Women Books

I purchased this book for 12 and 10 year old daughters. I thought that perhaps we could read a prayer each night as a devotion and that it would give us an opportunity to talk about issues in their lives. It has done that and more. My oldest daughter now refers to it frequently, whenever she needs a lift or a little extra encouragement. I also purchased the sequel and I rate it equally well. I have given this book as gifts to my daughter's friends for their 13th birthday, and they have all loved it.

My mom gave me this book a couple of years ago, and I just stuck it in my closet. Recently I was cleaning out my room and uncovered this book. I started reading the prayers inside. I looked for prayers that connected to my everyday life and that I could relate to. I typed up my favorite prayers on my computer, printed it out, and put it by my bed. Every night I read the prayers. One night, I was feeling lonely. I was reading through the prayers and I came across one that went like this:

I need someone to comfort me
To tell me it's okay
To stroke my hair
And kiss my cheek
To hold me tight when I feel weak
To make hurt go away.

I need someone to care for me
Someone who's always there
To take my hand
And wipe my tears
To stand on guard against my fears
To help when life's unfair.

I trust in God's great[...]love [...] for me
When I am all alone
To hear my cry
And fill my heart
With faith that I can do my part
And manage on my own.

I read it over and over, sobbing the whole time. About the fifteenth time, I was reading it and I just stopped. Something happened and I stopped crying. I just read it over again, this time without crying, and laid down in my bed. I felt so much better. I don't know what happened, but something about the prayers made me feel better.

These prayers have changed the way I feel spiritually. They have also given me a greater belief in God. This book provided me with the words I needed to get by. I highly reccommend trying it.

When I first saw this book, I passed it by since I am the mom of two boys. The next time I saw it, I was looking for a gift for a friend with three teenage daughters.(Her copy is well worn and she's buying extra's to give as gifts) Thumbing thru it, I returned to buy a copy for myself. "Dreams on Your Pillow" is inspirirational for any parent of teens and can be applied to boys,also, as they take the journey to manhood.

Celia Straus wrote this snappy little book for her daughters, and it shows a mother's love. Each page contains a small "prayer" written for a teenage girl, all of them dealing with courage and becoming (at least that's how a father sees it :-). All of them are written in enchanting verse, though not all of them are necessarily directed towards God. For example, on page 103, there is "I am not helpless/I am not weak/I will not shatter/I will not weep/I stand alone/Yet I stand strong/I can be me/Without being wrong."

Overall, I found this to be a wonderful little book, a great gift for the young lady in your life!

I just bought this book for my daughter as a graduation present and she and I have both already read all the poems in it. Now it stays on her pillow! I don't know why these simple poems connect so instantly to the soul, but they seem to touch a cord inside. My daughter, who is 12, has thanked me more for this book than anything I have given her in years. For any girl who is going through an identity crisis, this book is a great help.

This was the first book written and published by William F. Cooper and I have to say that yet again I was most impressed with his writing style. I read his second novel There's Always A Reason first and was so moved and overwhelmed with emotion, that I just had to read everything written by this author. I was not disappointed with this book at all.

Mr. Cooper shows the flip side to the dating relationship from a man's perspective. Most women feel that men don't have a perspective; that they don't feel like women do and that they control the ebb and flow of the relationship, but that simply isn't the case as Mr. Cooper shows in his novel. Men are perceived as "weak", "punks", or "gay" if they show that they feel pain from being hurt in a relationship. Mr. Cooper does an excellent job of showing that men can be sensitive and strong at the same time and that because a man cries that doesn't mean he is weak; just human.

Mr. Cooper also does an excellent job of showing how some men can realize that they are not acting and treating women right and they can choose to change. William McCall undergoes just such a transformation and I found it refreshing to watch his revelations unfold. In the beginning of the book we do see McCall as being weak, but not because his character is flawed, but because he loves too much when the love isn't returned. He tries everything he knows how to do to make her love him, but he finally realizes that it isn't him that is flawed it is her. He goes through many past experiences soul searching to find himself and in the end he does. Thank you Mr. Cooper, for reminding us women that men are really human beings after all and they hurt too at times. Sometimes we need that reminder with all the stereotypes out there about what "real men" are supposed to be.

This is a must read in my opinion and I look forward to many more novels by Mr. Cooper with great anticipation. He will most definitely be one of the best authors of our time and I am looking forward to the journey. Kudos to you William. Fabulous work.

William Fredrick Cooper is a great romantic writer. This book was a great and fast read and I could relate to all of his characters. You could tell from the 1st page that that this was going to be a great story. Anyone that has not read this book I would highly recommend it. William you have a God given talent with your writing.

Okay, so i'm a lil' backwards here. I read William F. Cooper's 2nd book 1rst and his 1rst book 2nd! Oh well!! LOL I'm sure my review would have been the same either way. While reading "6 Days in January" I saw a number of the same things going on in my life. Now I don't think I was ever a player, but I can relate to the William's character and his emotions. It's hard to be real person and show true emontions these days. William gave his ALL in hopes of winning his 'soulmate'. In the end it always seems the one 'just like him' ends up winning. I can truly relate to that feeling. It's crazy I know!

Now I can't say I would have ever went as far as William did to try and win Andrea's heart. I guess I've just never felt love like that yet. I hated how Andera used William the way she did. It shows how weak some women are. Yet a the same time, it showed the true devotion from a male's point of view that is so rarely seen. I love to see a man who isn't afraid to show his true emotions and his love. Cooper showed a lot of emotions in his William character. He did an excllent job writing his debut novel.

It's one of the books where you can put yourself into the roles of each charactor. You can identify with each one of them and the emotional turmoils that they go through. It keeps you anticipating more.

The title and the cover are fitting for the story that is held between the pages of William Fredrick Cooper's novel "6 Days In January".

This story is of a man (William McCall) whose current love Della has just broken up with him. William takes the next 6 days to examine his past and present relationships, and more importantly his views on love. The 6 days turn into a roller-coaster ride of emotions and self- discovery.

A few years back William McCall was confident about love but when he met Andrea she slowly stripped that confidence away in a one sided relationship where William give his all and she gave nothing but heartache.
"Don't ever change" are the words often said to William by females. But he did change...when love dealt him a dirty hand and he got hurt... he did change. Then that change put him on the other side of the street; where he became insecure in his search for love, and the giver of hurt instead of the recipient.

Take some time out to read this excellent novel written by author William Fredrick Cooper.
Be prepared to read about love from a man's perspective and how love can be a double edge sword that can hurt and maim future relationships.

Locksie

ARC BOOK CLUB INC.
Star Rating *****5.0

This book is a great gift for anyone.
It's beautiful poetry, art, and amazing story will inspire anyone.
I have seen her interviews and her work is intriguing and her attitude is beautiful.
The book is a must have!

This book is a good introduction into the girl behind these amazing paintings and poetry. Her insightful artwork is reproduced well. This girl's visions and understanding of who God is and His heart of love for people of the world is astounding. (Especially when you consider her mom USED to be an atheist) The poetry is a little beyond me, but the art work speaks volumes.
Lovely. Keep up the great work Akiane.. your goal is being reached!

Akiane's story has always inspired me. I directed a friend of mine to her website recently to show her the amazing art, and she told me after surfing it that it restored her faith in God. When I read this book, it only accentuated my love and admiration for Akiane. You don't have to be religious to appreciate this girl. Her story is still a powerful message of how faith can change your life. If you're an art lover, you'll be inspired by the reproductions of her paintings and be stunned by her use of color and imagination. Her art is so realistic, but so mystical too. If you prefer the written word, read dozens of Akiane's poems. They are guaranteed to blow you away.

All in all, this book helps you remember that there is goodness in the world.

Very inspirational and faith building book. Akiane has not chosen this path, she's only following where God leads her. There are always going to be nay sayers about anything, specially in this world of instant information. I choose to believe that she is what she says she is, and does what she says she does, because with God anything is possible.

The first time I saw this book, I was on a cross country plane ride and had the fortunate experience of sitting next to a kindred soul. She shared this book with me to pass the time. And the time passed quickly. After looking at the paintings of this young artist, Akiane, I had a kink in my neck because I couldn't turn away. But it was worth it. I ordered the book immediately and have enjoyed sharing it with my daughters and displaying it on our coffee table.

Akiane is an artist and a poet and an inspiration. She believes she's been touched by God, and one look at her work will make you a believer as well.

From the author of A Line Between Friends and I'm Living Your Dream Life: The Story of a Northwoods Resort Owner.

I strongly recommend this book to dog lovers who have been disheartened by the dishonesty and greed that is an all too common part of the experience when dealing with breeders. This book will re-awaken your faith in humankind and provide you with the assurance that there is still a breed of dog out there that is the intelligent and gentle hero that you have read about in story books, an ISSR Shiloh Shepherd. I bought my first ISSR Shiloh a few months ago and had her shipped to me from New York to Oklahoma. This dog is everything that was described to me and more. It was not until after I had my dog that I bought the book, now I understand that truely great things are not created without a vision and an incredible amount of sacrifice, determination and faith. Read the book, but don't be surprised if your next purchase is a Shiloh Shepherd.
Michele McKenna
Tulsa, Oklahoma

I own an ISSR Shiloh Shepherd. I loved reading about the history and all the blood, sweat and tears that have gone into developing the Shiloh Shepherd! I am truly inspired by Tina Barber's strength and perseverance.

I definitely recommend reading this book! It is a very helpful tool to learn the truth about the Real Shiloh Shepherd and the breed founder.

This book gave a Shiloh owner insight into the intent of the breed founder. Tina has inspired us to do whatever we can to further her dream. She allowed us a brief look into her struggles that shows us how much sacrifice is necessary to live your dream. I am telling everyone I know about this book and letting them know it's a must have!

This is one of the most heartwarming stories I have read. I will be looking to get a shiloh shepherd in the future. A must read book.

As our family searched the web and library books for a dog to replace the two beloved "mutts" who had passed on after a good long life, we stumbled across references to the Shiloh Shepherd.

Without much effort we came across Tina's website as well as some of her licenced breeders. The brains, brawn and beauty of what we saw and read left nothing else but for us to buy the book, and learn as much as we could about the founder of this breed.

Needless to say, the story is motivating, at times heartbreaking, insightful, and a story that had to be told as the struggle to maintain and establish this reputable breed continues.

Critics with personal vendettas or self-ineterest aside, no one can argue that Tina, as Breed Founder, has not always put her blueprint and belief in the proper development and evolution of the Shiloh Shepherd at the top of her lifetime agenda.

This book details the 40+ years she has dedicated to the effort, and now as the proud owner of a Shiloh Shepherd pup that descended from her bloodlines through one of her Canadian breeders, here's hoping Tina (aka Ma Shiloh), and this breed, will eventually get the recognition and credit they deserves from the rest of the Dog World Community.

Little Miss know-it-all - a label that can describe many a teenage girl. "The Truth: I'm a Girl, I'm Smart, and I Know Everything" is a charming look at the mind of a young girl - how they think, how they view the world, and how they think the world should be. A look back from the future for many women so that they can laugh at how stupid - or how wise - they once were, "The Truth: I'm a Girl, I'm Smart, and I Know Everything" is a top pick for community library humor collections.

This is a fantastic book ! All women at all ages will gain by reading it. I believe we know our own "truth" deep inside, but as the world closes in with information overload and a speeded up clock, we forget more and more until we find ourselves on autopilot. And then you read this book and a door cracks open a little, and then more and more. You start to remember who you wanted to be.
But, this book does even more, it encourages discussion between mothers and daughters, within families, teachers and students, between friends.
How can one girl writing a diary do this ? That is the answer , it can!

"The Truth" is a wonderful chance all of us to travel back to simpler times and the dawn of girl power. Dr. Holstein's book shares the joys ,concerns and everyday adventures of a preteen girl who is remarkable in her ordinariness. Holstein cleverly leaves us wanting more and wondering if the writer remains true to herself in adulthood by honoring the heedful promises she lists. A must read time capsule and tribute to the lost art of keeping a diary.

For everyone who thinks she's the only one who ever experienced something, here's a look at some pretty universal emotional and intellectual reactions on the road to womanhood. It will make women remember where they come from and whom they really are, and for the child they share it with, it will help her know she's not the only one who ever had questions and wise opinions that adults just don't get or have forgotten. I saw my young self in many of these diary pages, though in many cases under somewhat dissimilar circumstances. It was a pleasure to read and a great way to reconnect to the sisterhood called "growing-up female" that helps the generations understand each other.

The Truth (I'm a girl, I'm smart and I know everything) is a slim volume full of much wisdom. Told in honest, childlike diary form, the entrancing story of an eleven year old girl emerges--her hopes, her fears, her struggles, her new awarenesses and her advice. It is the story of a child on the verge of growing up and it is a touching portrait that cleverly weaves in all the psychological hurdles in a girl's young life. Pertinent questions are provided at the back to help children better understand the issues presented in the book. A wonderful teaching tool!

Perfect for any woman considering (or having committed to) the daunting task of moving your rear off the couch and on to the track! So funny, so honest, so motivational and realistic everyone who reads this book will finish it just as I did, totally inspired and ready to start the journey! I've already purchased my Water-Holder Butt Thingy and modeled it to the laughter of my family... Thanks Dawn for showing me I can actually do this!

I picked up The (Non)Runner's Marathon Guide for Women last month after finishing Claire Kowalchik's book about running for women (you can read the review here). I wanted a running book with which I could better relate. I'm a super slow runner and didn't even make it onto any of the charts in Kowalchik's book, which was a little defeating for me. So when I read about Dais' book, which tracks her struggle through training for a marathon, while also giving great tips for people who have never really run before, or haven't run much at least.

I loved this book because I related so well with the things Dais talked about. She talked about feeling discouraged because every time she went out for a run she would end up right back where she started. She also describes her first trip to the running store where she learned about the importance of shoe fit, spandex and bodyglide (which I had never heard of until reading this book). She includes some great stretches, as well as a 20-week training schedule for both a marathon and a half marathon. She also leaves space for journaling, and for answering questions she poses, such as "Why are you running this marathon?" and "What was life like before you began training and after"?

An example before and after from her book:

Vitamins
Before: Do the rainbow of fruit flavors in Skittles count?
After: Pills the size of marshmallows washed down with one of my thirty-two gallons of water.

For me, the best part of this book were the personal journal entries from when Dais was training for her own marathon. Dais' perspective is so true to how I think most new runners feel that it's hard not to laugh out loud (I couldn't read this book in public because I kept snorting at her writing). Here's a sample:

"This weekend my little calendar o' runnin' said that I had to run sixteen miles. Is it me or is this number just getting ridiculous? Sixteen miles. What possible reason could one ever have for running sixteen miles? After about Mile 10, just call a cab and save yourself a lot of effort. Hell, call me. I'll give you a lift. Believe me, it's just not worth it. One fun fact about sixteen miles - that's about how far away hell is. I know you'd think it'd be farther away, at least as far as Fresno. But you'd be wrong. Actually, I think I hit hell around mile 14, so it's an even shorter trip."

If you're new to running, or even if you've been running a long time, I highly suggest picking up Dais' book because it'll remind you of what it was like when you started and why you run. It'll also remind you that you're not the only one who suffers for running. If you are training for a marathon though, I suggest picking up some other books as well. Dais' book is great for moral support, but I think there are some others out there that would add a little more technical support, unless of course you have your own personal trainer.

As usual I came up with a great idea... I will run a marathon! This latest idea was met with the usual roll of the eyes and "just letter have her little dream" attitude. I started looking for information on running and came across this book. I headed on down to the bookstore (because wild ideas and inpatients are some of my most charming qualities) and I couldn't wait to have it shipped. I had to have it NOW! I read it cover to cover and about 80% out loud to the whole family. We were all cracking up and it has motivated me to get off my A double snakes and really do this. Now... I have run in the past... but not the last 5 years so we will see how it goes but this book is a true inspiration and a joy to read... even if you're not going to try something insane like run for 26.2 miles. READ IT READ IT READ IT... Aloha and see you on December 14th at the finish line... Hopefully not on a stretcher!

I read the 10th spandex joke. Geez, the jokes were funny at first but by the time I made it not even halfway through the book they were SO annoying. She kept repeating the same things and about how much she HATES running. Enough already. I do not get the point of writing a running book if you hate running so much. I have run marathons before so I guess it is my fault for reading a non-runner's marathon book.
I just wanted something motivating to read. I did not realize she hated running though. I want to read Chipper Jen's journal. Now that would help me!
Yes, this book is definitely for beginner marathoners BUT definitely join a running group for your marathon training. My training schedules were completely different than the one's in her book so I do not care for those either. Jumping from week 5 at 60 mins to week 6 at 90 minutes is almost a 3 mile jump. How can that be right? For a newbie no less?
If you join a marathon training group for the first time and read this book you will probably find many similarities and enjoy the book.
OR if you HATE running and are running a marathon (which is pure stupidity to me--why torture yourself if you do not like running????) this book would be perfect for you.
For seasoned marathoners you might find the jokes stupid and annoying after awhile..

I had not run a race in 10 years. This did not bother me at at all. Until about 6 months after I was diagnosed with a serious kidney condition and my doctor uttered the words " Well, you'll probably never run a marathon, but you can still exercise." A few days later I saw Dawn Dais's book The Non-Runner's Marathon Guide for Women in REI, and picked it up. As I started to flip through the pages I knew then that my little Asian doctor was going to be wrong, oh so very wrong.

Dawn Dais's book not only encouraged me to train and finish the 2008 San Diego Rock and Roll marathon, it also just plain made me laugh out loud every step of the way. Too many runners take themselves so seriously it intimidates all the rest of us flailing along the trail. If you love sarcasm and have a gift for laughing at yourself you will love this book. It makes even more sense if you've ever trained for a really long race as an adult, having never really done anything more strenuous than Spanish club in high school.

Wow! If I'd only read this book sooner. Dr.Cheryl lets you know that even if you've made nothing but mistakes in your relationship, there is still hope. Her book guides you through restoring and rebuilding the love and trust you once had. Thanks for the encouragement!

Cheryl's book couldn't have been timelier in my life. I read Commitment Chronicles over two flights from my home in Asheville, NC to Amherst, MA to visit a remarkable man who is not only my true love soul mate, but is also my adoring husband, devoted life partner and blissful lover. During these two long visits we engaged in a series of intensely inspiring, daringly open conversations which led up to the sharing of sacred vows on the Amherst City Hall common on July 23, 2007. Being courted by Chris Kilham is quite an experience, let me tell you. During the wild wave body surf of the romance and throughout the subsequent transition of what we have fondly dubbed THE MERGER, Cheryl's witty words of wisdom settled in my psyche as holistic health and sustainability marriage mantra. My husband is an extraordinary man with a life force and career that is powerful and enticing. I am a strong and creative and self aware woman with a true calling and discplined dedication to my work. Even so, I have to be very careful, I mean proactively so, or I feel my own vision/mission being sort of... sucked in... by my husband's charisma. Cheryl's book reminds me that it is my responsibility to hold true to my own path of heart. Ultimately I must thrive within the union not only for myself but for the longevity of the union as well. By doing so, what I am finding is that I nurture this divine almost so divine it feels decadent combination of Real and Surreal Love with Chris. What could be better!?

Every young woman should buy this book for herself and then buy more copies as precious gifts to her Mom, girlfriends, and sisters. Cheryl, you will lower the divorce rate with your book. But,even more importantly, you give us the steps needed for ALL women to cherish and love themselves. You have given me the most precious gift of a lifetime and I think you with all my heart. I love you. Sandy Conard

Dear Dr. Cheryl,

Thank you for your honesty and writing straight from your heart. Yours is the only relationship book that is fun and filled with wisdom for all of us. I now know I am powerful enough to do anything!---Even things I used to be insecure or too depressed to do. You have taught me how to get my "Wild Women Vitality" back. I will always be grateful for your humor and love for us readers.

Your biggest fan,

Sue Barker

Cheryl McClary's humorous and optimistic perspective on commitment has produced a treasure. This book is both lighthearted and serious, and supplies proactive, introspective journaling and action guidance for women who want their commitments to add value, joy and fun to their every day.

Having perceived Jo to be confident, successful and
calm, I was completely surprised to find in her book
the doubts, search and struggles Jo had gone through
to reach the stage of peacefulness. She was
courageous to reveal the secret of her life and the
deepest emotions. By doing so, she not only helped
herself to reconcile with her past, but also helped
many who may be in the middle of the struggle. I
appreciate her candidness and reflection on life in
this book.

I have formed many business friendships over the last 30 years but none have been more honest or insightful than the one I have with Jo. I met Jo in the late 1980's, not knowing anything about her upbringing, knowing only her reputation as an excellent businesswoman, motivator and teacher.

After reading about her Mom, Dad, the "hood" in Philadelphia, her first marraige, and then the journey to restart her life, I was in awe. These experiences were the DNA of her wisdom and they are powerful and moving.

For those of us boomers, who survived the 60's and our upbringing, Jo brings us candidness and honesty, letting us revisit all the testing, trumoil, and love of finding oneself.

A generation of women will relate to Jo's situation as a woman in the 1960's who was ready to fly but got no clear signal from the air traffic controller. Jo's powers of description enable you to feel what it was really like to grow up in the Philadelphia of the 50's and to be raised by a Mother whose dreams for her resulted in mixed signals and a Father who liberated her...yet kept her back at the same time.

Jo takes you through a panoply of life shaping experiences and many will recognize their own feelings and fears as she describes the dragons that have shown up on her path.

Her experience as a New Yorker who went through 9/11...on site...as it was happening...was the fork in the road that left her unable to go on without facing the choices she can and must make. The only thing lacking in this touching work is...the sequel.

what a wonderful gift this book is to anyone who reads it. I am in awe of Jo's willingness to share so much with her readers...to allow herself to be so vulnerable. In doing so she allows her readers to connect with her in a soul to soul way that is very rare in books or in life. Her description of her " diving moments" reminds of my own - and how critical it is to be conscious and present in my life.

Everyone's life journey is unique. Reading about pivotal moments and life choices of others can provide insights into our own choices and choice points. To read the unsent letters and journal entries that provide glimpses into most private thoughts was amazing. Thank you for sharing these intimate details so that others can learn. Your journey is an inspiration and I look forward to reading about the next evolution in your journey.

This is book is at the top of my all time favorite books as a child(I'm 21 now). I read this book a million times over and if I could find it I'd do it again. This novel definately molded my reading as a child and I can't be more thankful of it. Interesting and difficult to pull away from this book draws you in. I think I might go and re-buy both this book and Wise Child to read just for summer fun!

After reading Wise Child I was very happy to discover Juniper. It is the story of Juniper and how she became a doran after enduring her teaching from Euny. The story is well written like Wise Child. I recommend reading this book especially if you enjoyed Wise Child.

The prequel to Wise Child, Juniper is the story of Ninnoc, know as Juniper, a medieval princess sent to apprentice under her godmother. Juniper leaves her friends, family, and the comforts of her father's small palace to live with Euny, her grandmother, in a small cold shack on the edge of the kingdom. Under Euny's care she toils throughout the day, eats little, and sleeps poorly, all with the promise that, in time, Euny will teach her the knowledge and ways of a doran, the women of the world who live alongside the rhythms of nature and use their skills and magic to help others. While Juniper spends a year and a day at Euny's shack, her father's castle comes under attack by her aunt, and evil sorceress who wants the kingdom for herself. Juniper's first task as a doran will be to use her powers and what Euny has taught her to defeat her aunt and save her father's kingdom. While I prefer Wise Child, Juniper is also an engrossing, worthwhile read. Many of the same themes are present, especially the concept that nothing worthwhile comes without a price. Juniper's story is darker than Wise Child's: Euny is a tough task master and Juniper's aunt is a more immediate and threatening foe. In exchange, the elements of magic are larger and more visible. While perhaps not as enjoyable or as skillfully crafted as Wise Child, Juniper provides interesting backstory and continues to examine the path of a doran--how they learn, what their purpose is, and what trails they must face. I recommend this text, especially as a prequel to Wise Child.

Despite the similar storyline, Juniper is very different from its sequel, Wise Child. Both stories are about young women who live with a doran, working hard and suffering in order to learn from her and train to be dorans themselves. However, Juniper deviates from Wise Child's focus on the nature of love and family: unlike Wise Child, Juniper comes from a stable and loving home. Rather, Juniper's story is about assessing one's own skills and finding one's own path, even if that path takes you far away from the comfort and desires of your youth. This theme of self-discovery is worthwhile and interesting to readers of all age groups: it's instructive and comforting to the young, and reminds older readers that the sacrifice and reward of self-discovery is never really over.

Perhaps the biggest difference between Wise Child and Juniper is the role of magic in the books. In Juniper, magic plays a much more visible role and doesn't fit into the world as we know it quite as well as it does in Wise Child. Talking animals, transforming sorcerers, and magical items all transform the visibility and role of magic. While not as extreme as it could be (there are no dragons here), magic is more obvious and harder to explain in this book. As a result, the story is a little more distant and harder to identify with than Wise Child, making for a less sucessful book. Juniper's story is more exciting, with a more physical and exciting climax, but on the whole it isn't as successful or as enjoyable as Wise Child.

Nonetheless, Furlong writes in a clear, readable style, her characters are realistic and easy to identify with, an the lessons contained within the book are worthwhile and personal. It is a fitting companion to Wise Child and contains many of the concepts and themes that make that book so wonderful. As a prequel, this book successfully provides backstory and characterization that should interest anyone that has read Wise Child. I do recommend this text, primarily but not only as a sequel, and I like to come back to it every couple of years.

If you have read Wise Child...(I don't know, I read Wise Child first--I don't know if that's out of order or not)...anyway, this is a great book to go along with Wise Child. The books are imaginative and fun to read, and I'm not even a kid anymore...she just makes them fun for all ages to read...I highly recommend this book...

I hope this helped you...

I'm a guy (you know the drill - testosterone has me rooting for the robots in the terminator movies) with 3 young daughters and so story time for me can be it's own kind of hell, overpopulated with too many thoughtful ponies, joyous princesses and other terrors from the Id.

Juniper at least is a story that can engross a child while being satisfying to the adult reader. I never once had the urge to plunge my head through the sheetrock in the bedroom whereas when forced to read stories like the Pony Pals, that's all I can think about. The wise women in Juniper are are a bit too knowing and all seeing, the plot a bit formulaic but other than that, it's a story of growing up, persistence against adversity good and evil, courage and adventure and some things in between. Same holds through the rest of the trilogy: Wise Child and Colman though they're not written in order.

I suspect that these stories catch the mind of young girls more than boys and are aimed more at a female audience. I don't know if I would have read it by myself, but with mission to read to my daughters, it was an enjoyable journey. I could see adult women enjoying this for it's own sake. In any case the books of this trilogy are well above the average children's fare for girls or for boys. Definitely worth the price of admission.

I so enjoyed reading this book. My daughter was in Mali with the PC 10 yrs after Kris so I had a different perspective than the average reader. We so need to appreciate the health care we have in America, as flawed as it sometimes is. I would strongly recommend this book to anyone who is thinking of going into the health care field or anyone who is thinking of going into a third world country.

As a social scientist working with, and on, indigenous people's issues I read a lot of contemporary ethnographies. Most that I read are largely out of date by the time they reach publication. This is simply because of the nature of the discipline: taking time to do the fieldwork, writing up the manuscript, finding a willing publisher, and the overall book production process all take time. As a result, in a world that changes by the day, more often then not when an ethnography is finally published the material within it is often dated. Social scientists have tried to work around this disciplinary "time drag" by focusing on particular cultural phenomena rather then looking at the culture itself as a whole. Monique and the Mango Rains is an example of one of these modern ethnographies, where the central focus of the book is on midwifery and childbirth in Mali, and the Minianka indigenous people and culture are more part of the contextual background then the actual focus of the book.

Focusing on Fatumata - the author Kris Holloway's Malian name - and her Peace Corps experience among the Minianka indigenous peoples in Mali's southeastern region near the Burkina Faso border, the book is a deeply personal narrative about the rhythms of West African life and death. The Minianka (also known as the Mamara, Miniyanka, Minya, Mianka, Minyanka, or Tupiire) are an indigenous group speaking a northern Senufo language used by about 700,000 people in southeastern Mali and northwestern Burkina Faso. Mali is one of the economically poorest countries in the world - the average Malian earns roughly the equivalent of $210 US dollars per year. Compounding this extreme level of poverty is the fact that very few people in Mali have electricity, running water, telephones, or access to modern healthcare. Most women are married by the age of eighteen and have an average of seven children - the risk of death during childbirth and pregnancy is among the top ten in the world. It is here, in the remote southeastern corner of Mali that the author was stationed for two years, and where she met and befriended the local village midwife, Monique Dembele.

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The relationship between Fatumata and Monique is what makes this book succeed as it offers a unique glimpse into the day-to-day lives of the Minianka indigenous people and their contemporary struggles. The rarity of this glimpse is that we are given access to a component of Minianka life not often shared with the outside world - the inner realm of womanhood, midwifery, and childbirth. "I couldn't believe that here, in this dilapidated box, Monique, with a sixth-grade education and nine months of medical training, was birthing babies. Lots of babies" (Holloway 2007: 8). However, as we learn, not only was Monique the midwife - and thus responsible for the future of her village - but she was also a doctor and respected elder. The larger role that Monique played in her village is revealed in the deeply personal narratives presented throughout the book. For example, several times throughout the book Monique confides in Fatumata about her struggles and frustrations: Monique told Fatumata, "He has had many attacks of malaria over the past few months. It has caused severe anemia, and now diarrhea. He is also malnourished. The mother didn't know what to do. She had not heard about malaria prevention and drugs. ... I can do nothing. I don't have IVs. I don't have serum. These women must bring me their children before they get so sick, then I have ways of helping them" (Holloway 2007: 30-31).

Broken into thirteen chapters, the book chronicles Fatumata's relationship with Monique during several important cultural events for the Minianka indigenous peoples: the building of a new birthing hut, governmental revolution in Mali, and the death and birth of several community members. Filling an important gap within the contemporary literature dealing with indigenous peoples in West Africa, Monique and the Mango Rains is the perfect book for undergraduate classes, applied researchers and activists, or simply the interested reader.

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Indigenous Peoples Issues & Resources
http://indigenouspeoplesissues.com

If you care about Africa, women's rights, birth, and making a difference, then this is the book to read. Hard to put down once you start. Wish you could work in Africa? Read this book and "go there"!!

I'm going to Mali next week to help build a school in a village there. I read this book in preparation for my travels. I could clearly visualize what everyday life is like in a small village in this country and the hurdles the people must overcome in order to live a healthy, productive life there. The midwife, Monique felt like a friend by the end of the book. I will not forget this story!

This wonderful book brought me back to my own time as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Mauritania. I have shared it with my family. Ms. Halloway's prose has given my family some idea what my life was like --20 years after my return home. Her book has done more for that understanding than all of my pictures and letters home Thank you for this treat. I am trying to get all of the students at nursing school to read it.