MY Books

My school recently did this play for a musical. We normally only do two a year, but my theatre teacher felt the need to pu tthis one up. It is extremely appropriate for times such as we are facing with Iraq. As the description states, this play focuses on the life of six women. A male actor is used to portray all the male parts, for he represents evey man. This play brings to reality what women went through in during the Vietnam war. As nurses, some were tricked into joining or were told falsehoods and soon found themselves on their way to Vietnam against there greater desires. The realities of working as a nurse in a war zone, of being "just" a female in the male dominated military, and if being an entertainer in Vietnam without any protection from the army at all is brought to light. Also, the disrespect, the ignorance, and the hatred, the misunderstandings that some many vets from the Vietname War had to face is also shown. It is captivating enough on the page, though the literature is nothing revolutionary. When one sees it performed on stage with a cast we has taken this play to heart and made it there own coupled with excellent lighting and sound, the play becomes surreal, a sort of living nightmare brought to life. It also becomes a tale of human resilience , courage, and comradeship, presenting the best and worst of human nature. To quote a line from the play, "Getting a little crazy....Wanting to go (home), not wanting to go...Such a brotherhood. Such a sister hood. Like no other time. No other place on earth." It is one of those plays that stays with you long after the curtain has fallen.

My high school is currently in pre-production for A Piece of My Heart and I am on Sound Crew. Just reading it, you get a sense of great intensity and now that our first performance is in two days, I've seen it rehearsed dozens of times and you wouldn't believe the feeling you get watching it. We've had Viet Nam Veterans come to the school and guest speak through the week and every single one of them has said that the emotion and the scenes portrayed in this play are very reminiscent of the War. I haven't seen one person, who's sat through the whole thing, leave without the shedding of tears. It is very intense and very good, and if you haven't got the chance to see it, find it! Read the book! Something!

I am a 17 year old high school forensic student.. and I needed material for a dramtic interp.... I read this play and it really stole my heart... It drove home the horrors of a war that took place when my parents were my age.. and gave me a understanding of the pain and suffering caused by the horrors of this war... The play provides great material for acting pieces... for forensic competitions...and I did extremely well with the material this year... but more than that.. it gave me more compassion for the Vietnam Soldiers and nurses.

The Lafayette High School Theatre company presented this play to conclude the Missouri State Thespian Conference on January 6th, 2001. While the play itself is not the best piece of literature, the cast and crew molded it into a living, breathing monument to the men and women of the Vietnam war. The show recieved a standing ovation that started before the curtain call and lasted until the house lights were broguht up. The play recounts the lives of six women and one "all american men," and their stories from the war. At several points in the play, even the crew, who had seen the production several times over, were shaken with misty eyes. Indeed, even in an auditorium full of seasoned actors and techies, there was hardly a dry eye in the house. I recomend this play to those who are up to the emotional challange, as well as the techincal. I applaud my fellow Thespians!

Our high school put onn this deeply moveing and emotional play. The story of 5 nurses, a singer, and a man goes from the present to the past and back again. No one wins in Veitanm and in a way, everyone dies. The man symbolizes everything bad, and the women, the human side of an inhumane war.

I did want to let you know that my daughter received "Plant Your Dreams, My Child" for her birthday over a year ago and loves it. She wouldn't sit through a whole book but she let us read that one and now has it memorized. So, when I saw your books at the Dallas Market, I knew I had to carry them in our store.

I received a copy of the book in December 1999 while staying ata Ronald McDonald House. They give the book to all parents andchildren staying with them, since the book is dedicated "to all all children, but especially those who are critically ill and fighting the fight of their life". Being a parent of two children, both born critically ill, it quickly touched my heart. I read it to my children (ages 2 and 6 months) often so that they will know how much God has given them.

This children's book contains some wonderful watercolor illustrations. The book contains a message about faith, hope, love, and daring to dream. The vocabulary is simple and the words aren't too difficult to read even for beginning readers. Children enjoy looking at the book and usually enjoy listening to it being read to them. Even though the book is not a story, it does contain a good message that isn't heard enough by youngsters today.

This book was given to me last year and it rapidly became my then 1-year old son's favorite book. We've now had it for a year and a half and he still loves it.

It's full of good messages about God and love and dreaming, so his parents love it too.

My husband and I bought this book for our daughter last year (at an Arts Fair) when she was only 4 months old. It quickly became and remains her very favorite book. She loves the wonderful watercolor illustrations and her Dad & I love the message the book delivers. We've added several books to Erika's library over the past year, but she always pushes them aside in favor of Plant Your Dreams My Child!

Many book buyers prefer prose because poets often take two stanzas to say what can be said in a well-crafted phrase. The poetry section is usually one of the smallest sections in a bookstore. Poets often use substitution, excessive description, and analogy, when speaking directly may be more clear. But Alice Walker does not suffer from any of those poetic tendencies. Her poems are brief and plain speaking, but there is nothing plain about the extraordinary intelligence her words reveal. I'm an Alice Walker fan, but I wasn't looking to buy a book of her poems. I was actually scanning through different collections of poetry from another infamous and radical American poet whose last name also starts with "W." One of life's great gifts is that you often find some of the best treasures not directly where you are headed, but on the nearby paths.

The title "A Poem Traveled Down My Arm" reminded me of a good lyric "The movement you need is on your shoulder." The book is a "story about exhaustion. About deciding to quit. About attempting to give up what it is not in one's power to give up: one's connection to the Source. Being taught this lesson. Ultimately it is a story about Creativity, the force that surges and ebbs in all of us, and links us to the Divine." Here are a few lines to give you a sense of the book, first on the topics of love, human understanding, and relationships:

"Every time you die you live differently."
"Feed the stranger under your coat."
"She comes from heaven unannounced."
"What is a promise if not your hand in mine?"
"Release the tyranny of gender: Make love not programming."
"Man reborn as woman do not give in to fear."

And as any good oracle or commentator, Alice Walker does not avoid issues that dominate our world:

"Understanding war I do not harm myself."
"There is no "Other" only you - at war."
"How can we rest thinking of their burning legs? What is the balm for consciousness?"
"No gadget in all Creation to distract us forever from our grief."
"Choose one country other than your own to love. Keep a finger on its pulse."

And 2 of my personal favorites:

"Choose someone to love who wouldn't even hear of it. Notice ducks."
"No one can end suffering except through dance."

I don't know why these ideas came to Ms. Walker's consciousness at this time, or why she chose these select ideas to publish. But I am grateful, because they were timely for me. To find them, you must go places most people choose not to go. You might be asking "Yes, but over 10 bucks for a book of single clause pages and scribbles?" Going back to my opening point, Alice Walker can reveal more uncommon wisdom in a clause than most people can reveal in a chapter, an essay, or a state of the union address. The book is a valuable asset. "There is only kindness lucid, strong in the moment like sunlight penetrating a gloomy glade. The offer of empathy or tea or soup or bread a bed."

This collection of poems simply makes me happy. I feel honored to live on a planet where such a being as Alice Walker resides. Alice brings me hope. Alice makes me happy. Her simple playfulness is refreshing.

This book is a true gem - although the words are few, the message conveyed is readily understood, if you are open to hearing it! At once sad, hopeful, and other honest emotions, the poems are quite lovely. The book is short, but you will want to read it again and again. As you read, listen to the Divine.

This is typical Alice Walker beauty and earthiness. The spare truth about life, love, loss and heartbreak. And of course, TRIUMPH.

I've never much liked Walker's poetry before. But this tome is more than worth your time and attention. She fills the pages with enough pathos, rain and sunshine for two novels--and all with spare words.

Great for reading in the park on somber days.

Although at first glance this may seem like a thin gift book with only a few words per page and an occasional childlike drawing, it reveals a much greater depth of spirit and underlying thought than one might expect. The "poems" (all untitled) resemble aphorisms or zen koans rather than conventionally crafted poetry, and their cumulative effect, when read in sequence, is to connect into what feels like one larger poem, made from a free flow of ideas and emotions. This is a beautiful and intriguing distillation of Alice Walker's personal perspective. Highly recommended.

My brother's book has 6 stories about me. I drew illustrations. This stories is true. I stole a french fry are McDonald's and cut my own haircut. Other stories about Cheez Puffs, our dog Duke, my bicycle and flying beetle. The people where I work like my book. There is a poem about Mrs. Post, my aide at my old school. I drew illustration of her. I drew a dogs, my family, animals and my own cartoon characters. I like how the book is turn out. It's nice when the people read about me and see my illustrations.

Hats off to Richard and Kevin Carlson! This book is a must read for families who have loved ones on the autism/Asperger's spectrum, educators, all professionals. In short, this book is for everybody. This book serves as a bridge linking people and knocks down walls that were once said to enclose people on the spectrum. Like Joshua with the ram's horn, the walls are knocked down by the brothers Carlson.

This collaborative effort features several anecdotes involving Richard and Kevin. Kevin's illustrations bring the world as he knows it and the sensory issues he confronts on a daily basis into sharper focus. Richard provides an equally clear and strong voice. The bond between this pair is very heartwarming.

Please read this book. You will be so glad that you did.

Suggested for young readers age 6 to 10, yet involving and highly recommended reading for all ages, Poems And Short Stories About My Brother Kevin Who Has Autism by Richard W. Carlson Jr. is a unique and compelling collection of six true stories and six poems about the author's autistic younger brother, Kevin. Fifty simple black-and-white line drawing illustrations by Kevin illustrate and enhance this straightforward, heartwarming account which offers young readers a unique perspective into what it's like growing up with an autistic sibling, and the special challenges and responses therein. "Most boys would like bugs a lot./Because he has autism he does not." Also strongly recommended for school and community library collections is Richard Carlson's previous book: My Brother Kevin Has Autism.

Richard Carlson is to be commended, along with his brother Kevin. The drawings throughout this book are delightful, as are the stories told with such direct simplicity. This book, along with others in the Richard Carlson collection, should be required reading in schools. Children will love it. Every one of the stories will grab their interest. It will make a terrific present.

Carol Kluz is a coauthor of Carol Randy suspense and solo author of fantasy.

This book was great! It has some poems and short stories from MY
BROTHER KEVIN HAS AUTISM and there are new ones. I
felt lots of emotions reading this book like when Kevin fell in the icy
cold water and he couldn't swim. I felt really bad for him.
There were funny stories too. There was a lot of information about what
Autism is and now I understand it a little better. I would
like to meet Kevin to tell him what a great job he did with the
illustrations. I think this is a wonderful book for kids of all ages. I really enjoyed it, you will too!

Anything by Sheri Rose Shepherd is effective, motivational and pure. She's a blessing from God.

I LOVE this book. When I don't know how or what to pray, I open this book and it is just what I was feeling but could not put into words. Again, I LOVE this book

Very inspirational especially for a woman. These prayers to The King, the Lord of Lords is nothing short of a true blessing. You will cry and humble yourself before your God ,as you read these beautiful and uplifting prayers.

I love this book. If you want a more intimate relationship with the King of Kings, this book is a great catalyst.

This is a wonderful way to get real with God, our Father in heaven. Every subject is covered for ways to bring us back to God when we might not be doing all that He has called us to do. It is also a way to give Him praise and honor for being such a wonderful God and loving us unconditionally. I highly recommend this book for women of all ages! Thank you Shari Rose Shepherd for loving the Lord and bringing women this beautiful book of Prayers to our King!

The Book was in good condition. It did have an original sale sticker that seemed permanently glued to the front cover but I was able to remove it with goo gone. It was basically in very good condition and I was very satisfied.

I heard the author give a message discussing the book. She used it to pray over her daughter. She even mentioned writing the date she prayed a section in the margin and notes on what her daugher was experiencing. It is a devotional and a journal to record prayers in. It helps me to be specific in praying for my daughter and events in her life.

Mom is older now and every day I call her. She reads that days prayer to me before we hang up the phone. After she reads it I say "back at you Mom, I love you". It is good. She appreciates the scriptural reference to the promises that God has made to us according to His Word. Everyday brings us closer.

Praying God's Will For My Daughter and Praying God's Will For My Son by Lee Roberts are wonderful books that every Christian parent should keep on their bedside table. They're organized by topic and lead you in praying Bible scriptures for your child. You can know you're praying God's will when you pray scripture. These books REALLY helped my prayer life to grow.

My wife and I used Praying God's Will For My Daughter to help us pray for our adopted children even before they came to the US. It helped us bless them and increased our bonding with them.

One of our favorite prayers was "We pray that neither death nor life, nor angels or principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate our daughter from the love of you God, which is in Christ Jesus, her Lord." (Romans 8:38-39)

Her first book was a good read, so I knew I had to read her following book. Questing France was no dissapointment. As with the first...I read this book with my heart....feeling her emotions and understanding her choices. At the end of each chapter, she added some valuble thoughts...which were highly insightful.
I'll be definitly looking for more Marilyn B. Belleghem!!!

In 2003, I was fortunate enough to review Marilyn Barnicke Belleghem's first book Questing Marilyn: In Search of My Holy Grail. This book details a physical journey to England and Ireland that served as a journey of the Self for the author. The book was so open and honest that I instantly felt a deep connection to the author's words which served to help me on my own journey of myself.

At the end of the book, I like probably most readers of this book was eager to learn more about the author's journey. Had she really found lasting peace and acceptance? Would she be able to integrate her new self knowledge into her busy life as a marriage councillor, wife, and mother? Was her husband really having an affair while she was on her trip? If so, would she kick him to the curb or continue her previous unhealthy pattern of pleasing others?

I looked to the author's new book Questing France: Deepening the Search for My Holy Grail for answers to these questions and others. I found some answers. I also found even more questions.

Two things I did learn from this book are that 1) The journey of the Self is a never-ending process and 2) You never really know how you'll actually react in any given situation until you experience it yourself. What might appear to others as unhealthy, weak, or misguided might be true self-empowerment. Stay the course, Marilyn!

Questing France is one woman's personal testimony about dealing with marital infidelity. Confronted with evidence of her husband's affair, author Marilyn Barnicke Belleghem embarked on a personal journey to understand her own roles as wife, mother, sibling, friend, and businesswoman. She studied how others deal with marriage after an affair, the reasons why some return to the marriage and some do not, and how to help children cope with parental conflict and infidelity. A profoundly cathartic book that shows the reader how to look deep within and focus upon the most important things in life.

Questing France is an easy read while being very honest. I felt a lot of Marilyn's pain and emotion through all of the various stages of disrepair in her marriage. It was obviously very painful being with someone who always had one foot out the door, was full of broken promises, and who was closed off emotionally.

I enjoyed the 'therapist-speak' throughout the book as it adds a neutral voice to the conflict. I feel I learned a lot. It was great to see the different personalities come through the stories.

Thanks to Marilyn for sharing her life and her story.

This is an honest and sometimes raw account of a marriage and subsequent infidelity. Marilyn's book also richly dissects the complex layers of a woman's life; the roles, friendships, career path and self growth. Marilyn balances it all with what she does best; beautiful descriptive passages of trips taken and a life honestly lived.

Janet Carlson's "Quick, Before The Music Stops" spoke to my soul more than any book has in a long time. I cannot begin to convey how much I enjoyed Carlson's story, as it unfolded through the various stages of her life as a wife, mother and dancer. As someone who entered the world of ballroom dancing just a year ago, I understood profoundly Carlson's passion for dancing. Like Carlson, ballroom dance has become my therapy, my escape from daily life in suburbia.

I appreciated the honesty and introspection by which Carlson revealed all the facets of her persona in experiencing the ups and downs of her life at that time. Carlson's account of her experiences with her instructors, their interesting personalities and how they played roles in informing her dancing as well as her self-image was extremely realistic. And I truly loved the descriptive dance passages!

Carlson's story - one that remained with me long after reading it - left me the same way each and every ballroom dance lesson leaves me: refreshed, energized and joyful. The words flowed off the page as an extremely well-written account that proved so relevant to my own life. I recommend Janet Carlson's book to anyone who wants and/or needs a spark of inspiration or passion in any facet of life.

Because my hubby and I took up, by a twist of fate, ballroom dancing about 5 years ago, my daughter and family sent me this book for my birthday. Ballroom dancing becomes a love. One could be at the studio each day. The instruction never ceases and as you move from one instructor to the other, each better than before. Building blocks are erected. I actually picked up some very valuable pointers, as one does constantly, in my own technique reading thru Janet's story. The reality of putting dance either first or second in one's life can be disturbing. It is a very expensive pursuit when one competes. And, it is more than true, as I have first hand witnessed, that marriages suffer, and break up, because one partner is so dazzled by the artistic thrill of becoming a better dancer. I somehow believe that Janet could have saved her marriage. But, I also believe she did not want to; and her husband didn't have a clue. One needs to remember, even Janet, that it is the very few who reach the stars, and it is a short time up in the clouds as one of the best. It is a female's ballroom dancing experience for sure.

I loved this book! Janet Carlson's indepth understanding of Ballroom Dancing and how she relates dance partnership with everyday family relationships is brilliant! I think men AND women will get something out of her book. I found that i couldn't put it down once i started reading it.

There are too many books out there about how ballroom dancing changed an author's perspective on life. While I can appreciate each writer's experience and their desire to share with others, each of these books seems to read the same, with nothing of true depth and substance to really engage me. I typically finish these books out of obligation rather than interest. Despite this, I continue to read every new book on social or ballroom dance that I can find because I hold out hope that someone will offer something unique and remarkable.

Janet Carlson's book has validated that hope. Her story begins with the realization of an inner death, the result of a lifeless marriage and an endless cycle of quiet and obligation. What captured me immediately was her beautifully descriptive writing and unique voice. At first I felt Carlson was sharing a little too much detail about the inadequacy of her husband. I felt sorry that his dirty laundry was - both literally and figuratively - being left out for all to see.

However, I quickly found myself engrossed in Carlson's journey back into the world of ballroom dancing and how it changed her physical, mental, and emotional landscape. Most books that attempt self help or metaphorical parallels between dancing and life are too saccharine and simplistic. Carlson, however, touches on complex and rich life lessons without preaching or giving simplistic answers. Her strength in this book lies in her ability to put the truth out there in all its complexity, to admit undesired emotions or those we don't like to admit or talk about. This honesty and depth kept me hooked throughout the book.

Carlson explores common themes in ballroom dance: connection, musicality, leading and following, technique, control, quality of movement, artistry, and flow. However, she manages to breathe new life into these topics without the common clichés and analogies. She does this by delving into her painful struggle to find meaning in her relationships and in her life. Although in the beginning I found such honesty difficult to read, I quickly discovered it to be the very reason she is able to offer such a unique and engrossing perspective on dance and life.

This is one of only two books on dance that I was able to read in less than two days. I very much appreciate the thought and consideration that Carlson put into this book, and it is one of only a few in the dance memoir category that I wholeheartedly recommend.

It's as if Ms. Carlson is throwing a lifeline to those of us whose marriages are in need of rescue, even though she acknowledges she learned her lessons too late to save her own. Having followed her columns in Town & Country over the years, I've found this author has always been really forthright about her own issues in order to help other women. The same compassion and surprising insights are in this book. I've already applied some of her wisdom...with good results. Not only that, for the first time, I'm beginning to understand America's fascination with Dancing With The Stars. Something that's always puzzled me! Now I'm on the lookout for dancing classes near my home...but will make sure my husband comes along! Thanks Janet!

I've enjoyed this book. I'm currently making a darling giraffe growth chart for my grandsons.

This is a really cute book. I love almost all the designs, and the fact that each "set" comes with a crib quilt design and then options for bibs, growth charts, decorative pillows, security blankies, or whatever. I haven't tried any of the projects yet, so I can't rate how well they work out.

The only drawback is that I had kind of hoped, I think, for more pages and more projects. I believe other reviewers mentioned that there are just a few "themes" overall - I would have liked more themes! That said, though, these are cute and I can definitely use this book!

The faces on the animals are so cute! Simple piecing with chunky applique make these quick, fun and delightful! This book has been a favorite among all my friends making baby gifts this year.

This had great patterns and very cute designs. This author has a flower quilt book also that I loved!

Great selection of patterns for children's quilts! I had to shrink down the pattern I wanted to use for a crib quilt, but the book was worth every penny! The quilt was adorable, and everyone at the shower, including mom to be loved it!

Having spent 20 years as an amateur triathlete I could relate well to Sam's first hand accounts of the "struggle" we all go through in trying to keep our lives in balance.

Sam brings out the passion we have for triathlon as a micro image into the passion we have for our everyday lives and provides us with the energy to look upon each new task or obstacle as an adventure.

Each race account brings a fresh look into the struggle of the event and our efforts to conquer our self doubts. Sam also brings out his humility when detailing races that don't go quite right.

Ken "Rocketboy" Fouts
Richland, MI

Sam Wilkinson has given us a realistic picture of what it means to "get hooked" on a sport. He tells where the dream got started in his teen years, how it grew during the college years, and now is an integral part of his adult life. It is also a story about the support of family and friends--he's not in this alone though it is an individual sport. It is a "fun read" for all ages. I am a professional educator and would include this book on my recommended reading list for both high school and college students. It celebrates the journey toward meeting challenges with both humor and humanity.

I bought this book because my 10-year-old daughter is interested in becoming a triathlete (we are still working on the swimming part). We both found it well-written, and easy for a novice (at races of any sort) to understand and enjoy. My daughter, who currently plays judo and wrestles, was inspired by Sam's accounts of how hard he worked for each race and how he NEVER gave up, even when he was tired and hurt. It is wonderful to see how Sam's entire family supports him through every race, and how he credits them often for his success. This is a great book for anyone who is an athlete and needs support from his "teammates", as well as those who support their atheletes through thick and thin. I would highly reccomend this book for anyone with a love of competition and family.

...read this book. OR if you never would tri. Read this book.
Wilkinsons accounts bring you inside the mind of a triathlete from beginnings to more beginnings. Many autobiographical accounts attempt to impress and create self made legends. This book is honest and humble to the extent that it borders on hysterical. You may find yourself celebrating small (and large) victories but not likely crying over the defeats...because Wilkinson never does. He learns and evolves. With the heart and spirit that it takes to challenge himself to new levels, he takes on the challenges of training, performing and then writing with an excellence that is one of a kind. And yet he inspires the reader to reach for new levels within themselves...but only by example.
If you don't gain an insight into the mental and physical, as well as the emotional rigors of the sport; if you dont feel like swimming, running, and riding, or if you aren't suddenly aware of you own love for your own sport... then you probably need to read this book over until you get it.

Wilkinson, a passionate, disciplined triathlete and natural story-teller, tutors and thrills the reader in this epic tale of a regular guy chasing and living his dream. Highly recommended.