Sting Books

C.A. Hartnell's More Than a Pinch, Less Than a Bee Sting is part memoir, part fictionalized novel. While it is about Hartnell's experiences in El Monte, California, it's also about life in the United States during the spring of 1955. It's the American culture of a simpler but still dangerous time.

The adventures of Carol Ann, Pete and the other children revolve around the fun and seriousness of the times; there is polio and the `shot pot', the fear of getting `nuked' and needing fallout shelters, but there is also the simple excitement of waiting for the neighborhood's ice cream man and shopping for Easter dresses.

Join Hartnell for a dash to the past in More Than a Pinch, Less Than a Bee Sting. While the story is directed at 8-to-12-year-old children, I think adults who lived through that time will be the most interested.

Armchair Interviews says: A look at our American past.

This is a great historical fiction. As an educator I am always on the lookout for good books that have a positive and character building underlying theme. I was very impressed with this first book and I hope that there will be more stories about Carol Ann. I'm certain that students will enjoy reading this book.

What memories! Carol Ann Harnell has treated us to a great experience of life in the 1950s. For those who were children back then, her story will bring back many memories. The detail she describes is outstanding. You can really picture what life was like back then.

This book is also great for youth today. It gives a good picture of the life their parents and grandparents experienced. It also gives them a feel for the tensions of that time, especially the fear of polio and nuclear war.

I recommend this book to anyone wanting to know about life in the 1950s.

What a charming reminder of the 1950's. While reading about Carol Ann and Pete I kept thinking Ms. Hartnell had really written about my own childhood and just changed the names. I remember the duck and cover drills, playing outside until it was dark and I had to return home, and standing in line at school to get a shot. I am looking forward to the next tale of Carol Ann and Pete's adventures.

More Than a Pinch, Less Than a Bee Sting

I enjoyed every minute of reading this delightful book -- it was hard to put down. Even though I grew up in the 60s, I remember having to "stand in line" at school for those nasty shots. As much as I have tried to forget those days, the innocence of the whole thing brought back so many warm-hearted memories! So many things "came back to me", from the monkey bars (and trying not to get dirty), to playing ball during recess; and who can forget those crazy days during lunch time in school? I remember playing dress-up and playing with paper dolls. And every time that hot rod pulled up in the driveway next to Carol Ann's house, when she mentioned the "oldies but goodies" playing on the radio, I started singing that song in my head. A fantastic trip down memory lane! And the extra bonus at the end of the book was all the wonderful recipes -- can't wait to start baking those delicious cookies that Pete was so fond of! I'm really looking forward to reading what happens next in the series.

One gruesome story after another about the death and misery brought by those tiny critters we share the planet with-you'll look twice before you sit on a rock while camping or go swimming...or eat...or travel...not for the feint of heart

About: A very in depth look at the bites and stings of different animals and the diseases they may cause. Spiders, snakes, jellyfish, tsetse flies, cone snails, ticks, mosquitoes (including a particularly wonderful section on West Nile), Komodo dragons, alligators, crocodiles, seals, dogs, cats, horses, donkeys, camels, humans, monkeys, rabies, bird attacks and fish with spears are all covered. In fact, the only thing that I thought was missing was a section on sharks, but the addition of so many other biting animals more than make up for this omission. Besides, there are plenty of shark books, but this is the only book I've seen camel, donkey and seal bites addressed.

Pros: Engaging and fascinating. I looked forward to picking it up again after I put it down. Covers things I've never read about before. Scientific terms are clearly explained in the text as well as in the included glossary. Writing is very accessible. Great balance of science and anecdotes. Glossary, references.

Cons: A section on sharks was notably absent but this is a minor gripe considering what is covered

Grade: A+

Great book! Each chapter reads like a separate short story which makes it perfect for traveling.

If you like this genre of writing, you will enjoy this volume. Fascinating true stories, and yes, it would make a great travel guide for some.

_Bitten_ by Pamela Nagami, is a very interesting and well-researched popular science compilation of information and stories about just about every animal that stings, bites, or can carry infectious disease. Though a few are left out (notably sharks), a great many are included, each chapter often opening up with an interesting case history of a person afflicted by one of the animals in question, followed up by information on the organism, details on the disease that they may spread, and generally several other case histories of various patients throughout the world (some of which are from the author's own experiences as a practicing physician specialized in infectious disease). I found riveting not only some of the case histories but also the incredible medical detective stories, both those relating to saving patient's lives and in other instances the struggle to develop an anti-venom or to find the animal spreading a disease. Several chapters included information on what the reader should do when confronted by this animal (for example tips on safe tick removal and effective treatment for cat and dog bites). A helpful glossary and extensive bibliography are included.

The first several animals included in the book are dangerous mainly because of their venomous bites or stings, namely fire ants, several spider species, Portuguese man-of-war and various jellyfish species, cone snails, and a number of venomous snakes.

The fire ant chapter was illuminating. I was fascinated to learn that fire ants are even more trouble than I had imagined; livestock have been known to starve when fire ants render their food inaccessible, thousands of trout have been found that died from venom poisoning after eating swarms of winged males and queens that had flown into lakes, and fire ants, attracted to the warmth of heated asphalt, have caused rural roads to collapse as they built mounds beneath them, the undermined soil eventually subsiding and causing the road to collapse.

The chapter on spiders was also quite interesting. The reasons why small spider bites can cause such huge problems for victims is still incompletely understood, but may have to do with an enzyme found in some spider venom (such as that of the brown recluse) that attacks and dissolves cell membranes. This enzyme sets a victim's defenses against his or her own tissue, leading white blood cells to dissolve a victim's flesh. This necrotic arachnidism is a worldwide problem and there isn't any consensus on best treatment.

The next group of animals was largely included for the ability to transmit infectious disease. Included in this section are ticks, tsetse flies (with the emphasis being largely on sleeping sickness), and the sandfly (which spread leishmaniasis, parasitic diseases of the skin, moist membranes of the mouth and airway, liver, spleen, and bone marrow, caused by protozoa of the genus _Leishmania_ ). Also included was a chapter on the West Nile virus, a chapter which read like a medical thriller.

Tick paralysis was very interesting to read about. At first a rather mysterious paralytic illness, physicians discovered that an attached tick could cause a type of spreading paralysis in a person or in livestock, a completely debilitating and even potentially fatal paralysis yet one that can be stopped and completely reversed when the tick is found and removed (viewers of the show _House_ will remember a case of tick paralysis from the series; indeed many of the case histories sound like the opening segments of a _House_ episode, minus of course the misanthropic doctor).

It was sad to learn that human African trypanosomiasis (East African and West African sleeping sickness) was present on the continent since prehistoric times but only became widely disseminated when Africans left their ancestral homelands thanks to roads and railways brought by the Europeans during the colonial period, a problem exacerbated when what measure of disease control maintained by the empires collapsed during the civil wars and chaos left in the wake of the European withdrawal.

Massive efforts were made to control sleeping sickness, including for a time the draconian method of wholesale destruction of wild game. In addition to "being repugnant to practically everyone," these efforts were doomed to fail because the tsetse fly, when deprived of lions, hartebeests, and bushbucks, simply moved to smaller game, and in areas cleared of wildlife, humans and their livestock moved in, becoming replacement hosts themselves for the parasites. Nagami quoted from Dr. Robert Desowitz, the author of an essay on sleeping sickness ("The Fly Who Would Be King"), who noted that "the tsetse and the trypanosome are the most stalwart guardians of the African ecosystem and its magnificent wild fauna."

The final section looked at animals that pose a danger from the damage caused by their teeth and claws and from the infection of those wounds. Included in this section where chapters on the komodo dragon, alligators, crocodiles, dogs, cats, ferrets, rats, horses, donkeys, camels, garfish, seals, roosters, owls, monkeys, the wildlife that spreads rabies, and surprisingly humans (human bite injuries, particularly to the knuckle joint, can become infected with the bacterium _Eikenella corrodens_ which can cause irreversible damage).

I was surprised to read how vicious ferrets can be. In 1988 alone physicians in Denver, Colorado reported three cases of severe facial injuries to infants from attacks by pet ferrets. In one instance a three-month-old girl, placed in her crib with her bottle, was attacked by the family ferret which managed to climb in and a few minutes chew off forty percent of both her ears. Another patient, a baby girl, lost her nose to a ferret attack.

A very interesting series of chapters, the squeamish reader is warned about "seal finger" (a bacterial infection caused by seal bites, one that can cause swollen and stiff fingers and joints and pain so agonizing that sealers once amputated their own fingers for relief) and rats eating the flesh of sleeping people (those with nerve damage, such from diabetes and leprosy, are quite susceptible to rat attacks at night).

I am a young woman in my early 20's and probably have not read a book since high school, but this book certainly caught my eye. I have always been attracted to bad boys throughout my life and reading this book surely got me the hots for the characters in this book. The pictures of Craig Glazer with his shirt off in the prison yard, with his muscles showing and sweat dripping off his body was tempting and I had to read more. Don the other main character was a descent guy, but could not compare to Craig in appearance.

I am a young college student and have always wanted to be an undercover cop in highschool catching people selling drugs, cigarettes, and alcohol to minors. I believe there is good in everyone, in every aspect. Craig went on through his life after the aftermath to succeed in a Comedy Club that I have personally attended. He is still not only successful in what he does, but has not changed in his appearance either. Like I always say, "Once a bad boy, always a bad boy."

Sal Manna, you are wonderful, thank you for making my first week in August memorable. That is assuming Mister Glazer told you the story and it was your writting of his story that has had me re read this fantastic tale. The King of Sting is now my favorite true story. I am in my early 50's and boy could I relate to these two modern day pirates/Glazer and Woodbeck. Man just reading this book gave me a rush....you guys got me high on your high. Stinging or rather robbing drug dealers posing as cops, cool, but then becoming a real undercover agent...at twenty...bet you pulled over a few hot chicks Glazer....The Hollywood part was second only to the final sting, ripping off hoods that turned out to be feds...priceless.....I was sad when Don died and I really liked Grandpa Benny...in an odd way I was entertained by Glazer's father, Stan...not a total villian...did I like the King of Sting...NO, I LOVED THE KING OF STING, please, please don't leave me hanging and write what happened these last fifteen or so years Mister Glazer and Mister Manna....You boys have a big fan in Dave....thank you for reminding me of why we read books, to learn, to enjoy and to dream...thank you both

I'm not much of a reader. I heard the interview with Glazer(who's from my area of the country) on a local radio station. He told such a colorful story about his adventures/misadventures that struck a cord. I bought the book that night and read 80 page the first night. The interview did not do Glazer's book justice. Phenomenal! I can't believe his story hasn't been made in to a movie yet. It's a must read for anyone who likes true story/action tales.

Just finished reading this book and liked it considerably. Enjoyed all the photos and details that were given throughout the book. This was an exciting story!!! A+!!

A friend told me about this book. Once I started reading it I couldn't stop! Read it in 2 days!! Definately a great summer read!! Highly recommended!

This was a very professionally written account of the lives of 15 very diverse people who also happen to be professional lacrosse players. The book really makes you view these athletes as interested in their sport, valued members of their community, and very different from the multi-million dollar primma donnas who play other professional sports. I definitely recommend this book.

After the Duke Lacrosse scandal, it was refreshing to see an upbeat well-written book about lacrosse. These players truly honor their sport, and make the casual observer want to learn more. The stories were interesting, and it was a good overview of the NLL, and the players who make the league work. I really enjoyed it, and hope to see more books like it.

This book was interesting, insightful, and sometimes even funny when explaining the lives of 15 "ordinary" people who have jobs, wives, kids, and play professional lacrosse on the weekends. It makes you realize how different pro lacrosse is from other pro sports. (And I mean that in a good way.) The writing was clear and engaging, and I thoroughly enjoyed the book.

It was great to finally read a good book on professional lacrosse. The writing was interesting and insightful, and provided a good mix of lacrosse history combined with people who play the game. I would definitely recommend this book for the lacrosse fanatic, or even the casual observer. I enjoyed it!

This book is filled with stories of professional lacrosse players. The players are atypical from other professional sports players, who are often filled with self-admiration and greed. Yet, they are not exactly everyday people either. The players do have full time jobs and families, but many of them are in noble fields such as teaching, law enforcement, the armed forces, fire fighting... Of course, it takes a noble character to be devoted to such an underpaid and under-appreciated sport. The players sacrifice their bodies, time, and some family commitments for the love of their sport. The writing is clever, and the author gives good insight about the players' individuality, achievements, reminiscences, and dedication.

Photography and music together in the record of one of the greatest rock bands of the world. An excellent book.

Even though I have five exhibition prints from this book hanging on my home's walls, I'm still somewhat amazed at how good a photographer Andy Summers really is. While it's always been my feeling that an artist can have great talent in more than one discipline, Andy is a true Renaissance man. He is famous for his music as part of the popular band "Police," he is also a wonderful writer as well has a super sensitive photographer. His autobiography is also fascinating and a must read for fans of the Police!
With the same passion that he puts into his guitar music, Andy also provides an intimate view of just what it was like to tour with the Police in the years 1980-1983. This Taschen Coffee Table Photographic book is large format 375 pages chuck full of brilliant B&W pictures. Despite what most fans would imagine, being a member of the group made the picture taking more difficult than if a non-member of the band was doing it. When the world is pressing in on you from all directions and crying out to touch you, it's difficult enough just to survive. Having the presence of mind to photograph those adoring fans even as they attempt to smoother you with their love is a skill in and of itself.
My personal favorites from the more than 600 images included in the book included a picture of a smiling Sting in Japan. He has five Nikon Cameras--three motorized and two single shot versions hanging around his neck and is trying to drink a can of fruit juice at the same time. And while candid pictures of the members of the band are usually the most attention grabbing, Summers is particularly effective when he is photographing close-ups or details of the world the band encounters. Long after examining the book numerous times, many of the images that remain fresh in the mind are pictures of subjects such as warped buildings reflected in glass windows, an empty room service tray in the hall outside a hotel room with a ray sunlight spotlighting it, "Help" written on a roll of toilet tissue running across a carpet from a mysterious door, a bathroom scene with a large guitar case sitting next to a toilet but with a naked leg sticking out from behind the case and resting against the wall, a tiny skin diver exploring the tile bottom of a bathtub, a series of party pictures showing a beautiful pair of stocking covered legs being held straight up in the air by a large bunch of helium filled party balloons. The last photograph in that series shows the balloons all stuck on the ceiling of the hotel room and the rest of the mysterious beautiful women still wearing the white stockings and lingerie but standing just inside the adjoining room.
There are too many wonderful pictures to describe in this short review. I've not even mentioned the pictures that I purchased for display in my own home. Andy Summers has an excellent eye as well as a good ear. The book will provide the reader with a feeling that they have shared part of what the members of the Police experienced during the three years covered by the photographic essay. There is only one criticism I have with the book and that is the type that is used for all the text. It was obviously intended to resemble the actual type written diary entries that are used to caption the photographs. Unfortunately, on the black ground of the book that style of text reproduction is sometimes difficult to read. The captions are all repeated three times, first in English and then again in two additional languages. The buyer of this book won't be disappointed. If they are, just think that this is basically the same book that many people bought as an autographed and numbered limited edition for $600 per copy. The buyer of this edition doesn't get the autograph or number but they do get the rest of the entire experience. While looking at the pictures, it's almost as if the reader can hear the music, feel the excitement and the popping of the electricity.

I gave this as a gift as well and he has read the entire book. He is a huge fan of the Police and this is a great book for anyone who is.

Great book - arrived in less than no time - pics were great - my son had asked for the book for Christmas - he didn't realize he was getting the hard back book ! what a treat!

A very well put together coffee table tome. Stunning photographs of one of the best 70's- 80's iconic bands. Well worth every penny of my hard earned cash, a joy to look at from cover to cover or just merely dip into in an add hoc way. Well recommended for any fan of the band or from a photographers standpoint. Seriously good reportage style of photography.

Having been born and raised on a cattle ranch(not in Texas however)there is so much to relate to in the Hank books, we have rattlesnakes too, and learn to look very carefully before reaching for anything lying around in the summertime. My 8 year old loves me to read the Hank books to him,(I do a real good Drover) soon we both become part of the story, and lose track of time. Even if you've never had a cowdog, or lived on a ranch, you'll love this book, but if you have,you'll be hooked for life on Hank the Cowdog! We are.

I would recommend Hank the Cow Dog Case of the Double Bumblebee Sting because it's funny. Hank thinks two bumblebees have bitten him but it ends up that it was a rattlesnake. His face swells up like a balloon. He says, "It weighs 250 pounds". Drover keeps on saying that it was a rattlesnake, but Hank will be Hank - stubborn as a donkey. Hank keeps on saying, "it was 2 bumblebees in that pipe". Drover just goes with the flow and says "OK". I recommend this book to you and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

This book is about a dog named Hank. Hank lives on a ranch, and is head of ranch security. Drover is another dog that live on the ranch. In this book Hank gets bit by a rattlesnake, but he thinks it's a bumble bee. Sally May his owner takes him to the vet to get a shot. In the end Hank finally get's better. I reccomend this because it's funny and thrilling to read.

The Case of The Double Bumble Bee Sting saved my life on a long trip. Of course, it almost ended it too. I almost ran off the road laughing as Hank tries to talk to the buzzards about his swollen head. Don't miss this one! Your kids will love it and adults will too.

Of all the dog heroes in the world Hank is by far our favorite. He takes his job as head of ranch security very seriously. It's funny but also touching to see Hank strive to maintain his dignity as he suffers the consequences of inserting his nose (in a pipe) before putting his brain in gear. I have read Hank books with my kids for years and this one had me taking more time outs for laughing than any of the others. I couldn't help but read the last chapter myself after the kids were in bed and thoroughly enjoyed the surprise ending.

Good story. I especially like the characters and the lure of the Las Vegas scene. I have visited there many times and can relate to the places Fargo goes throughout the story. It sure would make a cool TV series. Nobody ever gets tired of Las Vegas trivia. The mystery is well told and it's sure was a great vacation read. I just loved Fargo's one-liners!

What caught my eye was the cover. It looked so interesting. I travel to Las Vegas a lot. Fargo Blue knows that town inside and out. It is a clever well written mystery and the characters are great. I want more of Fargo Blue.
Nancy DeSimone

Poolside Sting is a definite page turner. It kept me enthralled following the twists and turns with Fargo and discovering the real world of a private investigator. Plus it made me feel like I was in the midst of exciting Las Vegas surrounded by high rollers in gorgeous, unmatched settings. I'm eager to see what Fargo's up to on his next adventure. Marge O'Connor

"If there was ever a new detective story that should have its own TV show, it's the Fargo Blue Mystery Series. If anyone knows any TV or movie producers, they should get Poolside Sting into their hands. It's a money maker for sure."

I got this, and read it over a couple of days just recently. It is a book written by an old friend of Sting's, with the first half being mostly about their childhood days at a catholic school, and the second half being about their exploits in later years.

It is unbelievably funny, and entertaining! You can really tell that they've had fun together and love one another. Lots of good hearted poking fun at Stingo. Jim has a wonderful way of telling a story. Makes you feel like he'd tell the story the same way to a group of friends in the living room or something. The book made me laugh throughout, as well as think about some things in my own life. If you love Sting this will give you even more of a look at him and more appreciation for who he is. I would think, though, that even a person who didn't know about Sting would really have fun reading this book. Good job, Berryman.

I read this little book as soon it arrived to me (very quickly, thanks Amazon!). I was curious because I heard a lot about it but never found it in Italy, where I live. I think it is a must for all Sting's fans, because Berryman write about his friend Sting, not at all the star Sting. There are frankly hilarious pages, above all a scene about a fool roundabout in a classroom following a teacher who was following Sting, who was... ok, read it! I laughed to tears. Just imagine a Woodehouse book, and substitute Jeeves and Bertie with Sting and Jim and you'll have the right picture!

James Berryman's book is (much) less a biography of Sting than a humorous tale of life in Catholic school in England, where he happened to be friends with the-boy-who-would-be-Sting. This is not a criticism of the volume, though readers looking for deep insight and more detailed information on Sting's early years would do better to read the man's own memoirs, "Broken Music". Berryman's book instead takes an episodic approach to the misadventures of the boys of St. Cuthberts, from the first day of school when he first met on Gordon Sumner to their graduation and beyond.

School days take up about three-quarters of the book, the remained covering the years that followed and occasional meetings with Sting as his star began to rise. It's a fun story that does present a decidedly more down-to-earth view of Sting than we've read or seen elsewhere, even if afterwards one does wonder if the whole book hadn't just been a cheap ploy to cash in on Barryman's lifelong friendship with a celebrity.

Nevertheless, it is entertaining and probably worth a read by any dedicated Sting fan, as well as those interested in a humorous read about growing up in 1960s Newcastle.

This book is written by one of Sting's personal friends. James Berryman shares his impressions and relationship with Sting from the first day of grammer school through the present. It is a fast read, great for Sting fans but also a good book just for the stories James Berryman tells about his life growing up.

It's about time someone wrote a story on early America for young people to grab and enjoy! An avid Michener reader, I always hoped someone would intrigue young Americans the same way, on their level. Roy Ewers does this very well, weaving exciting fiction into early American history. We see the docks of Norfolk, early medicine, wilderness survival without the stoves and packaged foods, the American Indian, and corrupt settlers. I lived in western Virginia and easily imagined the settings as each unfolded. This book should be incorporated into the lesson plans of all teachers instructing Early American history! I hope Roy Ewers follows up with another!

Great book! I personally found it refreshing and insightful, and have enthusiastically recommended it to my students. Two thumbs up!

Great action of post revolutionary war. Never lost my attention. Great attention grabber. I recommend this to all young adults and adults.

I recommend this book for both high school history classes as well as for adults. It reviews a historically interesting period in the post-Revolution period of westward expansion. The history of the Raiders during this time period is often neglected. It also provides another outlook in regards to cooperation among the White man and Indians against a common foe. Anyone interested in westward expansion would find this book very entertaining.

The groundwork laid in the first Hallowmere book, "In the Serpent's Coils", really pays off in "By Venom's Sweet Sting." Corrine and her friends are propelled into the world of the Fey and into direct conflict with the Fey Prince. The second book picks up the pace and moves along with exciting encounters and unexpected plot twists. Hallowmere is fast becoming one of the best Faerie world settings in recent years. I look forward to the third book, "Between Golden Jaws."

After reading In the Serpent's Coil I couldn't wait to read the next book, and my waiting was rewarded. If you thought the first one was creepy, this one won't let you sleep!
In a nutshell:
- Corrine learns who she really is and why the Unhallowed follow her
- She learns more about the Fey
- There is a new guy, Euan, and he has a secret
- Corrine finally sees the Captain's face
- She encounters new horrible Fey
- She learns more about the Prince and also finally sees his face. It is shocking, but somehow you expected it...
The book is great. There is a lot of blood, murder and mystey. Not your usual Holiday read but ohh soo good!!! I can't wait for March to read the next one!

After the destruction of Falston, Corinne and her friends Christina and Ilona, along with Miss Brown and Father Joe sent off for Scotland, to fight the fey on their terms.

A mysterious man comes along to help them. Euan is attractive but also very mysterious. Plus, Corinne finds herself attracted to him.

But once on the estate of Sir James, the fey refuse to leave Corrine alone. Frustrated that no one will tell her the reason the Prince seeks her, Corinne only has her dreams and a serpent-bound book that gives her glimpses into the mind of the fey.

Though the Scottish estate has wards around it, the fey still get in. During a ball, a mysterious visitor asks Corinne for a dance. This causes her to let her guard down. Which she finds is very dangerous.

Admidst all this, new danger lurks in the Scottish moors. Who can Corinne trust? And can she resist the Prince before she ends up lost like the other girls at Falston?

I loved this tale. I could see the fog rising up in the Scottish moors as Corinne searches for the rathstones before the Unhallowed get them. The author does a great job of showing the struggles and conflict going through Corinne. She longs for the Prince though she knows it's wrong. Plus her frustration at wanting to know why she plays an important part of all this is shown in a believable way.

Euan is mysterious and alluring. I also like the Father Joe character, who though a man of the cloth has his own mysterious past which is somehow linked to the Fey queen.

I can't wait for book three, BETWEEN GOLDEN JAWS, which is set to come out in March. Also I ordered MAGIC IN MIRRORSTONE, which promises an unknown tale of Father Joe.