N Books

I have purchased this author's books before. The cutouts are amazing and truly unique. Children are fascinated by the size and the intricasy of the cutouts. Nice addition to any book collection.

This is another wonderful Sabuda pop up you are sure to enjoy. The book contains six two-page spreads, each with a large and awesome pop up. Five spreads also have a partial-page flap that reveals a second pop up. The last spread, instead of a flap, has a unique surprise.

The story is a bit simple, but it works for me. It is about taking a walk in the quiet winter world and seeing all the activity that is happening under the blanket of snow. It is the only area I can see anyone finding fault, perhaps wanting a more engrossing storyline to interest kids. But I think they will be entertained by the pop ups and talk about their own winter walks.

The book overall is done in outdoor wintry colors, white, blue, and purple with green and brown plant life. The pages and cover also have glittering snow (with texture) and silvery water. The pop ups are mostly white. The pop ups are really fabulous and convey the surprise and awe you might have if you were the one taking the walk and seeing these things.

The pop ups open and close with relative ease. I sometimes feel a deer catching as I carefully close one spread, but it is aligned correctly and requires more force closing it or, on the careful side, a slight poke to the deer.

For families, I see this as a book that gets tucked away in holiday boxes. It can be brought out as a special treat. Young kids will continue to enjoy it when they are older because it is a holiday tradition. This book will also appeal to pop-up collectors.

*SPOILER ALERT* DESCRIPTION OF POP UPS
-Flying snowy owl, mice in a tree
-Foxes in a cave, leaping rabbit
-Bear hunting in stream near waterfall, fish leaping from water
-Deer frolicking, squirrels collection nuts
-Moose (turkey hiding in fallen tree), beavers
-FINALE-Glowing Christmas lights (when you pull the tab) on a little cottage surrounded by trees and most of the animals spied on the walk

I really liked the book, it is beautiful, but I ordered several books and many of them were damaged. Amazon was really good about exchanges, but it was still a pain. If you buy one, check it carefully for defects.

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/RRES1COIU0OLH This is a brief video overview of this classic Robert Sabuda pop-up book.

I stumbled on this book while reading a booklist on Amazon, and purchased it the same day. I collect pop up books, and this one is top notch! the binding and cover are sturdy and beautiful, and the pop ups inside are ornate. My kids and I love it, and it's on the shelf with all of the best children's collectible books!

A friend loaned me her copies of this series. I enjoyed them so much I wanted my children to be able to read them, but I was apprehensive about having them read her autographed copies, and they weren't available at our local library. I was so delighted to find them at amazon.com and at such a great price I just couldn't pass them up. This is one of those true classics, great for both kids and adults. Enjoy!

The third book in Alexander's Prydain Chronicles is certainly the most romantic of the five books--Taran practically admits to being attracted to Eilonwy and shows jealousy when he learns that she's being sent to the Isle of Mona not just for "princess training" but, rather, because a prince (Rhun, providing the book's comic relief) is her intended husband.

This book takes the form of a standard rescue-the-damsel-in-distress story but Alexander keeps the pace brisk and introduces new characters that will return in future books: Llyan, a giant mountain cat, and Glew, a giant. Dallben and Coll only appear in the opening chapters, but returning characters include wandering bard Fflewddur Fflam, Prince Gwydion, and evil Queen Achren.

I woouldn't say that this is the best book in the series (that would be The High King, in my opinion) but it's a close second.

The princess needs a bit of deportment apparently.


When you decide you need to work on the aristocratic side of a girl, of course you would send her off with a pig keeper and a beast man, wouldn't you?

Because of this, and a bit of a princess triangle, they all end up in a Land of the Giants type scenario, or at least in part.

Here, along with a bit of magic, is a fantasy book where a crow actually comes in useful as a good thing.

This is a great series. One of my favorites and my husband's favorites.

All of Alexander's main characters are back in this book (besides Doli I think), and once again Alexander does a wonderful job of portraying the battle of good vs. evil in the fun garb of a fictional adventure. This book highlights self-sacrafice, as Taran has to choose whether or not to help the man competing for the same things that he wants. It also highlights the immorality of selfishness, as Glew is pretty much selfishness incarnate and ends up stuck in a cave with no way to get out, until Taran and co. decide to be merciful to him even though he tried to kill them.

This books is lots of fun, definitely a recommended read, along with the rest of the series.

Overall grade: A-

A very colorful look at Mt. Everest from the Imax Everest expedition. Much better than the Imax movie itself, compelling images interspersed with informative commentary and history from a number of writers.

Compared to Everest: Summit of Achievement this is a lightweight introduction. Yes, you will want to own this and read it more than once. Yes, it's better than the Imax Everest movie (not saying much). Unfortunately this book shares some of the superficial qualities the Imax movie had. The editors would have done well to drive their razor-sharp crampons a bit more forcefully into their subject matter, if you catch my drift...

This is another awesome book to show Mount Everest. If you like nice pictures of mountains(especially Mount Everest), this is the best.

As a former climber, I've always been fascinated by Everest. This is a wonderfully written and beautifully photographed account of the ill-fated assault on Everest that took a number of lives.
Especially sad, since as I was reading it yesterday, we got word of the death of Sir Edmund Hillary.

A stunning photo-journal of Everest, focusing on the tragic/heroic month of May 1996. Excellent narrative accompanied by fantastic photographs.

I bought this book for the photography alone: this is as close as I am ever likely to get to the Himalayas.

The photographs are spectacular, and I can see why so many people are challenged to want to make the journey to Base Camp if not further. Appearances can be deceptive: beautiful colour photographs portray a seemingly benevolent picture of Everest which is quite at odds with reality.

Recommended for those with an interest in the Himalayas as well as to those who admire beautiful photography.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

I read this book years ago and was amazed and horrified by its content. Amazed because of the indomitable spirit of a man like Col. Rowe. Horrified because of the torture he endured at the hands of the enemy. Years later, as I became more interested in politics, I couldn't remember the author and thought it was a story of John McCain...both stories are so similar. Of course, with a little research, I learned the error of my ways and know they are two different people. However, now that Sen. McCain is running for President, because of the harrowing account of this book, I will vote for McCain because that kind of proven character encourages me to be a better American and, as said in Saving Private Ryan, I wish to "earn this."Five Years to Freedom: The True Story of a Vietnam POW

James Rowe's story is one that makes you appreciate how good we have things in our day to day lives. I love POW tales because I am always hoping the person(s) can find a way to escape to freedom. This story was fine but I would say a little darker & more depressing than most POW tales I have read.

Interesting but written more as a novel and not as an actual recount of his 5 year imprisonment in the hands of the North Vietnamese. The minute detail of his every recollection during his 5 years of captivity makes it difficult to believe that he himself wrote his memoirs. Nevertheless I salute him for his bravery, his will to survive and service to his country.

Incredible story of this man and other POW's in Vietnam. This is one of, if not the best, books I've ever read. One of the many points I took away was how the will to live sustained Nick Rowe and so many others. Maybe more so, it gave me an appreciation for the freedoms we take so much for granted. I finihed the book days ago, and can't get it out of my mind. Great book, Great leasons, Great man.

This book should be on everyone's "must read" list. It should also be on the must read list for evey high school student. This book is very well written and easy to follow. It is also very hard to put down once you start reading it. Being a Vietnam War Veteran myself, I would highly recomend this book to anyone.

I wish I could give this book more stars! Not only is this my 3 year old's favorite book, but mine as well! It teaches children that just because someone is different doesn't mean they are any less special than anyone else and that they can't do something as well. Wonderful book that teaches important values in life!

This is one of my top 5 favorite picture books! The story itself -about Gerald, a giraffe who can't dance and gets teased by the other animals but finds his own rhythm with the help of a cricket and then wow's the other animals with his dancing - is very endearing and easy for children to follow, all the while teaching a subtle lesson. What I especially love are the beautiful illustrations and wonderful rhyme and rhythm. The book is an absolute joy to read and look at. We never get sick of reading it. My husband thinks it's the best children's book ever, which is a big deal since he thinks most children's books are stupid or way too corny!

My father-in-law bought this book for my 3 year old daughter and she just loves it! It teaches empathy in such a cute and fun way! When Gerald falls while trying to dance all of the other animals laugh at him and he walks away sad. Gerald however is determined to dance and doesn't give up. Finally he finds his inner music and is a fantastic dancer. All of the other animals come around and can't stop watching him dance. This story is told in such great rhyme it is so much fun. After reading this book I looked up the author and bought an alpahbet book which ended up being equally as fantastic..."K is for Kissing a Cool Kangaroo"

Do you like calm and weird books? If you do then is the book for you. The story Giraffes Can't Dance is about a Giraffe who is very clumsy and can't dance and gets teased a lot by other animals. Then he figures out that there is something called a jungle dance that will happen in a couple of days and all the animals practice some in groups more then two like the baboons and some just two like the lions. So then he practices but it's no help. So then a wise cricket helps him practice. I won't tell you the hole story but I will give you some more details like the setting is the jungle and some of the characters are the Giraffe, the baboons, lions and more animals that you will love. I thought the authors message was that just because someone or something can't do some thing doesn't mean you shouldn't be their friend or bail on them. So if you want to see what happens by the book I am sure you will like it.

My children and I love this book, especially the rhymes and the exuberant, joyful illustrations by Guy Parker-Rees. Gerald is such a wonderful character. The book has already become a classic!

Great book on the plight of unwanted and abandoned animals and the humans who care enough to do something about it by rescuing them and finding homes for these homeless pets.

I thought it was an okay book, but as I was reading, I found myself skipping through all the blah blah blah to get to the actual animal stories. The stories about the animals were great, but you have to wade through a lot to get to them.

Terri Crisp is a dinosaur and hopefully she has been replaced by more enlightened people. She randomly euthenized every feral cat she came across, proclaiming that ferals are not adoptable and are basically a scurge. Obvioulsy she has never heard of T.N.R. programs. I was very disappointed in this book and in Crisp's actions and can only hope people will NOT use it as a guide to animal welfare. It is just one uneducated womens accounts of her exploits.

This is in response to the post about Terry Crisp's organization being investigated by California's Attorney General's office. This is what's posted on her website:

Noah's Wish Board of Directors, March 26, 2007

We are writing to inform you that Noah's Wish is in the midst of an ongoing civil investigation by the California Attorney General's office concerning funds received by Noah's Wish during Hurricane Katrina. The California Attorney General has taken the position that certain funds donated to Noah's Wish during this period, and its immediate aftermath, are restricted and may only be used for the animal victims of Hurricane Katrina, rather than the animal victims of other disasters or for general disaster preparedness. Noah's Wish disagrees with the Attorney General's position with respect to those funds, but is working cooperatively with the Attorney General toward a timely resolution of the dispute.

In response to the California Attorney General, Noah's Wish has set aside the disputed funds and agreed not to use those funds pending final resolution of the investigation. Noah's Wish is unable to predict when the matter will be resolved. Because Noah's Wish does not presently have access to the disputed funds, it is unable at this time to continue with its efforts to provide disaster preparedness services and volunteer training.

We will provide you with an update once we have resolved this matter.

We appreciate your patience and also wish to express our gratitude for all that you have done to support Noah's Wish in carrying out our charitable mission.

State probe forces animal-rescue nonprofit to close
Queries $8M raised in wake of Katrina
Sacramento Business Journal - March 30, 2007
by Kelly Johnson
Staff Writer
A local animal-rescue nonprofit that gained national attention for its work after Hurricane Katrina, sparking more than $8 million in donations, was shutting down this month amid a state investigation into how it used that money.
Noah's Wish, which rescues and cares for animals in disasters, was preparing this week to close its El Dorado Hills headquarters. About a dozen workers have resigned or been laid off since late last year.
The California Attorney General's Office has been investigating the organization since last summer, examining how Noah's Wish used donations that might have been designated for relief efforts in the hurricane-ravaged area. The probe led to most of the nonprofit's funds being set aside in accounts where they couldn't be used for other operations.
The nonprofit contends the funds were used properly and said it is cooperating with investigators.
The group received millions in donations after news stories showed its efforts in an area devastated by the August 2005 hurricane. Former Noah's Wish insiders allege those millions were intended to relieve suffering in the storm-battered zone but were improperly used for other purposes.
According to documents obtained by the Business Journal from a former employee, an accounting firm hired by Noah's Wish to examine its books concluded that it would be impossible to conduct a reliable audit because so many records were missing from the period when the group and its volunteers were working on the ravaged Gulf Coast.
Documents filed by the nonprofit or provided by the former employee indicated Noah's Wish had about $210,000 in revenue in the year ended June 30, 2005, and almost 40 times that much -- $8.4 million -- in the next six months.
Expenses shot upward, too, from about $212,000 in 2004-2005 to more than $2 million in the last six months of 2005, including almost $400,000 to purchase vehicles. In early 2006, the group bought a storage building in East Alton, Ill., for $65,125 and leased office space in New York City, according to documents provided by the former employee.
Terri Crisp, founder of the group and its executive director until this week, was paid $6,200 in 2004-2005, tax records show. The documents supplied by the former employee covering July through December 2005 indicated Crisp received compensation of almost $141,000.
The nonprofit's board this week acknowledged the investigation on the group's Web site. "The California Attorney General has taken the position that certain funds donated to Noah's Wish during this period (of Katrina), and its immediate aftermath, are restricted and may only be used for the animal victims of Hurricane Katrina, rather than the animal victims of other disasters or for general disaster preparedness," a letter posted online said. "Noah's Wish disagrees ... but is working cooperatively with the Attorney General toward a timely resolution of the dispute."
Noah's Wish has agreed not to use the disputed funds while the investigation is pending, and the nonprofit cannot continue its work without access to the money, the letter said.
A spokesman for the state's top lawyer would not confirm or deny an investigation.
Ralph Nevis of Downey Brand Attorneys LLP in Sacramento, who represents the group, would not discuss the nature of the inquiry.
Founder was asked to leave board
Staff members are being paid through April 11, but this week only the office manager remained at the El Dorado Hills headquarters to close things down over the next couple of weeks.
At one point, the nonprofit had 15 employees working at offices in El Dorado Hills and New York City and from homes in other states. The three-person office in New York closed in January.
"They've reduced the staff because of funding. It's everybody," Crisp said Wednesday. She said she's taking her remaining days as sick leave, but by Wednesday evening a message on the group's Web site said she was no longer connected with Noah's Wish.
Crisp also served on the organization's board of directors from its founding in 2002 until February. She's no longer on the board, she said, "partly because it's a conflict of interest." The Attorney General's office "had asked for me not to remain on the board."
Because she's no longer on the board, Crisp said she did not have the latest information on the investigation or details about what it covers. Investigators, she said, have not interviewed her and were working only through the nonprofit's attorney and its board chair, Amy Maher.
Maher did not return calls Wednesday. Board members Lyn Kendrick, Gail Monick and David Lesser declined to comment on the investigation; another, Heather Hathaway, did not respond to a request for an interview.
Asked about allegations that the nonprofit inappropriately used money, Crisp said, "I don't know of any misuse of funds."
Lori Polk, chair of the Noah's Wish board during Katrina, left it the month after the hurricane. Before and after Katrina, she said, she voiced concerns about "the organization and the allocations of the donations we were collecting." She said she felt she was "fighting a losing battle trying to maintain my fiduciary responsibility to the organization."
The group "did not make decisions based upon board approval," she said, and made "expenditures without approval."
The former employee, who would only speak on condition of anonymity, said that "the amount of money that was spent by the organization was unbelievable."
The Attorney General's authority over charities includes investigating the loss of substantial funds during one year, illegal use of funds, diversion of funds from their intended purpose and excessive amounts paid for salaries, benefits, travel, entertainment, legal and other professional fees, according to the agency's Web site.
Raising money last month
Noah's Wish was soliciting funds as recently as February. In a letter to potential donors, Crisp wrote the nonprofit had "made a concerted effort to only ask for donations when the need truly exists, and not become a pest with repeated appeals."
Later, the letter said, "So why am I contacting you now? Noah's Wish is prepared for the next disaster, but lately this has become increasingly challenging." Because 2006 was a "fairly uneventful year," Crisp wrote, donations declined significantly.
Tax documents for Noah's Wish obtained by the Business Journal reported revenue of $8.4 million, almost all of it from contributions, between July 1, 2005, and Dec. 31, 2005. Some $4.8 million was in unrestricted assets and $1.5 million in temporarily restricted assets at the end of that year, financial documents indicate.
In June 2006, the accounting firm engaged to audit the books wrote the board that it could not express an opinion on the 2005 financial statements, according to documents provided by the former employee.
"A significant portion of corroborating evidence such as vendor invoices, receipts, deposit slips and other supporting data were not maintained during the period that the organization was responding to the needs of animals during Hurricane Katrina. The records that remain are not sufficient to permit the application of auditing procedures that would be adequate for us to express an opinion on the accompanying financial statements," according to the letter from John Waddell & Co. CPAs.
For the second half of 2005, Noah's Wish paid $405,948 in salaries and compensation, according to the Form 990 supplied by the former employee. Of that, Crisp received $140,900, while the second-highest compensation went to Sheri Thompson at $118,125, the tax documents show.
If the numbers are correct, it appears the compensation for Crisp and Thompson is well above the norm for nonprofits of this size, said Ann Lucas, executive director of the Nonprofit Resource Center. The annual median base salary for the executive director of a nonprofit of this size is $130,000, according to the 2006 Compensation and Benefits Survey of Northern California Nonprofit Organizations, which is produced by the Center for Nonprofit Management in Los Angeles.
Noah's Wish committed $1 million to the city of Slidell, La. for construction of a new animal control center; the old one was severely damaged by Katrina. The city has not received any of those funds, Slidell City Attorney Tim Mathison said.

I love this book!! It was read to me by my first grade teacher, and I bought a copy to read to my class 40 years later. I have bought several copies to give as gifts.

Fast delivery, good quality, nice transaction, and product as advertised.
This book is a classic and the values inherent in the book are timeless.

I have loved this book for many years and have looked forward to reading it to my children, its full of adventure, curage, love, faith and trust.
What a wouderful way to teach our children. That you don't have to be big or a "A" student to go far in life.

I first read this book as a little girl. I was swept away by the wonder and (dare I say it) majesty of this story about the Easter Bunny. I loved it so much that I wore it out. I found another copy as an adult, and fell in love all over again.

Apart from the sheer magic of the story, there is a positive message here that is even more powerful when one considers that it was written in the 1930's by the author of the famous book "Porgy" - for this is metaphoric the story of a plucky little dark girl-bunny living on a plantation in the distant past, and she bravely barges ahead in spite of many obstacles, to deliver a special gift to a special baby.

Of course the metaphor was not so apparent when I was a child in the 1950's. On face value, it is the story of a little rabbit who desperately wants to be an Easter Bunny, and is willing to work hard, have faith, and be the wisest, kindest, bravest of bunnies. The story is precious, sweet and moving, the illustrations are charming. This is a must-read story for grown-ups as well as children. You will treasure it.

The Country Bunny and the Little Gold Shoes by DuBose Heyward and illustrated by Marjorie Hack has been around for yours. In fact, it made its first appearance in 1939 and has gone through several printings since that time. The latest one I could find was 1974, which is far too long ago, as this is one that we had better not loose.

Briefly, this is the story of a little brown country bunny that happens to be a female bunny. In this mythological story, as told by the author, there are actually five Easter Bunnies. These five bunnies are selected for being the kindest, swiftest and wisest bunnies in the whole wide world. Our little brown country girl bunny states that when she grows up, she wants to be one of the five chosen bunnies. The Big White Rich City Bunnies who live in the fine houses laugh at her, as do the male Jack Rabbits with their long legs.

When our little brown country bunny, whose name is Cottontail, grows up she finds herself the mother of twenty-one baby bunnies and responsible not only for their care, but the care of the house and all that goes with it. Cottontail trains her children to be very responsible. They help her with her house work, gardening, washing, sewing, cooking and other skills useful in living a full life. Word goes out that one of the five Easter Bunnies has grown too old to do his job (thus far, all the Easter Bunnies have all been males), and that a new Easter Bunny must be chosen by the Old Grandfather Bunny. This old rabbit, being rather wise above all others, of course, chooses our Mother Cottontail. The story goes on in a sweet way, almost a quest adventure and in the end we find that Mother Cottontail is not only the wisest, kindest and fastest bunny in the world, but also the bravest. Don't want any spoilers here, so will stop with the plot over view.

First, the art work. The artist, Marjorie Hack, has her bunnies dressed in late Victorian or possibly early Edwardian garb. It is quite detailed and quite fitting for the story. She has used very mellow colors and each picture is simple, while at the same time being extremely detailed. In many ways it is typical of the art work featured in children's literature, of that time, but then she throws in surprises, such as in the winter sequence where Cottontail climbs the mountain. The art here jumps way beyond its years. Actually, I cannot see why this art work would not appeal to everyone, young and old alike.

As to the message of the story; if you do a search or some advanced research on this particular book, you will find that it has had a profound influence on at least two, possibly three, generations of small children, following them all the way into adult life. This influence has been extremely positive. You must remember that this book was written in 1939 and you must remember what the world was like at that time.

This is the story of a little girl rabbit that overcame economic, racial, social and sexual biasness and fulfilled her dreams. This is simply an overall good message. I read this particular work to a group of seven year old children, and every single one of them was able to pick up on this theme. I was so proud of them. Now this book has been accused of having a strong feminist message (as if this were some sort of dirty word...how sad.) I suppose it does, indeed, deal quite well with this subject. Again, this is good. I would suggest that, in my humble opinion, if anyone has a problem with any of the messages this work projects, then they probably should move back into the cave they came out of.

This is a work we do not was to lose. Highly recommend this one.

Kimberlee Auerbach, The Devil, the Lovers, and Me: My Life in Tarot (Dutton, 2007)

Warning: the phrase "in Tarot" in the title had me thinking that I was going to be reading a memoir about the life and profession of a Tarot reader. That is emphatically not the case (and, in fact, the Tarot reading that provides Auerbach's framework here is, not surprisingly, fabricated). Thus, if that's what you're looking for, move on, folks, nothing to see here.

That said, given my antipathy towards memoirs, I did find myself grudgingly hooked pretty fast. Not that it's different than your run-of-the-mill memoir-- bad childhood memories, abuse, etc. etc. ad nauseam-- but Auerbach has a storyteller's touch and a sharp sense of humor, both of which have been notably absent from any number of memoirs I've read over the years. I hope that at one point she turns her attention to writing a novel; I'd like to see what she can do with the rest of the stuff in her head. Until then, we'll have to make do with this; a shiny presentation on trendy, though quotidian, subject matter. ***

Kimberlee Auerbach is a FUN writer! This book was mentioned to me via a friend, so I picked it up on a whim - and loved it! Engaging and highly entertaining, I literally stayed up half the night to finish it! Based on real life stories from the author's life, the first-person plot revolves around a professional tarot reading meant to enlighten the author along the journey to her future. But in order to find her tomorrow, she must first understand, embrace, and make peace with her past. The story's tone is witty and honest, making one feel as if Ms. Auerbach is speaking one-on-one to the reader, as a best friend and confidante. A very talented writer and storyteller, Ms. Auerbach should definitely write more books. This one was a gem!

The most impressive thing about "The Devil..." is Kimberlee's candor. Her experiences are powerful; there is no denying it. However, it's the biting honesty and the utter vulnerability that carry the truest gift of the book. Most people will relate to the heartbreaks, but every single human being can relate to terror and failure described and then triumphantly overcome. Brava. I will pre-order her next books.

Kimberlee pours her heart onto ever page. From beginning to end, it was an amazing journey of human relation, life, and love. Kimberlee's willingness to share is inspiring and brave to say the least. As each card is turned, with each story, each memory, the author exposes her deepest fears, the fears which we all share, and with each lesson she learns, she teaches the reader how to face those fears. Through it all I was able to see myself, my past, my mistakes and lessons learned. It is not an introduction into Tarot card reading, but rather a story of one's life illustrated by the cards themselves. One may not learn his or her future by reading this book, but it will truly make one pause and reflect on what has brought them to where they are in life thus far.This book is funny, heartbreaking, amazing, inspiring, challenging, entertaining, and simply wonderful.

This is an amazing book that made me cry in public a few times - and laugh out loud other times - sometimes embarrassingly close together. The writing is powerful and accessible and loveable... Each chapter reminds you what a dangerous and wonderful place life is for anyone who lives passionately.

I have to admit I was fascinated by this book soon after I picked it up. Everyone knows Marvin Gaye's often hypersexed music, but it's intriguing to hear the story behind all of that music. His internal struggles and unstable life are chronicled in surprising detail.

A serious downfall of many music biographies is their inability to adequately tie the events of the subject's life with the music being made at the time. This book does not fall into that trap, maybe because Gaye's music was such a personal endeavor, or maybe because the author was a friend of the artist.

This friendship between author and subject is the one problem I had with the book. Many times, Ritz fawns over the genius of Marvin Gaye, at times sounding as if God himself could not achieve such wonderful artistry. Don't get me wrong, Gaye was a uniquely talented, one-of-a-kind musician. It's just a little much at times. Nonetheless, Ritz does not shy away from the many negative influences in Gaye's life, and tells a story of the man that is both inspiring and tragic.

I would consider this book one of the finer examples of musician biographies. Ritz's closeness to Marvin Gaye allows him to tell first-source accounts of a troubled person, and concedes that at times Marvin was a man that even he could not figure out.

I'm like a lot of people in the world, I think when it comes to Soul Music although there are many great and talented artist Mr. Gaye was the creme de la creme. His music seemed cosmic and he sung with such conviction and passion it makes you wonder where did he have to go mentally and spiritually to summon those type of vocal performances. Well "Divided Soul" reveals those places of pain and torment in Mr. Gayes life that artistically helped him convey some of the most brilliant music ever recorded but sadly contributed to his tragic death. "Divided Soul" was written Passionately but honestly by David Ritz who I can easily tell was a huge Marvin admirer. That aspect really makes the book compelling, because you always get the sense that David is truley trying to reveal and understand what made Marvin one of the most intriguing artist of our time.

Remembering the day when I brought the news of Marvin Gaye's tragic death to my mother, I watched the tears after she uttered the words "You just couldn't shake your demons, baby." The next day, she went out and purchased all of his albums.

Marvin was heaven and hell simultaneously, and David Ritz's candid account of this totrtured genius was tragic and beautiful all at once. With an insight like the gifted singer himself, he dissects each creation as if he were in the recording studio for every take. Flying high in those triumphant skies, I never wanted Marvin to leave his musical sanctuary. That he lived a life of continuous self-destruction brought tears to my eyes, and had me wondering how the leeches disguised as smiling faces that sold him toot could live with themselves. They were contributing conspirators to a tragic story. Like Caesar, he was surrounded with enemies.

But the pain he felt produced greatness in the recording studio, didn't it? The "What's Going On" CD is a Musical Sermon On The Mount, and the Let's Get It On and I Want You follow-ups are sexual masterpieces. After reading the biography. I now know why.

This is a must read for those who appreciate this talented yet troubled composer, yet serves as a cautionary tale to all who God had blessed with gifts.

William Fredrick Cooper
ESSENCE BESTSELLING AUTHOR of THERE'S ALWAYS A REASON

Divided Soul was a very fascinating book, though at times the author was editorializing a little much. I enjoyed the read.

It is obvious that Marvin was highly emotionally disturbed, yet gifted. I find myself disliking his weak willed mama as much as his vicious, lazy and disturbed father. Yeah, yeah I know making disparaging comments about somebody's mama is a no Mrs. Gaye is just as responsible for Marvin's death as the father. She did not protect her child. She allowed a nothing of a strange man to live off her and physically and mentally torture her child. A parent's job is to protect their child from those within the house and outside.

Must all extremely talented people be nut cases?! I can imagine being famous can cause some to go crazy to some degree. But what happens to a person who comes into the business already emotionally fragile.

I agree with some, I feel that he was tired of the struggle of living and he purposely provoked his father, knowing that death would ensue. This could have been avoided if his mama had kicked that lazy fool out of the house when he was a very young child. She was the was supporting the family. He was a leech, a parasite. So I feel that she too was emotionally disturbed to some degree.

Marvin's trauma followed him to the grave yard.

Good read.

A great history of american popular music and a portrait of a man whose life
is hard to understand, but this book manages to drive you through a difficult and fascinating journey.

I REALLY ENJOYED READING THE BOOK. DANIELLE SANTIAGO IS A WONDERFUL AUTHOR. SHE STAYS ON POINT FROM BEGINNING TO END. I FINISHED THIS BOOK IN ONE DAY. IT'S A REAL PAGE TURNER!!

ALL I THOUGHT ABOUT WERE CHAZ AND KENNEDY.THIS BOOK WAS SO GOOD IT DIDN'T MAKE SINCE.DANIELLE DID HER THANG WITH THIS ONE.I CAN'T WAIT FOR HER TO DO IT AGAIN.I LOVE STYLE AND FASHION AND SHE HAS IT GOING ON.CHAZ AND KENNEDY TAKES US THROUGH THEIR HOT AND DRAMA FILLED RELATIONSHIP FROM START TO FINISH.THEY GO THROUGH SO MUCH FROM BABY MOMMA DRAMA TO JEALOUSY.IT WAS SO GOOD I READ IT TWICE.

I purchased this book based upon the rave reviews and my mistaken belief that the lead character was on the "grind" to take care of her orphaned nieces and nephews. After reading the book, I was sorely disappointed.

Yes, Kennedy became guardian of Nina's children after Nina died, but the children were props in this book. Kennedy didn't act as the mother to these children so clearly her grind had nothing to do with them.

Kennedy and Chaz were on the grind purely because they are selfish azzholes who like designer gear. First, they both sold drugs "for that paper" so they could buy Benzes, houses, diamonds, etc..

After their rap careers took off, they were on that grind to buy Benzes, houses, diamonds, etc..

This book glorifies hustling and I find that unacceptable. It is one thing to write a book about low life's trying to feed their kids; it is a whole other thing to write a book about low life's grindin' just to live large.

Anyway...

This is the story of Kennedy and Chaz. Kennedy is a hustler who tricks men to get into their hotel room and then she robs them. Chaz is a rapper.

After her cousin dies, Kennedy becomes the guardian of her children, thus, making Kennedy the parent of 4 children. One day, while at a party she and Chaz meet and hook up.

Chaz has a record deal and when his label hears Kennedy "spit" she receives a record deal as well. During the course of their singing career, Chaz loses his best friend, Kennedy is beaten, Chaz is stabbed, and so forth.

Basically, this novel was a take on the rap beefs that existed, ala Biggie and Pac, Ja Rule and 50, and so forth.

Pros: Book was easy to read with just minor grammatical errors
Cons: I never connected to the side characters. I never felt emotionally connected to Kennedy and Chaz to about page 125.

GRINDIN WAS OFF THE HOOK I KNEW THIS BOOK WOULD NOT LET ME AND IT DIDN'T THE AUTHOR PUT HER FOOT IN THIS ONE THIS A MUST READ GO GET IT.

I'm not going 2 write a long drawn out review b/c anyone who's read Mrs. Santiago's work knows how she get down. This book is great. I read "Little Ghetto Girl" first and have been hooked on Mrs. Santiago's work every sense. Grindin is an excellent read and kind of a continuation from "Little Ghetto Girl" it gives past readers a chance 2 revisit Kisa Kane. If you haven't read any of her books, pick this one up, I promise you'll love it.