N Books

i actually bought this book for my wifes birthday. it was an idea from my mom, since she found out how big an animal lover my wife (and I) are. i started to read the first chapter before i wrapped it up, and knew right away it would be a tear jerker. all in all, i bought this book because a portion of the proceeds go to Angels Gate. that is terrific for lots of animals out there, and my wife loved the idea of giving something back. if you even like animals, you should get this book. i pray every day now that more people in the world will follow Susan Marino's idea.

Once you open the book, you can't put it down. My husband picked it up to
read the first couple of pages and did not put it down till he was done.
I did the same. Since I did some volunteer work at Angel's Gate during the summer, I was really able to connect with some of the animals and was able to see how much they are loved and cared for.

This book is one that has to be read just to see what people go through when they lose a pet. I never thought I would be the one that was so attached to a pet. But I did for 13 years. Then when it was time. I made sure everything was is place for a pet funeral and made a great headstone for him. He was a loyal friend and I miss him dearly. I know that there are Angels Gates in heaven.

Getting Lucky is for all of us who share our hearts and lives with our animals. This book will make you laugh and cry, sometimes both at once. Beautifully written, with humor,love and sadness that just pulls at your heart. You won't be able to put it down. Angel's Gate is truly a place where "Angels" go to be loved and let go. I dedicate this review to my own angel, Jakob M. who passed on only 1 year ago. I'm grateful that places like Angel's Gate exist and that there are people out there who know just how special these creatures are.

This book is awesome! I recently lost my beloved Black Lab, Molson, who was 11 years old. I felt like I was there with all the pets in this book. I wish I lived near Angel's Gate... I would be there to volunteer in a minute! How wonderful these people are to take on such a heartfelt approach to helping these precious animals. I found myself smiling from ear to ear throughout the whole story! A must for all animal lovers to read!

A.A. literature and independent research make clear the relevance of this little book to the A.A., 12-Step, Recovery picture. See Dr. Bob's Library, 3rd ed.[[ASIN:1885803257 ; DR. BOB and the Good Oldtimers ; The Books Early AAs Read for Spiritual Growth [[ASIN:1885803265 ]; The Akron Genesis of Alcoholics Anonymous[[ASIN:1885803176 ; and Turning Point: A History of Early A.A.'s Spiritual Roots and Successes.[[ASIN:1885803079. A.A.'s co-founder Dr. Bob said hundreds of time that 1 Corinthians 13 was an absolutely essential part of the early A.A. program. He thought so much of this Drummond study that he circulated The Greatest Thing in the World widely among the A.A. pioneers. It was part of his library. It was part of his expression of the meaning of love. For that's what the Corinthians chapter and the Drummond book are about.

I heard Larry Burkett highly praise this book years ago so I got one. I agree, this is an awesome book. read just a few pages and it will change your heart to love others more, no matter how grouchy you are at the time. I prefer the older editions of this book, they fit in my purse better

My brother sent me a copy. He liked it so much he brought fifty copies to share with friends. I in turn have purchased copies to give away. It is the Sermon on the Mount, The Gospel of John, and First John all in one by way of expounding upon Paul's great love expose. Gary Trawick.

This book by Henry Drummond is a much-neglected meditation on I Corinthians 13. With kindness and gentle encouragement, Drummond walks the reader through the characteristics of love we all fail so miserably to exhibit in our own lives. Well-written and short, this book should be on the shelf of anyone who is trying to live Scripture.

Hadn't read Henry Drummond's book in years, but I recently picked it up again and re-read it and found it had lost none of its power for me. This book can be read in twenty minutes, but it's a twenty minutes that can change your perception of life and love.

Drummond, who was an inspiring liberal-thinking Christian of the 1800's, divides Paul's chapter on love in First Corinthians into three parts: "love contrasted," "love analyzed," and "love defended." He shows us what love isn't, shows us what it is, and defends it as the "greatest thing in the world." He helps us understand that it is not a burden to love - it's the easiest thing in the world!

This book is one of the most inspiring pieces of Christian literature I've ever read.

Sandra Steingraber is a scientist and writer whose early cancer has led her to explore the possible environmental causes of cancer and teratogens in our chemically laced environment. In this book, she talks about her own pregnancy and what happens to the developing life within in a very thorough, and beautiful, way.

This book starts out as very scientific and a bit dull, but picks up and keeps you reading. I admire the author for doing so much detailed research and yet being very happy and optimistic towards her own childbearing. An inspirational and eye-opening book that I would recommend to all my friends, especially young women.

This book is FASCINATING. If you pick it up you won't put it down. Everyone should read this book, but especially those considering having children. (I do not recommend this book to pregnant women, it could be very upsetting)

The book is beautifully written, personal, scientific, and life changing. I particularly appreciate the author's perspective that the onis to protect children from toxic chemicals that cause birth defects should be societal, not personal. It is insane that we have accepted that due to mercury pollution as a result of coal burning women and children should have to stop eating nutritious fish.

This book is one of the most informative books you will read about pregnancy and the early months of your baby's life and not with the information that you will find in your other books. Instead this book begins to unravel the mysteries of the womb and the world while captivating all of the magic. The author guides you through information that is sometimes scary, sometimes ecstatic and in a lesser writer's hands might be overwhelming, but instead is inspirational. Beautifully written--you won't be able to put it down!

I loved this story, both as a scientific narrative and a touching personal story. I'm thinking about pregnancy, and this book awakened me to many of the dangers of toxins in the environment I hadn't even contemplated before. I'm so glad that Steingraber told the full story of fish in the diets of pregnant women, for example: that a food with such healthy fats and potential for fetal brain development has instead been rendered toxic by not just mercury pollution, but POPs like DDT as well. And anyone who wants to breastfeed should be aware of how toxins are magnified not just over the course of fetal development, but within the content of mother's milk as well. Steingraber seeks to educate us not to make us take action indiviually, but collectively: healthy food and a healthy environment should be the right of every pregnant woman, mother, father and child. It should be ours for the taking, because we adults deserve the right to have children, and those children deserve the healthiest world possible, starting in the microcosm of the womb. As an adopted child, a pregnant woman, a nursing mother and a biologist, Steingraber tells every woman's story of conception and birth to inspire all humans with a vision of taking action to create a healthier world. It's a lovely telling that everyone - not just mothers-to-be - should read.

After reading the first four books-- Across the Nightingale Floor, Grass for His Pillow, and Brilliance of the Moon, Harsh Cry of the Heron (which, truth must be told, I don't know if I could read again... I got too angry at the end... Stupid Kaede!)-- I fell in love with the world and the characters. Heaven's Net is Wide is a MOST welcome expansion upon the character and story of Shigeru. He had been somewhat of an enigma in the first book- we never quite knew what he was thinking- but HNiW explains his personality and actions beautifully.

The fact that I can't reread Harsh Cry of the Heron because it is literally too painful speaks volumes for the author's abilities, and Heaven's Net is Wide definitely showcases those abilities as well. Both books made me feel for the characters so acutely it translated into real physical anguish. I knew, from reading the other four Tales of the Otori books, what would ultimately occur, and in Heaven's Net is Wide, I could see the characters make the decisions that would put them on the path to that end, and it nearly killed me. I actually found myself yelling at the book a couple times, as ridiculous as that sounds.

In all, a very well executed return to the beginning of the events in the Tales of the Otori series. Most definitely recommended.

This is the prequel to the Tales of the Otori series although it was written last. As are all the books in the series, this novel is well written and rivetting as are the others.

Heaven's Net is Wide is Lian Hearn's stunning prequel to the Tales of the Otori saga. This book tells the story of young Otori Shigeru and his rise to become Lord Otori, head of his clan, amidst triumphs and tragedy, friendship, love and betrayal. Hearn's alternate historical version of Japan is as beautiful as ever and her writing adds depth and detail to the picturesque scenery carried through all her novels.

I really enjoyed how Hearn stayed true to her multi-character storytelling. Though the story was Shigeru's, I appreciated the chapters devoted to mysterious Tribe members Muto Kenji and Muto Shizuka, and also the background of Lady Maruyama Naomi and the members of the Hidden. Heaven's Net is Wide would be a great starting place for those new to the Otori series, but it is equally enjoyable as the final book in the Tales - bringing the story full circle to where it all began.

This book is up there with the many great books I've read - and I've read a few. Of course it's all down to opinion and taste but I found this book magnificently written - so well written I can't describe it with the acclaim it deserves. It is a HIGHLY, HIGHLY underatted book.

As I had read the first two books in the Tales Of the Otori Trilogy, when the prequel came out I decided to read the series from the start (From the prequel to the trilogy to the sequel). This proved to be a good decision as I (and I know this is very cliched) just couldn't put the book down! Because I had read the first couple of books and knew the characters - or for that matter of past characters that died before book one, to be able to read of things discussed in the trilogy actually happening before my eyes (because that's how well it is written) was an absolute treat.

But what I marvelled at most, was how well Hearn planned out the series. I just could not believe that events fell into place so well at exactly the right time, in exactly the right places.

Hearn creates a world where there are animals you'd find in from Europe to Asia to the Americas. There is talk of creatures like Goblins and Demons aswell as Spirits and Gods of various elements all set in feudal, mythical Japan with a magnificent touch of ancient history - of warlords and clans, of religions and beliefs, and of the struggle the women had and the dominance of the men.

Yet it is written and described quite subtly so that the loyalist of fantasy fans will enjoy it alongside the firm general fiction readers.

I suggest you read the trilogy and also if you want, the sequel first, so you can get the sense of appreciation for Lian Hearn's work and get an even more amazing read out of such and underated tale.

I believe this book alogside the trilogy and sequel, although it has some sex scenes, would be suitable for boys and girls, men and women alike above the age of 12.

Lian Hearn has created a world. It resembles Japan in the 16th century, but with added imaginary elements. The writing is exquisite - elegant, precise, rich and evocative. Once you start reading the Tales of the Otori you don't want to quit.

The ability to project yourself into a different personality set in a different culture and period, and do it convincingly and movingly - that is the mark of a very good writer indeed!

One of the biggest changes the theater has seen of late was Disney's successful track record with bringing their story-telling to the stage. As with most of Disney's greatest successes, their efforts were immediately unique as they ignored many of the rules along the way. In the process, their shows introduced a new audience to the wonders of live theater. So it's only appropriate that the coolest book that ever covers the theater experience comes to us from Thomas Schumacher, the head of Disney Theatricals.

A good play begins with its script- its storyline. Here the journey is suggested in text, providing a beginning, middle and an end. Likewise, this book begins with a telling, informative narrative. It describes in simple yet effective words practically every element of the theatrical experience, be it on stage, backstage or in the 3rd row of the balcony. What will you experience from the moment you arrive at the theater all the way through the end of the curtain call? This book and a little imagination provide answers to that question quite fully. But watching a show is only the beginning. We also experience the many house activities, to the backstage work, to belting a song center stage and even at the initial creative meetings. It's quite simple and informative.

Like any play that begins with a good script, the creative job to follow is how to tell that story. For anyone who has seen any of Disney's Broadway shows, you know that their "way" is simply stunning. From THE LION KING's introduction of Simba to MARY POPPINS' flying retreat over the balcony; from TARZAN's use of vertical stage work to AIDA's mix of modern stagework with a classic tale, the Disney audience usually leaves richly experience. So it should come as no surprise that the book is as beautiful and wild an experience as the works it trumpets. Not only is the book a collage of beautiful photographs easily identifiable to the Disney fan, but they are also surrounded by mixed media samples such as removable ticket booklets, script pages and even costume designs.
HOW DOES THE SHOW GO ON? is a great book for the theater novice and also the seasoned veteran. It's a nice wink to the audience, a pat on the back to the backstage crew, a nod to the creators and a standing ovation to the performers. Check it out!

This is the best book on Theater I have ever seen. The design, story, and the interactive pieces are well put together in this book.

A really great overview of the wonderful world of Broadway! My daughter, (11 years old) who is a musical theater kid, absolutely loves it!

Get this book if you have young children so they can see what goes on back stage. I think it will make them want to see more of the action.

A great book that shows children (and adults) what goes in to putting on a show!

This was a tough one to rate. I would have given a 3 1/2 star rating if it were available because it's really a very good little book. There's NO WAY, however it deserves five stars, but if anyone wants to give it four, I have no particular problem with it.

Belloc's premise is that European civilization is synonymous with Roman Catholic civilization. Therefore the Reformation was one of the greatest disasters to strike Western, or European, civilization. What makes this a good book is that Belloc, writing from a historical and social perspective, rather than a religious one focuses in on the underlying causes and drives of the Reformation, rather than the sometimes minor theological disputes that are the focus of most works on the subject. He astutely points out that the Reformation was more about redistribution of wealth and power than about trying to form new denominations. It maintains that it was not until Calvin published The Institutes of the Christian Religion that Protestantism really formally and systematically broke away from its Catholic roots. He also maintains that the chief religious debate was not about grace of faith, but about predestination versus free-will.

The thing that keeps Mr. Belloc's book from being great is that it's full of minor gaffs in history and logic that should be below someone of Belloc's stature and reputation. For example Belloc seems to confuse Luther's 1518 meeting with Papal Legate Cajetan with his 1519 debate with Johann Eck. In other places he encourages the reader to forget everything they read in those other histories and instead accept what he's telling them. He makes these statements without giving any support for his alternative history. In fairness to the author, however, these mistakes are minor and don't really effect the impact of his arguments. The book is also not intended as a detailed history, but is a little work (180 pages) intended to shore up the Faith, rather than seriously debate the subject, so his glossing over disputes in history is not major. In other places he makes huge leaps in logic for his arguments without filling in the gaps and is occasionally self contradictory. Again, however, these errors are minor to his main point about the Reformation being more political and social rather than religious and given the intended scope and audience of the work they do not ruin what is a very good little book. The book remains however, because of them, good rather than great.

The defiance of Martin Luther and Henry VIII were not, as Hilaire Belloc points out, all that uncommon in the history of Christendom. Luther posting his treatises on the church door was basically how things were done. Today Luther would have blog and a book tour.Similarly Henry VIII wasn't the first English King to cock a snook towards Rome, and most of his subjects at the time, seemed remarkably unconcerned. Belloc says mainly as they imagined this feud, like others before, would eventually be reconciled. But these revolts ultimately split a Christendom that had operated with various degrees of unity for just over a thousand years. So what was going on?

Belloc in this 1928 book provides what in academic-speak we would today call a multi-disciplinary macro and micro analysis of a great historical question. He combines both a thematic understanding of the period covering centuries as well as detailed micro level knowledge contributing to his non-deterministic analysis that in may ways illustrates a contingent view of history. And there is no way Belloc would use words like those in my last two sentences to describe his work. His account is readable, although to modern eyes his writing style can seem a little stuffy, at least, at first. But you do get used to it. Belloc's histories are part of his broader intellectual agenda explicitly aimed at both defending his vision of Christendom and his view of how modern societies can achieve, for their people, the good life whilst avoiding the excesses of industrial capitalism and state socialism. Having nailed his colours to the mast, Belloc is both scrupulously fair, and indeed mildly sympathetic, to his Protestant subjects. That is not what many would first imagine from one of England's leading catholic apologists. And this is not a theological or religious book, it is history. Almost 100% so. If there is old time religion in it, it amounts to no more than two paragraphs in his concluding chapter.

I will try to summarise Belloc's position in a few paragraphs of my own. Christendom always had dissident priests and princes, so the very different revolts of Martin and Henry were not new. There had never been 'a golden age' when Christendom was without challenge. What was new was the simultaneous weakness of two key institutions to counteract and contain them. Indeed the revolt that emerged was probably much larger, and more radical than anything Martin or Henry could have imagined. Anti-clericalism, not doctrinal dissent, drove the break-up. And economics played a role in the split and, more importantly, in keeping the splinters apart. The Church controlled large swathes of agrarian land. In earlier centuries it was the monastic orders that had actually "opened up" this land to use a frontier analogy. This success was severely damaged by the Black Death. Population decline was not accompanied by significant land reform. As a result, what had once been Europe's economic foundation now seemed an onerous burden.

The papacy lacked the will, and worse yet, sufficient power and moral authority to effect reforms, even if it had the will. The Great Schism weakened the moral and popular authority of the papacy, saw the blance of power shift towards the princes. A string of corrupt popes (Belloc is at pains to point out that these popes were not as bad as is often imagined) was one of two pieces of bad timing. The other was the simultaneous weakness of the Emperor (i.e. 'Holy Roman Emperor'). That great German "federal" overlord was decisively weakened by on going wars with the muslims. He was thus unable to assert sufficient control at home.

Weaknesses at the top meant the revolt from below went unchecked, but were the common people in revolt? No. Some peasant revolts broke out, and like similar revolts before, the princes, both catholic and protestant suppressed them. The real revolutionaries were from the aristocracy and merchant squires. These groups came to control the land and corporate formerly managed by the clergy. In some cases they fostered protestant iconoclasm whilst controlling the market for the now abandoned treasures of the churches. Formerly clerical wealth financed both the growing demands of their "modern" states, and their armies, and to reward allies. Royal favourites, the 'new millionaires' , became the great fortunes and powerful families of England, with influence running for centuries. In England real power was concentrated in the Cecils, the real power behing Elizabeth I, who used secret police tactics to suppress popular catholicism, including letting the Gunpowder plotters conspire for over a year, all under the watchful eye of spy chief Walsingham . These groups were a powerful vested interest in seeing to it that these new rifts, unlike the old squables, were never healed. The 'new millionaires', of course, would soon be knocking down the crown that gave them their start, in a century or so, as their descendants would lead the parliamentary revolt against the old monarchy. Belloc makes an aside that the new parliamentarians were an "elect" in the Calvinist rather than the democratic sense.

Belloc ties this history to modern times and his other works by arguing that the industrial revolutions the millionaires would launch would be based on unven foundations dating back to the Reformation. Belloc's "distributism" advocated for a radical resdistribution of land and wealth to thus extend economic independence and dignity to the lower classes. This he saw as third way between the twin evils of plutocratic capitalism and state socialism, and the likely fusion of both outlined in his most famous political tract, 'The Servile State'.

The institutional weaknesses that allowed the reformation to spread were eventually answered but the "too little, too late" responses help illustrate Belloc's case. It took over forty years before the Council of Trent could be convened and organized a counter-reformation spearheaded by the newly formed order, the Jesuits. Trent;s delay was mainly due to politicking by local princes. When it was commenced the total number of delegates was small compared to earlier and later councils. When Trent started in 1545 only 24 bishops and archbishops were in attendance. During the enormously destructive "Thirty Years War", the Empire too 'struck back', or at least, attempted to. However now the French, directed by their own Bismark, Cardinal Richelieu aided the Protestant princes from a geopolitical desire to prevent German unification to their east.

Belloc provides a readable introduction to the whole period and helps the reader thread the pieces they may have picked up into a more comprehensive canvass. His introduction includes a critique of the treatment of the Reformation by fellow historians, and I'd recommend re-reading his introduction after completing the book. An interesting read.

This is an outstanding short book on the history of the Reformation. This is the first book by Belloc I have read, but if this book is any indication, he was a master of thematic history. This is not just a list of dates and events, blandly shared. Rather, Belloc gives us a riveting book that is concerned with the historical forces and personalities at the heart of the great religious revolt that has so shaped Western Civilization for the last 500 years.

One could successfully devour this book in the span of two days. But even with its brevity, it is a quite thorough look at the themes and personalities that make up the reformation.

A must read.

Belloc's view of the Reformation is both original and penetrating as he challenges the conventional views of that religious revolt from the perspective of a committed Roman Catholic. The overview of history is not necessarily exhaustive for a 300 page book, but it tends to be a bit repetitive, although when one considers the points that Belloc is trying to emphasize, the repetition is understandable. Basically, he assumes the stance that the Reformation was not originally a religious contest but a political and financial one, and that the nobles and rulers of Europe took advantage of the reformers fever to dissemble the universal Catholic church and distribute their wealth amongst themselves.
Although I agree with Belloc's theory and feel that the breakup of Catholic Christendom was essentially a disaster, I felt that his bias against the Reformation dismissed much of the spiritual sincerity of the Reformers, which is unfortunate. Overall though, it is a great read and one that will challenge those with an open mind. For a companion piece, one should read Novalis' Christendom or Europe, which is found in Novalis: Philosophical Writings published by SUNY Press (1997).Novalis: Philosophical Writings

Mr. Belloc does not give us a detailed history with references to primary sources. Instead, he notes the major currents of thought that shaped history and the missed opportunities that might have deflected those currents from creating the reformation. His history is a macro-history covering the currents created by such factors as the Black Death, rising nationalism, corruption of morals, and more. He asserts, convincingly I believe, that the Protestant reformation was based on the lie that each individual was his own judge of what was right thinking (see more on this in Great Heresies). Further, he asserts, this heresy of man as his own arbiter of truth likely would have failed had it not been for the focus provided in John Calvin's systematic theology.

Whether Protestant or Catholic or Orthodox, it is important to understand the historical currents and the waves that brought about the world as we know it today. America, in particular, with all that is good or bad in it, is a creation of those currents. The cold reasoning that rejects all that is mystical and intangible in modern thinking is also a creation of those currents. It is the fall of man all over again which rejects any authority outside one's self. Protestant and Catholic alike decry this disunity. It is in our interest to understand the causes and effects. Mr. Belloc gives us the broad thinking approach to see the root cause which so many other historians have missed getting lost in the details.

I ordered three of these books. They are wonderful and I highly recommend them, especially for families with little ones.

I was lucky enough to meet Laura and experience the joy and enthusiasm that flows so freely when she talks of creating and sharing this wonderful book.

It's a story that tells both sides of a caring relationship, presenting perfect-pitch dialogue that shows there are no limits to the stretch of the human heart when it comes to love.

This may be perfect for children, but reading it to them enriches each of us by resonating the simple and powerful value of love.

the transaction was flawless, efficient and timely. this was a special item for our children...i love you more is a personal way we sign all correspondence and voice messages, and the book was more than appropriate.

Fast delivery! This book is awesome! I bought it for my granddaughter for her 8th Birthday because we play the "I love you more" game on the phone and she always wins! I can't wait to sit down with her and flip it back and forth and back and forth and back and forth! Even though the book is about a little boy and his Mommy, I'm going to do a little "artistic editing" to personalize it to "Nana and Granddaughter". I'd love to see this book written with different relationships but it's still wonderful and I recommend it to everyone who loves smeone who loves them more!

I read this to my 6 year old. Bought it when he was 5 and he still loves to read it with me. Love the way it's written and love to message!

We came into this series from the back end. Then purchase preceding works to catch up on the story line as the characters were compelling enough to warrant further reading. Deborah Crombie's Inspector's Kincard and James is such a pair. Their personal lives intermingle with their cases. As readers, we root for each installment. Her stories are keepers as we weed our shelves to make room for new favorites.
With "In a Dark House," Ms. Crombie apply demonstrates her ability to rank with Martha Grimes in creating the stark and brutal side of human relations. Knowing how the personal issues evolve, we concentrated on the deftly plotted case and the steps taken to reconstruct the crime from almost non-existent clues in this great police procedural.
Nash Black, author of "Qualifying Laps" and "Sins of the Fathers."

Deborah Crombie continues to deliver a series worth reading and rereading...this entry is no exception. Balancing jurisdictional disputes, personal life distractions, and a strong sense of historical detail, In a Dark House is another superb example of Crombie's sensitive portrayal of character, place and pitch-perfect plot. If you haven't read her work yet, get them all and be prepared to enter a world you won't want to leave.

I thought that the two books previous to this in the Duncan Kincaid/Gemma James series were slight disappointments. Kincaid seemed relegated to a side character with Gemma taking the lead. IN A DARK HOUSE is an excellent mystery that brings the two back to equal ground and re-establishes them as one of the best partnerships in mystery fiction.

'In a Dark House' is my first foray into the world of Duncan Kincaid/Gemma James and, mostly likely, it will be my last ... which is strange because the book has all the hallmarks of a good detective/mystery series. The author has obviously done her research on the story's setting (Southwark section of London) and criminal investigation procedures. And the story, an interwoven affair involving arson and murder, has surprising yet plausible plot twists. But why is "In a Dark House" so forgettable?

Well it strikes me that the characterizations, especially of our investigative duo of Duncan Kincaid and Gemma James, are just a bit too manufactured. It felt something out of EastEnders (a UK soap opera) rather than anything realistic. I also felt the author, who is obviously a talented writer, played too safe in her narrative. I wanted high drama, conflict, and the tangible feeling of suspense ... and I didn't find any of it.


Bottom line: a competent mystery perfect for the beach but certainly the sort of book you won't want to keep on your bookshelf afterwards.

Deborah Crombie's James & Kincaid series just gets better and better. Here the setting is Southwark, not a usual venue for London-loving writers. As always, Crombie provides a physical map with her text, although her descriptions of place are so excellent that it's ironically unnecessary. The aged warehouses oozing toward oblivion in the Thames, the aggressive marks of gentrification (for an even better take on this hot topic, see _Kissed a Sad Goodbye_) mingle with the tang of traditional cheeses from the open market by the cathedral and the wacky/wonky lives of the fringe business people who flourish in spaces between the run-down and the rave restaurant review.

Crombie's characters are equally vivid, not only the series stars, but also the agoraphobic in her doll's house and the oddly honest self-made politician. The characters are given dead-on details that call them to mind for the reader, even after an absence of many chapters. Yet Crombie never falls into the grey-page plague of prose. She uses her omniscient narrator's voice and swaths of unforced dialogue to convey both news and nuance. Her skill at plotting really shines here, as she moves among three sets of self-absorbed characters and the police, never once making the reader feel that "now for something completely different" sense of dislocation.

This is a mystery worthy of a re-read - first class!

Quite possibly the most charming cat stories ever written. Jenny the cat is filled with wonderful emotions that everyone can relate to...nervous about making new friends, afraid that she's not good enough, she proves herself through all sorts of wonderful adventures. Highly recommended!

Friends gave us this one for a birthday present for our six year old. Have since ordered the whole series!
Nice to have children friendly, wholesome story...our children can't hear it enough!

I loved these stories when I was a little girl and its been a joy to pass them along to my own daughters. I love how Jenny realizes her own worth even though she feels so small and shy sometimes. Friends, loyalty, and fun adventures makes these stories timeless

I love Jenny Linsky. I love her gentle nature, her kindness, her shyness. I loved her from the moment I opened the book and read the first paragraphs to my (then) 5 year old daughter. I loved her as I made red pom-poms to tie onto a red scarf so my daughter could dress up as Jenny for Halloween. But five years later, she's my second favorite Linsky. My most favorite is my three year old daughter, Zoe Linsky, whom her big sister lovingly named after the nicest person she could think of, a little black cat named Jenny.

I am so glad they re-released this book--my mother was thrilled to receieve it. Seller sent the book in great condition and it arrived very quickly.

I've purchased this book 4 times. The first time I bought it, I was browsing in a bookstore. I'd never heard of Christopher Moore before. Initially, the cover caught my attention. Then, I read the title and knew I had to buy it. (I have a sorta twisted sense of humor.)

By page 10, I had gone out to buy the book a second time for my Dad (He's twisted too - I got it honestly). This book is LAUGH-OUT-LOUD funny. Imagine someone on the bus reading what looks like the bible - laughing involuntarily as they read. I'm sure many dirty looks and prayers were sent my way on those days.

I finished Lamb, and gifted my previously read copy to my uncle - which gave me an excuse to buy a fresh new copy to read again. Then, I bought a fourth to have in reserve just in case I come across someone else to give it to - or keep for myself in mint condition (don't you just LOVE gilded pages?).

I won't write about the plot, characters or details of the book - I hate spoilers. All I will say is that this was the best book I have read in a long time. The subject matter, storyline, and Moore's writing style all culminate in a great reading experience. I have made it a point to read all of his other novels.

A first timer of Moore, I got this when I read the first few chapters while at a friend's house. I tell you, the opening paragraph is all you need to become hooked.

Moore's work is painstaikingly true-to-earth, making Jesus [Joshua] a more human-esque, loveable and a believable saviour then anything I've ever read. Biff, his childhood friend, is the classic sidekick, but with more originality then a beta fish. [Try and make sense of that one] Overall, Moore's work is a stunning, beautiful, well-crafted piece of literature that everyone should get.

Especially when it's a book that looks as nice as this one!

I absolutely laughed till I cried. It all makes sense now... This is a must read for anyone who has ever taken religion tooooooo seriously.

This book is easily in my top 5 favorite books. I might even say it's #1.

When I laughed out loud at the first page... I knew I was going to love this book. I could totally see everything in the book unfolding back in the day.

Some people didn't like the ending, and I must admit I was a little surprised... but when I thought for a minute, 'I got it' and it was the perfect ending.

Definitely a conversation starter... definitely a keeper for rereading over & over again.

I love this book for how it incites great conversation and it is a welcome addition to my small collection.

This is one of those books that really gets people talking. Conversations range from the story itself, to the historical truths or lack thereof, the religious implications, and now its look.

I really enjoyed reading this book the first time around when I would find myself laughing out loud when I would least expect it, and most recently with this edition where a friend thought I was laughing about something in the Bible itself.

This new edition was a great idea, with only one flaw: It can be difficult to hold open because it is bound tightly. I'm afraid of causing too much wear to the spine of the book, but in retrospect I guess that would only add to its charm of looking like a Bible.