I love this novel. I have read it several times and turned some of my friends onto Jackie Collins with this book. The characters are wonderful. Gino is every woman's dream and Lucky is who every woman wants to be. You will have a hard time putting this book down!

I've wondered for a long time just what the hubbub was surrounding Jackie Collins' books. I finally decided to investigate for myself, and since I enjoy reading fiction that involves the Mafia, I settled upon _Chances_, the first book in the Santangelo family saga. Wow! What a read! Suspense, steamy sex, violence, intrigue... it's all there. I found myself with a giant crush on the tough Gino Santangelo, and I came to admire his headstrong daughter, Lucky. Collins creates quite a memorable cast of characters in this novel. Some reviewers have noted that the story seemed "dated," as this book was published in 1975, but I thought this was an unfair criticism. Afterall, all the great works of literature are "dated." Not that I'm equating this book with great literature, but I thought this made the book even more appealing... giving the reader (who, like me, might have been very young in the 70's) a glimpse into that era. If you're a fan of Mafia-esque novels, and you're looking for a book that will immediately draw you in and carry you away, this is one I would recommend. I could hardly put it down! Now, I'm getting started on the sequel because I just don't want the journey to end!

This was not the first book of Jackie Collins I have read, but it is the best so far! After reading it I couldn't get the sequels fast enough! I read every one of them one right after the other and found them hard to put down. I only wish Jackie Collins would keep writing about the Santangelo family, because I can't get enough! Long live Lucky!

How do you treat someone you really love? What if your husband, the man who once adored you, increasingly belittles you, threatens you, and tries to control you? What happens when you have to hide your most joyous moments from your husband? What happens when you start to believe his attacks, blaming yourself unfairly, becoming more submissive and depriving yourself of the very goals that bring you pleasure? How do you break out of this vicious cycle?
Dr. Forward's book is a welcome eye-opener for any woman trapped in this situation. She shows how this destructive pattern in relationships develops, what its origins are from childhood experiences, and most importantly, how to regain your self-confidence and the courage to leave the relationship, physically and psychologically. She offers specific advice on how to deal with your own self-sabotage, how to set clear boundaries, how to get professional help and how to effectively end the relationship.

When I read this book my life was in emotional chaos. I tried reading Woman Who love to much by Robin Norwood (*****) but I could not get the message behind it because my self-esteem had been so underminded by the mysoginist that I was with. In order for me to start work on myself I had to first recognize that I was not damaged goods. My self-worth had almost been eradicated. I prayed to God fervently in tears for answers, and then he introduced me to Ms. Forwards book (it was quoted in The Pleasers, a book about women who cannot say no.) It was a shock to realize that this man really did love me and that there was nothing wrong we me, but something very wrong with him. You see, he had me convinced that I was in need of some serious overhauling. He used the bible as a club to hit me over the head with every time I tried to talk to him about his abusive behavior, and even though I was an intelligent, sensitive, giving woman, he had me convinced that I was an abusive, controlling, unspiritual, horrible person. Ms. Forward helped me get things in perspective, and I plan to sow the sees of self-love, confidence, respect and self-worth in my own daughter so that when she meets this kind of a man (and she will) she can tell him to take a flying leap off of a tall cliff!

I first read this book a long time ago, and over the years have puschased it several times to give to girlfriends, women in abusive relationships, and women in general that I know are troubled by some man they don't understand. It's likely the best book available to show women what a healthy relationship should somewhat resemble, and it shows all the signs of a bad relationship with men who are abusers in the extreme. The books sets all the examples of typical abusive behavior in men, and how to handle it successfully or to leave it completely. It's so incredibly difficult for women to leave an abusive man, and the book provides new hope and new insight into a brand new life free from abuse.

This book, Search for the Shadowman, by Jone Lowery Nixon was about this kid,Andy Thomas. Andy has a big history report on his family history and Andy doesn't want to do it.After a while Andy figures out that one of his family members is crossed out of the family.I really liked this book because it was extremly exciting when Andy and his best friend,J.J. go to the cemetary.It was also a great book to read!I also think that you should read this intresting book!!!!!

I read the book titled Search for the Shadowman and its author is Joan Lowery Nixon. This story is about a boy named Andy and he's trying to find out about his relative, Coley Joe,who some people believe was a robber. I like this book because it's exciting and mysterious. Some people claimed that they have proof that Coley Joe was a robber. Andy used many different ways to find out about Coley Joe. Read this book and you will find out about Coley Joe.

Andy Thamas is the kid with the smarts to do what he needs to do.Andy gets report from school and it is on history. When Andy starts his report Miss.Winnie gives Andy a box with papers and books.When Andy got a little to far on his report Miss.Winnie got worriedand told him to stop his search right then and there.

REVIEW: Shadowman is always action packed every minute. When I read Shadowman I was thrilled. Joan L. Nixon is the best author I have heard of. I liked Shadowman because it is a good book with lots of action,mystery,and technology. Also I liked it because the author was at her best making the book Search for the shadowman

This book is not meant to be a definitve history of Sesame Street, but rather a picture-rich fan appreciation of the series that entertained and educated children for over thirty years. Those of us who grew up on this show can revel in our memories of such characters as Sam the Robot, Mr. Hooper, and other's who are no longer with the show. The book includes many good quotes from the producers and actors involved, biographies of the principal actors, and little factoids throughout.

If you are looking for a good, critical read about Sesame Street, this is not it. But the book is entertaining fluff, a good book to leave on the coffee table when your 25 - 35 year old friends come over. You can watch as they laugh and share what is in the book.

I'm 28 years old and imprinted at a tender and impressionable age on Sesame Street. Devouring this terrific book, I could recall word for word Kermit scenes that apparently lodged deep in my unconscious for the last two decades. Sesame Street may be even better now than it was when I was four! One of the best parts is the section on the puppeteers themselves. (I am now able to handle the revelation that there are people behind the Muppets--yes, it was a shock, but I'll be OK.) And the personality profiles of Kermit, the Count, Bert and Ernie, and of course Cookie Monster (my hero) were absolutely wonderful. Sigh. Now I want a cookie.

I received this book last year for my 18th birthday from my best friend; I have to say it is the best gift I have ever received. Just browsing through the pages and being reminded of the "good ol' days" was enough for a tear or two to leak out. Like the other Baby Boomer babies, I too do not remember Mr. Hooper's death, but reading about it touched me profoundly. Regardless, I can recall dragging my Cookie Monster stuffed doll around me all the time (poor thing) and wondering how I could appear on the show. This book does a great job of invoking random, personal memories with detailed trivia and superb art direction. And that is true testament to a tribute book's purpose.

This novel by Rainer Maria Rilke is an excellent novel that encourages the idea of following one's dreams. This book provides an inspirational message that motivates society to fulfill their life long goals and ambitions.

Rilke presents a collection of remarkable responses that he wrote to a young would-be poet, on poetry and on surviving as an insightful observer in an insensitive world. Rilke's simple style of writing within his letters reveal clear and positive messages that open the reader's mind up to a more thoughtful and fulfilling world. Rilke uses many similes within his letters to compare certain aspects of life with other objects. This gives his receiver a more hopeful view on the world. The author also uses imagery within his letters by his selective wording and phrasing. The reader is given the ability to draw a picture of either the place or event in which Rilke discusses. Rilke also uses many metaphors or inspirational sayings or quotes to interpret life to his reader. This provides his audience with a new sense of hope for their future goals and present difficulties.

Rilke's overall message throughout this novel is that one can become anything they want to become as long as they do not give up and have confidence in what they do. If one cannot think of anything else to do in the morning but sing, then they are a singer. If one cannot think of anything else to do in the morning but write poems, then they are a poet. Rilke's concept of life displays a great enthusiasm that encourages his audience to go for their goals, and I believe this is the greatest message any author can ever send out to an audience.

Ten letters Rilke wrote to an aspiring poet asking
for his help with becoming a poet.
Surprisingly for the reader and probably as well for
the recipient of said letters, Rilke doesn't go into
the poetry aspect at all, but clearly refuses to do
so right in the first letter.
Instead he treats the questions of what it means to
work on becoming a fully developped human being.
Giving timeless advice full of wisdom about solitude,
troubles, sorrows, love, human interaction and being
part of a society in which one doesn't seem to really fit
in.

Wonderful advice, very often in the form of further questions
that Rilke seemed to have sent back in order to encourage
the recipient to go further in his quest of finding what
everything means (to him) and who one is.

Wonderfully poetic advise to be shared and read and reread

I had already read this book a couple of months ago and was moved by Rilke's incredible wisdom. And just a few days ago, while I was preparing for a philosophy exam, I chanced upon this book once more and, seeing certain parallels between Rilke's words and other philosophers', truly understood and admired Rilke and his perspective on life. Rilke speaks of dragons in our lives... who could be princesses in disguise "...waiting to see us act, just once, with beauty and courage. Perhaps everything that frightens us is, in its deepest essence, something helpless that wants our love..." This is one book that should be constantly reread and pondered on by anyone who wishes to move towards the true meaning of what it is to be human...

The Name of the Game Was Murder by the 4-time winner of Edgar Allan Poe contest, Joan Lowery Nixon, is about a young girl named Samantha that wants to be a writer. She is visiting her Aunt Thea in an isolated location. Samantha goes there to get writing suggestions from her Uncle Augustus Trevor, a well-known writer. She thinks that Augustus is very gentle and nice, but he is nothing more than a grouch. Augustus has invited many famous people to his house for the weekend; they couldn¡¦t refuse because the letter they all received was a threat letter. It says, ¡§ If you don't participate, you'll be sorry." He has written a ¡§gossip¡¨ manuscript about everyone- things that could change their whole lives completely. He even wrote something about his own wife. The object of the game is to see that whoever solves the clues first and finds the manuscript can get their information removed from it. Augustus Trevor is killed in his study room. Samantha thinks it will be a good idea to work together to find out where the manuscript is before the police get there. Where is the manuscript?
I liked this book because it had an affect that made the hairs on my neck stand up. New clues unravel while old clues still float around unsolved. The Name of the Game Was Murder made me toss and turn all night while sleeping because it was so scary. It is a breathtaking book that makes you sit at the edge of your seat. When Samantha notices strange clues step by step it just makes me want to read faster. ¡§Why was she still in her work clothes? Where has she been?¡¨
A clue that Samantha wrote to derive the rest of the players to the wine cellar-everyone but Aunt Thea was "one left, 13 down." That was like a crossword puzzle. This book had very clever clues. It confuses and messes your thinking up. You can never let go of this book.
My favorite part of this book was when Samantha read the manuscript. It revealed many hidden secrets about the players. This story proves that no one in this world is perfect. We all make mistakes. It was very shocking to find out that Aunt Thea killed someone on vacation. Overall, this book was wonderful.

Samantha is a 15 year old wanna be writer. She is visiting her aunt in hopes of getting suggestions from her uncle Augustus Trevor, a famous novelist. It turns out that Augustus is bad tempered and has a bunch of guests coming over that weekend to play a game. Everyone got the same invite, " If you don't participate, you'll be sorry." The game is a game of detective work. Augustus has written a manuscript about each of the guests and his wife, Thea, that has things in it that could ruin their reputation! After Augustus is found murdered in his office, Sammy gets everyone to work together to figure out where the manuscript is. Time is running out. The police will be here on Monday and Sammy still doesn't have any idea where the manuscript is.

I loved this book. Anyone who loves suspence will like this book. I read it for a book report and I remember everything in it. It was that good!!!

Joan Lowery Nixon gave me a great first impression with "The Name of the Game Was Murder!" The story is extremely fast-paced, and was my first book that I had finished in a few hours. Nixon gives a well-descriptive storyline, which makes you feel as though you're in the actual story!

The book takes place on a remote island in a creepy mansion. Samantha goes to visit her Aunt Thea for the first time. Sam is an aspiring writer and her aunt's husband, Augustus Trevor, is a famous novelist. Not only does Sam visit to see her Aunt Thea, but she hopes to get writing advice from Augustus.
When she arrives, she soon realizes that Augustus is a rude, hot-tempered man who warns Sam to stay out of his way during the weekend while he has guests over for a party. Also, after Sam has already settled in the Red Room, Augustus moves her to a tiny room, far away from the rest of the house called the Tower Room....
Later that day, Augustus' guests arrive, and Sam finds that they are famous people! But, things start to get fishy when a movie star named Laura says that she received a threatening letter stating that if she didn't come, she'd regret it.
That night during dinner, Augustus announces that the guests will be taking part in a game. He explains that he has written a story that includes a devestating secret about their past, and whoever can use Augustus' typed clues to get to the manuscript, will have their secret removed from it. He hands out the clues, which make no sense to the guests, including his own wife Thea. Sam demands a clue for herself, and when given one, quickly deciphers it, due to the fact that is was just an "alphabet note." (Example 1 stands for A, 2 stands for B, etc). Because Sam is quick in figuring out hers, everyone thinks that she can decipher thier's, which is just another problem for Sam!
The next morning Augustus is found dead in his office; murdered!
Can Samantha figure out the clues? If she finds the manuscript will it reveal the murderer? Find out in "Name of the Game Was Murder!"

A master storyteller tells the tale of one of the most remarkable persons in known history. How a young, illiterate farm girl became commander-in-chief of France's armed forces at the age of 17; leading her army, which had become accustomed to defeat, to victory after victory, putting a reluctant king on his thrown and in the process, for a brief time, becoming the living embodiment of France to its people.

It is a story of Joan's courage, intelligence and most of all her unswerving faith in her destiny and in her God, and how in the last year of her brief life she stood totally alone against her persecutors, whose sole objective was to have her die by fire.

Twain's admiration for her shines through every page, and the more I learn about Joan of Arc, the more I share his admiration.

This is a great book, and a must read for anyone interested in Joan of Arc.

..............the captivating story of Joan of Arc come to life through the writing of Mark Twain! This work is remarkable not only due to Twain's writing ability, which thoroughly conveys the moving and powerful story of a heroine and martyr, but because we are aware of the twelve years of research he did before embarking upon putting it in writing. We trust and become enthralled over the story he presents. This is a story I want my future children to read.

Twain, through a ficitional narrator takes us through the story of Joan's simple and modest upbringing to her response to God's command that she save France from the English. We follow her into battle, see her become the teenage commander-in-chief of an army, win victories, struggle with a weak French king, and finally fall victim to the leadership in Burgundy and the corruption within the church. Twain brings us through her entire trial, where we see young Joan withstand grueling questioning and physical and psychological torture for months on end. Through it all she never falls victim to traps deliberately set for her that are solely designed to prove her an idolater, sorcerer and heretic. Ultimately, we walk with her as she takes the last journey of her life, to the stake to die by fire.

This work is based on well preserved information about the experiences of Joan of Arc. Twain makes a point of telling us that "The Official Record of the Trials and Rehabilitation of Joan of Arc is the most remarkable history that exists in any language; A deeply fascinating story.............found in its entirety in the Official Trials and Rehabilitation". We therefore know that his sources are well researched and ones we ourselves can access. Twain beautifully reconstructs Joan's early life based on this information, doing her great honor throughout the novel. We realize, too, that as the story progresses, we are presented her trials in their full, true detail. Twain also tells us that Joan's story was almost one that was lost, having not been very well known for approximately four hundred years after it occurred.

Reading this book is truly to experience the incredible life and achievements of Joan of Arc. I highly recommend it.

Mark Twain astounded me with this account of St. Jeanne d'Arc's life and death. His twelve years of research are clearly evident in the meticulous detail and quotations taken directly from the French National Archive. Told from the point of view of Louis de Conte, it is an exciting narrative of the battles that won France its freedom and the amazing girl who made it all possible. I truly believed I was reading the memoirs of a man who had known her personally! Twain's idolization of Joan is prominant in each chapter. While this does taint his descriptions of the English and Charles VII, it is this adoration that makes this book so endearing. The reader gets pulled into fifteenth century France, cheering Joan's victories and mourning her injustices. For Twain, this must have been a labor of love, and I am grateful for his devotion to her tale. The footnotes add amusing and sometimes heartbreaking side information. Those who speak French will enjoy the portions written in that language. Those who don't, fear not! Being unable to read it will not ruin the story. While this is a serious novel, Twain's famous sense of irony manages to find a place amongst the legend. I suggest that everyone, particularly avid readers of Mark Twain or of historical figures, read this book. While some may not enjoy it as much as others, it is a history that needs to be kept alive.

"Don't Scream" is a mystery book about a young teenage girl named Jess who works at a fast food resturant, and just wants to have fun. She is an only child and lives with her parents. When two good-looking young boys come to her high- school Jess and her best friend Lori become very good friends with the two boys. Jess ends up being very good friends with both boys and one of them, Mark , is Jess' new next-door neighbor. Jess can tell that they are very strage and are puttimg up a different personality around her. Lori is really into Scott, who shows very weird characteristics. Lori can not tell, but Jess can. Jess looks up both their names but they are not listed. Jess finds out that one of the boys is given a different identity by the government, and the other is seeking for revenge. Jess doesn't know who she can trust.Or who the next victim will be. Read the book that will keep you on the edge of your seat, "Don't Scream", is an excellent book that keeps you guessing over and over, but has exciting surprises.

This book is about a small town Texan girl named Jess Donnelly who thinks that things will get better at school when two cute new guys show up. But something's strange - she doesn't know their real names, or if they can be trusted. But then she realizes that their names are surely fake. She thinks that Mark is the good guy and Scott is the bad guy. Read the book to find out what happens in the end. I would recommend this book to people who like mysteries or suspense.

"Don't Scream" was awesome to say the least!

The storyline revolves around a girl named Jessica, or Jess. Two guys just moved to the small town of Oakberry; one of them right across the street! Just as things begin to look up, they take a turn for the worst. Jess realizes that she knows nothing about these guys. Plus, they both seem so intent on changing the subject when the topic involves where they came from, what they like, etc. Especially Scott! Those dark eyes, almost scary, seem as though they're always lying; hiding something. Then, things begin to go totally downhill when her neighbor's cat disappears, preceding her own cat's dissappearance! Who's doing this? Jess can't help but suspect Scott, especially after she finds out that he's not who he says he is! After all, he did say he hated cats, right?

This book is for anyone, like me, who love mystery/thrillers. Especially those who love Joan Lowery Nixon.

Also recommended: "Name of the Game Was Murder," "Nobody's There," and "Who Are You," all by Joan Lowery Nixon! Enjoy!

Wow! What can't I say about this book? The characters and plot swept me away from the very beginning and didn't let me go until I had finished. Since I have a hectic schedule there isn't much time for reading, but I made time for this one. I turned each page with joyful anticipation. I have been longing for a good Texas romance for such a long time. I related to the main character Callie. Way to go Ms. Johnston. This book is a definite winner. The story line screams sequel and/or movie. I am going to recommend this book to all of my friends and family.

What a great story. The characters are strong, independent and stubborn as mules. If one says day the other says night.

The sexual combustion between the hero and the heroine ignites sparks every time they come within a 50 feet of each other.

Ms. Johnston breathes life into her characters and makes them come alive. This book is not only a keeper, but a definite reread.

I found The Cowboy to be a great read. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. Trace is everything you want a hero to be - compassionate, romantic, hard driven, understanding. The heroine independent, loving, and giving. They both have a stubborn streak a mile long. The question is which one will give in first.

They have been separated for 11 years and when they come together its explosive. You can feel the sexual tension radiating off of them.

Ms. Johnston has written a superb book filled with strong characters, great dialogue,and humor. Anyone who finds this boring or unromanctic, doesn't know the meaning of the word romance.

I enjoyed reading this book and marveled at some of the truly original ideas in it. Yes, it's *loosely* based on Hans Christian Anderson's _Snow Queen_, however Vinge indeed created a singular world with this novel.

The Snow Queen has ruled Tiamat for 150 years, so when she sees that her rein is about to end, she plots to retain her throne despite the traditional Change that takes place every 150 years. the gist of her plot is to basically clone herself. Her clone is Moon, the protagonist of this story.

I liked how Vinge has included many political and social issues such as sexism, prejudice and imperialism. The setting and even the plot have merit.

The only downfall to this book (and this is entirely on a personal level) is one of the main characters. Sparks Dawntreader is Moon's love interest, and I just dislike his character so much! I think he represents the frailty of humanity in that each person has their own heinous sins, however, he never redeems himself!! I keep holding my breath, waiting for him to do something that makes me like him, but he never does it!

Despie my one complaint, this novel is still worthy or reading. Who knows, you may find that, unlike me, you do like Sparks!

From page one of this book, I was hooked. Published in the 1980, this book was cutting edge with one dreamt about ideas of successful cloning. Amazing how the power and awe of this book lasts today.

The story is a futurized version of Hans Christian Anderson's "The Snow Queen." Personally, I'm an admirer of writers who can successfully translate traditional stories into modern literary works, and Joan D. Vinge pulls it off spectacularly.

Her main character, Moon, is a loving young woman who loves her cousin Sparks and goes through several trials and torments to save him from her clone, the ruthless, power-hungry, and vain Snow Queen Arienrhod. But Sparks isn't the person Moon remembers. He gets swept up in the crazy city of Carbuncle. Soon, Moon is also swept up in this whirlwind.

Love, suspence, action, and a mystery more cosmic than the people of Tiamat realize. This is a substantial book (but not quite as much as its sequel) that leads the reader beyond the imagination and into a whole new world.

I first read this book as a young, impressionable freshman in High School. Since then I have read and re-read it. As I've grown up I have changed in many ways, but this book still brings me back to those fantastic days. It is an amazingly visual book. The characters, the world, the languages, both emotional and physical spoken by Joan are vivid, captivating and memorable. During my re-readings, I have many times imagined this book and it's sequal, The Summer Queen, come to life on the big screen. The story is very adaptable to that medium with high adventure, romance, amazing costumes and characters, classic good vs. evil.... I think it would be a simply wonderful movie, whether written for a young audience or a more mature one. Anyone agree?