The Austere Academy (Series of Unfortunate Events) Review

I got this book for Christmas, and it was very good. It came in perfect condition, and very fast shipping. I totally recommend this and all other Lemony Snicket (Daniel Handler)books. If you buy this, I hope you enjoy it as much I did.Get more detail about The Austere Academy (Series of Unfortunate Events).

Night World No. 1: Secret Vampire; Daughters of Darkness; Spellbinder This instant

i totally loved these books, my good friend recommended them to me. i would tell anybody that will listen to read this series!Get more detail about Night World No. 1: Secret Vampire; Daughters of Darkness; Spellbinder.

Before I Was Born (Young Fisherman Study Guides) Immediately

I was a little scared to read this to my 7 year old daughter, but it was important to me that I was the one that told her about sex and NOT other kids in the neighborhood or at school. I wanted my daughter to know GOD'S design for sex and I also wanted to be the one to tell her about sex so that she would feel comfortable enough to come and talk to ME about any sex related questions. I will say that when I first read this, I thought there was NO WAY I could read this to her. But then I read the book "When and How to Tell Your Kids About Sex." After reading that book, I better understood the importance of telling your children about sex. I was also worried that it would make my daughter much more curious about sex, but it didn't. She took it very well and had a few questions, but the questions weren't hard ("Is that how you had me?" and "Do you HAVE to do that to have a baby?"). Anyway I definitely would suggest this book for all Christian parents to read to there children! Be the first to tell your children, because if you don't, someone else will!Get more detail about Before I Was Born (Young Fisherman Study Guides).

The Twilight Saga: New Moon--The Official Illustrated Movie Companion Best Quality

What a wonderful way to see the movie from the directors point of view. The Movie Companion is a great way to guide you along the way with unseen photos, personal experiences and just an all around look at the filming of New Moon will draw you back into the emotion and feeling of being in the movie. I truly enjoyed the emotion as well as the fun that was put into this companion. It has kept me engrossed in the story just one step further.Get more detail about The Twilight Saga: New Moon--The Official Illustrated Movie Companion.

Eleventh Grade Burns #4 Get it now!

best book yet the ending leaves me begging for more i read it a little under an hour and a half and im ten so i think the book is a little short. when will the next book come!Get more detail about Eleventh Grade Burns #4.

Cars and Trucks and Things That Go (Giant Little Golden Book) Buy Now

As others have mentioned, I loved this book as a child and we got a copy for our first child (who is now 6 years old). When we had a second child, we had to purchase a second copy as the first child wasn't ready to give hers up. This is a classic that we will add to our list of favorite gifts for our friends' children.Get more detail about Cars and Trucks and Things That Go (Giant Little Golden Book).

The Sins of Séverac Bablon Order Now

I loved this book. I'd heard about it from a friend who's a fan of the Fu Manchu books. I enjoy mysteries, so I bought the book and ended up not being able to put it down. It was an excellent read.

I loved the hero and the whole concept of a modern day Robin Hood giving Scotland Yard a run for their money. The entire story was just as brilliant as the concept. It's a wonderful mystery that keeps you guessing until the very end, even if you're a seasoned mystery fan with a talent for figuring the ending out beforehand.
This one kept me on the edge of my seat and had me cheering for the outlaw rather than the detectives at Scotland Yard. For me it's hard to see Robin Hood types as bad guys even though they're on the wrong side of the law. They do more for the poor and the oppressed than the law enforcement authorities do in my opinion.
I highly recommend this book. It's a very well done mystery and quite unique. The author is a very talented writer with original ideas and excellent form. His writing just flows. I really love his style and would like to read more of his works now that I've read this one.
Get more detail about The Sins of Séverac Bablon.

The Winter's Tale (Animated Tales) Decide Now

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(This review is for the talking book version of this play on compact disc by the "Complete Arkangel Shakespeare" and published by BBC Audiobooks America.)

"Too hot, too hot!
To mingle friendship far is mingling bloods.
I have tremor cordis on me,--my heart dances;
But not for joy,--not joy.--This entertainment
May a free face put on; derive a liberty
From heartiness, from bounty, fertile bosom,
And well become the agent: `t may, I grant:
But to be paddling palms and pinching fingers,
As now they are; and making practis'd smiles,
As in a looking glass; and then to sigh, as `twere
The mort o' the deer; O, that is entertainment
My bosom likes not, nor my brows."

The above is said as an aside by the King of Sicilia as he observes his Queen with his good friend (who he has known since childhood), the King of Bohemia. This is the occurrence that sparks the King of Sicilia's jealousy and forms the basis of this play (written circa 1611) by William Shakespeare (1564 to 1616).

(Note that this play is traditionally classified as a comedy but is more accurately known as a tragicomedy or romance.)

Having this play recorded on compact disc is a treat. This play (of five acts or fifteen scenes) is presented as uncut, fully dramatized, and accompanied by original music. This recording aids in comprehension by bringing the play to life using the voices of distinguished actors.

Included with the compact disc are liner notes that include among other things a complete cast list and a synopsis of each scene. What I did was before each scene, I paused the recording, read a particular scene's synopsis, and then listened to that scene. Doing it this way resulted in (for me anyway) complete comprehension of this play, something not easily obtainable when you simply read the play.

With respect to the play itself, it should be remembered that in most cases, the characters are not realistic. Jealousy appears with little motivation; characters perform actions that are symbolic rather than believable in terms of everyday life; common sense seems frequently to be lacking. (In fact, this is why many 17TH and 18TH century critics dismissed this play as absurd and totally lacking in reason.)

However, it seems to me that Shakespeare deliberately made most of these characters symbolic rather than realistic. The themes of the play (evil, repentance, and reconciliation) are of such a universal scope that they must be represented clearly in its characters.

This play is famous for the stage direction that Shakespeare gives in Act 3 Scene 3: "Exit, pursued by a bear."

Finally, for those playing this compact disc on their computer compact disc player, beware that a "cookie" of 0.1 KB size is stored on your computer's hard drive. A "cookie" is just a small piece of text and is NOT a virus. It can do no harm but for those that don't want it, it can be easily erased.

In conclusion, this compact disc brings this tragicomic or romance play to life aiding in its comprehension and thus enjoyment!!

(2005; 2 hr, 50 min; 3 compact discs, 15 tracks)

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A Book of Nonsense Right now

I am very disappointed in this book. When I looked at it on Amazon there were pictures. Why was it not mentioned that there were no pictures in this particular book?

Shame on you for misrepresenting this book. Now I have to return it and get one with Edward Lear's imaginative art work as well.Get more detail about A Book of Nonsense.

Low Price Pygmalion

Oh my! I love it! G.B. Shaw's character Henry Higgins is disdainful, petulant and impetuous. Simultaneously he's admirable and even a man to be envied! Disdainful because of his complete lack of proper manners, total lack of tact and disgraceful way in which he devalues a young woman for his professional experiments; enviable because in his lack of tact he pretty much says whatever's on his mind, not being burdened with what might be better left unsaid; what is socially acceptable. And honestly, I'm sure we've all had those days where we'd just like to "pull a Higgins" and tell the world what we really think! The difference is he does it, but most of us don't.

I know this wasn't written as a comedy, but this play really has some very funny scenes. I could go through and point out numerous exchanges in dialogue between Eliza and Higgins that are just a riot; Higgins and his overly honest opinions and Eliza as she calls him to task towards the end of the play for the manner in which she has been treated. Indeed, I'm sure analytical essays and social discourses could be written, and probably have been, on the relationships in this play.

This play really should be read with some level of cerebral engagement by the reader; the reader is well served to read it with sincerity and thought, to make an effort to be engaged and to pick-up the subtleties and moral points presented by Shaw. Though we're nearly 100 years removed from when this play was first released, Shaw presents some social commentary and moral points that are still very relevant and spot-on today. Unfortunately, I think some readers today will completely miss the points Shaw seeks to bring to fore.

Finally, the play on language and classes is perfect for the English setting. A question as to whether those themes might play well outside of England is answered by the global success and longevity of the play. Class systems and divisions of socioeconomic status, whether based on language, race, religion, etc, are global and universal. An audience most anywhere will understand the underlying themes that Shaw presents in Pygmalion even though the use of language and accents may be uniquely English. This play continues to be a favorite of audiences even after a century (it plays in my town next week at the local summer outdoor theater).Get more detail about Pygmalion.

Save 1-2-3 Magic for Kids: Helping Your Children Understand the New Rules

It was my error to order the version for kids, but I must say, it seems to have been geared for kids younger than my 9 year old anyway. So much is common sense and seems to be just another version of "time outs," but I will try the adult version next to gain more insights.Get more detail about 1-2-3 Magic for Kids: Helping Your Children Understand the New Rules.

Discount The Waste Land (Dark Tower)

I loved the book! It is the continuing saga of the tower series and if you're like me, you can't skip from one to 3 without reading two.Get more detail about The Waste Land (Dark Tower).

Cheapest Further Chronicles of Avonlea

Most of the stories are more sweet short stories from Avonlea. But I was a little stunned by the last story and the racism in it. I think I was just shocked and saddened to encounter it in one a book of my favorite authors - and I think it says a lot about the attitude of many people of that time toward those who were not white.Get more detail about Further Chronicles of Avonlea.

Cheap Summer Bridge Activities: 3rd to 4th Grade

I'm impressed with this workbook. It covers the material learned in third grade using an engaging and thorough format. The workbook is organized into daily worksheets, each of which reviews math, language arts, and other subjects, to keep these skills fresh throughout the summer. I feel confident that my daughter is well-prepared for the start of fourth grade.Get more detail about Summer Bridge Activities: 3rd to 4th Grade.

Buying I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (New Windmills)

the book was in mint condition, looks new, but paid used book price for it.Get more detail about I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (New Windmills).

Buy Summer Bridge Activities: 1st to 2nd Grade

I purchased this book as an overview for my child who was going into First Grade. It is laid out nicely and the activities were just the right length for a summer activity. My only criticism is that the font wasn't a standard font for elementary school children. For example, the letter "a" was written just like I've typed here, as opposed to a circle with a line directly beside it, and the number 9 had a big curve at the bottom (similar to how I've typed it here) instead of being a circle with a straight line beside it. My son adopted this new handwriting font which looks a little strange written by a child on paper. The only activity that he was not able to do was on page 87 (section 3, day 4), where they had to unscramble words. I actually had to give this activity some thought myself!
Get more detail about Summer Bridge Activities: 1st to 2nd Grade.

Purchase Tikki Tikki Tembo

My 2 1/2 year old grandson loves this book. My children liked it when they were little, so I thought it would be a hit, and it was. It is perhaps a little disturbing that the mother gives the second born son a name that means "little" or "nothing", but when I read this to him, I skipped over the part that said it meant "nothing". My grandson was much more interested in the boys falling into the well and being rescued, as well as trying to say the long name, and wanting to act out the story in his sandbox. When reading it, I focused on how the brothers helped each other, and on the fun of saying Tikki Tikki Tembo's long name.Get more detail about Tikki Tikki Tembo.

Order Fade (Playaway Young Adult)

FADE, by Lisa McMann, was an intense thriller that explored the twisted minds of criminals and the gifted individual who intends to bring them to justice. McMann truly topped herself in Fade as we delve deeper into the mind of a dream catcher and the life sentence that has been forced upon her.

Once I started this book I could not put it down. Between the characters, case, and exploration of Janie's gift, this book was glued to my hands. This book was a lot darker than Wake. Unspeakable situations are being revealed at Fieldridge High and Janie is once again helping the police solve the crime, along with her secret boyfriend, Cabel.

Janie and Cabel are the most sensational crime-fighting pair. They absolutely adore and accept each other, even with the baggage they both carry. Cabel supports Janie's gift and helps cultivate her powers within dreams. I love them as a couple. They are passionate and understanding, but as this current case continues, the tensions rise within their delicate relationship. I think McMann created such a real relationship with these two. They have real issues and stresses separately that are not always easy to deal with in a relationship. The love that Cabel feels for Janie is unsurmountable but he is overshadowed by his damaging past.

The plot of this book was quite disturbing but straightforward with what can happen in the real world. I will not give away the story but brace yourself for a bumpy ride.

I enjoyed how Janie dealt with her powers positively. She was aware of all her physical ailments that came with the gift and worked closely with Miss Stubin and Cabel to hone her skills. The whole idea of dream catchers is fascinating to me, and I applaud McMann for her creativity and research in the matter.

This was a great sequel to Wake and I cannot wait to read the final book, Gone.Get more detail about Fade (Playaway Young Adult).

Where To Buy The 39 Clues Book 5: The Black Circle

My 10 year old grandson is reading this series and has been borrowing them from the library. I purchased this for him as a reward for good grades. He was excited to have it and finally have his own cards too. He says he has to read all of the series because the stories are so good!Get more detail about The 39 Clues Book 5: The Black Circle.

Shop For Tricks

This book absoulutly amazing, as are all of Ellen Hopkins books. It felt as if i was in the story, battling prostitution with these 5 very different, yet very similar, people. I understood the love they experienced, felt the pain they went through, agreed on the anger each of them had, and totally made sense of where they ended up and why. I found out that everything really does happen for a reason, and I now understand that the women and men who are standing out in the street have good reasons to be out there, but they are just solving these reasons in the wrong way. Excellent book and excellently written.Get more detail about Tricks.

Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus

My 18-month-old is a big reader (or "looker", if you prefer) and has been reading books, right-side-up, since he was able to sit up on his own. I first noticed "Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus" in 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Grow Up, and I'm so glad that I purchased it! It immediately became my son's current favorite book, and is an incentive for bedtime, because he chants "Bus! Bus!" promptly at 7 pm. Regarding some of the lower-raters' concerns that toddlers will emulate the Pigeon's bad behavior, all I can tell you is that my son hasn't done so, and actually grasped the concept that Pigeon's behavior is not appropriate very quickly. In a matter of a week, he went from giggling "yes" when I asked, "shall we let the Pigeon Drive the Bus?" to saying "no", because of the Bus Driver's instructions. The artwork is simple, but joyful and evocative. The book also enables the parent or caregiver to engage with the child about the story, and thereby introduce the child to larger concepts. There will be more Pigeon in our future; I've already ordered 2 Pigeon board books and "Time to Say Please" because of how much my son has enjoyed "Bus" and the 2 Knuffle Bunny books.Get more detail about Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus.

Phoenix Rising Review

I was enjoying my first JD Robb when this horrible factual error showed up and kept beingn repeated. This must have driven any British fans bonkers. Fact Cornwall is the Southern most County in England. Fact residents ie. detectives would not speak with a "Broad Northern Accent" unless they put in for transfer. This obvious error is a horrible distraction and I hope that it isn't true of all JD Robb books or this will be first and last.Get more detail about Phoenix Rising.

Alex Rider Top Quality

My son (age 10) found this book in the school library and couldn't put it down. I read it too. Of course it was a little (a lot?) farfetched, but we are hooked and are now reading the other books, in the proper order. Alex is a likeable character and one that most pre-teen/early teen boys can imagine being like. There's more violence than I would like but it's that kind of book, and it's something many boys this age seem to enjoy.

As a bonus, the Alex Rider books count for several points in the reading program at school.Get more detail about Alex Rider.

Ladybug Girl at the Beach This instant

The series just continues to get better and I can't wait for the next ones to come out...

And my daughter (3 1/2) just loves it, like Dresses Up, she took this book too to Daycare to share and show everyone, they even read it during their storytime. This book is clearly a new favorite to the list.

A day at the beach, what can be better? And while Lulu is all excited and ready to play in the ocean, it turns out to be more scarier then she thought. So while or before Lulu learns to overcome her fear, the book follows all her activities at the beach.

I don't want to give away too much of a spoiler, but this book serves well to illustrate the fun that can be had at the beach but a lesson and in over coming fear. I loved the front and back inside panals of illustration before the story actually starts and at the end too.

For the few who somehow managed to be disappointed by Dresses Up, you'll find your faith in the series restored with this book.Get more detail about Ladybug Girl at the Beach.

The Hound of Rowan: Book One of The Tapestry Immediately

I've read the reviews and do admit this book has many similarities to Harry Potter...but the differences (magic system, creatures, and characters) are great enough to easily overcome any stigma one might have were the two series completely parallel. It was easy for me to get engrossed in the story; there were some surprises/twists I didn't expect; the characters are believable/failable (not perfect or all-powerful)/likeable; it left me wanting to see what happens next--all qualities necessary for a great read.

Definitely worth my time and yours too, if you are looking for something read-worthy...which I think you are since you are bothering to read this review.Get more detail about The Hound of Rowan: Book One of The Tapestry.

The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck Best Quality

This IS the story of Jemima Puddleduck, and it can be read to children. It loses a lot of its interest value without the pictures, but the story is still good.Get more detail about The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck.

The Diamond of Darkhold (Ember, Book 4) Get it now!

The fourth (and last, I hope) book in the City of Ember series. What started off as a strong series has petered out to a happy ending in a most unsatisfying summary. This book was the "peak" of the action in the series (except maybe their exodus from Ember in the first book), but it left something to be desired. I am a huge fan of young adult and children's fiction, but I think this last book was overly simplified. Lina and Doon have grown up some and gone through many hardships, but they don't seem to have aged emotionally. There were some good action scenes and some great new characters, but after the boring intermission of the Prophet of Yonwood, I was expecting a little more from DuPrau. The very end of the book was very Harry Potter-esque with all the loose ends being tied up and everyone living happily ever after in this post-apocalyptic world.Get more detail about The Diamond of Darkhold (Ember, Book 4).

Cirque Du Freak #8: Allies of the Night: Book 8 in the Saga of Darren Shan (Cirque Du Freak: The Saga of Darren Shan) Buy Now

This is a very good book its filled with exciting twists and turns and shocking ending! I have read every book in the series and each was better than the next.

written by
-vampire_gurlGet more detail about Cirque Du Freak #8: Allies of the Night: Book 8 in the Saga of Darren Shan (Cirque Du Freak: The Saga of Darren Shan).

Artemis Fowl (Artemis Fowl, Book 1) Order Now

The closest book store to us is 40 minutes away. We had made two trips in two weeks waiting for the store to get this book in. After the second trip I logged onto Amazon ordered the book and in just a few short days the book arrived. I will use this service before making another trip to the "city" for a book. My son loved the book, finished it in 3 days. He's currently on book 3 and again can't put them down. He has decided that once he is finished with the series, he will donate them to the school library so more kids can enjoy them. He has already loaned out this book (1st in series) to a friend to read. The mom called and thanked us as her son NEVER wanted to read before this. Wonderful Series, very happy with purchase.Get more detail about Artemis Fowl (Artemis Fowl, Book 1).

The City of Ember (Books of Ember) Decide Now

First, it is impotant to know that I am not an avid fan of fantasy. I have always shied away from it at libraries and bookstores. Whenever I have been forced to read fantastical novels, by either professors or presuassive friends, I have enjoyed the various selections. I believe that certain fantasy can help shed light on our contemporary society by describing an entirely fictional civilization. Sometimes, it is easier to see the faults in our own society through the eyes of a fantastic world. However, there are the other kinds of fantasy that may make the average novel reader uncomfortable or perplexed. It is for this reason that I have kept away from this genre. Yet, both of these challenges have thrown me to the wolves!

The City of Ember is the story of a city that is lit entirely by artificial light through light bulbs. In the first chapter, the reader is told that the city was built by the Builders and was expected to be in use for only 200 years. At the end of 200 years, a metal box holding instructions on how to evacuate from the city will open and all of the citzens will be led to another city. However, the metal box was misplaced over the years and never found.

The tale begins in the year 240 when the lights in the city are beginning to flicker and the citizens are experiencing blackouts in which the lights would go out for various periods of time. In addition, there are food shortages across the city and there seem to be some unethical affairs happening within Ember's government. Eventually, the two main characters in the novel find the remnants of the instructions and must piece together the clues on how to evacuate the city.

For a non-fantasy reader, I found this book to be perfect! One of the problems that I have with fantasy books is that the names in the novels are complicated and hard to pronounce. However, all of the names in this book are very simple. In addition, the plot does not seem to be too far-fetched. There was no magic, enchanted items, or supernatural powers. Instead, the story focused more on the characters and the puzzles that they encountered. Despite the fact that it is a young adult novel, I found both the plot and the characters to be very compelling and realistic.

I would highly recommend this story to anyone who is timid about plunging into the overwhelmingly large amount of fantasy novels. In addition, I would suggest this to readers who enjoy dystopian novels such as Brave New World or 1984 but want a more simplistic novel. For those who enjoyed reading The Giver when they were younger, the City of Ember will certainly bring you back to those days. Lastly, the City of Ember is in fact part of a four book series that include People of the Sparks, The Prophet of Yonwood, and the Diamond of Darkhood. I will also read People of the Sparks as part of both of these challenges.Get more detail about The City of Ember (Books of Ember).

The Miserable Mill (Series of Unfortunate Events) Right now

If you didnt like the first few books in the series, you wouldnt like the rest. I LOVE them though! I want them all!Get more detail about The Miserable Mill (Series of Unfortunate Events).

Lowest Price A Man Named Dave

If you've read the first one, A Child called It, you need to read this one. The second book, the Lost Boy, tells about his time in foster care is interesting but doesn't add that much to his story. If you know someone who has gone through the foster care system it does give a snapshot of how it can be confusing and scary to a young child. In this book he tells of his adult life and how he is haunted by the life he had with The Mother. It gives insight into the mind of a person who has gone through abuse and survived. Also illustrates how, when the abuser is a parent, the abused still tries to gain the love of that parent and the mental and emotional damage that is done. It is a very good book.Get more detail about A Man Named Dave.

Low Price Summer Bridge Activities: Kindergarten to 1st Grade

As a third grade teacher, I have found this series to be an excellent summer review program. It takes my own children about 15 minutes to do their pages each day, while providing critical review in reading, grammar, and math. I will recommend this book to all of my students' parents next year. Even the highest students can benefit from a short review during the summer.Get more detail about Summer Bridge Activities: Kindergarten to 1st Grade.

Save The Golden Compass: His Dark Materials

I fell in love with this whole series. Every pain Lyra felt, every smile she smiled, I felt with her. If I have ever read a better series, I would be surprised. amd trust me, I have read a lot of books.Get more detail about The Golden Compass: His Dark Materials.

Discount Dark Fire (Last Dragon Chronicles)

My 10 year old son has devoured every book in this series. He loves fantasy and eagerly awaits the next book in the series.Get more detail about Dark Fire (Last Dragon Chronicles).

Cheap Tuck Everlasting

Overrated. This is a book about having the chance to live forever. Shouldn't there be some soul-searching going on? Babbitt skips right over Winnie's soul searching, and barely touches the Tucks' soul searching. The immortal frog was touching, but was merely sentimental.

The business man situation was far too easily resolved. There was just so much more that I wanted from this premise, and I didn't get it. Thankfully it only took me about an hour to read it, so I didn't waste too much time.Get more detail about Tuck Everlasting.

Buying The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane

Book is great. Tells the story of a careless and loveless rabbit who gets lost and through his adventures, understands the value of being cared for and loved. I think any child around the age of nine should get a lot from this book. As a warning, there are a lot of strong themes in the book. I highly reccomend that parents read the book to make sure that your child can handle it.Get more detail about The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane.

Buy Magic Tree House Boxed Set, Books 5-8: Night of the Ninjas, Afternoon on the Amazon, Sunset of the Sabertooth, and Midnight on the Moon

This book series is very simply written and with some grammatical errors "till" instead on until, beginning sentences with "And". However, it has been fun to read 5 of these books with my 6-7 year old son over the past month. It takes about an hour to read the whole story. He looks forward to the next story, as the story in the books are interweaved and sequentially dependent. He even wanted to peek at the end of the book to see what happened before we started reading! It is that kind of enthusiasm that encourages more reading. A few of the stories were borderline scary because the kids are held captive by a pirate, and in danger of being hurt by a sabertooth tiger etc, but these can be put into perspective if the child is ready to deal with it.Get more detail about Magic Tree House Boxed Set, Books 5-8: Night of the Ninjas, Afternoon on the Amazon, Sunset of the Sabertooth, and Midnight on the Moon.

Purchase Eclipse (Warriors: Power of Three, Book 4)

there are so many positive words, i start with awesome,super, over the top, well-written book. it explains so much. i`ve read every single warriors book and this one or The Darkest Hour may be the best ny far.Get more detail about Eclipse (Warriors: Power of Three, Book 4).

Order Little Wizard Stories of Oz

A charming little volume containing six very short Oz stories involving many of the major characters that had featured in the first 7 or so books in the series proper, originally published in 1913 in separate booklets just as Baum was allowing the Oz books to get underway again with THE PATCHWORK GIRL OF OZ. The six stories are:

"The Cowardly Lion and the Hungry Tiger"
"Little Dorothy and Toto"
"Tiktok and the Gnome King"
"Ozma and the Little Wizard"
"Jack Pumpkinhead and the Sawhorse"
"The Scarecrow and the Tin Woodman"

Clearly aimed at an even younger audience than the regular books, most adults will probably find these a little too silly -- though some of the wordplay that both Baum and his successors are known for is in evidence (the Imps -- Udent, Olite and Ertinent, for example). One also wonders if the storyline in the lion/tiger vignette, with the two ferocious beasts desperately desiring to commit mayhem, but finding that they simply cannot do anything but be nice, tame pets, mirros in some ways Baum's ambivalence about re-starting the series which he had tired of - but was his only sure hit. Regular series artist John R. Neill's illustrations are among his best and are the high point for me, especially the double-page ones. The Books of Wonder facsimile reprint is up to their usual high standards.Get more detail about Little Wizard Stories of Oz.

Where To Buy Boy Meets Girl: Say Hello to Courtship

Great book for evaluating and reorienting today's dating culture. Does a good job pinpointing what is wrong with today's perspective on romantic relationships and also goes to show how to go about it with a Christian worldview in a particular area that churches are not too keen to speak upon given the consumerism that has developed in current day churches.Get more detail about Boy Meets Girl: Say Hello to Courtship.

Shop For The 39 Clues Book 6: In Too Deep

This book series is great. My family and I started with Percy Jackson and now here we are with the 39 clues, that keep us all alert waiting for the next book in the series to be available.
It is a good way for your children to get involved in reading and the website adds also to the clues hunting.
Strongly recomend to follow the series
Thanks!Get more detail about The 39 Clues Book 6: In Too Deep.

100 Cupboards: Book 1 of the 100 Cupboards

Such a fun book and different from a lot of children's lit I've read! Wilson maintains adventure and intrigue with thoughtful creativity. A quite enjoyable read.Get more detail about 100 Cupboards: Book 1 of the 100 Cupboards.

Crocodile Tears (Alex Rider, No. 8) Top Quality

the book is amazing and is by far excellent but arc angel was better i stand by new york times review and is apropriate for all agesGet more detail about Crocodile Tears (Alex Rider, No. 8).

The Dragon Reborn (The Wheel of Time, Book 3) This instant

The adventures continued, and it got more exciting. The 3 girls, Nynaeve, Egwene and Elayne, found themselves thrust deeper into the betrayals and secrets of the Aes Sedai. The Black Ajah was real and they had to track down 13 whom had been identified.

Nynaeve's power was growing with a remarkable speed, but she still could not control it. She could only unleash it if she was angry, which is an irony; considering she thought of herself as Wisdom, but her giving in to short-temper was not exactly close to being wise.

Egwene, on the other hand, had grown up here. Though she still got into catfight with Nynaeve from time to time, but unlike Nynaeve, Egwene knew when to back off. She also got more power in the dream world, which I think will be one major point in the turn of the story in later sequel.

Elayne became more queen-like. Her knowledge in the old history was useful in their chase of Black Ajah.

In this third volume, finally the girls' individual trait came out. So, I now can tell the difference between each girl.

Mat became my favorite here. He was funny. He seemed to complain a lot, yet I feel he enjoyed this adventure more than anyone else. In the beginning, he was healed by Aes Sedai and afterward, he wanted to go on his own and tried. But then, he could not disentangle himself from the thread of others. His travel with Thom through places, laying wagers with anybody who was willing to (and won big quite many times), finally took him met the others and saved them at the end.

Perrin, saved several times by his increasing ability in fighting, and communicating with his wolf brothers, still struggled hard to accept this ability of his. Unlike Mat who made use of his ability to saving people, Perrin tried hard to stop using his. It was painful and tiring for him, of course, and made him vulnerable at times, also.

Rand's story, was glimpsed through the dreams and tracks others got on him. It looks like he had partially accepted his fate as the Dragon Reborn. He announced himself, traveled to Tear, left many weird events along the trails, and claimed the Calandor at the end.

As in the first and second volume, here subplots and minor characters' stories were also told in length. I enjoyed all these as the parts necessary to the whole series. I mean, the series is consisted of 15 volume books with 700-800 pages each. The story was taking place at a vast world, in a fascinating time, with one age coming to an end. So, of course, there should be many characters and events, major and minor, involved to make it represent-able to the age and that world. All in all, it is a fascinating story with deep characterization. I now look forward to reading the 4th sequel.
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Leviathan Immediately

I have been eyeing Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld for months now and so when I needed a good dose of steampunk and alternative history, I picked it up and finally dove into it.

Like real historical events, the first World War in Leviathan is sparked by the assasinations of the Archduke Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary and his wife, Princess Sophie. Their only son, a teenage Archduke Aleksander, becomes an instant fugitive from his countrymen, his kingdom, and the Germans (who have orchestrated the murders). He is the rightful heir to the Austro-Hungary empire, but the Germans are now hunting him to prevent his claim. Westerfeld draws upon the complicated web of European royal family politics to illustrate how the assasinations ignite the World War as one by one European countries line up to do battle.

Not only are the European countries aligned in politics but also in their belief systems. Britain and France are Darwinists. Their scientists, beginning with Charles Darwin, have decoded the "life threads" (DNA) of living and extinct animals, combined them, and then fabricated fantastic new species with special abilities. Elephantines trudge up and down the streets of London pulling heavy cargo. Lizards memorize and impart verbal messages like instant telegraphs. Most spectacular of all is the Leviathan, a British military airship that is a cross between a whale and a dirigible. Deryn, a teenage girl disguised as a boy, is a midshipman on the Leviathan. Her sharp wits and skills have earned her a place in the legendary airship, but she is in constant fear that she will be found out.

The Germans, Russians, and Austria-Hungary are all Clankers, who think that Darwinists are an abomination. Their strengths are founded on steam-driven technological marvels. In this world, it is Clankers vs. Darwinists, machine vs. nature.

Deryn, on board the Leviathan which is en route to a secret mission to Constantinople, and Aleksander, on the run from the Germans in a stormwalker, suddenly find themselves in the middle of the first World War. Intended as enemies, Deryn and Aleksander find that perhaps their mutual survival depends on each other.

Leviathan is as steampunk as one can get; Westerfeld has imagined a world full of wondrous creations, complemented by Chris Thompson's amazing illustrations. The plot is non-stop action. The characters of commoner Deryn and royal Aleksander are equally sympathetic, even though their stations in life are as opposite as the belief systems they come from. Westerfeld devotes equal parts of Leviathan between Deryn's point of view and Aleksander's point of view, but I found I responded more to Deryn's and the Darwinists' narrative. These dual points of view seem to indicate a gender divide as well: machine/male (Aleksander and his troupe of loyal men) vs. nature/female (Deryn and the female genius scientist responsible for creating Leviathan).

Westerfeld has set up an interesting juxtaposition of scientific discovery and technological invention, a debate which he doesn't delve into too deeply. I hope he explores this further in the next book, called the Behemoth, as I know the ease of fabricating new species yields all sorts of questions about religion and man's responsibility in creating life - acting as God, in other words.

"Deryn's favorite lectures were when the boffins explained natural philosophy. How old Darwin had figured out how to weave new species from old, pulling out the tiny threads of life and tanging them together under a microscope. How evolution had squeezed a copy of Deryn's own life chain into every cell of her body. How umpteen different beasties made up the Leviathan----from the microscopic hydrogen-farting bacteria in its belly to the great harnessed whale. How the airship's creatures , like the rest of Nature, were always struggling among themselves in messy, snarling equilibrium."

What I disliked was how Leviathan ended. Action, action, action, the buildup of exciting developments and then the sudden end. I knew Leviathan was a series going in and although there was some resolution to the plot by the last page, I felt it needed more closure - but I suppose it's only because I don't want to wait for the next book, due this fall, to see what happens next.Get more detail about Leviathan.

Shadowland: The Immortals Best Quality

I loved the first and second book with Damen and Roman. All I pretty much have to say is that I liked Shadowland a little but.. **SPOILER*** I hated about what happened to Haven. I would have let her die. Now she is an immortal and I bet she will do something stupid and put Damen and Ever in some type of danger. I will read Dark Flame, I am hoping its the last book so I can finish up with the series. I just hope Haven gets out of the picture, Roman stays, and Damen and Ever can just live together forever.Get more detail about Shadowland: The Immortals.

What's So Amazing About Grace? Get it now!

Of all the books I've read on Christian topics, this is the best written. Philip Yancey captured my heart and renewed my purpose. I was sorry to finish it and have recommended it to many others, who feel the same way.Get more detail about What's So Amazing About Grace?.

Hoot Buy Now

I have heard that Hiaasen is a great mystery/humor writer and was eager to read one of his books. I picked up "Hoot" because it looked good and, guess what, it was really really good.

Roy has just moved to Florida from Montana, he is the new kid at school...again. He's used to it though, he moves around a lot. Then on the bus he sees a boy running without shoes and senses a mystery to be solved. Thus starts a story about mysteries, practical jokes, outwitting bullies, and saving endangered species.

I really loved this book. All the characters were wonderful and believable. Hiaasen creates an excellent mystery, with great humor, while tackling a number of social issues that kids and adults can both relate too. A great description for this novel is eco-thriller. Between trying to find a place for himself in Florida, Roy gets caught up in a mystery surrounding burrowing owls and the huge corporation trying to take out their home. It was hard to put this book down, I basically read the whole thing in one sitting while at the airport.

I really have no complaints with this book. Hiassen's writing is very readable and the dialogue between characters is well done and very natural sounding. I was impressed that not only did he create a great mystery but he also dealt with issues like bullies, bad home life, the things companies will do to make money, endangered species, and how one person can make a huge difference if they put their mind to it. It was also nice to read a young adult book where the parents were actual realistic and decent people. Roy's parents are good people, who help out their son the best they can...too often in young adult books the adults are inept and it was nice to see adults portrayed more realistically.

This was a great book. I am going to get Hiaasen's other young adult books "Flush" and "Scat" to read as soon as I can. I would also like to check out his adult books. I recommend this book to people of all ages and people with all different sorts of interests. If you like mysteries and eco-thrillers than this book will definitely be right up your alley. If you don't...well you should read it anyway. It is one that I am keeping to read again.
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The Memorable Thoughts of Socrates Order Now

Great for thinking time. Shows that nothing changes in life. Thoughts are the same.Get more detail about The Memorable Thoughts of Socrates.