I read Just David in 1968.I was in 5th grade when my mother handed me a book & suggested I might like it. Just David became something special between us. It's a wounderful story of a young boy his father and a journey into life. Over the years I have let many people read my copy and they all leave a note in the book saying what this story meant to them. My copy is very old and not in the best shape. I have it in a safe place.

I read this marvelous book when I was a fifth grader and absolutely loved it. My love for the book did not fade, as when I was in the eighth grade, I wrote a required book review and chose Just David as my book. My love of the book must have come through, as the teacher read it aloud to the class. She had never read anyone's book review aloud before--so the influence of this book is wide. A reprint would be so welcome to both today's young readers and to those of us who loved the book in the past. I hope to own Wendy Lawton's Just David doll someday.

This book touches all who read it. My name is David. My mother got this book for me as an adult. It reminded her of her innocent boy, and his joy for life and resilience in the face of adversity. In her message, she wrote "All these things you either did, or would have done! You are my Davey!" My Mom always calls me "Davey", Yuck! But when she says it...I love it! I would sing, not play, but the approach to life, and yes death, is the same! If you need to talk to anyone about death, this book will guide you! It is so refreshing! I cried...ALOT! I have let my own children read it. I would love to get each of them their own copy!

This is a very powerful and important book!

PLEASE, PLEASE REPRINT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have read Death in Slow Motion, and found it a provocative insight not only into Alzheimer's but more so into its effects on the lives of the people bound by love and duty to their loved one. Ms. Cooney has every reason to dwell on who her mother was, it is after all the central tragedy of the illness. Alzheimer's does not just kill someone, it disintegrates, it degenerates the very essence of the persona you know and love. We do not grieve for the loss of a body, we grieve over the loss of a person and with Alzheimer's we lose the person long before the body they inhabit dies. It is not only Death in Slow Motion, it is also Grief in Slow Motion. I recommend this book to anyone who may be facing a loved one's descent into Alzheimer's or to anyone who thought they were alone with the experience Ms. Cooney so unsparingly reveals. I recommend a visit to the book's website for a more personal insight into the lives involved with this loss.

Eleanor Cooney, a truly gifted and literary writer with a wicked sense of humor and irony, has certainly gotten to "the heart of the beast called Alzheimer's" in this compelling book about how her mother's dementia spun their lives out of control. As anyone going through this heartbreaking process knows firsthand, not only are you faced with losing the parent, spouse, or grandparent you love, but also with the harsh realities of how "the beast" takes over every aspect of your life. In addition to being impossible to put down, one of the things that struck me most about this book was how her story touches on so many levels. DEATH IN SLOW MOTION is as much a love story, a tribute to her mom - a memorable character if there ever was one - as it is about living, loving, looking back and having to face your own worst demons and forge ahead the best way you know how. This is the best book I've read in a long time.

Eleanor Cooney has given us a very special book with Death in Slow Motion. The book has an almost "To Kill a Mockingbird" feel to it, innocence (believing her mom was invincible) shattered by facing the reality of her mother's illness. Her amazing descriptions of her thoughts, feelings and the telling of events (spiced just right with black humor) is compelling to say the least. Thought provoking, insightful, disturbing, heart wrenching, you are right there with her through it all as if it is your mother and not hers. I was very upset emotionally while reading this book, but it was all worth it. The lesson is well taken, don't take anything for granted, tomorrow Alzheimer's may come knocking on your door.

I first read this book in 8th grade, at a summer camp. I've lost count of how many times I've read it thus far; but I'm reading it right now and I'm 42 years old!

As others have said, this is a timeless classic that relies on a gripping story and excellent characters to hold the reader, rather than the sleazy sex scenes that fill many modern-day romance novels. I believe I have read all of Victoria Holt's books over the years (She has also written as Jean Plaidy and Phillipa Carr) and yes, they are somewhat formulaic, but they are always a good, satisfying read.

"Mistress of Mellyn" inspired my interest in all things English, from afternoon tea to English history. It vividly creates a world that completely draws you in, right up to the last page.

Set during the 1800s in Cornwall, England, "Mistress of Mellyn" follows a 24-year-old woman's (Martha Leigh) adventure as a governess in a haunted mansion owned by the widowered Connan TreMellyn and his young daughter, Alvean. While struggling with her emotions over Connan and his just-as-difficult daughter, Martha must also try and uncover the mysterious death of his wife before she, too, faces the same fate Alice did.

"Mistress of Mellyn" was the first book I ever read by Victoria Holt, and it also happens to be the first book Eleanor Alice Burford Hibbert wrote under this pseudonym over 40 years ago. It was given to me by one of my aunts when I was about 11 and is still one of my favorites, even though I'm not necessarily a romance fan. But if you are--or even if you're just a reluctant gothic romance reader like I am--, then you'll more than likely enjoy this one. There's nothing offensive or racy in it, so it's appropriate for all ages, yet it's still very suspenseful. Highly recommended.

Although this romance novel was written well over 30 years ago, it still stands the test of time. It has all the essential elements of a true romance suspense novel: Sprited heroine, dark/handsome/mysterious hero and a good mystery to follow and to decipher throughout the book. For those seeking a "romance" novel, don't let the "suspense" part hold you back. The sexual tension between the 2 main character sizzles! I think this is still Victoria Holt's best novel. Very absorbing book with great atmosphere. The 1st person voice (not much used these days)adds that extra dimension that you are right there with Martha as she ponders the mysteries surrounding her and her feelings for Connan TreMellyn. You will be totally satisfied with the ending!

If you are intersted in the French Revolution, Marie Antoinette, or just want a good read, this book is the one to read. If you like this book and become interested in royalty, or you already are, Victoria holt wrote tons of other books on British and some Spanish, French, and Italian royalty under the pseudonym Jean Plaidy, so try those.
This book is a fictional memoir written by Marie Antoinette between 1789 and her death in 1793. It covers her whole life (sympathetically) and dispells the rumor that she said "Let them eat cake". Read this!

Victoria Holt was one of my favorite authors when I was younger. A master storyteller, she would consistently weave a story that would have the reader turning the pages. This work of historical fiction is one of her best. Riveting from beginning to end, this fictional autobiographical account of the life of Marie Antoinette is superb. Written in the first person, with little dialogue, it is the rumination of a life that was to end tragically. Pampered, spoiled, and fun loving, the beautiful Maria Antonia of Austria metamorphosed into Marie Antoinette of France upon her marriage to the Dauphin, who would eventually become King of France, the ineffectual, but benign, Louis XVI.

This is her story, grounded in historical fact and set within the framework of history. This work of fiction about the life of Marie Antoinette, as seen through her own eyes, is fascinating, as it captures the flavor of those uncertain times and the events that led to the French Revolution and the end of the monarchy in France. It is a reflection on how Marie Antoinette's own behavior influenced the fate of France. Indulging in the excesses of the day, she initially gave little thought as to how her actions might affect the people of France or the monarchy. By the time she realized that her actions and excesses had wide spread political ramifications, it was too late, and the fate of her and her husband was sealed. No amount of personal regret could change it.

This book will be enjoyed by those who enjoy good, well written historical fiction. It is little wonder that this book spent two months on the New York Times Best Seller List. It is simply historical fiction at its best.

I read this book in 1973!? It was so wonderful that I planned my trip to Paris around Marie Antoinette's homes - the Grand and Petit Trianon at Versailles for one stop. The author writes historical fiction so beautifully that you can't help wishing to run to Europe and experience the lives of the queens you've read about!! I'll never orget this book - and others by Victoria Holt!

"Quantum-Touch" is a powerful book. I have used energy healing techniques for over 23 years, and after applying the easy and accessible techniques in this book I have increased my capacity dramatically in just the first few weeks. The book is written in easy to understand language that demystifies healing energy work. I cannot say enough good things about this book and the author. I was fortunate enough, after reading the book, to attend a workshop presented by Richard Gordon. I found him to be sincere and dedicated to the idea that we all possess the power to heal and if given the chance we will use it. I encourage anyone interested in life and health to read this book. It not only contains wonderful and simple techniques, it also contains invaluable information for general health and well-being all presented with humor and love. Buy it, read it, use it and spread the word, we are ALL healers.

As a nurse-healer, I am always studying the dynamic and often mysterious process of energy-based healing. When I read Quantum-Touch, I knew I had discovered an important key to the process of accessing and directing the subtle energy which we healers use. I quickly put the information into action and feel as if the quality of my healing work has taken a quantum leap. The book is a true joy to read, never complicated, down to earth. I loved this book and after reading it cover to cover, I went out and bought 4 copies to give to my closest friends. I am now rereading it. Richard Gordon is a deeply developed healer with the ability to communicate the process of energy (life-force) science in a beautiful style. I recommend this book to anyone who has interest in developing the art and science of hands on healing.

This is exciting stuff:

Alternative Medicine Magazine in the July 2001 issue calls Quantum-Touch, "... a significant breakthrough in hands-on healing." They go on to say that "...for professionals and lay people alike, Quantum-Touch is an essential and invaluable tool."

Dr. C. Norman Shealy, Founding President of the American Holistic Medical Association calls Quantum-Touch, "... the first technique that may truly allow us all to become healers." He also wrote the foreword to this book after he became impressed that Quantum-Touch provided dramatic and lasting pain relief to his patients with 20 to 30 years of chronic pain, who had not been helped by any traditional or alternative modality.

This is the only book I know of on hands-on healing that is praised by physicians, chiropractors, acupuncturists, physical therapists, nurses, Reiki masters, chi gung instructors, and a host of other health care professionals.

Dr. Darla Parr, D.C. wrote, "You actually have to see this work to know how good it is. Bones move into alignment with just a light touch, and it speeds up the healing process."

Amazingly, you can actually learn to use Quantum-Touch from just reading the book, but if you get the chance, I highly recommend attending a Quantum-Touch workshop.

It has been 30 years since I have seen this book--I never owned it, and it was a non-circulating book in the local children's library-- but the summer I turned seven, I spent hours reading this book day by day in the children's section of the library at Lincoln Center while my parents did their graduate work upstairs in the adult collection. I still vividly recall the characters: Amy with hair the color of moonlight whose mother gave her a lambchop for lunch each day, Clarissa with hair the color of sunlight whose mother gave her spaghetti for lunch each day, Malachi the Bumblebee, and, of course, the make-believe characters Hannah and her baby sister and the Old Witch and the mermaids who lived in the Big Glass Hill. Back in those days, we did not have any super-heros (no female ones, anyway), no Wonder Woman, no Warrior Princesses capering across the TV in their undies, not even Sailor Moon and co., and so if you wanted to make believe you could fly, Hannah the Little Witch Girl was all there was. My friends and I used to pretend to be Hannah and Amy and Clarissa in a gem-studded forest landscape taken from James Thurber's The White Deer. On imaginary broomsticks, we careened around stuffy apartments full of couches and dining chairs holding loquatious, boring adults. The book also holds appeal for the child with a systematic mind--the sort of child who types out alphabetical lists of dinosaur species will also enjoy writing out alphabetical compendia of all the runes spoken in the story!

This is a book I loved as a kid, and was delighted to rediscover. In addition to all the details about how witches live, this is a great book because it combines all the scary elements of the traditional witch (including Halloween) but the little human girl Amy is the boss and the old witch has to follow Amy's rules. Nice combination of fantasy and comfort, plus a happy ending. A few very nice illustrations. Just right for a read-aloud for my second grader.

This book captured my imagination as it has my children's. They love it as much as I did in the 60's, where I must have checked this book out from the library 20 times. I was delighted to find an old copy still in the library, and started searching to find my own so that we could read and reread the magical stories of Hannah, Weenie Witchie and Old Witch. Malachi was always my hero, and the two brave little 7 year olds, Clarissa and Amy reminded me often of my best friend and our adventures in fantasyland. Take time to cherish this book again and again. It is a book well worth the effort. Bless the publishers for putting it back in print.

Wow! I knew I loved Eye-Witness Travel Guides,I'm abolutely hooked on their incredibly useful method of presentation, but this is the first time I return to a place I once lived and used one of their guides. What a "Eureka" moment! Using their pictoral presentation of maps and sights, I "SAW" New York in its entirety for the first time. The overview and breaking down of the city into sections gives the tourist total control of the situation.
I highly recommend this book for the sights and maps.
The restaurant recommendations were not very good. After the amazing recommendations in their Budapest and Paris Guides, this list was a disappointment. Buy a different Restaurant and Hotel guide, but use this to get around and make the most of your time.

I am planning to spend four weeks in New York in your summer, my winter. Wanting to buy a good travel guide I went to the largest book shop in Melbourne (AU). With a choice of around 100 books - this book stood out. Concentrating more on what to do and see then the usual 'where can I stay for under $50 a night'or want a plethora of restaurant this book took me into the galleries, museums and architecture delights of New York. I feel it is designed for the traveller who wants to jump in boots and all. Thanks to this book I know my four weeks will be filled with exploring this fascinating city. Best book to get.

I live outside of New York City and rarely visit the city. But after Sept 11th I wanted a guide that I could use to explore the places I've never been to (as well as ones I have been to). The DK Guides are great for the amount of information they provide and this guide is no exception. There is information in this book that even a native New Yorker may not know. The book talks about the history and architecture of buildings that you may otherwise walk by. There are museums that I've never heard of. There are street by street maps of some of Manhattan's great neighborhoods. I have used the book to plan a walking trip from Penn Station to Rockefeller Center and back via Time Square. I am planning many future walking trips with this book. If the book is two heavy to carry, buy two. One for permanent reference and the other to "rip out" the pages of the places you are planning to visit. This guide book is well worth the money.

I began reading "On the Night of the Seventh Moon" when I was 12 years old. My sister, 2 years old at the time, tore out the last few chapters of the book. I searched for 15 years before finally finding a hard cover copy in a used book store almost 8 years ago. I have kept it in a safe place ever since and have re-read it several times. Very well written, the characters come to life and evoke a wide range of emotion in the reader. The content is appropriate for young readers without seeming "adolescent" to adults. It is without a doubt the most romantic story I've ever read and one of my most cherished possesions. I'm glad to see it back in print...just in case.

This is a wonderful story, told by a masterful writer. The mystery of the forest, and the question of wether you can dream up a perfect relationship, is what makes this book good. One of my favorite characters was Maximillian's old nanny! Isn't she sweet! This book takes you through the whole spectrum of human emotions. It is a must read for anyone who likes Victoria Holt!

I WOULD LIKE TO SAY THIS BOOK IS WONDERFUL. SO WONDERFUL THAT I REMEMBERED IT FROM READING IT SEVEN YEARS AGO. I MOVED AND THE LIBRARY NEAR ME DID NOT HAVE IT. I AM SO HAPPY TO FIND IT AGAIN. I WOULD STRONGLY RECOMMEND IT FOR YOUNG WOMEN/TEENAGERS TO READ IF THEY LIKE ROMANCE AND MYSTERY WITHOUT THE PROFANITY AND DETAILED LOVE SCENES SO PREVALENT TODAY.

I have wanted to read Anne of Green Gables for so long and finally did. Why did I wait?? I wish I would have read this book years ago. This is one of the best books I have ever read. Whether you are a child or adult you won't be able to help falling in love with Anne of Green Gables. This young Orphan is mistakenly sent to the home of brother and sister Matthew and Marilla. What they wanted was a boy to help around the house as they were getting older. What they got was a delightful little girl who warmed their hearts and touched their souls. Anne gets into all kinds of hijinks throughout the novel that will make you laugh with her and cry with her. Her imagination is unmatched. She is so insightful that you will find it impossible not to relate to her. Follow Anne through her escapades of learning what it is like to be wanted and loved by parents, finding her place in a strange school, and finally getting to have a bosom buddy..someone she can truly call a friend and share life's ups and downs with. As Anne sets one ambition after another for herself, you'll be cheering for her success. This would be a great book to read on your own or along with a child. When you're finished, Anne will feel like your own personal bosum buddy. This book is one you'll adore long after it's over.

A few weeks ago, I got really sick of today's children's literature. I had read enough mysteries and trashy books about romance to last me a lifetime. So I wanted something else to read, something well-written with a good plot and lifelike characters. I had to look no further than the first book I picked up- Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery.

Anne of Green Gables is the first book in the Anne of Green Gables series. It takes place, as most of L. M. Montgomery's books do, on Prince Edward Island in Canada. This particular story takes place in the town of Avonlea. It follows young Anne Shirley, an orphan brought to Green Gables to help Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert on their farm. Much to Anne's dismay, Marilla tells her that they wanted a boy to help around the farm, not a girl. However, Marilla changes her mind and decides to keep the dynamic young girl who would become Anne of Green Gables.

This novel is incredibly written, with well-developed characters and an intricate plot. I absolutely loved it. I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a great example of children's literature at its height.

I have read many books in my lifetime, and I must say, without a doubt, this is my favorite. When Mathew Cuthbert goes to pick up his and his sister's, Marilla Cuthbert, adopted child, he finds out she is a girl. They consider not keeping her, but soon they decide that she can stay a Green Gables. Marilla slowly loves the imaginitive high spirited girl more and more each day. Anne encounters many adventures from the age of 11 to 16. This book was so good, I found my heart bursting with joy. I would reccomend this to any girls and women. I loved it!

And if you can understand that bit of Old Scottish then this book is definitely for you.

We all know the gist: a dog sits on his Master's grave for many years, becoming so well known that the Edinburgh authorities built a statue of the canny wee beastie.

What is most impressive is the author's magnificent depiction of Bobby's understanding. Eleanor Atkinson is a master of the plausible and has us believe Bobby can understand English (or rather Scottish) by the tone and the mentioning of names by the speaker. Bobby's actions are always totally in keeping with the actions of a very intelligent dog rather than the actions of a human. The reader is never left thinking "Are you sure?" with any of Bobby's antics but is more inclined to applaud.

Another amazing fact of the story is Atkinson's very evocative depiction of Edinburgh in the 1860's, especially considering she had never been there. I will however have to grumble slightly at the language she uses for the characters. Authentic as I am sure it is, it is still a real struggle to muddle through, and it is intensely annoying to have to skip to the mini dictionary at the back of the book all the time.

As I say, a slight grumble on what is otherwise an enchanting read on the devotion and initiative of a legendary little dog. I strongly recommend anyone with a dog, an interest in Auld Sotland or a need for a lift, to have a read. It's lovely.

I don't know if it is possible to be too old to enjoy this book. It is written in the manner of Dickens' Christmas Carol with something of Oliver Twist thrown in. If you can read this story without shedding a tear or two, there must be something missing inside of you. The Scottish dialect is a wee bit of a struggle but the experience is more than worth the effort. Try not to read it too rapidly.

I am in 7th grade and read this book for a project. A friend suggested it to me and I was not sure I was going to like it. I read the first few pages and it started to draw me in.

It shows a strong relationship between a man who dies and his old faithful companion.

Great! I highly reccomend it for any age!