Authors Books

I was introduced to this book through my high school literature class and thoroughly enjoyed. It's description of parts of early Trinidadian culture was my first glimpse into that world.
The story illustrates the social and cultural norms of the day and I read it with great curiousity.
Life has pushed Tiger and Urmilla into a new phase and we journey with them as they explore life and the small world in which they live.

I first read this book when I began teaching at a boy's school in Barbados 20 years ago, and I have ordered or taught excerpts of it to my classes in three other schools over the years. The book sets itself up for comparison between the two locations, London and Trinidad, and between the creole and the immigrant experiences. The stories range from the longer "Johnson and the Cascadura", which Selvon would expand into the later novel "Those Who Eat the Cascadura", to the stream-of-consciousness piece which ends the collection, "My Girl and the City", a style he would further explore in "The Lonely Londoners". Read separately or collectively, this is a delightful book of short stories that captures moments in time and for all time.

It is a pity that this book is no longer in print. I was first exposed to it when I taught it as part of the CXC curriculum in Barbados in the mid-80s. It is a delightful sequence of short stories arranged in two parts - Trinidad and London. Some stories are in dialect, others are in 'Queen's English' but for dialogue. The stories, though set in the 1950s, are universal in appeal, as witnessed by the fact that I have taught them to high school classes in British Columbia, New Brunswick, and now Ontario. The opening story, "Johnson and the Cascadura", and the final story, "My Girl and the City", are equal to any short story written anywhere by anyone. The latter story, being a stream-of-consciousness type, is far more accessible for high-school students than James Joyce! If you can get your hands on a copy of this short-story compilation, I don't think you will regret the effort or money expended!

It is a shame that this book is no longer in print. I first taught it in Barbados where it was part of the CXC curriculum, but I have been able to teach selected short stories from it to high school students in British Columbia, New Brunswick, and now Ontario. There are particular stories, such as the first - "Johnson and the Cascadura" and the last - "My Girl and the City" which stand against any short story, anywhere. The latter story is a stream-of-consciousness piece which is accessible for adolescent readers (far more than Joyce!). The collection is divided into two parts - Trinidad and London. If you can get a copy of this book, and are interested in the Caribbean experience, you will not be disappointed with your purchase.

This book is absolutely brilliant. It captures the true multi ethnic fabric of Trinidadian society through the trials of an Indian boy struggling to make it in early 20th century Trinidad. This book brings to light many ethnic and cultural issues that are a now inherent part of Trinidadian life, and is not only a brilliant piece of literature that should be cherished, but a piece of Caribbean history.

Everyone can relate to at least one of the poems in this book. The author takes a common thread (loss) and puts it between the cover of a very well compiled book. This is a wonderful book to have in your collection!

Naomi Shihab Nye has compiled an anthology not only for young adults, but for anyone who has experienced loss. Highly recommended.

This is a collection of poems about losing things, for all age groups. From losing pencils, keys, toys, parents, siblings, spouses, trust and freindship. A very moving book of poetry. It contains excellent black and white illustrations and I recommend it for students from the 5th grade up, as well as parents and teachers.

Wow. This book is amazing...This book seems to apply to life, no matter what is going on. The poetry in this book seems to span across so many issues, and so many age groups. I just keep coming back to it.

I purchased this book on a whim for my 9 year old son. He found some of the ideas very sad. We enjoyed talking about the different types of losses. I definately got more out of it than he did. I have enjoyed sharing it with my friends. The poetry comes from many kinds of experiences and is a great all around poetry experience.

What a fun little book! I went to see the William Steig exhibition at the Jewish Museum in NY and was fascinated by his art. There aren't too many books on William Steig available (at least not on Amazon), so I bought this one and the Jewish Museum book on William Steig. I loved this little book, it's great quality and nice pictures. Highly recommended!

As a teacher of primary grades, I find this book to be very enjoyable and informative as a tool for motivating young children to learn about the past.

This is a delightful children's book about the boyhood of its author, 95 year old William Steig. The book is both personal and historical as Steig recounts the time in America "when everybody wore a hat." Steig, an artist whose drawings have appeared regularly in "The New Yorker" magazine since 1930, is both the books's illustrator and writer. Grandparents looking for a book that they can read to their grandchildren that will inspire good additional conversation should buy this book.

This is a autobiography of popular children's William Steig. He tells us of the year when he was 8 years old. Things were much different in the world then. There was no tv, fire engines were pulled by horses and everybody wore a hat! Mr. Steig tells us about his parents and family life as well. We learn that his parents were immigrants and spoke 4 languages!


The book was easy to read. There were very few words per page. This makes it great for all ages.


I would recommend this book to others. It's fun to learn about life long ago.

"In 1916, when I was eight years old, there were almost no electric lights, cars or telephones-and definitely no TV. Even fire engines were pulled by horses. Kids went to LIBRARIES for books. There were lots of immigrants..." William Steig takes the reader back to the simpler times of his childhood when mother bought her meat at the butchers, boys didn't play with girls, a nickel could buy you a hot dog, a pound of fruit, or a day at the movies, you didn't go to the doctor's office, the doctor came to your house, everyone wanted to have his picture taken on a horse, and everybody wore a hat. "There was no such thing as a hatless human being." Written as if by an eight year old, Mr Steig's remembrances are sometimes poignant and always heartwarming and complemented by his marvelous, expressive childlike illustrations. Adults will revel in all the nostagia, and kids will be intrigued by how different life was at the beginning of the last century. When Everybody Wore A Hat is a charming slice of history, best read together and shared, that will whet the appetite, open interesting discussions, and send youngsters out looking for more.

There are some great reviews on the story so I will just say, YOU HAVE TO READ IT! This is the sequel to "When the Lion Roars" and just as good. It keeps you on the edge of your seat and holding your breath until you can turn the next page. You feel like Paul, Larson and Ben are your personal friends.

Don't miss out on this great book (series). Not only is it a great adventure with love and suspense but it is an eye opener to what goes on in the southern Sudan region. What AWFUL things those precious ones suffer for their faith.

I'm impressed by the character of Larson. Her grit and the way she cares for others. She is a worthy heroine. Paul, who had to give up his family to embrace the love of Christ, also won my heart. I highly recommend this book.

Paul Farid is a wanted man. His family considers him a traitor and has put a price on his head. Can he ever shake loose from his Muslim heritage? Maybe he should move to the United States where he and his wife Larsen could live in relative peace and security. His desire to keep his family safe only intensifies when he discovers Larsen is pregnant and they adopt an orphan newborn whose young mother has been killed during rising tensions between the North and South Sudan. The fragile peace treaty seems almost a farce. Death tolls from in-fighting continue to rise. Now Paul has been contacted by his brother. Does he really have an interest in Christianity or has he set a trap for Paul? Bad enough his life is at risk, but he must now think of his family's safety. He struggles with the reality he is not strong enough to guarantee their safety. Not in this wild land. Can he learn to surrender this protection to God? Larson wants to be a good wife. Their plans not to have a child are disrupted when she discovers she is pregnant. Then she adopts a motherless child. Now that she is a mother and expecting another child, is she wrong to bring up children in this unstable situation? She sees the strain Paul's worries cause him. Should she give up her commitment to practice medicine in this hostile and primitive region? What does God require of them? Ben Alier struggles with Larson's rejection and marriage to his friend, Paul Farid. When he learns of his life-threatening illness, Ben confronts his past. He has an out of wedlock son. He wonders if he should marry the boy's mother and set his life in order before he dies. He becomes entwined with Paul and Larsen yet again as he helps Paul work through the on-going threats against his family and Paul helps Ben comes to terms with his physical condition. In this compelling sequel to When the Lion Roars, Diann Mills has captivated us once again in the lives of these three strong-willed individuals. This is more than a treatment of man's inhumanity to man in a land that is still suffering from the aftermath of a long and brutal civil war. This is a story of newly wed couple as they struggle to define their place in the land. It is a story of healing as well as a story of a faith that holds in the face of danger and trial.

This is a book of conflict. Paul and Larson Farid are happily married, but wonder if they should run for their lives or stay in the danger zone where God has placed them.

This is a book of love. Larson finds herself caring for a baby that isn't hers. She can't just let it die.

This is a book of spiritual hunger. Paul's brother may want to convert to Christianity, but Paul doesn't know if this is just a ploy to trick him into getting the torturous death his family has been plotting against him for years.

Again my heart goes out to Colonel Ben Alier. He keeps fighting the stirrings in his heart. His troubles cause permanent changes to his life. Some good changes and some not.

This captivating sequel to DiAnn Mills' When the Lion Roars brings us up to date on the characters' emotional struggles and breaks our hearts for the people of Sudan.

When DiAnn Mills writes a novel, you can truly expect an adventure. When the Nile Runs Red is no exception. From the first few paragraphs to the very end, the reader will again be caught up in the lives of Larson and Paul Farid and Ben Alier. Their struggles to help the Sudanese people in the midst of danger increase as tensions rise between the warring factions of the north and south. Add to that the hatred of Paul's family against Larson, and you have the plot of a riveting story that will keep you reading to the end to see how they bridge the gaps that seem to grow wider with every page. Another great novel from a master storyteller.

Since I'm one of the authors of this book (Jen Nicholas - NOT ANOTHER FAIRY TALE), I have to say it rocks!!

Honestly, though, if you like a dose of hot, spicy, contemporary romance, then you'll like this book!

"Wicked Women on Top" is a fun romance anthology with wicked women and equally wicked men!

In "Let The Games Begin" shy girl Tiffany Taylor wants the attention of bad boy Nick Marlow. Nick is a few years older then her and no matter what she does she can't seem to make him see her in a new light. Well on bet later these two are going to win regardless of who wins the bet.

In "Not Another Fairytale" cynical Allison Dare doesn't believe in romance or soul mates...yet she has to write an article on finding your soul mate. So when yummy J.T. Freedom collapse at her doorstep she has to wonder if perhaps she had been too hasty.

In "Private Investigations" Cara is going to work her first case her way. But when handsome Brandon Walker walks in on her less then successful breaking and entering. Cara has loved Brandon since she was fourteen and she is not going to let him get away from her this time.

These were fun spicy reads that were entertaining. All three authors know how to pack a whole lot into very little.

Make sure you have a cold drink and cool room to read this book. Left me wanting MORE!

I thoroughly enjoyed this collection. As a new reader of romance novels, I was caught off guard by the sheer addictive nature of these stories! What a wonderful way to wind down from a hectic day...thanks to the talents of these engaging authors!

Uplifting way to spend an afternoon relaxing at the pool with a good book. If only these kind of stories lasted a lifetime...

Prolific novelist (Legends of the Fall), screenwriter, poet (The Theory and Practice of Rivers), and short story writer, Jim Harrison embeds people in landscape and weaves through torque of narrative, prose, and emotional import a web of intricate and compelling design. The Woman Lit by Fireflies, the final novella of this collection, powerfully explores ingenuity, freedom, and loyalty.

Harrison is a master of his art. His insight into the heart of men and women, is loving but incisive. The first story "Brown Dog" is infinitely re-readable. Harrison's characters are bluntly, and hilariously honest. The main character, a drunk bumbling through the woods of Michigan's upper penninsula is someone I never would have thought I would feel interest in but Harrison brings a humanity and intelligence to this unsympathetic picture that enthralls the intellect and engages the heart.

The other stories are beautifully done as well--the portrait of a middle-age woman breaking out of a stultifying relationship by camping overnight in a cornfield is touching and inspiring. Harrison's insight and empathy enable him to convincingly portray the world through his character's eyes.

I was first introduced to Jim Harrison when I took an Intro to Fiction class taught by Harrison biographer/critic Edward Reilly. The book that I read was The Woman Lit by Fireflies. "Brown Dog" is, by far, my favorite novella in the collection. He is an underdog that simply wants to live off the land and be left the hell alone. Admirable qualities in my opinion. "Sunset Limited" and the "Woman Lit by Fireflies" are also excellent, but "Brown Dog" makes me hurt from laughter.

Not the most insightful review, I'm sure. However, how can a person be critical about something he or she enjoys?

i came on my copy of this book a few days ago. i was unpacking after a move and there was a lot to do. i had fond memories so i started reading. two hours later i was still sitting on a box reading. the title story remains one of the most engaging stories written by a man about a woman.

This book is actually a collection of three novellas. My favorite, by far, is "Brown Dog". The main character, BD, is a man not very smart, but not too dumb, not very honest but not a bad person either. Bumming his way through life, he gets into more than one bind, and is able to tell the stories in a very self-deprecating tone that immediately endears him to the reader. This is a fantastic story, and the book is worth it just because of it.

"Sunset Limited" was OK, maybe a bit too formulaic for my taste. "The Woman lit by Fireflies" i liked the least. I simply didn't have any sympathy for the woman in question.

Gus Jones, the once successful author and writing instructor of Geoff Schmidt's WRITE YOUR HEART OUT, attempts to reestablish himself through his last manuscript. In developing this writing manual, however, he examines the decline of his life as he offers his own experiences to illustrate how one should write well. We see his yearning for understanding from those who would read his manual (his "dear readers" should feel compassion for him) and his near-tragic stature as well; he never fully understands all the contributing factors of his failure, although he unwittingly leads us readers to see them.

Schmidt has written an admirable book with accessible complexity. The novel appears to be a manuscript of a writing manual. Yet, Gus Jones habitually breaks his own rules in the manuscript. Further, we learn from the "Foreword" that a prominent, award-winning author, Andrew Shay, has decided to bring about the manuscript's publication. Shay, Jones' former student, has not only played prominent roles in Jones' life, but he also admits to some manipulation of the manuscript in preparing it for publication. It is difficult to resist offering spoilers in this review in order to demonstrate the intricacies of the relationships among characters; I'll just say that reading the novel again offers new rewards.

Of course, it's good the first time through. It's a spot-on parody of writing manuals. It offers rich character development, undercutting Jones' assertion that the "writing of the future" will rely almost solely on plot. It also conveys the challenge of facing a blank page as honestly as it depicts the desire to revise not only our work but our mistakes. I recommend this book highly, but I think writers and aspiring writers will get special pleasure from it.

And if you wonder whether the book is convincing, just notice that Amazon.com has attributed the afterword to a fictional character.

This excellent novel is also a how-to book that manages to be funny and heart-wrenching, sarcastic and sweet and playful but not offensive all in one. A clever parody that never belabors readers like other, ordinary how-to write books, this is a gem that meets your entertainment and your craft needs.

I had Geoff Schmidt as a teacher and sort of a mentor, and have waited for this book from him for quite awhile. Now that it is here, I don't really know what to say about it other than to recommend it to others.

Not just about writing, this is what writing is about. It was pure joy to read and still plays in my mind. A previous reviewer is exactly right: learn from the narrative, although the instructions are so off-beat that they made me think about writing from an altogether new direction. The narrative takes the form of an autobiography of a washed up writer and is entertaining in its own right with poignant characters and clever wording. The "authors" obviously had fun writing this book. In the process, they made the world a better place and made some money. What could be better.

Geoff Schmidt wrote an amazingly funny and sad and good and everything else I can't think to say novel. And the parody of a how-to book never became mean-spirited. I heard him read recently, and he cracked me up. And then he made me very, very sad. Read this one folks. Get your hands on it as quickly as you can.

A charming, witty and touching book that never insults its young readers' intelligence. It is certain to delight children and parents alike. I look forward to the next installment in what I hope will be a series of books about the loveable, good-natured and clever Wuffy, the dog with a heart of gold. More, please!

Excellent book! I couldn't put it down either of the times I read it. It's funny, touching, and extremely well-written. Adults and children alike will (and do!) love it.

Very funny book about very sunny dog and his "Family".
I was smiling as long as I was reading.
Wuffy, You made my day.

What a sweet book! Wuffy is charming, innocent, and funny, he instantly wins you over. The book manages to be both adorable and educational, and it will be enjoyed by both the children and parents. The book is broken into short stories that are perfect size for a bedtime reading.

Wuffy the Wonder Dog is a collection of short stories featuring Wuffy and his best friend, Elizabeth. Elizabeth is a well-educated and sophisticated cat, and Wuffy never stops trying to impress her with his many talents. Wuffy always means well, but he gets into more scrapes than any dog I've ever met. In one story, he is a scientist experimenting on chocolate. In another, he's a doctor who cures sick little girls better than chicken soup. Each story has another unique situation exploring the many facets of this adorable but somewhat arrogant little dog. This is a wonderful read-aloud book for all ages, or a read-alone book for elementary readers. The gorgeous illustrations compliment the well-written story. I can highly recommend this book to any and all.

Yesterday's Yarns is an incredible collection of western stories. This is one of those books that you just can't put down. Ken Overcast has a unique writing style that gives you the best of both worlds. You'll get a life-like view of what the "real west" was really like and all the humor he incorporates into his writing makes it an incredibly fun book to read. This is one the whole family can enjoy and I've found that it has made a great gift for family and friends!

I think it is the way he puts the stories together. His writing style itself adds to the humor of the stories. Only a real cowboy could ever think and write this way. It is worth having in your library.

Ken's humor and history are sure to keep you smilin. It's a cinch!

Nothing removes a person from the humdrum of eveyday life faster than a good book. One such good book, "Yesterday's Yarns," will entertain anyone who delves between its covers, whether the reader is a rancher weathered by years on the range or an urban grandmother who has never seen a cow pie in her life.
Yesterday's Yarns, written by Montana rancher and cowboy Ken Overcast, provides good entertainment for readers from all backgrounds. The short stories and vignettes contained in the book consist of both factual and fictional tales of life in the west as observed from a true cowboy's point of view.
Overcast's stories explore family history, repeat tales concerning colorful Montana villains and good guys that helped shape the west, and bring everyday events, such as a pesky neighbor child or an unruly cow, to vivid life.
In his fictional stories, Overcast has the ability to take an ordinary situation, see the humor contained in the predicament, embellish the facts and the characters, and turn out a rollicking good yarn. His factual stories depict life as it was in the old west as well as life in the modern west today. He shares with the reader small gems of little-known Montana history, written in a way that makes a person either want to laugh out loud or weep in despair.
Some of the stories blend fact with fiction. "It's all true except for the part I made up," Overcast observes at one point in the book.
Those of us who live in the west can identify with nearly every story or situation described in the book, such as coming out on the losing end in an argument with a cow, or sleepwalking through a night calving check. The beauty of Overcast's work, however, lies in the fact that those not familiar with our way of life can still read and enjoy the book. They may not understand how to ride a fence line, or recognize a prairie oyster when they see one, but they can still empathize with the situations in the book, appreciate the humor and the eccentrics they meet, and learn a bit about the American west in the process.
I highly recommend this book for urban and rural folks alike.

This collection of humorous anecdotes, little histories, little mysteries, regional folklore, cowboy philosophy, and intimate glimpses into family life on the Northern Ranges is a rewarding cultural tour of the Highline region of Montana.

Ken Overcast himself is the real deal. A real cowboy from a real ranch family in one of the least hospitable agricultural environments in the world, his is the voice of the real West. Unquenchably optimistic, friendly, and as familiar and reassuring as Grandma's oatmeal cookies, his warmly conversational style immediately involves the reader in circumstances sometimes quirky, sometimes profound and with characters who are wise or good or naïve or comically villainous or deadly as a prairie rattlesnake.

These little stories cover just about every topic you could name, from the best excuse ever for being two hours late for school, to an unsolved murder mystery, to advice on what to do if you drop your favorite shovel into the irrigation ditch and then you spot your wife swathing hay in a bikini less than a quarter mile away.

No matter whom you are and no matter where you are, you will find yourself at home with Ken. His delightful stories take you far away from your ordinary day-to-day experiences. He puts you, willing or no, onto the vast Montana ranges or high among the peaks of the Bearpaw Mountains and among people you wish you could know.

A very hilarious novel. The author is someone who I would like to know. Such a fun book.

I accidentally bought this book, thinking it was BY Billie Letts. Boy am i glad i made that mistake! I laughed so hard i had tears coming from all orifices. Thank you Molly Griffis for a wonderful ride!

Thank you God, for creating Molly Levite Griffis. I have never in my life laughed so hard and so much reading a book. As a confirmed bookaholic, I assure you that is just a few books shy of a load. I was laughing so loud I kept waking my husband up!
It a good thing I live all the way down in Houston, otherwise, I'd be camping on Molly's doorstep until she swore we were friends. I have never connected so completely with a writer, maybe part of it is we are the same age and I, too, come from the state where the wind comes sweeping down the plain.
Good Golly Miss Molly, you are some special zany lady with not only a talent for writing, but also a talent for life. Thank you, thank you, thank you, for this refreshing book.

What a lot of fun I had reading this book. Whilst not totally convinced that any of Molly's outrageous stories are actually true, I honestly don't care. This collection of letters brightened up a cold, snowy Oklahoma afternoon for me and for that I am grateful. I am newly arrived to Oklahoma and am delighted to know that there are people here with wonderful senses of humor and such kind hearts.

I enjoyed reading these letters between best friends. Reminds me of my own letters from best friends I've kept over the years ... maybe not so cleverly written, but just as dear and fun to read. Molly and Billie are fortunate, blessed to have each other. Bet they have hilarious pajama parties! and get togethers ... and understanding, patient, husbands. Keep the letters coming, ladies. I know I'm looking forward to more.