Kansas City Books

If Dan Dye ever decides to stop baking dog biscuits, he's got a sterling career ahead of himself as an author.

This is a thoroughly enjoyable book, even for readers who are not dog crazy, like me. Dye is a talented writer whose humor shines through from the very first page to the last. He takes the reader along on a journey of self-discovery with his deaf Great Dane, Gracie, as his sage and guide.

As with other books that relate stories of living with multiple pets, chaos ensues for much of the story, as Dye recounts the very specific challenges of raising a dog with special needs. Gracie helps Dan discover a latent talent that spins off into a booming business.

I give this book 4 paws up.

C.A.Wulff - author of Born Without a Tail

Amazing Gracie was a joy to read! It's really two books in one: 1) a loving tribute about a beloved family pet, and the impact a pet can make in one's life, 2) how passion can lead one into a very successful business. The third benefit is that the book is written in a lively conversational style that makes it a quick read. As soon as I finished the book I passed it along to a friend to read......loved it!

The writing style was a bit tedious at the beginning, but it improved and I thoroughly enjoyed the story. It is a good story of not about the dog only, but also how you can turn your life around to what you want it to be by simply not giving up and putting in whatever it takes to get it. And, let us not forget the fact that it took a dog to do it. Animals are truly great partners because they need us and inspire us with their unconditional love.

This is another wonderful story told with a lot of love. Right up there with Marley and Me and Merle's Door. You can read this more than once. I just wish the book was longer because there were so many great tales of this dog and her owners. They really loved their dog.

Great story about Gracie and her "family"! Having a German Shepherd who is partially deaf, blind in one eye, and dumped in a trash can at 10 weeks old, I can certainly relate to Dan (and Mark) and their quest to raise a "special needs" dog. It's a wonderful [true] story for anyone who is a dog lover!

I finally read Barbara's Lord, Please Meet Me in the Laundry Room, which she sent me as a thank you for some help I gave her with her blog. This is an excellent book. Honestly, I'd put off reading it because spiritual self-help books tend to make me feel a bit hopeless and overwhelmed, like everybody's got something I can't seem to grasp -- I love Beth Moore and Elisabeth Elliot, but they do make me feel that way -- but Lord, Please Meet Me in the Laundry Room was nothing like that. Instead of a list of must-dos or a formula for the perfect Christian life, Barbara encourages us to simply talk to God, anytime, anywhere, about anything. This book is also a great read just for the interesting insight into her life and family. I'm always curious about the lives of non-fiction writers whose books I enjoy, and Barbara is so open and transparent, both in her books and articles and on her blog, that she always feels like an old friend. Not just that, but an old friend with lots of experience and good advice. I absolutely recommend that you read any book of hers you can get your hands on.

Looking at the wonderful,lengthy reviews already given on Barbara's book, I don't think I have anything new to add, but just have to chime in with my agreement. You'll find nitty-gritty realism that still reaches for God's best, and gracious encouragement and inspiration in the adventure of motherhood. Most importantly,as said by others, this book leaves out the GUILT TRIP!
Thank you, Barbara.

Barbara Curtis has enough kids (grown, and not yet grown) that she understands that for a mom to be able to read a book, she needs to be able to put it down at a moment's notice, and pick it right back up without being lost. She also understands how badly some of us need to know that we are not in this alone. This book is easy to read encouragement, and not one bit of judging or preaching!

The subtitle for this book is "Heavenly Help for Earthly Moms." Let me start by saying that if you are a harried mom looking for some respite from your tasks, pick up this book. Barbara Curtis writes for real women, and takes you on a spiritual journey, teaching you about God and His grace along the way.

Without sounding preachy or overly sentimental, Curtis uses touches of humor to lighten the load, and soon you realize that you can meet God in the garden, the minivan, and yes - even in the laundry room. "...God is bigger than any place I set aside to meet Him and as near as I invite Him to be."

I highly recommend Lord, Please Meet Me in the Laundry Room.

This is a delightful book. It's the perfect length for busy moms, and oh-so-full of wonderful words of refreshment. The author finds deep, spiritual joy in the GREAT ADVENTURE of motherhood. She loves her family; she loves her life. And after reading it, you'll understand why - and you'll want what she has for yourself.

Lord, Please Meet Me in the Laundry Room is Barbara Curtis' life story - her long, drawn-out answer to the question she probably hears several times a day: "So, how do you DO it?" Barbara is the mother of 12 kids - 9 of her own and 3 adopted. What's more, she and her husband purposefully adopted three children with Down's Syndrome since one of their sons has this "little extra" chromosome. Need I say more about her qualifications to write a book?

In the first chapter, Barbara describes how her laundry room became the one place in her home where she could have a "Quiet Time," where she could pour out her heart to God as well as listen to the "still small Voice" of the Lord. She says:

"And so my laundry room became my prayer closet. For years it's been the place I meet the Lord each morning before my children awake, and at intervals throughout the day as I transfer clothes from baskets to washer, from washer to dryer, from dryer to baskets again ... I never have trouble finding God in my laundry room. He is always ready to receive my praise, my thanks, my prayers for family and friends, my joys and heartaches too."

Barbara's journey to motherhood has taken plenty of twists and turns - she didn't have a good role model growing up, as she was transferred between divorced parents and even in foster care at one time. She moved to California and went through a period of embracing the ideals of radical feminism. Then she discovered Christianity for the very first time while listening to James Dobson's gentle voice on her car radio, then through attending a Focus on the Family marriage retreat. From that point on, her life changed forever, and she's never looked back.

If you have a child who is a "challenge" or has special needs, this book is definitely for you. Barbara calls this "a little extra." She describes what it was like to be surprised on her delivery day when she found out her newborn son had Down's. While the nurses and doctors feared her reaction, instead she described the "joy and exhilaration" she felt at being chosen by God to raise such a special child who would always need her care. She shares how this "little extra" in some of our children motivates us to depend on God more.

She writes, "What a privilege to be so dependent, so connected to Him. And no doubt about it, it's the connectedness to God that's key in realizing that being a mommy is a completely worthy - and unique - calling."

--Heather Ivester, Mind & Media

This book is well written, easy to understand direction, recipes that are usually hard to find, an all around great book for soup lovers. The perfect cook book for those people intimidated by cooking!! I love this book, so much that I gave it to my mother in law and she too loves it!

Every single recipe is a winner. After thanksgiving I've done the Turkey dinner soup. delicious!!
Whatever ingredients you like on a soup, you'll find a recipe here that will suit you. I totally recommend it!
The hardcover and beautiful drawings makes of this book also a great gift for friends and family.

I love soup cookbooks - so I'm always looking to add some new ones to my collection. The recipes in "Is It Soup Yet?" are good and cover a fairly broad range of soups. In addition to traditional recipes for chicken noodle soup, international soups and "20 minute" soups are represented.

However, I found the format and pictures to be a bit too precious for this male soup lover. Although it's the recipes that ultimately matter, a cook is always influenced by cookbook aesthetics, and this one just didn't do it for me. Fortunately, the pictures are included here, so you can judge for yourself. I do, however, think that it would make a good gift for people who enjoy cookbooks with country flair.

Smaller in size than many other soup cookbooks, this one offers a great recipe on just about every page. Great to use by themselves, more adventurous cooks will also be able to use these recipes as great starting points for some personalized variations. Just a great soup cookbook!

As I write this, there is a pot of Hamburger Soup and a pot of Broccoli Cheddar Cheese Soup simmering on the stove. Literally, the most difficult step in making the Hamburger Soup was browning the meat. I usually do most of my cooking on weekends so that I don't have to come home from work and start cooking a dinner meal. But these recipes are so easy and quick that you can easily put them together in minutes... I also appreciate that the recipes reflect the trend to use ingredients containing low or no-fat. I used skim milk in making the Broccoli Cheddar Cheese soup with the same amount of flour to make a roux, and it turned out beautifully. This is a book that belongs on a coffee table as the illustrations, similar to those found in a children's book, are striking.

Soup is a great comfort food and this book won't disappoint. This will make a great gift for novice or experienced cooks.

A well-written real life of a Brittany and its owner in the field over the years. Very authentic, very moving.

I dislike books about dogs as a general rule, but The Rufus Chronicle was an unexpected treasure. Gusewelle speaks with a solid yet familiar voice about the joys and the learning curve of raising a dog from a pup with the intent for it to be a hunting dog. I haven't hunted or had a dog for many years, but with every turn of the page I was transported back to a time when my greatest pleasure was taking to the field with my canine companion. This book has the rare quality of speaking to the reader on a basic human level, causing you to not only remember scenes from your past, but also sounds, smells, and feelings. If you hunt, keep dogs, or are simply an animal lover with a big heart, then you must read this book.

This book catches your attention immediately. The author's style makes you want to curl up and read without putting this book down for even a second! I am a Brittany owner but dog owners of all breeds, especially gun dogs, will find themselves smiling, crying, laughing and more as they take an emotional journey with the author and his dog through the seasons of their collective lives! ....a wonderful, heartwarming experience, don't miss it!

This will warm the hearts of all dog lovers. Dog owners will reflect on their own experiences with dogs as they read about Rufus, his yard mate and his Master, Charles. Do not be surprised if you find yourself smiling, crying and even laughing out loud.

This memoir by columnist Gusewelle of the life of his dog Rufus is rich, funny and gives a thorough explication of what it meant to live with the Brittany Rufus. I was not partial to the passages on hunting, as I am not a hunter, but I was still engrossed in the book, because these incidents told a lot about Rufus, and after all, HE loved the hunt. It's a pleasant read, with a not unexpected end that while sad completes the story satisfactorily. If you know someone who loves to read, hunt and loves his dogs, this book is definitely the perfect gift.

This is the best book I've ever read on de-cluttering and organizing your home. BUT...it also tells you why you have the clutter in the first place. It also guides you thru de-cluttering your life... the emotional clutter we carry with us, which takes up space and prevents us from reaching our goals and full potential.

This is a must read for anyone who struggles with self-worth and self-discipline. Kathryn does a beautiful job in sharing heart-rendering personal moments to becoming a disciplined woman of the Word, not only in her housekeeping but life in general.

The author shares how to set up a system that almost works itself in maintaining a home and a heart free of clutter. With the applications suggested in her book and God's help, all things are possible.

I would recommend this for a really good Christmas gift to all the harried people out there who are standing around with bows in their hair and tinsel in their hands, asking themselves what to do next.

Paulette L. Harris
Author/reviewer

I bought several books on de-cluttering and this was the least useful for me. It's from a Christian perspective, which I thought might be helpful, but that seems rather superficial. I found Cindy Glovinsky's books much more helpful -- especially "Making Peace with the Things in Your Life." (They're not specifically Christian.) Glovinsky gets deep down into your heart much more effectively, I thought. I'm going to de-clutter "Too Much Stuff" by putting it in my giveaways box.

Too Much Stuff is stuffed from cover to cover with techniques on how to de-clutter both your heart and your home. This advice is given in a clear, easy-to-read manner which has us eager to decontaminate our homes of unwanted, unneeded, and unused items. Not only does Mrs. Porter help us make our homes cleaner and our space more effective, but she also gently encourages us to de-clutter our hearts - which is where the clutter really begins.

Kathryn begins the saga of de-cluttering by sharing her own heartfelt story of growing up in a cluttered home and how she brought those habits with her after she'd married and moved out on her own.

Each chapter brings us deeper into our clutter and gives prudent advice on how to start shoveling our way to a neater home. Topics range from defining clutter, planning how to de-clutter in an orderly way, working in the main rooms such as kitchens to less seen rooms like bathrooms and bedrooms. She also tackles the dirty job of paper work and bills - those seldom touched piles on our desks.

But Mrs. Porter doesn't stop there. How does clutter begin? Why do we `need' to keep things? Are we so cluttered in home and mind that we push our time with God aside? Do we go to God with real needs for `food and raiment' or for those sale items we can't seem to pass up?

When I finished reading Too Much Stuff I was taking a second look at my home and my heart.

If you struggle with holding onto clutter in your home, it can be an act of deep faith to let it go. Kathryn Porter understands a woman's desire to keep "too much stuff."

In her inspiring book, she bares her heart to readers with the story of how she grew up in a cluttered home and took these habits into her adult lifestyle. When she reached a point of desperation, she prayed to God for help and enlisted the advice of wise friends.

In learning to rid her home of material junk, Katherine began to feel deep spiritual cleansing, uncovering peace and joy. She wants to help YOU do the same.

Her book is a powerful tool for today's busy women who need help letting go of things to make room for God. (If you love FlyLady, you'll love this book, and the principles for decluttering come from a Christian perspective.)

--Christian Women Online Book Buzz

I've had this cookbook for years and my most recent purchase of it (used) was to get it for another foodie friend. It is a feast for the eyes, but also has wonderful recipes that are in my regular repertoire. The book also gives you wonderful ideas for presentation and combinations with other dishes.

I have had this cookbook since it was first published and I still find that it is one of the cookbooks that I reach for most often. Beautiful photography. I don't hesitate to try a new recipe on company as I've never had a failure. I consider it to be a "Classic".

This is one of those cookbooks that you can pick up hours before a dinner party, open it to any page, make the dish and have rave reviews. There are VERY few dishes in here that aren't good.

This is an older cookbook, but definitely worth looking into adding to your collection!

We would go hungry without this book! This is the cook book we use far and away more than any other. We have even started some family holiday traditions from the recipes i.e. the green beans with pears - amazing! You never have to worry about making a recipe because they are all fantastic. It is a regular gift from us and we have been told many times it's the receivers new favorite cook book as well. Buy it, it is any cook's must have!

Beyond Parsley is one cookbook I always have nearby -- and I have many, many cookbooks. I am renowned among my family members and friends for e-mailing special recipes -- and many have come from this special gem. I have too many favorites in the book to list but if I had to select just ONE, I would choose Cossack Cheese. That one is a WINNER in every respect, and has gained the love of people around the US to whom I have sent the recipe. D. Ray Fuller Jr., Dallas, Texas

This is a VERY helpful little book... I read one each night before bed and it helps me remember to have patience, hope, courage and not give up on my loved one - or myself as I help him.

Murphey has been successful in grasping many of the different aspects of mental illness and depression in this easy-to-read daily encouragement book. Included in the daily hope are helpful hints and suggestions to enable caregivers. Many of the suggestions could be keys to opening up the minds and souls of the ones needing help due to depression or a mental illness. The book would make a great gift to those who are struggling with the everyday tasks of caring for depressed or mentally ill patients.

This book goes to places in the heart where other resources have not dared to go. The short but packed readings shed light on the real feelings and often unstated questions of those of us who love and care for someone who struggles with depression or mental illness. I don't have to be afraid of my questions or feelings or my own need for support and encouragement. I can face the uncertainties of depression in my loved one with hope. And with God. This is a book that will be a resource I'll keep close at hand and one which I will recommend and give as a gift many times over.

Cecil Murphey has stayed true to his word -- encouragement. Depression and Mental Illness are mysteries that often leave not only the patients, but the caregivers frustrated and lost. This book addresses honest feelings and gives comfort that the feelings we have are often shared with others.

The prayers offer assurance that we are not alone in this journey. Suggestions and experiences offer help and guidance. The list of support groups and resource materials are also quite beneficial.

A blessed treasure to return to often.... and a wonderful gift to share.

When you have a loved one with depression or mental illness all of your attention is focused on them. We easily forget about ourselves. If we do not nurture our own selves, our ability to help our loved ones is deeply affected.

This book and all the books in this series are extremely insightful and will help those who care for someone with depression or mental illness. If your loved one also suffers from Alzheimer's or Addiction we highly recommend Cecil Murphey's other books dealing with these topics.

We live approx. 3 hours from KC and like to visit about once a year. This book is packed with useful information. It's a great buy even if you plan on visiting KC only once.

I am a resident of the area and was impressed with the ideas given to have a vacation without leaving the city.

When I read this book I felt like Katie was personally showing me KC. It was like she was holding my hand as we explored the neighborhoods and hot spots.

THE INSIDER'S GUIDE TO KANSAS CITY is a wonderful book. It tells you where the best neighborhoods are on both the Missouri and Kansas sides; the best school districts; the best health care; and virtually everything you need to know about this area. Of course, it could talk about the shopping malls in more depth, like some other books in this series, and some radio station listings are inaccurate as to category and should be taken like the humor in AMERICAN WEDDING, SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE, THE SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELLING PANTS, HARVARD MAN, DRIVE ME CRAZY, 13 GOING ON 30, PRETTY WOMAN, MY BEST FRIEND'S WEDDING, HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER, FRIENDS, DATE MOVIE, and/or the two GARFIELD movies featuring Jennifer Love Hewitt (for example, KRBZ belongs in the Rock/Rhythm/Soul category, not the Contemporary category, while KLZR is not even a Kansas City station but is based in Lawrence and belongs in the Contemporary category, not Rock/Rhythm/Soul, as does KFME, which is now KCJK, and moreover, KNRX is now KMJK- an adult urban contemporary station- and is located about 45 minutes away, in Lexington, MO), as should the listing of Countryside as a separate city (it merged with Mission in 2003), but overall, if you're interested in different metro areas, you'll crave this book.

As a local, who takes the city for granted and continually revisits the old haunts, I am enormously grateful for this comprehensive insight into what MY city has to offer.
Katie has sparked the "adventurous" in me and now I am ready to hit the road. This is a book meant for every local's library not to mention all visitors to the city. Most of us are unaware of the myrid options that Kansas City offers. This guide gives us the opportunity to explore and enjoy everything that is available. We are also prepared when, when they come, to enlighten visitors as to everything that Kansas City is about.
Thank you Katie for making all of us who have the book "insiders." The book is a must.

In this book the father will say thoughts that often go unspoken to others.Thoughts that I have had. His suggestions for ways to memorialize are very helpful.. Life is like a blurr after losing my 18 yr old son. It was impacting to me when I saw that Mono was involoved due to fact that my son never quite recovered from his episode of Mono and I believe that it contributed to his death. Thank you to the family for helping others.

My husband and I also lost a son - 13 months ago. I have read dozens of books on grief over the last year. Dennis Apple's book is possibly the best one I've read. It is uncanny how closely his feelings mirror mine and my husband's. While nothing takes away the pain of losing a beloved child, there is something comforting in knowing you aren't the only one to have ever hurt this badly or had these feelings. Mr. Apple offers a Christian perspective and one of hope & redemption but not in a "God is so good and praise him regardless" kind of way. He acknowledges his anger and disappointment toward God which makes him more credible in my eyes. This is an excellent book for grieving parents or those who are trying to help them.

Our son just recently passed away (jeremyearnshaw.com) and I have tried to find a book to help. This book my son's fiancee picked up by accident at the Christian book store. Once you start reading the book you can't put it down. When tragedy happens you look for something or someone to relate to...certainly there must be someone out there. This book for us on the tragic loss of our tender hearted son at 23 has been a great help. Our son like his was so loving and kind and wouldn't think twice about walking with his arm over his parents shoulders in a mall. Anyway, a great help and encouragement through the grieving process. Highly recommended.

This book is of the charts when it comes to honestly documenting the effects of grief on a parent who had lost a child. After we lost a son and grandson I searched for several years for someone who could relate to my feelings, emotions and reactions to what I was going through. The fact that Dennis was open, honest and forthcoming about all of his thoughts and feelings made my journey so much easier. Like Dennis, I was also a pastor when my son died. I only wish I could have met Dennis and talked with him several years ago. I have searched and researched for almost ten years and you will not find a better resource for helping you cope with grief. If anyone reading this has lost a loved one, especially a child, you need to get this book.
Norm Standfield
Founder, Grief Fellowship Ministries

As a mom who has buried two children, a stillborn daughter and a 16 year old son, and having a ministry with bereaved mothers, I have read many books on grief and the loss of a child. Yet, I've never read a book that hit the raw emotions and the grief journey I have walked with such open honesty, as this book. Though I read this book in 24 hours, it could not be read in one sitting, as my tear blurred eyes had to recover from the emotions and pains I similarily went through (and still am).

Dennis Apple, the author, and also a pastor, shares with little hesitation,his journey of grief, questioning God, loneliness and despair as he tried to find normalcy. He shares not only his pain but not understanding his wife's depression and his searchings to console her. Sharing excerpts from his journal, Mr. Apple writes of the roller coaster of grief, the unexpected attacks of grief, even many years later. Even with his wonderings at times where God was, he shares how he can see God never left him, and gives hope and understanding to those walking this road now.

This book is not just for bereaved parents, but should be read by pastors, grief counselors, extended family of the bereaved or anyone who wants or should understand the pain after the loss of a child. I invite you to read this book to understand and care for others. Though you will most likely have a tear streaked book when you are finished, it will give you hope and understanding.

This is a book that my husband just had to have! It is out of print and it took awhile for me to find it. If you are a George Brett fan, it is a must have!!

Steve Cameron's latest work with George Brett is a must for any fan of the greatest game. For everyone who has thrilled to George's accomplishments and admired his blue-collar, headfirst approach to the game he loves, "From Here to Cooperstown" is a joy indeed. This book captures the entire story of Brett's career where he had a lifetime average of .305, 3154 hits, and 1595 runs batted in. Great photos and layout compliment the authoring by Steve Cameron. It includes a great section that has quotes and comments from players, coaches, and writers, that have watched George Brett move from a shaky Single A player to the Hall of Famer that he is. Another feature in this book is that George Brett shares his thoughts, emotions, memories, his recollections, and his feelings about the long journey. It captures the entire story of Brett's career from childhood through his many years with the Kansas City Royals. It also does an outstanding job of building an understanding of why Brett is so passionate about the game of baseball. Here is a quote from George on how he would like to be remembered. "I'd like to be remembered as the guy who always played hard and ran out every ball." Although George has made it to the Hall of Fame he thanks many for his success. George would later add in his Hall of Fame speech a thought about his parents. George said," To my parents, Jack and Ethel. Thanks for the endless hours of support and love. You taught me the qualities of life that I will pass along to your grandchildren, Jackson, Dylan, and Robin. I would recommend this book to all players in high school, College, and the Minors because of the lessons it teaches about respect for the game and a personal commitment to excellence.

This book is the heart and soul of George Brett. If you are a fan of George Brett or a lover of the sport this book is a must have addition to your collection.

Steve Cameron's latest work with George Brett is a must for any fan of the greatest Game. It does an outstanding job of building an understanding of why Brett is so passionate about baseball.

There is a great section containing comments from players, coaches, writers that have watched George Brett move from a shaky Single A player to the Hall of Famer that he is.

I almost think this book should be required reading for all players in high school, college and the minors because of the lessons it teaches about respect for the game and personal commitment to excellence.

Until reading this book, I was sure that no one could love the game of baseball more than I did. George Brett is the one man that does.

Steve Cameron's latest work with George Brett is a must for any fan of the greatest game. For everyone who has thrilled to George's accomplishments and admired his blue-collar, headfirst approach to the game he loves, "From Here to Cooperstown" is a joy indeed. This book captures the entire story of Brett's career where he had a lifetime average of .305, 3154 hits, and 1595 runs batted in. Great photos and layout compliment the authoring by Steve Cameron. It includes a great section that has quotes and comments from players, coaches, and writers, that have watched George Brett move from a shaky Single A player to the Hall of Famer that he is. Another feature in this book is that George Brett shares his thoughts, emotions, memories, his recollections, and his feelings about the long journey. It captures the entire story of Brett's career from childhood through his many years with the Kansas City Royals. It also does an outstanding job of building an understanding of why Brett is so passionate about the game of baseball. Here is a quote from George on how he would like to be remembered. "I'd like to be remembered as the guy who always played hard and ran out every ball." Although George has made it to the Hall of Fame he thanks many for his success. George would later add in his Hall of Fame speech a thought about his parents. George said," To my parents, Jack and Ethel. Thanks for the endless hours of support and love. You taught me the qualities of life that I will pass along to your grandchildren, Jackson, Dylan, and Robin. I would recommend this book to all players in high school, College, and the Minors because of the lessons it teaches about respect for the game and a personal commitment to excellence.