Massachusetts Books

This was a Social Studies book. The book is interesting as it describes a day in the life of a Pilgrim girl using text and photographs from Plymouth Plantation. Anthony D. Fredericks recommended it in Social Studies Through Children's Literature and you can find accompanying questions and activities there. Recommended for grades K-3rd.

My daughter studied colonial history in fourth grade, in Virginia, and I ordered a few books for her on the topic and as soon as the books arrived, she chose this one first and sat down and read the whole thing! She loved it.

....then you will enjoy purchasing this book. This book is a real-life look at a day in the life a of pilgrim girl. It shows great photographs of a little pilgrim girl's clothes and her day to day living conditions. This book will say in pictures what a hundred descriptions cannot convey to a kid. A great teaching book.

Sarah Morton's Day: A Day in the Life of a Pilgrom Girl is an exceptional teaching tool for the young "history detectives" in your circle. Textbooks are never enough. What better way to understand that the "story" of history happened to real people who looked just like us, had needs and families just like us, but lived a different lifestyle because of the time in which they lived.

Follow this up with a visit to a museum, and the story of our history becomes very real!

This is a wonderful book, and I highly recommend it.

Sarah Morton's Day: A Day in the life of a Pilgrim Girl and its partner books about Samuel Eaton a Pilgrim boy and Tapenum"s Day about a Wampanoag Indian boy are excellent. I used all three in teaching about Massachusetts history. The books are well researched. The setting is Plymouth Plantation where reenactors wear authentic clothing and use authentic reproductions of tools, furniture, etc. The books depict children's work, play, families, homes and clothing. The books should be in every school library.

these unknown authors have found a way to look at the wolrd in a way i have never seen before, and although i will never truely be able to understand their vision i am luck to have been able to see just a small part of it.

these unknown authors have found a way to look at the wolrd in a way i have never seen before, and although i will never truely be able to understand their vision i am luck to have been able to see just a small part of it.

most enlightning book of poetry i've ever read in my life. it speaks of the hardships an up and coming poet goes through. A must read for all poetry fans

From Zachary Dempster's abstract visuals, Alex Gang's subtle humor, James Leon Suffern's and Matthew Moon's vocal wordslinging, Jen Makholm's postmodernist word play, John Kersey's storytelling, Matt Levy's linguistic brillance, and the duel poetic geniuses of Janaka Stucky and Scott Creney, this is one of the best collections of young poets to grace the American stage.

My brain split like a fresh apple the first time I read this book. This book, a grenade; a bird soaring westward over the graves of dead poet laureates, its wings' flapping roar like the sound of communication breaking down. A must for your musty shelf. Get your hands on it. I swear.

Denise Hunter amazed me in this story. I enjoy allegories, and she skillfully created a love story which reflects on the love of God and His heart. I have a shelf in my office of favorites and Denise's books are there consistently. She won a new fan with her book Surrender Bay and I still tell people about it, though I read it last year. Her follow up "The Convenient Groom" was very well done, too.

This is the first Denise Hunter book I have read and I couldn't stop reading. After reading all the books of some of my favorite authors like Karen Kingsbury, Dee Henderson and Lori Wick, I searched on amazon.com for a good book to read. I thought Surrender Bay sounded like a good book, but I was blown away at how much I enjoyed this book. I picked it up one evening, after putting my children to bed, to read a few chapters and to check out if I liked Denise Hunter's writing syle. I read the entire book in five hours. Denise Hunter is an amazing author. I was never bored and my mind never wandered throughout the entire story. Great job. I can't wait to read her other books, especially her next book to be released The Convenient Groom.

Not a review as of yet -haven't finished the book but I am enjoying it thus far. Just want to let the author know (page 111) that there are no traffic lights on Nantucket. Part of the charm. Looking forward to the rest of the book.

I love a romance with deep emotion, a bit of angst, and plenty of romantic tension. Well this story packs a powerful punch in all three areas. It's an allegory and one of the coolest examples I've ever read. There are many, many women in this world who are just like Samantha, and there are many people in this world who are running from Christ as well. If He only knew what my heart was really like, they think, then there is no way He could love me. Wrong. And this story so beautifully illustrates that point. Samantha wanted Landon so badly, yet she was terrified of his intense love. And the scenes where he showed his love to her were so beautiful and powerful! Oy, I loved that. It literally swept me away.

Though God is never mentioned in this story you still see His love on every page. In Samantha's thoughts you hear the same doubts that Satan often puts in people's heads. Don't trust him. Don't let anyone love you. It hurts too much when they leave you. Poor Sam was abandoned by so many people, and that affected every stupid decision she made. And she made plenty of them. Quite a few you experience right along with her. The sense of desperation and self-loathing is multiplied with every wrong choice until she thinks there is no way that he could really love her. Not if he knew. And just like she hurt Landon in so many ways, we hurt God by rejecting His unconditional love.

When Sam returns to Natucket with her daughter Caden to fix up the childhood home she inherited upon her stepfather's death, she finds more waiting for her than she bargained.

I loved Hunter's skillful weaving in of back story and her often brilliant way with words. While Sam struggles at times to be forthcoming with our hero, Landon, about certain situations, Hunter shows us in this well-painted story that fear and doubt often bind us in ways we can't easily undo.

I highly recommend Surrender Bay. Like authors would be Sue Monk Kidd for pacing and literary beauty.

I was honored to be a witness to some of the early discussions between Ed Brooke and his former colleagues and staff as this book was being written. As you read this special book you will also feel like you have been granted a front row seat to the making of history. At a time when political fundamentalism was starting to again flex its ugly muscles in our government, Senator Edward Brooke was a voice of moderation and wisdom for both Democrats and Republicans. This book, by one of the great politicians of our time, reminds us what political leadership can (and should) be like. More Ed Brooks are needed in our government today. I have known Ed and his family as both his priest and friend since 1982, and I can honestly say that Ed Brooke is, at the core of his being, a caring, compassionate, and courageous man of faith with a wonderful sense of humor. He doesn't talk about "family values;" he lives them! I strongly recommend BRIDGING THE DIVIDE to all who appreciate the history of our wonderful nation and who value the dedication and skill of men and women like Senator Brooke. They have truly made our country a better place.

The Rev. Dr. Prentice Kinser III, Author of Limitless Living, A Guide to Unconventional Spiritual Exploration and Growth

I had the good fortune to serve in the Massachusetts state senate as a Republican during Senator Ed Brooke's second term. Though I was more conservative than he, he always unstintingly leant me his support, help and advice. His defeat in 1978, aided by right-wing Republicans, was a great loss to the Commonwealth, the country and, not least to the Republican party. Increasingly the crazies in each party are dragging the process toward the fringes. But elections are won nationally by center-right coalitions or center-left coalitions. The collapse of the center in the Republican party portends renewed Democratic dominance of American politics. A Republican party without room for the talent and convictions of an Ed Brooke will increasingly marginalize itself.

There are some great political stories in Bridging the Divide, not least about Hillary Clinton, and you will get your money's worth from reading them. But this book should be read by everyone who cares about the future of the Republican party--and the nation. The increasing mean-spiritedness of both parties, and the increasing focus on narrow wedge issues, creates a great danger for the Republic. Just as the Democrats need more centrists, the Republican party needs more men and women like Ed Brooke. Where are they to come from?

Robert A. Hall
Author of "The Good Bits."

"Bridging the Divide" is a fantastic read, a portrait of the nation's first African-American Senator and the only black person in that position - thus far - to be re-elected. The book profiles Senator Edward Brooke's life and emphasizes his incredible ability to connect with people despite racial or political barriers. An African-American, Episcopalian, and Republican, he was sent to the Senate and maintained strong support from the people of Massachusetts, a state with a large white, Roman Catholic, and Democrat population.

Senator Brooke's writing is full of great references to how far our country has come in the battle against racism and destructive politics. Whether the Senator is describing his controversial decision to jump into the Senate race, or the day he jumped into the Senate swimming pool with Strom Thurmond, his words are poignant, intellectual, and awe-inspiring. You are sure to laugh, ponder, smile - maybe even cry.

One need not be a history buff or political powerhouse to enjoy this book. It is a fantastic read for those who love their country and enjoy learning about the type of people that make our nation so strong. I enjoyed it thoroughly, and recommend it to all of my friends. If you're looking for a good read this summer (or for any time of year), "Bridging the Divide" is it.

Leave it to Massachusetts to send the first Black Senator elected by popular vote to Congress. The heavily, 98% white Democrat State overwhelming supported him for the state's highest National Office even though he was the "Republican" candidate. Senator Brooke was elected in a landslide by the voters of his liberal state because he had already proven he was an honest, hardworking, devoted, corruption-fighting Attorney General for the Commonwealth. Once in the U.S. Senate he continued to prove he was a wise man with strong core beliefs including his devotion to the Political Party of Abe Lincoln. He was responsible for many important civil rights laws. One of his bills gave women their own credit. They no longer had to have their husbands okay to borrow money and get their own credit cards. Senator Brooke had gone from being a U.S. Army officer leading the Italian Partisans behind German lines during WW II to become a strong, outspoken Statesman Senator. Congress very much needs more peacemakers like Senator Edward Brooke. This book is a fascinating read. Readers can't help but finish the book and still be utterly amazed that Republican Brooke was ever elected to any office in Massachusetts. Unfortunately, he has proven to be one of a kind so far. But there is always hope for the future.

As I was reading a newspaper article about this book recently it occurred to me that I hadn't heard Edward Brooke's name in a long time. After finishing his book, I'm glad I remember him. Though not from Massachusetts myself, I did follow his career when he was in the Senate.

Senator Brooke writes forcefully on a number of issues....the racism he faced growing up in Washington D.C. and which followed him into the U.S. Army in the Second World War, his political losses before he finally won a race and especially about his family. With particular care he tells us of his difficult first marriage and his loving second one, complete with an estrangement for many years from his two daughters.

While getting into "Bridging the Divide" it became clear that Edward Brooke was a man of discipline and high principle. I was just about to ask myself why he never made it onto the U.S. Supreme Court when Brooke says that President Nixon actually considered him for a seat on the high court. Brooke turned it down to stay in the Senate, feeling he was too young to take on a judicial role. It's too bad because I think he would have made an excellent Supreme Court justice.

Edward Brooke is reminiscent of the days when the Senate was a kinder place. There are very few people in his category these days....moderate to liberal Republican. His was part of the Republican party I remember growing up...one that has changed drastically. Senator Brooke's contributions to our country have been many and I'm glad he's still around to write about it. "Bridging the Divide" is a book I highly recommend.

Though I am a little older than Dr. Edelin and only met him about 16 months ago when he gave the keynote address at the annual national convention of a group called Medical Students for Choice, I have followed his amazing and impressive career since I frist read of his indictment by an incredably biased and racist prosecutor in what was then the narrow minded and mostly Irish Catholic and racist controlled city that was Boston during the late 60s and early 70s.

Dr. Edelin's and my own story have many parallels, though I was born "poor white" into a racist culture in rural Arkansas and except for 4 years in the US Navy, have lived in this culture all of my life.

Dr. Edelin tells an gripping story of his childhood and young manhood in a racist society, one where he had to be smarter, kinder, better trained and better prepared than any of his white colleagues to even be allowed to attempt to realize his dreams of being a doctor and treating his patients with skill, compassion and amazing courage.

His is a story of liars, and honest men and women, of dedicted physicians and more than a few doctors and residents willing to lie, misguide and misdirect the jury of their, not Dr. Edlin's, peers. And always, the two major villians show up again and again, to do their best to figuratively lynch this incredably skilled, brave and capable young Black man... just because they thought they could, though he was guilty of nothing more than doing his best to treat his patients as he would like to be treated himself.

And he had a Judge who should have been impeached for incompetance, and a prosecutor who should have been hung. I wonder just how many innocent young men he sent to prison for life and to be killed so he could advance his career. Broken Justice? Sounds like Catholic Justice gone mad.

I was a pediatric resident when Dr. Edelin was there and also knew the resident who accused him, who was a real piece of work. Loved the book!

I have met Dr Edelin in 1975 and have known him during the post trial years. His motivation for the work he has done is nothing but honorable .. a man following his beliefs for the good and welfare of people. This book demonstrates, once again, the broken legal system, with all of its prejudice in a very polarized city,not unlike many tainted trials. In Ken's instance, it is shameful of our legal system to have put this esteemed and caring doctor through the ringer for selfish and biased reasons. Once I began this book, I couldn't put it down.

Broken Justice captures its reader's attention from the very first page. This book is not only a story of a young Black doctor fighting for his rights in racist Boston, but fighting for the rights of all Women, in Boston and through out this country. It is hard at times to turn the page because of the injustice that keeps emerging on each page, but at the same time it is hard not to keep going so as to find out how this young doctor continued to survive through this treacherous time in his life, because the book grips you and forces you to continue.

This book is a must read for people of all ages, genders and races. If we are to unite as a country, it is pertinent for all of us to understand everyone's struggle. Dr. Edelin fought for himself, but more importantly he selflessly fought for others. And 30 plus years after his trial he still fights and believes in the same rights as he did then. Thank you for giving this book to us!

I have known Dr. Edelin for a number of years and always have found him to be an engaging speaker and a great storyteller. This book did not disappoint. It is amazing to imagine one person going through what he went through....the turn of events was such that I couldn't believe that it was a non-fiction book!

This is an important book on the subject of Roe vs Wade and the parallels to a John Grisham novel in describing the court room scenes are accurate. I felt the energy of the 70's and his experiences as a young man faced with such a frightening indictment. Where it differs from John Grisham novels that I have read is that this was the first book I had where someone had gone in-depth into the medical profession and explained it in a way that made sense to a non-doctor. He makes the medical world accessible and interesting in the same way that Grisham and Turow have made the legal world accessible and interesting.

Overall this is a great read and one that I have already recommended to many others.

I was trying to come up with a birthday gift idea for my sister-in-;aw, when it hit me--why not a selection of some of my favorite books of all time. This is one of them. It is a classic in the women's history fiction genre, a great read, dramatic, strong narrative drive and very edifying. It takes place in the mills in New England in the 19th century and its protagonist is one of the most fascinating characters I have read. There's a reason it is still in print--because it is still gripping readers long after its initial publication date. You won't be able to put it down!!

Zaroulis describes the carriage trip of the Agent (boss) of the biggest textile mill up Church St., crossing the Concord river, going up the hill till it becomes Andover St. and the neighborhood of Belvedere where his home was along with other now almost 200 year old mansions. I walked the very route so many times to visit girlfriends being oblivious to the history I was walking along. Our schools taught us next to nothing of Lowell's history and so I left a city, badly in need of CPR, in '58 to go off to the completely different world of LA to go to USC. Reading Zaroulis many years later, I could again walk, because of here attention to detail, many streets/neighborhoods of my youth....albeit in my mind...and come to belatedly, greatly appreciate the men and women who made my life possible. If you ever go to New England, don't miss a day or two visiting the exhibitions of the mills, canals, and boarding houses as part of the National Park Service's restoration. Include the American Textile Museum for its recreation as well of what it was like working in the huge rooms of looms. Once piqued with "Call", I'll bet you'll want to go with Zaroulis as she follows a passenger of the Mayflower as he begins a genealogy up to the mid 1900s in her next book, Massachusetts.

I read this book a couple of years ago and have recommended it to a number of people. It is a well written account of a young woman's experiences in a Lowell mill. Not only does it cover the mill aspect but a good part of her life. It gave me a better outlook on what life must have been like for my grandparents who came to work in the mills of Rhode Island. Because of their exposure to the mill atmosphere, they suffered from the ailments associated with that type of work (grandfather died at 34/grandmother had "white lung"). I had no idea until I read this book, just what the working conditions were at the time. A must-read for those people interested in the industrial revolution and its effect on the people who worked in that system. Also provides a reason for the union movement in later years.

This historical novel gives an excellent and moving description of early New England life.. with special reference to some of the largest cotton mills in the U.S. I wish this author would do more. To bad all good things have to end, but the story did. I was fortunate to have found an "uncorrected proof" copy to read.

The author was way ahead of her time with the popularity of Angela's Ashes. Of course this book was written without the humor but the plight of the Irish was far more intense.

Today the book stores are filled with novels not more than 300 pages. This book left me emotionally fatigued. Now I must wait a week before I even try a new one because I cannot forget Zaroulis' writing.

I have not only read the book, and enjoyed it thoroughly, but my local watering hole has been blessed to have several pieces from the collection on loan. There is nothing like sipping a beer with a clown and monkey (with "bette davis eyes") looking over your shoulder. I have many art books, and often find myself disappointed with the reproductions, but there is no worry here. They are just as bad in the book as they are in person.

If you are in the Brooklyn, NY area... Stop into The Pioneer Lounge (Bar?) in Red Hook, Brooklyn to see a few select pieces. I don't know how long the MOBA exhibit will last, but it is really worth seeing.

The Museum of Bad Art is a long overdue book, and I was so happy to finally get a copy. This is the one art exhibit I would gladly pay to see in person.

I visited the MOBA at its cinema basement location in Massachusetts, and was enchanted. I am so glad that this book came out to help make the collection visible to a larger audience. Like bad poetry (see "Pegasus Descending" by Waldrop), bad art at its best is unbelievably hilarious. Some bad art is merely bad, but the utter sincerity with which the works in this collection were painted accounts for much laughter. If by some chance you can't tell why the thing is so bad, there are helpful titles and captions by the authors to explain it to you. My favorite is one called "Pals," in which a sad clown with five o'clock shadow is comforted by a monkey that has "Bette Davis Eyes!"

This is incomparable bathroom reading of the highest order. Do not read in public as your laughter will undoubtedly mark you as insane.

One of the funniest books I've ever seen. All my friends loved it- I'm an high school art teacher, and after years of perusing tedious, high concept modern dreck, Tom and Marie's book is just what the doctor ordered.My colleagues and I agreed that we've all done at least one artwork that should be in MOBA! There are so many bad pieces here, it's hard to say which is the worst ( or is the best?) Encore!

I started reading it before bed at about 11:00 p.m. and it was 2:00 a.m. when I finished it. Very good book. I would like to know if Daisy did okay after the book was over, but I guess we'll never know?

I enjoyed this book, but the story is very sad. This author did a great job of portraying the foster care system from a parenting perspective.

I love this book!!! It is very easy to read and is well written. The author has fostered hundreds of kids in her lifetime. Daisy is a foster child that is very special for many reasons, she is a challenge, she is from a well respected family and has extended family that loves her. This is the story of one special little girls turbulant begining and her recovery in foster care.

I love the book. Unfortunately, Amazon cannot always deliver to the correct address - so my order was canceled.

This was a very perceptive and honest protrayl of the challenges and heart warming experiences a foster mom faces with each placement. As a foster mother, I identified and empathized with her stories and situations of individual cases. She speaks from her heart. I would recommend this book to anyone who does foster care or who is interested in doing it, or who just wants a peak inside what it is like for us and the foster children we love and care for.

The Water's Edge is a beautifully-written saga . . . reminiscent of the literary classics that have withstood the test of time-a novel as lyrical and mesmerizing as Derek Walcott's Omeros. Parker's words and descriptions, artistically wrought, have shaped a haunting story that lingers with the reader long after the last page is turned."
RAINELLE BURTON, AUTHOR OF THE ROOT WORKER

"The Water's Edge" was definitely one book I could not put down! I felt I knew these people and what they went through. Parker's descriptions of the ship, the crossing, the tending to different baking fires, were all incredibly interesting without getting bogged down with technical aspects. I especially enjoyed Mary Cooper, Abigail and Ruth (what wonderfully good, strong women), as well as watching young Ben's boyhood's dreams develop into reality. Her creative fiction set to the backdrop of historical facts, made for an exciting, interesting and informative tale. Like all great books, I hated to see it come to an end.

I have read the "The Water's Edge" written by Virginia Bailey Parker. It is an excellent story blending fiction with obvious historical information. Providing the family trees was a wonderful way to help keep and sort the cast of characters. Katherine, Mary, Abigail, and Ben were my favorite people. The book ended well, but too soon. I hope Virginia will write a sequel so I can find out where their lives took them.

I passed the book along for others to read. I am hearing that they also have become enthralled with the book.

Place everything you need for personal survival within your reach before you open this book - because you won't be leaving the sofa until you've read the very last page. Masterfully woven, The Water's Edge brings the early days of Salem to life. This is the way History SHOULD be taught in schools, through the passion and courage of "the people" rather than droning lists of dates and laws. I read the entire volume in two days, unable to pull myself away - even ordered pizza for Sunday dinner so I wouldn't have to put it down to cook. My 76 year old mother read it the next weekend and was equally enthralled. I hope we don't have to wait 20 years for Virginia's next book, but even if it takes that long to write another as wonderful as The Water's Edge, I'll be first in line at the checkout counter.

"The Water's Edge" is a historical novel set in the 1600's in England and the fledgling colonies of the New World. For those who enjoy a storyline that follows a family or group of families through their daily life this will be a great read. The book follows three families from England to the American colonies as they seek a better life. Using the vehicle of a historical novel Virginia Parker does a masterful job of showing the complex relationships between the Quakers, the Puritans, the Indians, profit seekers, and those whose primary purpose was religious conversion. The reader comes to understand the difficulties of life in the colonies and many of the problems and triumphs to be had there. Become a part of the families as you live their hopes, their dreams, and their realities. A well-done, recommended book for anyone who enjoys fiction based on historical events.

My name is Debra Marlin. I am the author of "Yellowdog",and "Yellowpup".
Over the years so many have told me of the warm hearted reviews appearing
here on Amazon. Thank you so much. I'm glad that the images and text have
touched the hearts of so many. I just entered the realm of the internet or I would have written this sooner. Keep an eye on Amazon soon. I am about to
publish an extraordinary fine-art horse book and a follow-up to Yellowdog and
Yellowpup. The horse book is every bit as poignant, and mystical as the dog
books and just as beautiful. I spent four years in Carmel Valley, and Paso Robles, CA. shooting it. There is also a beautiful book soon to be released which is of the paintings from Yellowdog. It will be a signed and numbered limited edition. So many thanks to Amazon, for over the years so generously
promoting my books. I'm sure there will be many more. Sincerly Debby Marlin

After losing my Golden, Cody, after twelve years I have been walking around in a daze. This book helped me sort out my deep feelings of grief and absolute despair. These dogs are spirits in our lives, true soulmates. They are there for us through thick and thin and go far beyond being man's best friend. I could easily associate with Marlin's deep love and deep sense of loss. I wish I could sit with her over a cup of tea and just talk Goldens. A deeply passionate book.

This is a pictorial history of the author's love affair with her Golden Retrievers. The "story" is about 30 pages and the pictures about 50 or so. The story will grab you in your gut and hit you right in the heart of how you feel about your current (or former) Golden Retriever. The story about the cover photo is especially moving. For a non "how-to" book, this one is THE BEST!

My daughter bought me this book for Christmas two years ago. I haven't been able to read more than a few pages before I have to put it away. It is too moving. I know I will return to it after my 13 year old Golden has gone.

if you or anyone you know has lost a golden, there is no excuse for not buying this book. i have never found anything that could help me so much through the most difficult time in my life.

thank you debra.