I Books

I read this book in two days because it was so captavating! This book is great for sixth grade and up. I loved it because it kept you wanting to read more and more to find out how died and if Ava would ever get over the loss of her boyfriend, Jackson. I really recomend this book to anyone who like books filled with drama and sadness. If you read this have a box of tissue next to you.

the story is about a girl named ava, who just lost her boyfriend, jackson in a trajic way. after jackson dies she keeps seeing him everywhere...she doesnt know the reason that he keeps haunting her, and belives he is doing it because he is mad at her for the way he dies. when she finds the reason for why he is haunting her she is overcome with his true love for her and finally lets him go.

this is one of the most beautiful and saddest books i have ever read. the good thing about this book is that its so short you can read quickly. i cried so hard when i read this. it touched my heart and made me feel ava's love for jackson and made me sad that she will never see him again.

i recommend this to anyone. its a great book and one you wont regret reading.

This book was very coherently and beautifully written. It was focused and poetic, magical and real, all at once.
Ava really touches readers as she is so human-- she wants to be more of something, she wishes she were something, and she both loved and lost, and let go.
The author conveyed the essence of true love very effectively-- emphasizing that Ava loved her boyfriend not only because of what he was, but because of what she was when he was with her. The book also explores the question of letting go and when to do it and how to know when you are ready to do it. And anyone of any age is capable of love, for there are so many types of love.
I highly recommend this touching, tear-evoking novel!

Ava's boyfriend was perfect, he understood her. But when their game of dares goes to far and he is killed, Ava is guilty.
She misses him and stays home all the time, she won't talk to anyone, but then one night when she is finally starting to get better Jackson appears to her (in his own way).
He can't leave the house, so she stays home too.
He can't touch her or talk to her, but he's there and he still loves her.
But will Ava become a prisoner of her lost love or be set free by his presences?
I thought it was a great haunting read. The free verse really adds to it and it is the kind of book you can read over and over.
I really can't think of any negative feedback for the book. It is a beautiful, haunting book.
Warning: keep tissues near by.

Ava can't see him or touch him, unless she's dreaming. She can't hear his voice, except for the faint whispers in her mind. Most would think she's crazy, but she knows he's here.

Jackson. The boy Ava thought she'd spend the rest of her life with. He's back from the dead, as proof that love truly knows no bounds.

This is a touching story, written in free verse, about a teenage girl whose boyfriend dies, and we see her go through all the different phases of this loss. She's grieving and feels she is to blame for his death. But Jackson starts to appear to her in her home, as a ghost. This book is a wonderful read for teenagers who have lost someone close to them, and even those who have not. It's all about healing, and moving forward with your life after a tragedy.

It is recommended for grades 9 and up. There are mild references to sex, but I don't think it's something an 8th grader should be kept from reading. Its beautiful poetry, and a easy read.

I bought this book for a boy who I work with and I fall in love. I found it in great time cause feel down right now. And this simple book helped me stand up and look at my life from different perspective. Now will buy it for every kid or special people in my life

Whether or not you or your honoree grew up listening to or reading The Little Engine that Could, you'll find this book to be the perfect way to say, "I'm proud of you, graduate. I always knew that you had the ability and would put forth the effort to be successful."

This is a great alternative to other frequently given books like The Places You Will Go.

This is the most inspirational book I have read in a long time!! Recommended for all ages

I am an elementary school teacher and also the mother of 4. My oldest is graduating from high school this year. After I read this book, I bought several. One for my son and several for his friends. I also sent it to my nephew that is leaving for a mission to Honduras for the next 2 years. It's a perfect book for those that are heading off in new directions in their lives and it gives them advice and encouragement! I love it!

This is a book that follows the I Think I Can Book, about the little train, It is a wonderful book for anyone that needs a little boost of self-esteem, or courage. It is perfect for those that are graduating or who have completed a difficult task in their life. I would recommend it to anyone.

Kate Milburn writes like no other modern day poet. When I slip into her first book, I feel as though I have landed in another time. A subtle phrase reminds me that she is modern, living in the same world we do, but her sensitive soul sees so much more than the rest of us. She responds, and conveys passionate depth through art, this is truly her greatest talent.

I loved the poetry found within the passages of this book. She guides us into her own spiritual journey, a generous artist indeed. Each verse is richly romantic, but I especially loved "Journey Beyond the Trees" and "Innocent Rosebuds." How sweet this poet is, how she carries grace to heights beyond a very successful life. I can't wait for her second book, I'm sure she will shine even brighter!

In her first book, Ms Milburn presents a delightful, sweet respite from a huried world. I really enjoyed this book. I was reminded of many of the romantics - Millay, Yeates and Byron as I journeyed through 70 unique poems. How generous of the author to invite us along.

Kate Milburn is blessed with many gifts,as evident in her poetry and her successful life. She possesses a true neo-renaissance spirtit! I can't imagine what she will do for an encore.

I recently received this book as a birthday present. I loved all the poems, especially those about nature. I found them to be very soothing, inspiring introspection. During the winter months "down under" we could use a little introspection. It is a great addition to my poetry library.

My ancestors were Irish, sent to Australia as punishment in the 1800s,we never looked back. So, knowing that Ms Milburn's next book will center on her Celtic roots has me (anxiously)waiting in the aisles.We Irish love our poets! Thank you for including this wonderful book at amazon.com. I'm planning to order copies for my cousins in Ireland and Scotland.

I really enjoyed reading this book. All the poems were unique, it was a wonderful read. I believe it will endure because the verse is so profound, without being too wordy.

My favorite part of the book was the introduction. Ms Milburn does not issue some introspective analysis for her work. She lends credit for her love of literture to her mother. As a child, through observation, she would watch as her mother with children in tow would find solace in reading by the sea. Any mother would be proud.

I had the pleasure of attending the Spoleto Festival in Charleston, SC in May. I had the opportunity to meet many writers from around the world. But my most lasting memory is of Kate Milburn. She spoke with such passion for her love of literture, art and beauty, that I was brought to tears of joy. She read from her first book and the audience was so taken with her, she ran out of books at the book signing table.

So I'm here at amazon.com to order some copies for friends and family. We Welsh love poetry and appreciate soul-searching verse. I shall place my copy of "I Only Ask For Yesterday's Encore" next to my copy of Dylan Thomas.

I know that Kate Milburn is a special poet, because I have committed many of her lines to my memory. I remember my English professor in college telling our class, that this is the sign of a poet for the times.

I relished reading this book, not only for the unique verse that captured my heart, but because it told a story. The story of a young woman, who seemed to write from a time long ago. A time when romance was imbued in everything and touched everyone on a grand and small scale. The surprising thing is that she is from a generation that seemed destined to remove all of that from the world. Fortunately, that did not happen, and Ms. Milburn spins hope for us all in her beautiful poetry.

I HAVE NOTICED THAT SOME OF THESE REVIEWS ARE FROM PEOPLE WHO KNEW DARCY. FROM THIS, I AM SURE THAT HER FAMILY AND FRIENDS WILL CHECK UP ON THE REVIEWS ON AMAZON FROM TIME TO TIME. TEN YEARS FROM NOW, WHEN SAMUEL READS THIS HE CAN FEEL PROUD OF HIS MOTHER AND THE LIFE SHE GAVE HIM. THIS BOOK BY DARCY IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PUT DOWN. I HAVE A 1 YEAR OLD AND I AM ALONE THIS WEEKEND TAKING CARE OF HIM AND I MADE TIME TO READ THIS BOOK WHILE HE NAPPED A COUPLE TIMES AND FINISHED THIS BOOK AFTER HIS BEDTIME. AFTER READING THIS BOOK, I WILL ALWAYS REALIZE HOW LUCKY I AM, EVEN THOUGH I HAVE SUFFERED FROM MANY PHYSICAL PROBLEMS THROUGH MY LIFE, NOTHING COMPARES TO WHAT DARCY WENT THROUGH AND IT MAKES ME HAPPY THAT SHE GOT TO MEET HER SON BEFORE SHE WENT ON TO THE NEXT WORLD. ONLY A PARENT COULD UNDERSTAND THAT FEELING.

ALSO, I AM SURE YOU WILL AT TIMES FEEL AN EMPTINESS IN YOUR HEART, SAMUEL, BUT I HAVE A GIFT TO HELP YOU THROUGH YOUR TOUGH TIMES. I'M NOT GOING TO TELL YOU WHY I RECOMMEND THESE GIFTS, BUT ORDER THEM OR CALL ME AND I'LL PURCHASE THEM FOR YOU! I MEAN IT.

ORDER THE BOOKS AND READ THEM IN THIS ORDER.
1.CLOSER TO THE LIGHT BY MELVIN MORSE
2.RETURN FROM TOMORROW BY GEORGE RITCHIE
3.AND IF YOU LIKE THOSE TWO FOR MORE,,,READ THE STARTER, LIFE AFTER LIFE BY MOODY.

I HAVE READ HUNDREDS UPON HUNDREDS OF BOOKS AND I RECOMMEND THESE TO ANYONE AND EVERYONE WHO'S EVER LIVED.



YOUR MOTHER IS AN INSPIRATION TO ANYONE WHO COMES ACROSS HER STORY. GOD BLESS HER.

I was hoping that this book would be an uplifting account of hope to encourage my husband who was recently diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease. It was NOT. Would not recommend it.

This is a book I find myselfing re-reading a couple times a year (and I don't tend to re-read books). Inspiring, truthful, I feel I could really relate and understand the author. Love this book! Truly beautiful. She left a precious gift to her readers. Highly recommend. Please read other reviews to learn about the content of this book.

This book is very easy & quick to read - good for those who don't like to spend a lot of time reading one book.

As I was reading this book, I could easily relate to Darcy's frustration. A few years ago, I had a neurological problem where my muscles were slowly becoming weak, and I could hardly walk or move. It was extremely exhausting just getting out of bed. Thankfully, my problem was resolved, but I remember at the time watching other people go about their normal business, like walking etc, and thinking "They are walking so easily, like they don't have to think about it", yet I had to think about everything I did, just like Darcy.

I felt genuine empathy for Darcy, and I am so happy that she lived her last year with so much happiness, despite her terminal illness.

This book reminds me of another I have read recently by Kim Dalton "The Real Fight". Recommended reading.

In the first half of 2003 Darcy Wakefield, age 33, began to seriously assess her life. A relationship had broken up and while she was happy with her roles as runner, swimmer, writer and college English professor, she longed for more. A child, she realized, was essential to her; a man, important but not essential. She took a bilateral approach to her goals, registering with dating services and investigating sperm banks. Darcy had the magnificent good fortune to meet her soulmate in a Denver doctor named Steve, nearly 2,100 miles from her home in southern Maine.

As her relationship with Steve grew in strength, Darcy's strong runner's legs began to weaken. In October of that year she was diagnosed with motor neuron syndrome -- ALS -- Lou Gehrig's disease. This fatal but unpredictable disease kicked Darcy's life into "fast-forward." Steve moved to Maine to be with her, they began house hunting, and early in 2004 Darcy was pregnant.

This journal-like little book is Darcy's exploration of her new world. The short essays are dated and each is named with a present participle that celebrates her new appreciation of life in the here-and-now -- "Committing;" "Expecting;" "Moving;" "Helping;" "Loving;" and the poignant final section, "Birthing," in which she describes the birth of their son Samuel.

While Darcy hopes for a remission of her disease, her thoughtful writing explores the twin realities of her blessings and her losses. Within a year she loses the ability not just to run, bike and swim, but eventually to walk, write and speak. Along the way are wonderful lessons about how to live life joyfully and understand the meaning of disability. "I hate asking for help," Darcy writes. "I am ... a Mainer by birth and disposition, which is to say that I am an independent, stubborn, do-it-my-way-and-by-myself kind of woman, the sort of person who hates being dependent on others."

When the simple things that Darcy took for granted are lost to her, she finds a way to accommodate the loss. In her former life as a busy athletic woman, for example, she rarely took time for manicures. Now unable to do her own nails, she begins to have them done regularly. She writes, "The real truth of my ALS is that it takes daily acts of courage to get up, live the day fully, be grateful for what I have, and to find the humor and grace and the pleasure, yes, pleasure, in not being able to clip my own nails." And as cooking and even eating become difficult for her, she describes her new way of eating: "Slowly. Mindfully. Thankfully."

There is nothing self-pitying about I Remember Running: The Year I Got Everything I Ever Wanted - and ALS; nor is there a false gaiety or denial about her life with ALS. Darcy Wakefield writes intelligently and with the utmost courage about her daily accommodations to weakness and to getting everything she ever wanted, all in the space of little more than a year. Far from being a sorrowful read, this little book may be the most heart-warming and thought-provoking thing you will read this year. Some of Darcy's essays were produced for Maine Public Radio and she made fund-raising public appearances. When she could no longer read her work, her sister Betsy read to the audience. In her last appearance Darcy sat in her wheelchair while Betsy spoke her words: ''You may very well be one of those people who's sitting on a great story, waiting for the right time to write it. Here's my challenge to you. Write now. Write here. Write your first sentence."

Although it's outside the time scale of this brave little book, readers should know that Darcy Wakefield died in December 2005, three months after this book was released. Her partner, Dr. Steve Stout, lives in Maine with their young son Sam.

If you've ever lost or loved -- and who hasn't? -- Darcy Wakefield's intensely personal story will touch your soul.

Linda Bulger, 2008

I thought this book was a good start in learning how to sell your art. You do have to take action, but there is some luck involved as well. This gives you the action part. I am a professional artist already, but I am going to use the tips from this book to make my art career even better. For one thing I plan to stop procrastinating :^). If you'd like to see my work, check out www.wworcesterart.com

Alyson did a great job on this book. A must have for any artist. Invaluable. Laura K. Aiken

Combines conceptual strategies with practical advice. I highly recommend this book for self-employed artists of all kinds.

I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone who is beginning a career, or would like to increase their art business. Very informative,it will get you excited about the business end of art!

I LOVE this book and I am not an artist. The tips and techniques that are shared in this detailed and well researched book are amazing and will help anyone that needs to market themselves. I launched my blog and have done really well with it using the information Stanfield provides in the book. One of my marketing mentors advises to check out what other people in other industries are doing. If you only do what everyone else in your field is doing you will have a hard time standing out. Not being an artist I found this book to have fresh new ideas and concepts with new twist on things I already had been doing. I haven't taken it off my desk since I got it. I keep referring to it and using it over and over.

scott fried came to my school this week and talked about his experience and had half of the auditurium in tears it was a truly amazing story and definately made me want to buy the book. although some found it sad, i thought it was more of an inspirational story about life and who you truly are.

This past weekend I attended a Jewish Social Action weekend with 100 others hoping to have a good time and try to change the world around me and bring smiles to peoples faces. I had no idea that in the course of this weekend I would get to hear a man named Scott Fried speak. Scott Fried is one of the most amazing people I have met in my life. This book doesn't just tell the story of Scott Fried, a Jewish Homosexual from New York, it tells the story of what we all feel inside. It explains the values of self-respect and knowing that you are sacred. It pushes you to look deep within your self, and find the person you are not the person you want others to see. I would highly recommend that all of you get a chance to hear Scott in person because it truly is a life changing experience. I borrowed this book from a family member, and though it was painful, I read every one of Scott's words. The bravery and courage it took to record so much pain should be looked upon as heroism. This book is a must read for anyone who feels as though they are hiding something (and that is all of us).

This book discussed the facts of life that the great majority of us would like to ignore. It is not only personal, but extremely factual as well. I had the extreme pleasure of watching Scott speak, and it was a life changing experience. Intrigued, I purchased the book not knowing what to expect. What I got was a soul searching book that not only educated me on a myriad of different subjects, but most importantly educated me about the will to survive. It taught me about how one man had overcome so much, and how willing he was to share his feelings for the benefits of others. This is written with excellent grace and bravery. It is recommended for anyone who is not afraid to look within themselves after read how one man did.

Scot is loving and caring. His book is very well written. Also his CD is great.

Scott Fried is one of the worlds truly amazing people. I was fortunate enough to be able to buy this book from him personally which you unfortunately cannot. It is the experiences of an amazing man put into words so eloquently and delicately that after reading it you will feel as though you have lived that life and been a part of everything he speaks of. If you have an interest in life, AIDS, friendship, or love... this book will speak to you. I hope you enjoy it as much as i did...

For the most part, I really like the "Pimsleur Method". It gives the listener a sample dialog, then expounds on it with additional vocabulary. But what's real good is that throughout the lessons, there are quick reviews of
vocabulary that's already been introduced in previous lessons. Each lesson is about 30 minutes long.
This is a real good technique to reinforce what you've learned while continuing to build on what is being
taught in each lesson.
The only thing I wasn't not totally happy with is the speakers in the lessons often don't give clear enough
pronunciations of words. On several occasion I thought the speaker was pronouncing a word one way
only to find out later that they were really saying something else. I downloaded these, so I didn't have
the benefit of a book or study guide that comes with the CD when you buy it.
But aside from that little problem, I really recommend this product. Not just the Italian, but their courses
for a variety of languages are all really great.
What's also great is that, unlike other language instruction aids I've used, these don't get boring.

I bought all 3 German Pimsleurs when I moved to Germany a year ago. Within 6 months I was prattling away in Germans and people here didn't believe I didn't speak a word of it before I moved here.

Now I'm dating an Italian and have picked up this first Italian with every intention of going through the series. This is the best way to get a basic grasp of a language. Comfortably, in a way that makes you feel that you can speak and add vocabulary, rather than merely reciting set phrases like a trained monkey.

Would I do this if I was only a tourist? Don't know. My boyfriend is now using my German one (with me translating the commands into Italian from English) and he's thrilled that he's learning to understand and speak German. For me, Italian is my 6th language, but German is his first foreign language. It works. If you follow it, it works. It won't teach you everything, but it will teach you the framework you need for understanding how to parse and manipulate a language you are learning. I spent 5 years with French, 5 years with Russian and 2 years with Arabic in classrooms and NEVER ever felt as comfortable with those languages having only classroom grammar drills. Let's face it, you didn't learn your mother tongue in a grammar book, filling in worksheets. You learned it by people saying things to you and making you interact with them.

Pimsleur is more like teaching a man how to fish than feeding him a fish dinner... it all depends on what you want then, doesn't it?

I just completed Pimsleur Italian I and I'm very pleased with it. I am now beginning Pimsleur Italian II.
The course is not perfect but it is far superior to all of the other audio courses I have tried or examined. As somone familiar with earning theory, I absolutely agree that Pimsleur duplicates the same language acquistion method we use to acquire language as children. I have, however, some suggestions for gaining the most from the course.
1. Get a good dictionary, a verb conjugation book and look up words in the lessons so that you can write them down. Aural learning is great but accompanying visual learning it is even better.
2. After listening to each lesson a few times, write them out, in sequence, on 3x5 cards and use them as "drill flash cards" (I put the English on the front and the Italian on the back and fill each card up with as many phrases as would fit). This is a bit of work but also extremely helpful for forming a Gestalt. My wife and I drill each other using the cards and it is a nice change from the CD's.
3. Since Pimsleur does not systematically or comprehensively offer those specific phrases and nouns that tourists need (e.g., helpful travel phrases, helpful in-hotel phrases and objects like "pillow," "soap," etc.), as you go, put such phrases together on "Extra" 3x5 cards and commit them to memory. This is easy within the context of the Pimsleur method because you will already be learning how to put sentences together--one of Pimsleur's strengths.
4. Each lesson starts with a dialogue. After a few listenings, be sure to write the dialogue down in sequence so that you can read aloud along with the CD. This combination of aural and visual learning greatly enhances your ability to cope with the speed with which the speakers on the CD speak the language. I found at times that ther speed was so confusing it sounded like they were using words that had not yet been introduced or included in the lesson under consideration. However, once I figured out and wrote the dialogue down (using the forward/back buttons on my CD player to re-listen multiple times) it all came very clear and my ear improved dramatically.
5. Don't expect to learn each lesson after two or three listenings. We listen to the lessons at least 10 or 15 times each. We also, for the first few times through a new lesson, hit the pause button after being asked to translate a phrase from English into Italian in order to avoid the pressure resulting from the short space of time they give you to come up with the answer-translation. We found that we could, after a few listenings, dispense with the longer pause as we learned the phrases.
6. Finally, I suggest that you wait until you've learned all the lessons before bothering with the reading practice. You can do the reading at the end because the reading is not connected in any meaningful way to the lesson that precedes it. The reading is useful however, because it helps you to read and pronounce more accurately.
In summary, I'm very pleased with the Pimsleur approach and plan to buy and study Pimsleur II and III.
Incidentally, I called Pimsleur and asked them if they sold an addendum transcript booklet of the disks but was told that such a transcript flew in the face of their theoretical belief about how one should learn a language. While I don't agree, I admire their integrity. They could sell a ton of such transcript booklets if they so chose.

From an Italian teacher's perspective, I highly recommend the Pimsleur series. If you're serious about learning Italian, I do think they're the best. And the reason is because they get you to repeat the phrases over and over and over again. Learning a language takes time, but if you need some essential expressions before your trip, they also offer an Instant Conversation series, which is a lot shorter than this one.

The important thing in learning a language is repetition, and you'll get plenty of it with these CDs, as well as learning correct pronunciation.

Remember the first time you hear a song? It takes time to learn it, doesn't it? Well, imagine learning a song in Italian.. it takes even longer, but with some patience, you too will be singing the language of love!

As far as books go, you may end up using a combination, but I do like the Living Language Beginner's book a lot.

Definitely join a course in your area - there's no better practice than to practice in a group! Perhaps you can ask if a community college has it as a continuing education program - although you won't have big problems with the language in the bigger cities, Italians do appreciate if you know at least a little bit.

If instead, you're planning on visiting Southern Italy, or the countryside, you definitely want to know some Italian (if you want a vacation, and not an adventure, that is!).
I hope this helps! Grazie & arrivederci!
[...]

Pimsleur Italian I is the most effortless language program I've ever encountered. The program introduces new material at such a gradual pace that it's barely perceptible. I was astounded, however, at how much I had learned by the end of the program. Before starting Pimsleur I read a few pages from an Italian grammar book and was completely overwhelmed. After finishing Italian I, I reread the grammar material and, although Pimsleur rarely presents grammatical rules explicitly, I was able to infer them to such a degree that not only did the grammar seem manageable, but it felt more like review.

I loved the whole doctors without borders thing, the hot German aid worker, the sultry African United Nations spy, oh, my God, was Joseph hot or what? It was a constant tug of war for who I wanted Saffron, the main character, to end up with. And the whole LA thing was so funny, it made me see how we all take life too seriously sometimes. Highly entertaining and informative. It made me feel grateful for the life I have. Thanks

This is the only book I've chosen over sleep since the birth of my first child a year ago. It pulled me in from the first hysterical breastfeeding scene on page one all the way to the race to the death finish. The part about Africa was an unexpected thrill, giving this book something altogether new. I actually hid in the bathroom to finish it, I loved it so much. Can't wait for the next one.

Most "Mommy-lit" books these days are about women having to chose between work and motherhood, this one is not. This novel is about finding yourself through motherhood, which I thought was a great message. Saffron, the main character, never succumbs to being bullied about being a single-mom, a career-woman, about not fitting in. She rises above it. It's not only a fun read, it's got a very cool message for all of us women who feel different inside. Thanks!

I stumbled upon this book at the library, thought the story seemed interesting from the jacket summary. I am so glad I found this book! If this is considered chick lit, it definitely is a more sophisticated kind of chick lit. It deals with more serious issues such as war, poverty, Africa, etc. But you can still enjoy it as a chick lit novel ... meaning the politics of the issues I mentioned above do not swallow the story. It seems like the author may have used some of her own life experiences (London School of Economics references, etc.) which I always enjoy when an author does that ... makes the novel seem more real. This book is highly recommended by me. Read & enjoy!

After reading this book's more than favorable review in the Denver Post dated 6/19/05, I had to run out to buy it that very day! Upon delving in to the first chapter, I knew I would not be disappointed. Lennon has a unique ability to hook the reader by her funny and accurate insights into human nature. The story's heroine, Saffron, was someone I could relate to and identify with immediately. Although Saffron's story is adventurous and sometimes exotic, anyone who has ever been, or known, a new mother will have compassion for Saffron's real-life dilemma. Saffron's struggle with letting go of her independent, goal-driven past self and opening up to the boundless, albeit non-glamorous, love that she has for her new baby is a life experience that almost every new mother can relate to. Lennon will make you chuckle in recognition as Saffron goes through her transformation and experiences her new reality of changing dirty diapers and getting her baby to properly latch during nursing. Additionally, the contrast between Saffron's life as a war correspondent in the tumultuous political environment of Sierra Leone, with her new life as a single mother amongst the beauty-conscious and superficial mommies in Los Angeles is not only hilarious, but poignant. I was amazed at how Ms. Lennon was able to tell two stories simultaneously while keeping the reader equally involved in each and cognizant of the connection between the two. I especially loved the ending, and was rooting for Saffron all the way as she evolved into someone she didn't know was there, bringing along her flaws of course! This book is definitely a page-turner and will keep you wanting more from this talented new author. I can't wait to see what Lennon has up her sleeve next!

Stadner's book is well written and fun. She tells her stories in writing even better than she delivers them in person, and this book is loaded with all kinds of memories, each one tugging at a different heart string. She hits home over and over, and that familiarity makes it even more entertaining. At times, I found myself agreeing with her out loud, or calling my sister to remind her of something I hadn't thought of in years. I laughed, I cried, I enjoyed every minute of it.

Great book! The stories you related, made me laugh and cry with you.It was truly a walk down memory lane. You have successfully memorialized Cote St Luc, forever.Sheila

Hanala Stadner writes an amazing narative of her life, beginning with a childhood of loneliness and need. Her parents, survivors of the Holocaust, do not seem to be able to understand her travails which include normal childhood growing pains. She bitterly leaves home and is able to work as a semi-employed actor. Her pain follows her as she stumbles into drug and alcohol abuse. Just when the reader is totally disgusted with her, she begins a long road to recovery and self discovery. This well written book will make you laugh and make you cry. I would heartily recommend it.

I just finished your book I loved it so much that I just didn't want it to end.
I related to just about everything you went through. My parents also went through the war as Partisans in the woods of Poland and White Russia and then came to Montreal.
Thank you so much for writing this book. I must confess that
I laughed and cried but the last 100 pages of your book brought back so many memories for example singing to my father on his death bed \"OYFIN PRIPITCHEK BRENT A FAYERL, UN IN SHTUB IS HEYS. UN DER REBELY LERNT KLEYNE KINDERLEKH DEM ALDF-BEZ.\"
I saw you at Lynn University when you were in Boca Raton and had the
pleasure of meeting you and Fabrizio,gee I hope I remembered his name, but you know who I mean the cute Italian. You signed my book and I will cherish it forever.
Again, thank you so very much this book really made a difference to me.
Lots of Luck, from one survivor to another Sarah Johnson.

The title grabs you - humor? Holocaust? Then, you begin reading and Hanala grabs you- envelops you, fastens your seat belt for you and takes you on the ride that is her life. And what a ride.

For the general public, it is a story, written with wit, humor, turns of phrase, expressions which you know you have heard before and are comfortable with but which are neither trite nor cliche, in a style that holds your attention. It is the history of a little girl clamoring for something which is impossible to receive due to no fault of her own, a "normal" childhood, filled with love, affection, nurturing, complements, structure, safety, sibling support, reliable friends, - just like in the 50s and 60s TV families into which she delves for comfort; who, not surprisingly grows into a young adult with physical addictions and emotional insecurities - making bad choices, entering into troubled relationships and behaving in a self-destructive manner bringing her near death; and finally, just as you have almost had it with her and want to read her the riot act, but knowing that nothing you say could bring her out of her messed-up life, she surprises you and takes a small step which becomes a deep reach into herself and pulls herself out of the spiral - building inner strength and finally maturing into the positive, healthy person you would be thrilled to have in your life. Hanala lays open her soul to the core, describes behaviors and experiences that most would be embarrassed and ashamed to admit, and demonstrates that we have the ability to heal ourselves, with the help of others, if we only give ourselves the chance. You laugh, you laugh a lot, and you cry, you find yourself repeating statements out loud that you have just read which may well hit deep in your own soul. Frankly, you don't want the book to end and when it does, you are OK, because you know that Hanala's story is continuing and because it is a real life that you feel connected to.

And, for the readership which is made up of the children of Holocaust survivors/escapees, it is an even more special story. Hanala, through her experiences, and her insights gained through therapy, A.A. and Al-Anon programs, gives us answers as to why her parents, and so many other such parents just could not do a better parenting job - whether due to their guilt for not being able to save family or friends or for the simple fact that they survived, magnified by the relative comfort in which they are living; why they too were and are leading lives that are not filled with what many would consider "normal" actions and reactions - which behaviors many have unintentionally passed on to their children. "It is not because she won't, it is because she just can't." For Holocaust survivor/escapees' children, Hanala provides answers to questions we might not even know how to ask.

This book received many great reviews in education journals. My students love this book and it is very popular. I highly recommend it - who can pass up this puppy?

We saw this book featured on our local news station's "Success by 6" children's reading program and loved it! I ordered it as a gift for my two year-old niece but had a very hard time parting with it when it came. The illustrations are fabulous, the accompanying "stories" are charming, anyone who loves dogs will thoroughly enjoy this book. It exceeded my expectations.

My daughter and I are beginning our forever-long study of poetry and I found this unexpected and beautiful book about dogs (her favorite animal). The language and style of Once I Ate a Pie flows with such an obvious love and mastery of word usage and consideration of subject. The poems are blank verse but the word choice is juicy and deliberate. Really stunning paintings compliment each piece. I found myself brought to tears at least twice and really humbled by the talent of the authors.

** If you happen to check it out, Mr. Beefy is my favorite ;).

This is my grandson's favorite book. Is wonderful and a lot of fun. He has always had Pugs.

This book makes me feel like a kid at heart. It's great fun to read it giving each animal it's own voice since you can really sense the different personalities from each drawing and story. I also think it's a good lesson for children because, let's face it, some of these dogs are totally neurotic! I think it's a good way to show kids that everyone, including animals, have their own little personalities and behaviors and some of them are a little odd!