Amazing Gracie is a must read for every dog owner. Dan Dye's book chronicles the life of his beloved Great Dane, Gracie -- from the days of her rescue from a puppy mill to her final moments with her younger sibling, Claire. Dye's writing is fresh and innovative, and the stories and tales are memorable.

If you loved Willie Morris' My Dog Skip, then you will greatly enjoy this book.

I am grateful for the "national newspaper" for giving me a review of this wonderful and delightful book by Mr. Dan Dye, and Mr. Mark Beckloff, and illustrated by Ms. Meg Cundiff. This book, on it's first chapter grabbed my heart and would not let it go! The writting style of these men, allows you to see with your mind's eye the life of Gracie and how she touched her friends lives and hearts! What was wonderful about this book, was that it became a gateway of memories of my favorite dog, and how she touched my life, and the sad day when I had to say good bye to her. If you love to read books that will touch your heart.. this is a must read book..... And a personal note to the authors: to Mr. Dye, Mr Beckloff... thank you, for sharing your love and life of Gracie, Sarah, Dottie, and Claire...

This book "found me" about two weeks ago. As I browsed around looking for a new book, there was little Gracie looking at me on the cover. Of course, as an absolute animal lover, I had to pick it up and find out more. I read the back cover and was sold - I knew I must read it.

This story will make you laugh and cry all at the same time. Dan and Mark (the authors) write in an easy to read style about their lives and how this amazing little puppy completely turned it around.

I implore you to read this book. It opens your heart and your mind to life and love and respect for our four-legged friends. I was sorry when I finished but so glad to learn about Gracie.

This charming little book is a collection of letters between New York author Helene Hanff and London bookseller Frank Doel. In the course of 20 years from Hanff's first book order from Marks & Co,, till Doel's death in 1969 they connected through the mail they exchanged and built a wonderful relationship. While Hanff became friends with Doel's family and his co-workers at the bookstore, what the two had was something special, revolving around their love of literature. Despite plans to do so, the two never met as Hanff didn't make it to London until after Doel's death and the publication of the letters. This book beautifully demonstrates the power of correspondence and how two people can connect, solely by the written word.

Heartwarming, funny, sad, all rolled in one. I went on to read other books by Hanff where she describes her trips to London. After reading her books, I too went on a pilgrimage to 84, Charing Cross Road.

March 8, 1999

This is a true story--that's always a plus for me--about correspondence between a New York booklover/writer and the staff of a used and antiquarian book shop in London. These business correspondents evolve over the years into members of a kind of extended family.

The book is rather amazing because it is a quick read yet packs a powerful emotional wallop. To enjoy this book, you have to be open to books that explore compassion, emotions, and human relationships in a non-glossy, realistic manner.

Normally, I'm a one-read guy. I read a book and pass it on. Yet, I've read 84 Charing Cross Road three times -- so far -- in spite of seeing the movie version three times as well.

I'd place 84 Charing Cross Road among my top five favorite books.

Rodney

This is the story of an American writer (the author of the book) who strikes up a friendship by mail with a bookseller in England. The entire book is a series of unedited and un-commented-on letters exchanged between Hanff and the Marks & Co. booksellers at 84 Charing Cross Road. Her primary pen pal is a man named Frank Doel, with whom she shares a love of old books. [Perhaps this is the point where I should say that I flatly disagree, without reservation, with the previous reviewers who believe there was a potential romantic attachment between the two of them.]

The correspondence runs from 1949 until 1969, during which time Helene and the people at 84 Charing Cross Road exchange Christmas gifts and news of their families, but never meet. At least in the early years of the correspondence, almost every year Ms. Hanff states her intention to come over to visit England, but something always comes up to prevent the trip.

In 1969, one of Hanff's letters to Frank Doel is answered by another member of the firm, informing her that Frank Doel has died.

This is a beautiful book, which can be read in 45 minutes. I suppose every reader will take his or her own lessons from the book, but here is mine: If there is something you really want to do in your life, then DO IT when the opportunity arises. Time is finite. If you keep saying, "Maybe next year," there will eventually come a time when there IS no next year. It is a painful tragedy that Helene Hanff never got to England to meet Frank Doer and the other people at Marks & Company, and that poignant sadness is what stayed with me after I had closed the book.

A friend recommended Francine Rivers' "Mark of the Lion" series to me, and I am so grateful!! I love to read, but it is not often that my life is enriched by a work of fiction. From the very first book I found myself not only engaged, but challenged. Rivers begins by challenging her readers to a life committed to sharing the gospel and living Christ's love, through her main character, Hadassah. The second book takes an honest and powerful look at forgiveness, as God would have us forgive and love those who have hurt us most deeply. Finally, "As Sure As the Dawn" takes us into the heart and mind of an unbeliever who is chained by his anger. As I read of God's work in this man's life, I felt I was seeing an eye-opening perspective of my own life. Each book became so personal to me. The writing and research into each book is absolutely incredible. As a person with degree in English literature, it is so nice to read a book that I don't find myself editing as I read it!! I am certainly a new fan of Francine Rivers, and look forward to reading the rest of her work!

Thank goodness that it was a dreary, rainy weekend when I started reading A Voice in the Wind, because I could not stop reading it. I finished the 500 plus page book in 2 and 1/2 days. You need to have An Echo in the Darkness ready to pick up as soon as you finish Voice. This series gave me such vivid insight into the times right after Jesus' death; painting such a clear picture of life in Rome and Ephesus. Francine Rivers interjects Scripture into the storylines in such a profound way that I found myself seeing each particular Biblical reference in a more personal way than ever before. It inspires me to know my Bible better, and to serve my God in a more determined way. Open your heart as you read these books, and I'm sure you will experience spiritual growth. Oh, to be as good as Hadassah!

The story and all the characters in The Mark of the Lion series really came alive to me. It kept me on the edge of my seat and made an impression on me. Hadassah was a major encouragement to me and my faith; she became like a hero to me, even though she's just a fictional character! I was relieved to see that none of the characters were perfect (a quality not always found in Christian fiction) and had their share of struggles.

I really liked the time period as well. Ancient Rome really interested me and the book actually encouraged me to read through the entire Old Testament (the part of the Bible I always avoided) and learn as much as I could about Jesus' time. I think the setting is what separates this series from others. It was refreshing to read a book that wasn't about modern-day people yet seemed so applicable to my life and faith.

The beginning of the first book is a little hard to get into. It takes a little time to develop and draw the characters together, but after that, there is no slowing down. Nothing I've read in the way of fiction (Christian or non) compares!

I've read the series twice now and several others by Rivers. These books were probably the best thing that happened to me. They were an inspiration and an encouragement and left me addicted to Francine Rivers.

Let me set the record straight.

"A Voice in the Wind" is Christianity. It is history. It is romance. It is action. It is about people, and how they are interacting in arena of Ancient Rome. It displays all kinds of people. It brings out the best traits known to mankind and the worst traits known to mankind.

"Voice" is centered around two different stories: that of Hadassah, the Hebrew/Christian girl sold into slavery, and her masters, the Valerian family- stern but fair Decimus and gentle, loving Phoebe; and their children, Marcus, whose feelings for Hadassah run high over, and Julia, the girl who Hadassah serves, whose only care in life is for her own pleasure.
The second is that of Atretes, German warrior-turned-Roman gladiator. All brawn and beauty....but also vulernability and anger. The object of Julia Valerian's affections. Draw your own conclusions.

Francine Rivers is a masterful story teller, and the way she draws you into this book is amazing. It is life changing. Literally.

You love some characters- Hadassah [the obvious!] and even the vulernable Atretes and the lustful Julia. You also hate some- Caius Urbanus, Calabah Fontaine; and feel pity for some, such as Arria and Octavia, God help her.

In short, this is one of the best books of the decade...no, century...no...how about millennium!!!!!! You will be supporting one of the most talented authors on the planet by purchasing "A Voice in the Wind" and its magnificent follow-ups, "An Echo in the Darkness" and "As Sure as the Dawn".

God Bless!

The year is 70 AD. Hadassah has been captured at the fall of Jerusalem. Taken to Rome, she is bought to serve the Valerian family. The Valerians are having their own problems. Decimus, the father, is very traditional, yet his children, Marcus and Julia, embrace all the decadence Rome has to offer. Hadassah wants to share her faith in Jesus the Messiah with this family, but she cannot find the courage to do so. Meanwhile, Atretes has been captured in Germany and taken to Rome as a gladiator. As their lives intertwine, they will all face problems that will challenge who they are and what they believe.

I just read this book for the first time, and can't believe I waited so long to do so. This is an amazing novel. The characters are strong, the writing is crisp, the plots are remarkable, and the detail given to ancient Rome makes it come alive. Every time I picked up this novel, I was drawn into its world and had a hard time putting it down.

This was my introduction to the books of Francine Rivers, but by no means will this be my last. I am looking forward to finishing this series and exploring her other novels. She is truly a gifted author.

The year is 70 A.D. A Christian teenaged-girl named Hadassah, (who is the only one left of her family at the fall of Jerusalem) is taken to Rome. Sold as a slave, she is to serve the wealthy Valerian family. The Valerians are having problems of their own. The parents, Pheobe and Decimus are very traditional but their children Marcus and Julia embrace all the plesures of Rome. Hadassah is torn by her faith: she wants to share it's wonders and love with her new family, but cannot find the courage to do so. Also, Atretes has been captured from Germania and is brought to Rome as a gladiator. As their lives intertwine, they will face problems that will change who they are and what they believe in.

Francine Rivers has truly created a masterpiece. The characters are so real and believable. The plot is remarkable, and the detail given to ancient Rome makes history come alive. I call this an inspirational, dramatic-historical love novel. The way that the author shows the love of God is beautiful.

I give this book 5 stars. It's a must-read, and I can't say enough about it. It's an amazing story that captivates you and touches your heart. It changes you as a person, it makes you think, and that's what I call worthy liturature. I give it my full recomendation, which is reserved for very few books.

As a pet owner and lover, I was so touched to read a book with so many wonderful and inspirational stories about pets. So many of the stories included in the book were about the strange comforting and healing powers of our "furry friends". After each one, I would look at my beautiful cat with tears in my eyes and just hug her, wanting to hang onto one of the best friends, teachers, and healers I have ever had! It was a sensational book and one that I was very sad to see end.

Being a true pet lover, I found this book to be absolutely magnificent. The heartwarming collection of stories exemplify the loyalty and love of animals. In this book, you'll read touching stories about how our healers, teachers, friends, and heroes are often our pets! After reading these real-life tales, I began to realize how much my own pet (a Quarter Horse mare) meant to me. I guarantee that after reading "Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul," you will begin to see your furry friends in a whole new light. I highly recommend this astounding book to any pet lover!

I am in the middle of Chicken Soup for the Pet-Lover's Soul, and I am loving it. I try not to read too many stories at once, because I want the book to last! I am emotional anyway, but this is a real tear-jerker. If you love hearing stories about people who love their pets, and go out of their way for animals, I highly recommend this book!

While I'm far from being a fan of fantasy and sci-fi, 'The Dark Tower' series has captivated me for over 6 years. I picked up 'The Gunslinger' in high school out of boredom, and I have now read all 4 volumes of this series twice (currently working on a 3rd time). The way these books are written, you can imagine yourself walking along with Roland, Oy and the others on their (your?) quest to find 'The Dark Tower'. You can feel Roland's pain when he's being attacked by the 'lobstrosities'. While most of Stephen King's books are easy to picture in your head, this entire series is hands down the winner. Everything is described in deep detail. The scene that comes to mind is from the NYC portion, when Roland hits a clerk and King describes the clerk's jaw as moving 'two inches to the right.' Whenever someone asks me a good book to read, I recommend anything from this series.

The Dark Tower series is amazing. There is no better way to put it. King uses colorful descriptions to hold the reader captivated as he does in all his books. This wonderful combination of fantasy, science fiction, and modern times creates an ongoing story that the reader will never be able to put down. In short, I Love this series, and it will stand as my all time favorite. Although it would be difficult to choose, I would pick "Wizard and Glass," as the best book so far. Roland's love story is the main reason I felt obliged to read the entire series a second time. I wait in anticipation of the fifth book.

I only started the series this summer, and now I'm done. Maybe its a good thing I didn't start this series in earlier years (seeing how long it took Mr.King to write the 4th book...I'd have died of impatience)The Dark Tower I: the Gunslinger is the best and most outstanding book in this series. It surpasses any other fantasy/sci-fi book I have ever read, thanks in due part to it's use of magical realism and use of the grotesque. King blends blue jeans with dark wizards, creating a fresh idea that isn't silly, but bizarre, and makes the brain do flips and doubletakes. The idea that all the universes in the (galaxy?) are centered around a nexus point (which is the dark tower) that is deteriorating, is the focus of the story. Roland is the man who is fated to save us all, with the power of ka. The Second book, the Drawing of the Three was simply great fun to read. Roland and his old and other-worldly ways, trying to mingle with twentieth century New York. The idea of doors between worlds isn't a new one, but somehow King manages to give it a push and a twist. The third book, The Waste Lands, is more horror driven (and you can see King's skills as an author of adult horror genre kicking in) but nevertheless keeps the eyes glued to the pages. Although I must say the ending was a bit abrupt. Who knows? Maybe its a marketing technique. It's really quite too bad not all editions come with illustrations though...

This book was truly an inspiration to me. The authors Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, and Kim Kirkberger are brilliant to have thought of this. Teens send in their stories of friends, family, love, life and death. Canfield, Hansen, and Kirkberger read the stories, pick certain ones and publish the stories. Then teens all over read them. This book teaches lessons in life. The lessons you usually have to learn on the way through your life.

There's stories that will touch your heart, make you laugh, or make you cry. I highly recommend this book to anyone, not just teens. The book is in sections, so its not like you have to read the hole book to understand whats going on. If you are interested in a book that tear at your heart and teaches valuable lessons, I recommend Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul.

This book made me laugh and cry. I enjoyed it to the fullest extent possible. It means a lot to me, and says so much about the difficult stage of teenage life. I think on my next trip to the bookstore I'll pick up another book in the series! It was just that good. Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul is a book I will always refer to and cherish. A precious keepsake to treasure forever. This is a definite recommendation to all my friends. This book has helped me through a difficult time in my life, the death of my Mom. Reading the chapter "Tough Stuff" helped me to deal with this and realize I wasn't alone. This is definitely a book you can relate too! I love to read books, especially fantasy - but these real life stories topped them all! I can't wait until " A Second Helping" comes out, I hope to be the first to buy it! The experience of Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul will stay with me all my life

Here is counsel, comfort, inspiration, and encouragement at it's best. This thoughtful collection of 101 stories of life, love, and learning will touch each reader and evoke a full range of emotion. There will be laughter at many of life's ironies and tears shed at the less fortunate. To help deal with doubt, grow through self-discipline and fully appreciate the joy of accomplishment. Filled with timeless wisdom, and practical counsel this is a book you will want to read and refer to again and again. If you're a teen who doesn't know where to turn, turn to the inspiration in these pages. Cook up a batch of Chicken Soup and it will offer warmth, comfort, and healing. Read Chicken Soup For The Soul and you'll get the same.

I appreciate the innovation of writing a book about comics in comic-book style. It's a clever, winning idea. Perhaps it would have worked a bit better if McCloud himself were a better draftsman, or if there had been more (and better-quality) reproductions of other artists' work.

The writing here is uneven. Some chapters, including "Blood in the gutter" and "Time Frames," are very effective and very specific, with strong insights into the nuts-and-bolts of comic techniques. Another chapter, "The Vocabulary of Comics" -- which uses a big triangle graph to encompass the whole of range of comics art -- is quite insightful but, at the same time, oversimplifies a bit, I fear. I'm not saying McCloud's assertions aren't necessarily true, but he might have put himself on surer ground with some of the language/symbol ideas by getting more heavily into semiotics theory, etc. And maybe here is where the light-hearted tone and comic-book style starts to undercut his intellectual accomplishment. I understand the book isn't meant to be a doctoral thesis, but still, it has high ambitions, and the structure of the book must be subordinated to the loftiness of its aspirations. Chapter 7, which attempts to relate all of artistic achievement into a unified whole, is one of the least satisfying, because it is frankly pretentious and rather gooey, non-specific, in its assertions.

Don't get me wrong. There is a lot of good insight in "Understanding Comics," and I wouldn't debate that it's an essential read for anyone interested in the topic. But it also feels like sort of a primer, a survey. Each one of the chapters could itself be the subject of a whole book. In other words, "Understanding Comics" has impressive breadth but not as much depth as one might want.

Scott McCloud does a fantastic job explaining the history, potential, and inner workings of comics as a medium. I was especially impressed with his concise descriptions of visual theory and its particular applications to comics. Occasionally I felt that McCloud's treatment of a topic could have been more fleshed-out (the chapter on color, for example, or his concluding idea of comics as a particularly good form of communication) or that he made some unnecessary generalizations (his definition of art was a bit trite and even misleading). On the whole, though, McCloud's ideas are sophisticated and he is able to communicate them with surprising eloquence to both the art historian and the general public. In fact, though I am an art historian, I learned a good deal from this book.

McCloud's decision to use the comic format to present his ideas is ingenious, and I doubt that prose alone would have been able to deliver his messages with such clarity. The one drawback to the format is that I fear it will only appeal to those who already value comics, and that as a result those who most need to hear what McCloud has to say never will!

If you are interested in any aspect of comics at all, this is the first book you should have on your shelf. Scott McCloud guides you through the history and theory of comics art with wit and wisdom, all captured in an easily accessible comic. More than a simple funny book, this book will change your opinions on comics, whether you have never picked one up before, or you are a long-time comics professional. This book could be used as curriculum for a college course, despite (or maybe because of) the whimsical artwork. The art draws you in and makes the information easy to accept and understand (in fact, McCloud gives examples of why the comics artform makes it easy to read and identify with). McCloud takes this subject matter seriously, and after reading, you probably will too.