I hardly know where to begin in describing this wonderful story told by a master storyteller, Francine Rivers. It is simply one of the best novels I have ever read. I highly recommend it to anyone, but especially to those who have had difficult lives and struggle to accept themselves for who they really are: loveable and beautiful in the sight of God. I was moved to tears by the story of Angel, and the wonderful man of God named Michael Hosea, who perseveres to show her the unconditional love of God. Coming from a difficult past myself, I saw my own broken, needy heart in the person of Angel. "Redeeming Love" is one of those books that doesn't just move you--it changes you. God really used it in my own life, and I know He can use it in so many others' as well! I strongly recommend it!

I have read a lot of books and I have a lot of favorites (some, I thought to be "the best book I've ever read"), so when my friend gave me this book on tape to listen to, I didn't really want to. I had my favorite authors and had never heard of Francine Rivers. Why listen to it? WOW! Has Ms. Rivers changed my mind. I must say this is absolutely, unequivocally, the best book I have ever read (well listened to!)

It's a thought-provoking feel-good story! I love it! You will not be disappointed. Half-way through listening to it I got on-line and bought it! I can't wait until it gets here to hold it in my hands and savor every word!!

Ok, I know you read the reviews, and it's always " oh this is a great book," or " you just have to read it," " its the best book in the whole wide world" and you think, "yep, heard that line said before..." well, I don't want you to think that I'm just writing this review and coming up with those lines. BUT I'm serious, this is the best book I have ever read. I have a read a ton of books in my day, and Francine Rivers is by far the best author I have come across. I also recommend the Mark of the Lion series by her. Those were excellent also. Francine Rivers has wonderfuly portrayed the book of Hosea through this story. It shows God's unconditional love for us, no matter what we've done in the past. He loves for who we are. Its wonderful, isn't it? I highly recommend these books and I hope all of you who read them enjoy them as much as I did.

This is a great book, which I strongly suggest. My sister had told me that it was a great book and that I should read it. At first I didn't believe her because we sometimes have different ideas on which books are good and which books are bad. I read it and was very glad that I had listened to her, because if I hadn't, I would have been missing out on a really great book. It starts out with Onua, the horse manager for the king, looking around to buy horses. She meets Daine, a girl with only a horse for family. Onua hires Daine as a helper. Daine rescues Numair Salmalin, when he is in the shape of a hawk. When he is well and back in the shape of a human, he, Onua, and Daine go back to the palace. Numair finds out that Daine has Wild Magic, which is a type of magic that lets her talk to animals and heal animals. I don't want to give away the whole story, so that's all that I'll tell you.

This is one of my favorite books that I have ever read. I am absolutely addicted to fantasy books and definately all of Tamora Pierce's books are the best I've ever read. You'll love taking an adventure through these pages. It's got everything that a good book needs: humor, magic, emotion, love, and hate. I hate to repeat what some other reviewers may have said, but I feel I can connect with all the characters, and I hope you can too. I bought this book just on the basis that I liked Tamora Pierce, and I was not disappointed.
Daine, a young girl who lost her family not too long ago, has a special gift with animals. She can understand and talk to them. She can even make them do things for her, though she prefers to ask. She made a home with wolves for awhile after the incident, and she started acting like one herself. Now, she fears to steep too deeply into her powers in case the "madness" will reoccur. On her journeys she meets many memorable characters that everyone will love: Numair Salmalin, a very powerful mage who changed his name to sound more impressive, Onya, a stubborn but likable companion, Alanna, one of the first female knights in one hundred years with violet eyes and strong powers, and others. For some unknown reason, immortals have been escaping in the human world from the gates of the Divine Realms. Dragons, Stormwings, even giant spiders have come through. Most are evil beings that can live for eternity, but some are quieter and gentler beings (well maybe not gentler). Even you aren't that into fantasy, trust me. You'll love this book. With great characters, a great plot, and great magic, this book has it all! Be careful of night reading, because you won't be able to put this book down. Trust me, I know from experience. Anyways, buy this book, or, if you don't want to pay, at least get it from the library.

This book is set in the land of Tortall during the reign of King Jonathan the III and Queen Thayet. A girl named Daine and her horse Cloud travels to a fair in Cria.A trader named Onua questions Daine and almost doesn't accept to take her with her. Though, eventually Onua does. And the start of an adventure begins.

Daine meets up with Alanna(one of the Queen's riders) and a shape-shifting man named Numari Salmalin. Both of they are gifted, Numair being a mage. They encounter Stormwings, which haven't been seen for centuries.

For unanswered reasons the immortals have escaped their imprisonment in the Divine Realms. Wrecking havoc where ever they go. Alanna, Numair and Daine have planned their way to go to Pirate's Swoop. On the way Numair and Alanna sense a strange power in Daine. One that has not be seen for years. Daine has Wild Magic, the ability to communicate with animals. Numair helps her train, helping her control it more.

This book is one of my top five favorite books. It is really amazing and I'm not just saying that. Tamora Pierce has crafted an excellent novel and it's shame she hasn't won any awards for it(correct me if I'm wrong). It's one of those books you pick up and can't stop reading. Somethings were unclear in the begining but they all straightened themselves out in the end. But some questions were left unaswered so some plot could be used for the next novel, Wolf Speaker.

I reccommend this book to anyone who likes to read. I'm not that really into fantasy, but I LOVED IT! Trust me, this book is worth the read.

Robert McCammon has created a magical adventure in his book, Boy's Life. The 1960's in the deep South in the town of Zephyr, Alabama is the setting for a year in the life of eleven-year-old Cory Mackenson. What a year it is! Get set for a roller coaster ride of danger and adventure. McCammon captures the innocence of childhood with a bit of mystery, magic, and suspense to make the reader not want to put the book down. Every time I thought I had everything figured out, something else happened to change it all. Cory and his father find themselves in deep trouble that just keeps getting deeper. The characters of Boy's Life are plentiful and full of life. Cory and his best friends, Ben Sears, Johnny Wilson, and Davy Ray Callan encounter an intriguing array of people along their childhood journey. The hilarious Demon, the eccentric Vernon Thaxter, the bigger-than-life Owen Cathcoate, and the Lady are just a few of the characters you'll be introduced to. Some are comical, mysterious, and endearing. Other characters will make your skin crawl. Their twists and turns through life in Zephyr will keep you turning the pages. Perhaps you'd like a little fantasy thrown in. Just wait. Boy's Life has just enough fantasy to make it magical, but at the same time, I found myself saying "Maybe it really could happen." Ghostly apparitions, swamp monsters, demonic monkeys (Lucifer is hilarious), messages from the grave, and an extinct carnival attraction are just a few of the fantasies waiting for the reader. Whatever you're looking for in a book, Boy's Life has it all.

As an eighth grade English teacher, my most difficult mission is to have students metamorph into active readers. To accomplish this, I am constantly adding to my personal classroom library, searching for well-crafted novels in an effort to lure students into the powerful realm of literature. This year, I decided to pick books geared toward boys, and on my jaunt, I stumbled across Boy's Life on an off-the-cuff recommendation; what a treasure I unearthed. Unfortunately, the thickness of Boy's Life deterred me and any student from reading it. By the year's end, with its spine intact, I found myself casting the novel in my pile of books to read over the summer. Soon enough, however, I found myself clutched in the arms of the pages, and I could not put Boy's Life down. The tale of Cory MacMackenson's journey through boyhood, all that he encountered, whether fascination or terror or basic boyish thrill, was captured in artistry detail and a brilliant craft of language. No person should go to "the other world across the river" without soaking up the words Robert McCammon has strung together in this magical masterpiece.

If you don't enjoy this book, there is a good chance you may have forgotten what it means to be a child - experiencing the wonders and mysteries of the world around you, completely open and receptive to any and all stimuli. Boy's Life is a step toward fantasy (and away from Horror) for McCammon. Those of us who "discovered" McCammon as a horror writer shouldn't be surprised at the slight change in direction, considering all the fantasy elements in Swan Song (which I also highly recomend), but Boy's Life is a tour de force. Cory Mackenson is a character everyone can relate to in some way, and his story covers the entire range of emotions. You'll laugh hysterically in church, cry on the baseball diamond, swell with pride in an empty street, cringe in terror in a flooded house, and everything in between. I have read this book 3 times, and each time I have been loathe to put it down, uplifted when the end comes but, like a child, sad that the ride is over. Read this book and feel young again!

Having alrady been awakened to the power of prayer by Dr Phil and Oprah I was thrilled when another 'prayer' wife bought me this book as a gift last sewing bee meeting. i've always wondred if my husband spending time with his old navy buddies every weekend was a way of avoiding me and our sexual life together. i followed omarten's asdvice and prayed that he would love me again but now he's spending so much time at the *lan meetings that i never see him at all. why has god forsaken me? i prayed that God would allow me to understand his delight in regular lynchings of minorities, but now i feel that i can't accept it any longer, no matter what my local government official reccommends. i left the book on the trouser press hoping dan (name has been changed) would pick it up and see how much i prayed for him, but he said he doesn't want a praying wife or a baby. now he wants a divorce. prayer did not make my marriage better and now i feel like eating twinkies forever.

I don't agree with the previous critics. This is a very good book which is neither "potentially damaging" nor does Stormie Omartian treat God as a "magician".

This is not a book just for wives whose marriages are in peril. Quite the contrary, it's for women who want to find peace and contentment in every situation.

The only way I could perceive this to be potentially damaging is if someone were to use this book as the only means by which to find reconciliation in a troubled marriage - and I'm certain Mrs. Omartian would agree that this book SHOULD NOT replace christian marriage counseling.

I don't believe the essence of the book was to pray that God would reshape the thinking of a tormented wife and conform her to what her husband would consider ideal...not even that any woman should try to CHANGE her husband through prayer, just because they differ in a variety of situations - even extreme. Anyone who gets that from the book, didn't read deep enough to get the protein.

I am not a tormented wife and I have been happly married for 8 years and I was able to finish the book with a renewed outlook. Yes - there are things that even happily married, non-newlyweds can learn about marriage and how to make it better - even when it's already great.

I'd be lying if I said I never asked God to change my husband. The truth is I have done that, but I was wrong.

One of the many gems I received from the book was that when there are times when my husband and I don't agree on something that we both know we should agree on, it's much easier to get through it when I fall to my knees and ask God to help me see what my husband sees, but only through God's eyes - not through my husband's eyes. Even if the prayer is not immediately answered, prayer helps you get through it.

For the women who have come away with the impression that Mrs. Omartian is teaching that women alone should be the ones willing to change because their husbands won't - your misinterpreting the message. This book is called "The Power of a Praying WIFE". It would probably be easier to swallow if Mr. Omartian would compose "The Power of a Praying Husband" too.

Despite 6 wonderful years as a couple (almost 2 married), my husband and I over the past 2 months have come under a lot of stress, frustration, anger, and resentment. Some of it was work related, the other half, was how we were not supporting each other as we needed like in the past. Of course we never planned it, but nontheless, next thing I knew my husband told me he did not know how he felt about anything anymore.

While this hit me like a runaway freight train, I tried to "seek some answers" - none of which I seemed to find. Then I found Stormie's book The Power of a Praying Wife. I cannot begin to tell you how this has changed my life, my thinking and my marriage.

To quote: "the power of a praying wife is not means of gaining control over your husband, so don't get your hopes up. Its about the opposite! Its laying down claim to power in and of yourself, and relying on God's power to transform you, your husband, your circumstances, and your marriage. This power is not given to wield like a weapon in order to beat back an unruly beast. It's a gentle tool of restoration appropriated through prayers of a wife who longs to do right more than be right, and to give life more than get even. Its a way to invite God's power into your husband's life for his greatest blessing, which is ultimately yours."

When I first heard about this book, I was sceptical - I have always been independent (graduate degree, financially secure, did not change my name when I got married etc...) But, I was desperate. My husband and I always shared a close, affectionate lifestyle; hardly any disagreements. But, next thing I knew...things were not what they seemed.

I wish I had read this book earlier. It talks about praying for your husband, but there were so many things in there were I realized it was me who was not living up to God's expectations as a wife. As this has helped me...and I have noticed positive changes in my husband, I can only pass my learnings along. If only one person finds this book as beneficial as I have, then I will be elated. For those in marriages, in relationships, or neither right now, I highly recommend this book. It is a good reality check.

Nothing is more ho-hum than a formulaic love story between the poor little rich girl and the dashing impoverished bum who find their destinies are inextricably linked. Readers know that, and so, much to my delight, does Judith McNaught.

Meredith and Matthew were star-crossed lovers if there ever was a pair. Meredith Bancroft, the late-blooming daughter of a department store dynasty, meets and marries (for that oh, so timeless reason of being pregnant) Matthew Farrell, a young man from the wrong side of the tracks determined to conquer the business world. Due to circumstances beyond their control, the two divorce, with bitter feelings on both sides of the aisle.

Fast forward eleven years... Meredith is next in line to take over the family business and Matthew is swimming in billions. Unfortunately, with all that money, he can't find another city in the world to live it than Chicago, Meredith's hometown. After being thrown back into the societal soup together, Meredith discovers she and Matt are not legally divorced. Uh oh...

Matt and Meredith are McNaught's second most exciting couple, behing Whitney and Clayton. There was so much drama in this novel, toward the end I wasn't even sure the two would end up together. I should never have feared. McNaught, in a singularly brilliant plot-twist, brings the two back together, where you know they belong.

There is no better beach book, as far as I'm concerned. I devoured this one. Even if you scoff at "romances" (and, well, I sometimes do), you'll enjoy this book if you're in the mood for something fabulous and light with plenty o' action to propel you through. "Paradise" goes over the top, but doesn't take itself too seriously. There is quite a bit of humor (intentional, amusing humor) and fairly normal situations (i.e. arguing over a Monopoly game or having to deal with some obnoxious preppies) thrown in to ground the story, but it still has the delicious trimmings that go with gorgeous main characters and a wealthy social setting. The heroine is a super blend of warmth, humbleness, sass and Grace Kelly class. One wishes one knew her. And the dashing hero is down to earth enough to love his sister and build relationships based on trust. If the character of Meridith's father is one-dimensional and a pseudo-mystery subplot is rather weak, they comprise a small part of the story, so who cares? This is a fun, sexy book. Buy it and keep it on the shelf for an occaisonal re-read.

Is worth fighting for as Matthew Farrell and Meredith Bancroft prove in this blissful book by Judith McNaught. This book will keep you riveted from the first! You'll experience so many emotions and such intense feelings -- love, hate, grief, joy, sadness, anger and frustration -- that when you're finished you'll feel like you've just stepped off an emotional roller coaster that left you wanting more. Remember to have a box of Kleenex handy when you begin -- you'll need them! Matthew and Meredith are some of the very best characters I've ever had the privilege to read about. They're true-to-life, three dimensional and so real that their emotions jump from the pages and weave themselves around you making the story come to life vividly. Matthew is the absolute definition of a romantic hero. Though hurt long ago by his true love he realizes he still wants her and does everything in his power to prove to her that they belong together. The way he stoically stands by his resolve to have Meredith for his own is beautiful. Though she feels betrayed by Matt, something inexplicably draws Meredith to him every time they meet. Watching Meredith burst free from the confines of her life that say she should not be with Matt is wonderful. The love between these two is explosive and oh-so-passionate! They have a deep and abiding love that even time and sordid lies could not kill. Ms. McNaught has a keen talent to make you experience her work and feel as if you've stepped into the story. Her secondary characters are just as fleshed out as her main characters and become quite real themselves. Meredith's father is a hard, bitter and selfish man who makes everyone's life miserable. I actually wanted to climb into the book and choke a fictional character! I really loved the way that Ms. McNaught showed the growth of her characters. Each character reshapes and expands throughout the book giving the reader a deeper insight into their personalities while keeping the characters genuine. By the end of the book Meredith's father even changes into someone half-way likable. I appreciated the look at Meredith's youth that gave insight into the things that shaped her as a woman and I also adored the look into the future of our couple. The plot was also outstanding -- I became engrossed in the business world that Ms. McNaught so realistically created. I can't say enough good things about this book! My first by Judith McNaught that left me wanting to rush to the nearest bookstore and snatch up all her work. Don't be daunted by the length, this book will fly by and before you know it you'll be at the end. Don't forget to search up _Perfect_ by Ms. McNaught, I hear Meredith and Matt are mentioned in that book as well. Please don't hesitate to buy this book it's one of the best I've ever read.

I read an Anne of Green Gables many, many years ago and immediatly fell in love. At once, I went out and bought the entire series, loving each book more than the one before. This is a line of books I would highly recommend to anyone, of any age. It is truly my favorite set of books. No matter how many times I have read it...and my first copy had fallen apart years ago...I laugh and cry just as hard as I did the first time. Anne of Green Gables 2, or Anne's House of Dreams, is a wonderful story of a couple just starting out in marriage. Moving from their friendly town of Avonlea, they started out anew, in a little cottage by the seashore. Gilbert, Anne's husband, is a young doctor, beginning his practice. They make many new friends, each more interesting than the last. There is even a mystery to unravel in their midst! Romance galore, love, friendship and dreams unfold before our eyes. Even when we read of their tragedies, we hurt along with them, feeling their pain. That is how well this book is written. Read it, enjoy it and buy the whole set. You will never regret it!

Anne of Green Gables is one of the first books to make me fall in love...with it. I mean, it was cute, it was lesson teaching (hehe, that sounds strange), and Anne was just such a good character. She sort of reminded me of me: bad temper (I've gotten much cooler now, haha), big words, amazing imagination, smart (haha, well, I was and am PRETTY SMART, at least, I think, haha). Gilbert reminded me of this guy at school...haha, well, I won't get into details there, but the book was charming, and I've already read it over four times in only like three years, which is sort of alot. I loved this book, and I believe that many other people will learn to appreciate its cuteness and truth and stuff over the years, hehe. Enjoy!

When I first read this book many years back, I loved it, and was sad for it to end when I finished reading it. I loved every single part of it...I simply couldn't put it down. Anne is such a character...you can't help liking her more and more, and wishing that she was your own "bosom friend" just as I did. While reading, I was transported back to that time, and I could just see Avonlea and Green Gables, the school which Anne studied in, and I could see Diana and Miss Stacy and Gilbert just as if they were my own friends.

I loved this book, and read it many times over again after I first picked it up, and it still delighted me. Lucy Maud Montgomery is a stunning writer, and I believe that she must have been like Anne, for no one could create such a realistic character and write everything that poured out of Anne's mouth...her made up stories, the things that she she thought of, her wild yet delightful imagination...all in all, Anne of Green Gables is one of the finest books I've ever read, and were ever written. I strongly recommend it to anyone, old or young. Everyone can relate to Anne and she could make you smile like she did for me.

Beagle's dreamy prose would be reason enough to read this fantastic fantasy novel, but the interesting plot, memorable characters, and subtle underlying plot about the need for truth and justice in the world is one that every reader will take with them to the end of thier lives. The major characters (the beautiful unicorn who becomes Amalthea, failed magician Shmendrick, and jaded scullery maid Molly Grue) are all very real, relatable characters, and not the ones you'd find in a typical fantasy. Lir is likable and realistic as the "Hero", minor characters such as the cat and the spider are lovable, and even the villains (the people of Hagsgate, Haggard, and Mommy Fortuna) are not typical villains. Beagle makes his novel so memorable, perhaps because instead of relating to the perfect heroine, the reader relates more to Molly Grue, or Shmendrick, or even Haggard. The Bull and the Unicorn are symbols - it is the human characters of this book that make it what it is. The ending of this novel is perfect - it left me in tears, and I couldn't decide if I was happy or sad. I could rant and rave about the splendor and beauty of this novel forever, but it wouldn't make any difference. Peter S. Beagle's novel "The Last Unicorn" is perhaps the best book ever written, certainly the best fantasy novel, and I give it the highest reccomendation I can possibly give. Get it now!

The Last Unicorn is one of most astounding books I have ever read. Not only because of the story, which is a fairytale in every sense of the word, but also because of Beagle's flawless writing, which weaves a spell of words and images that I find myself willingly ensnared in every time I open its pages. I find myself lingering over each sentence, each word, and I am astounded by the care with which he tells this tale.

Once upon a time, there was a unicorn. A beautiful unicorn... who was all alone. She sets out on a journey to seek others of her kind and is joined on her travels by a bumbling magician and an old spinster, neither of who are what they first appear to be. Encountering magical monsters, outlaws and suspicious townspeople, the three travelers find themselves at the gate of a forbidding castle wherein lives a cruel king and a gentle prince. It is in the walls of this castle that the truth lies. But can they accept what the truth will bring?

Beagle tells an amazing tale, of love and loss, of heartache and hope. Each of the characters in his work has such life and depth, and I see myself in each and every one of them. From an inept magician who desperately seeks to be more than what he is to the outlaws who cry out with loss of that which they have never known, there is so much life in these few short pages that I find myself reading and rereading each page, afraid lest I miss something. When Schmendrick cries, "I'll make you into a bad poet with dreams!" I want to laugh, but at the same time I want to cry with pity, with unexplainable sorrow for something I can't quite understand and am not sure I want to.

The Last Unicorn is about more than just a quest for unicorns. It is also a story about the things that we love and what we will do - or not do - for that love. It is about what really defines a hero, and what constitutes a happy ending. But most of all, it is about magic. Joy. Sadness. Beauty. It is about all the things we are and all the things we long to be. It is a breathtakingly beautiful story by a wonderful writer, and I recommend it as one of the best books I have ever read.

I have read this book a numerous amount of times and I still learn something new every time. It starts out making you think that it's generally about a unicorn who cannot find others like herself in the world. A butterfly comes by and tells her that a creature called the Red Bull has driven all the unicorns into the sea for his owner, King Haggard. This unicorn was the last. So the unicorn sets out on a journey that would forever change her life. Along the way, she meets a want-to-be wizard, but he is only a kindly skinny magician. And a woman named Molly Grue. When finally they reach King Haggard's castle, the Red Bull senses the unicorn's presence. The only way the unicorn can escape and save her people is by turning into something else. So her magician turns her into a human. They get into King Haggard's castle and stay there for a while. And as the unicorn becomes more human, she forgets that she was once a unicorn and she forgets her mission and why she actually came to King Haggard's castle. And through everything, the unicorn learns to love, cry, and even regret. And as her last few touching words, she says, "I am the only unicorn that regrets. I regret. And I thank you for that, too." It's a must read for any emotional lover of fantasy. Or even anyone who isn't. You'll love it. It's an amazing look at the human world of emotions through the eyes of a creature who has just began to feel them.

This book is one of my favorites! It's about a mouse named Mrs. Frisby (she's a widow) and her children. They always have to move every year because they live near a farm and the farmer always harvest the place. If they stay, they'll be squashed flat. So they always move. But this year, Mrs. Frisby's youngest child, Timothy falls sick. He's soooo sick that he can't move! So (of course), they can not move that year. But if Mrs. Frisby's family won't move, then they'll all die. But if they do move, then Timothy will die. Mrs. Frisby asks for help and she encounters a friendly crow, a wise owl, and Dragon the CAT!! (She's nearly killed by the cat) The owl tells her that there are rats who can help her. Mrs. Frisby asks then but can they help her? They're all only RATS. But what's going on underneath that rose bush where they are living? They are bring TOOLS. But why? Read it, you'll find out!

Your nose will be buried in this book if you start reading it! You have to get it!

Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH is one of the best books that I have ever read. It has now sold over 1 million copies as well as being extremley well regared by the critics. Why is this book so good? Well for starters, it has a perfect no holes plot with intelligent writing and believable characters. The book is also very imaginitive and suspensful. When I first read it in grade 3 I thought it was a great story and that was it. However now that I am older (17) I can tell it has much more depth. The author had a view that we should respect the environment and be hardworking, so he gave the Rats that quality. He also believed in interdependance; helping one another. For example, Mrs. Frisby helps the crow and then he helps her in return. Without the aid of several characters in this novel, Mrs. Frisby would never have been able to solve her dilema. And of course I love that line from Jenner, "people are our cows." I highly reccomend this Newbery Medal award winning book

This story has long been one of my favorites and deserves to be a (future) Classic. O'Brien introduces many serious issues into his fascinating yet charming tale about a fieldmouse mother who desperately needs help to save her family. When Farmer Fitzgibbon prepares to plow up his vegetable garden, it proves an annual Day of Judgment for all the creatures who forage therein. Mrs. Frisby's quiet determination to save her invalid child leads her on a perilous quest, during which her matnernal devotion and courage will be tested.

To willingly enter the home of an owl, to humbly approach the clannish rats in the rosebush, to expose herself to a hungry cat, this tiny fieldmouse proves equal to all demands upon her trembling heart--a true and worthy wife to the late Jonathan Frisby. Her husband has earned the respect of many creatures, including the owl and the secretive rats. She gradually discovers that she (and her children in particular) are much more than they seem.

Just who Are these rats who know so much, who possess so many human inventions, who can read and write, who have even acquired a sense of morality? Why are they called "mechanized" and consider themselves "civilized?" How and where does a private rat Society fit in with normal rats and normal humans--with all their foibles? Can timid Mrs. Frisby help them in their endeavor to find a peaceful and pro-social environment free of human interference? Then too, why should the rats bother about her problem, when their very existence is threatened? O'Brien reminds us of the dangers of genetic tampering, and points out the similarities between both rat and human species when it comes to issues like theft, power struggle, greed, and lust for fame, as well as self sacrifice, courage, faith and hope. This is a wonderful and highly-enjoyable read--not just for kids!

Elizabeth Cameron and Ian Thornton fall in love almost at first sight. When Ian proposes for Elizabeth's hand in marriage, he had no idea that she was a Countess, and already engaged to someone else. Elizabeth's brother (her guardian) comes on time to save Elizabeth from marrying Ian, but causes a big scene. People at the ton find out about Elizabeth's behaviour through gossip and thus causing a scandal for her. 2 years later, Ian and Elizabeth meet again. Ian treats Elizabeth hostilely, but Elizabeth endures it all, because she realizes that she still loves him, and vice versa when Ian discovers that he was trying too hard to get her out of his life. And so, this begins their quest for love.

This is my favorite romance novel of all-time. I have never, ever read such an emotional novel before. Judith McNaught has an incredible ability to write solid novels. With Elizabeth Cameron's character she was able to write Elizabeth as a young, innocent, naive girl of seventeen, and this was prior to her scandal. After almost 2 years later, when she meets Ian for the first time since her scandal (caused by him!) there is this new transition in Elizabeth's character and as a reader you can tell that she's grown up and matured. I did not believe that she was a weak character, she is probably one of McNaught's strongest heroines. A must read! This book is pack with details, and many tear jerker scenes.

I came onto this sight to look at the reveiws for Almost Heaven. I read the book a while ago and really loved it. Then, I saw that some one named Kelly had already reviewed it. Strange, I thought. But the other Kelly was not me! I'm not review it twice! Anyway, back to the book...

If only Elizabeth Cameron had listned to the little rule, rules were made to be broken, she may have had a less complicated life when she met Ian Thornton. They fall in love over a weekend at a country party, and Ian proposes, not knowing Elizabeth's standing in Society (she's a countess) and that she is laready bethrothed. Her brother comes charging into the scene, yells foul things at Ian and reveals the truth about Elizabeth. Elizabeth is heartbroken as she watches sadness turn into hate in Ian's eyes. She knows she loves him, but dosen't have the courage to say it. Her brother mysteriously dissaperes, and Elizabeth is ruined by the scandal. Two years later, Elizabeth and Ian meet again and Elizabeth discovers she still loves Ian, and the same feelings come from him. But as a dark secret is revealed fron their pasts, will Elizabeth and Ian find true happiness?

One reason I loved this book was that Ian was one of the most romantic heroes I have ever read about. I agree with a previous reveiwer that he says some heart stopping and heart melting things. You love him so much, and wish for a man like him for your own someday. Elizabeth was very naive at the begining, but transforms into a more organic and caring person the second time around. The book was written very thoughtfully and lets you feel every emotion known to man. I laughed, I cried, and I totally fell in love with this book. If you are a fan of Judith's or if you are just getting started, this is definatly a book for you. This was my first JM, and I have read everything that I could of hers since then.

At the age of 18, I have only read about 30 romance novels, most of which were only "so-so". From the moment I read "Once and Always" by JM, I was in complete and utter awe at her talent; I couldn't seem to get enough of her work! "Almost Heaven", however, is without a doubt my favorite one of them all. The characters are so lovable and seem so REAL, making it almost impossible to put the book down. (even at 2 in the morning on a work day :) Elizabeth is wonderfully witty and intelligent; who knew that this sweet, charming girl possessed such an uncanny knack for bargaining? Ian is definitely the man of my dreams. Yes, he was stubborn and extremely exasperating at times, but he said things to Elizabeth that made ME swoon! This book captivates you from the first page to the last; I love it so much, I'm in the process of reading it for the seventh time as we speak...so you can probably guess how highly I recommend it!!

In Mario Puzo's The Godfather, he uses the crimes of a family and their Italian heritage to show how it affects a large loving family. I thought this was an excellent book, because the plot sequence was amazing with constant twists and suspense. The irony of this book comes through the crime boss Vito Corleone who is a kind-hearted and loyal friend of all who come to him with a request. However, he makes his living off of corruption and death which really doesn't affect the reader's attitude towards this loving character. The vicious side of the mafia comes through Vito's son Sonny. Sonny's rage leads to the death of many mob-related characters as well as to the his own death which is another irony evident in this novel. The Godfather uses masterful description of each member's life and how mob-life affected them. Another example of irony in The Godfather is the youngest son Michael's situation. At the beginning of the novel, Michael is returning from World War II and has no part in the family business. However, when his father nears death after gunshot wounds, Michael is drawn into the family business and chooses to pay back the antagonist Solozzo by spilling his blood for the sake of the family. Michael becomes the leader of the family after his father and Sonny die and he returns from Italy after things die down about his assasination of Solozzo. This transformation from an upstanding servant of the country to a crime boss looking out for the wellbeing of his family alone is the ulimate irony in this novel. Women and children are not major characters in the novel, because Puzo uses them to show how the mobs goal was to keep the innocent free from encountering their violent troubles. Puzo incorporates the lives of everyone involved in this crime family to show how much love and loyalty lead to their success and rage and deceit lead to their downfall. After reading the novel, I gained a greater appreciation for the movie which I had seen earlier and an understanding of how loyalty leads to power in the world.

The Godfather provides the reader with an understanding of friendship, love, respect, and loyalty. Most people think negatively when they think of the Italian Mafia, but Puzo managed to get across a deep and powerful message of how family and truth are the root of life. Such a point can be used to describe anyone's life. I highly recommend this book for all those who believe in respect, honor, and truth. If anyone can get a copy of Puzo's book the Sicilian it would be a great addition to the Godfather. It is connected to the Godfather, yet a new story all together. I also recommend Mario Puzo's Fortunate Pilgrim which explains the depth of family. And the book Capo (the author's name escapes me) is an excellent novel on Sicilian Mafia facing the truths of betrayal, love, and the city of New Orleans. The Godfather is a book for anyone who enjoys the tales of Italian Mafia.

I came to read 'The Godfather' after recently viewing the classic film series about a mafia family, the Corleones, and their stuggle for power and survival in the face of the violent world of crime to which they belong. I was hoping that the book would expand on the characterisations and plot lines portrayed on the screen. The book did not disappoint. It is fast paced, full of suspense, and develops a host of interesting characters.

The central character is Don Vito Corleone, the head of the Corleone family. He is the 'Godfather', a powerful patriarch who has refused to allow society to bend him to its will. Instead he has constructed his own society where 'respect', 'honour', and above all 'family' are the key notes. But this Sicilian counter-culture is a violent one, and power has its price. Don Corleone is the victim of an assassination attempt which threatens the destruction of all he holds dear.

The most pleasing thing about the book is Puzo's style, descriptive, yet very tight. He is essentially a master story teller. I am ignorant as to how faithfully he presents the Mafia world, but there are no holds barred in his realism about violence, ruthlessness, and brutality. His depiction is a chilling and thoroughly gripping read. A brilliant feature are the cameo tales of the story's lesser lights, such as Luca Brasi, Lucy Mancini, and Amerigo Bonasera. These add a depth and richness to the tale Puzo weaves.

The only negative note for me was the fairly frequent and graphic depiction of sex. Of course, Puzo's frankness about this is fully in keeping with his treatment of violence and the like, but it was just a little much for my taste at times.

'The Godfather' is very exciting, though not profound. A Classic of its type.