the snow spider is definately one of my favorite books of all time. when I was reading it, everyone was trying to get me to do something, ANYTHING besides read that book, but nothing anyone did could make me stop. after i read this book, I had to read "orchard of the cresant moon," and "the chesnut soldier." I often think of the snow spider now, and wish that i could be a magician like gwen, and do things like see pictures from a different world. Jenny Nimmo is extremely creative, and i know i will remember this book forever.

Gwyn's 5 gifts from his grandmother, Nain, take Gwyn's imagination to a whole new level. After finding out that he's a witch, he experences new things that he never thought was possible without the gifts. But the most important things that he wants most of all, is to bring his sister back that disappeared 4 years earlier and to bring his family back together. With the help of a magical snow spider named Arainwen he goes to beat the challenges of the mortal world to bring his sister home.

the best book and an added bonus of finally finding my name, i especially love all the characters and the way that everyone in their own magical way is a beautiful character

Good ol' Speed. Forever stating the obvious in his trademark excitable tone. Speaking of which, this book is perfect for "Speed Racer" fans to get excited about.

Author Elizabeth Moran hits the track with infectious enthusiasm and leaves in her backdraft plenty of fun info on all the various iterations of "Speed Racer," from the original manga and Japanese series to the imported version I grew up with... to the newer versions, including a proposed live action film that never got off the ground. Moran includes the requisite episode guides (and rates them!), plus interviews with both the Japanese and American creative teams, racing terms, a complete dictionary guide to Speed's world and transcripts from the ESPN "Nascar" commercials. And wait until you read the original Japanese lyrics to the now-classic theme. Yep, even master auto-designer Pops Racer couldn't have done a better job, because this book has more features than the Mach 5!

What's especially neat about this is that it's all in glorious full-color! The design matches the vibrant and vigorous animated series. A fun package, and highly recommended for any "Speed Racer" fan. Go, Speed Racer, go!

This book is a thorough and complete look at that great show, Speed Racer. It starts out with a quick look at the theme song of the show, the characters, the Mach 5, and the people behind the characters' voices. Then, the book launches into the best part of all, a one-page synopsis of each of the 52 episodes, complete with a picture from the episode. After that the book continues with the history of Speed after the show, complete with images from the new Mach Go Go Go show, and a glossary.

This book is a wonderful stroll down memory lane for anyone who grew up watching Speed and the gang. My eight-year-old son, who is a chip-off-the-old-block and a Speed fan too, did not find too much in this book, but it is not intended as a story book. What the book is designed to be, it is wonderfully, a guide for fans of Speed Racer. I enjoyed this book and think that you will too!

...ESTE LIBRO CUENTA TODO, LA HISTORIA DE SU CREADOR,DE LOS PERSONAJES,RESEñAS CAPITULO POR CAPITULO,HASTA COMERCIALES CON METEORO Y UNA FUTURA SERIE Y PELICULA.NO SE LO PIERDAN....

Elizabeth Sherrill goes all the way to the truth and to Jesus in her autobiography. She never faulters in the truth about herself and the people who have been meaningful during her life, yet writes without rancor showing that Jesus has brought healing and reconciliation where her "dragons" are concerned. This was one of those great reads where I tried to sneak in 10 minutes here and there throughout the day so I could journey on with Sherrill. I was never disappointed; found myself underlining sentences and passages. Was sorry to see the book end.

All The Way to Heaven by Elizabeth Sherrill is a beautiful story of growth and compassion that involves the reader in every aspect of the journey and carries the reader from a child's struggle to understand until the complex and complete answer on the very last page. Every moment of loss, indecision or struggle is only a step closer to the truth. And do we ever and always need to hear that. The entire book is an insightful and uplifting masterpiece of human endeavor. Elizabeth Sherrill is a dynamic and intelligent person with understanding of all human frailties. Yet her courage, her tenderness and her compassion is a magnificent testimony to love and faith.

Such a rich, cohesive tapestry of one's inner life! Elizabeth Sherrill has had a bit of practice writing about other people - but taking hard, honest looks in the mirror and typing away ain't easy. The human trials are what make All the Way to Heaven such a deep, engrossing story. I also loved the mini-profiles of the many people in her life - especially Mea.

My copy of this book is spine-snapped in several places, dog-eared, and spotted and soiled throughout, in spite of all my care. I searched for years to find a copy to give to a fellow "basics" cook and she was as thrilled with it as I have been. The anise cookies are fabulous, as are the pretzels and, in fact, every other recipe I've made. A Must Have for a serious cook's bookshelf.

I found a reference to this after having searched the internet for marshmallow recipes. The recipe was posted online, but I bought the book figuring it was the right thing to do. I had NO idea how delightful this would be. Most of the recipes I've never seen anyplace else (gingerbread cookie MIX!?!) The marshmallow recipe alone has won me a couple marriage proposals. If you have any impulse to cook or bake, please buy this book. You will be amazed.

I have had this cookbook since the 80's and use it regularly. My copy is yellowed, stained, torn, taped and well loved. I think I've tried nearly every recipe in it, including the recipe for caviar. The recipes are all comprehensive and easy to follow.

Some of my favorites include; black pumpernickel bread, fresh chorizo sausage; and the homemade chili sauce (extra tomatoes in summer?-- try this recipe). There's even a recipe for tofu in it! (And pastrami, too!) If you can find it, get it. You won't be disapointed!

This is one of those books that never stays on the shelf. In fact, it is almost always lent out. Which is why I bought this copy. My husband already owned a copy, but we wanted a second one so we could always have one on hand. It is a collection of spiritual readings from many sources. Selections include Socrates, Jung, Freud, Jesus Christ, Saint Francis of Assissi... The selections all have one thing in common, a search for Spiritual Truth.

If I could only read one book for the rest of my life, this would be it

This book has been my spiritual compass for 24 years. In that time I have found no other to equal the inspiration derived from it.

A story of redemption, about how people can grow and change even when they feel their life is at a standstill, this was an absolutely marvelous read, a definite keeper. All the characters were very believable, an intruiging mix of good and bad, and their struggle for growth and meaning in their lives made you root for them every step of the way. I especially like the realism in the situations they faced, and the fact that not every conflict was neatly vanquished and tucked away. There are things these people will still struggle with, but the faith and love they share as a family will see them through. It reminded me a bit of Summer's End, by Kathleen Seidel, another good book about families.

I admit I'm a Romance junkie and read more books per month than I care to count. This book stopped me cold...it started with two unlikable characters ; one betrayed and bitter the other shallow and uncaring.

Slowly, through their journey from betrayal to redemption, my heart warmed to them. By the end of the book I admired and loved them both. It had just the right amount of suspense, passion, betrayal and forgiveness. You close the covers of the book and sigh with satisfaction.

Romance readers and western fans alike will enjoy this moving story of courage, selflessness, and love, set against the wild, rugged grandeur of 1882 Wyoming. A powerful, sweeping story with well-drawn -- and all-too-human -- characters, Color of the Wind is wonderfully written. I loved the kids! Kudos!

Field has produced an excellent balance of text and pictures and has done an exceptionally thorough job of documentation. I was fascinated by his descriptions of how the jewelry was modified over the years to accommodate the fashions of the day and the taste of the current owner. The only reason I did not give this 5 stars was due to the pictures. Most are black and white (for obvious reasons), however some were of very poor quality, and very few taken with the intention of displaying jewelry. There was one delightful story of a gift to the young Princess Elizabeth, a necklace and bracelet, which the Queen now refers to as "my best diamonds". But do we get to see the diamonds? No, the only available picture was a distant news photo of the young Princess sitting at an angle and the jewels nearly impossible to see. For Princess Diana fans, don't bother buying this book. There are less than a half dozen images of Diana, and nothing you haven't seen before. And just a reminder, this is her personal collection. You won't see any of the crown regalia.

Leslie Field's "The Queen's Jewels: The Personal Collection of Elizabeth II" is a splendid, splendid book in every way. Field has gathered together hundreds of important photographs (of the nearly half million she saw altogether) of Queen Elizabeth's jewels. These are shown both in their cases and being worn by various monarchs, and we see how different royal family members have altered the look or the purpose of pieces as fashions and times changed over the years. Field has complemented these photographs with her outstanding, meticulously researched text. Even if you purchase the book mostly to drool over the photographs, you will end up being both captivated and educated by the accompanying text.

Field begins the book with the ascension of Queen Victoria to the throne. Because of the Salic laws passed by the House of Hanover in 1833, Victoria was prevented from becoming ruler of both the United Kingdom and Hanover. The kingdoms were split for the first time in well over a century. Immediately, King Ernest of Hanover--an uncle of Queen Victoria--demanded his share of the royal jewels, arguing that since the kingdom had been split, so must be the gems. Victoria disagreed, and the argument went on for two decades before finally being settled in favor of Hanover. Subsequently, Victoria gave up several important pieces of jewelry to her uncle's descendants--but was already well on her way to amassing an important collection.

Victoria was the first British monarch to make clear that some pieces belonged to the Crown and were for use by any Queen to follow her--and that some pieces were her personal property, and hers to dispose of as she saw fit. British monarchs have followed in her footsteps ever since and although Field showcases many sumptuous Crown pieces in the book, the bulk of what we see are the Queen's personal pieces. And what a collection it is!

The collection is vast and jaw-droppingly beautiful. Field wisely divides the book into types of stones, from diamonds and pearls to emeralds, sapphires, amethysts, turquoise, and more. We see everything from parures
(i. e., complete matching sets of everything from necklaces to brooches to rings to earrings and more) to necklaces and tiaras which were gifts from other governments or from such quaintly named organizations as "Girls of Great Britain and Ireland" to pieces designed by Prince Philip expressly for his wife.

Among the many stand-outs in the book are:

- Queen Elizabeth's three-carat diamond solitaire engagement ring, designed by Prince Philip for his wife and set with a handsome diamond taken from a tiara belonging to Philip's mother (p. 85);

- The Godman Necklace, which had been bought by an English naturalist in the 1890s while on holiday in Bavaria. His daughters, many years after his death, wrote to the Lord Chamberlain saying that they felt they owned jewelry once owned by Empress Josephine of France and that the Queen might be interested in it. Although it turned out not to have been of this provenance, it was undoubtedly a stunning and valuable piece, showcasing seven large emeralds and three smaller ones, and surrounded throughout with an encrustation of diamonds and platinum filigree (p. 95);

- The Cambridge's Lover's Knot Tiara, shown being worn by the Duchess of Cambridge in 1818, the Grand Duchess of Mecklenburg-Strelitz in the 1890s, Queen Mary in 1926, Queen Mary again in 1935 (this time without the upright pearls which originally adorned it), Queen Elizabeth in 1955, and Diana, Princess of Wales in 1985. This is powerful testimony that good design and fine jewelry are both timeless (pp. 113 - 115);

- Queen Mary's "Rose of York" bracelet, which is a breathtaking ruby and diamond pendant which was eventually turned into a bracelet (p. 143).

Of course these are but a few of the many treasures in the book. It is a fascinating read, and a wonderfully complete and detailed account of what is probably the finest jewelry collection in the world today.

I was so impressed with and have gotten so much Joy from this book, it has inspired me enough to go ahead and try my first on-line review. When I noticed this was out of print I was very surprised. Even more so when I realized there was also a 1997-revised edition. I am hopeful its simply because the newly expanded volume is getting its finishing touches. With digital imaging technology having come so far since the publishing of the first two editions (87/97), the detail that is now available will hopefully be prominently featured in the next. A unique aspect of this book is the thoroughness of information presented on several different topics.
The title subject is definitely covered in meticulous detail. Aside from the jewels it really is almost a complete mini-biography of most of the British Royal Family. After all the Men bought jewels too! It is amazing to see an 18th century piece on Queen Elizabeth and be able to trace it exactly from it origin through the centuries.
The information in text and pictures give a much better understanding of the whole concept of continuity, with many surprises along the way. Tidbits like how Queen Victoria stubbornly refused to return gems that another Royal House insisted it owned. How important Jewels were to Queen Mary, not for their monetary value but because of their family historical importance. Its the little details like this that give you a much more personal understanding of monarchs, without being dishy or gossipy.

Both the front and back inside covers gives a complete family tree dating back to Henry VII. Inside, thirteen categories/chapters cover everything from Diamonds and Emeralds to Sapphires and Amethysts, explaining who favored a particular kind of gem or style over another. Do not expect a very in-depth education on gems, however you get a great understanding of the history and importance of gems through the centuries as a symbol of power and status. There is a generous amount of color and B&W photos perfectly balanced with the text. Generations of Royals Portraits set-up three or four to a page wearing the same Jewels over scores of decades are some of the picture highlights. I really don?t think you need to be a Royal Watcher to appreciate the images. From all the individuals listed in the Acknowledgments many of them with titles you understand this book was published with the complete cooperation and help of the entire Royal Family. Its the photography that makes you appreciate this. A perfect example of this is the cover subject. A magnificent necklace part of a set named: The Cambridge and Delhi Durbar Parure. Inside there is another full color page showing the complete set, however throughout the book you can see no less than ten or twelve different royals wearing some kind of configuration of it. Including the World Famous snapshot of the late Princess Diana wearing the necklace as a headband.
You cannot help but feeling like you know the members of the various royal houses a little better after reading a few excerpts. The entire volume gives you an impression that the author truly respects, enjoys and is highly educated on her subject. This is one of the few books that I own, that I know I will never post for sale used. I hope you enjoy!

Obviously an accomplished writer herself, Ms. Lyon seems to have a sixth sense about the quandaries we novelists ponder each night when we could be sleeping. Should I write a prologue? How do I keep track of crisscrossing submissions? Should I give up after the tenth rejection letter? Tool Kiit offers the steadying voice of an accomplished independent editor who has made it her life's work to delve into every detail of publishing, and she has come up with a workable plan of attack.

This is one of exactly two sensible books (that's one per decade) I've read about writing.

I dug into the "Sell Your Novel Toolkit" right away, pulling out information I needed immediately, then went back and read the entire book beginning to end. Ms. Lyon has done a superb job of packing all the tools a novel writer could need into her beautifully written "Toolkit." It's been my guide through each step of marketing my fiction. The amount of research packed into the appendices alone is worth the cost of the book.

I am almost in 6th grade and it is great for-girls book. Boys can read it to. I had to go to three schools until I came on the inter net and bought it. It is my all favorite book.

Taking place in 1609, Elizabeth Barker, a 9 year old immagrint from England writes about her suffering life in Jamestown, Virginia. After Captain Smith and her old friend, Jessie Bolton return to England, she lives in missery until she meets Mary, a fourteen year-old girl. Everyone is starving terribly. A few have even died. Men are sent out of their town to find food, some do not return... Elizabeth has even caught her mother eating worms!

Life is harsh... Soon Elizabeth's mother dies and almost everyone grows ill, even Elizabeth her self! Many families leave the town and travel into the wild, hoping for more luck. Now, only a few families remain. Soon, Her brother Caleb will come on the supply ship in Spring. Many pray they will survive until then... I recommend this book to any one who enjoys history and adventure!...

I read the book to my mom. It was interesting. I really liked it and I think alot of other peolple would too. I learned alot about Jamestown but I don't think Elizabeth had a very good childhood.

If you're exploring your family history - if you're interested in what really happened after the war - this book is a must read! It touched my heart and made me realize what my ancestors went through. . .

A must-read book to understand the complete history of WWII and its aftermath. Every person needs to learn this as part of our history--especially those whose relatives were affected in Europe. Although chilling, its gripping reality teaches us true history.

A family is awakened in the middle of the night as strangers with guns and knives burst into their home. The Father is not there to comfort them, he has been taken away and shipped off to Russia. The Mother is alone with her children. The strangers make demands in a foreign language and indicate they are forcibly taking the family away from their home. The family is terrified and they have no choice but to obey, leaving all of their possessions behind.

And so begins this shocking story of concentration camps, starvation and death - all taking place as World War II was ending - and when these atrocities were supposed to have ended. It's the story of the Expulsion, a period of time after WWII when Tito came to power in the then country of Yugoslavia, and proceeded to kill over half a million* Danube Swabians (ethnic Germans). Hundreds of thousands of ethnic Germans were killed by Tito's forces and thousands of others were locked in concentration camps and starved. Their only crime? They were German.

This story is told through the eyes of a child. The author, Elizabeth Walters, was only 4 years old when these events began. After 3 years, her family eventually escaped the camps and they walked by foot across Hungary and halfway across Austria. They scaled a mountain range to reach safety in the American Zone.

Most of the Western Media, and even our history books have neglected this horrific time in history, and some officials even deny that the action against Yugoslavian citizens of German nationality ever took place.

That's why the book, Barefoot in the Rubble, by Elizabeth Walters is so important. She dares to speak the truth about a period of history that remains largely unknown. Ethnic Cleansing is not limited to one country, or one time period in history. For centuries this has been going on and continues even to this day. This is a story that must be heard.

Source: *"Nemesis at Potsdam" - Alfred M. de Zayas