Form-4 Books

I love this book. I have read it to my daughter at least 20 times already. I cant wait until shes old enough to read it back to me.

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/RL8BWKU4Q4JJY

This book is ideal for the person you know who is feeling down either because of depression or a serious illness. It will lift their spirits and lighten their heart.

If you receive this book as a gift see if you can trade it in for a better Seuss book. Don't add it to your bedtime reading rotation if you've already stocked some of the more popular Dr. Seuss titles, such as:

The Cat in the Hat
Green Eggs and Ham
Horton Hears a Who

This book is mind-numbingly repetitive and not in a lyrical, pleasing way like Hop on Pop or Fox in Socks. Add the fact that this concept is much harder to grasp than what you'll find in most Dr. Seuss books. Job satisfaction isn't a problem for young sons.

Overall, these issues don't make this book as horrible as a movie tie-in but I can't recommend this book when it fails to measure up to Dr. Seuss classics.

I love this Dr. Seuss book. It is too easy these days to focus on the negative things in life. I bought this book for my 10 year old son and 12 year old daughter to remind them, in a humorous way, that even though everything in life may not be exactly the way they want it to be, they still have a pretty terrific life.

Lalo Castillo
Title: Guys Write for GUYS READ by Jon Scieszka
ISBN: 0-439-86424-0






What do guys like to read about? This book might just tell you. This is a narrative book, so it tells a story. There is tons of stories from different authors. These stories could be out of anything, either its about the author when he was a kid or other things. Like a kid got a nose bled in the park while ridding his bike. Sports are in their too. Most a made up or they could be the truth. These stories are only one to three pages long. Some you will fine interesting and others you might not. This is a narrative book.

This was a good book to me. I would also recommend this book. Know I don't think a grown man would like this book, maybe a kid or a teenager like me would like this book. A guy would like this book too and a girl. I like the narrative writing in this book cause it could be little silly stories that would be two pages long. Now not every story was a A plus, but their were a lot of good ones. I probably didn't like them cause either I dint relate to the character, didn't get it, or cause I did not like what it was about. I think the type of people that would like to read this story would be a kid or a teenager. Also someone that would want a laugh.

Lalo Castillo
Title: Guys Write for GUYS READ by Jon Scieszka
ISBN: 0-439-86424-0






What do guys like to read about? This book might just tell you. This is a narrative book, so it tells a story. There is tons of stories from different authors. These stories could be out of anything, either its about the author when he was a kid or other things. Like a kid got a nose bled in the park while ridding his bike. Sports are in their too. Most a made up or they could be the truth. These stories are only one to three pages long. Some you will fine interesting and others you might not. This is a narrative book.

This was a good book to me. I would also recommend this book. Know I don't think a grown man would like this book, maybe a kid or a teenager like me would like this book. A guy would like this book too and a girl. I like the narrative writing in this book cause it could be little silly stories that would be two pages long. Now not every story was a A plus, but their were a lot of good ones. I probably didn't like them cause either I dint relate to the character, didn't get it, or cause I did not like what it was about. I think the type of people that would like to read this story would be a kid or a teenager. Also someone that would want a laugh.

This is a wonderful book to give to your adolescent sons and older males in your life. I purchased it for myself (a woman) to get in touch with what the males are thinking. As an educator, it was beneficial to my male students. They enjoy reading some of their favorite authors passages about life as a male or growing up. (authors like Dave Pilkey, Gordon Korman, Steven King) It is a great idea for a book that encourages more boys and men to read.

My 7th grader, who won't read anything except skateboard, videogame and dirt bike magazines [and to be honest "read" is stretching it--mostly looks at the cool photo] absolutely LOVED this! It's worth it for the Boy Scout story alone!!! Too bad schools can't do guy only classes--this would be perfect for a guys only middle school class!!!!

I teach eighth grade Language Arts, and I'm always on the prowl for books that will engage young boys to read. I picked this up on a whim, and I'm very pleased. This anthology has a little bit of everything in it: fiction, non-fiction, illustrations, cartoon strips -- the works. The shorts cover a wide-range of topics from the silly to the dead-serious. In short, there's something in this book for every taste. I think it will be a popular book for my classroom library.

There's only one little thing that I'm hesitant about: there's one illustration in the book that shows recognizable male genitalia on a monster drawn when the artist was in fifth grade (I think). Unfortunately, I'm going to have to take a Sharpie to that portion of the illustration. I'd rather not, but we live in interesting times.

This was a gift - and he loved it. Very funny. All golfers should have such a sense of humor!

This is totally original. The chapter headings alone brought tears to my eyes. I have also used this book for golf outings, placing it in the "goodie bag." Perfect.

Publisher received this note!


"Your books for our company Outing were a complete smash hit!!
The winners are talking about them, weeks after our June 15 event!"

Todd William

This "book" is inane. If there were negative stars I would give it a negative 5. How this got published I have no idea, except in someone's garage. The spiral binding was weird, but weirder was the fact that most of the pages contain no more than a dozen words on them and the pages are only printed on one side. This is a flip chart of not that funny comedy for a bad stand up act. Anyone who has golfed for any length of time has heard most if not all of these jokes on the links. Ball dropping trousers - how original. I'm not sure who all these people are who have submitted rave reviews as "letters to the publisher" but I suspect they are the editor and the authors extended family puffing up the ranking. Certainly no modestly intelligent reader could have enjoyed this book. It's just no possible. I doubt you will find this book in a bookstore because no one who sees it would buy it - only suckers online. I would try and sell this at a garage sale but in good faith I could't let someone buy it, and I doubt anyone would anyway having leafed through it. The fact this sells for "Used and New" for 1 cent says it all, except someone should give you the penny as a gift for taking it off them.

Publisher received this on 27 April: "I settled in to read your book on a cool day at a Cape Cod Beach. I flipped to Chapter 6, burst out laughing, and tipped over my water bottle. Who would have ever "thunk" to just "Pick Up" when you're in that much trouble. It kind of takes the edge off that 'I hate this game, I hate this game' mantra. This book is really terrific, especailly Chapter 28 which can be adapted to many other events...'remain totally silent until your spouse decides to speak to you.' Thank you for a hearty laugh...looking forward to the next book!"

A fun, easy-to-read look at life in Minnesota and how to get along when visiting or moving there. It does leave one questioning the accuracy of all the author has written as most of seems more "tongue in cheek" than real. So, if you are looking for some chuckles reading about the idiosyncrasies of living, traveling, visiting, and dining in Minnesota, this is a good start; but, don't consider it a genuine travel guide.

This will make most people laugh at least a little at some of the ridiculous truths about folks from Minnisota.
Being from the north and somewhat west (Rochester NY) I know people just like the ones this audio describes and can relate to how they act and how they interact with one another. Like the advice one guy gives to another vs. the advice one guy gives to a gal. Check out the "If a guy..." sketch its hilarious. Or the description of "A little lunch" neither little nor at lunch. Usually served with a "hot dish" which typically requires mixing in a can of mushroom soup.
After hearing this I'm ready to venture into the wilds of Minnisota.

I literally laughed out loud, constantly. I have relatives in Minnesota and Wisconsin, whom I visit often, which probably helps. I could just picture and hear the descriptions and dialogue. This book is perfect for the coffee table in our cabin "Up Nort".

This book is a classic! My husband is from a rural midwestern town and the section on waving etiquette is so true.

Hot dishes, walleyes, how to wave, pancake feeds, and appropriate Minnesotan grammar, it's all there even though my relatives in Minnesota would beg to differ. "So, what gave you the idea that we talk like that then." How to Talk Minnesotan is one of those type deals you can pick up, open to any page and have a good laugh while feeling as though you're right there in Bemidji. Yeah, good deal. You could do worse.

I really enjoyed the four stories included in the Best Man. I am a very big fan of Brenda Jackson and she was on top of her game in "Strictly Business." I am a true romatic and Ms. Jackson did not fail me.

Cindi Louis' "Catch Me If You Can" was fantastic. I had never read anything from Ms. Louis before but I will now. I really enjoyed it.

I found Felicia Mason's, "Promises and Vows to be enjoyable.

Out of the four stories, I enjoyed Kayla Perrin's "Kidnapped the least. The story line was just unbelievable.

Overall I enjoyed the "Best Man" Novellas.

I have not read this book yet but I'm sure it is great! With a
writer like Brenda Jackson, how could it not be!

i really like the first story buyt over all a good read.. great for the collection

I thoroughly enjoyed some of the stories in this book; it took me one day to read it. I especially like the fact that each story portrayed black men positively...men who were trying to right their wrongs and accept responsibility. The stories were well written and the plots were easy to follow, all while still being erotic and semi-erotic in some cases.

In Brenda Jackson's "Strictly Business," we have Gina who has a gig that could make or break a writer's career who involves spending a week interviewing a handsome, ambitious and ruthless Texas millionaire--who's also her ex-husband. I love Brenda's work but this one really didn't captivate me the way it should, it sort of drag in some spots but speed up in a few places that shouldn't.

"Catch Me If You Can" by Cindi Louis. We have Lonzell and Leesa who plan to marry just before he goes overseas serving in the military. Leesa becomes pregnant but she is unable to contact her beloved. Several years later he returns home to find single mother Leesa raising their son and learns how his mother kept them apart. I have to say that this story was the best out of the bunch; from start to finish it had me glued and I just wish it had been a full blown story. It really captured my heart.

"Promises and Vows" by Felicia Mason. After three years of marriage, Jerome and Elise head towards divorce as both pushes their respective careers before their relationship. They sleep in separate rooms until his voodoo-practicing Aunt arrives for a visit. Jerome vows to use any form of magic to save his relationship with his beloved. This story was okay even though the plot was unrealistic but the passion was well felt. I've never read anything from this author and probably give her a try when the time comes.

"Kidnapped" by Kayla Perrin. In Fort Lauderdale Jamal crashes the wedding, abducts Nia before vows are exchanged, he is determined to prove to her that there's no better man for her than him. This story was interesting but ended up being another story that was unrealistic to me. I respect Kayla's work but I felt it could have been better. There were a lot of touchy moments between these two as well as the craze.

The characters again were interesting, story lines were captivating but most importantly the book was soundly written. I couldn't put it down at all it was full of love, lust, lies, pain, happiness and some big time freaks in love. In the other hand if you're looking for raw, raunchy sex scenes, sorry, this book has WAY more substance than that. "The Best Man" is really a fantastic book especially for those lazy weekends.

All four stories in this book were excellently written, and as I read them, I could relate to the characters in each story. That is how I know I've read a wonderful book..when I can relate to the characters.

This is a great way to learn how to communicate with the 'red-neck in your family or neighborhood.

For us rednecks this word is way too big. But I can't think of what else to call it. Jeff Foxworthy's three Redneck Dictionaries are full of "morphophonemic alterations."
On the other hand, we don't need to actually know the techincal definition to enjoy them.

Brandon Simpson

I bought this for my grandson as a Christmas gift, so I am not able to tell you much about the book. My grandson did ask for this book and was very happy to recieve it.

Pure clean belly-laughing fun. Great for a party warmer or to kill an hour of bordom.

My 11 year old son loves the redneck words and he makes them up all the time but some of the definitions are racey so I went throught it first and used white out! Worked for us! Funny material! We are definatly red necks!

I use this book so much in writing, I bought two! Need I say more?

This work contains a comprehensive list of word choices for
almost any occasion. The volume has an index, synonyms and the
authority or governing preferred embodiment of the word.
For instance, the word "frequency" is explained , as follows:

o i.e. frequency- [ n ] -abundance, beat, constancy, density...

This rendition would assist any writer, editor, researcher,
librarian or academician.

Although it's quite good* and ultimatly an educational read, I find the plot really slow moving and the author seems to keep repeating himself using bigger and more "profound" words.
The pacing is snail like and I feel the way the wrriter attempts to develop character needs some serious consideration.

* I hate using the word "good" but I couldn't think of any others!

I discovered this book here at amazon...and discussed it with my friend living in Atlanta...she lovingly forced me to accept this book....and after all the hesitation..i received her package....here in Karachi (Pakistan) after 11 days....this is really a GEM!!!.....those people who are looking for a good thesaurus....i would stricly recommend them to buy this along with The New American Roget's Thesaurus In Dictionary Form...as i have got both...particularly...this one is fantastic...out of this world....offers you a lot more than any other thesaurus...thick,handy....user friendly.....JUST PERFECT!!!

A thesaurus is an indispensable aid for writers - sometimes the right word is just on the tip of the tongue (or, more to the case, perhaps the tip of the finger), but refuses to come forward. Sometimes one has high praise for something, but doesn't want to use the word 'super' over and over again.

Roget's thesaurus has multiple styles of entries - main entries highlighted from the text, subentries that are very close relatives of the main entries, secondary entries that lead back to main entries cross-referenced, and variant spelling forms of words. For the main entries, there is a definition of dictionary variety before the synonyms are presented. Sometimes words have multiple meanings, and the synonym for one meaning might be inappropriate for another meaning, so the main entries break down these multiple pieces for ease of use.

Primary entries have definitions, usage examples, and synonyms; secondary entries lack the examples, and cross-reference to major entries. Homographs (words spelled the same way with different meanings) are also split into multiple entries based on this variation of meaning.

Roget's Thesaurus also uses standard dictionary labeling, so that one can identify the part of speech (noun, verb, etc.), as well as other identifying information (slang terms, informal, regional, etc.). Variations are very interesting to discover, as different words have meanings that go beyond their standard usage.

A thesaurus is a very valuable tool for those who wish to increase their vocabulary, as well as increase the richness of their spoken and written language in actual practice - it is not uncommon for one to know the words listed, but to have the presence of mind to use alternative words is another matter. Dipping into a thesaurus on an occasional basis yields rewards; plunging in on a regular basis will really enhance the command of the language.

There are few sources as adequate to the task as Roget's.

Tintin, still in India helps out a Chinese family having problems with a bunch of Japanese military gangsters, in a rather cross-cultural extravaganza.

Said gangsters would like to test out their sword sharpness on the young reporter's neck. The Blue Lotus itself turns out to be an opium den of iniquity kind of joint.

Herge, The Blue Lotus (Methuen, 1936)

Herge here continues the story arc that started in The Cigars of the Pharaoh, with Tintin and Snowy headed off to find the antidote for the madness-inducing poison that played such a prominent role in their last adventure and, of course, finding themselves in even more danger than they were the last time. This is still early work for Herge, and newbies to the series might want to start with one of the later volumes (anything published during World War II will likely make you a fan for life) and come back to this. And, of course, you don't want to read this one without having read The Cigars of the Pharaoh first, or a number of references will make less sense than they otherwise would. ***

Tintin's fifth album (counting Tintin in the Land of the Soviets as the first), is Herge's first mature work. Lotus is actually a sequel of the Cigars of the Pharaoh, but it can be read without having read the previous book, and is miles apart in terms of maturity. Also, the book transpires in a very definite time and place: Shanghai in the 1930s, as different powers (the japanese, the western countries) struggle for influence. Tintin takes the side of the suffering chinese people, in the form of his friend Tchang (inspired by a real life chinese friend Tintin met in Belgium, also named Tchang). For the first time, he chastises colonialism and the westerner's treatment of non western people (see page 6 and 7 in particular). Paradoxically, the japanese are the really bad guys in this story, personified by the evil Mitsushirato, Tintin's nemesis in this album. I suppose this was the view that many people in the west have of the japanese during that time. This is a complex, multilayered book (hardly the stuff one think is directed at children), and I suppose this was the reason why it was only translated into english in the 1980s, decades after most of the other albums.

As you might or might not know, most early Tintin was originally published in B/W format, with old style drawing. Yes boys and girls, it wasn't the colour edition we have now in hands. The first 9 titles are sceheduled to be released in English. This Blue Lotus is one of them.

Most early Tintin might look very old to us. The drawing weren't that smooth, compared to the later coloured edition. If you're a die-hard Tintin fan, I'm sure you really wanted to know what the book originally looked like. You will notice that the panels also changed. Not just the size, but also the sequence. Some panels were even edited or deleted. Some panels are added. In short, you can compare both editions.

The book was carefully printed and packaged. From the looks, people would already guess that this book (and also the others) is a lux book. The paper was good. The hard cover was good. The binding was good. The printing inside was also good. What more can you expect? Here the book also provided several pin-ups or covers in colour. It's a very nice gift!

If you feel you're a die-hard fan of Tintin (and Herge) then no doubt you must have all these 9 B/W original editions.

Blue Lotus is certainly one of Herge's best, along with Cigars, Broken Ear, Tintin in Tibet, Red Rackams Treasure. What I find to be true in his best books is the belief that never dies which is that there is some point of contact possible between the relationships you pursue in your lifetime and the external world or the events and history of earth herself. This illusory point of contact is kept alive, we keep hoping for it, because Tintin is undefeatable since he never makes the mistake of loving.

This book should be the bible for those considering having kids. I bought more copies of this for gifts then I can count. It's too funny and I highly recommend it.

Purchased as a gift for a close friend shortly after they found out they were expecting, because I purchased this 5 years ago when our son and his wife were expecting and living a great distance away. Both men found this book a laugh a minute. Dave Barry at his best.

This book is very funny, weirdly prophetic and difficult to read if you've got 8lbs of baby pressing down on your bladder!

Just not funny, I returned the book and got my money back.

I have always been a fan of Dave Barry.
When my baby's mama got pregnant I spent the better part of three months in a drunken haze. "WHAT WILL I DO?!" I constantly asked my friends. None of them knew. I had just barely turned twenty one and none of my friends were or ever had been in the same boat.
Truth of the matter is, nobody can tell you what to do in this circumstance. The object is to go with the flow, from the time that chick of yours gets pregnant to ... forever.
I was THRILLED when I found this book, and it did not dissapoint. Without it I may have lost my mind and killed that chick with a hatchet.
Very funny, and it will make you forget that you are in HELL! Must have for suprised "expectants."

It seems like some of the stories are abbreviated in the daily sections. I enjoyed the Billy sections and others, but just don't feel like I'm getting the entire story. Maybe I'm just missing the point of this collection. I did pick it up in my alley for free so I won't complain. The jokes are still relevent. The "A vast Ye maties, Bank of America's about to go belly up" strip has struck a chord with our current economical woes. Enjoy anyways.

Im assuming anyone who is reading this knows Berkeley Breathed, Opus and Bill the Cat. This is a great collection of his comic strips and would be a wise purchase of anyone who enjoys this comic strip.

Thankfully we can still get his books of Bloom County and Outland and of course, his current iteration, Opus.

I have always loved Berkely's quirky look at life, politics, love and what not through the eyes of Milo, Opus, Cutter John and others throughout the years and when I bought this book, I would read 2-3 pages, often before turning out the light at night and would find myself laughing at much of the strips. That's how good they are, even now some 20 years later and I recall reading many of then when they were running in the papers. While some of the strips show their age a little, the strip is as still timeless now as when they were originally conceaved. That's a rare feat in my book.

While it's by no means all of his Bloom County strips, it's a good collection of some of the best and that alone is worth it.

Bloom County is on my short list of all-time favorite comics. The original form, before short-lived "Outland" or the current "Opus", is long gone, though. Picking up this book was a wonderful piece of nostlagia.

The series peaked some time in the early 80s, and "Babylon" offers a sample of that time. I had forgotten how topical it was, full of references to then-current supermodels, presidents, movies, and sitcoms. Despite that, much of the humor has aged well. Milo's anxiety closet, for example, never needs to end. Various bogey-men (and -women) will reside there for their times, and move on. The anxiety will always be there, however, no matter how silly it looks to everyone else.

Even a book this size can't capture every strip in the five years (82-6) that it covers. That means that some of my favorite characters, like winsome Pistachio, barely even had cameo appearances. I'll take what I can get, though, and this is a pleasant sample.

If you ever liked any strip comic, you liked Bloom County or will like it. Maybe the 80s were before your time, but the characters will still look right up to date. Enjoy!

//wiredweird

Despite what the item description says, there are no color pages in this cheap reprinting. The pages are printed only in black and white, and are printed in very poor quality. What a shame, because the book itself is fantastic. I have an original printing of this book and love it. I ordered this reprint as a gift and had to return it because of the poor print quality. I wish I had noticed the other reviews about this problem (listed below) before I wasted my time and money!