literature

I loved Beverly Cleary's fictional books when I was a boy. More recently, I enjoyed reading her first memoir "A Girl from Yamhill." Therefore, I just had to read her second memoir, "My Own Two Feet" which chronicles her life through college, her work as a librarian, her marriage, and the beginning of her life as a children's author. I loved it! It not only provides a wonderful insight into the mindset and character of its author; but also presents a vivid, sometimes very nostalgic, look at life in the 30's and 40's. It describes an America that has disappeared. A college social life that revolved around a seemingly endless number of dances and a strict code of decorum on how young women should dress and act. A small town opposed to the idea of having two married librarians since jobs were so scarce during the Depression that it was considered fair enough for just the husband to have a job. Also as a Catholic, I was amused by Beverly's parents' opposition to her marriage to Clarence Cleary simply because he was Catholic.

There's also some fun information for the fans of her fictional books. Readers will learn how Ribsy and Ramona got their names and what was Mrs. Cleary's original ending to "Henry Huggins." It's also interesting to note that the character of Ramona Quimby, which is arguably Mrs. Cleary's most beloved, was created simply as an afterthought to keep all her characters from being only children. I absolutely loved this book, and was disappointed it was so short!

After devouring Beverly Cleary's first memoir "A Girl From Yamhill" I couldn't wait to read My Own Two Feet. The only thing to complain about is that there isn't a sequel to this one! Picking up where Yamhill left off, we share in Beverly Cleary's journey through college and into her adult years and the writing of her first book, Henry Huggins. Reading Cleary's Memoirs, I was taken back to my own childhood and my love for Ramona & Beezus. Cleary has a unique gift of simple writing that readers of all ages can enjoy, whether you are 8 or 80. I lover her writing as much today as I did when I was in the 3rd grade.

I have 26 more pg. to read, & I don't want this book to end. I am enjoying seeing parts of Mrs. Cleary's life in her fiction books. I now want to re-read all my Ramona books.

As I started to read Leslie's book "The Truth Principle", I couldn't put it down. I read it from cover to cover, until early in the morning. Here was a book that taught Biblical truths in simple terms I could understand with practical applications I could relate to. It was written for me, a book to show me how to get what I knew in my head down into my heart, so real change could occur in my life. This book is without a doubt the best book I've read on spiritual growth. It is what it says it is on the front cover - a life changing model for spiritual growth. Leslie models for the reader how to understand why you respond to trouble and trials the way you do; how to identify and get rid of the idols that hinder change and finally how to discover the truth in God's word, so that your heart will respond and thus draw you closer to God, so you can practice God's presence in your life. Leslie's honest and her willingness to share her journey to spiritual growth with us is refreshing.

As a book editor I read a lot a material, but few manuscripts engage me as personally and powerfully as The TRUTH Principle has. Leslie's desire to help others live a life of spiritual and emotional maturity is both genuine and practical. The tools she offers are realistic. In my opinion they will, if diligently applied, lead people from all walks of life to personal growth. Change is never easy, and Leslie doesn't attempt to make it so. Nevertheless, her down-to-earth honesty and straightforwardness lends the process rare clarity. I've read the book three times and am far from perfect in applying the principles to my own life! Still, in my own lifelong walk toward maturity, I am more hopeful and believe I have more understanding than I did before reading the book. I highly recommend it.

I've read many books from self-help to Christian instruction. This book most definitely ranks at the top of my list for spiritual growth and also healing, both emotionally and spiritually. Leslie's devotion to serving the Lord is very apparent. That combined with her own personal experience has made this an invaluable tool for those seeking to really know the Lord better. It's a "best-seller" on my list! God Bless!

"Feelings come and feelings go.
I never know what they?ll be.
Silly or angry, happy or sad-
They're all a part of me!"

Have you ever had a day where you have been experiencing such a wide array of stressful emotions, you just need a good laugh? Well this book turned out to be quite healing when my husband found it and decided to read it to me. I was more than amused. He took great "glee" in saying I was definitely the girl with the ponytail on the top of her head. We also had a good laugh over:

"Angry is how I feel right now,"
I shout with a mighty roar.
I mostly want to frown and growl
and stomp upon the floor.

Jana Cain has beautifully illustrated the book in pastel shades. Each page reflects the emotions in the color you would imagine an emotion to be. The "angry page" is red while the "happy page" bursts with yellow from the sun shining down on a girl on a swing.

The emotions presented in words and pictures include: silly, scared, disappointed, happy, sad, angry, thankful, frustrated, shy, bored, excited, jealous, and proud.

This book was also created to encourage children to recognize their emotions. In the back of the book there is "a note to parents" showing how this book can be used to help children understand what circumstances make them feel happy, sad, jealous, and so on. You can then discuss the emotion and decide which action is best when you feel that emotion. "It is not okay to hit people or throw things, but it is okay to stomp your feet."

Jana Cain's family posed for the illustrations and enjoy swimming, biking, hanging out with friends and now understand all their emotions. Some day they are looking forward to traveling the world and experiencing their emotions in new places.

Definitely a book of feelings for kids of all ages.

~TheRebeccaReview.com

take it from a grandmother of 16--this is a great book for children. I read this book to the "group" (age range - 16 yrs. thru 9 months)over the Thanksgiving Holiday. What reactions from all (except the 9 month old). As I read and showed the pictures depicting the emotions, their facial expressions mimicked the pictures and they actually started talking about when & why they'd feel these certain ways. I also looked at Jaimie Lee's book, and felt there was too much going on on the pages which would be a distraction plus Cain's drawings outdid the Jaimie book. what a fantastic book for drawing out children's so often unspoken emotions.

I teach at a Preschool and this is my favorite book to read to my children. It has become one of their favorites as well. At least one child in my class requests to read this book every single day! I always remind them when they are in a conflict with one of their peers to talk about the way they feel and to tell the person how they feel. We also talk about positive ways to deal with negative feelings. I reinforce the idea that it is okay to feel angry as long as we can find something positive to do with our anger! Thank you Janan for this wonderful book!!!

This breathtaking analysis of the core of Western thought spans mythology and reality, interpretation and metamorphosis. We see the primary characters seen through different versions of their stories, applied to the different needs of the culture and finally pull back to see the evolution of that need dissolve into mere fascination. A glorious book, I've read it three times!

However, I strongly suggest that readers should have a fair background in Greek mythology before tackling this book.

I first saw this book, very thick, one year ago, poking out of some shelf at my school's library. 'Greek myth, huh?' I was up for the challenge. I guess I knew the stories well, but the brilliant narrative and style was so absorbing, I was hooked. Calasso re-opened my eyes to the World of Greek myth! I can't remember how many times I went back to take this book out- more then five, as far as I know. What I enjoyed about it most was how each of the characters was brought to life, each with thoughts, and fears, and desires not unlike that of mankind today. The first time I finished this book I felt Calasso had altered my life, or my perspective on it. I had to go back and read it again, and again. Simply a work of art, this is a treasure of wealth in the form of written knowledge. And, personally, I don't care who you are or where you are form, just read this book. You'll see what I mean.

Wonderful deconstruction and analysis of Greek Mythology. A really enjoyable and thought provoking read.

"Lost Stories for All Ages," by W. Kent Smith, is an incredible book. Finally, someone has taken the dry, ancient texts of history and made them comprehensible and interesting to read. Thanks to Mr. Smith, the personalities of each story are once again rendered in flesh and blood and their dwellings of brick and mortar have substance.

What I like most about the book is that he tells the complete story by drawing upon a multitude of secular and theological records. A prime example is "Trial by Fury: The Condemnation of Pontius Pilate" (my favorite of the three stories). Here Smith weaves together the letters of Pontius Pilate, Herod Antipas, Tiberius Caesar, and the "Gospel of Nicodemus" (a.k.a.: "The Acts of Pontius Pilate") into a seamless, flowing narrative, which reveals a truth that is neither taught in history books, nor preached from the pulpit.

Indeed, Smith proves he is not only a fine writer, but also an excellent academician. One needs only go to the library to view the source material to prove that. The result: an epic that is entertaining, informative, and, most importantly, accurate.

Three stories are retold in W. Kent Smith's Lost Stories for All Ages, each one in my opinion, better than the last:

Dawn of Time - This simple story of Adam and Eve's innumerable challenges after being banished from the Garden of Eden is one of profound hope and compassion. If you've ever wondered if Eve was the mother and grandmother of any offspring, this story answers that question and many others.

Smith's second story, Fire and Blade, chronicles Abram's fascinating life. I saw God's promises to Abram come to fruition and, just like a good novel, it ended and left me wanting more.

Trial by Fury - After Pontius Pilate sentences Jesus to death, Cesar won't rest until he finds out whom the man called Jesus really was. This last spellbinding story will captivate you as it unfolds the stunning testimony surrounding Jesus' death and resurrection. This story, like the others, is extremely well written and researched, but has something inexplicably more.

So far, I've read the book twice and enjoyed it both times. Hope the author has another book in the works.

Someone has finally taken the time to find the "Lost Stories" behind the stories of the Bible.

It is obvious that the author has spent countless hours researching, and had the good sense not to clutter up his pages with "Be-Gats" and the double-talk of an ancient language. His tales are in plain English.

A Job Well Done Kent Smith!

George K.

The book Snappy Little Colors is great because not only is it a book to teach kids about colors, it's a pop up too. They kids can have fun learning their colors as well as learning to read better. You get to see different animals with different colors on them. I would say this book would be good for kids the ages of 1 and up.

I bought this book for my son when he was 18 months old. He fell in love with the vibrant colors and pop-up creatures immediately! At 27 months he still asks for the "parrot" book regularly. We love this book so much we buy them for our friends' children and have completed our set of Snappy Pop-Up books with the other four.

My daughter loves this series, and she's only 15 months old! The pop ups are sturdier than you'd expect, but we have used some scotch tape. These books have taught her animals sounds (farmyard) and many other things. I'm sure this one will help with her colors.

Short Synopsis: Young Ruby Bridges is ordered by a judge in 1960 to attend William Franz Elementary School. She is the first African American to attend the school. A mob gathers to shout racial insults at Ruby on her first day at school. Marshals accompany Ruby to school for months as crowds gather daily to protest. Ruby is taught alone by Mrs. Henry as white children are pulled out of school. The story ends with Ruby praying for the forgiveness of those who are persecuting her.
Critical Review: This is an excellent historical story about a young girl's determination and love. Students will see how hurtful racial prejudice is, and will better understand what African Americans went through at this time in history. The book is illustrated by George Ford. The pictures are large an bright. The colors are beautiful. The eyes of Ruby follow along so well with the story. They seem to paint a picture of Ruby's soul.
Curriculum Connections: This book fits into my social studies curriculum. I use it while studying the history of the southeast. It also fits in well with units on civil rights and famous African Americans.

Wonderful, powerful, humbling true story of Ruby Bridges, a six year old African American girl in 1960, sent to integrate an elementary school in New Orleans. Children of the 1990's will be speechless with astonishment when they come to understand the ugliness of racism. Ruby's calm perseverance, academic commitment, and gracious forgiveness are powerful lessons for all of us, parents as well as children. MUST READ FOR MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY. Ruby's story makes it all make sense.

Robert Cole did an excellent job of turning a biography into an interesting and enjoyable piece of literature. The phrasing was easy to understand, as was the explanation of the historical events. The subject is definitely worth reading about, to show the courage of the young Ruby Bridges. Children will be able to easily relate to Ruby because of her age and the setting of the story being at school.
Cole also included an afterword about the story of Ruby Bridges and gave a place to get further information about her. I thought that was a very good addition to the book, giving children and teachers a resource to broaden learning.
There were not photographs included in the book, but the illustrations were very life like, I thought. It is very easy to imagine Ruby Bridges, the teacher, the angry mob and other characters in the story because of the clarity of the illustrations. Overall, I think the author and the illustrator did an excellent job of bringing a biography to life with its easy and captivating words and illustrations.

PLUNKITT OF TAMMANY HALL translates remarkably well a century after William Riordon transcribed the wit and wisdom of the ward healer for whom the book was titled. The context of Plunkitt's stories has changed, but his essential messages have remained.

On a case by case basis, Plunkitt's adages care a certain amount of wisdom. His insights into how politics works - personal connection and service delivery trump issues and oratory - are especially poignant. Yet the reader of a hundred years ago and the reader of today realize that they are reading the philosophy of a rouge. Plunkitt's distinction between "Honest graft" and "dishonest graft" explains more his mindset than justifies his, and his ilk's, corruption. His rants against the civil service system make sense only up to the point of understanding that his preferred alternative is a spoils system that has little to do with public service.

Plunkitt speaks across time to two very relevant modern phenomena: voter apathy and corruption in politics. Although Plunkitt himself senses the beginnings of voter apathy, he would be shocked at the lack of interest today, especially amongst those in most need of a friendly government. But Plunkitt too would be able to recognize the cause - voter's of Plunkitt's day knew directly how their vote would affect their futures. Voting the right way might mean a job, or food, or some other service that would not otherwise be available. As government assistance has become fairer and more equitable, that direct connection has diminished.

As politics in Plunkitt's time was obviously far more corrupt than politics today, that condition too put the lie to the notion that dishonesty in politics is a new thing that has bred cynicism and thus a decline of civic participation. Its an interesting notion that could hardly be conveyed better than through this little book from the past.

I originally read this book in undergraduate school as Political Science major, and had to go back and find a copy because of the profound affect it had on my psyche. George Washington Plunkitt was a "stereotypical" politician. You know, the one who says what he needs to say to get elected; but once there does what's necessary for his party.

Comparing his comments to the actions of present day politicians, I don't think there are many differences. Everyone does a little grafting and civil servants are still "civil servants." Understood?

As with any politician, Plunkitt "seen (his) opportunities and (he) took 'em." This is a must for anyone interested in any realm of politics.

In history's rear view mirror, George Washington Plunkitt appears to be just another guy in a long line of corrupt politicians. There's no denying that he was corrupt, but as William Riordon recounts, Plunkitt honestly believed that he was not doing the public any harm. In fact, he believed that there was such a thing as honest graft, a sort of victimless crime. Certainly this was a self-serving philosophy, but there is a sincerity in his discourses that defies any trace of hypocrisy.

His belief that Tammany Hall was a benevolent organization that served the poor and needy put a bemused smile on my face. After all, Plunkitt doesn't see or doesn't admit to seeing that the robbing of public funds through honest or dishonest graft is what contributed to the social problems, like unemployment, poverty and crime, which for the most part put the needy and poor in their predicament in the first place. But he absolves himself from his actions by his now-famous defense, "I seen my opportunities and I took 'em." And this is what makes Plunkitt such a congenial and magnetic man, what makes him so damned likeable. You KNOW he's a thief, you KNOW he contributed to the misery of thousands. Yet his playful, plain-speaking style, his candidness about his activities, his wit, and, at times, his goofiness, make him different from other Tammany leaders like Boss Tweed, say, or Charlie Murphy. He's more in line with Big Tim Sullivan or James J. Walker.

George Washington Plunkitt was a charmer, no doubt about it. William Riordon was obviously under his spell. And the Johnson/Boswell comparison is very valid. It is difficult to maintain the utter contempt one should have for this thief. And yet... I would have loved to have had drunk with him at Hoffmann's bar and let him speak on for hours. Like Riordon, I think I would have been hypnotized too.

NB--Peter Quinn's brilliant Introduction serves the book well.

Rocco Dormarunno, author of The Five Points

Strawberry Road is about a normal family man, Rome living the life of a successful advertising executive. He is worried that at 49 he is too old for the business. He is flung into a situation which makes him redefine his values, his family and his career. By helping his fellow man, he puts his family at risk. He must decide which to put first before it is too late. Rome is forced to evacuate his office because of a bomb scare. He meets Malcolm, an agent investigating Rome's employer. He recruits Rome as his inside source. Rome is unwittingly thrown into an investigation of 401K retirement plans and anthrax. When Rome begins to uncover the truth, he must decide to protect his family which includes an autistic son and let the conspiracy continue or continue to work with Malcolm who he doesn't totally trust. In the middle of all this intrigue, Rome continues in his work in advertising, putting together a campaign to sell cat food. The plot takes some interesting twists which makes the reader think of his own life and values. As the plot unfolds, there are many twists until the surprise ending. It is an enjoyable and interesting story which makes one consider personal choices, loyality to an employer and the strength of the family. It makes one think how fragile things can be when choices are made.

Stanley R. Moore is an ex-Secret Service Naval officer, actor,race-car driver, advertising writer, in general, a jack of all trades.His first novel was Nightshade, and he also wrote a screenplay for "El Monosabio" which became a feature film.

Moore introduces the reader to Jerome Joseph Jordan, Rome for short. At age 49, Rome is terrified of losing his advertising position. He is receiving fewer accounts, and the business just hasn't been the same since the disappearance of his friend Murray. Unusual things begin to happen to Rome: a bomb is found on the floor of his building; a man named Harrow blackmails him into snooping into employee records and passing information; someone sends him a dismembered thumb in the mail; and he and his autistic son find a woman's dead body at a soccer game his daughter is playing in. Murray's wife keeps asking "why can't we live a normal life like everyone else?"

Indeed, Rome's life keeps taking on new and devious paths. He continually thinks of Murray, and how his friend would have handled the situation. And he worries that the increasing number at deaths at his company and the information he is uncovering in his search of employee's files might be connected. He is continually followed by people trying to kill him, the police seem to be constantly on his tail, and he doesn't know which side of the fence Harrow is really on. And then there is Pamela, the new young suit clawing her way to the top of the company:

"Pamela tossed her head back and laughed a long and bawdy laugh. She pushed her plate away and tucked her knees up on the chair. Her expression grew more serious. 'I like you, Rome, I really like you.' Uh-oh. Here it comes. The moment of truth. 'Thank you,' I said. 'I like you too.' I tried to say it as I meant it. With sincerity, not sexuality."

Strawberry Road is the ultimate industrial espionage story, in which moral decisions must be made by a man who is in the grips of his own personal crisis. His work and family are falling apart, a situation brought on by the greed of corporate America. He must make the choice between his helpless son and the killing of millions of people. Moore's experience and maturity produce a novel with heart, conscience, and supreme entertainment value.

Shelly Glodowski, Reviewer

If you want to escape the doldrums of an everyday life, just step inside the pages of Strawberry Road, where Rome Jordan, Mr. John Q. Public, everyday American, gets enmeshed in a life-threatening adventure. Your heart will stop as you anticipate the conflict Rome faces of continuing an investigation or reporting events to the authorities. Or are the authorities themselves somehow involved? Every time you think you have figured it all out, a new twist develops. If life gets a little too mundane, just sit back in your easy chair with a cup of tea and Strawberry Road and be transported into the world of intrigue. I for one thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it without hesitation to my fellow mystery lovers!

Don't get me wrong, I plan to love this book a lot more when I have a daughter of my own who will (hopefully) be as enchanted with the Little House series as I was and still am. I vividly remember all the scenes involving food in the books and how much rich detail Wilder put into each description. As a very young cooking enthusiast with a runaway imagination, I saw myself plucking chickens and running around in calico trying to find a place in the taffy pull.

For these reasons, I practically grabbed the book from one of my eight-year-old students' hands when she showed her library copy of it to me. I loved the pictures, the story excerpts, the idea that someone was dedicated enough to do the research and find out as much as she could about how the Wilders and the Ingallses created these unique and hearty meals. It serves as a fantastic book to curl up with and picture yourself turning a spit or making a savory pie with blackbirds (erm..), but it doesn't inspire me to get off the couch and turn a spit, or rather, construct some kind of spit-like apparatus in my kitchen.

Maybe farther down the road I'll have the room in my apartment and time in my life to devote the effort to this book that it deserves. It is a treasure to me, but you won't find its recipes on my table. I know for a fact, however, that if my mother had owned it when I was a little girl, we would have done all we could to make these authentic meals.

If only Barbara M. Walker would put out a "Little House for the Little Apartment" cookbook companion.

The little house cookbook is a collection of foods and recipes mentioned in Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little House novel series. This book is chock full of fantastic recipes, anecdotes, and stories. The author translates the recipes for modern cooks, and includes historical background and information on each recipe's origins.

This book will be great for young readers, or for readers interested in learning more about the time period and the foods that Laura Ingalls enjoyed. The illustrations done in graphite pencil were cute and charming.

Overall, an excellent book, sure to delight young and old!

You can dip randomly into this book, and any page you land on will take you back to a simpler time. It is far from just a cookbook, it's about a way of life that was a hard existence, but one that many of us dream of. Whether you are already a "Little House" fan, or are new to the series, this book can be enjoyed by all "wanna-be 1800's pioneer women." Every time I start spending time with this book my family gets bombarded with home-made, "stick to your ribs" meals. Fast food becomes a nasty word during these times, and my home cooking reigns supreme! Be warned ~ you will always be hungry after reading this book! It is full of excerpts from different "Little House" books, and Laura Ingalls Wilder had a way of describing food that could make the best of us break down and drool! This book has become a dear keepsake to me. Cooking along with the recipes warms my kitchen, but most of all, this book warms my soul!