Clubs Books

great book about a fascinating place. Read before or after visiting, but be sure to visit.

Many Americans know Washington Irving as the author of "the Legend of Sleepy Hollow" and "Rip Van Winkle". Few realize that he was also a world traveler, scholarly fluent in Arabic and Spanish and something of an Hispanophile, to the say least.
Irving's book is largely responsible for the widespread romantic image of Spain. It is a collection of observation, history, fairy tale, written in Irving's unique blend of romanticism and healthy skepticism. It is roughly framed by his journey to the Alhambra and his departure from it, an in between we are given a tour of the grounds and hear a few tales (including tales of Moorish ghosts on headless horses) which are roughly intertwined as in the Arabian Nights. Indeed, this little book is the 'Arabian Nights' of the west.
Before visit the Alhambra read this book. If you are not planning on going, read it and you'll probably change your mind.

I am a Moor and I relate to the stories well. The stories reminded me of the things to avoid for the things that will come. A Moorish Empire will rise again.
Irving starts with his personal journey then he has several stories of gallant and modest characters which makes you feel your in the garden or the palace. It brings back what love was and how it should be. I really like the story of the Father striving to keep his son from learning about love. I know no matter what you do you can never lock love away because of its power and its vast estate one would have to know it is impossible. This is a worth while reader for anyone who knows and wants the best from humanity for it is the Moors who created civilization and it is their station to restore it.

Washington Irving is credited with bringing the glorious history and unbelievable beauty of the Alhambra, in the city of Granada, (the last stronghold of the Moors in the South of Spain) to Western conciousness.

After spending a day at the Alhambra last Summer, and passing by the closed apartments that he occupied, I decided to listen to his book while driving one hour each way to work. (any short trips won't work because all of the 'tales' are lengthy)

My title says it all. If you are a student of dry history this book is not for you. Only about 20-30 minutes will satisfy your curiosity for the facts. If you enjoy legend and lore this book is it. The bulk of the book tells numerous stories of princes and princeses, kings and soldiers, common laborers such as mule drivers and water carriers, loves found and loves lost, and especially the perrenial human lust for long lost and buried treasure, etc., all told with a wonderous style and feel for southern Spain of the 13-th to 15-th centuries.

The factual account of how Columbus finally came to agreement with Isabella and Ferdinand to sign the contract for the three ships, almost by chance in 1492, while the two sovereigns were outside Granada laying the final siege of the Alhambra fortress, is mind blowing. History came 'that close' to having Columbus sail three French ships instead of the Nina, the Pinta and the Santa Maria.

If you want just the facts, look elsewhere. But if you are planning a trip to Granada and the Alhambra, definitely pick up this book, along with a second, more fact based, and give a read or listen. I wish I had done that before my trip. It would have given much more life and enjoyment to the place as I walked through the various rooms and towers and gardens that Irving so lovingly describes.

This wonderful book written by a well-loved American author details his travels in Spain, and more specifically in the Castle Alhambra. These tales are delightful, and seemlessly weave from fact to fiction to history to folklore. It is a true travel log, done oh so many years ago, and done with Irving's whimcical and enchanting style. The sketches give a good description of Spain and travel in the early 1800's. Older children and adolescents would probably enjoy these sketches.

No story. Just counting. Very few words. I was hoping it was more like the original book with an actual story.

My toddler has been reading this book for 2 years and now we need a new copy for his little sister (the first being quite worn out by now). He loves to count the objects on each page, especially the 4 trucks. The bear and other characters are charmingly illustrated and fun for young children.

Cute little book of just 12 pages, with colorful illustrations by Lisa McCue. Board book pages are always great for the not-yet-reading set to the beginner-reader, who will do unspeakable things to books - and board books can handle it!

Corduroy counts his way through his day, from 1 bear to 10 bubbles. Little kids will quickly learn to count along, because the text is simple and the story is laid out in illustrations they can relate to easily. The text mentions 6 cupcakes, and there they are - to be counted! And, of course, one of the bonuses of Corduroy is that there are other books he stars in, and your kids will want those, too. Hooked on reading before they know what's happening!

This book is a fun way to teach young children how to count. The pictures are very cute and colorful to hold ones interest. And the large print is a lot easier to read. The board cover is a very good idea also since children are often messy.

The colors and pictures of Corduroy are beautiful in this book. My daughter loves it! Other than Dr. Seuss books, this is one that she really loves and always wants to read.

You are alone in the middle of the ocean, at the mercy of the wind and the sea. How scary is that? What if strangers are trying to get you too? Or ARE they? Read this book and find out! Soooooo scary! Five stars!

You are alone in the middle of the ocean, at the mercy of the wind and the sea. How scary is that? What if strangers are trying to get you too? Or ARE they? Read this book and find out! Soooooo scary! Five stars!

This is a damn good book. As retirees, my wife and I read alot of books. This is a very good book. I couldn't put it down until I finished it. We expect this book to be passed along to all our friends.

This is a damn good book. As retirees, my wife and I read alot of books. This is a very good book. I couldn't put it down until I finished it. We expect this book to be passed along to all our friends.

'The Devil To Pay' truly is a sailing mystery adventure, in which a beautiful boat (yacht) takes the lead role for a good portion of the story. I found the characters appealing because they rose to an enormous challenge with courage and intelligence. Leda, the heroine, particularly impressed me. The plot is tight, with a fitting surprise ending. Boat lovers will especially appreciate the detailed descriptions of everything pertaining to the boat and sailing, but even I, a total ignoramus of sea-faring matters, appreciated the deft way in which the author made use of his extensive knowledge of boating to develop and further the plot.

Well done, Mr. Parola!

another great book by leo lionni. some people would think his books are out of date as they were written many years ago, but it's truly a classic.

Jessica declares they've discovered a chicken egg. She helps the youngster find her mother and Jessica is astonished when the mother calls her baby an alligator. Simply loveable and laughable. An excellent read-aloud. See Lionni's imagery of Rodin's Thinker when Jessica visits her quiet place.

Three rather adventurous frogs find an egg. Is it a chicken egg? Is it, as they first think, a pebble? Well no, it is an alligater egg. this is a wonderful little tale right out of the swamp. The simple illustrations fit quite well with the story line and are quite eye catching. Kids seem to love this one and even like it read to the over and over and over again. The story does bring home the good lesson that is is just fine to be different, as the three frog find. This is one of those books that is nice to have in your book stack for something quick to read or for a quick bed time read for the little one. Like all of Leo Lionni's work, the quality is high, the story good and the art work interesting. It would be hard to go wrong with this one.

It's that time of year again when many are looking forward to Easter and Easter Egg Hunts. But, what if someone found a really unusual egg, and to make it even more unique there's not a chicken inside but an alligator?

That's the proposition the irrepressible Leo Lionni puts forth in this delightful yarn about three frogs who find the surprise of their lives.

As always his illustrations capture the eye as his mind captures imaginations.

"An Extraordinary Egg" is a beginning reader picture book about three sister frogs that live on an island. One of the frogs, Jessica, finds an egg in some stones and brings it home. The three sister frogs believe it is a chicken egg, even though none of them has ever seen a chicken. The egg hatches, and it is an alligator but the frogs still think it is a chicken. They all become good friends, and "the chicken" even saves Jessica's life one day when she falls into the water. Soon though, the chicken's mother and the "chicken" are fatefully reunited. Jessica goes back and tells her sisters that it was very funny that the chicken's mother should call it "my sweet alligator." After all, their chicken couldn't have been an alligator!
I found this picture book by Leo Lionni particularly appropriate for children 4-5 years old, especially kindergarteners. I absolutely loved this humorous tale of three frogs who adopt an alligator they call "chicken" as their friend. Numerous lesson plans for teachers be drawn from its text, including concepts such as friendship, nature, and differences among animals. As part of my author study for World Literature for Children, I compiled a lesson plan about the many differences between chickens, frogs, and alligators. I had students make a chart listing the differences among each. They also explored new vocabulary, like the word "extraordinary," and each child was able to name something they thought was extraordinary. At the end of the lesson, students could write a follow-up story to "An Extraordinary Egg" and illustrate it with some of the same materials that Leo Lionni used to make the pictures for the book.
The illustrations in "An Extraordinary Egg" are nothing short of amazing and beautiful. With each turn of the page, a colorful double page spread is a feast for the eyes. Pen and ink, pastels, and collage were used to create the setting, three frogs, and the alligator. By doing this, Lionni creates a fun and entertaining world that kids won't hesitate to fall into. His illustrations match the age and reading level of the kids who will read the book because Jessica and her sisters are simply illustrated with materials and colors that four and five year olds like to see and use.
The overall quality of this book is outstanding. The text can certainly stand on its own without the illustrations, although the illustrations bring out a humorous element that is key to the storyline (i.e. the chicken is really an alligator). Both text and illustration complement each other in a way that makes the story funny and enjoyable. Other books by Leo Lionni that are similar to this one are: "Cornelius," "It's Mine!," and "Fish Is Fish." These have similar characters and themes (i.e. friendship) that go along with "An Extraordinary Egg." Ruth Heller also has a book called "Chickens Aren't The Only Ones: World of Nature Series" which is pictoral introduction to most animals that lay eggs.
In short, I think this book is a quality picture book, most appropriate for those who can't read yet or are beginning readers. You won't be disappointed with it, because it is simple, funny, beautifully illustrated, and has lessons about friendship and differences, especially qualities that make us unique. It also comes in a Big Book, so teachers can read it to their class without worrying if students can see or not.

Have you ever needed an erotic fantasy to erase the traces of a bad relationship? The Fantasy Master, written by relationship author, G.L. Henderson, gives you just that. This novel travels through the female mind in a sensual fashion that will have you crossing your legs tight and squirming in your seat.

The Fantasy Master centers around the protagonist, Jasmine, her man,
Lewis, and her best friend, Renee, who enjoy a tight relationship until Lewis begins acting up. The circumstances that follow set up a series of mysterious events which change their relationships dramatically.

Using his astonishing insight into the female mind, Henderson introduces Anthony, a dream of a man, who takes Jasmine on a journey of fantasy, romance, erotic adventure and self-discovery.

Hold onto your hearts, ladies, as Anthony says, "Let me hold the key to your erotic door," and proceeds to take you through the physical and emotional sides of an erotic escape.

Although a little slow to start, the novel quickly draws you into the lives of characters you think you know...but think again. The Fantasy Master reveals their underlying motives and keeps you speculating until the end. The interactions of these characters will have you second guessing your own relationships.

Employing the themes of friendship, jealousy, infidelity, envy and love, the Fantasy Master mirrors society, while teaching us some of life's toughest lessons. The unpredictable ending will keep the Fantasy Master in your dreams for some time to come.

A Mocha Mind Book Review
By Gioya Mcrae
©2008 Mocha Mind Communications

Lawd, Lawd, Lawd and yes I said Lawd.. What a great book for the GROWN & MATURE! G.L.Henderson has so much fantasy for one to vision, however, reality and a spiritual message was soon to follow.

G.L.H. = Good Looking Handsome 1 is definitely about to wake up the favor for ADULTS and bring back the ROMANCE in a couples' RELATIONSHIP! One can't get mad for a MAN TELLING IT LIKE IT IS!

Keep up the GREATNESS!

My co-worker bought this book to work with her and told me to read it. I went to the hairdresser that day and finished the book in 3 1/2 hours, no lie. I couldn't put the book down. A definite page turner. It had everything love, lust, dishonesty and spirtuality. You must read this book. I'm looking forward to his next book.

I felt as if you had looked into my life and wrote about it. You seemed to have gotten into my mind and knew all of my thoughts and feelings... And the part where Jasmine is in the bathroom... Now I know why you are the "Fantasy Master"!:) I know a part of me wished it was me in the tub and a bigger part of me wished that it was me that was blind folded and whose body was being rubbed. When you read this book I feel everyone will be able to relate wheither you are a man or a woman. If you have ever loved or gave love you will find a part of you. And if you have ever fantasized about what good love feels like then this will help you. I know some men who could use some lessons from G.L. the REAL "Fantasy Master."

well i can say that this book is not just for older poeple but it's also for the younger ones. I am 18 years old and i find this book to be very real. It help you to walk in your fantasy and also walk into reality at the same time. Although G.L is my god-father i never seen this side before. He is a very deep person. And i have to say that this book shows just what kind of man he is. This is not just a regular book this help you in many ways then one. If you have not read this book please make it you business to do so. Trust me it is something you will love. This book shows you how to love , pray, romance,and most of all trust in God so that you can later trust yourself. But if i could rate this book a 100 that's what it will be! If you have read this book pass it on and tell someone about it. Help support! Love you dad From Your Baby Girls! Kema and CAM

I loved this book as a great intro to different kinds of birds that we actually see in our parks. But I think the story, as simple as it is, didn't capture my son.

I especially like this book as it can be read on at least two levels. The initial story is catchy with the rhyming words and plot. The older child can also enjoy learning about the various types of birds depicted in the story. It gives a mother or a teacher much to discuss with the child.

This book, along with TOP CAT by the same author, are my kids' favorite books (ages 6,4 and 2). And I love them, too! I never tire of reading them out loud, although both of my older children can recite the book and "read" it themselves now. We checked it out from the library and kept renewing it over and over because the kids loved it so much. We finally bought our own copy and I know the kids are going to fight over who gets to take it with them when they move out 15 or so years from now. :) It is a delightful story and I love how Ms. Ehlert labels everything. I especially like the details provided at the end regarding the birds shown throughout the book.

This is a wonderful little book for children to learn some common American birds and their calls. The story is about a cat trying to catch a bird for lunch but the bell on the collar keeps giving him away, hence "feathers for lunch" but the illustrations are almost all birds such as the Northern Cardinal, Blue Jay, Morning Dove, House Wren, Northern Flicker, etc... My little boy actually likes Ehlert's "Top Cat" better, but this story has seen many readings. My boy can tell the difference between several birds that he sees in his backyard. Recommended for the little birders.

Another favorite of my 3 1/2 year-old daughter, along with "Top Cat" by the same author. Hmmm...is it possible that Top Cat or his little brother is the cat in "Feathers for Lunch"?

That aside, the pictures in this wonderful book allow a child a good first look at several North American birds, and the text introduces your child to their birdsong. All the birds are "drawn" (I believe they are actually designed by paper cut), to actual life-size.

Browning turns the mystery of the Wild West into modern day mayhem. Transforming Penny Mackenzie from a lackadaisical reporter to a new age Calamity Jane with style, grace, and downright stubbornness. Pat Browning strikes gold with this new series. I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next!

Cindy Daniel, author of DEATH WARMED OVER--COMING SOON
October 2003/Quiet Storm Publishing

I loved the book. There may be a little prejudice in that statement, since Pat was one of my favorite classmates at Moss high school in Oklahoma. I liked the story line. I loved the fresh comments and her style of writing. The only problem I had with the book, and that can be blamed on my short term memory, was so many characters in the beginning for me to remember. I had not seen nor heard from this lovely lady in a number of years until she began publishing. Pat, I loved your book and wish you multitudes of sucess in your next books.
Harry Shumard

Author Pat Browning's literary hero was John Steinbeck, who won the Nobel Prize for literature. Her esteem for him and her careful study of his style is reflected in the characterization of her heroes, heroines and villains. The book reads well and is worth reading for its ties to the master.

The rural, hometown personalities of Pat's characters really sparkle. Quirky and real, the dialogue only adds more charm to the story.

I believe the town of Pearl exists in pockets as Anytown, USA. Pat has a real flair for capturing the tell-it-like-it-isness of the folks. I think she must have known my Grandmother!

The mystery is twisty-turny, too, just the kind I like. I learned clues along with Penny MacKenzie, leading to a satisfying and logical end.

It's just the sort of book that goes with a cup of tea and a languid afternoon.

Penny Mackenzie is the Lifestyle Editor for The Pearl Outrider - the local newspaper for the small town of Pearl. Her friend, Maxie Harper, reporter for the Outrider, talks her into a late night stakeout. Although a tip that local eighth graders are worshipping the devil and doing human sacrifices turns into nothing more than a pot party, the discovery of a skeleton in a nearby cotton field, throws Pearl into a frenzy of secrets, lies - and murder. Penny finds Maxie's body during an event put on by the Chamber of Commerce. Dinner in the Round is a progressive event that takes the participants to several locations for different parts of the dinner. However, Maxie's progress is ended permanently - at Egg Foo's Bar and Grill.

Who killed Maxie Harper and why? What does the book, Pearl, The Little Town That Gold Built, written by Dabney Brewster, a retired English teacher and the town's local historian, have to do with her death? And whose skeleton has been hiding all these years in Digger Pott's field?

As these questions swirl around Penny like crazy birds trying to find a place to land, Pearl's unique citizens create more questions than answers while a long lost love interest pops back into Penny's life, complicating matters even more.

In this stunning debut series novel, Pat Browning has created a wonderful protagonist and surrounded her with interesting side characters. Penny and Pearl hold the promise of many more intriguing adventures. Browning's writing is professional and flawless and the story is engrossing, with just the right touch of suspense and humor.

This is a winning cozy - from an exciting new author. I'll be watching for the next book in the series - and the next - and the next....

I give FULL CIRCLE my highest recommendation!

This book was great! After being fooled by so many duds, I have begun to borrow more and more from my library instead of just purchasing books b/c Amazon has them cheap. When I saw this book's cover, I said "oh gosh," bring on the cheesy romance book. I was definitely caught off guard by the content of the story. I didn't even realize that the book was set in my town, so that was an extra surprise. Ms. Smith definitely delivered with this story. It had suspense, it had drama, it had romance. I finished it in one sitting.

The two main characters were very likeable and I could more or less relate to them...which is NOT always the case. The book also wasn't overrun with extra characters or digressions from the story.

I will definitely be purchasing this book and I will be on the lookout for more of Ms Smith's work.

This author writes romance characters like Shirley Hailstock. The story moved steadily and the suspense was great. My only gripe was the mystery was given away too early. Overall, I loved this book.

The setting, an affluent county in Maryland, is the home of Rachel Calloway and Nicholas Hunter. Rachel is an intelligent graphic designer, devoted daughter, and loyal friend. Nicholas is a tortured but well-respected and feared prosecuting attorney. When Rachel's father is accused and charged with setting his popular restaurant on fire, Rachel and Nicholas' paths cross which is the beginning of an inferno.

The characters face a dilemma that mixes responsibilities with matters of the heart, adding fuel to a raging fire. The characters, primary and secondary, are appropriately developed and their interactions with each other are engrossing and realistic. Each character has a story to tell (which is not glossed over nor overdone) that adds an understanding to their existing plight.

Smith does such an excellent job of blending mystery and romance, this story had me turning the pages trying to decide whom the culprit was, only to be fooled several times. Add the very sexy and romantic scenes and you have an excellent and suspenseful read by a writer whose work I look forward to reading in the future.

I have never taken the time to write a book review, but after completing this book, it is clearly mandatory that I inform any prospective buyers the delight which awaits you between these pages. I love books both fact and fiction. Ghosts of Fire is a book you want to share with others. I could not put this book down so I stayed up and read it from cover to cover.

Kudos and congrats, Mrs. Smith. Very well done!

Ghosts of Fire by Maureen Morah Smith is the suspenseful story of arson, and a man accused of a horrific crime. Zealously persecuted by a mad dog prosecutor, Robert Calloway is trapped on all sides and only his daughter Rachel can struggle to save him, even as she risks losing her heart to a new love, the cynical, justice-driven Nick Hunter. Meanwhile, a malefic stranger in the darkness has further evil plans in store. A haunting, suspenseful story, Ghosts Of Fire is confidently recommended reading and documents Mauren Morah Smith as a writer of considerable promise and ability.

How I wish a book like this had been available a few years ago! When I went through my devastating loss at 25 weeks gestation, the only books available were dry, impersonal books that attempted to explain the grief process and how to get through it. It was hard to get through more than one of those. This book lets you live it through real families and their experiences. It reads like a novel, but it is all true. Even if you have never personally had losses like these, you might someday know someone who will, and this will help you understand what to say - and most importantly, what NOT to say.

I could not put this book down. I felt like the author was reading my mind. The pain and devastation of losing a baby is indescribable, yet the author described it perfectly. She gave a heartbreaking, honest description of the range of emotions that bereaved parents go through-from the lowest point to having hope for the future. I cried and even laughed out loud in several parts because the situations described were so similar to my own. I especially loved the way she conveyed what she was thinking in different situations. This book is amazing!!! At the end, the reader is left with a sense of hope. I enjoyed reading this book so much, that I donated my copy to my Share group so that others can benefit from it!

As someone who lost a child at 23 weeks gestation, this book expressed what I was feeling inside.

We regretfully join a club that no one wanted to, but when you find out you are not alone, it eases the grief just a tiny bit and that is exatly what this book does.

Thank you for writing this book Monica.

The "Good Grief Club" is a honest and raw account of lives that have been touched by the unimaginable loss of their babies. It is wonderfully written and threads seven women's lives together. As a reader you are captivated by their stories and as a bereaved parent you are thrust into their pain, sorrow, grief and eventually, hope. It was very easy to connect with Mrs. Novak and I found myself sharing and relating to the darkness, heartache and tears and then one day, like them, seeing a light, a ray of hope and new joy again.

As a bereaved parent I've read many books about losing a child, but I highly recommend The Good Grief Club. This book is an honest account of what this "new" life is like for parents who have experienced a loss. At times the words on the page mirrored things that I have felt and thought, which I found reassuring. With her words, Monica Novak finds a way to convey to readers all of the complicated thoughts and emotions that go along with losing a child, while also instilling a sense of hope that one day the pain will begin to subside. I would recommend this book to anyone who has experienced the heartache of pregnancy loss, still birth or neonatal death, or to anyone who would like to better understand the grueling process of grief and how to help those that have experienced the loss of a child.

Because her kids demand that she read this book to them everynight before bed. It's gross kid humor, but the story is too cute to dismiss.

My eight-year old son loves these books. He is not an avid reader, so it is wonderful when we come across a series that excites him. I only wish that they would publish more!

I hope more Stinky Boys Club books are written because they are great. All kids would enjoy them alot

I like this book so much. I don't know which Stinky Boys Club books is best they are all so funny. I think all kids would enjoy them especially the fart parts.

I'm pretty sure I have never written a review for any books other than the three Stinky Boys Books. I love them, my kids LOVE them. They are all equally funny. My two sons (even my 13 year old) recite lines from the Stinky Boys Club books by heart around the house. If I didn't think they were so funny, I'd probably be sick of hearing about them. My 10 year old brought them to his class (fifth grade) and the teacher liked them so much he told the librarian about them. And my god daughters love them as much as my sons do. Thank you to the authors.