Books and Authors Books

This is one of those classic funny books that you'll want to give to special friends. The entire series of Mother Goose Rhymes is hilariously rendered as medieval French quatrains a la Nostradamus, replete with detailed annotations. If you majored in any language or literature you'll be LOL at the absurd, pompous intellectualism of the academic style. Simply brilliant.

We have an old copy of this wonderfully irritating book. It takes time to work out which nursery rhyme you are trying to decipher but do not expect the verses to translate from French into English as the words have no connection with any nursery rhyme you might know. We managed to do a similar thing with Spanish which was hilarious, but we still haven't worked out whether this was written as an enormous joke or is deadly serious! It has given our family a lot of fun.

I don't know why this book is so little known - it's very clever and it's hilarious fun. I wish I knew about it sooner. But if you're thinking of buying it, beware: there's no key. You'll have to figure these puzzles out on your own.

If you can read French and if you grew up heaaring Mother Goose rhymes (in English) this book is a MUST HAVE. It presents an almost credible scholarly work about some fragments (in French) from an old civilization. If you will read those fragments aloud, you"ll be able to hear (in English) well known nursery rhymes. Truly fascinating, and soetimes challenging! (Especially if you had never known THIS rhyme in English!)
--And the "scholaraly" footnotes are great!

Zebu qui se regrette: there's no question about that, and I _am_ grateful that it's back in print. BUT, buyers beware: the print in this edition looks like it came out of a cheap photocopier. Van Rooten deserved better.

I love this book! Mother Teresa speaks in very simple terms about her faith and her calling to follow Jesus. The chapters on love and prayer were very inspirational and convicting. We should all follow her example in how we treat one another. I am not a Catholic, but that doesn't matter, her message is for everyone. I have purchased several copies of this book to give away. That's how good it is.

The quality of the books are excellent. I had a problem receiving the books, though. When tracking them I was told they were delivered, but I had never received them. I got connected with customer service through the website and they helped make things right by re-sending my order. These books came in the same time I should have received my other books. I feel confident that I can order through Amazon again and they will make sure that I am satisfied. Thank you, Amazon!

Honestly one of the most inspiring books I have ever read. I minister to the homeless and everytime I re-read what I have high-lighted, I want to run off & serve God even more. I highly recommend this book. But if you share books with others, buy 2 copies b/c you will want to re-read yours often. She is such an amzing woman. I felt like this book was a personal letter to me. It took away some of the fear I harbored in the work I do. Praise God!

The devotion of Mother Teresa should be an inspiration to us all (whether you are Catholic, Eastern Orthodox or Protestant; Christian or non-Christian). I'm a Methodist and I see in Mother Teresa a true imitation of Christ. She reminds us of God's love and how God uses us to minister to one another.

While I was growing up, people would call Mother Teresa a "living saint" (I grew up and still live in a heavily in a Catholic neighborhood). Recent evidence reveals that she sometimes wrestled with doubts and frustrations. This has actually enhanced my appreciation for her, in that I see Mother Teresa now as more a human being, who struggled along like the rest of us, and could relate with our faults and trials better than someone of superhuman constitution.

Her feeling for the poor; that is the economically, as well as, spiritually poor, gives us all a lot to think about. Whatever religion you are, I am sure you can find comfort in Mother Teresa's gentle spirit:

"I deal with thousands of Christians and non-Christians, and in each you can see such conscience at work in their lives, drawing them to God...If everyone were capable of discovering the image of God in their neighbors, do you think we would still need tanks and generals?"

This book is pure inspiration. You realize how selfish the world is after reading this humble book. Mother Teresa is often in my thoughts now. And for that reason, this book is priceless.

I just stumbled across this book in the Birmingham Museum of Art and what a delightful surprise! What a showcase of Alabama women's writing talents. From silly to serious, this book covers it all, from crib to cradle. It left me asking when's the next one coming out and where can I get it!

What an excellent display of the talents of Alabama writers! Alabama is often the brunt of "good ole boy" jokes, skipping over the intelligence and versatility of the abundance of talent found in Alabama. Anyone can relate to this book---from grandmothers and grandfathers and "hard times" which are displayed profusely. Hats off to the contributors to this book and for the editor for taking the time to introduce these poems to America!

Ordinary and Sacred as Blood makes me feel at home among writers--Alabama women writers who have shared their inmost thoughts from every cranny of the state. The variety of their experiences and the ways they have chosen to express them are appealing--poetry, memoir, essay, story. I'm still reading, and I've enjoyed every one--from our wonderful just-retired poet laureate Helen Blackshear to Helen Norris to Susan Murphy and Nabella Shunnarah, from Anne George to Natasha Tretheway to others whose voices are new to me. I look forward to the next chapter from this group.

Alabama authors have stepped forth to share short stories, poems and quips that will lift the heart of the reader. Ordinary & Sacred as Blood, authored by Alabama women, will trigger your every emotion. It truly promises and delivers something for everyone. You'll treasure this book forever. Delightful, thoughtful way to remember those on your gift list.

wonderful, folksy reading with home folks. Alabama Christmas by Charlotte Miller very sweet.Mamie was a Slave by Helen Blackshear gives insight into other days.

I was drawn in to this story, and couldn't put it down until it came to a conclusion. The author's style is natural and flowing. I loved the insights into a writer's methods. One side of my family is Italian so I could easily relate to the family relationships portrayed in this book. I plan to read "Painting the Invisible Man" again, for the courage to research a death in my own family history, a death that still has many unanswered questions around it.

Rita Schiano's Painting The Invisible Man tells the story of growing up in a family connected to the mafia. What is different about this story is the recollection as an adult the experiences of a childhood that was anything but normal. The book brings the main character to a depth of understanding about her father, showing a range of emotions that ultimately leads to forgiveness.
This book is both entertaining and thought provoking. Recommended to all, especially those of you who like mysteries.

This is a must read! I'm normally only a "mystery / who done it" type of reader, but I found this book to have it's own intrigue of mystery. It was hard for me to put it down. I would highly recommend this book.

Painting the Invisible Man by Rita Schiano is a story about the resilience of a young girl in dealing with her Italian family that is caught up in the world of organized crime. She repeatedly demonstrates flexibility and optimism in making the changes that she feels she must make to honor her commitment and bond to her parents and family. She is a master of dealing with adversity and bouncing back. As a young woman, the main character with courage shows us that it is never too late to go back and put closure on the past. The story is well written. The characters have depth. It is suspenseful and a page turner. I would enjoy seeing it used as a tool to teach these skills and attitudes
- Ron Breazeale Ph.D.
clinical psychologist and author of Reaching Home

Painting the Invisible Man is a must read! I found Rita Schiano's writing style creative, fun, poignant and the story line interesting and thought provoking. From the moment you pick up this book you are captured until it's end. I highly recommend this book!

I read this book because it was a book club choice. I don't know what I was expecting however the first line of the book totally turned me off. I thought, "Why are we picking such bad books to read?" (the last few book club selections have not been very well received) However I kept on reading and was so glad I did. Throughout the book I kept thinking I really don't like this book, but I couldn't put it down. I found myself bringing it with me while I was doing errands in hopes I would get a few moments to read a little more. The writing is compelling, if not a tad transparent. I was able to guess what was happening as I was reading along. Except for the ending. The ending is a twist I never expected and was chillingly well done.

This is a book I would have never read if I had not been in my book club but I am so glad I did. It is a well written mystery/love story/western type book that is vibrant and dark at the same time.

In our book club we rate our books from 1 - 5 (5 being the best). The book received an average 4.8 - the highest of any book we have read in a very long time. I would highly recommend reading it and it makes a most excellent book club read. Our discussion about the book was one of the best we have had, with many different opinions and observations being shared.

I am stunned by all of the wonderful reviews for this book. I thought it was by far, the worst book I have read since high school. It could not have moved any slower. The thing I did like about it was the ending and things turn around to get you. Just so much of it was completely out of left field. Boring! Boring! Boring!

This is an unbelievably wonderful novel to sink your teeth into. A page turner of high literary merit, accessible and intelligent. Fabulous craft and language, a most diabolical villain who drives even saints to wish him ill.

Yes he is intelligent, arrogant, rough, caustic, poisonous, and evil, all to hide one tiny chink in his armor that nonetheless, one person manages to find.

Read this book! My one regret is that Thomas Savage doesn't know how popular he is today.

The afterword by Annie Proulx reveals even more about Savage's motivation for the novel, and provides an extra ounce of satisfaction to to novel's end.

Read this novel as slowly as you possibly can, for every paragraph is painted with no fewer than two rich coats of molasses-thick paint, and sometimes silver paint in one layer reflects off of another.

Hunted by a dog, chasing prey as a dog, or dog pursuing dog?

Savage leaves nothing to chance, for this novel will speak to all three.


Skip the after-word, initially.

A completely unexpected and disturbingly powerful character study of a small group of characters in the West, circa 1940s. The prose here is incredible, and the plot unfolds slowly and myteriously. Palpable tension-- the author knew precisely what he woas doing-- with an ending I truly didn't see coming. One of the most remarkable books I've ever read.

And Jesus most definitely gave me my medicine in this book!!

I absolutely loved this book! It was so inspiring. God has really blessed Tee Austin with an amazing story to share with all of His Ruth's of the world! Tee is a very powerful and beautiful person. But most of all, if you have ever been fortunate enough to met Tee you know that she is so humble and I love that about her spirit!

Keep them coming Tee! And thank you for being an inspiration to me!

The book is amazing Tee Austin dropped the bomb with this one.
This book by far was the best book I have read all year.
Please keep these coming.

I have to say I got a chance to me Tee Austin this year in Indiana at a charity event and later at one of her book signings
Her beauty was amazing but her character grabbed me this woman is annointed. I read her book while i was traveling and as a man I can say it brought tears to my eyes ....
She taught me that if Ruth could get through hard times then we all could make it .. I also realized how blessed I was
and that life is never as bad as it may appear to be.
Hey girl can i get a Soul Ties 2.

This book really moved me. It was very well written and touched on a lot of emotions. I really felt bad for Ruth while reading the book but in the end, the Lord was there for her and that's all that mattered. I could not imagine what she has gone thru mentally, but she appears to be on the right track and you have to respect her for that. I would suggest this book to anyone because it teaches a valuable life lesson.... "When you think your life is going bad, someone is always worse off than you so count your blessings!"

Soul Ties is a powerful book that makes you examine yourself, your life and the decisions you've made over time. I think every woman can personally relate to the things that Ruth experienced. One of the many things most rewarding about Soul Ties is that Tee Austin lets us know that through prayer and an unwavering belief in God and His son, Jesus Christ, you can be healed and delivered from all of your hurt, pain and disappointments. She even gives unsaved people an opportunity to become saved at the end of the book. I got your message Ms. Austin: learn to love yourself unconditionally and pray for your spiritual mate not your soul mate. Thanks for sharing your incredible talent! Stay blessed!

This book is incredible. It contains such mastery that honestly after reading it, I can't read anyone else. Everyone pales in comparison. Once you've tasted ambrosia, when you are kicked out of heaven (at page 642), you might, as I certainly have, come to see all other attempts at literature as somewhat incomplete, lacking, and even tasteless. Only after the food of the Gods has been sampled the epicurean is born. Dimitri's translation is just as good, with nuances you will never find anywhere in the English language. Ho-Ho.

I suspect that Nabokov must have been suffering from depression, for voidness usually springs forth little except art. And that's precisely what you find in this collection; his opulent, artful take on humanity makes one shudder! While I admit I didn't finish reading all the stores in this book, I did especially love La Veneziana because it -vaguely- reminded me of Dorian Gray (one of my very favorites). I also read Lolita (recommended only for those who are obsessed with that one elusive love), but I think I like his short stories better.

Although I had read various Nabokov stories over the years I had never done so in a comprehensive manner, and finally decided to do so. I anticipated that this would be a wonderful read, and of course, I was right.

I was well aware as to how gifted Nabokov is with the language; what surprised me is his versatility. It seems like there is nothing he can't do. Contained in this collection is every kind of character imaginable: rich, poor, simple, smart; there is even an entirely credible portrait of a Siamese twin. There is straight drama, fantasy, adventure, horror and intrigue. There are all the elements of what our English teachers told us make good writing: symbolism, allegory, descriptive power, observation, wit, cleverness, heart, and an enormous store of knowledge, performed in a style that can only be described as poetic. And woven through it are the themes that make up the web of humanity: beauty, truth, and love. It is an utterly splendid collection, as good a collection of short stories as any I have ever read.

One of the things that sets him apart is restraint, or perhaps subtlety is a better word. In, "The Reunion," for example, two brothers meet after not seeing each other for ten years. One escaped the Soviet Union and is living a poor, almost wretched existence in Berlin. His brother stayed, and was able to achieve some success as a Soviet functionary. They finally meet each other in the Berliner's shabby apartment. Most authors would not be able to resist the urge to let this to sink into melodrama. There would be arguments, tears, and recriminations. But not for Nabokov. In his story the brothers simply find that they are uncomfortable with one another, and when they go their separate ways the seeming lack of drama beforehand makes their parting all the more poignant.

Humor and sadness are evident in all of this collection, sometimes in succeeding stories, sometimes in succeeding pages. "A Bad Day," is the touching and amusing story of a little boy's visit to his cousins in the Russian countryside, a visit he dreads because he doesn't get along and because he will be teased. The last line of the story--which in the hands of somebody like Updike would be a devastating condemnation of humanity--is here bittersweet, bringing both a tear to the eye and a smile to the face in self-recognition. It is, after all, nothing more than a "bad day."

But if there is whimsy here there is also great power. In, "Signs and Symbols," an old man and woman make a trip to the sanatorium to visit their deranged adult son on his birthday. Such a simple exercise is made terribly complicated by their age, their lack of means, the unpredictable nature of their son, and the indifference of the hospital staff. Nothing is really resolved by story's end; we are simply given an indelible portrait of the difficult, arduous journey that life has been for these uncomplicated, decent people. It is very moving and also an excellent example of Nabokov's worldly or otherworldly knowledge.

Many of the stories here have to do with, as you would expect, Russians and Russian expatriates. ("Write about what you know!" the English teachers say.) Nabokov unfortunately knew about the horrible experience of being exiled from his country, a country that his stories make clear he deeply loved, and to which he never returned. He doesn't spend a lot of time condemning the evil system that drove him and millions like him away, (although he does, briefly, in two of his earlier, weaker stories), he instead concentrates on those that it drove away. There are many excellent examples of this, but perhaps my favorite is entitled, "Cloud, Castle, Lake." In it, an older fellow is taken on a holiday train excursion he tries to get out of, is coerced into taking part in activities he doesn't wish to engage, and told to forsake the simple pleasures he has come to enjoy; all for--he is told--his own good. The train eventually stops at a perfect little inn, which overlooks a perfect lake in which is reflected a lovely cloud and castle. He wants to stay. Of course, he can't. Sad as it is, the story is also very amusing, and, typical of Nabokov at his best, works on several different levels.

The story also contains examples of Nabokov's splendid use of the language at the height of his power. Our friend observes the countryside from his hurtling train: "The badly pressed shadow of the car sped madly along the grassy bank, where flowers blended into colored streaks. A crossing: a cyclist was waiting, resting one foot upon the ground. Trees appeared in groups and singly, revolving coolly and blandly, displaying the latest fashions. The blue dampness of a ravine. A memory of love, disguised as a meadow. Wispy clouds--greyhounds of heaven." How marvelously descriptive this, and so beautiful that one finds oneself emotionally engaged.

The book is loaded with this stuff. You can barely turn a page without some surprise or delight awaiting you. A twenty-eight year old son returns unexpectedly after many years to visit his mother in, "The Doorbell." In the dimly lit room, he is taken aback by the fact that she is clearly preoccupied with something. Suddenly, "like a stupid sun issuing from a stupid cloud, the electric light burst forth from the ceiling." This, by the way, is another great story. In, "Ultima Thule," as a character is walking on the beach, "a wave would arrive, all out of breath, but, as it had nothing to report, it would disperse in apologetic salaams."

I could go on and on. After picking up the book I decided to read it cover to cover, but after about a hundred and fifty pages, I simply opened it and read the stories randomly. After a time I began to open the book onto stories I had already read, and found that I couldn't help but to reread them. Finally, I became apprehensive in fear that I might have missed something.

But no matter. If I haven't gotten to one yet, I will eventually. The book has already become an old friend, and like an old friend I will return to its comfort and joys for many years to come.

Put simply, this collection of short stories is a contemporary gold standard for the form. Nabokov's stories are packed with sparkling surprises, playful artifices and languid, confident language. I've put together a 50+ year reading vita and I find myself drawn back to these stories like a moth to flame...

Started out reading this book little by little in order to digest each story in full, but then began reading one story after another with seemingly no intermission in between. Both ways suited me fine. In fact, sometimes it doesn't really help to think all that long about some of his stories--they are are like simple chance meetings w/ strangers, while other stories of his spawn dramatic lifetime relationships and require, even demand your utmost attention.

Everytime I stray from reading Nabokov I always come back to his books and think, "Wow, he is such an amazing writer!". I can't say enough about his detailed descriptions, his amazing perspectives, and his uncannily large English vocabulary. He never ceases to amaze me.

I read this wonderful book as a young man back in the sixties and I have just ordered a new version to recapture its wonderful moments

But I also saw the film version many years ago.

No I would be wery exited if anyone could lead me to a DVD or VHS version of the film

How gratifying to read the other reviews, and to learn that others have also experienced and loved this book at different times in their lives. The remarkable thing about it is how Dr. Munthe speaks to us in different ways at different ages. As a teenager, I was impressed by the passions, even though a lot of the details were above my head. In my late twenties, the way he tried to balance career and his love for San Michele was very meaningful. As a 44-year-old, I was impressed (and saddened) with the loneliness of Dr. Munthe's struggle, with really only his animals for company. While he speaks of friends, he shares little about them. And nothing about a lasting romantic involvement.

We all have our San Micheles. They may not be homes, but they are ideals toward which we strive. But for me, it exists only in my mind. Dr. Munthe was in some ways very lucky, yet also cursed, to be able to bring it to life.

The only frustrating aspect of "San Michele" is that it is, as its author notes, a fragment. I am interested to learn more of this fascinating man. Does anyone know if any biographies are in print, or in English? Thank you.

I came to this strange and wonderful book without the slightest inkling of what it was about -- simply because it was in the recommended reading for many guidebooks about Italy. First and foremost, it is an autobiography of a great physician and animal lover who just happened to spend some years of his life on Capri.

Autobiographies can make for strange reading, especially when there are obvious omissions. Although Axel Munthe frequently accuses himself of being a ladies' man, there is no mention of any love interest by name or even generic description. (That reminds me of film director Josef von Sternberg's FUN IN A CHINESE LAUNDRY, where we learn in passing that the author was married because of a cryptic mention in a subordinate clause 300 pages into the book.) Also missing is any mention of Munthe's childhood, although I understand there is at least one other autobiography written by him (MEMORIES AND VAGARIES), which I have not read.

There is, however, one section that does not appear in any autobiography that I have ever seen: An anticipation of Munthe's Last Judgment in Heaven following his death, with St. Peter, Moses, Athanasius, and St. Francis joining in the discussion.

STORY OF SAN MICHELE ranges from Paris to Lapland, Rome, Naples, Calabria, and Capri. We see duels, medical cases of wealthy women with imaginary diseases, demonic housekeepers, quacks, midwives, prostitutes, victims of cholera and earthquakes, brigands, shamans, and even an alcoholic ape. Munthe is a magnificent raconteur, and his book is a joy to read and reread.

How can one write a review of The Story of San Michele that comes close to doing justice to the book? There are many humorous episodes, such as The Giant and Mamsell Agata, touches of the macabre in the description of the cholera epidemic in Naples, misadventures, like the journey to Sweden accompanying a young man (then his corpse). There are also angry moments, as when his dog Tom is brutally kicked by the slimy Vicomte Maurice. Who could not be moved by the story of the boy John, who was rescued by Munthe but never lived long enough to find a loving home. It is a book that includes many memorable events in a life that was very full indeed. Many of the chapters in this book could be made into marvelous films, given the right adaptation.

The Story of San Michele is very well written, to say the least, and the many people, events and personal feelings of the author combine to make this a special adventure. Perhaps most special of all is Axel Munthe's relationship to animals that allowed him to get close, even to "wild" animals and have a special relationship with them. He was a man who held nature and all life in special regard but was pragmatic in the face of illness and death.

I have had a copy since 1988 and I have given Axel Munthe's book as a gift and been thanked for the introduction. I could not recommend this book highly enough.

My father had mentioned this book to me as a teenager. I read portions of it then, but have always wanted to read it in full. Finally, I found a paperback edition and found an absorbing and thought stimulating book. Dr. Munthe's care of the sick, his love of animals and the characters he describes, all will stay in my memory. This is not a book that you read once. I plan to read it again and again. Hopefully I will be able to visit Villa St. Michele some day and see the beauty of the place that he saw. I hope to find a bound edition with the photographs.

Beth Moore is one of the best in her daily walk with the Lord!! She has many Bible studies in which I had read her poems, so I thought this book was a must!! Well worth the read!! Verleen

Having read everything Beth Moore writes, I was again touched by the sensitive way she portays a woman's heart and soul. I believe God annoints her words with a whisper of His.

As always, Beth Moore delivers in her honest, engaging and encouraging way. She is an interesting and intelligent writer who shares her life journey with you. Any woman would be able to relate to her stories and insights. She's one of my favourite Christian writers.

I wish she'd come to Australia so I can see her in person...

A great buy!

i love poetry and these are some of the best poems Ive ever read. They are very deep yet very easy to understand.

If you love Beth Moore, you will not only have a compilation of some of the wonderful personal writings she has shared in her studies, but you will also learn more about Beth and the challenges she has faced in her life that has made her the inspired woman of God that she is today. God uses her mightily to minister to others, and her tender heart and love for God comes through so beautifully in this additional gift of creative writing and poetry. A delightful, heart-provoking read.

This book had all the right ingredients but the author just did not have the necessary skills to take this book where it should have gone. The characters were not fully developed. Many issues are introduced but left unexplored until finally there is a real bombshell that gets dropped but nothing explodes in the story. I was left feeling that a promise to me had been broken. The romance between the two main characters was boring. The book is just OK. It could have been so much more.

A fine read and repeated read. Highly recommended...it's good enough to be enjoyed by straight readers as well :)

I stumbled upon this book as something to read on vacation when I had read everything there was already by my favorite authors. What I found was a book I could not put down. It was beautiful, intriquing, true to the challenges in the lives of so many, and wrought with history! I hope that everyone meets someone in their life that cativates their hearts like Nessie. This book was of the best I have ever read and I hope there will be others like it from Marianne in the future.

If you have any interest whatsoever in the Civil War or just like stories about life, friendships, and love....this novel is a MUST READ!

This is Marianne K. Martin most enjoyable book so far. It is mysterious and conflictual. The character are unique and this is a tale told well.

Dhari Weston inherits an old house by a distant relative, an aunt she didn't even know. So why in the world would she leave the house to Dhari? Dhari is convinced no one would want to live there when she sees what condition the old house is in. But someone does.

There she meets an old woman by the name of Nessie Tinker. Nessie has lived near the old house all her life and knows its secrets. One of which could be that the house seems to be waiting for someone. Does Nessie know who it is? Does she know what event a majestic old tree, known as a "Witness Tree", growing near the house might have bore silent witness to? If she does, will she tell?

University professor, Dr. Erin Hughes has a love of the Civil War era frequently lecturing on the era and the role of women during the war. And she loves old houses. Dhari is pointed in Erin's direction when she seeks information on the old house and the possibility that the house could be pre-Civil War. Upon seeing the old house, Erin is immediately captivated by both the house and the witness tree. Dhari, whose life back home has its own set of problems, is only interested in selling the house. But something - or is it someone - keeps drawing her back to the old house. Could it be the house calling to her?

The house it seems may also be calling to Erin. Together both women begin to explore the mystery contained within. As they spend more and more time together, a friendship is formed. A friendship that could lead to more if only both women would let feelings they are holding close to their own hearts surface. Will they or will the secrets of the old house be too much to overcome?

Under the Witness Tree is a fantastic book. The author blends a truly terrific mix of romance, with just the right amount of intrigue and suspense in a tale that keeps you guessing until the very end. Sit down and rest beneath the witness tree and let the secrets unfold to your heart's desire.