People Books

I am not even a reader and I couldn't put this one down! Everybody should be touched by the power of this real life story. Why read fiction when there are books like this one?

This book really touches your soul and makes you think about the way we look at those different from us. Thanks for sharing your story!

I had a had time with this book, the dialect really killed it for me. Many of the things Denver says just didn't ring true like, "Cypress trees squatted like spiders on the water", from page 1! I also couldn't put up with the preaching, I just couldn't finish it.

This is a book that i really struggled with while i was reading it... it's a really good read with an absolutely compelling premise, weaving two entirely separate storylines into one threaded connection... if the book had another subtitle, it could apprpriately be "A Cord of Three Strands," referring to the verse in Ecclesiastes that explains the strong bond that is created when God connects two people together...

Though it was really a challenging book for the obvious reason of broadening one's perspective on issues like prejudice, homelessness, and materialism, the most powerful message from where i sit was - not surprisingly - one of love... particularly as the book shared in great detail the painful story of Ron and his wife, Debbie... I'll leave it at that so as not to ruin any of the unknowns, but it might make sense to keep some tissues handy when you read though this one...

-from trudatmusic[dot]com[slash]raw

"Same kind of different as me" amazed me. It reminded me of places and people in the Ft. Worth I knew and an east Texas I knew. It was sensitive, insightful, thought provoking and inspirational. It was a complete suprise. I've already passed it on to a friend and recommended it to another.

Cimorene's parents aren't sure what to do with her. She is tall, thin, dark haired, and her personality is totally unsuitable for a princess. All of her sisters had turned out fine but Cimorene is bored out of her mind by the things princesses are supposed to do, so instead she learns everything they are not, like magic, cooking, fencing and many other strange skills. When faced with an arranged marriage, she does the only thing logical - she finds a dragon to offer her diverse services to.

This book is light and funny, playing with the stereotypes found in fairy tales and fantasy while still being a compelling tale in its own right. I recommend this to both boys and girls, as I have known people of both genders who adored the book. I would recommend this to late elementary schoolers or middle schoolers, depending on their individual reading abilities. This book would also be very cute read aloud.

I did not enjoy this book.

Why?

Because I purchased this book thinking it was YOUNG ADULT fiction.

(a) It was not young adult fiction. Look again. Young adult fiction = TEEN fition.

(b) This story seemed to be written for CHILDREN ages 6-9.

(c) It FAILED to be exciting in any way. I was bored half the time and the other half I was drifting away in my mind to escape the boringness of the book. i.e. "I wonder what book I should read after I'm finally done with this one?"
or "Hmmm I wonder how many more chapters I have to go?" or "Oh wow we have a new president!"

Anyway...

A story with a feminist as the protagonist: check.

A story that failed to be entertaining: check.

A story that made wizards out to be bad when Harry Potter fans are reading it: check.

A book that is now listed on ebay to try to get my money back from buying the whole set?

CHECK.

This is an enchanting story that once again captures the spirit of the perky princess who had no desire to be the traditional damsel-in-distress. So, what's a contemporary woman trapped by royal traditions to do? Offer herself up to the dragons in the first place.

It's a whimsical tale that gives fairytales sly winks and twists at every corner. The characters are rich, and move the story along with their quirks.

This is not just parody, either. Ms. Wrede had managed to create her own intelligent, dragon-and-knight infested tale that creates as much fairy tale as it borrows.

I enjoyed this story, and the sequels, as a young girl. Wrede creates a magical world that has a unique feel while incorporating common elements from fairytales. I've read in several times since and still enjoy it. Dealing with Dragons is very much a girl power book - almost all of the good main characters are female, Princess Cimerone rejects the staid life society thrusts upon her and charts her own course, and the King of the Dragons ends up being a female (King is just the title of the job, designating nothing about gender). It is well written, something that can certainly not be said of all fantasy novels written for this age group, and the story is fun and engaging.

An excellent book for young children that enjoy fantasy with an odd twist. Highly recommended.

I read this book in 5 days, I couldn't put it down. Deborah conveyed so well the feelings she experienced that when I would stop reading, it would take me a few minutes to realize that I was not a Peoples Temple member and shake off the paranoia I felt. I also can't help but draw parallels to the use of fear & intimidation by our politicians today, especially Republicans. For instance, when Rev. Jim Jones said "If they are not with us, they are against us." Where have I heard that before? Even though this happened over 30 years ago, this is an eye-opener to the mind manipulation that goes on today. It should be required reading. I hope Deborah knows that she is an incredibly strong person for being able to escape and I admire her for trying to warn about the impending mass suicide. She shouldn't feel guilt for what she did. It's a shame that the other Congressmen besides, Leo Ryan, were too busy to listen to her. But we are just human beings after all.

Bo read this book. It made him sorry that Congressman Leo Ryan isn't still alive because I would let him take me for a walk. I think my Mom and Dad would have liked him too. Ms. Layton's book seems to be full of excuses and rationalizations. She spends far too many pages trying to justify leaving her dying mother behind and excusing her assassin of a brother.

In closing, Bo bought the book thinking he was going to read an honest story of a Jonestown survivor, the missing money and the missing boat. But instead, Bo is left pawing his head, more confused then he was when he started the book. I give this one...One paw way down!!!!

This book is a true gem. It gives a very thorough account of the People's Temple while simultaneously being an enjoyable read. Its biggest merit, however, is that of being an amazing exposition of human group psychology. It is so detailed in its descriptions and so penetrating in its conclusions that it could actually supplant much of the litterature read by undergraduate students of psychology. I cannot recommend it enough.

I had always wondered how and why people were suckered into joining Jim Jones's cult, what life was like in Jonestown, and how in the world Deborah Layton escaped. This book gave me an insider's view, exactly what I was looking for.

Early in the book, I found the story unconvincing, perhaps fodder for a skit on Saturday Night Live. The idea that in one People's Temple meeting, she became a convert, I thought was possible. However, the moment of her conversion was unbelievable. Jim Jones tries to persuade her to join, so cheesy I wanted to gag. But then again, this is her story, and this is what convinced her to join. I must accept it as she explains it, the idea that anyone could become a victim becoming less of a reality. Some people are susceptible to such ruses -- the naïve, the mentally challenged, the desperate -- and we all know people who fit those categories.

Deborah easily falls for Jim Jones's lies, that all men are homosexual except for Jim Jones, that she may become an amoeba in her next life if she doesn't follow the teachings of her church. I wondered if she had a life before the Temple, why there didn't seem to be any hesitation to accept the teachings that are contradictory to everything she knows. Again, as I read, I begin to believe she is a bit more challenged than the average person.

I've always wanted to understand how the people at the top, those who organized the ruses could also be a blind follower of Jim Jones. How is it they can still believe in his powers when they have to collect poison ivy type leaves to cause letters to defectors to be irritating, making the defectors itch and suffer (as if caused by God)? Did they not wonder why God couldn't do it himself? That remains unanswered.

Once fully indoctrinated, it is easy to see why it was so difficult to escape. Once in Guyana, I can see how it became impossible. Even for those who wanted to escape, there was no way out.

The book was riveting at the end, and I could not put it down. Though I knew the outcome, how it happened was amazing.

I picked up this book because of the top reviews but found that after about 200 pages it got very repetative. What a tragedy...but personal memoir was just to long and self gratifying for me.

For any man who thinks he is in control of his life, think again! This is a book that will make you re-prioritize your thinking and perspective and give you a practical format for doing so. I left thinking, "how can I be more like this man in my daily and Christian life?"

Everything was provided in a timely manner. The product was perfect. We would certainly order from you again.

This book is an inspiring personal account of a spiritual man of integrity and principles who also happens to be a very well-respected and successful (now retired) pro football head coach. I knew of Tony Dungy before I bought and read the book, and it is the strength of his character that compels me to strongly recommend it to parents, teachers, mentors, leaders, and role models.

As a leadership book, I found this book to be a refreshing view of controlled, respectful, principled, and effective leadership that is a viable alternative to the stereotypical 'flashy, fiery, dynamic, domineering sideline dictator' leadership model that dominates the college and pro sports scenes. Whatever your leadership perspectives and preferences are, this book can expand or reinforce them.

I was pleasantly surprised to find that Dungy's greatest leadership lessons do not come from the gridiron. A recurring fundamental theme throughout the book was Dungy's personal faith and how he used that faith to help him, his teams, and his family keep setbacks, challenges, accomplishments, opportunities, and personal tragedies in their proper perspective. Another important life lesson embedded in the book was how influential Dungy's late parents have been in shaping the man and leader he has become. I have added many of the quotes and anecdotes of his parents that appear throughout the book to my list of lessons I will pass on to my young son.

Dungy summed up the purpose of the book, and described the greatest and most rewarding leadership challenge in life with his closing sentence: "We are all role models to someone in this world, and we can all have an impact - for good." This book has helped me to be a better role model, and I believe it can do the same for anyone who reads it.

This was a gift for my dad, and I will probably read it sometime when he's done. He is thoroughly enjoying the book and getting a lot out of it.

The book was a little dispointing and not what I was expecting - religion, not football or leadership, was the central theme.

This is a girly-girl book for your little princess. Nancy is fancy and much to her chagrin must instruct her family in how to be fancy.

I really dislike these Fancy Nancy books. The character is pretentious and conceited, and looks down on her parents for their simple style. I think books like these tend to perpetuate a value system that places looks ahead of character. I love it when my daughter dresses up, but I don't want her to buy into a materialistic, mass-consumption lifestyle that I think is shallow.

I think this is the first in a delightful series that takes a fresh look at a young child's imagination and creativity. What makes the book captivating is that it is based in the real world. There is the makeover of a simple bedroom and the makeover of an ordinary family going to a fast food restaurant. Who would have thought this simple beginning could morph into the wonderful world of Fancy Nancy. The only problem I encountered was that my 3 1/2 year old granddaughter could not really enjoy this title in the series because there is so much emphasis on "parents" and "family". She is struggling to understand why her parents are no longer together and getting divorced. The book turned out to be too painful for her to read, but she loves Fancy Nancy with all her heart.

I absolutely love this book. I am not fancy. My four girls are not fancy. But we adore this book. It is about a girl who has passion and wants to share it with the world. Go for it Nancy! Even when things don't go as planned, the family rallies around her and life goes on. This book is about much more than fanciness.
I love the illustrations. The image of the family making an "entrance" to the restaurant is a classic!
I admit that we tried a fancy excursion to the miniature golf course. I don't think the kids particularly liked their mom and dad all dressed up but we had a ball.

I don't think Nancy is bratty or conceited - I think she's a little girl who, like many young children, likes shiny and "fancy" things. And she has remarkably supportive parents - just look at their shopping list! Milk, eggs, bread, fuschia hair mousse.

The pictures are... interesting. They really accurately capture the moods of the characters - the little sister copying her big sister (or grumbling as the crown is patiently taped back on her head!), the kid jumping for excitement. All the same, the actual pictures of the characters seems a little off to me. Like the scene where we see Nancy peeking from behind the fridge door after she taped the poster on it. Realistic? Yes. Do I like it? For some reason, no. It's just a matter of simple preference, and not something I'd rate down for.

I will rate down for the text. It's a bit dull, and while I appreciate the effort to cram new vocabulary words in (Posh is a fancy word for fancy!) I find it all to be a excessively... what is that fancy word? Oh yes, didactic. I found this method of teaching to be condescending when I was a child, and now that I'm *reading* to kids I don't like it any more.

The storyline's a bit bland, too. How many stories do we need about children having minor mishaps and getting hugged? Nothing against it, but surely the market must be glutted by now? (Which reminds me, I'm also not a fan of all the merchandising surrounding this book, but that's an unrelated issue.) And as for "there isn't a fancier or better way of saying I love you", I get the point, but sure there is! My nieces come up with them every day! "You're my sunshine" and "You make me happy whenever I'm with you" and "Your smile brightens cloudy days" and "When you cry, it hurts my heart", and my personal favorite, "You're the BEST, Connie!", accompanied by a BIG HUG. (Not to mention all the nonverbal ways of saying you love somebody - hugging them, snuggling them, being fancy for them, getting them something nice just because you know it'll make them happy, giving them the last piece of cake instead of squabbling over it, covering up for your sister's mistake by claiming YOU scribbled on the wall and not her (not something I want to encourage, but it's the thought, right?), asking your aunt if your sister can come out of time-out because you don't REALLY mind that she hit you, you forgive her - lots of ways!)

My nieces enjoy this book, I guess, although it isn't their favorite.

My husband and I have a good marriage, but I like to do what I can to make it even better. We are neither of us very religious, and I had difficulty finding a book that was not based in Christianity. This book is exactly that for which I was looking.
It uses scientific research to determine exactly what makes marriages succeed or fail. It's true the data weren't exactly collected in the best way; taking people out of their natural environment and telling them they're being watched is not going to yield perfect results. Still, it is much closer to reality than previous ideas on marital bliss, which were developed abstractly.
We've only done one of the exercises so far, but I already feel like it brought about a better understanding of my husband. And, it was fun!! I would strongly recommend this book to anyone with marital problems or anyone who just wants to make their marriage stronger!

This is a good book with good info and good points. Has exercises too that are helpful. The one thing my husband and I did not like was the author's ego. Once you get through his ego and get to the good stuff it's a good book.

This is an excellent book - We're only partway into it and have already gotten some great insights into the state of our marriage and how we can improve it. I highly recommend it.

Dr. Gottman has great insight into how to understand your mate and how to help your mate understand you as well. His approach is quite different from most marriage manuals. The seven principals are easy to understand and to put into practice.

By opening this book (and this review!) you are already willing to learn, think, and remodel. These acts mean that you probably respect others, and deserve the same. These are the essence of Gottman's principles - respect and love, golden rule type of stuff. He is big on sense and provides a useful roadmap. However, if one partner is NOT reading the book, there is a problem

This is an AMAZING series!
i've recomended it to so many frends and family members i can't count and they have all come back begging for more!

If you haven't read this series yet... DO SO NOW!

John Marsden has done an excellent job creating a great and exciting story about friendship, war, and love. I have read all the books in this series and I was so mad when it ended. You feel so close to the charactors that when it's over, its heartbreaking. I wish I could meet every one of the charactors on the book. This series truly has changed my life. I've learned so much and it has changed the way I feel about a war. Now that I know first hand what people go through in a war, I'll never doubt the affects again.

I wouldn't have gone for this book if it was pitched to me: a group of teens laugh, fall in love, and grow up in the context of suddenly having to survive as guerrillas. Yeah, right.

But I think Marsden held this together surprisingly well - there are a few strengths to the book (I was about to continue this sentence along the lines of, `that explain the popularity of the series', but there are way too many examples of popularity not reflecting quality).

Ahoy - spoilers ahead.

I liked the very deliberate way Marsden gave us several chapters of these teenagers simply being recognisable Australian kids. Admittedly he did open with the teaser - the hint of something big and dark - rather than totally selling this as a teen romance/coming of age story before the shocking twist. I could have coped without the early promise of more, but tell me he wasn't consciously thinking he didn't want to lose some year nine boys before they got to the shooting (`Is this a kissing book?'). Actually, you don't have to tell me: he's totally open about consciously writing for this market in his preface. That being said, he does only hint, and then spends some time on getting his target audience of Oz juveniles to identify with the main characters. Hence the greater potency when their world is changed in a moment. It probably resonates far more with old folks like myself who already subscribe to this notion, but it would be great if even a few complacent Australians were woken up to the fact that wars don't happen to qualitatively different people - people that you somehow think, you know, them having their homes bombed and being refugees is the sort of thing they just take in their stride. Reminds me of Steely Dan's potent `Third World Man', where Fagan twists familiar suburban images into those of war, for example, "Johnny's playroom, is a bunker filled with sand," "I saw fireworks, I thought that I was dreaming, `til the neighbours came out screaming'" (OK, it works better with Larry Carlton's exquisite solo). So, sure, hats off to Marsden for putting more of a familiar human face in something usually seen as alien.

But once the invasion occurs our plucky kids don't suddenly morph into a crack military unit (well, they do a bit), nor does the book simply shrink into an ugly Tom Clancy/Chuck Norris jingoistic potboiler. Somehow he keeps the teen (dare I say, the `girly' teen) thing happening: introspection with occasional passable insights (eg. people don't really see things because they give them names - once something is named - such as the canyon `hell', they only perceive their projections in the misleading word; animals aren't so easily fooled), and classic - but realistic - boy/girl confusion over infatuation (save me from the appalling romance of just about any fantasy writer: McCaffrey, Kerr, Goodkind, Kay ... ugh. A legion of teenage readers swallowing supposedly profound relationships that haven't a hint of authenticity or beauty). Marsden doesn't play it for voyeurism, but you do get lines you might expect in Grey's Anatomy preceding a jet firing missiles. There's even time for a little historical detection with regard to the enigmatic hermit - who would have thought it? There's also a usable range of characters with far more depth and room for development than many purportedly adult novels. What? A Christian and a stoner that can't merely be summed up in those words. Blimey.

Realistic? Well, sure it's a bit of the old villain saying, "We could have succeeded in our evil plans if it wasn't for you pesky kids!", and that's attractive to some of his audience - it makes for a more enjoyable story than the naked realism of fly-ridden bloody corpses. But while he crosses the line here and there Marsden quite deliberately has the kids lower their expectations from movie ones, and will have a hero go into shock after a near miss rather than rip off their shirt and run unscathed through a hail of bullets slaying faceless hordes (this would also be problematic as some of the more central fighters are girls). This is refreshing. While he's also been careful not to demonise the enemy, I'd be interested to find out if the rest of the series goes as far as the leap to realising the `enemy' may actually have had as little choice as you about being in this dangerous situation.

The book is not a breathtaking achievement, but it is a solid one on a hazardous premise. A lot could have gone wrong that didn't, and there's a lot that goes right.

Ellie is so articulate, bright, and caring that she makes what would have been an average story into an amazing and believable account of eight young adults out to save their families and ultimately their homeland.

Once I got used to the Australian vernacular, I read this book at an amazing pace because I simply couldn't put it down.

I can't wait to hunt down the rest of this series.

I really enjoyed this book and plan to buy the rest of the series. It has a good mix of adventure and romance so it will appeal to most of my high school students. The characters have distinct personalities and all of them show strengths in the story which could be a great jumping off point for a discussion on how we are all different and how our differences make society function better. Aside from thoughts about teaching, I simply couldn't put the book down because I wanted to know what happened next.

It is such a treat to see my 8 year old daughter read this book. She thinks about it and talks about it in between reading. Sometimes we read it together because she wants to share what she loves with me. She fills me in on what I miss when I don't read with her. She reads every night (later than she should!) because she can't wait to find out who Mandy's secret friend turns out to be. I can't believe how she has become so enchanted by Mandy and her secret and so interested in finding out what will happen in the end. I think she enjoys this as much or even more than The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles.

Such a wonderful book to read. I love it. Hope that author will write more books for readers in the future.

A wonderful book. One of my favorite books. It was a great story. You definitely get lost in the story when you read it. I recommend it!!!

I first read this book when I was in Jr. High in the late 1970's. I absolutely loved it! Much later, in the early 1990's, I was teaching 4th grade when one of my students showed me the book she had just checked out from the library...it was "Mandy!" I was thrilled. It was like being reunited with an old friend again! I read it aloud to my class that year and they all loved it. Now I teach 1st grade and I still read it every year aloud to my class. The book is about a young girl who lives in an orphanage. She finds a wonderful cottage to call her own. It is such a sweet book by Julie (Andrews) Edwards...(who also starred in my favorite movie "The Sound of Music!")

I read this book as a young girl and it made a forever impression in my mind. It is one of my all time favorite stories. I have not read it in over 20 years and I can remember the story like I read it yesterday! I have tried to find it in the past but never thought about Amazon until today. I could not remember the Author, now that I know I am not surprised it is Julie Andrews Collection I have read other stories from her collection and love them all.
I now have a young daughter of my own and I can not wait to share this story with her!

This book it one that is fair to good reading and should be in the hands of all Christians as it would give them a heart for evangelism.

We give a copy of Fresh Wind Fresh Fire to all new members of our church. We want them to see how God has and can move among his people when they pray as pastor Cymbala explains happened in his little church. As other reviews have said, it is a must read for all Christians and especially Christian Leaders. If you are not working in the Power of the Holy Spirit, you will only accomplish what man can do.

Fresh Wind Fresh Fire, is a must read for every Pastor and Christian. It tackels solid, foundational principles, that are grossly abscent in many of our 21st Century churches today. Eternal principles, unlike wood, hay and stuble,needed for building the Kingdom of God. Short - to the point - on message - inspiring.

Linda

The only book that I know that has the ability to radically change your life, is the Bible. This book,"Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire" is one that has radically changed the way I think of Prayer. This is definetly a must read for the spiritual seeker!
Eddie Reece

These books were shipped fast and I'm using them in a Sabbath School group at church! Everyone is raving about it so far! It's strengthening my own Christian walk and taking my faith to new heights! I'd highly recommend it!

This was a very informative book which gave a new edge to promotion for my book, "The Emancipation of Denny G". Would recommend to others.

Carolyn Howard-Johnson's voice in THE FRUGAL BOOK PROMOTER encouragers readers to do whatever it takes to get their books in readers' hands. The reader will learn new strategies, styles, and even a few outside-the-box ideas that are sure to increase writers' book sales. Her love for the art of writing, editing, and promoting shines on every page and the reader can't help but be inspired every step of the way. She is at times poignant, blunt, and witty, but most notably always passionate. After reading her book I was quick to subscribe to her newsletter and read her THE FRUGAL EDITOR The Frugal Editor: Put your best book forward to avoid humiliation and ensure success (How to Do It Frugally) and the ideas and inspiration continue to move me further along my writing journey. Wherever you are in your writing career, HOJO'S books are MUST-HAVE resources.

This book has been my bible as I learned how to market my book. I love the simple things the author suggests like describing yourself. Knowing who you are can help you to brand your books. Howard-Johnson's chapters are easy to understand. I used her step-by-step instructions to create a press release and media kit to announce my debut book signing. I received mentions in several newspapers. The end result--I sold out the bookstore. The bookstore owner told me that was a first for a debut author.
A few things have changed since this was written but for the most part, if you want a book to set your mind whirling with ideas about how to promote your book, buy this one.

I Just started promoting "Trainer" and had no idea where to go. I spot checked through the book and found that I will be investigating further into much of the book. It truly is a complete package of promotion.

It will clarify how to get Radio and t.v. interviews. A question I have tried to get answered for over a month now. It will help clarify how to get other important promotion techniques down. I know more than I can count.

It seems that every chapter is filled with great insight and knowledge. I gave this book four stars because 1)Scanning it does not give a complete picture, 2)I know from the short scan of the book it will be invaluable to me. It probably deserves five or six stars.

Christian Fiction Author "Trainer" Trilogy

"The Frugal Book Promoter" by Carolyn Howard-Johnson provides more useful, practical, income-producing, and easily-applicable ideas than any book of its kind. And I have over 100 marketing, writing, entrepreneurial books in my personal library. More than that, for the low price of "The Frugal Book Promoter," readers gain more benefit than they would from they typical $100 per hour fee charged by most consultants, and the $1,000 fee charged by some marketing "gurus" for their pearls of wisdom.

The subtitle truly says it all, "How to Do What Your Publisher Won't." Many of us as authors follow a two-step plan: write, then get published. Then we assume, "if you write/publish it, they will come." We forget the crucial third step: promote it. Carolyn uses her vast storehouse of wisdom in the publishing/marketing industry to cull out principles that every writer can apply, regardless of the size of one's marketing budget.

I find it an impossible book to read straight through--but for a good reason. I can't get through one chapter without stopping numerous times to implement a marketing idea. And I've done just that. My book, "Beyond the Suffering: Embracing the Legacy of African American Soul Care and Spiritual Direction" has seen a significant, sustained sales growth since I bought and started applying Carolyn's tried and true principles.

Carolyn is like the frugal relative we all have. You know the one I mean. The one who stretches every dollar, gets all the best deals, is not cheap, but is . . . well . . . frugal. If you want to stretch your book marketing dollar, then "The Frugal Book Promoter" is for you. And frankly, it is just as valuable for the author with a "traditionally published book" as for authors who self-publish.

Reviewer: Bob Kellemen, Ph.D., is the author of "Beyond the Suffering, "Soul Physicians," and "Spiritual Friends."