I used this as a textbook for a film class I taught last year and the class loved it. The book contains solid biographical information and it's really fun to read. Plus, author Horowitz offers some very perceptive insights into women's comedy. My only criticism is that footnotes would have been really helpful because the students wanted to follow up on some of the sources -- but overall I highly recommend it.

There are a lot of quilting books on the market. This iswonderful from a historical perspective, as well as from ageometric...I am currently looking at this while substitute teaching in a math class! Great for teaching, or for finding new ideas for your quilts.

The Raccoon on the moon was great. It was the first book I ever read. Its kind of stupid for someone of my age to say this. I really looked up at the moon for a while, but I never saw a coon. Maybe you will.

I did enjoy reading the book. I found it very illunminating and interesting I think any researcher who delves into exploring the reading/writing relationship will find it appealing to his/her tastes. personally, It has shed me with light when I was in the dark not being able to find my way to my culminating reaserch. I trust that future correspondance between me and you will be established so as to voice my thoughts

Dr. Monahan gives upper-level developmental reading instructors a refreshing new choice in texts by interweaving three books into one and providing support with creative teaching strategies. The resulting book saves preparation time, engages interest by avoiding a repetitious format and prepares students for success across-the-curriculum.

First, instructors constrained by state-mandated exit exams, like those in Texas and Florida, will be delighted to find ample coverage of ALL the dozen skills included in such tests. Copious shorter exercises on each skill precede a pair of longer readings whose comprehension questions reinforce new skills along with those previously introduced. The book ends with five longer passages, each with cumulative exercises. In addition, the publisher affords further practice for all skills on its gradable website or in a reproduceable test bank.

Next, the author includes three chapters on basic techniques for improving reading, study and test-taking skills. These units comprise a short but effective course in study skills. Several of the readings will inspire students to set higher goals for themselves; others give practical advice on mastering the complexities of college reading matter.

Most important, interspersed throughout the chapters are several types of critical thinking questions. Some are analytical reasoning problems: completing analogies, reordering scrambled passages, separating cause and effect, ranking items in sequential order and creating or interpreting diagrams. Monahan phrases other exercises as short-answer questions about the readings. Finally, the text concludes with a pair of readings from opposing viewpoints, asking students to summarize and evaluate the evidence and arguments in each. Monahan includes a library project, complete with suggested topics, that directs students to do the same for a pair of contrasting articles of their choice.

As for approach, Monahan allows instructors freedom to select the teaching style that works best for them. While the course may be organized as a lecture class with individual lab work, the text and teacher's manual provide helpful strategies on collaborative activites that increase student participation and develop social skills. The longer, written assignments can be used for portfolio assessment.

I would have liked more references to technology. Monahan's book contains only one article on the Internet and no websites related to the readings. Also, I hope the publisher will expand its website with more skill reinforcement and library projects and create a test bank with exercises different from those on the current website and covering more than just the reading skills. A future edition would benefit from a more detailed presentation of phonetic pronunciation and graphic organizers.

However, the virtues of Monahan's text far outweigh these shortcomings. In addition to variety of content and flexibility in presentation, the book's strengths include

* a personal tone that appropriately injects a touch of humor. For example, one chapter introduces graphics with an updated Goldilocks story in which a litigious Goldy sues the Bears for damages.

* progression in each chapter from basic explanations of a topic to increasingly complex material that builds skills for weaker students and challenges the more advanced.

* engaging, balanced readings--from textbooks to popular, multi-cultural sources to literature--to expose students to a representative sample of college reading matter. Each longer passage tests students on content and vocabulary with ample objective and short essay questions.

* empowering students to take responsibility for learning. Vocabulary, for instance, is not defined so students can practice dictionary skills in each chapter.

I heartily recommend this text to creative instructors who want to go beyond "teaching to the test," prepare their students with an array of skills necessary for success in college and avoid having to spend hours gleaning supplementary material from outside sources to do so.

The Rebel and the Rose starts in the Spring of 1773 in England. Lady Barbara Maxwell, a confirmed Englishwoman, is about to be married off - against her wishes - to Rebel American Alan Maxwell. This book is different from the Regency romances that Joan Wolf usually writes. It is more of a romantic, family saga. Beginning with Barbara and Alan's courtship in England, the book takes us to America as the first shot is fired, through the long and bitter Revolutionary war, to the end when Barbara and Alan have been married for over 15 years. It is not only a journey through American history, but a journey through one couple's marriage - a couple brought up in two different lands, believing in two different governments. Barbara and Alan's marriage parallels the war - it's rocky beginnings, it's total isolation, it's eventual uneasy peace and finally its acceptance. This is an excellent book that I would recommend to romance readers, but also history lovers.

Buy what you love for less money! This informative book will not only help you to save on furniture and accessories, it will also direct you toward the kind of decorating that makes a home look truly unique and not like a page from a furniture shop ad. And the authors' enthusiasm inspires you to have fun while you're finding those amazing bargains. A highly recommended guide!

This book, written by a number of former members of a group known as the 2x2s, Cooneyites, Nameless Church etc. gives an honest account of the experiences of those people who were once members of this group which surrounds itself in secrecy and the things that led them to exit the group. A must for those who know people or have family in the group.

Reflections on a Woman's Book of Life (cassette tape) by Joan Borysenko should be read by all women--young and old. This book explains and honors the cycles of growth from childhood to cronehood. It's a life-altering read, and it will probably be the first time you'll hear the story of Lilith. You'll find out about how wonderful it is to be a woman--of any age--without any kind of 'man-bashing.' Some old, crippling myths are dispelled. Joan Borysenko's presentation on her tapes is wonderful and makes for easy 'listenability.' Her scientific background, wisdom and experience all blend together to make a powerful presentation. Ideal present for any special woman in your life.

This delightful romance, set in Victorian England in 1845, has two wonderful central characters who are truly meant for each other--even though they don't know it yet! The sparks fly when Antonio and Caroline are together. The atmosphere and descriptions paint very colorful pictures of the time. This sizzling story, meant for the avid romance reader, is well-plotted with all the devices needed for enjoyment. Filled with great characters, some of the spicey scenes will have you mopping your brow. The Reluctant Duke is a well-written, extremely entertaining novel that begs to be read. Don't miss this terrific story!