A Books

In other reviews, some people said they "didn't like the language" or "the way the book was written". I am not sure what they were expecting! I have been a lang. arts teacher for over 30 years, and I thought this was a great story, and it was written the way I would expect a "war story" to be told. It definitely showed me a different side of the war, as well as giving some facts I didn't know at all. I actually read parts of it aloud to my 7th graders. Anyone who has a heart for taking care of all the canines in the world would love this story too.

What can I say that hasn't already been said about this wonderful book? Not much to tell you the truth. It is a great book, very hard to put down. You learn so much about Lava and Jay, as well as what is really going on in Iraq. It took me a long time to bring myself to buy this book.
One reason was I was afraid to read the reality of what is going on in Iraq. Because I knew that there was no way someone could write about a dog he is trying to save, without telling us what is really happening over there. The other is I knew that the military doesn't allow any contact with stray animals. So in my head I thought it was going to be a sad ending.
So I avoided the book, that is until the seeing the second book that came out. I saw that he arrived home safely. Now, I am kicking myself for not getting this book earlier. I laughed, cried, almost hurled (from some of the things that he described), cried, and laughed again.
I hope that this really opens the militarys eyes and sees that our troops really do need the comfort of animals. They just seem to make everything feel better. Just a few minutes of being with your furry pal, puts you in a wonderful zone.
Thanks Jay for saving Lava, and opening the door for the possiblity of more rescues.
Good bless our Troops!!!

I just want to encourage everyone who loves dogs....... and who wonders about the war in Iraq, to read this book. A lot of people came together to save one little dog, and that's really what it's all about. VERY good.

Those of us who were there, and knew Lava from his first discovery by Marines, thought he was a cute and wonderful animal. But consider that for every hour of attention that LtCol Kopelman devoted to rescuing a puppy, he spent one less hour training the Iraqi forces (his mission). Thousands of other Marines and Soldiers, who put their lives on the line day in and day out during the second battle of Fallujah in a far more visceral and dangerous way than the author, didn't have the luxury of rescuing puppies. They didn't have the luxury of a LtCol's paycheck. They didn't have the luxury of pathos-laden tomes upon their return. They certainly don't have the luxury of royalties, fame, and speaking tours. The other side of this story, unfortunately, is about an officer whose commitment should have been to his fellow Marines and his mission, not to the rescue of a puppy (no matter how wonderful a dog he was).

This is an interesting book to get a soldier's perspective of the war in Iraq. It's not the best written book but if you understand it's not fine literature going into it then you'll be fine. I think everyone should know what's going on over there -- what our soldiers are going through for us here back at home.

Thank you LTC Kopelman for your service to our country and for writing a book about your experiences. I am so happy for you that Lava came into your life.

For years I thought I was the only person on the planet familiar with the fairy tale of the Goose Girl. How thrilled I was to read a novel based upon the story!

Shannon Hale, as most writers of fairy tale retalings, goes an extra step to make a threat of warfare behind the simple story of a betrayed princess.

Ani is a princess with a load of responsibilities and loyalties, including an arranged marriage with the purpose of creating a union between two kingdoms. She also happens to have a special gift--speaking to nature (which fits very well into the original fairytale).

This is a story full of the usual romance and adventure, but it also packs an extra dose of magic and a surprisingly delightful addition of political strategy.

A great read

If this is a Grimm brothers retelling, Shannon certainly made it more famous than the Grimm brothers did. I can't stop reading this book! I got it when I was in 5th grade and every time I had to do a book report, I did on this book, EVERY TIME! If you are looking at this book and interested in it, NO MORE HESITATING! BUY IT! It is worth every penny you pay for it and every second you spend reading it. I got A 's on all the book reports I did on this book! Every scene and character is so well described, every action so well put and written and everything that happens fits perfectly! This is my favorite book and I am SO happy i bought it! Ani is and enchanting character and it was so fun to imagine what would happen to her after i finished reading the book.
Adventure, romance, sadness and a happy ending, THIS BOOK HAS IT ALL!

I loved this book. It was the fist Shannon Hale that I read and I have since read many more. I also read part two Enna Burning and I am working on part three, River secrects. This is a must read. She is a wonderful author.

I love this book. Read it twice, finally own it. It is a YA book that actually teaches values. You can't go wrong with it or any other Shannon Hale book!

I'm a thirty something mom and I thoroughly enjoyed this book! What a great read. If you're looking for a happy distraction- this is it!

I love Camryn Mannheim and her book. I'd give this a 4.5 if I could, because since she wrote the book, she's lost quite a bit of weight and puts the reasoning for it on being a mother.

I hated it when Carnie Wilson went from being a NAAFA member and spokesperson for loving yourself at any size to being obsessed with being thin. She's admitted to lying about why she had WLS and has made a snootful of money pimping it to others. She has been a major factor in the deaths of hundreds of (mostly) women who didn't make it after the surgery and her recommendation of it.

And I am very saddened by Mannheim's abandonment of her principals of fat-acceptance and the people who have supported her and her book.

Isn't there anyone out there who will stay committed to the cause and not cave in when someone runs some cash under their noses or threatens their career if they don't lose weight?

Ack. Love the book. Disappointed in Mannheim today.

This was both an intertaining a introspective read. Camryn Manheim is funny, smart, human, and beautiful. This book made me look at the excuses I make for my failures and the things I allow to stand in the way of my success. I was able to relate to Camryn much more than I could relate to Oprah when I read her book. It is a book for all women, all mothers, and a book I would want my boyfriend to read. Thank you Camryn, I wish we could meet some day.

I just happened into a copy of the book when I had a little time to kill, then I could hardly put it down. I enjoyed the book and the many reviews that have been written here. I normally write reviews on obscure books where there are only a few, if any, reviews so this is different for me and I doubt if i have too much to add. Beyond the self acceptance theme that has been much reviewed (I have fat issues and support Camryn's views (mostly)), I liked the book on many other levels. Of course I liked the humor and human interest of growing up in America. The struggle for success story is good too. I especially liked the unconventional approach to the book itself. Frnakly, I did not much the Cammy--fat dialogs, but I liked many of the other, unusual things like asides and notes to herself and others throughout. There were other quirky approaches that I really liked too. I really like the book and recommend it highly.

Camryn Manheim is an sassy, award-winning actress and laugh-out-loud funny. This book is a personal account of her experiences of fat-ism and her journey to self-acceptance.

Manheim is a natural storyteller and, being overweight myself, there was a lot here to relate to, but although I enjoyed the book, there were no groundbreaking revelations for me here ... though it does make a pretty strong case against society's obsession with being thin, this book is in no way a "self-help" book (to be fair, it doesn't claim to be) and it didn't help me to "make peace" with my fat. It did however make me laugh a lot and that's reason enough to encourage others to read it!

Thank you Camryn, for speaking out for big women everywhere.

Camryn Manheim is a fat activist. Her experiences in a world where people are literally dying to be thin include getting in to the NYU Masters of Fine Arts program, gracing the cover of "fat" magazines such as Radiance and winning an Emmy for her performance on The Practice. She is a likeable, mature and attractive woman who has fought passionately for what she believes in. But does that make one a good author? In Manheim's case, it damn well does.

"Wake up, I'm fat," is a hilarious, bittersweet page-turner. This socially critical memoir mainly deals with one individual's struggles on growing up in our superficial world. Anyone who has ever felt like an outsider, be it because of their race, religion or looks, will immediately be able to relate to the amiable narrator.

Manheim manages to be honest about the ugly underbelly of today's beauty image and her struggles without sounding whiny. She uses dark humor and clever prose to describe how she got to where she is today.

Subjects such as erotic weight gain or personal ads are also dealt with in this book. They may make the reader feel slightly squeamish at first, but ultimately they just make this book a more interesting read. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading about "the underdog being on top" or who simply likes a good story told well.

I really liked this book. Even though I'm an older reader (52) who collects horse fiction, and its out of my age bracket, I found it to be very readable and it held my interest. Its a wonderful book for the young teen. The main character, Amy, learns some significant lessons in life after her mother dies in a tragic accident, and she is left to run the horse rescue by herself. She learns that life does go on, and responsibilites must still be realized, even in the face of tragedy. The characters in this book are likeable, the horses and horse terminology are realistic, and the book is not overly mushy or boring. It moves pretty quickly, and has a taste of suspense at times. All in all, I believe this book would be an excellent gift for a young, horse crazy girl! I would have greatly appreciated having it when I was at that age where horses were just about my whole world, and boys came second!

This is a beautiful, touching story of love , strength , hope , and regeneration after an agonizing loss.
Even though it is a young adult novel, I recommend it to anyone of any age.

Heartland-Coming Home

Heartland is a place of dreams and horses and that's where Amy's heart belongs. Heartland is a place like no other, breaks painful memories and teaches horses to trust again. To what I know Amy's calls Heartland home like no other place in the entire world. Amy loves her family very much and especially her mom. She loves her mom because she has don many things for her. I think Amy likes having her mom's gift, having to be able to understand what they need. And saving the animals by teaching them to stay healthy and stay trusting.

This book is mostly about a girl named Amy. And Amy is trying to help these horses that can't trust anyone anymore. And later in the book something bad happens. Someone get into a terrible accident. But you have to read the book to find out.

Bought this for my 15 year old daughter. She loved it and actually read it. Which is always nice to have a teenager read!

This is about a girl who loved horses, and her mother owned a ranch called "Heartland". They take care of and help any type of horse. One day they went to rescue a horse and her mom died from getting hit by a falling tree. Amy is left to save Heartland.
I think this story is really good. It reminds me of my life because I take care of horses. I also think that Amy will safe Heartland and be just like her mother. Also I think Amy and Ty will get together. I would recommend this book to people because this story is sad and truthful about life.

This is such a wonderful read, I really enjoyed it. I read it within 2-3 days, I couldn't put the book down. James is such an irresistible rogue. I absolutely found him sexy, strong and deliciously wicked! I wanted more of him! I wish the story never ended! Hmph! =o/

Fans: Type in Malory in YouTube.com and read what other fans wrote!

I absolutely love Johanna Lindsey and all of the Malory stories. I just reread this one and still love it. The writing is so smooth I just sail through these books and find myself in love with all of the characters. I recommend virtually all of Johanna Lindsey's books to any historical lover.

This is my favorite of the Malory Series. Johanna Lindsey creates romance between the handsome Englishman James Malory and the beautiful American Georgina Anderson. Not only is James Malory a "gentleman pirate" but he is also a "connoiseur of women." Georgina has no intention of falling for the reprehensible rake, but she can't resist his bold, sultry advances. The plot takes the reader to England, the Caribbean and the New England shores. It is full of interesting characters, witty banter and steamy scenes.

The extreme popularity of this book bewilders me. Though it is well-written and there are numerous opportunities for really heart-wrenching romance, Lindsey fails to capitalize on any of these, and the heroine--though not wholly unlikable--is just frustrating. Her failure to realize that James discerns her gender does nothing to recommend her intellect, and the way she childishly mimics his habits reeks of girlish infatuation. But for all that, her personality is not particularly offensive. Her naïve description of sexual arousal as a type of "nausea" is even endearing. No, my problem with Georgie is this: "Her temper wanted to flare, but when James rested between her thighs, anger was the farthest thing from her mind." This sentiment is repeated constantly, no matter how James deliberately humiliates or hurts her. I understand the ease in rechanneling anger into lust, but Georgie's legitimate problems repeatedly disappear when James kisses her into submission. He, in effect, sexually manipulates her into being pliable and content, and... it works. With no apparent resentment or even realization on her part. He treats her like a valueless sex object for the duration of the novel, and though it sometimes seems she will call him out on it, she ultimately does nothing. Instead, she settles for the "tenderness" she senses when they make love, a cringingly classic female mistake.

Making Georgie's ludicrous gullibility acutely obvious is the comparison to her brother-in-law and his wife. James mockingly refers to how his brother's wife withheld sexual favors during a fight, confident that his own wife would never do such a thing. Sadly, he's right. Georgie's internal dialogues, depicted as between herself and "her conscience," are invariably lost by her conscience and won by some hedonistic part of herself with no practicality and less self-respect. (James's ego is, admittedly, nothing out of the ordinary; but the delight I take in these novels is that the female usually manages to take the hero down a peg. George only lowers herself.)

In short, this book was difficult to finish; I had absolutely no desire for Georgie to have her foolishness unpunished, and I could not bear for James to have his misogyny and manipulativeness forever unchecked. The relationship was shallow and unsatisfying. Overall, a disappointment.

I've read a number of books by J. Lindsey and my two favorites are this book and "A Loving Scoundrel." Both of them have a girl dressed as and pretending to be a boy. I loved the characters. Good plot. Good writing. Great fun

CAUTION SPOILERS: Georgina was dressed as a boy and thought the captain (James) believed she was a boy. James knew she was really a girl but pretended he didn't know. It was great fun to watch James try to seduce the "boy". It didn't work the way James had planned because Georgina was so ignorant of sex that she thought she was nauseous rather than turned on. I loved the end where James purposely embarassed her publicly so her brothers would force the marriage.

Sexual language: mild. Number of sex scenes: five. Setting: 1818 London, the high seas and America. Copyright: 1990. Genre: regency romance.

To date, I have read the following Johanna Lindsey books. All my reviews were posted on Amazon between 6/3/08 and 6/14/08, except as noted.
Malory Family Series:
5 stars. Gentle Rogue Copyright: 1990.
5 stars. A Loving Scoundrel Copyright: 2004.
4.5 stars. The Magic of You Copyright: 1993.
4.5 stars. Say You Love Me Copyright: 1996.
3 stars. Love Only Once Copyright: 1985.
3 stars. Tender Rebel Copyright: 1988.
3 stars. No Choice But Seduction Copyright: 2008. My review posted 6/21/08.
2 stars. The Present copyright: 1998.
2 stars. Captive of My Desires copyright: 2006.

Sherring Cross Series:
4.5 stars. Man of My Dreams Copyright: 1993.
3 stars. Love Me Forever Copyright: 1995.
(not read) The Pursuit

Other novels:
4 stars. Defy Not The Heart. Copyright: 1989. My review posted 8/15/08.
2 stars. The Devil Who Tamed Her Copyright: 2007.
1 star. Prisoner of My Desire Copyright: 1991.

This is a simply wonderful novel that by no means should be pigeonholed as "young adult" if that means being denied an adult audience, though it had more than a few elements in common with "Anne of Green Gables." It works on so many different levels and is both sensitive and intelligent. The characters are memorable and believable. And it doesn't just deal with child abuse, though it does so convincingly and heart-wrenchingly, but is equally good in its descriptions of children being nurtured creatively, and in its depictions of friendships between adults and children. I can hardly think of a thing about it I didn't like, and I look forward eagerly to more from this author.

Timid, scrawny, Willie Beech is the abused child of a single mother. She sends him to Mr. Tom, who lives in the English countryside, because London is being bombed by the Nazis.

The two main adults in this story, the mother and Mr. Tom, seem very similar in the beginning. Yet, by the end, we see that they are completely different. What really hit home was this: hard times can make hard people, but one's true colors shine through when faced with others in need.

Mr. Tom's gruff exterior is only his exterior. He's really got a warm heart, which he opens up to Willie and shows him the love that's supposed to be in a family.

The mother's quiet, strict exterior masks her bitter, mean nature. She has no love for her children, and abuses them in subtle, neglectful ways.

We don't actually see the abuse, we see the end result...which, in my opinion, is far more powerful. I cried for Willie at the end of this book, and cheered Mr. Tom for doing everything he could to save this poor boy. When children are old enough to understand the results of abuse, every family should read this book.

This book is very intense but a good read. It is about evacuees from the London area because WWII was beginning. This particular town is painted different than most during this era. The people are nice and giving. If anyone does misuse the children they are put out for it! The major characters meet each other and both are not too sure of the other. It tells the story of a lost soul bringing healing to another lost soul. There are some intense and disgusting scenes but when you come out on the other side it is worth it! I don't recommend this book for anyone under the age of 12 or 13.

I decided to read this book for seventh grade accellerated reader. This great piece of literature has quickly become one of my all time favorite books. I'm very hard to please when it comes to books. When you read this, you become so attached to every last character. It is truly amazing.

"Good Night, Mr. Tom" puzzles me. When I read it objectively, looking only at the writing, it's not so impressive. The flow isn't particularly good and at times the book clunks along. The dialogue is engaging, though, and thoroughly real.

And the story itself is incredible. "Good Night, Mr. Tom" tells of a young London boy who is sent out to live in the country during World War II for his safety. There, away from an abusive home, Willie is able to grow and learn what it means to be loved.

With a series of remarkably realistic and fun characters, Willie (renamed Will in his new home with "Mr. Tom") moves and grows. Aspects of the book will make the reader cry (quite a few), aspects will chill you, but on the whole you will smile through your tears, because this book is just... special. It's got a very special feel to it, through tears and sad moments.

So while at times the story gets dull, it's an excellent book. I would recommend this to young teens, mostly because it deals with serious issues and might be a bit much for younger kids.

Definitely recommended.

Introduced to writing by Chris Baty's NaNoWriMo, I spent three years writing my Airman's Trilogy, all the while trying to determine how to market my work the conventional way. You know, find an agent willing to take you on and shop your stuff at publishing houses. Then along came POD and the tools provided by Amazon.

Amazon introduced CreateSpace, freeing the newbie author of the "conventional way". Sampson's book provides a shining path through the maze of Amazon and picks up after publishing with CreateSpace to educate the author about the selling tools provided Amazon. It's step by step approach is refreshing to the newbie writer of this review.

Fast & Furious Book Promotion

I just finished reading Brent Sampson's Sell Your Book on Amazon and recommend it to any author looking to use Amazon more effectively. The book will help you navigate the sometimes clunky nature of Amazon, show you tactics you may not find on your own and set up the proper mindset. The proper mindset is what I found most useful. I kept thinking of JFK's inaugural speech when he said, "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country." Amazon provides its tools and has set up its website to first and foremost sell more books. If an author understands and accepts this fact, then he or she will discover how to use Amazon to help promote their own books.

Here's an example: I'm taking Brent's advice and leaving a review for his book. On this review form, I can link to any Amazon product. Well, of course I'm linking to my book on book promotion. I'm helping Amazon but also helping myself. Now if I didn't have a book of my own, I might link to another author's book. This is the mindset we need to have to use Amazon to promote our books.

BUFFALOed I'm new to all this and Brent Sampson's book is the life saver that is going to keep me afloat in the Sea of Amazon.

I've been an Amazon customer since the very beginning. Did you know that in the first two years of operation they used to send us (their active book store customers) Christmas gifts--FREE. I still have my two thermal glasses with the literary sayings from famous authors such as: "My books are water, those of the great geniuses are wine--everybody drinks water," Mark Twain.

And everybody who is a POD author needs Sampson's book. I've had traditionally published books on Amazon that were published back in the 80s, Commuter Marriage: Living Together, Apart, but until reading "Sell Your Book," I had no idea about all the terrific opportunities Amazon offers. Now I'm going to start using them. Thanks, Brent.

I'm also going to tell all the members of Scottsdale Society of Women Writers about this book at our next meeting.

Having recently published my own book, I decided to read Sell Your Book On Amazon. It was my hope that it could simplify how to promote and market my book better. Brent Sampson has delivered! There are dozens of tips and helpful hints, including writing reviews for other books and incorporating your own title to maximize exposure. So far, I've felt good about the progress my book has been making since utilizing the many steps in "Sell Your Book". Jim Fargiano, author of The Spoken Words of Spirit: Lessons From The Other Side

This is a great book for authors seeking a step-by-step guide to setting up a book profile on Amazon.com. It walks you through the process in a very easy to understand style. Many chapters include snapshots of the Amazon screen that you can use as a guideline while setting up your profile. Recommened for those new to selling on Amazon.

This story was a wonderful fantasy story for your pre-teen. I think it will touch the young fantazsies of all of us.

Cara's instructions from her grandmother, Ivy, were very clear. Cara was to protect the amulet and to give the unicorn queen a message-one that ultimately means Cara must return to Earth to save her grandmother, known as the Wanderer. And she must return to Luster with Ivy as it is time to heal old wounds.

But returning to Earth is not as easy as it was traveling to Luster. Cara enlists the help of M'Gama (the Geomancer) who will plot Cara's journey. That journey will be arduous and dangerous and it will be accomplished with the help of Cara's many friends from Luster.

Cara successfully returns to Earth but finds Ivy trapped in a mysterious and strange dimension by Beloved, the evil ancestor of Cara. Beloved's only goal is to kill all the unicorns.

The man who is a Hunter and who stalked Cara and her friends in Book I make a return appearance in Song of the Wanderer and the relationship between the Hunter and Cara is settled. There are further secrets revealed about Ivy's past and there are threads left open that will undoubtably be answered in Book III.

Song of the Wanderer is an exciting sequel to Book I and I suggest that the books be read in order. It just makes the experience richer. The plot is more intricate and has more depth in Book II and in effect draws in the reader deeper into the story and helps make a stronger connection to the characters. When the final page was read, I couldn't wait to begin Book III.

Armchair Interviews says: Song of the Wanderer is a compelling story for any Middle Reader.

My daughter hasn't made it to this book yet but she is looking forward to it!

After being cast into the mysterious land of Luster not too long ago, twelve-year-old Cara Diana Hunter is finally just moments away from meeting the Unicorn Queen - Arabella Skydancer. During her time in Luster, while Cara has missed Grandmother Morris dearly, she has made friends with mythical creatures of all shapes and sizes - from Thomas the Tinker to Lightfoot the Unicorn, and a squirrel-like creature called Squijum to the half bear/half human Dimblethum, and many, many more. But the time has come to buckle down and complete the mission at hand to save Luster forever as we know it. The Unicorn Queen has reached old age. She is fading slowly but surely; however, she refuses to say farewell to her friends and family until she has had the opportunity to see Grandmother Morris - aka The Wanderer - one last time. This is where Cara enters the story. It is the Unicorn Queen's request that Cara, along with a glory of unicorns - Moonheart, Finder, and Belle. Together, Cara and the glory of unicorns - along with Thomas the Tinker and Squijum - will make their way back to Earth, in order to save Grandmother Morris from Beloved and the rest of the Hunter's, and return her to her rightful home right here in Luster. Cara is convinced that, with the assistance of her strong, and powerful friends, the task will be simple. However, she soon realizes that heading back to Earth and locating Grandmother Morris is a much more difficult task than she ever could have imagined. For one, their days are numbered before the dynamics of Luster shift for Autumn, and make it impossible to re-enter Luster in the same location where they departed. Two, the companions will have to find a way to make it to the back of the dragon, Ebillan's cave, in an attempt to reach the secret door that bridges the gap between Earth and Luster. And three, with various moments of contact with the wicked Beloved, Cara has no idea what to expect when she takes her first steps back onto Earth's soil. She's also reluctant to find out. As much as she wants to see Grandmother Morris again, she can't help but feel nervous about leaving the quiet, shimmery world of Luster. But, alas, Cara accepts the task, and begins her journey. This time, however, the journey is much more tiring than her first travels through Luster. With a request to pay a visit to the Geomancer, M'Gama, Cara visits the magician of sorts, where she is given provisions and protection to help her during her quest. But her time with M'Gama is not nearly as important as her time with Grimwold, the individual who records all of the Unicorn Chronicles, and has a very special story waiting for Cara and her companions when they arrive at his front door during their journey. With Grimwold and M'Gama's instructions and information close at hand, Cara sets her mind on accomplishing her task, and finding Grandmother Morris. But through battles with vicious delvers, and encounters with enough mythical creatures to make your head spin; Cara becomes to wonder whether she'll be able to accomplish her task in the set amount of days, or if she'll be the ruination of Luster altogether.

I absolutely adored Bruce Coville's INTO THE LAND OF THE UNICORNS, which I read a little over a year ago. However, upon beginning SONG OF THE WANDERER, I quickly realized that, as fabulous as its predecessor was, it couldn't hold a candle to the magic and adventure found within the pages of SONG OF THE WANDERER. Coville has returned with the rest of Cara's story, painting Cara, once more, as an understanding, brave, kind individual; whose loyalty to her Grandmother, her friends, and the secret world of Luster is admirable; while her determination to complete any task that may find its way to her is thrilling. The fact that, like with INTO THE LAND OF THE UNICORNS, Coville has kept many secondary characters around, and introduced many more only adds to the excitement of the tale, and makes it impossible to stop reading. The Squijum is still one of my favorite characters. His constant ramblings are humorous; while his ability to brighten the mood in any situation makes him a much-needed character. Thomas the Tinker is also a fun individual. The fact that he owns a caravan that can be folded into the size of a piece of paper adds a little magic to the story; while his protectiveness over Cara makes him appear quite similar to a father-like character, whom you can't help but love. I was absolutely ecstatic to see that the faces of Lightfoot the Unicorn and the Dimblethum made appearances throughout SONG OF THE WANDERER, as they are two very important characters whom I certainly wouldn't want to see cut from the story. Coville's descriptions of the vicious delvers, and their surprise attacks send shivers up your spine; while the stories that Grimwold recants regarding Unicorn history are absorbing, and hard to resist. Coville's lyrical writing takes you on a whimsical adventure that won't soon be forgotten!

Erika Sorocco
Freelance Reviewer

I thought this book was really great. Bruce Coville did a great job with this book as he did with the last one. Cara is one of my favorite book characters and I just loved all the twists this book had. Thses books are not your average unicorn books! Some good news for anyone who has already read these books and want to know if there's more there is. Book 3 is supposed to come out around April 2008 and called Dark Whispers. There will also be a book 4.

Four months pregnant and single in L.A., an old boyfriend pleaded with me to come back me and live with him in New Jersey. He even offered to marry me. I gave two weeks notice, bought a ticket for the three thousand miles home and started in to work to collect my last check, finish the work day and to leave the next am at seven. I had going away parties thrown for me in the office and my room was already rented to someone else. On the bus on my way to work, I said to Mary, "This is an answer and if you want me to accept it, I will, even though it doesn't feel exactly right." I phoned the boyfriend at noon - four hours after praying - and he had changed his mind. He said he wouldn't pick me up at the airport and that couldn't live with him. The whole story is enough for a book that is coming out called Defiant Hope but the 'baby' is now 17 and Mary worked everything out perfectly, all because I prayed the rosary. The way I pray is as if I'm on the phone with her. She must like that!

This book was most inspiring in my prayer life. I look forward to another of the same with more input from men.

This was a WONDERFUL inspirational book! The best I have read in a long time. The stories range from a person's memory surrounding the rosary, to a personal miracle, to a family miracle. Some of the stories made my hair stand up on end, so many goose bumps! Some of the stories I shared with my protestant friend, who by the end of the book, began to ask me more about the Rosary and Mary. Even though she has no desire to become Catholic, she has totally embraced the Rosary and her new understanding of Mary... continuing to show that the Rosary, when understood, can bring all faiths together. Praise be God! I plan to buy this book (and a few Rosaries) to pass around as gifts! Wonderful for all peoples of faith, a definite must for any Catholic!!

The rosary is a prayerful devotion that is more than a millennium old. It comprises praying specific prayers while meditating on events from the New Testament.

"101 Inspirational Stories of the Rosary" was written for "the year of the rosary," 2003. The book comprises a collection of short personal tales from average people all over the world, who believe that they have received help from God from challenges in their life or assistance for those they love, through praying the rosary. Many of the stories are remarkable miracles of healings from mortal illnesses and saving during accidents or on the battlefield. Others are testimonies of incidences of personal inner healing experienced or witnessed. The stories are short and can easily be read as uplifting food for meditation and encouragement before going to bed, or for when the reader wants a quit does of faith and hope during a hectic day. The chapters of the book are peppered with biblical quotes and quotes from the ages expressing people's belief in the power of the rosary, such as Mother Theresa, Patrick Peyton, and Lucia, of the children who allegedly received messages about the rosary at Fatima, and many others who have been recognized as saints. The writing is easily accessible to people of all ages.

The book also includes an extensive appendix to answer any questions the reader might have about the rosary; its history and promises associated with recourse of the rosary; directions on how to pray with one; a list of web site that provide additional information, including one operated by the author (www.rosary101.com , which has more chapters from the book available for viewing); instructions for making your own rosary; and encyclical published during the year of the rosary (one of the last documents drafted by Pope John Paul II). The is a great gift to people who are struggling with spiritual dryness, spiritual seekers looking for new ways to pray, or people who recently return to or enter a church. I have found it to be an immeasurable source of encouragement during difficult times, for helping me retain my faith and strongly recommend it to any one open to learning about powerful Christian prayer.

i loved reading the inspiring stories of help from Our Lady by praying the rosary, which i also pray and believe in. if you want to be really "touched" by some wonderful accounts of miracles, then buy this book. i am sure you won't be able to put it down. i marked several pages so i can find them and read them whenever i get a little blue. this book will pick you up!!

barbara

This is one of my favorite books ever written. Forget the deeply philosophical books that all the intellectuals like to pretend to enjoy. This is a great, exciting, fun read that has just enough psychology and spirituality to add to the flavor and keep the character believable.

I have yet to see a movie version of this book that does it proper justice. This is a deeply twisted plot with surprising, wonderful characters and the right amount of juicy action and melodrama, but all believable.

It also manages to focus on many characters at once, letting them work together in a beautiful literary tapestry. It's like an addicting drug, this book, as you become entranced in the total awesomeness of their lives.

Revenge, murder, romance, and lots and lots of money. This is everything necessary for true enjoyment.

This Penguin Classics version of what is in my opinion is the best book of all time.
The translator even includes a chapter where Edmond returns to the Chateau de If to get a sign from God that what he was doing was just.
Please if you have never read this book, buy this particular translation and, do not get the abridged. Why cheat yourself?
This is such a wonderful story of love, and revenge.

I couldn't put the book down for the first 300 pages. It pretty much has everything - wit, wisdom, an interesting plot and a bit of History. It didn't get a five star rating because it seemed like it was a different author with a totally different style in the middle section and picked up back again at the last part.
I understand this is a good translation of the book.

As people have always said, life is not fair. It's up to people to have the courage to give everyone, including the former fiancee what they have comming to them. I think everyone should be required to read this book, because quite simply its the best novel ever written.

Dear prospective Count of Monte Cristo buyer,

Having read and loved the abridged version of TCOMT, I expected the extra 800 odd pages of this version to be endless dissertations on armory and town history. Not so! This is 800 more pages of delicious PLOT, whole twists, conversations, and characters that are chopped out in the abridged-glued-back-together versions! It went from being my third all-time favorite to my all time favorite book.

As to versions: I LOVE hardbacks so after reading this one I *ahem* sold it to my sister and went about purchasing a hard back. I was unable to find a hard back in this addition and so looked at others. Thankfully I was able to compare other translations/editions that were hard-back on-line with *this* version (as it was still in the house) and I gladly proclaim that this is THE BEST VERSION OF COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO OUT THERE! It has richer, more natural, language (i.e. the difference between "see Spot run" and "the auburn Setter skipped down the steps towards me." -lol) and far more satisfactory paragraph divisions. Read it, I just KNOW you'll love it.

Twice bought. Twice loved.