While I am a big fan of Grace Paley's short stories and poetry, her work here doesn't do much for me. Perhaps my expectations were set a bit too high, as I couldn't help but feel a little let down by this collection. This compilation of Paley's non-fictional work definitely touches on plenty of worthy social causes and is interesting to read, but it lacks the fire, spark and excitement that pervades her other books. I just don't think that Paley's writing style is properly showcased here - it doesn't let her show off the things that make her writing great. For one, her ear for language and dialogue is almost totally lost in these pieces. I found this book to be very intellectually stimulating, but still found myself feeling bogged down and a bit bored during many parts.

For any fan of Paley's that is interested in learning more about the author, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this book. As for the more casual reader, I'd pass.

This is an excellent collection of Grace Paley's journalism and essays, revealing her continued and inspiring political activism. With the same sincerity, frankness and heartfelt committment she shows in her fiction, Paley shows us a world full of activists, ordinary citizens, cops and politicians. She has been involved in anti-war activities since her youth and, now in her later years, shows no signs of closing her powerfully observant eyes. Testimony about her experience in Viet Nam during the American war and after is an important contribution to historical studies. She shows no regret for her activism, which is great relief to this reader (tired as I am of seeing the 60s generation back off from their earlier work) and remains unapologetically truthful. A great inspiration for all women who live and work for 'the people'.

Grace Green's first Intrigue is a well-told mystery, though some flaws keep it from being great. Blair Enderby has just received a letter from her old friend Meredith, who claimed that something strange was happening to her and she needed Blair's help. Unfortunately, shortly after she mailed the letter, Meredith disappeared. She was recently found and is suffering from amnesia, while Blair, who was out of the country, just got her letter. Blair heads to the estate Meredith shares with her husband, Matt, the only man Blair ever loved, who Meredith stole from her. Matt is just as great as Blair remembers her, but Meredith is acting weirder and weirder, all the while claiming Matt is trying to hurt her. It's up to Blair to find out who is telling the truth, especially when someone starts trying to kill her.

Green starts out with a chilling prologue, but her tale gradually becomes less and less interesting. The heroine really doesn't do anything; she moves from one situation to the next where other people act and she responds to them. The characters are reasonably interesting, although the introduction of Blair's mother late in the story makes for one of the hokiest last pages I've ever seen ("There was going to be a wedding in the family!"). There is some creepy moments, but the Meredith mystery gradually becomes more solvable, long before the characters do so. My main problem was some of the writing style. Even if you hadn't told me Green wrote for Harlequin Presents and Romance, it would have been obvious--that writing style is far different from Intrigue. It's really old fashioned--there are too many exclamation points and times where Blair seems to be sighing, "Oh, Matt!" (Exclamation point!) that had me cringing. All too often, everyone sounds like they're going to swoon or make some grand revelation about the world. As a result, I was rolling my eyes a lot of the time I should have been shivering in fear. Good, but nowhere near great.

I am an avid reader of Harlequin Intrigue, and when I saw Mrs. Green's book. I knew I had to read it. I have read other books of hers. So naturally I would read this one. All of her past books, were well-written and this one was no different.

The Prologue is chilling and sets the story off at just the right mood point. I found myself ensnared in the web of intrigue right from the first page. Her leading characters, Matt Straith and Blair Enderby are both strong and full of emotions, that speak from the pages, and draw you into the book.

From the beginning, we know of Blair's love for Matt. So when she gets a letter from her best friend, his wife. She comes to see what is wrong. That right there, is the first connection that draws the two together. Leading them on a tumultuous journey that can only end, when the mystery has been solved.

For an author making her first foray in the world of romantic suspense. Mrs. Green has done a superb job, creating richly rounded characters, an effective setting, and a complex puzzle, that can only be solved when the last enigma has been revealed.

So I look forward to the day that I see "Grace Green" on the cover of another Harlequin Intrigue. I know it will be a treat to read.

This book is a fine summer beach read. It's the story of Jasmine, who finds her marriage falling apart due to her husband's affair. Her good friend Charlie helps her out, and it takes her a while to figure out he is in love with her. The triangle is pretty good, and the book does take a few interesting twists and turns. There are some funny moments, too.

The problem with the book is that the characters don't have alot of depth. I don't find myself investing in them at all. As well, the humor is sporadic. The author doesn't have much to say about relationships or the human condition that hasn't been said before.

In short, this book is not terrible; you won't likely hate it. But you won't likely remember it for long after you read it, either. Definitely library or really cheap used book store material. Don't pay full price for it.

Ordinary miracles is a book written by an extraordinary writer. I was amused, made to think and entertained in a seemless account of life as only the "desperately seeking a man" thirty somethings know it. The writer has a wonderful, infectious sense of humour, enough to make you laugh out loud. When you find yourself suddenly doing this, again and again, on a train, with friends or just on your own, reading Ordinary Miracles, then you know you ARE ON A WINNER. Well done Grace Wynne Jones.

The teens profiled in this books are effective living advertisements for the 'unschooling' lifestyle. I was impressed with the book, which I read after "The Teenage Liberation handbook."

This book is about the daily lives of 11 teenagers who are currently unschooled. Some had attended public or private schools in the past and some have been life long unschoolers.

I found it facinating to read about what teenagers are capable of when they are not stuck in a typical school setting. It reinforced my decision to not send my own children to school.

The eighth Duke of Chatham, Jonathan Carlisle's sister, is trying to get him married off. The problem is that his mother was their father's second wife and she was a servant before they married. Carlisle doesn't want to marry a Pampered Princess of the Ton, but he also does not want to marry someone who is not of the same class as he, because his mom was treated poorly by society.
To get away from his matchmaking sister, Carlisle takes an 'urgent business trip' and while is set upon by paid killers. Dr. Edger Pickering and his daughter Melanie, who are hiding in the country, save the Duke's life and care for him while he recovers and during his recovery he discovers that Melanie and her son need his help.

This is the first book that I have read by Susan Grace and as much as I enjoyed the plotting the writing was distracting. I'm not sure how exactly to describe it - it's not that the prose is horrible, it's just that it was written at like a sixth grade reading level. The plot is fresh the characters are likeable, but the writing is distracting in its simplicity and the characters hold views and conversations that don't fit into the era that it is written in.

Lady Catherine intends to see her younger brother, the eighth Duke of Chatham, Jonathan Carlisle married. Nine mistresses in ten years have kept Jonathan satisfied, and he has no intention of falling in with his sister's matchmaking. So he ducks her introductions to yet more eligible women by escaping with friend Bertram Lewis on a "very urgent business trip." When Bertram cancels at the last minute, Jonathan sets out alone, only to be threatened at gunpoint by kidnappers. Then a flash of lightening startles his horse and he is thrown from his horse over a cliff.

Sighted clinging to a log, Jonathan is rescued from the waters and cared for by Dr. Edger Pickering and his daughter Melanie. Recognizing that his damaged fine clothes indicate wealth, the doctor and Melanie carefully conceal their identity. Melanie's eight-year-old son does not speak, so does not represent a threat to their anonymity. When he awakens from his coma, Jonathan immediately realizes that Melanie is keeping secrets. Fearful she might be part of the kidnapping plot, he claims amnesia. Soon they find themselves fighting their mutual attraction and the truths they both conceal.

In the most endearing installment yet of the infamous Lady Cat's family, THE RUNAWAY DUKE combines mystery and romance in a marvelously entertaining read. Melanie's determination to protect her son lends her character startling strength given the years of abuse she endured at her deceased husband's hands. Jonathan's certainty that she is the woman for him despite the impediments between them will warm reader's hearts as he determinedly seeks the answers to Melanie's problems. Further, the exciting conclusion provides a powerful climax to this carefully plotted tale. An absolutely memorable read, THE RUNAWAY DUKE earns the WordWeaving Award for Excellence.

Samantha is a Victorian girl. She is an orphan who's Grandmother takes her in. Eventually, she moves to New York, where her Aunt and Uncle adopt her. While she is with her Grandmother, she makes new friends, plays tricks on the spoiled neighbor, and goes on lots of exciting adventures. I read the first book in her series last year. I completely fell in love with character! I decided to save my money and buy the Samantha doll from pleasant company. Over all, The Samantha books were great, and I reccomend them to readers ages 8 to 12.

These books will let young girls take a look back in time

I have picked out this book at my local library's summer booksale. I realy liked the title. I love silk and just wearing it brings back the memories of the wonderful time I have pent in Southeast Asia. I was curious to find out the author's reasons for choosing the title. It was delight to find out that this talented writer is both scientist and a poet, cosmopolitan in cast of characaters she introduces in her stories - as well as wonderful places around the world used for staging some of her stories. Her characters are complex and vulnerable. Some of the stories are connected, so in some ways the book feels like a sort of novella, too. After reading it I had a feeling that this book is strongly personal for Ms. Mazur and that it has its strength in the possibility of being semi-autobiography mixed with dash of fiction.

Grace Dane Mazur is a biophysicist, and has a scientist's eye for detail. But she's also a poet, to judge by her skillful use of words, and she has a painter's appreciation for the language of natural light.

Many of the stories in this slim collection are connected. They relate crucial, character-forming episodes in the life of Cassandra. The stories are set in Paris, the American Northwest, and South East Asia and are filled with the sensual experiences of foreign life - the reverent silence of catacombs, the roar of a monsoon and the exotic taste of durian.

But best of all are the characters. They are complex, human and falliable. It is a delight to watch them change and grow from one story to the next. We first meet Cassandra as a young girl, then as a graduate student in Paris and again as a working scientist. Some of the stories are told in the first person (Cassandra's point of view) and some in the third person; this mix of viewpoints allows the author to give us a fuller appreciation of Cassandra's character.

Highly recommended, especially if you've been to Paris or South East Asia, or ever eaten a durian.

This book is baffling yet enjoyable, with a neatly wrapped up "deus ex machina" ending that makes little sense. Most of today's modern families will not be able to relate very well to the family, because in addition to being wealthy, they seem insular and out of touch with the rest of the world. Because of Rex's traditional upbringing, it's hard to understand why he chooses to marry Florimel, although once he brings Florrie home, the fun begins.

While Florrie is intended as an entirely selfish and scheming character, nonetheless I found myself laughing aloud at some of her actions, including a wanton dance in front of the family's horried friends. The book also contains several mentions of her black eyes "snapping" as she spoke, and I'm still unsure how eyes can snap! The depiction of Florrie does not stand up well over time, because today's reader will just find her ridiculous rather than menacing.

It's also hard to feel sorry for Rex after he thoughtlessly brought Florrie home, especially considering that he was young and had no way to provide for her. However, I did feel sympathy for the mother and her despair over her son's marriage (which in those times would normally be a lifelong commitment) to someone who doesn't fit in the family at all.

The writing itself is fine, even if the plot is uneven. As mentioned before, though, the ending is puzzling since, while it takes care of the immediate problem, it doesn't account for the sins/laws that were unwittingly broken as a result. Worst of all, nobody in the family seems to learn anything from the experience, unless perhaps Rex learns not to marry any more hussies he finds on the street. For a supposedly Christian book, it doesn't really embody Christian love or wisdom, but it is enjoyable as a timepiece.

For a much more thoughtful and edifying Grace Livingston Hill book, I recommend "Blue Ruin".

The Garland family is surprised to receive a letter saying that Rex is married and bringing his wife home for Christmas. But Rex is only 18 and not finished with college. And the family had no idea he was getting married! They are very apprehensive about meeting Florimel, the new bride...

Back Cover description: Anne Sheridan would never have missed her best friend's wedding. It was the flowers she couldn't handle. And after taking one too many antihistamines, the allergy-ridden bridesmaid found herself being carried off by dashing groomsman Sheik Rafik Haun. Imagine her surprise when she woke up in the notorious bachelor's bed. Honor kept Rafik from taking advantage of the drowsy beauty in his care. But now desperation had him making an even bolder request-that she pose as his fiancee! Only until he convinced his marriage-minded parents that he was better off a bachelor. Or until the pretty Miss Seridan found her way into his hard heart...

It wasn't a bad story, just not very believable. How many sheiks does the middle east have? Are there any left over there? The heroine was OK, the hero was marginal. That he didn't seem to realize that carrying a comatose woman through a hotel lobby wouldn't cause a problem was strange. He also goes to work the next day and can't see pink shoes and a handbag on the car seat? The story moves along and the sexual tension developes nicely. I will try another of the author's books to see if this is typical of her style or not.

This is the sequel to "Fit for a Sheik" by Carol Grace. Anne, a sensible school teacher, is bridesmaid in her friend Carol's wedding and meets the groom's cousin Sheik Rafik Harun. Although Sheik Rafik normally prefers sophisticated women he's instantly attracted to Annie. Carol, worried that her innocent friend Annie will be hurt by Sheik Rafik, warns him Anne's not his type. Anne overhears this conversation and tries to avoid him realizing her friend may be right.

After taking too many antihistamines at the wedding she makes the mistake of having champagne at the reception and starts to feel ill. Sheik Rafik sees Anne isn't feeling well, thinks she's drunk and sympathetically offers to drive Anne home but she passes out in the car before telling him where to go. Rather than embarrass her by taking her back to the reception unconscious he takes her to his hotel to sleep it off. As he walks through the hotel lobby several people going to one of the restaurants notice him carrying Annie to the elevators and recognize both of them. (This becomes a problem for Anne later since she works for a prestigious school that has strict moral standards for their teachers.)

Once Sheik Rafik has Anne in his room he decides to remove her uncomfortable looking bridesmaid dress and puts one of his shirts on her instead. Too tired to return to the party knowing he has an early morning meeting he decides to go to sleep. In the morning he rushes to get ready, leaves Annie money for a taxi & goes to work with Annie still fast asleep in the bed. When Annie wakes up in a strange hotel room in a strange man's shirt she's nearly hysterical. To make matters worse once she discovers who she stayed with last night she realizes her purse, housekeys, money & shoes are not in the hotel room.

Anne knows where Sheik Rafik works so she takes a taxi to his office wearing the bridesmaid dress from the previous night but barefoot. She goes to his office & gets her belongings but get into a fight when Sheik Rafik refuses to tell her what happened between them. He thinks it's funny telling her they slept together since he doesn't know she's a virgin. Anne storms out of the office and takes a taxi home. In the meantime, Sheik Rafik's father begins pressuring him to get married. Rafik's brother suggests the best way out of getting married is to have a long engagement with Anne as a set up so their parents won't try to arrange a marriage with anyone. Rafik decides to suggest it to her but doesn't think she'll agree.

Anne goes to school to prepare for the new school year and finds out several of the parents were at the hotel and saw her with Sheik Rafik. She finds out her job is in jeopardy if she can't produce Sheik Rafik as her fiancee. When he meets with her to suggest it she decides to do it if he'll help her keep her job by posing as her fiancee at a staff party at her school. Once his family learns about the engagement they begin planning the wedding and things begin to slip out their control. As they begin spending time together they begin to fall in love and in the end they do get married. The way they end up spending time together is really interesting. A very enjoyable story with fun characters that you really get to know.

The three little pigs is a great book for everyone! It was funny at the end too. I would have given it 5 stars if it had told what happened to the mom. I think they should make a story about the same story, but with different animals. Instead of pigs, make them bunnies and a leopard as the wolf! You never know, maybe it will happen.

The three little pigs is a funny, well illustrated book. It has hillarious charaters. I gave the rating of four stars because the two pigs got eaten and that was a little bad, but I love the three little pigs.