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

XXXXX

(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)

<>

XXXXX
Get more detail about The Winter's Tale (Animated Tales).

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.