Lifestyle Books

My ten-year-old son and I loved this audio book. We couldn't wait to hear about all the "wonderfuls". Highly recommended.

So I am a sucker for all those downhome novels celebrating small-town life. Oh well. This book fits that niche of mine well as it blatantly declares to the world that even the most simple of places may be hiding something extraordinary. Granted, the discoveries made here would probably be the mock and scorn of more civilized areas, but they held a sweetly strong spirit that appealed to my sense of story-telling. The writing is bright, cheerful, and expressive. I was impressed by the assortment of well-drawn characters complete with their personal drama, humor, and mysteries. I expected a pretty caged plot, but the story was loose enough, depending on its characters with their individual stories, to let itself become entrenched in emotions. It's not at the level of Kate DiCamillo or Richard Peck, but Ms. Birney did make something pretty darn sweet.

This book was easy to read and a great story. My mom and I read it together. We both enjoyed it.The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs

Eben can't stop looking at a book he got that highlights the seven wonders of the world (the original wonders). The book is set, I think 1920ish. Eben has not been anywhere, and he doesn't think a whole heap of good thoughts about tiny little Sassafras Springs. So his dad makes a bet with him. You have 7 days (God created the world in 7 days) to find 7 seven wonders of Sassafras Springs in exchange for a train ticket to Colorado.

Eben is bound and determined to get that trip, so he sets off with Sal (his dog) to find some wonders. He finds wonders but he really finds pride in Sassafras Springs, a love for his teeny tiny town and that even talking about the wonders got his whole town all fired up. Wonders can be found anywhere, you just have to look for them.

Initially I did not warm to Eben's character, but he was upset and feeling sorry for himself. As the book progressed I cared a whole lot for Eben, and I was very glad I read this book. I have been encouraging other young people to read it. Of course I'm always encouraging grown ups to read young people's literature, occassionally I have a few I win over.

After this book we went on a Wonder hunt, we found 10, took pictures and emailed them to our friends and family who do not live near us.

If used in the classroom, this book could be a good project inspiration book.

Our town chooses a book each winter, which they call the "One Book, One Community Project". We just moved here so this is our 1st and I am very excited about the project. As soon as I heard about it, I went to the library and checked out the book. Even before my 3rd grader started it in school. The book is so engaging and really gets your imagination juices flowing. I really am enjoying the events our community is putting together that tie into the Wonders of Sassafras Springs. We have projects like finding wonders, Applehead doll making & discussion groups. We even had a woman play the saw at our kickoff party.
I went out and bought the book and the same day my 3rd grader picked it up and did not put it down until he completed reading all 200+ pages.
Today we will be making an Appledoll instead of watching tv or playing video games.

I would wager that more than a few adults who favor science fiction or fantasy were set on that path as youngsters by the works of Daniel Pinkwater. Speaking for myself, Pinkwater instilled in me an interest in fiction that was reflective of more than just the ordinary world me (or, more than likely, awakened an existing, but dormant, interest in such literature). In the case of Avocado of Death, we are presented with aliens posing as realtors, a supercomputer fashioned out of a single avocado, and an international criminal mastermind who employs orangutans to do his dirty work, just for starters. And Pinkwater's books are without a doubt offbeat, zany, absurd, and certainly whichever other such adjectives the critics proffer. But their zaniness is beside the point, or at least it is subordinate to a larger point.

Though Pinkwater's books have a wide appeal, I can say from experience precisely who they're aimed at, and to whom they appeal the most: the kid who's bored with school, who looks in vain for something new or unusual to engage his interest; the kid who knows how much he doesn't know, who knows that there are things that his parents and teachers aren't telling him and is almost certain that there's a great deal that adults don't know either. Pinkwater's protagonists slog through the mundane world of the everyday, until some circumstance allows them to catch a glimpse of what's behind the curtain and have some idea, for the first time, of What's Really Going On. Generally it involves conspiracies, outlandish coincidences, and general wackiness, and generally none of it makes any less sense than what we normally think of reality. In fact, it occurs to me that a reader of Pinkwater's could graduate to Douglas Adams without too much trouble.

I'm not sure that Avocado of Death is Pinkwater's best work; if I were to make a recommendation, I would start a kid off with Lizard Music. But whichever you begin with, I have to recommend giving a kid who enjoys reading a Pinkwater novel; there's no telling what kind of imagination you might unlock.

I first saw this book in my school library . I was in middle school and was not into reading very much. We were required to check out a book so this one caught my attention with the colorful jacket. The first page pulled me in and I was able to see the characters in my head. I have been an avid reader for 24 years since this book. My kids are "lovin' it", too.

I did not discover this book until I listened to it this week at the ripe old age of 23. As such, I did not feel the book was long enough.
Pinkwater is engaging beyond my understanding how he does it, although the absurd characters and their stranger actions are a sure start. Take Uncle Flipping Hades Terwilliger who has not missed a late night movie in 17 years despite being kidnapped numerous times, or Walter's mother who is paranoid of communists beyond all rationality, or the fellow with the painted on sideburns. A few of Walter's exploits were things I did as a kid. Others were opportunities I wish I'd had. Except for the orangutan wrestling. I frown upon that. The silly care-free writing, and the flawless speaking performance by Pinkwater had me wishing my commute were longer.

I've been meaning to sign up for bookcrossing and this is a prime first candidate. Or maybe I'll send it to my silliest friend.

My "hippie" aunt and uncle, in New York City, sent me this book, and Fat Men From Space, when I was about eight. I loved it!
I am now almost thirty; yet I remember these books with great affection. Mind you, what you remember and what was true are two different things; but a book that can make you smile more than ten years later is worth the investment.

I remember reading (and rereading) this zany, gripping, urban adventure when I was in third or fourth grade (and its worthy sequel, The Snarkout Boys & the Baconburg Horror). On a whim, some twenty years later and with a law degree to my name, I tracked down a copy at the public library and ... wow! I enjoyed it every bit as much. Daniel Pinkwater deserves major kudos for such a book--someone buy that man a Napoleon or twelve.

The fast-paced story is told from the viewpoint of Walter Galt. Walter is a teenager on the verge of dying from boredom at Ghengis Khan High School, until he meets Winston Bongo, another suffering student and the self-proclaimed inventor of 'snarking out'. The boys' late-night snarkouts eventually bring them into contact with a smorgasbord of oddball characters (such as Ms. Bentley Saunders Harrison Matthews, aka Rat) and places, from Blueberry Park to Lower North Aufzoo Street to Beanbender's Beer Garden and beyond. Ultimately, with the help of the world's greatest living detective, Walter, Winston and Rat must locate the world's largest avocado and save the world (or at least the nations' realtors)--but watch out for stuffed Indian fruit bats!

Pinkwater is a true original and writes this surreal, comic yarn simply, cleanly, and hilariously. Highly recommended for kids, parents, avocado lovers ... and even lawyers who used to be kids. Five stars!

I must say that I really enjoy this book. It is well written and provides alot of very good information. It is a good resource book to keep in your RV. I am planning to go full time RVing in the next couple of months and this book helped me to make that important decision. Read and enjoy folks!

We found this book a very valuable resource for planning on our eventual fulltiming phase of life. It is a very easy read, but it also has the information you need. It's very well laid out! Thanks for a great book!

Support Your RV Lifestyle: An Insider's Guide to Working on the Road (Second Edition)
is a wonderful resource -- it's well-written, filled with great information, and is inspirational and encouraging, as well. Jaimie Hall is knowledgeable and enthusiastic about her topic. It's obvious that she's a seasoned traveler -- and has been both working on the road and talking to many other RVers who have worked while enjoying their travels.

The book summarizes over 350 jobs (in categories like work at rv parks and resorts, christmas tree farms, state parks and national forest areas, concessions, seasonal jobs, sales of rv related products, crafts, writing and consulting). Details like how to handle resumes, long-distance job interviews, contact information and communication while traveling, and the right questions to ask about jobs are also covered. In addition to the many options it lists, it points out possible problems and challenges one may encounter on the road while trying to find a job or while working.

If you (like us) are thinking about traveling in an RV, this is the book to have in the planning stage -- and I assume it will also be helpful when on the road.
Also check out the author's website and enewsletter.

My husband was intrigued by the idea of full-timing in an RV. This book gives you ideas of working while moving around in your RV. Maybe working a seasonal job in a theme park or with a tour group, on a guest ranch or in a national park appeals to you. Some jobs offer free campsites.
Ultimately I chickened out on the idea, but if you think the open road is for you and want to make some money along the way, be sure to read this book.
It includes a ton of info in the appendix: including contact information for state tourist bureaus, state parks, state revenue offices and state motor vehicle and licensing bureaus and more, plus an additional 32 pages of resources.

Many people who contemplate living the RV lifestyle probably equate it with a leisurely retirement. But what if you combine RVing with a lucrative work life? You may discover that you can hit the road at a younger age and reap more rewards.
Support Your RV Lifestyle spells out in great detail exactly how to live this dream life. Jaimie Hall speaks from her own experience and culls information from a wealth of other sources to create a comprehensive tool for planning to live and work on the road.
Just as you wouldn't set out on a trip without a road map, you would be miles ahead by consulting this guide before embarking on this life journey. There's a lot more to consider than where to park your vehicle each night. Don't assume you'll just "find a job" when you reach your destination. There are many considerations, from tying your marketable skills to a job on the road, to balancing work and fun, to tax implications. Because Ms. Hall is so thorough with her guidance, you will be well-equipped to make decisions about how to combine work with pleasure.
It is likely that some of her 100-plus pages of worksheets and resource lists would assist travelers in general, not only those traveling and working out of an RV. You'll recoup the price of this travel guide many times if you choose to follow its course for living and working on the road

I found it hard to put this book down. It read so quickly that I was done before I knew it. It was a story of awakening, understanding, and love -- on all levels. I will be reading this book again.

Cogan is a very warm, introspective author. I have had the pleasure of reading all her books & would highly recommend all of them, starting with Winona's Web, then Compass of the Heart. Her characters have so much depth ~ truly refreshing. She knows the heart & soul of them each. I felt my soul grow reading her books. Do yourself a favor, & give her a try.

Excellent Reading!!! I laughed, I cried , - I read the book in 48 hours. I couldn't put it down. This book opened my mind to ideas I already knew existed but had never felt in my heart. The emotion was to real - and very fulfiling.

I loved this book, and I loved Winona. Started reading it on a Saturday afternoon and finished it early Sunday morning and spent Sunday afternood searching the bookstores for the 2nd of this 3-book series. Winona's Web is definitely for any woman or some type of journey and most of those who are not. Winona is an example of a woman who has found herself and an excellant role model to Meggie, who has not. This book is to be coming out as a movie, and I can hardly wait.

This was a sweet book and I encourage women of all ages to read it. Our protagonist, Dr. Meggie O'Connor moves back to the family farm from New York City after her many year-old marriage fails and she is fast approaching her fortieth birthday. She is a psychologist and restarts her practice in northern Michigan. One of her early clients/patients is Winona Pathfinder, a Native American "healer" whose daughter has pushed her to therapy because she insists she will be dying soon, thank you very much. As this relationship grows it becomes more quickly evident to the reader than to Meggie that it is she who is being healed. Meggie learns a good deal about Winona's life, her decisions, and her reasons for the calm prediction of death and is drawn into the validity of the pipe-smoking, and the Native American `medicine' ways. In a very subtle way, Winona draws Meggie into a real change of view about who she is and what her value is. Finally, there is a love interest that, in a surprise in the end, makes the story wonderfully complete.

bens in love was a really good book. it adress's issues that i liek to read about in books. its not just a book about sex and love, it also hass friendship, family, and culture issues thrown in there too.

I really like Ben and Nina as a couple. I think they are the perfect match. They are both sarcastic and witty. I think Lucas is going to let his hormones get him in trouble

this series is one of the best i've ever read! i am 13 and i enjoy these books a lot! many of my friends read and enjoy them too! i recomend them to anyone of any age!

Ben's in love with two girls who just happen to be sisters. He's in love with Claire, his ex-girlfriend, and her sister, Nina, his long time great friend. He tries to sort out how he really feels and in the end, I think he's learned who he truly loves...for now.

Ben's In Love is one of my favorites in the Making Out books that I have read so far. It has a lot of emotions in it, with Nina coming out of her protected shell of emotions, Claire finally deciding what she wants to do with the "situation" with Josh, Lucas being homecoming king, and Chris getting hurt, and with that, Aisha discovering her true feelings about Chris. Also Ben and Nina's relationship starts blooming. It's definentaly one that you wouldn't want to skip. This is why I gave Ben's In Love 5 stars.

Eboni Chronicles is a thought provoking book that can help anyone become more effective in managing their emotions, problem solving and decision-making. It allows you to learn how to manage your emotions for maximum results in your relationships.

In Eboni Chronicles, Ms. Jones has provided a platform for the unsung heroines of Black America. It is a passionate plea to and from mothers, sisters, aunts, and friends alike on the subject of self-esteem, beauty, God, children, and money. Pain, despair, triumph, hope and love leap from the pages of Eboni Chronicles. Kudos to Ms.Jones for sharing "Black women's ideas, beliefs and lifestyles" in a new way. I encourage you to buy this book. It's real. It's raw. And in some instances, it's remarkably funny. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Eboni Chronicles, and know that you will too.

Rashun writes from the heart. This is a excellent book with valuable lessons for everyone.

Eboni Chronicles gives a honest look at how Black women have demonstrated resilience in their day to day lives. It contains a inspiring educational message for Black women regardless of their age, background or life experience. I recommend this book to all black women.

Eboni Chronicles is a informative book for young women in the 90's. The "true" stories from the women in this book can help one deal with issues of racism and sexism. Issues that are often experienced but rarely ever talked about in such a open and honest manner. It also focuses on the everyday dilemmas like self esteem, work/education, managing emotions, problem solving, resolving conflicts and spirituality. I really enjoyed this book because it helped me see a lot of issues that I was dealing with and positive solutions to these issues. Eboni Chronicles contains a inspiring educational message for black women regardless of their age, background or life experience. It would also be useful to anyone interested in learning more about the ideas, beliefs and lifestyles of the Black woman from the eyes of the Black woman. I recommend this book to all Black women. Alicia Prince, Reviewer

Connie Strasheim writes about the latest and greatest Lyme Disease treatments as well as techniques for mind body and emotional healing. Her wit and humor make this book stand out among other Lyme books as she shares some of her experiences with Lyme. This is one book that will stay in my personal library forever.

The book includes:
-protocols for healing Lyme Disease including seven primary protocols
-detoxification strategies
-information about testing for Lyme Disease
-hormone balancing
-adjunct Lyme Disease treatments
-protocol considerations
-heavy metals and their affect on your healing
-diet and supplements
-exercise
-relationships
-finances and work
-travel
-helping others
-habits
-emotional healing...
and plenty of humor to make it all digestible

A must for all Lyme Disease patients!!!

Wow! It was so great to finally find a lyme book that had all of this information on different treatment protocols, and herbal supplements. I have been very disappointed in the past concerning lyme book purchases, as I felt that my own research had given me more information than the books did. As a late stage lyme patient I was fortunate enough to find a local llmd who practices integrative medicine, using the best of both western and alternative treatments trying to get this vicious disease out of my life. This book will be read again, and again and will be a tremendous resource when searching for new treatments to help me get well.

Lyme disease is nothing to sneeze at, but few have any answers as to how they will survive it. Strasheim has survived and has been gracious enough to share what she has learned on her journey.

First, we want to know "physical strategies for health Lyme disease." The author describes "finding your healing path in a labyrinth of possibilities" and explains the "seven primary protocols." This is a good starting point for anyone who has Lyme, knows of anyone who has Lyme, or for someone who may get Lyme. Being educated or prepared is essential.

Next, Strasheim explores the "detoxification strategies." Once you start killing off the bacteria with the treatment protocols, they either pile up in your body or you get them out through detoxification. And toxins are everywhere! The author discusses "eliminating stealth toxins from your diet and household." This is extremely important even without a Lyme disease sentence.

Testing and supplements are an important part of Lyme disease and Connie does a good job covering these topics. "Hormone balance" and "adjunct Lyme disease treatments" are two other areas the author wants us aware of - written in easy to read format.

Heavy metals, diet, and an easy to follow exercise plan are available. The author promises that the exercise plan will "get you moving, but won't leave you wiped out." Who doesn't want to benefit from exercise and still have enough energy to take the cap off the probiotics? And for those of you who may have little income, Strasheim discusses "formatting a protocol on a budget." For many Lyme disease victims, among the first things to go is the income. We find we are unable to work eight hours at one time - if we're able to work at all. This budget idea strikes me as unique - maintaining one's health on a shoestring just may be the answer for you. Connie rounds the book out with "habits" and a "little humor."

With Lyme disease, there are often obstacles and challenges. Of course the physical problems associated with Lyme disease can, in themselves, be horrific. But little do we consider the emotional and mental difficulties that may be involved. How do we handle a social obligation when we look fine, but we aren't feeling well? Is there a way to get through the day and still smile? "The Lyme Disease Survival Guide" provides insight and guidance from someone that has experienced the disease firsthand.

"Author Connie Strasheim is an accomplished healthcare journalist." She divides her private life between Colorado and Costa Rico [...]

Thumbs up for this educational book!


Sue Vogan
[...]
author of NCO: No Compassion Observed and The Experts of Lyme Disease: A Radio Journalist Visits the Front Lines of the Lyme Wars -- [...]

The Lyme Disease Survival Guide appears at first glance to be a book. But in reality, it is a GPS device cleverly designed by its creator to guide the Lyme Disease victim or caregiver successfully through the murky, bewildering, labyrinthine world of Lyme Disease.

What immediately struck me about Connie Strasheim's valuable contribution to our ongoing battle with Lyme Disease, was her personal dedication and sacrifice of time obviously required to research, accumulate and organize the crème de la crème of the bewildering plethora of Lyme Disease treatments and diagnostic protocols that currently exist.

Even though quite ill herself, Ms. Strasheim somehow managed to struggle through the omnipresent barriers of fatigue and cognitive impairment to pull together in a cogent and didactic format as much useful information as possible to help her fellow Lyme Disease sufferers.

It is sad that someone with her writing and organizational skills, enhanced by her innate ability to inject humor at the most opportune time to get the point across, should be stricken with such a dreadful disease. But if it is God's will that she carry this burden of sickness, I am grateful that He has put it in her heart to use her God given abilities to help the rest of us.

Every Lyme disease sufferer owes Connie Strasheim an enormous debt of gratitude for writing this book. If you yourself have Lyme Disease, are a caregiver or know someone with Lyme Disease, put this book in your cart... you will be glad you did!

Les Roberts - Author, The Poison Plum

Lyme disease is no longer as deadly as it once was. "The Lyme Disease Survival Guide: Physical, Lifestyle, and Emotional Strategies for Healing" is a guide teaching sufferers how to fight their disease, overcome it, and live a healthy and normal life. Advice covers topics such as healing, detoxification, testing, treatment, and life advice for dieting, exercise, romance, finance, airplanes, and other things that everyone has to deal with daily. "The Lyme Disease Survival Guide: Physical, Lifestyle, and Emotional Strategies for Healing" is a must for anyone who has unfortunately been afflicted with this ailment.

Melainie is a very funny character. She has a very strong relationship with her friends. She has two friends. They fight. Melanie is very angry. She has to choose between her friends. She chooses Celia. Her other friend is very mad at her. Soon, her other friends sadness turns into revenge. In this world people have to take hard decisions in life. No ones life is perfect. Just believe in what decision you do.

As NYC's number one tour guide, I see I have some real competition with Melanie, she sure knows Manhattan. She shows us our city here in a very intetresting yet fun way. Nice going Carol, all the best!
Malachy Murray

This story is about an 11-year-old girl named Melanie who lives with her brother Matt the Brat. Melanie is going through a lot of problems. I think the book is good for girls 8-14. This book has very good artwork. This book is also a great book because it can teach you some Spanish and art. It also has very good humor. It is a very good book.

It is about a girl that has a long distance love with a guy named Miguel. Also, she has a girl that is stealing her best friend. Her name is Suze. Also they talk a LOT of Spanish. Next, the cover is really cool with a lot of action. Also she lives in the city.

Melanie is an 11-year-old girl who has an adventure in the big city of Manhattan. Her boyfriend Miguel is coming to New York for a week. Oh no! It was very good. However I recommend it for girls 10 and over.

It is about a girl who lives in the city. She has a boyfriend named Miguel. She also has a younger brother, Matt, her Dad and her Mom and an art teacher. I think it is a very good and detailed book. I loved the cover.

I think Melanie in Manhattan is a good book for kids in 4th-6th grade because the book could help through those years. The book is about a girl named Melanie and the problems she struggles with her friends. Her friends are Cecilia and Suze. Her boyfriend is Miguel. Miguel is a Spanish boyfriend she met in Spain. The boyfriend comes to visit all the way from Spain. There is also a lot of Spanish so if you are learning Spanish you should read it. She hates her brother so she calls him Matt the Brat.

A very good and interesting book. Made for middle-schoolers. Very nice and detailed cover. Lots of things going on. Melanie in Manhattan is the last of the series. There are a few before this book, like Melanie goes Dutch and With Love from Spain. I loved the book Melanie in Manhattan. It also was very funny and interesting.

I think Melanie in Manhattan is an OK book because it has inappropriate things. It is good because the illustrations are amazing. Also I like how it tells you about her life, and when she signs her name when she's done writing in her diary.

As Melanie goes through adventures, author Carol Weston makes it realistic and humourous. Although slightly inappropriate, Carol's pictures and Spanish dialogue make up for it. Her writing makes up for it. Her writing makes it seem like a real diary of an 11-year-old who wishes to be more mature.

This is a good book. This has amazing pictures. I love how Carol Weston has some Spanish in there. However it is a little inappropriate for kids 8 and under. 9 and up it should be a good book. It is about an 11-year-old who is trying to get more mature and has a little brother - Matt the Brat - and is sometimes getting in the way of her crush Miguel. Overall this is a great book.

Girl Scout Troop 154

Melanie Martin is beginning 6th grade and has many new challenges placed upon. Melanie has to find ways to deal with these daily life problems. Melanie in Manhattan has been one of my favorite books that had me laughing along.
Melanie in Manhattan is written in a diary format in the opinion of Melanie. She writes daily about her family and friends. Her best friend Cecily has become friends with the new, stuck up girl, Suze. They spend every minute together and rarely include Melanie. She feels like she's losing her best friend. On Melanie's trip to Spain that summer she met her mom's friend's son and she feels something special for him. They had many fun times together in Spain and Melanie is starting to really miss him. They send each other e-mails and keep in touch. Miguel's uncle has to come to New York for a work trip and has offered to take Miguel along to see Melanie. She couldn't believe what she had heard. She would see him once again. Together they tour New York with Melanie's family and see the great sights. Melanie starts to see the beauty of New York. Things start to change and Melanie isn't sure if Miguel considers her as just a friend or a girlfriend. Melanie likes him but she also has a small crush on Jason, a math whiz in her class. Melanie doesn't know how she feels. She has mixed feelings about everything at this point.
Carol Weston shows the fun-loving character's personality and describes the breath taking tourist attractions in the massive city of New York. Weston has put the teenage perspective in Melanie. Melanie talks and acts like an average middle school girl. When Melanie's mom leads her class on a field trip she says, "It's embarrassing having Mom stand in front of everyone like a teacher," (pg. 12.) All teenagers get embarrassed by their parents at some point or another. Like most siblings, Melanie can also be rude to her younger brother. Throughout the book she calls him, "Matt the Brat." During the book Melanie guides Miguel around New York. Melanie finds herself taking advantage of all the attractions New York has to offer like their museums and the skyscrapers. Miguel says, "New York is marvel," because he has never seen anything like it. He appreciates it the "marvel" New York more than her. As they walk through Central Park, Melanie and her family recognize all of the people enjoying the beautiful day. "Central Park is giant. You could walk all day and not get to see all of it...teams of kids were playing sports, a few mothers were jogging with their babies in strollers... we were in a park surrounded by tall buildings," (pg. 149.)If Melanie lived in a small rural town she could never experience this. She wouldn't get to walk outside late at night and see people walking around because like it says, "New York never sleeps." Melanie couldn't see people outside walking in the park because there aren't many people living in the country. Her closest neighbor would be a mile away.
The book, Melanie in Manhattan was a very funny and enjoyable book. Weston showed creativity in her format choice. She wrote the story in a diary and shows Melanie's real thoughts. She used many different fonts and ended each diary entry with an adjective to describe the entry. For example, Melanie ends with "Romantically Melanie," or "Mathematically Mel." This is a must-read book for all young girls.

Great story, love the NYC and art references. I previewed this book before I sent it as a gift and now I will pass it along to all my friends kids. Excited to read more in the series. M in M tackles real tween issues such as changing bodies, first smooch, troubles with friends in a very realistic and honest format. Wish I had Melanie when I was a kid.

The book Sarah's Page is a good, easy read. The plot is simple and good. The plot is not wonderful, but good and interesting. One factor that made this book an enjoyable read was that it was written all in e-mails. It was a different way of writting and I really liked that. For those of you who liked the book P.S. Longer Letter Later and/or the book Snail Mail No More, I think you would like this book. The characters in this book wre very believable. The book was quite detailed and added a lot of description, which was a nice aspect. The setting played an important role in the plot, for in the book the main character is this girl named Sarah who is from New York and is from a wealthy family has to live on a rustic farm and do chores. The reason why I gave this book a four star rating instead of five was because at times this book seemed to drag on a little, and got off the point. Overall, this book was pretty good. I think it is probably worth a read. I liked the writing style and characters best. I think girls ages 9, 10, or 11 would really enjoy this book. This is a good book.

Sarah's Page is a wonderful book! The characters have real personality, they're not dull. You discover the story as she e-mails her best friend in New York. She's stuck on a farm with her sister and her sister's husband. Life gets tough, but Sarah is tough to.

Originally I bought this book for my niece who is a Michigander. The weekend it arrived from Amazon, she was off with her parents to a wedding for the weekend. It didn't take her long to read the entire story. This weekend she lent it to me. One day. That's all it took. I couldn't put Sarah's Page down. Not only is it a clever idea, but the story is compelling. Sarah is your best friend or the one you wish you had. (BTW I am 53 years old ;) )

Thsi book is really good. I have something in comman with the author she went to the same school that I am at now. This book relates to people today. Its a great book for girls who like to surf the web. I would reccomend this book to everyone.

I loved this book so much. It is just like real life. I could see this happening to myself or one of my friends, I felt like I was really there. Also I have something in common with Anna Murray. I go to the high school that she graduated from and I have the same English teacher she did. Maybe I will write a book some day.

Jimmy Liao is my favourite illustrator and I was excited to find his book translated into English. I have seen the illustrations before in the Chinese book and enjoyed them on a visual level. However, having the text in English really brought the story to life.

The story is of a young woman who is going blind - it is an exploration of sight and how imagination can compensate for the loss of sight. The ending is inspiring.

This book would be excellent to expose children to a different perspective of the world and also would make a lovely gift for any adult who enjoys detailed and whimsical illustrations.

The reason I bought this book is I rented a movie called "The Sound of Color". It is a movie about a woman who is blind, strong, resourceful and full of joy. In the movie she teaches a man who becomes blind how to live and navigate around the city he once knew. The movie has drawings from the book and I became intrigued. The director of the movie told how he loved the book but it was hard to bring it to film. I disagree with him because his film and the book tells of one persons joy with the world around her even though she becomes blind and can't see it anymore. The beautiful ink and watercolor drawings with the powerful story will show you another way to look at your world and inspire your imagination.

This books is good in English, but I preferred the Chinese version much better. In English, things got a little over simplified, where as they were more complex in Chinese. I recently saw the Chinese version available for sale on the China Books website.
This book is age appropriate for older children to adults, not exactly children. I wouldn't buy it for anyone younger than 10.

Captivatingly colourful and creative illustrations combine with dreamy inner dialogue to carry us along on a journey of reflection, isolation, loss and hope. This book envelopes our whole family and sweeps us away.

With allusions to "The Wizard of Oz," "Alice in Wonderland," and psychologist/anthropologist C. G. Jung, "Color of Sounds" tells teh story of a blind young girl who rides a vast subway network because "I have a journey to go on. There are some thing I need to find." What follows is a remarkable narrative about internal and external discovery, with some of the most luscious and creative illustrations in recent memory.

The girl disembarks at various subway stops (subway illustrations are always panelled strips running across the middle of a two page spread), and climbs colorfully patterned stairs (often reminscent of M.C.Escher) and arrives at archtypal settings: An apple tree sitting Eden-like in a verdant forest, alongside dolphis and atop a whale, a topiary-adorned maze. Jimmy Liao presents his metaphors on both adult and children's levels. While adults may recognize the symbolic conflicts and issues presented by a maze; for example, children benefit from the explicit text: "Sometimes the street twist themselves into a maze.But if you look hard enough, there's always a way out. Other sections may benefit from discussion at an age-appropriate level. At one subway station, there are four trains going in both directions, all filled with people, and all colored differently. THe girl stands between them, "Which is the right one? It's easy to get lost underground."

At his point, she seems to take her own route, riding a kiddie train (decorated with motifs decorated a la Guaguin, Matisse, and others), then abandons the train to a white swan swimming against a cloudy yet luminescent background (a mystically beautiful and serene illustration). She slowly arrives at her answers. "HOme is the place where everything I've lost is waiting patiently for me to find my way back." She realizes that because she "went forward, step by step, into the dark," used her other sense (listening "for the sound of colors I can't see"; smelling the shapes and tasting "the light and dark," and hoping for someone "who'll sit beside me, sip tea, tell me her hopes for the future, and listen to mine." (Here, the two-page spread depicts her sitting on a green oval-shaped chair, surrounded by four rows of empty chairs in various colors, shapes, and sizes.

Towards the conclusion, the young girl encounters a butterfly, whom she believes may offer the answers to her hopes and dreams:

She'll tale me
to the friend I need to find.
She'll lead me to the place
where all the colors are.

she'll bring me back to the light that I lost,
still glowing here, in my heart.

An enormously colorful mosaic of birds, flowers, eyes, and other motifs surround the now smiling girl, when Liao write "in my heart." It's neither saccharine or precious. While the book may be read at many levels, and it simulatneously present many emotions and moods (fear, comfort, solitude, hope, wonder) the overall effect is an almost staggering visual and narrative display of poetry. The undertones can be dark and may even frighten some children (know your audience), but for othos who have begun their own journies of self- and other- discovery, for those who feel lost or have experienced pain, poor health, or disability, this book highlights the fact and ignites thought of possibility and transcendance.