On-the-print

Every day in my work as a Long-Term Care Insurance Specialist I work with families as they try and develop a Strategy to deal with the the potential for a love one or themsleves needing long term care. In most cases until something happens to one's own family most people are in deniel. "It will happen to someone else but never to me or our family."

I always try to paint a picture for potential clients by using my own families experiences with needing care to make the issues more real. From now on I will just give them a copy of the book. It will do a much better job.

I read the "House On Beartown Road" in one sitting on a rainy Sunday with tears in my eyes as I finally understood how lucky my own family was to have had my mom as a fulltime caregiver to both sets of grandparents as well as my father over a period of years. People like Elizabeth Cohen and my mom are great examples of loving family members that did what needed to be done with grace, dignity and a sense of humor. I didn't understand or fully appreciate the concept of being a caregiver while running around in my on life and watching my mom from a distance but after reading the book I sure did!

I strongly suggest that every adult with aging parents read the book today as tomorrow may be to late. It will make you think in many different ways. For some reason I really think the author wrote the book to help the rest of us to be better prepared to deal with this growing national crisis of aging parents. Thanks to Ms. Cohen.

Th

I've read and reviewed lots of books about Alzheimer's, but I think I can honestly say this is the most beautifully written that I've ever read. Elizabeth Cohen, at the time a single parent, writes of her baby girl Ava's growing and learning at the same time that she write's of her retired Economics professor father's forgetting and his descent into Alzheimer's disease. Set in a rural New York state farmhouse, the events of daily life bring both tears and laughter, and the helpful caring neighbors warm our hearts. Every time I began reading, I didn't want to put down this book, and yet, I didn't want to finish because I knew how I would miss Elizabeth, her Daddy, baby Ava, Jody the helpful caregiver, and all of the wonderful neighbors that surrounded them. Highly recommended, a must read for all caregivers of Alzheimer's patients!

The House on Beartown Road is an insightful memoir of how Elizabeth Cohen and her family cope with her father's journey down the path of Alzheimer's Disease. I originally bought this book because of my own dad's struggle with this disease; I felt the anger and the heartache and the unfairness of it all. Elizabeth changed my outlook. She reached out with her own story and taught me that along with the tears, there are still memories that can be created and laughter that can be shared. She understands. I cannot thsnk her enough for writing with such warmth and honesty. It's so cathartic that I've read it over and over again.

This book tells the story of World War II the way you want to read about it. The war is well and truly told but with a narrative slant that is most appealing. The love story of the narrator and her husband-soldier is one that gripped me, though that is only one aspect of the book. Like any good book it is written with an eye to suspense and tension and fully-rounded characters. For a memoir to accomplish this is truly amazing. Now I want a sequel.

Suberman has managed to combine a love story, historical account of World War II and a view of bigotry in America into a wonderful book. The history is an unadulterated view of what life was like in those war years. It is a must for those who lived through these years as the book provides an opportunity to rekindle the many memories of that time. For the younger group, it presents a picture not available in the current sanitized high school textbooks. No attempt was made to be historically comprehensive but rather to present the events that effected the lives of Stella, her husband Jack, their family and the other people around them.
The tendency would be to read this book quickly, but one must take the time to relate and savor the memories.
The writing is done with intelligence, emotion and wit. She is a refreshing voice in current literature.

For all of us who have wondered how Americans dealt with World War II, this is a book that tells all. It is an unusual book in that nothing is sacred. It is not just a feel-good Greatest Generation book (even though it is written by someone from that generation), but one that recounts with penetrating clarity the the good things and the bad. There is a surprising amount of actual war activity information included along with a timeline that is fascinating. There is also much that is light-hearted - the songs, the reunitings, and so forth -that make the book warm and inviting. I highly recommend this book.

This book is targeted towards African-American women, but I don't believe that African-American are the only women who experience "life in the valley." This book offers healing, inspiration and guidance to all who read it

Faith In The valley by Iyanla Vanzant is truly a book to help us on our journey toward peace. Ms. Vanzant imparts words of wisdom and encouragement. She is reminding us of some of the day to day things we take for granted. We sometimes forget to be thankful for what we have; good health, a job and a place to live. You will not regret reading this book. As Ms. vanzant writes, "What a blessing! I am so thankful" that I read this book. Go get yourself a copy of "Faith in The valley".

I can not express how insightful and helpful this book is! It really makes you look deep into the reason(s) why you thought you needed a book of affirmations in the first place. This book is perfect for those "why me" and "I really can't take any more" moments when you feel like life, and everything in it, needs to give you a break. If you're a woman experiencing a lot of change in your life and it seems like you just can't handle another crisis (or is it a crisis afterall?), this is the book for you. I carry it in my purse!

This book captured our attention, but some club members thought the book was just "okay." We liked many aspects of the book. We liked the good descriptions of nature and people such as the one about Nellie Olesen who we thought was asinine. We also liked how the characters really cherished things that are common to us like candy. It made us realize how lucky we are. Nature plays a huge role in this story, and it made us realize how powerful yet precious nature is. The characters in the story cared for nature unlike today when we pollute our environment. Families back then had a totally different life style than we have now. In our world today it seems there are two equal sides: inside and outside. To the Ingalls there were two completely unequal sides. Outside was much greater than inside. We had one big criticism of the book. The Ingalls family seemed too perfect compared to modern families. We thought it was a little fake how everyone was always so loving and never fought. Like many true stories, this one doesn't really have just one plot or story line. It just goes from one event to the next. All in all, though, it was a good story.

Laura and her family have moved to a small farm near Walnut Grove in Minnesota. They will have to adapt to Minnesota, the sod house, and a lot more. Laura Ingalls is a seven year old girl who loves to explore the creek, and is daddies little angel. Laura lives with her Ma, Pa , her two sisters Marry and Carrie, and their loyal companion and bulldog Jack. Pa goes out to get lumber and builds a beautiful new house with windows and he farms wheat to earn money. One day Pa said that in a couple weeks the wheat would soon be ready to pick. Then they see this peculiar sparkling cloud that filled the sky. Shortly after countless numbers of grasshoppers cover the field, the creek, and the rest of the farm, including Laura and her family. The grasshoppers consumed every plant including the wheat that Pa worked so hard to grow.
Mary and Laura start to go to school and on their first day they met many friends and some foes. one of their rivals was named Nellie who had a party and invited all the girls from school. Nellie was very rude and very cruel to Mary and Laura. Laura decided to have a party as well, and invited all the girls from school. Laura invites Nellie particulary to get back at her, and boy did she do a clever and a funny prank on Nellie. Then the Ingalls experienced blizzards, storms, and prairie fires which were very devastating. After all the work the family put into the farm and the wheat, their work finally payed off.
This book had lots of surprising, unpredictable, and very exciting events. If I could rate this book on a scale of one through ten, I would give this book a ten. Once I started to read this book I couldn't put it down, because I was so hooked on it. This book is fantastic and is great for every age, and great for every age, and should be enjoyed by everyone. If your looking for a great book that will excite, delight, suprise, and grasp your attention, On the Banks of Plum Creek is just the book your looking for.

I think this book is the best book this has a sweet little girl named Laura. She lives with her Ma, Pa, two sisters, one is named Marrie and one is Carrie,and thay have a bulldog named Jack!
There is a mean girl that always gets her way,she is so mean!
Guess What! Even a boy likes this book, so I would give this book five stars! Everyone would love this book! Even younger children will like the books in the library because they have thinner books. I've read American Girl books and Girl Hood Journey books are similar. The best book is On the Banks of Plum Creek, By:Laura Ingllas Wilder! It's a five star I guarntee!

Another cute murder mystery with Qwilleran, the middle-aged news writer for the Daily Fluxion and his Siamese cats Koko and Yum-Yum. The setting takes place in Junktown, a decaying town known for its unusual junk (antique) shops and seedy living. Captivated by the unusual way-of-life, Qwilleran decides to move into town and starts writing stories for the Christmas feature. He becomes friendly with many of the shop-owners especially "the Dragon" and "the 3 Weird Sisters". He soon discovers that Andy's death was not accidental. With the help of his two mischievous cats, Qwilleran solves the mystery in Junktown.

This is the third of "The Cat Who ..." series. Really a good read. I like the character development, the clues, and the way everything comes together at the end. Koko and Yum Yum are both great cats (even though only Koko seems to be a good detective) and if you read the books in order you find Jim (Qwill) becoming a better person for his friendship with the cats.

This is the third book in "The Cat Who..." Series. This is also the first story of the complete family (Qwilleran, Koko and Yum Yum).

Qwilleran visits Junktown, expecting it to be a hangout of junkies (drug addicts). But Junktown is a place for junk (antique) shops! First modern art, second interior decorating and this time...antique. Poor Qwill.

This book is a little different from the previous two books. The previous books described prosperous, privileged worlds. While Junktown is an old deserted town which the City regards as a slum and wants to demolish. It makes this book somewhat deeper than the previous books how Qwill gradually loves this poor old town. And this book is relatively well-plotted as a detective story.

Unlike Koko, Yum Yum doesn't play a role as a sleuth. When it hails noisily, Yum Yum gets scared and hides herself, while Koko investigates the noise. It is interesting that such kind of small daily details show Koko's sleuth talent more clearly. And I'm quite surprised at what Koko turns on and off...it's just incredible!

This book gives a glimpse into how we live our daily lives. Just like Much-Afraid we travel through the Valley of Loss and walk along the Sea of Loneliness. We always must trust God no matter where He asks us to go, no matter what He asks He do. Like Much-Afraid we will encounter Pride, Anger, and Jealousy and we will call on the Shepherd and He will help us. The seed of true love was planted in Much-Afraid's heart and when she reached the High Places she finally learned what it felt like to be truly loved. The love we experience in this world is nothing compared to the love Jesus has for us. He wants to love and help you but you must ask for Him to. The journey to the High Places is a hard one Much-Afraid learns but the destination is well worth the journey. Learning to give our entire life to Jesus is hard but the reward of knowing Him is more amazing than anything we could ever want or desire. My favorite part of this book was when the Lord asked Much-Afraid what she would do if He lied to her and her reply was "My Lord-if you can decieve me, you may. It can make no difference. I must love you as long as I continue to exist. I cannot live without loving you." I know personally I could not live without God in my life and taking care of me and I hope everyone that reads this review feels the same way.

This is an extended allegory taken from Habakkuk 3:19 about God making one's feet like hind's feet in overcoming difficulties in life. The author talks about observing the animals in action for herself and discovering that "their motion was one of the most beautiful examples of exultant and apparently effortless ease in surmounting obstacles which I have ever seen." The reference to hind's feet is also found in Psalms 18:33.

The first chapter starts with an invitation to the high places. It is in the concluding few chapters that she reconnects back to the book's primary theme. Numerous Christians have been encouraged by this book and chances are you will be too.

I first read this beautifully written book several years ago, when I was going through a not-so-happy time in my life. It is a beautiful and encouraging story, especially for Christians, but also for anyone who has suffered in life (my sister read this book & loved it, and she is not a religious person at all). The allegory is wonderful... Much Afraid's crippled feet represent an inability to walk successfully alone and reach higher places. Her twisted mouth represents the speaking of shameful, wrong, or cowardly things that don't befit a servant of the Lord... or perhaps an inability to speak her true heart. Her companions are called Sorrow & Suffering... but when they are revealed in true form, you will cry with understanding! All in all, you'll certainly adore this book if you read it, especially if you are troubled or just discovering God. I know I did.

No need to look at of Tom Sharpe's novels if you are looking for refined literature. The man simply pumps out farcical stories which polk fun at the establishment and wealthy folks in particular. As with most farces, the reader can either find it all to be hilarious or simply stupid. Fortunately this reader found it to be hilarious.

'Blott on the Landscape' is about one woman's fight to keep her ancestral home at all costs, with the help of her gardener (Blott). We are exposed to the most improbable characters and actions imaginable, with rude behaviour and language in abundance. It all has a 1970s British television sitcom feel about it. Still I think most Brits will enjoy this book, and fortunately it is still in print over here.

Bottom line: Tom Sharpe in fine form. I'm still giggling.

This is the first Tom Sharpe I read, and it just seems so much better that the others...I first saw the t.v. series, and was even more impressed by the book. I loved eveything about it, the plot, the exagerrated characters, the way everything fits together at the end. I was a bit disturbed that I could laugh so much about a woman deliberately letting a lion eat her (thoroughly horrible and worthless) husband, but this is the mad world that Tom Sharpe takes you to. Ther way the betrayed wife should become best friend and ally with her husbands mistress is just hysterical! My other favourite character was the poor,bureacratically challenged head of the motorway planning authourity who had none! A great book to escape into.

Tom Sharpe, Christopher Brookmyre, P.J. O'Rourke, Stephen Fry, P.G.Wodehouse - they all fall into the category of authors who REALLY make me laugh. If you mix up Billy Connelly and John Cleese, you'll get the idea. In Blott on the Landscape (which was turned into a BBC television series), Sharpe's humour is as sharp as ever (pun intended) and his characterizations are an absolute scream. Of course, it helps if you appreciate British humour which, at times, can be quite black. (A woman getting a lion to eat her own husband?)

Tom Sharpe's 'Wilt' books were comical enough but, in Blott on the Landscape and Porterhouse Blue, he excels even his own high standards of comic writing.

This is a good example of "You can't tell a book by its cover". My wife and I ride Harleys, and enjoy reading books on many different subjects. We also think we have some spiritual sensitivity. Anyway, my Harley lady saw this book while Christmas shopping, and picked it up for me as a stocking-stuffer. When I opened it, I jokingly asked her if she found it in the motorcycle section or the religion section of the bookstore. After reading the first couple of chapters, I was about to consign it to the trashbin, but continued to read it, in part piqued by curiosity as to how such lightweight drivel makes it into print, in part hoping to find something redeeming in it. To sum up, all this book has taught me is that as a writer, you'll never go broke underestimating people's intellect, and as long as you use a few easily-applied formulas (the aging single woman in search of fulfillment; the hot brand ----in the title, of course; God ---it also helps to put Him in the title; banal self-help platitudes, etc.) you'll be laughing all the way to the bank. A total waste of money.

I was told to read this book by a very mysterious person months ago. It took me nine months to actually purchase the book. I still do not know why I waited so long. From the moment I received the book I couldn't put it down. The cover says it all "IF YOU'VE EVER HAD A BROKEN HEART...." read this wonderful book. It really helps you understand yourself and makes you realize that you can learn to love by learning & loving yourself first.

This book is amazingly written. It gives you (especially women) so much enlightenments to life.. and it addresses many difficulties that women go through everyday. It's a GREAT fable!!

I was in a library one day just looking for a book to read. I came accross a small booked squished between works of great literature and upon feeling sorry for the little book I rescued it from being suffocated. The cover caught my eye as it looked like an old ghost story type book so I brought it home to give it a try and forgot all about it. Two days before it was due to go home the library I was feeling very bored so I picked up the book and cautiously turned the first page half expecting dust worms to fall out, as it had been in the library for about twenty years. Dust mites didn't fall out of it, but what did, was one of the best written and imaginative stories I have ever read and shall intend to read again when I get it from ebay. Now I am not a housewife or a pensioner. I am a modern 18 year old working class girl, but I can still enjoy the great reads of the world and appreciate the imagination and work that went into this book. If you wish to discuss this book with me, please email me at Louise_hob@hotmail.com. One day I am going to be a film maker and I might make it into a motion picture - someday!

This is a wonderful story, told by a masterful writer. The mystery of the forest, and the question of wether you can dream up a perfect relationship, is what makes this book good. One of my favorite characters was Maximillian's old nanny! Isn't she sweet! This book takes you through the whole spectrum of human emotions. It is a must read for anyone who likes Victoria Holt!

This book is a real love, adventure, and mystery story. I have loved this book sense I first read it and I read it at least once a year. If you're one of the people who are picky about what to read and you have many different tastes this is a book that you can read and love.
It has a wonderful plot and a well written one to, it's set in Prussia and in England. It's really hard to explain this book when there are so many things going on (although when it's going on you don't get confused like other books of this time) Murder, Passion, True love, and many rememberable people that you'll fall in love with over and over again. From England, to her mother's home land, to the arms of a hansome Prince not wanting to be known.
It's a beautiful book and I would say that if you read this you'll be very pleased. Hope you like it!

I bought this as a gift for myself, and this is my first introduction to the adult works of Max Lucado. (I have several of his children's books, and my children and I have thoroughly enjoyed them.) Overall, I found the little essays in this book well-written and inspirational. I would tell myself I would just read "one or two" as a nightly devotional, and end up reading five or six! His descriptions of God's grace and love for us are beyond compare. I did, however, find his descriptions of Christ's death on the cross almost too gleefully lurid. I appreciate the need to explain just how much Christ sacrificed for us, but I wonder if perhaps Mr. Lucado goes into too much detail? I definitely would not recommend this book for someone under 16 for that reason. Still, this is a great, inspirational book and a great introduction to Lucado's work.

One of the most moving books I've ever read (next to the Bible). Mr. Lucado was no doubt God-inspired in collaborating these stories from other works into this book. What human mind could relay these thoughts in such touching fashion without the intervention of God Himself? How could anyone reject the gift of salvation after reading this book? Certainly a blessing in my life, I pray many others are touched by this work.

I received this book as a gift and have much enjoyed it. Max Lucado has a wonderful way with words and it's apparent on every page just how much he loves God. I would recommend this book to anyone, I'm planning on purchasing it as a gift to a friend. The last chapter is especially important as he talks about what it is to be a Christian. Definitely a lovely book, a gift to us from Max Lucado and God!