought a used, earlier edition of this wonderful book. When it arrived, the small print and heft of it was intimidating- I was reminded of another famous book, written thousands of years ago?... The paragraph on "positive" stories changed my mindset in meetings and two agents offered to sign me the day after I read it. I am convinced this comprehensive guide will shave years off my journey to success. Contacts galore, lists of resources and interviews with everyone you can imagine. I look forward to meeting the author so I can thank her in person.

I decided not to become an actor in Los Angeles, or aspire to. But I did buy and read this book. It's a great resource for the aspiring actor in Los Angeles. It explains, in detail, pretty much anything and everything you need to know about pursuing a career in acting. It can be overwhelming when you first move to LA. This book helps a lot. I can definitely recommend it if you are serious about becoming an actor.

"Thank You so much for your book. It is an essential tool that every actor in Los Angeles MUST HAVE. You have graciously offered all the information in one place that would take an actor years to figure it all out on their own. THANK YOU.

-Guy D. Wells"

I started reading this book thinking I could jot down a couple useful pieces of information and quickly advance to another book on acting. Boy was I wrong!

This book is overflowing with so many sources that you may as well toss out the Yellowpages. Judy Kerr did a flawless job of providing step-by-step instructions regarding the business-side of acting and how you can get started.

Sure, there are useful quotes from all kinds of big names and experienced veterans about the technique, but Judy was very wise to simply refer readers to all types of classes, coaches and workshops rather than attempt to write a book on how to act. Experience is the only way you truly learn, not by reading about others who experience it.

I'm currently saving up to take the 2-week trip to Los Angeles to research the city which is mentioned in the book with detailed stops to make.

If you're wondering whether or not this book should be on your bookshelf at home, buy it now. No, don't continue reading my review!! You're not listening and I feel disrespected. You could've been entering your shipping address and credit card info by now you lazy bum! Ya wanna act? Okay, your character is shopping for a book by Judy Kerr... ACTION!!!

There is no greater source book out there. For actors and other industry professionals, "Acting Is Everything" is a magnificent compendium of information covering all aspects of pursuing your acting career - from arriving in LA, to agents and managers, to your pictures - and it's wrapped up with motivational and inspiring advice. I have been recommending this book to not only actors but all entertainment professionals that I speak to including seminar attendees, my UCLA Extension students, and my own clients. Owning this book is like having a professional adviser at home with you 24/7.