Clubs Books

This is an excellent read. I grew up in the small Louisiana town that the author writes about and it was exciting to read about places and people that I knew. The story held my attention from beginning to end.

I was lucky enough to have Mr. Marcum as a 5th grade teacher as well, in 1996. He was a great teacher and a great writer. He would read us this book a lot and gave us valid input with it - he made sure kids were going to like it! It was written for, edited by, and inspired by kids.

I also had Mr. Marcum as a teacher in 2002. I read this book three time while i was in the class, and brought chapters home for my dad to read and he loved it. I think ths could easily be the best book I have ever read. I read the complete version before it was published, so i hope they have not edited out some of the best parts. Go buy this book or order it here, you won't regret it.

Memories of my childhood flooded back as I read this wonderful book. Lance Marcum has written a book that kids of all ages can enjoy. His main character's (Mitch Valentine) first person account of his summertime adventures is pure kid fun from start to finish! Although "The Cottonmouth Club" is a real "page turner", it took me longer than expected to read due to my LOL fits, which erupted with nearly every page! Girls and boys, men and women, this book has something for everyone, and to top it off teaches some valuable life lessons. Read it, you'll love it.

THE BEST BOOK EVER GET IT OR YOU WILL BE SAD YOU DID NOT GET IT SO GET IT BEST AUTHOR EVER NO JOKE

This book was a nice combination of serious and fun. My favorite line was "'Plan your lunch snacks accordingly,' she concluded, giving the cinnamon roll ladies a sharp look."

Imagine my surprise, too, when Maddie and her friends joined the Iron Mountain Mine Tour. My grandmother was born in Iron Mountain in 1891. It's a small world and this book captures many of life's common joys and challenges.

The Dream Catcher Tour is a novel following a group of forty-seven women on an economical, no-frills tour bus excursion around the Great Lakes. As they take in the sights and sounds, they also trade favorite memories with one another. A leisurely delight brimming with female camaraderie, The Dream Catcher Tour glides gently along as it presents moments of interrelated insight, and makes for gentle, fun-loving leisure reading, bit by bit or cover to cover. Highly recommended.

Reviewed by Lori Plach for Reader Views (11/07)

Buckle your seatbelts; you are in for an adventure you won't soon forget! Welcome aboard the Northern Experience Tours! You will be traveling with 46 other women on a trip around the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. You are certain to meet some of the most interesting people you have ever met and perhaps you will make some new friends along the way. Emily is our tour guide and she wants to spend some time with each individual tour group member and be certain that they have a good time.

Of course, when you have this many different people from so many different walks of life, you are sure of having many life stories. As the group travels from one location to another, another person is spending time with Emily and sharing their life stories. From one city to another, you are able to enjoy the sites and unique characteristics of each locale. Some of the tourists' attractions are as follows: Mackinac Island, the Soo Locks bordering Canada, Munising, Houghton and Crystal Falls.

Paula Buermele has done an excellent job in providing a great storyline and travel book all in one. Through the pages of the book, you will feel like you are right there on the bus and getting to know these people that you are traveling with. Through descriptive paragraphs you will feel like you are seeing these places with your own eyes. I certainly hope that Paula Buermele writes more books. I loved "The Dream Catcher Tour" and would definitely like to read more of her work.

Paula Buermele's The Dream Catcher Tours provides her readers with a peek into the lives of forty-seven women who together embark on a bus tour of the Great Lakes with Northern Experience Tours.

What ensues is a potent collection of stories reflecting Buermele's affirmation that she is an attentive student in the classroom of life. Buermele moves effortlessly from one voice to another as her characters relate a variety of tidbits about their lives, some painful while others humorous. However, as one of the women remarks, "during the early days of the trip her companions had all seemed much the same, but with each passing day she had come to see the uniqueness of each woman."

These accounts also reaffirm an old adage, that no matter where people find themselves, they can't help reminiscing and revealing some of their family and psychological baggage that echo the past and at times consume the present. The stories range freely, some sounding familiar while others stirring up sad emotions, as is the case with Leslie who is traveling with her late husband's Aunt Helen. Leslie recounts how she lost her college sweetheart and young husband Steve who had suffered a brain aneurysm shortly after they were married. We also learn that she had lost her parents at a very young age and it was her adopted Aunt Helen who took her under her wing and has been her mentor

Then there is the familiar tale of Marianne, a wife and mother, who subjugated her own choices for those of her family and as she states, perhaps this trip will bring out the hidden Marianne. And Donna, the future mother-in-law, who is not exactly overjoyed with her son's choice of a wife. Barb, a divorcee, who after thirty-two years of marriage believed that the trip would mean a step into the world of self-determination and an escape from a controlling ex-husband who had left her for a trophy wife. Ruthie, who had visited her father in the hospital on her eighth birthday, recounts how she was pleasantly surprised when the Catholic nuns wheeled him in into the waiting room to wish her a happy birthday and thus shattering her stereotype of the "mean" nuns.

Buermele can clearly write and her storytelling is extremely perceptive, demanding quick concentration into the lives of her characters. However, at times in truth I did feel cheated, as some of the stories were underdeveloped and I would have liked to be better acquainted with the raconteurs. In the end though, these stories leave us with something to ponder; the uncertainty of life, the meaning of home and family, and what makes us all tick, for in all of us there is a story to be told.

Norm Goldman, Publisher & Editor Bookpleasures

I really enjoyed reading The Dream Catcher Tour. While it is a work of fiction, I appreciate the fact that the characters are based on real stories and accounts. The author does a fantastic job of telling this story in a way that makes the reader identify with the women and their personal journeys. The conversations are so real and honest.

I went on many trips to the U.P. when I was young and while some of the sites are familiar to me, there are many I haven't seen. This book has inspired me to one day go back and visit the places mentioned. I would love to visit Pictured Rocks and photograph as Leslie does in the 'Peace' chapter.

This is a gr8t book! I read it 2 years ago when i was in grade 4..............It is about a German family that moves to Canada in the 1930's and they have a daughter named Anna........(I think she is handicapt)
It is a wonderful book and i sooo recomend it!

I thought that this book was fantastic. Jean Little really brought me into the story. I thought that Jean Little was the perfect author for this book b/c she really got into the mind of each character. I loved this story, and if you're looking for a book, this is the one!

I liked this story when I first read it because I was able to relate to the main character Anna. My family always teased me about me being clumsy and in a way Anna and I had the same thoughts. Its really a good book because Anna makes small miracles in herself.

A wonderful young person's novel by Jean Little, about a family emigrating from pre-Nazi Germany and moving to Canada. The plot involves the efforts of the youngest child, Anna, whose poor vision and clumsiness has made her something of an outcast, to make a place for herself in her new home and new school. A very important part of the story is Anna's struggle to make a special Christmas present. Not just a Christmas story as such, as the plot takes place over the span of half a year or so, but a really nice evocation of Old-World holiday traditions, a Canadian town in the last years of the Depression, and a gimlet-eyed accuracy in describing family dynamics...

When I went to my public library a couple of days ago, I never imagined that I would come across two of the best books ever written by a very talented author. 'From Anna' and 'Listen for the Singing' touched me deeply, in a way that no other book has had the ability to do. Although it's language is simple and the style is nothing too out of the ordinary, Jean Little was able to use easy words in a very good way.

The last time 'From Anna' was borrowed was early 1997. Most of us would most probably never take a second glance at the book -- that is, if we judged a book by it's cover. However, if one takes the time to read deeper and look beyond the cover, they will find that they have stumbled across an extraordinary book.

The story starts off with a young 9-year-old Anna Solden, nicknamed 'Awkward Anna' by her older siblings. Anna is indeed very clumsy and klutzy, hence the nickname. When she hears her family is moving from German to Canada, Anna is devastated. She can't learn German; how will she ever cope with English?! But shortly after her arrival in Canada, Thanks to Dr Franz Schumacher and his discovery that Anna has a severe vision disability, Anna receives a pair of glasses, which bring forth a world she never knew -- a world where words and letters aren't masses of grey blur, a world where numbers stay on the page and where the everything is clear and bright.

Anna is sent to a special sight-saving class in order to repair the damage done to her eyes and salvage as much of the remaining ones. There, she learns things about herself -- she CAN have friends, she IS skilled and most of all, she has confidence. Her friends and teacher, Miss Williams, see a whole new Anna devloping as the year draws to a end. A new Anna very different from the old one. And with their help and support, she finally learns to confront her family with secrets that they never knew.

A truly touching and moving story with a very fitting ending. Get this book, enjoy it and read the second one -- 'Listen for the Singing', which is just as good, if not better! A definite book I would recommend with two thumbs up!

My son loves this book. We talk about the different bugs on each page - he thinks they're so cool. The numbers are a bit of an afterthought for him at this point. But it provides him some exposure, in a fun way, without sticking flashcards in his face.

I like the very good pictures in the books.My favorite book was the Icky Bug Counting book.The pictures are very artistic to some big kies and little kids.But all the books are very good.

I thought The Extinct Alphabet Book was neat because it did not have any dinosaurs.It has a really cool secret.The most cool thing to me was it had cave men (before I read the book I thought cave men were people.)I thought the book was lots of fun! Why don't you read it and see what you think of it?

I think that the Icky Bug Counting Book is really creative. I think this because if you read it backwards it is an alphabet book. Other things that I like in this book are the illustrations, they are terrific and the bugs that are in the book are extraordinary bugs that you don't see in your every day life. This book is excellent!

I read the book The Icky Bug Counting Book. It was cool. After all I think that Ralph Masiello's illustrations are awesome.Did you know that he puts secrets in he's illustrations? He is very creative.

Watson and Elizabeth are getting married and Kristy's cousins are in town. The Babysitters Club has to watch 14 kids while the adults get ready for the wedding. They basically run a day camp for the kids and they get paid for it

the baby sitters have to watch all of kristy's cousins while the grownups are planning kristy's mother's wedding. It was almost like running a day camp, very fun to read and some funny incidents as well that add colour to the plot.

Kristy's Big day is a good book because her mom and watson actually get married. its incredible how well this books was written.

Kristy's mom is finally getting married to Watson! Kristy is still a little reluctant until she gets to be the bridesmaid! Charlie is going to escort Elizabeth down the aisle, Sam is a best man, David Michael is the ring bearer, Karen is the flower girl, and Andrew is too shy and doesn't want to be in the wedding. Elizabeth and Watson's friends and relatives are coming to help out and go to the wedding.Problem is -they're bringing their kids. The BSC decide to watch the fourteen kids.A great adventure lies ahead!

Kristy is going to be a bridesmaid because Kristy's mom and Watson Brewer are getting married! And if that's enough, she and the other BSC members have 14 wedding guest kids to take care off. Only the BSC cloud cope this one!

Hey Jay Kraxton, I am just beginning "The Traveler" Chapter of your first released book "A Legend Untold." I have to say (minus the two gory chapters that I made the mistake of reading at midnight when I was home alone so I was too scared to sleep) I can't stop reading it! I Love this book and can't wait to buy your next!

After I bought this book at the Hastings branch in Manhattan, I started reading it in the parking lot. After about 30 minutes, I was still there and already on page 30. I'm was very impressed at the description of Santa Claus and his counterpart Krampus! I especially loved the modernization of Santa (finally, an up-to-date version of Santa exists!). Thanks, Jay Kraxton, for subconsciously reverting my decision to buy your book than buying a computer game. Believe me, doing this will help me study more!

I work with Jay, and he's been after me to buy a copy of his book for several months now. I finally bought one from him and started reading it, thinking it would probably just be a mediocre to decent novel at best. Well, I read the entire thing in only a day and a half. Like these other folks, I couldn't put it down! The way he blends fantasy with realism is simply incredible, and I have now ranked him as one of my top three authors. My list of favorite authors goes: 1.) Terry Brooks, 2.) Louis LaMour, 3.) Jay Kraxton. I've already reserved my copy of RED THUNDER BOOK II: SAVAGE DAWN, and I'm looking forward to reading it.

Jay is one of the top writers i have read. His book moves with swift fluidity and has a great climax. A must read for all fantasy fans.

On wings of silent leather, the demon Krampus slips into children's bedrooms, stealing them from the safety of their beds for his evil purposes. Meanwhile, Kris Kringle and his three magi, Raja, Thaddeus and Ishmael (part of a group called Red Thunder) fulfill their night of miracles when the call comes about Krampus' movement through Seattle.

Thaddeus goes to the scene of a disappearance, quickly recognizing the increase in the number of stolen children. While the demon ordinarily only takes six or seven children a year, this year he has taken dozens. The implications are terrifying. Krampus visits Jeremiah and Louis Maxwell's room as well, stealing the children and leaving their father Ken Maxwell bereft. A widower, Ken lives for his sons, and will do anything to get them back. He did not know anything would include an alternate world and demonic forces beyond his imagination.

From the most exquisite to the most gruesome landscapes of author Jay Kraxton's fertile imagination, readers will be drawn into a surreal landscape of horrifying dimensions in A LEGEND UNTOLD. The unique plot is both clever and gripping as portrays Santa's time off and the battle for peace on earth. Thematically, Jay Kraxton will remind fans of Stephen King or Dean Koontz with its dark overtones and deathly ghouls, but this author's style, which uniquely blends fantasy and realism, remains uniquely his own. Vividly realized characterizations bring to life the various Clauses, including Kris Kringle, Father Christmas and Senior Santa, and the three magi with exceptional powers. A dark fantasy of epic proportions, readers will find A LEGEND UNTOLD impossible to put down. Very highly recommended.

CAUTION: Be aware of your surroundings if you are in public! You will find yourself bursting out in unexpected, uncontrollable laughter. This book, in fact, all of the books by Pat G'Orge-Walker are absolutely, positively, downright hysterical! I would love to see these characters brought to life on stage in a play.

I have never, ever laughed so much and so hard at any book in my entire life! I laughed so hard that I cried. My co-workers would come over to my cubicle to see if I was alright since I was usually the only person in my row after 5pm and I would find myself laughing out loud even though I tried hard not to. This was a wonderful, wonderful book and I was sorry to finally finish it. I have read all but one of this author's books (I am having trouble finding the last one as it is out of print now). Of the 3 that I have read, this was the funniest with "Cruisin On Desperation" being next. Definitely an enjoyable read!

This novel is off the wall.It is very funny,lively, and page turner.
It really blend with some of our church folks these days maybe, not as much, but it's there.I look forward to reading more from Pat.Keeping it real!!

This book had its moments that was funny and it makes you think about our "church folks". I enjoyed how things turned out in the end. I'm waiting for the next book to see what happens with Miss thing that was talking to the lawyer.

When Mother Eternal Ann Everlastin dies, the fried chicken hits the fan in Pat G'Orge-Walker's, Mother Eternal Ann Everlastin's Dead. After being a faithful member of Ain't Nobody Right But Us--All Others Goin' to Hell Church, pastored by the Rev. Knott Enough Money, Mother Everlastin moves her membership. Needless to say, the Rev. Bling Mo' Bling, of The No Hope Now--Mercy Neva Church, is all to happy to receive the wealthy-widowed-several-times-multimillionaire into his fold. When Mother suddenly dies with her hands clutched to the cash register during service, the antics begin as everyone competes for Mother's millions. Unknown to everyone, the overbearing Mother is still running things from the grave as she teaches the members of both churches a lesson on serving God with a sincere heart.

If you have ever gone to an African-American church you will recognize some of the antics in Mother Eternal Ann Everlastin's Dead. Although I am not a particular fan of this particular genre, I found this book to be laugh-out-loud funny at times. Walker managed to bring over-the-top characters to life while delivering a powerful message in the process.

If you are a Christian fiction fan and you like a good laugh, do, by all means, get a copy of Pat G'Orge-Walker's, Mother Eternal Ann Everlastin's Dead.

T. RHYTHM KNIGHT
APOOO BookClub

Lorrieann Russell researched her personal family tree all the way back to 1600 Scotland and discovered a character with nothing more than a footnote by his name. With this little spark of inspiration, she wove a fascinating tale of fiction laced with reality surrounding William Fylbrigge, the adopted son of Edward, Duke of Stonehaven. Most of the action of the story takes place in the village of Stonehaven, near the city of Aberdeen, in the early 1600's. The book opens with William about to marry the duke's daughter. The grisly witch trials of Europe are still ruining lives in isolated towns such as Stonehaven. As an up and coming young lord, William seeks to lead the town's rulers out of the madness and into the light. The plot thickens....

My Brother's Keeper is not just your average first novel. It is a true spellbinder of exquisite dialog and fascinating characters. The author takes the reader down the halls and through the kitchen of Drumoak Castle, while speaking personally with the castle staff along the way. You root for the intelligent kitchen staff who have been enlightened by their associations with William. You will never forget the character called the little mouse by the residents of Drumoak. The villains are somewhat predictable, but threatening nonetheless. The black-hooded, arrogant, self-righteous witch hunters will get under your skin as you realize their similarity to our current neocon theocracy.

Try to ignore the typos: they are the single bit of negativity you will find in this review. The proofreader is no longer working on Ms. Russell's books, so don't let this issue stop you from buying In the Wake of Ashes. The reviews of the sequel seem to be at least as glowing as the ones for this first book by a new author.

My Brother's Keeper deserves whatever accolades you wish to throw at it. This is an outstanding first novel by a new author. Yes, I know the book is six years old, but this is a good time to start reading. You don't have very long to get through the 1100 pages of My Brother's Keeper and In the Wake of Ashes before the third book comes out!

The characters in this book are so well drawn, you almost feel as if you know Will and Ian and Laurel and Mehlyndia as well as you know your family. Very few books have the distinction of drawing me so far into the plot and causing me to so love the characters that I actually cried while reading it. This book has such a distinction. It provides a chilling picture of the times, but it is not without William's hope for an improved world. Highly recommended!

"When I open a book, I am no longer of this time. I want to read a book into which I can become totally absorbed. This process was immediate with My Brother's Keeper. Historical writings (fiction or research) are my passion, and Miss Russell did an outstanding job, allowing me to experience the depth of her complex characters, the brutality of "Churchianity" in this historical period, and to appreciate the power of the human struggle against such adverse conditions. Her descriptive talents allowed me to envision the torments, suffering, fears, and reality of William Fylbrigge without the graphic horror of it all. One's imagination is always more powerful. I must believe that, in the long run, right will always prevail. I could not put this one down!!! Have the sequel, In the Wake of Ashes, readily available.

I have closed my eyes and relieved this story many times. Her words stimulate you to feel, to hear, to smell, to see, and to taste. Put the time aside and experience historical fiction at its finest.

Lorrieann Russell wrote a compassionate and exciting book about medieval England. She captured not only the history of the period but the flavor as well! Russell's words take you to the castles and the events as if you are there watching it as it unfolds.

Her grasp of these people is wonderfully rich and true. You picture each and every person she writes about. Russell uses not only the rich history, but also the color of that period. Her book is rich in pathoes and humor, terror and joy. She brings the reader along with her on her roller coaster ride through the pages, and like the roller coaster, the ride is much too short.

The book leaves the reader begging for more! The last chapter with its diary-like entries make you wanting more. This book is a must for those that love this period in time. It makes for a wonderful summer's reading and I recommend it to anyone! Like all great books and fine meals, it leaves you begging for more...

Take a trip to early 1600's Scotland via the mind of Lorrieann Russell. Meet William Fylbrigge, heir to the Duke of Stonehaven. Remember the difficult past that he has experienced through his flashbacks; and adventure along with the strong, capable man that he has become. While reading this novel, you will get to know each character intimately, as they are completely "fleshed out." Ms. Russell does not hesitate to describe each character's strong and weak points so that the reader feels that they are dealing with true flesh and blood people. No one is too good to be true, yet there are certain characters that will win your heart and stay in your mind forever. The descriptions in this novel will employ all of your senses. You will see the beauty of Drumoak, smell the horrors of a prison, taste Elinor's delicious recipes, hear the horses in hot pursuit of their masters' prey, feel the joy as William and Mehlyndia are reunited and prepare for their wedding; and truly experience pain, both emotional and physical, as you delve further into William's life. Be sure to set aside some time to take this journey with Ms. Russell because once you begin, you won't want it to end - even when you've reached the last page!

I loved this little book so much. Of course having a golden retriever is what made me purchase the book and it shows what a great love and bond that can form between a Golden Retriever and it's human family. My retriever "Einstein" is a blessing in a beautiful gold fur coat that I just love with all my heart. His precious nose is always at my finger tips when I'm walking around at home and his big beautiful brown eyes are filled with so much love it makes my heart swell. A golden gives so much unconditional love and all they want in return is as much love as the give. This books tells that story over and over again. I never get tired of hearing it.

I felt so honored when asked to provide my Golden story for this book, and when it arrived I let it sit for a few days. I was worried that some of the stories would be sad and open old wounds for me. One day I sat down and read it cover to cover and am a better person for doing so. Author Margo gently nudged each and every one of her authors to speak from their hearts in their own voices and each tale is utterly unique and beautiful. This book pays a fitting homage to the most loving and companionable breed of all time, the Golden Retriever. It is a wonderful testimony to what adopting a rescued Golden can do to enrich the lives of the adopter and adoptee.

My Golden Frosty's story in in Margo's book. I read it first when I bought it, I was so proud. Then I started reading each of the other wonderful stories and was feeling every emotion, from tears to happiness and whatever lies in between. Each and every story brought such emotion to me. There are so many out there who love Goldens so much they devote their lives to them. I am very proud to be included in this wonderful book and to have been owned by such a wonderful dog.

In her book, Margo McHann proves that whatever you put into a dog, you get back with interest! The forward to this book couldn't encapsulate it any better: rescued dogs are not second-hand throw aways! Hopefully this book will convince many people why they should adopt from breed rescue groups.

Kudos to Margo McHann for putting together such a wonderful book, that will tug at the hearts of all Golden Retriever lovers everywhere! This is a must for anyone who loves or has been loved by one of these wonderful dogs. My own little girl is featured in this book and it will forever be a very special book to me! Thanks Margo, for opening the eyes of the world to "Rescue" and what it is all about!

This book would be a fantastic story if it was written TODAY. It's even more incredible that it all happened in 1932-33.

There are so many levels to enjoy in this book ...

* The pure adventure of it all - setting out on a motorcycle (a 750 pound, 6-horsepower monster, no less!) to travel around the world in 1932. It simply is mind-boggling that he pulled it off.

* The observations he makes along the way and how relevant they are even today. His observations of Afghanistan, in particular give insights into what has always been a war-torn country. If Bush & Co. had read this book, maybe we'd have left well enough alone.

* His pure tenacity and luck to get in-and-out of the situations he stumbles into. Being in jail is just part of the gig, and he takes it all in stride.

* The writing itself ... clean, crisp, and engaging. I couldn't put this book down.

This book is fantastic whether or not you ride a motorcycle.

HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Overall, the book is interesting and informative. It gives some great detail about the middle east, India and Asia in general. From a people perspective, I liked the fact that Mr. Fulton goes into some detail about what the people were like and some personalites. I did find however, that in some spots he focused too much on what people thought and not enough on his thoughts and feelings about "where" he was. Toward the end of the book, he rushed. He spent 80% of the time on the Middle east and India, 10% in the rest of Asia, and no time at all anywhere else. Again, overall, it was interesting and informative, but it did not capture my attention like say Jupiters Travels (same genera, by Ted Simon)
rk

this book was a pleasure to read, since I have been to many of the places he has been. It is true and wonderful and I am glad that from now on it is mine.

I could not put this one down. The story is so fantastic that you almost can't believe it happened. To see the world a little as it was 70 years ago was truly a window into the past.

Robert Fulton is a suprizingly good author in that the book flows smoothly and he only talks about what he finds interesting.

I really enjoyed this book; it was too soon over.

I have ridden motorcycles for many years and would liked to have seen more comments on the practical aspects of the trip, even though it was many years ago. I suspect that Mr. Fulton did not keep daily notes but probably wrote down his memories at the conclusion of the trip, thus the detail is not always there.

The portrait of the middle East gives something for the people of today something to think about - basic beliefs and attitudes in that region may not have changed at all. Our expectations may need to be adjusted.

A long trip on a motorcycle is an unforgettable experience for anyone, even today. Four or five days from home, and the resources available there, projects the rider into a state of independence and freedom that I have not found any other way - imagine what it was like for Fulton to be riding across the desert, months from home, no road in some cases, towards the unknown, his life dependent upon his machine continuing to run, and totally on his own.

Every rider should get to read this book - a great treat for the imagination.