Authors Books

The Tale of Cuckoo Brow Wood covering 24th of April 1907 to May 1st, is the third of the Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter by Susan Wittig Albert. Miss Felicia Frummety is not keeping the rat population down at Hill Top Farm and the village cats have issued an ultimatum. Ridley Rattail has had it with the rowdy rats that have moved into the attic so he posts an ad for cats to rid himself of these undesirables. Of course the humans have their share of problems, Major Kittridge has returned to Sawrey with a wife, dashing the hope of Dimity Woodcock. The village is invited to meet the new lady of the manor but rumors are rampant when it's learned she was an actress. There's also the rumor that the Major is planning to develop his shoreline property. The Vicar's cousin and his wife have moved in and the Vicar is far too kind to toss them even after they've outstayed his patience. Jeremy Crosfield, who is an excellent student, has to leave school and start his apprenticeship since he can't afford to continue his schooling -- the animals and humans are concerned about this event. And Beatrice arrives once again to spend some time at her farm.

Okay, up front I have to say I'm really enjoying these books. The interweaving of the various threads balancing the point of view of the humans and the animals is seamless. With each book, I gain more respect for Albert's ability to slip her stories into the undocumented bits of the Beatrix Potter timeline. She also maintains that playful seriousness that I also found in the Potter's little books. The characters are fully developed and while the mysteries are light they are ones that would have serious impact on the people of the story and their environment.

In this story, the small folk of the woods, fairies play a part. Are they real? Well I think that's for each of us to decide, and the author plays the story with a light hand to give us all a chance to believe as we will. After all if you can accept talking animals then are fairies that much of a stretch?

These are perfect books for when you are feeling a bit down. They are just the thing to help restore your believe in the inherent goodness of humankind and to help you see the world around in a different light. No, I don't think the author has a message to hit us with; she just tells a good story with a light touch that leaves us feeling more upbeat and in this summer's heat that's a wonder in itself.

My wife read it from cover to cover in two days, what more can I say. Too bad I'm not a murder mystery fan...

If the village of Near Sawrey put out its weekly newspaper about the fortnight during which this story takes place, some of the headlines would read: "Major Christopher Kittredge returns to Raven Hall with his Lovely New Bride" and "Rat Explosion at Hill Top Farm Threatens Village" and "Village Plans May Day Celebration" and perhaps "Stay Clear of the Cuckoo Brow Wood on May Eve." The society column might feature: "Miss Beatrix Potter Returns to Hill Top Farm" and "Local Society Attends Grand Reception at Raven Hall." As salacious as these headlines might be, the devil is in the details.

The third in Susan Wittig Albert's Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter series continues to enchant both grownups and young women edging toward adulthood. How lovely it is to curl up with a book about an old-fashioned, out-of-the-way English Lake Country village, complete with sheep birthing lambs and delectable smells coming from the village bakery, with dogs, cats, rats, and other four-legged animals conversing so sensibly. With just that, however, the tale could become dull in no time. So throw in a few wicked, scheming adults, some rowdy, shameless rats, a few mercenary cats, a bit of romance, some children who need a bit of help, and, of course, Miss Potter, and you have a rousing tale.

Albert builds the tale and weaves multiple plots with skill and charm. And all is resolved satisfactorily, except for the question of whether or not there are really fairies in Cuckoo Brow Wood. To find out what the story is behind each headline, you must read and revel in The Tale of Cuckoo Brow Wood.

by Judith Helburn
for Story Circle Book Reviews
www.storycirclebookreviews.org
reviewing books by, for, and about women

These are just wonderful stories - for children, for fans of Beatix Potter, for anyone who enjoys mystery and fantasy. I picked up these books quite by accident, and found them reminiscent of my old favorite classics like "A Secret Garden." Very interesting stories - both as stand alone books and as part of the series.

This third book in the Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter is just as much fun and as charming as the first two. It makes you want to find the Potter illustrations from her "little books," so that the faces and personalities of the people involved in the stories become even more familiar.
With the world as it is now, it's a joy (and a relief) to immerse oneself in the world of a century ago with the friends one met in childhood.

I am one of the contributing teens to this book and I just wanted to say thank you to Jennifer for all of her hard work she has put into it.. It is truly an awesome book! And it's so amazing to see that one of my poems (Dear Dad) is in a book that is actually for sale online! Wow! :) Thanks to everyone who bought the book and are helping to support the families whos lives were changed after 9/11.. God Bless!

Of all the emotions and thoughts flying around regarding the incident on September 11th...it's comforting to know that people around the world, especially the youth, can unite to take a stand. This book offers the feelings, thoughts and prayers of teens around the world. It was touching to read the different poems, which contain so much love... The most interesting thing about this book, is that many of these poets might not have ever written a poem of this magnitude. But by gathering in all of their feelings, and especially their love they were able to create masterpieces! I encourage all to take a look at this wonderful book, not only for the fantastic poems, but because 50% of the profits are donated to those families that were hardest hit. God bless all, and may we have the power to protect eachother! -Kris-

Through the Eyes of Freedom is a poetic anthology (by mostly Teens) in response to the Sept. 11th terrorist attacks. Individuals from acrossed the USA, and in three countries, wrote poetry on the American Online web-site. Through the Eyes of Freedom captures the voices of America during the first few days following that tragic and fatefull day. What keeps going through my mind is: What if there was an Internet during 1941, when Peal Harbor was attacked? What if young Americans around the USA posted their thoughts through poetry and those poems were collected into a book. You would have an honest record for history of that time. Through the Eyes of Freedom is just such a book. In my view it is an unprecendented work. I am so proud to be a contributor, especially so since 50% of the proceeds will be donated to help the suffering families of the heroes we lost on that day. BTW (by the way)the poetry itself is really good!

I am truly amazed at the quality of this book. Mulling thorugh book stores to find the perfect book to find a way to ease the pain and feel closure from September 11, 2001, only this book enabled me to do so. The book is a compliation of poetry from students and parents across the nation in response to the attack. It's truly remarkable how touching one book can be. As i shared it with other classmates, none could read the book without shedding a tear. It is reuly a soul grabbing book. Thank you Jennifer for producing such a wonderful book...

This book is truly amazing. It open your heart to see the view of teens all across the US about the September 11, 2001, attacks. I've given the book to many friends during class and by reading only one or two, all were teary-eyed, and some couldn't stop crying. The book is so insightful an beautifully put together. Recently, I went to a book store and was mulling over the numerous books on September 11...something, anything to put an end to everything i was thinking. This book does that fo me, it helps close the feelings i have and make me know it's okay to feel the way I'm feeling. No other book is this powerful.

I bought this book for my daughter who is 6. We are a military family and are currently living overseas. I thought it would be an interesting way to learn more about other countries. I used it to supplement her normal homeschool curriculum with a study of other cultures. She got a real kick out of some of the traditions. She even wants to try the tradition of the country we are stationed in, with her next tooth.

I am using this book to teach 1st graders about the differences between the USA and Latin American countries. I was born in a Spanish speaking country and had never heard of the tooth fairy until coming to the USA, el ratoncito Pérez was the one giving us money for our teeth. It is funny how different each country can be! I found it very useful and entertaining.

When I was a child my mother had a very peculiar way of us getting rid of our fallen out teeth. She had us go into the unused garage attic and throw them in with a little poem she wrote that would give us nice new strong teeth. I do not know if this is one of the tooth fantasises but it was interesting to read. She was Russan in origin.

Oh my goodness, what a great book about the tooth fairy and other traditions around the world. My 6yr old just lost her 1st tooth, but we purchased this book before she lost it so that she could read about other kids and what they do with their baby teeth. She loves this book, and I love this book because it teaches her about different places, people, and traditions from around the world with a subject that she can totally relate to!

This is a fun book for all children. It raises awareness of traditions from different cultures. With older children you can look at themes behind the custom.

I loved this book!It is a beautiful story with gorgeous illustrations. Having kept pet rats for years, I was thrilled to find such a lovely tale with a rat as an endearing creature.So often they are portrayed as evil,dirty animals. Refreshing and brilliant!

Long before a gourmet rodent named Remy stole our hearts in "Ratatouille", a bookish rat named Walter scampered into existence courtesy of author Barbara Wersba and Donna Diamond. Walter is special because - unlike any of his friends or relatives - he discovered at a young age that he knows how to read. And as any of us who truly love books can easily attest, once you start reading, it is impossible to ever stop. Fortunately, Walter has taken up residence in the Long Island house of Miss Pomeroy, a lonely woman who just happens to be an author. Over the course of 60 pages - combined with a smattering of priceless pen and ink drawings - the author weaves a gentle tale of friendship in which these two unique souls come to be aware of one another. I started reading this enchanting tale myself one evening at the dining room table while my husband was cooking dinner and I kept interrupting him so often with the charming turns of phrase that he finally suggested I read it out loud to him. To date, it remains a favorite story to both of us and I have subsequently bought many copies for young people - and adults! - who would appreciate Walter's honesty, simplicity, curiosity and kindness.

Christina Hamlett
Author of "Movie Girl"

This book is lovely and deeper then one would think for such a small book. I find that I would like to know more about their relationship and wished that this sweet tale would continue...

So simple, yet not. This lovely story presents a one of a kind opportunity to share many important topics with a child in an way that he/she can be easily relate. There are so many themes and underlying nuances. What a wonderful way to explore the fragile nature of human insecurities and prejudices - this book should be on every 5th grade teacher's reading list. I can't wait to share it with my niece Allison.

A beautifully written story about a very special friendship between two lonely souls that will touch your heart. Barbara Wersba proves little words can express deep emotions.
Wonderful illustrations!

What a find! This book has beautifully drawn, believable characters, gripping plotlines, and clean, elegant prose. And it begs to be a movie--great female characters, the whole story about Maddy as a woman driver in the early days of NASCAR, Holly's relationship with her grandfather, etc.

This novel will leave you thinking, as it does what good writing should: its characters seem even more real than the folks next door. Allison tells his story--and it's a good story--through multiple viewpoints and styles. This might muddle things in less capable hands, but in Allison's it only deepens the experience. His writing stays clear throughout, almost breathable. It made the getting to know his people all that much easier and enjoyable.

Novels that stick with me produce one commmon effect: I recognize I've reached the end of the story (because of that feeling that this particular ending is the only way it could end), but nonetheless want to know what happened to the characters afterwards. I've been thoroughly involved in what's happening to them, a top-shelf experience to have as a reader.

What You Have Left is like a perfect pop song. The kind that you crank up on a bright summer day as you roll down the windows, step on the gas, and see what that baby can do. Like those summertime songs, this book is infectious, with no fatty in the patty.

The characters are vividly drawn, but the prose is so smooth as to be invisible. It's like I didn't read the story at all; I mainlined it. But don't confuse "pop" with "simple." This book is smart. Complex as the human heart. And that's Will Allison's best trick. Making this whole writing game seem easy as ice cream.

THE book of the summer.

Will Allison's style of writing is simple yet smart. I immediately fell for his characters and found myself engrossed in their lives, unable to put the book down until I finished it. Each chapter is strong enough to easily stand on its own as an excellent short story, but together, the chapters also embody a phenominal work which is funny, emotional, and very human.

Allison's writing is so clean, precise and unobtrusive that I nearly had the first chapter read before leaving the bookstore. I most enjoyed the shifting perspectives from one family member to another as the story unfolded among multiple family members.

I've just completed reading Whiskey Nipple, ( I'm familiar with that old practice). It is a delicious easy read. A bit deceptive in its easyness, enticing you to read and reread passages to savor the full flavor. Emotions simmering raw barely beneath the surface of "every-dayness" are cleverly and vividly sculpted by this talented wordsmith. They stay with you long after the whiskey is gone. I'll have another, thanks..

Stunning cover art by Wolff is the ideal adjunct to Doug Frelke's short stories. His style is haunting and wrenching, his words whittled precisely to reveal humanity's frayed nerve endings, shattered synapses, and raw imperfections. Forget all preconceived notions of life, death, love, and human
interaction while reading Whiskey Nipple. Frelke's voice as story teller stuns, soothes, surprises, and shocks. His characters are skillfully crafted and unforgettable. Another excellent book of short stories from Press 53.

I found these eight stories extraordinary in their ability to stay with me long after I'd put the book down. Like other great storytellers, Frelke manages to take universal themes-most often, the need we all share to love and be loved-and thread it through stories that manage, in turn, to shock, to inspire, to make you laugh, and to make you cry. But in the end, Frelke seems to be telling us that despite the vagaries of life and love, there is hope, no matter what. I have come back to read several of these stories over and over. I think anyone who reads will do the same.

As I finished reading Doug Frelke's "Whiskey Nipple" I felt two distinct emotions. First a sadness, the kind that you feel when a great summer vacation comes to an end. And second appreciation, the kind you feel for having experienced it in the first place. This collection of short stories has left me stealing moments of introspection throughout my days since I turned the last page. Although the book itself is slight, Frelke's cast of characters certainly is not. From a young naval officer's unenviable tasks of delivering folded flags to next of kin; to a teenage girl faced with caring for her dying father's every need; one can't help but find themselves doing a little soul-searching in the process. Frelke's characters are honest and unflinching as if I were catching glimpses of their diaries. I can say with equal honesty that I will look forward to reading future works by this sharp young author. And in the meantime, read "Whiskey Nipple" again as should any of you. A great read indeed.

When I was in college, the Dave Matthews Band was just starting out, playing at private parties, fraternity houses, and small clubs around Virginia. There was an electricity in the air--the sense of being there at the beginning, getting the chance to watch the birth of something astounding and grand. Reading Frelke's first collection of stories is like that, watching as a new, extremely talented writer wrestles with grief, sex, faith, and comedy in a stunningly original style that echoes Ford, DeLillo, and O'Connor. Don't miss this rare chance to watch the birth of an important voice.

I came upon this purely by accident, but wasn't disappointed. I loved how each story was a completely different theme. I prefer author's that go outside the box, and Perabo does that!

I read Susan Perabo's collection after being her student over Christmas. Wow.
These stories amaze me. Well written, she does so well what she has taught her own students. The gears in my head turned, and I finally understood all those things she wrote on my stories or tried to explain in class.
I love her characters. The data processing woman with the Diana dress. The pot smoking music teacher father. The woman whose baby just died. The actor whose marriage is ending so he invites a klepto father to stay with him. On and on they go, so confused, so much in pain, but she makes their lives and situations funny. It's a bittersweet pain, but Perabo has one of the most original ways of communicating pain I've seen since the writers she told us to read.
I still can't get out of my mind the one called "Explaining Death to the dog". The pain the woman feels when showing the dog the book of Time photos or showing her the dead animal, wow. I read it three times in a row the first night I read it. I am still in awe of it.
As she told my class so many times, "Show, don't tell."
Perabo shows. I can't believe I was lucky enough to have classes with her. I just wish I read these sooner.

Barring a very few exceptions, the stories presented here are top-notch. I finished this book in half a day, and wanted more when I ran out of stories. I would love to see more stories about the characters here!

I found this collection by accident and didn't know what to expect. Short stories can be so good, or so bad. These stories are very good, and consistently good. These are stories of people searching for something missing in their lives, well told stories with humor and heart. Enjoy this collection.

Should be 'nuf said -- but I want to add that the author's voice is completely true! (i think this a book for older people -- ie, over 40 -- who understand about disappointment, and transformation). What a read!

i am a new fan of this author. i just finished the stories in woodcuts of women and loved them even more than the ones in magic of blood. the person (a guy and probably not a latino) who wrote the review below is right about how good this book is but he is not about sandra cisneros or julia alvarez who we all have loved very much too, just like i do this new book of dagoberto gilb.

Dagoberto Gilb is too sexy and handsome and the book's drawings are very sexy as well. I bought the book several months ago and when I got home I didn't read it. I thoght I bought it as an impulse buy, because wanted to have him sign it to me at a lecture he gave. Now that I read it I'm only disappointed that there aren't more stories and it all had to end. I have been reading Latinas almost exclusively before, and as much as I love my comadres, this one is by far my favorite (joking, he says he is a Chicana writer) and I, like Columbus, feel like I've discovered a new writer.

I've become bored with much of our contemporary fiction in the past few years. When I picked up Woodcuts of Women, I took it for a light read about sexual prowess and conquests by clichéd Latin-lovers. Neither did I particularly like the writers who had blurbed this author - Cisneros, Alvarez - and Proulx is too much research for my tastes. However, since I did love Jayne Anne Philips's Black Tickets, I pushed forward on the basis of her rave.

I had to make sure, but once I read all these wonderful stories a second time I thought I should speak up and say that I found this was one of the best books I've read in many years. What marked it for me was not only the originality of the stories (read "About Tere in Palomas", "Brisa", or "Mayala One Day in 1989"), smart ("A Painting in Santa Fe", "The Pillows"), out loud funny ("Maria De Covina", "Hueco", "Bottoms"), and dramatic ("Shout", "Snow"), but they have......let me call it "huge guts" instead of what I could say. Here's an author, who seems very much a man, who is writing about women, and he's doing so honestly and energetically. Here are stories intellectually charged and entertaining, both.

If any awards are left (that the Jonathan Franzen didn't already win), I nominate this book. I hope people don't miss it like I almost did. Kudos to the author!

WOODCUTS OF WOMAN took me a long time to have time to read it (ok ok) but it is sooooo good!!! Really I didnt know books like this could be printed unless it was like for penthouse (joking, its not like penthouse tho the book is a lot about sex). I read the stories in bed and thought of him!! He came to UCSB and we saw him and all my girls were oohmygod. No really this is a great book to read and I recommend it to everybody. The best and funnest story is the one Hueco and the one Bottoms about the amazon woman was my second favorite. There is this one about El Paso called Mayela One Day in 1989 that is so good I read it again right after I read it the first time. I agree that it is like reading a novel. I know the book it is a collection of stories but for me each story was more like chapter. For me I don't always like to read but I couldnt wait to read it at night. Its my favorite book now by a Chicano writer. So much of what people read by Latinos is only about our identity and only being different and some times that is boring. Its about time!! Maybe it is suppose to be about women but the author writes about being a male and not just a Latino. I felt like he was being honest. I am proud that I own the book and I would tell everybody to buy it.

Gilb wins me over every time:
"Night was not the synthetic black of the vinyl seating in the backseat of a taxi, not a gray of shade in a hot desert, but the pale fuzz of shadow, of whispered deals, of squinting visions he couln't attach words to, and sneaking into fantasy places he didn't have the ability to imagine." --'Snow'
His short stories are a fast read and quite the marvel.

I can't rate any particular book of the Yada Yada Prayer Group book series any higher than the others. I love the entire series. I think the story consistantly gets better as it goes along. This is definitely something I highly recommend to any woman out there who wants to read something fun, dramatic and meaningful.

Once again I've been so entertained by a wonderful book. It's so great to read and not have to worry about the content or the language and yet have a story line that gets you so involved you feel you know each character!
Can't wait till the new series (which will include some from this group of characters) comes out ;)
Book was packed well and in great condition. Arrived quickly
Thanks,
Connie from NC

I purchased one book, read it quick and went online and ordered all the remaining books I was so taken with the storyline. The writing is fast moving and catchy and keeps you wanting more. It was a much needed boost to my reading and spiritual apathy I was struggling with at the time. If you haven't treated yourself to a Yada book, do it NOW. You will be glad you did. Peggy Touchtone ShollyDown Home Delicious

I entitled this review "Treat Yourself" because meeting the ladies of the Yada Yada Prayer Group will bless you immensely. Mrs. Jackson's character development is absolutely amazing to me. You will love these ladies and you will see yourself, your friends and your church members in these characters. Every book in this series is a treat to read. I had to stop myself from reading them too fast, because I did not look forward to getting to the end of this series. Trust me, treat yourself. You will not be disappointed.

This is a great series about 12 women who serendipitously end up in a prayer group together. Through the series I have fallen in love with each and every woman in the group. I have laughed with them and cried with them, and they have taught me a little more about prayer and perseverance. A great book!

I really like this book. I have written short stories before, but I am actually writing my first novel. This book has been very helpful as far as style and writing. I was stuck on POV, and it really helped me through it. And then the fact that it is also written by a publisher is great for when I get to that stage. Most books for writing I don't like, but I recommend this one.

Finishing my first novel was a long, often painful, often exciting journey. But when it was done, what came next? I really had no idea.

Having accomplished one of my life's major goals, I was thrilled just to complete the darn thing. But would it ever get published? Would anyone ever read it?

I felt like Peggy Lee singing "is that all there is?"

I needed help. After taking a look at many of the resources out there, I settled on Ann Rittenberg's and Laura Whitcomb's excellent Your First Novel as my primary guide.

I'm so glad I did. Now, to be honest, since my book was already done, I didn't read Ms. Whitcomb's chapters, which focus on the writing process. Instead, I hungrily jumped to Ms. Rittenberg's sections on how to sell it.

And sell it I did. Following Ms. Rittenberg's very clear and logically organized advice, I was able to obtain an agent and a publisher. I knew what questions to expect, what objections I'd have to overcome, and how best to package and present my work.

I've looked at many books of this sort, and Your First Novel was the most helpful for me. In fact, now that I'm writing my second novel, I've started to read Ms. Whitcomb's writing advice. Hopefully, it will be as rewarding as Ms. Rittenberg's contributions were, and it will help me avoid the dreaded sophmore slump.

Good luck to you in your journey!

Scott Sherman, author, First You Fall: A Kevin Connor Mystery

I am so glad I bought this book! I write as a hobby and my goal is to become an author. A few years ago I quickly wrote a story, randomly picked a publisher off the internet, and sent it off with dreams of success. I thought it didn't need to be absolutely perfect--that's what editors are for, right? Won't they help me develop my story into what they want? After reading this book, I now know why 6 months later I received a cold, generic rejection letter. (I was probably lucky to even get that!) I unwittingly sent in a rough draft and an awful query letter that publishers/agents despise and toss in the garbage minutes after it hits their desk. Left to my own devices, I'm sure I would have sent another quick rough draft to yet another publishing company or agent and wondered why no one seemed interested in my work.

The truth is, publishing companies and agents are swamped with desperate pleas from new writers and piles of awful manuscripts, and they aren't going to look at anything that isn't the best. This book shows you, step by step, how to develop YOUR skills to write a terrific novel and revise and polish it to perfection. Lots of reviewers said they skipped this section, but I encourage any writer to read it. What writer doesn't appreciate great advice from another writer who has achieved success? The second section of the book actually left me scared and ready to give up in despair! So few manuscripts are even looked at by publishers, let alone go on to become a best seller, that it seems hopeless. However, the agent gives you valuable (and sometimes harsh) information that every author mailing out large envelops stuffed full of sloppy, rushed chapters and dreaming of the day they are rolling in royalties needs to know.

I feel like I now have insider tips into the world of publishing, my blinders are stripped off, and my novel will stand out from the others laying on an agent's desk. This book is invaluable to me, and I expect it to be worn thin as I write and attempt to publish my work.

This book is a great way for those who are struggling to even get started writing their first novels to sit down and map out the process. It is a step-by-step guide that helps give you ideas and resources about how to go about writing a novel. Be prepared to want to buy some of the recommended books the authors discuss!

This book was very helpful. I have just finished my first novel after a year and a half of work. I only wished I had read this book before typing out over 250 pages. Depending on your reason for writing, this book could either be a help or a major discouragement. When I read the second half of the book which was written by a literary agent I was shocked by how hard it is to even get a book considered, let alone published. She describes one agent who decides whether to read a manuscript by how much dialog is in the work. If there is too much empty page or not enough the manuscript gets tossed into the slush pile. One wonders how many great works of art have been passed over by such approaches. However, you can't hold the agents too accountable. Do you actually expect them to read each of the 20 manuscripts they get a day. So first and foremost, if writing is not a passion you would endulge in whether you became rich and famous, then proceed. If you think it is a quick and easy way out of your dead end job, you might find another hobby. According to these authors, the writing field is one litered with broken spirits and rejection. Nonetheless, there are a great many tips on both writing and manuscript submisssion that are very very important. You owe it to yourself to invest in this book. Good Luck!