American Books

A lot of cookbooks the recipes simply do not work. Emeril is the best known for this with me. But Virginia's recipes work and are superb. Her down-home style and detailed recipes will allow anyone that is a beginner or to the experienced chef the ability to create great tasting dishes. Thanks Virginia for making this cookbook so great. I am up to 13 recipes attempted with 100% success rate and still cooking.

This wonderful cookbook makes me feel "warm and fuzzy". It reminds me of my childhood growing up in South Georgia. If my own dear mother were alive today she would be buying Virginia's book and giving it to all her friends for Christmas. My mother was an excellent cook. Her favorite cookbook back in the fiftie's was Mrs. Dull's. This is one cookbook that I think would be worthy of both my mom's and Mrs. Dull's praise.

Great work, Virginia! I look forward to more. I love the way you write it, too. I completely understand about "trashy"...............there are just no other words for it! If anyone was offended, that's too bad, because what you wrote just was Not offensive. (They should read The White Trash Cookbook.....HAH!)

This is a great book for a transplanted southerner, who grew up in the South, but has lived in the Boston area for 40 years! The writing and photographs are perfect. I was somewhat disappointed to discover that a perfect, sugar-free cornbread recipe with white cornmeal was not included, but I typed and pasted in my own time-proven recipe for this delicacy baked in a seasoned iron skillet or seasoned iron cornbread stick pans. The South has, indeed, risen again with this great treasure trove of recipes!

After being a fan of Virgina Willis, I by chance got to meet her in person at the American Royal Bar B Que competition at which she was a speaker in their guest chef segment. She prepared Coca Cola Ribs, Finglering Potato Salad and a fantastic light Black eye pea salad with a light vinegerette. I had to hand it to her to prepare Ribs with so many Rib pros on the show ground. I didn't want to tell my husband and his team that they were better than theirs, but the truth is they were! I was also fortunate enough to win a book & speak with her. She was as warm and friendly as your neighbor next door. As we parted I felt I had to give a big thank you hug.
On the flight back to California I read the entire cookbook. The stories were charming as Virgina, straight from the heart, the recipes as filled with love as the flavor of food sounded.
I have made many some light and some rich, my California friends all ask me how I found old time recipes that are the comfort food we all crave in our busy California lives, yearning for the memories via food of Grandma. It also has tips for some of the more difficult techniques such as how to keep a souffle from falling, slicing herb techniques to name a few. I hope ya'll enjoy the book as

Last night I had the opportunity to experience Virginia Willis making some of her delicious recipes from her new book, Bon Appetite, Y'All. Not only was she charmingly delightful, her Southern style, mixed with French cuisine,was refreshing to me. My daughter and I were entertained with stories and recipes from her mother and grandmother. As she read the introduction to her book, I was flooded with emotion, relating to the same Southern heritage, recipes written on scrapes of paper taped to cabinet doors, and the smell of fresh baked cake coming out of the oven. Virginia Willis is able to take complicated techniques and explain in terms everyone can understand. You will love her stories as she introduces her recipes. This is a beautiful cookbook to display in your kitchen or keep on your coffee table. I love Bon Appetit, Y'all and getting to meet Ms. Willis in person was a treat. What a wonderful evening to experience with my daughter.

The fourth volume of Jim Butcher's Codex Alera series, Captain's Fury continues the adventures of Tavi as he contends with Canim invaders and duplicitous Aleran "allies." At the same time, First Lord Gaius, Bernard, and Amara travel to Kalare to put an end to Kalarus's rebellion. As usual, Butcher stuffs the novel with combat and political intrigue. At this point, he knows what he's doing; he has created a formula for the series, which could continue in perpetuity. I have followed with interest Tavi's journey from a shepherd to a student to a soldier to a prince. Illustrating a character's growth from a boy to a man is an effective way to plot a series.

This novel's highlight is the development of Gaius as a full-fledged primary character. In the earlier volumes, he has been a presence more than a person. His arrival as a character humanizes him. I also like how Butcher reverses the roles: Before, Tavi was the one without furies, while Gaius reveled in his; now, Tavi is starting to come into his power while Gaius cannot depend on his. The First Lord also serves as a foil to Tavi. You can sense a conflict brewing between them based on their personalities. Tavi's compassion and trust will inevitably clash with Gaius's grim resolve. Much of the novels focus on the nature and consequences of service and loyalty. More than any other volume, Captain's Fury shows how Tavi inspires service and loyalty, whereas Gauis compels it.

By now, we know Tavi's secret identity, and part of me thinks it is a mistake. I like Tavi as a resourceful country boy who succeeded due to, not in spite of, his inability to furycraft. His success showed up the flawed society of this world with its emphasis on bloodline and furycrafting. Now, we have to wonder if his success is inherited instead of innate. Has he excelled merely because of his father? I know that Tavi's identity is crucial to the series and cannot be second-guessed, but I still wish he were a simple shepherd. There are enough stories about peasants who were royal all along.

Butcher's series is entertaining, but I think it is starting to feel formulaic. I hope that Butcher throws a curveball in the next volume. I'm ready for some surprises and betrayal. Also, can someone please insert a map of Alera in the next book?

i've said it before i'll say it again, if you like epic fantasy this series is for you!!!

I really enjoy this series. Jim Butcher is an author I love to read and I originally got hooked on his Dresden Files series. I'm currently anxiously awaiting the next release from both series at the end of 2008.

The Codex Alera is a story line that, while not as intricately woven as George R.R. Martin's Song of Ice and Fire (or is it Fire and Ice? I forget), it is still very, very entertaining. We're not reading Aristotle here, but I never did enjoy reading him in the first place. Some might say it's predictable, but there are some good twists here and there and the series is going in the direction I really want it to go. If Butcher did something strange and killed off half of the cast to be unpredictable, I'd be upset.

I recommend this book and this series to all those that enjoy the Dresden Files, Orson Scott Card, George R.R. Martin, etc.

Again, it's a highly enjoyable read and I really can't wait to get the next book.

As captain of Alera's First Legion, Tavi has spent two years holding the invading Canim warriors to a draw. Now, though, Senator Arnos has brought two more legions into the battle--and he's intent on destroying both Tavi and his reputation. Arnos intends to be the champion of the nation, setting himself up as a candidate for emperor when the current emperor dies. To make sure Tavi is completely disgraced, the senator orders him to murder civilians--something he knows Tavi will never do.

Tavi's composure is shaken when he learns that the woman he thought was his aunt is actually his mother, and that his late father was the heir to the Alaran thrown. Still, he believes that the war can be won without massive slaughter--that the Canim are anxious to end the invasion and head to their homes. Unfortunately, Arnos wants his triumph and Tavi can do little from the prison where he's locked up after disobeying orders. Fortunately for Tavi, he has a number of friends, and his powers of magic are gradually growing.

Author Jim Butcher continues his Codex Alera series with an adventure that combines Roman-style military tactics, magic, personal bravery, and political jockeying for position during the decline of the aging emperor. A Roman-style government, military and political system provides a solid base on which Butcher can add his magical system (based on personifications of the different elements). Tavi (Octavian) continues to grow as a character, creating loyalties among his men (and women) that will serve him well if he can survive to become emperor. But at the end of CAPTAIN'S FURY, he's exposed to the Aleran nobility as heir-apparent. His problems with assassins are about to be multiplied.

Butcher is best known for his fine Dresden File series. The Codex Alera series is a great addition to his output. Fans of magical world-style fantasy will definitely want to read this entire series.

Captian's Fury is an excellent continuation of the very good series of books. A difficult book to put down once you start with enough twists to keep you guessing to the end yet not lose you along the way. Already anxious to get the next one.

I bought this book as reference material on the advice of an architect friend. He told me "If you need help figuring out the style of a house then buy this book" and he showed me his copy. He was right. The book is well organized which helps compare styles quickly and the many black and white pictures of houses that the author uses as examples are great because the b&w contrast helps your eye focus on details. This a great book to have in any architectural office. Its great for novices and experienced alike.

As a writer, you need lots of details to keep the reader interested, and this book has details on houses most people wouldn't know. Of course, if you give no details the story is not interesting, and if you give wrong details, some reader will know it and be disapointed. A book like this can be invaluable.

Great book!!! I'm using for my company to get a true representation of many styles for many of the house I'm designing. A great resource for any firm!!!

great at housing history
great describe for the house component
good picture to show handy book to show at real estate

After some introductory chapters on the history and theory of homebuilding, the McAlesters commence with descriptions of the different styles. Each major style is described with a large stylized diagram with its identifying features labeled, a description of the major subtypes, descriptions of the style's unique elements, a paragraph on the frequency and locations of its occurrence, some historical comments, and then dozens of black and white photographs. The styles are ordered roughly chronologically, from native dwellings and colonial houses in 1600 to the neoeclectric houses of the 1970s and 1980s. (Even my 2006 printing ended with the 1980s.)

I read the field guide cover to cover - something I never before done with a field guide. By the end, it seemed repetitive, but overall I was impressed with almost everything about this book from the introductions to the last diagrams. Every time I travel though a historical neighborhood, I am glad that I read this book.

The entire transaction was perfect. Book arrived quickly and was in great condition. Very satisfied.

For those of you who love to collect great cookbooks, this is an awesome Cuban cookbook. All the recipes invoke memories of Mama and Abuela cooking in the kitchen. They are authentic recipes and the stories are worth reading. Many of them will bring sweet memories to Cuban refugees who have adopted the U.S.A as our new home. This is a must-have book in the kitchen!

This book has great recipes and they are very well written. The instructions are very easy to follow. Very much the same ingredients my Cuban Mother has used all my life.

My husband is from Miami and when i was pregnant he took me to Miami and got me addicted to cuban food. We both really missed the food and this book brings back so many good memories. It really satisfies your taste buds.

After sitting in the bookstore, going over about 10-20 so called Cuban recipe cookbooks, this is the ONE in my kitchen. Both my parents are from Cuba, I was born there as well, so naturally my siblings and I grew up on traditional Cuban recipes. This book is the closest to Mom's cooking I have ever found, and with some help from Mom, these recipes are just like being home. Easy to follow, simple, traditional recipes. Once you get the hang of "sofrito", which is base for most of our dishes, you won't be disappointed. LOVE this cookbook, and its wonderful, savory Cuban dishes!

As the owner of more than 700 Cookbooks, I can't honestly say that both books by this Author are my Favorites. I am planning a trip especially to visit the Bakery & Cafe for the real experience.

This cookbook is terrific on all counts--great recipes (the Sugar Saucers are the end-all, be-all sugar cookie), beautiful coffee table book, and entertaining read. The fact that the book is printed on glossy paper means the pages will stand up to the occasional butter sputter and drool from looking at all of the wonderful photos. I really enjoyed reading the introduction and narratives that precede each chapter and recipe--a nice addition for those of us who can only dream about visiting Rather Sweet's Bakery & Cafe. I look forward to working my way through all the recipes!

We visited the Rather Sweet Bakery in Fredericksburg, TX last year and I LOVED it. We ended up going there for breakfast every morning we were there. When I saw she had a book with the actual recipes from her restaurant I could not resist.

Everything I have made has been perfect. These recipes are not for the person looking to lose weight (butter, suger, YUMMY!), but they are absolutely delicious. I have not had one thing come out less than delicious. I love the scones, kolaches, and chocolate chip cookies (the best I have ever made or eaten). If I cooked from this as much as I wanted I would be so fat (but very happy). I swear this cookbook has made my husband and little boys love me more!!!

Buy this book!

One note, most recipes make enough for a party, so I would suggest cutting the recipes in half if you are a family of 4 like us.

I visited Rather Sweet Restaurant in Fredricksburg, Texas with a friend. We both had chocolate cake for desert and decided it was the best we had ever had. So I was on a quest for the recipe. I found it in this book, made it for a party and got the same results! Heaven, this lady can bake and tell you how to bake too!

Just the recipe of the ALL SOLD OUT CHICKEN POT PIES alone is reason enough to buy this book. They are incredible!
The Texas tortilla soup is a favorite. The desserts are extra yummy too.

I could not find a series to stick to. I would pick up a book and then set it right back down, that is till I found this series, then i couldnt put it down! I totaly could relate to Christy, and she bacame like my best friend. I have read the series at least twice and Love it. I also enjoy the Sierra books. I cant wait to start on the college years and the Katie books. Also no one gives this book lower than 4 stars and honstly you cant they ARE amazing i wish i could give this book 5ooooo stars!!

Through Christy's struggles I learned a lot. I love these books, they are like a calm in the storm. Just read these books, I guarentee that they will change your life.

The story of Christy Miller goes from her preteen years up through college and finally to her wedding. (This book is the first in the series.) It's a coming-of-age story of a Christian young woman. Themes include purity, relationships, romance, school stress, family issues, and negative influences.

Each story in the series has a moving ending, is uplifting, entertaining, and makes you feel as though you are friends with each person in the story. Well written and enjoyable - I highly recommend.

This series was is one of my favorite teen series. The first book really got me hooked, then the next three still kept me reading. I really liked Christy because she was kind of insecure and shy, but she blossoms throughout the books. Todd was such a sweet guy, but sometimes he was a little slow when it came to Christy. I really got involved with the characters, and I felt Robin Jones Gunn did an amazing job of making the characters. They were 3 dimensional and so realistic. I recommend this series!

After many failed attempts during the past few years to find a book or series of books for her to read for pleasure, I gave this book to my 14 yr. old daughter, Amber, in June hoping she would enjoy reading it this summer...I am thrilled to say that she couldn't put it down!!! Not only have I also purchased Vols. II, III and IV for her (she is currently reading Vol. IV)...she has shared her love of the books with her friends and now they have the series and are reading them!!! This has made me so very happy...especially since these are Christian based books with valuable life lessons for our teens. What a wonderful gift to be able to give to our teenage daughters in this challenging & confusing world we live in~~~Thank you, Thank you, Thank you Robin Jones Gunn...from the bottom of my heart!!!!

The first three books in this series are great! It's really hard to put the book down once you've started reading. The three books are fresh, invigorating, very realistic and heartfelt. They really bring you closer to God. I love them!

I read the book in a few hours. It was pretty good for a book as fast paced as this. You got a feel for the characters.

I was truly engaged reading about Richard and Nina. I felt so bad for Richard all of the garbage he had to deal with, with his wife's family. Her mother RubyLee was a straight up trip. She took using people to a whole different level. Nina was a really nive kindhearted and caring person whose husband didn't realize what he had until she was gone. I was glad to see Nina working on her relationship with her daughter because it is so true how death could come knocking on your door without you having told the person that you love them or that you are proud of them. This story was well written with a solid ending.

Wonderful read!! I loved it from beginning to end! I could see myself (and my relationship) in this book. Maybe not so much the drama, but attempting to save something that may be already dead and yet, wanting something better out of life and love. Most romance novels are full of just sex -- Taken for Granted gave you just enough. Great job Earl Sewell. Please keep it up!

This book is a must read! The controlling mother-in-law is hilarious and cunning. So cunning and controlling that it cost her everything in the end. This is a book that makes you think and also keep people out of your relationship.

I don't know why it took so long for me to write a review for this book since I read it for the first time about a year ago. It's still fresh in my mind that I had a heart for Richard and his relationship with Nina. It is refreshing to read a "grown-up" novel. Not a novel where the chick (immature & materialistic) is a girlfriend (or if you are Nikki Turner...play wife)of a hustla/drug dealer...(not my reality).Taken for Granted is a wonderful story, filled with twists and turns and characters you are sure to love. My favorite...RubyLee. You gotta read her to understand her. Favorite portion of the story...two words: jet skis!!! Find out yourself what happens!

Randy Ingermanson writes "Don't read this book late at night! Strongly recommended for the reader who thinks they can't be sacred." Well I believed him so the book sat on my shelf. I originally purchased it because it sounded good and the reviews were great but I typically don't do "scary". Finally I said "what the heck" and I picked it up. To my surprise it was really good and not frightening, very suspenseful but not frightening. Yes, it did use children as the victim (which is as bad as it gets) but it was tastefully written and vacant of the graphic verbiage it could have easily contained. It wasn't really the storyline that kept this book moving at a fast pace but the fantastic character portrayal of Jude Allman... one of the greatest developments of a character ever written. Don't get me wrong, the storyline was excellent and will have you on the edge of your seat but its Jude you will come to root for. There were a couple of non-surprises in the book and some minor flaws but really not worth mentioning especially because they would spoil the book for you. I also had a theological problem with the story but again if I said anything it would give away an important piece of the character development so you'll have to figure it out for yourself.

Mr. Hines is a gifted writer and I'm looking forward to reading more of his books. I'm glad I was on vacation when I read this otherwise my work would have surely faltered from lack of sleep. Some readers will find this book life-changing so buy some copies and give them away.

1 Star = Pathetic
2 Stars = Fair
3 Stars = Good
4 Stars = Excellent
5 Stars = Life changing

... in all aspects. Not only was the story line unexpected and the ending a crazy twist, but the book as a whole was much better than I would have thought to come from a new author and a Christian publishing company. While there was a clear religious undertone, it was subtle and wouldn't detract from the story for those who don't usually like Christian books.

This book surprised me by being as good as it was. A lot of Christian suspense books get published just because they're "Christian", regardless of quality. But this book is right on par with a lot of suspense authors in the secular market I enjoy. There was excellent character development and the story line kept up a good pace, with a neat twist in the end.

Jude Allman had died, and been resurrected, three separate times by the age of thirty-one. The first time, he fell through the ice in a lake fishing when he was eight, the second time, he was hit by lightning in a field while hiking when he was sixteen, and the third time, he was driving in the ice and snow and skidded into a ditch when he was twenty-four. Jude wrote a book that he wished he hadn't, and combined with the notoriety from his "resurrection tri-fecta", he was very dispirited when he became immensely famous. He tried to hide from his unwanted fame by leaving town and using the name Ron Gress as an alias. As Jude/Ron disengages himself from the world, he becomes so paranoid, that he covers the inside of all the windows in his house with Sheetrock and installs a complex security system as well. Jude/Ron takes a job as a janitor at a school in a small town in Montana, and slides into a shrinking, introverted, paranoid, personality, that develops a natural aversion to human contact. He even has to sleep in a reclining chair because he's afraid to lay down in a bed.

As children start disappearing in towns in Montana, Jude/Ron starts getting strange copper tastes in his mouth, and visions, as a warning of impending danger to come, or as clues to save people already in trouble.

This first time author, deftly juggles multiple scenarios and plots simultaneously, like a seasoned writer. Some of the descriptive phrases he pulls from his writer's tool box are pretty enjoyable: "Streams poured from Jude's clothing as if he were a sunken treasure lifted to the surface after centuries in the murky depths." "A sweaty bald man with a paunch crawled into Jude's circle on his hands and knees. The lottery numbers, he hissed. Gimme the lottery numbers." "His father was talking about things that made no sense to him, scary things that crawled up and down his spine on icy legs." "An icy block of dread began to settle in his stomach." His lungs felt as if they were filled with spun fiberglass." "She felt a cold sliver of ice starting to wedge its way into her spine."


This story will keep you anxiously reading till the last page. This is a thriller that combines spirituality along with horrific modern crimes. I can only hope that this is the first of many more terrific books by this author.

One of the best thrillers I've read. Well written, deep characters and a real surprise ending. Just the way I like a book to be.

Another hit for Kunati publishing! Cheryl Kaye Tardiff's story of a young girl's struggle to leave her home in Wyoming to move to Canada with her parents touches the very soul of the reader. Change is hard for any age. Cheryl weaves the uncertain path of life, death and recovery with a golden needle. Many times I found myself fighting back the tears because of the grip of real-life emotion. It's a great read for any age and the valuable 'lessons' portrayed are bone jarring. There has been talk of making the book into a movie and I'd love to be the first in line! Great Work Cheryl Kay Tardif!

I wasn't sure what to expect from this book other than there would be whales in it. The summary above comes from the back of the book and doesn't say much. I'll tell you a little more about the book so you can properly decide if it's your kind of book but don't worry, I'd never reveal too much or spoil and ending.

The main character is an 11 year old girl whose family moves to a small town where most of the inhabitants are Native Canadians. The book is Children's Fiction but for older children, say 12 and up. A large portion of the book has stories, myths and history of Native Canadians, specifically Huuayaht. I found this very interesting.

Also, since the summary says a tragedy will happen but doesn't specify anything, you don't know where or when it will happen. I don't know if it was on purpose or not but quite a few times the words made me think the tragedy would happen next and I was wrong. As an adult, later on in the book I figured out what the tragedy would be although I wasn't sure who did it. I had an idea and it did turn out to be right but I could just have easily been wrong. I don't think a child reader would be guess what the tragedy would be.

Another common occurrence in this book is bullying and the book teaches good lessons about it. It may be a good book to give to a child who is being bullied just as a fun read but with underlying lessons.

Overall I enjoyed the book although I did find my mind wandering a bit. The writing style didn't pull me into it's hold until the second half of the book.

This is going to be an unusual review for me. I too am an author and I have also read other works by this immensely talented woman and also interviewed her. I also have a suggestion but I will mention that again at the end of this review. I'm also a two time war veteran and retired Marine.

There is a common misconception about Marines. I.e. "Dumb Jar Heads!" The truth of the matter is, and this applies to all ranks. Many "Marines" are some of the most well read individuals you will ever meet in your life! And the reason for that is "Down Time" and I am sure this also applies to the sister services as well. I do suffer from PTSD so my memory isn't what it use to be, but I do remember being on a field op in Big Island Hawaii.

I walked up on a Cpl and he was engrossed in a book. I watched him for a while and I could see the emotions on his face and how he was holding back tears. Big burly guy with muscles in his eye brows I might add.

Watcha reading? I startled him, and he tried to hide his emotions and then he gave up trying.

"You have GOT TO READ THIS BOOK!!!"

Me and about five others did. I also knew after reading that book, what everyone I cared about was getting from me for Christmas.

"Whale Song" is just such a book as well!

The only other book I've done that with is "The Bridges Of Madison County" by Robert James Waller.

Something else that has touched me in a way that "Whale Song" has touched me is the movie by Sean Penn called "Into The Wild." If I had Sean Penn's personal mailing address I would be sending him a copy of "Whale Song" so he could turn it into a movie and I know he would do so superbly!

Buy this book as a Christmas present for those you love and believe me when I say this, it is a gift that will last a life time!

Oh and as far as my suggestion I said I would address in the end?

Have tissues handy because this book will not only tug on your heart strings, I can say for myself, it basically tore quite a few out!!!

And one last thing...

The book me and others read in the field and knew it was a sure fire, can't miss gift for those we loved for Christmas?

It is called.

"The Note Book" by Nicholas Sparks.

"Whale Song"

Is not only that good...

It just might be considered by some, better.

I know if I had to chose, I wouldn't be able to.

Respectfully

Chase Von

Your Chance to Hear The Last Panther Speak
The Last Panther

In the summer of 1977, eleven-year-old Sarah Richardson is filled with trepidation and resentment when her father's new job forces her to leave her home and best friend in Wyoming to relocate in the remote town of Bamfield on Vancouver Island. But these feelings fade when she sees her gorgeous new home overlooking the ocean and befriends and Indian (a term commonly used for First Nations people in 1977) girl named Goldie. Of course, her idyllic summer with her parents and Goldie doesn't last. Once school begins, Sarah endures long, painful lessons about bullying, racial hatred, and family tragedy.

Cheryl Kaye Tardif's WHALE SONG is an unusual mystery. Although the story opens with an adult Sarah reflecting back on the summer that changed her life, she eases into eleven-year-old Sarah's point of view as the story unfolds, turning the book into a young adult novel. But then grownup Sarah slides briefly back into the story with ominous foreshadowing about events she wished she'd seen coming.

The other unique aspect is that the mystery doesn't occur until two thirds into the book. Certainly, the reader feels tension building among main characters and a grim situation inevitably spiraling out of control. But death, a police investigation, and murder charge don't occur until the reader knows the Richardson family so well that we feel their anguish. Some mystery fans might loathe the pacing of events, yet it's important to understand that mystery is only one facet of this multi-layered story. Crime might not be center stage in WHALE SONG, however, it's essential to the story.

Cross-genre novels are hard to pigeonhole, and this one will be a challenge for librarians and booksellers. WHALE SONG is an elegantly written, heartbreaking blend of friendships lost and gained, family tragedy, spirituality, death, guilt, punishment, and forgiveness. This is a lot to incorporate into one novel, but Tardif does it beautifully in a mere 199 pages. If you want something different in a mystery, WHALE SONG is a compelling story you won't forget any time soon.

11-year-old Sarah and her parents, Daniella (an artist), and Jack (a marine biologist), move to Canada from the States. Sarah is not happy about the move but she starts warming up to the idea when she sees their beautiful new house located right along the beach that has an amazing view. She's even more happy when she meets Goldie. The two quickly become best friends. Sarah loves Goldie's family, especially her grandmother who they call Nana most of the time. Goldie is of Indian descent (along with most of the other people in the town where Sarah is living), so Sarah learns new traditions and tales from the past.

Sarah develops a crush on a boy in her class, Adam. She also gets bullied by a girl named Annie. But for the most part she likes her new home. She especially loves going out on the schooner with her parents and listening to the whales, which are Sarah and her mother's new love.

Not long after being in their new home, Sarah's mom starts having fainting spells. It is discovered that she has a rare condition that is slowly wasting her away. When Sarah finds this out she's devastated. Unfortunately, there's nothing anyone can do for her mother. Her doctors only give her about two to three more years to live, max.

When Daniella eventually ends up in a coma, something happens and she dies. Jack (Sarah's father) is arrested for pulling the plug on the machines that were keeping his wife alive. Sadly, after his long-awaited court date, the jury finds him guilty and he's sentenced to ten years in prison.

Sarah has to go back to the U.S. with her grandparents and leave everything behind once again. She tries to block out all that has happened to her back in Canada, even the good things. But when she's older (in her 20's), someone comes along and opens her floodgates (so to speak), and she once again remembers everything, including how her mother died.

This was an incredibly hard book to write a summary of. So much happens in WHALE SONG that it's hard to cover the basic things in a short summary. Just go read the book and you'll find out how wonderful it is! It's completely heart wrenching because you know all along that Daniella is dying. But the whole book is just amazing.

I seriously never wanted to put it down. Ms. Tardif's use of words is incredible, like when she's talking about the killer whales or describing scenery. They just flow so easily across every page. My heartstrings were being pulled the entire time and I absolutely loved it. If you like these type of books, I seriously recommend getting yourself a copy. You seriously won't be disappointed. And yes, I know I just overused the word seriously -- sorry!

Reviewed by: Breanna F.

All I could think after reading this book was HOW DARE YOU!

How dare you make me laugh, cry, and and get so involved in the story that I had to read it all in one sitting.

I couldn't put the book down once I started it and my kids kept asking what was so funny every time I would break out into laughter. I'm glad that nobody was paying much attention, they would have seen tears between the smiles and thought I was going crazy. I felt like I was on an emotional roller coaster.

Peggy, Mister, and Missus were all very real from the beginning and it was as if I was watching their lives unfold in person.

CONGRATULATIONS! It's a wonderful book....
Now may I please have control of my emotions again?

I could write so much about this wonderful book but to sum it up, it's one of the best novels I have read in at least the last ten years. Everything is neatly intertwined, and the author makes the characters loveable but still fawed. This book shows how race differences should really be handled--with love. Congratulations to the auhor for doing such a magnificent job. I loved the book!

I was caught up in this book the second I read the back cover. How many novels do you know that actually make you feel like you're right in the story with them, that what's going on is real and true to life? Well, this one does, and I can tell you that after reading it, I had a whole new apprecaitation for racial differences. DeVincent-Hayes make this story real, and she made me look at what it might be like on the "the other side." I just love this story. I wish [...]would pick it up for her book club and her Harpo would make it into a movie, I cried and broke into laughter in so many places in this story. Peggy is such a likeable character, even with all her flaws. Mr. Ellen is just like James Earl Jones, and Mrs. Ellen is so cool. This is a wonderful family story.

Why is it that good books like this "22 Friar Street" aren't bestsellers? Is it because such a book isn't vulgar, profane, violent? Our society should want books like this that reflect on human relationships and show us not only in the good light, but also with all our flaws and shortcomings. The author of this book should win a Nobel for her superb writing skills and exceptional insight into humanity; more importantly, Oprah ought to celebrate it on her bookclub, and Ron Howard ought to make a movie out of it. It's a story that shows humanity in a clear light--what our expectations of each other are, what are stereotypes and preconceived notions consist of and how damanging they can be. Never have I ever run across a book that has gapped so many chasms as this book, such as blacks and whites, young and old, wealthy and poor, cultured and uncouth. This story just blew me away. In some places, I laughed so hard that people in the doctor's waiting room stared at me; in other places, tears rolled down my eyes. You have got to read this story! Great work, DeVincent-Hayes!

Whooowee! What a ride this story takes you on...unbelievable! Not only is it a roller coaster of a ride, but it has characters that you just fall in love with, even ol' meany Aunt Audrey who really doesn't hate Peggy after all. This book is like a wide beacon on dark seas because it shows how we can brighten up our beliefs and change society and fix all the inhumanity we often put on others. I loved Peggy and Mr/Mrs Ellen. This book sucks you in and keeps you glued to it without your even knowing it. Buy a copy for yourself; you won't be sorry. It's a true, wholesome family story and a quiet lesson in what it means to love each other despite cultural, racial, educational differences.