you wouldn't think that a stay in a tb hospital could be a subject for a funny book; at least not until you read betty macdonald's "the plague & i". she is the author of the wonderful classics, "the egg & i", "anybody can do anything", "onions in the stew", and the children's series, mrs. piggle-wiggle. this particular book brings her light hearted outlook to what could have been a very stressful time in her life. through betty's eyes the reader is invited to look at a serious subject with humor and wit. i'd recommend this to any reader of erma bombeck or jean kerr.

The Plague and I has got to be one of the strangest -- and funniest -- memoirs about chronic illness ever written. If you read the Egg and I and were repulsed by the late Betty MacDonald's racism (heck, who wasn't?) you'll be every bit as offended by this one. However, if you like Pit Bulls and HATE people who spout adadges, like "If you must be blue, be a BRIGHT blue", you'll love this book. Basically, it's about Betty MacDonald's stay at "The Pines" during the late '30's. "The Pines" (rumored to be Firlands for you san junkies) was located outside of Seattle, run like a REALLY TIGHT ship and about as charming as, well, a sanitorium. Anyway, MacDonald's vicious sense of humor will have you laughing at painful procedures -- like forced collapse of the lung. In the late '30's there were NO effective drugs in the battle against TB. And now... If you know a "lunger," are one yourself or just want a HOOT, FIND this book and read it! The Plague and I contains valuable insight into the nature of TB and just how far attitude goes toward survival.

I have read all of Betty MacDonald's books and highly recommend them to anyone who enjoys the wonderful release of laughter. The Plague and I is such an interesting book about the methods of treating TB during the 40's in contrast with the use today of antibiotics. She keeps the reader laughing at the antics of the staff and the patients at the sanatorium. I stuggle to slow down whenever I read any of her books because they are so much fun to read,that before I realize it, I have come to the end. The Plague and I is no exception. If you want to have fun and laugh alot and laugh outloud, get a copy. I had to wait 3 months for my local library to round up a copy. Sadly, all of Betty's books are out of print. I hope someone will do a reprint very soon.

"Any serious study of the Christian claim is, at its essence, a study of the cross. To accept or reject Christ without careful examination of Calvary is like deciding on a car without looking at the engine."

As "pain pervades the dusty planet," we can at times wonder how our suffering can better us as human beings. We feel alone roaming down here while God seems far above, safe in his heavenly paradise.

This is where Jesus Christ appears. In his suffering, we can see God at his most human. When the consistency of life IS inconsistency, there is someone who understands.

Jesus died for people instead of taking revenge. He didn't retaliate even when he was facing death. He takes our sin on his shoulders and becomes the "death slayer."

Max Lucado is really writing to people who have broken hearts and who can find a lonely person simply by looking in the mirror. The land of promise is for those who endure the pain and suffering and are reborn.

I loved the story he tells about the puppy and how he explains guilt and forgiveness. He brings a human element to spiritual concepts. He also explains how we can't get rid of guilt ourselves, we really do need a savior.

A beautiful look at Christ, the Cross and why we need God.

Max Lucado does it again and I'm not surprised.
No wonder they called him the Saviour invites the reader to look at the happenings and the circumstances which surrounded our Saviour on the night that he was crucified. With an indepth look at the cross, we see how much human Jesus was.....flesh and bones like you and me with the ability to feel the pain of the blows inflicted upon him. And being of human flesh, he still held compassion for those who pained him and scorned him, especially for one of the thieves next to him whom he promised paradise. And he was in human flesh again when he looked upon his diciple John, whose eyes fell in line with the Saviour's feet, and asked him to please take care of his mother. And again in human flesh he suffered thirst and then finally gave his spirit up to his Heavenly Father.

This book empathises that Jesus was very much in the human form when he died on Calvary and that we should not forget.
The witnesses at the cross are all drawn into the story along with those who fled from the scene. The serious feeling of having let the Saviour down was so strongly felt by his disciples, but when they gathered for comfort in the room where the Last Supper was served, there was a distinct feeling of deja vu. Can you imagine how their hearts almost flew out of their skins when they saw their beloved Saviour standing before them?

This is just a taste of what Mr Lucado's book is about this time around, but you can get the story by ordering now. You'll love it.

Nutface
October 18th, 2001

Max continues to inspire his readers with this superb work, No wonder they call Him the Savior. He writes with such simplistic, concise style that this book is wonderful for all ages.

Lucado captures the reader with superb imagery, as the reader is transported back into time to consider the most wonderful facts of the ages. Then Max brings you back to the here and now with his anecdotes.

All who are Christians, and those who simply desire to know more of the Christian religion, should give serious consideration to reading this book. You'll be glad you did.

This book is a laugh - out - loud ride through one of the most celebrated tales of the Knights of the Round Table. You don't have to be an Arthurian junkie and already familiar with the story of Beaumain the Kitchen Knight like me to enjoy this, either. In fact, all you really need is a sense of humor.

The evil Knight of the Red Lands has lain seige to the Castle Perle, slaughtering every knight who comes his way, and demanding the hand of the beautiful but witless Lady Lyonessse. Her sister, Lynet, decides to take matters into her own hands and sneaks out of the castle (with the help of a suspiciously magical stranger), and heads for Camelot, befriending a dwarf named Roger along the way.

At Camelot, however, Lynet refuses to reveal her name, fearing that her father's part in a rebellion against Arthur will stop the king from sending her any help. Unfortunately, no one wants to follow a nameless damsel in distress on a perilous quest, so Lynet, much to her disgust, has to settle for the kitchen boy, Beaumains.

This hilarious romance about things not always being what they seem puts a refreshing spin on a beloved story and will leave you wanting to read more on Morris' Knights of the Round Table. In that case, I strongly recommend Gerald Morris' other works, about Sir Gawain and his squire Terence. All three books had me laughing 'til the end.

Lady Lynet, younger sister of the beautiful Lyonesse, finds that her castle is besieged by a fierce, recreant knight who is determined to have Lyonesse's hand in marriage. So, Lynet mounts a horse, determined to go to Camelot and beg King Arthur to send a knight to rescue them. Along the way, she falls in with a dwarf named Roger, a man of very little fighting ability. At Camelot, no knight will take up her cause, but only a kitchen knave, name Beaumains. Together, the three head back towards Cornwall. In the rest of the book, Lynet learns that there is more to the people around her than meets the eye.

This book was quite entertaining, and is written in an easy to read style. I really enjoyed the way it began to spin off surprise after surprise late in the book. I have not read any other of Gerald Morris' other books, but I now intend to!

For the purists, this novel does not portray a "realistic" Fifth Century Arthur, but is an example of a High Medieval, chivalric Arthur.

I figured that this book couldn't be as good as the previous two, if Gawain and Terence have minimal roles. But instead we have a few of the holes filled into their lives in the forms of a mysterious dwarf named Roger and a fiery young woman named Lynet.

Quite annoyingly, a killer knight has appointed himself the champion of Lynet's sister, Lyonesse. Lyonesse is an air-headed, blonde ditz, while plain Lynet sets off to King Arthur's court to find a champion-without revealing who she is. She ends up taking a fancy-talking kitchen boy to do battle with the knight, but virtually everyone she meets has a strange secret...

Lynet is a glorious heroine, a gal who is unafraid to threaten someone with a spear or venture to Camelot. Roger is wit incarnate, with a very surprising secret at his core. And you MUST read more about King Arthur.

Some of the favorite characters return, including the excellent Morgan le Fay, who teaches Lynet some excellent lessons. It also teaches the quality of a good heart above a pretty face.

I noticed that my mother was using the paperback edition of this devotional to write little prayer requests and thoughts in the margins. This prompted me to buy her the journal version of the devotional which gives her much more space to write and includes the same powerful devotionals. It was a great gift!

Another great idea is the "Devotions for Morning and Evening With Mrs. Charles E. Cowman : The Complete Daily Devotions of Streams in the Desert and Springs in the Valley". Even though it is a little harder to find, my mother claims that the evening devotionals which are taken from Cowman's "Springs in the Valley"
are just as moving as the Morning devotionals (taken from "Springs in the Desert"), if not more so.

I have been reading the paperback devotional and I enjoy it greatly. It is non-judmental and very loving. My fave devotional!

I noticed that my mother was using the paperback edition of this devotional to write little prayer requests and thoughts in the margins. This prompted me to buy her the journal version of the devotional which gives her much more space to write and includes the same powerful devotionals. It was a great gift!

Another great idea is the "Devotions for Morning and Evening With Mrs. Charles E. Cowman : The Complete Daily Devotions of Streams in the Desert and Springs in the Valley". Even though it is a little harder to find, my mother claims that the evening devotionals which are taken from Cowman's "Springs in the Valley"
are just as moving as the Morning devotionals (taken from "Streams in the Desert"), if not more so.

I have been reading the paperback devotional and I enjoy it greatly. It is non-judmental and very loving. My fave devotional!

I have been reading the paperback devotional and I enjoy it greatly. It is non-judmental and very loving. My fave devotional!

I noticed that my mother was using her copy of this devotional to write little prayer requests and thoughts in the margins. This prompted me to buy her the journal version of the devotional which gives her much more space to write and includes the same powerful devotionals. It was a great gift!

Another great idea is the "Devotions for Morning and Evening With Mrs. Charles E. Cowman : The Complete Daily Devotions of Streams in the Desert and Springs in the Valley". Even though it is a little harder to find, my mother claims that the evening devotionals which are taken from Cowman's "Springs in the Valley"
are just as moving as the Morning devotionals (taken from "Springs in the Desert"), if not more so.

James Hadley Chase is the king of crime fiction! Believe me. He is my hero when it comes to story-telling. His stories are full of suspenses and thrill. He tells stories that are beyong your wildest imagination. Boy! what an author. I can't understand why his books are no longer printed. are all the publishers blind? James Hadley Chase is number one. You might say what about Christe Agathy and Sidney Sheldon. Well, they cannot even come close to him. Every page in his books is thrilling and fun. man! I wish you read them. Does anyone want to exchange his books with me. I have a collection of him.

The first James Hadley Chase' novel I read, "This way for a Shroud", lead me to another and then to another until I read almost all of them. That was a few years back, in Nigeria. Now I'm in Canada. Men! Was I disappointed there was none of his novels to be found in any bookstore. I want to have all his books in my book-shelve. I want to read all of them all over again. You don't get bored even though you read same about 20 times a day. I did that several times. I was again disappointed his books are out of print. What is the matter with everyone? Don't they know he is the KING of thriller writers? I'm always right there on the scene of action when reading his books. That is the feeling you get from the first page to after the last page. Can someone PLEASE tell me how or where to get any/all of his books? This is a desperate cry for help, anyone. Pi.

I am appalled that there is so little info on the novels of james hadley chase. i've read all his books and have collected most of them. his characters and plots, his language and pace are mindblowing. I started reading his books while in school and believe me, i still treasure them. Often i find i've forgotten parts of a novel and greatly relish reading it all over again. My only regret is that i've read them all. I wanted to read about chase the author and hence checked this site. I was appalled that most of his books are out of print and there is hardly any literature on the author. i read that he died some years ago. But he'll always live in our bookshelves. James Hadley Chase is the king of them all. Though i admit that movies based onhis books are terrible. I wonder why. Maybe it's because his books are movies in our head and nothing can really match that what we can imagine. LOve you jhc.

I was surprised I liked this book so much, because the cover is a cartoon and I was like, 'ugh, I dont know, but it sounds good', boy am I glad I read it and not judged a book by its cover! The male lead was perfect! Sexy and smart and sensitive. The ONLY two complaints I have with this book is the female lead(the fugitive) is kinda clingy and expects miracles out of John (the cop-male lead) but the plot made up for this flaw. The other complaint I had was that the chase between the crazy bounty hunter and Renee (female lead and the fugitive) ended too quickly and that the cabin scenes weren't enough. Other than that, it was great! Action, chase scenes and romance....ahhhh....was all perfect. John's family was wacky and fun and I am excited to read Ms. Graves next book about John's brother Alex. The bounty hunter was one of my favorites and added tons of humor to the story. Lots of funny scenes and humorous situations to make you laugh out loud. Especially the McDonald's scene...I will leave it to the imagination, or until you read it for yourself. Just remember...the drive-through and a fugitive and a cell phone....he he he he....

~Renee Esterhaus is on the run for a robbery she didn't commit. Now she is stuck in the middle of a small town in Texas with no money and a broken car and a crazy bounty hunter hot on her trail. With no more ideas and nothing left to do, she pulls together a scewy plan to save her hide. She will proposition the first guy she sees for one night of incredible sex in exchange for a ride out of town. The handsome man she finds sitting at the small coffee shop in 'hillbilly' Texas turns out to be a cop with a steel pair of handcuffs and no patience for criminals! This could only happen to her!

John DeMarco is on a much needed rest from his job as a detective in the piney woods where he is using the cabin his boss has given him to use to think. What he doesn't expect to encounter is a beautiful woman with a tempting proposal that he quickly learns was a way to trick him into getting her out of 'Dodge'! Besides the crazy bounty hunter that is after her and the story she tells him, he can't help but think she is innocent. Now, how to prove it? John is about to make one of the biggest mistakes of his life in order to prove to himself that Renee or Alice, as she is calling herself, is the angel she appears to be. But with what price? Harboring is a felony...but is love? Is she who she claims to be? Or some con artist who has perfected the art of lying so much that she can hide it in her eyes...

Well worth the money! A keeper! Encore Ms. Graves!

Tracy Talley~@

To some romance readers Jane Graves might be better known for her Harlequin titles under the name of Jane Sullivan. I GOT YOU, BABE is her first single title release and it is a very sexy, witty and funny debut.

On the run from the police and one mean bounty hunter, stuck with a broken down car, no money and no spare clothes, Renee Esterhaus needs to hitch a ride. And what better way to do it in the middle of Texas than offering a country hick a long and hot night of mind-blowing sex; too bad that the guy is John DeMarco, not a farmer, but a tough and edgy cop on a forced vacation.

I GOT YOU, BABE is a fast paced story laced with constant action and sparkling dialogue. It had me in giggles from the first page and groaning in embarrassment more than once. Minor characters add, in their over the top mannerisms and stereotypical behaviour, more than enough comic flavour. They might not be deep but definitely very entertaining.

I really loved this book. I loved it for its not'so-perfect heroine, for a hero that is trying so very hard to appear tough only to fail when around his chosen lady and for a sexual tension that is not just based on good looks but on trust

This is one author I will be watching out for and so should you!

I'm so surprised, but I ended up loving this book. This book was actually recommended to me by Amazon.com (you know, that thing that pops up and tells you that "if you are ordering X book, you may like Y book?) when I ordered a Jennifer Crusie book. I took a chance and ordered this novel by Jane Graves. Once I read the cover and scanned a few pages - I wasn't so sure. I'm glad I went ahead and read the book right off and didn't wait - it turned out to be a clever, fast-paced, and well written contemporary romance. You do have to suspend reality to accept the entire premise - realistically, I don't think John would have ever gotten himself involved with someone like Renee (or, at least Renee as she presented herself to him in that diner) but once you accept that fairy tale, the book just takes off. The characters are well written and the relationship between John and Renee is breathtaking - but rings true. John's family is very funny and adds a lot to the story - and that's where my problem is. I'm mad. Know why? Graves includes a sneak at her next book (not due out until Fall 2002!). In this one, she's apparently taking on John's older brother Alex, and I can't wait. I think I would have taken on brother Dave first - I can't imagine how we're going to come to love hot-headed, by-the-book-cop Alex! I hope we do get to meet all the clan one by one (sister Sandy too!!). Well done Ms. Graves!

This book has been a favorite of mine ever since the first time I read it. I read it all I can and lend it to ALL of my friends. There is so much to learn from this book, not only do you learn about horses and methods of training them, but you also learn about the human nature. You have Ken, the boy that only wanted one thing, a colt, but could not have one because of his forgetfullness. You've got Rob McLaughlin, a soldier boy who expects his boys to be army boys too. You've got Nell, the well-doer in this book, with a soft, kind heart.

I have to admit, when I first saw this book, I saw a big thick book. But then I read it , and now it is my favorite book! I loved how they gave such a description that you felt like you were there. I could realy relate to Ken, and how he stuck to what he did and was nervous about it. I liked how the love of Flicka stayed with Ken even when she was in pain. This is such a good book I recomend it to anyone!!!!

This is one of my favorite books ever!!! I could identify with Ken, being a daydreamer and a horse lover too. I get in trouble for forgetting things all the time, so I really understood how he felt. The way he loved Flicka, and wouldn't let his father sell her off with all the other of the Albino's offspring really moved me, and the way he cared for her and loved her the whole time, even when she was afraid of him. I've read this several times and I know I'll read it again. I just started The Red Pony and i still like My Friend Flicka MUCH more!!! I would recommend this to anyone!!!

When my Grandfather told me that I could have all of his Louis L'Amour books (24 in all and all of the "Sackett's") I was extremelly excited. I picked up this book ("Sackett's Land") and was immediately drawn into the world of Barnabas Sackett, I couldn't put it down and finished it in 2 hours. I great book and not a "Western" (so don't let that bother you). I guarantee that you will be enchanted with this one.

While I believe that I have read most of the Sackett novels, this first one was always my favorite. It is definately the most unusual of the series, indeed, of anything that I've read by Louis L'Amour.

Set in 1599, it is the story of Barnabas Sackett, founder of the Sackett clan in the New World. The Sacketts were fenmen (swamp men) eeking out an existance farming the little good land available to them, fishing for eels, smuggling, or going off to fight in the wars. It was the combination of the chance finding of a cache of Roman gold, along with a fight with an arrogant aristocrat, that put young Barnabas on the road to "adventure."

Fleeing to London, he meets the contacts that he will need to set sail for a new world and a new life. The sword fights, pirates, and sea battles that follow are not what you expect in a "western", but they are quite good never-the-less. Upon surviving to reach America (after Roanoke, but before Jamestown) Barnabas rapidly sizes up the territory and the inhabitants and resolves to start his family there- far from kings and aristocrats. When he hears of the "far blue mountains" from the Indians that he is trading with, he makes up his mind to one day travel to them- and beyond.

This novel which introduced us to the intriguing saga of the Sackett family is by far the best of the series. Set in 17th century England and America, this book creates vivid images of life during a time when freedom was not a given right, but something you had to fight for. The courageous Barnabas Sackett flees to America to start a new life with nothing but the clothes on his back and a deep sense of pride. Struggling to survive in the wild untamed land of what is now the USA, Barnabas finds himself faced with escaping from vicious pirates, battling the elements of the weather, and often times being the first white man to come face to face with the American Indians of the region. L'Amour does a fine job at telling this adventurous tale which will keep you flipping the pages from start to finish.

Keller's classic book on Psalms 23 provides unique insights into the conduct & character of mankind.
If the reader can not gag on the continual self-promotion of Keller, smeared throughout the booklet, it remains a very good choice for devotional reading.
A better title may have been "Shepherd exalts himself while commenting on Psalm 23".
Spend the [money], it's still worth it.

Mr. Keller is very good at bringing to life the shepherd's view as expressed in the 23rd Psalm. He is personally aquainted with the Eastern way of sheep ranching, which of couse is the method employed and understood by David, the psalm's writer. More than just being insightful into the shepherd's mind-set and references, he takes us beyond the physical realm to the spiritual applications that were intended by the the Lord, who inspired David to write it. Herein lies the real worth of this book, because we are brought to see the Great Shepherd, Jesus Christ, and how He is caring for the sheep of His pasture. It brings great comfort to know the love and care that My Shepherd exhibits for me. I recommend it to read by all those who have called upon the Lord and have let Him be their Shepherd. As they read this book they'll understand in a far deeper way the psalms' opening line, "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want." I also recommend it to those who ! ! are seeking such an encounter with the Lord God. He is patiently waiting your surrender. God bless you and brother Keller.

My brother bought this book for me and started my addiction to Mr. Keller's writings. I read the book through and only put it down with great reluctance. Mr. Keller took one of the most beloved of Psalms and made it so that I was not only able to understand it better, but I could see the "subtle colors" in it. I not only love this Psalm for why I first read it, I can see more of the background to the picture that God was painting for us through David's hand. I would not only recommend this book for ANYONE, I have bought copies of it to use for presents. If you read it, you will be happy to pass it out to someone that you love. Mr. Keller has written in such a style that you will enjoy reading his book and then go back into your Bible and read what the Lord has written for us with a lot more joy in your heart for His provision.

One os Sandra Brown's early romances, "Tiger Prince" is light read perfect for escaping the rut of everyday life. Derek is a perfect hero, and Caren is a charming heroine. The storyline is so romantic, the love scenes so steamy and sensual, that the book is impossible to put down. This is one of those books that cheer you up when life is difficult.

What an excellent excape! It's the type of book you can read on a long flight and before you know it you're there. It was such a page turner that I couldn't put it down. This was the first book I've read from Sandra Brown - now I can't wait to read her others - she could be my new 'favorite author'. I highly recommend this book.

I received the Sandra Brown book Tiger Prince from a very good friend after I returned home from the hospital. I had to be home from work for 7 weeks and she said this was a good book to be home with. WOW was she right. I loved it. Derek and Caren were the most romantic couple. It was sensual and will certainly hold your interest page after page. I've began my second Sandra Brown book, The Witness, recently and once again she's captivated me with her writing. I can't wait to finish this one and begin another. Sandra Brown is a wonderful romance author!