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Book reviews for "Frinta,_Mojmir_Svatopluk" sorted by average review score:
These Is My Words: The Diary of Sarah Agnes Prine, 1881-1901 (Wheeler Large Print Book Series (Cloth))
Published in Hardcover by Wheeler Pub (1999)
Author: Nancy E. Turner
Amazon base price: $26.95
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Enjoyable, romantic and sometimes unbelievable
This book captivted me with it's love story and unique style of protrayal (journal entries). While the romance of Sarah and Jack and the setting near my own hometown (Tucson, AZ)kept me reading, it left my husband bored. He agrees the story is sweet and some of the action interesting, but at times unrealistic. We both agree that Sarah appears to be Annie Oakley in the beginning of the book (a perfect shot is a bit hard to believe). But on the whole if you are looking for romance, some action and some unique characters this book is a wonderful read. I admit for a any short comings I found myself engrossed all the same.

A love story above all
As I read other customer's reviews, I agree that Sarah is an attractive heroine--we can't help but be drawn to her character. Yet for me the highlight of the novel is the character of Captain Jack Elliot. I found my heart beating so fast each time he was mentioned in one of Sarah's journal entries, just as if I had fallen in love with him myself! Comparisons of Jack and Sarah to Rhett and Scarlett are very shallow; this pair beats the Gone With the Wind couple hands down! Oh where are the Jack Elliot's of our day? If only we had more men like him, men whose love is pure and selfless, who love their mates with everything that is within them, and then some! Nancy Turner, you have swept me away with your beautiful protrayal of Jack and Sarah. Thanks for such a thrilling, all-consuming novel, and for the opportunity to "live" the lives of these characters and times which are, just like the civil war days, gone with the wind.

Your book has helped me to appreciate the part of the world I live in, and to see it with new eyes. I had the opportunity to fly over Cienega Creek in a small private airplane just a few days ago, and it was thrilling, to say the least, to look down upon the area where Sarah and Jack and their family lived out (fictionally) their eventful, full lives. For those of you who have not read this book, don't wait any longer to pick it up! You will absolutely love it!

One of the best books I ever read
This is a truly wonderful book that I have read at least 5 times. It's has eveything...The characters all come to life and you feel like they are family. I was so sad at the end with what happens to Jack( I have cried evey time I read the book )but I was even more unhappy that I don't know what happened to Sarah & her family for the rest of their lives. I loved the journal style of how it was written as you could really feel not only all of Sarah's thoughts and emotions but most of the people she knew. I just can't say enough good of how well this book was written. I've been trying to find a way to tell the author how greatful I am she shared this true to life story based on her own family. Just today I found another book she has written, while I am sad it's not a continuation of Sarah's story, it sounds like it will be rewarding as well.

Page (Thorndike Large Print Juvenile Series)
Published in Hardcover by Thorndike Pr (Largeprint) (2002)
Author: Tamora Pierce
Amazon base price: $23.95
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What Can I Say?
Ms. Pierce has managed to write yet another absolutly fantastic book. I have read all of the Alanna books; the Immortals quartet; and the circle of magic quartet. I am falling in love with this series, I bought The first test yesterday afternoon and begged my mother to go buy the sequel that night. Today I have read THE PAGE twice and THE FIRST TEST once more. I have fallen for both Neal and Cleon and am looking forward to hopefully something more between one of them and Kel in the next novel. Joren continues to puzzle me and I am dying to see who picks Kel for a squire in the next book. Owen is such a sweet heart, u cant help likeing him! Kel possess's the charm of all Ms. Pirce's other characters plus an sweet personality that makes me want her as my best friend. The only slight complaint I have is that Kel has not yet discovered who her sedret gift giver is...its SO obvious! Anyway it was a wonderful book and I cant wait for the next one!

A very enjoyable fantasy
Since I gave "First Test" 5 stars, I really need 6 for this one. It's even better! The second book in the Protector of the Small series, "Page" covers Keladry's last three years as a page in knighthood-training school. We meet several new characters: Lalasa, Kel's maid, whom Kel hires in order to protect her from ill treatment by others; Owen, the young page whose favorite word is "jolly"; and a new animal friend (in addition to Kel's cranky yet loyal horse, Peachblossom, and her helpful flock of sparrows), the faithful dog Jump. Kel continues to stand up to bullies and works to conquer her fear of heights. Her mysterious benefactor bestows more gifts on her. Keladry of Mindelan is an admirable and likable heroine, and in this book she shows her courage, resourcefulness and leadership ability. If you haven't read the two previous Tortallan series, The Song of the Lioness Quartet and The Immortals, don't delay! These are all well-written, exciting, fun fantasies that can be enjoyed by both young readers and grown-ups.

Protector of the Small: Page
In this new and exciting adventure, Kel starts off by being an eleven year old, second-grade page. After proving to everyone that she is here to stay, she does not think that Joren and his gang of bullies will bother her or other first-year pages again; however, the beginning of the term sees Keladry getting into yet another fight. Following this fight, she makes a new friend, Owen.

However, he is not the only new addition to Kel's group of friends. Kel soon comes to love Jump, a palace dog, who is old and has lost an ear and bears many scars. Kel also hires Lalasa, Gower's neice, as a maid, thinking that by doing so, Lalasa wil stop being mistreated by men. Kel teaches Lalasa how to defend herself, at first against her maid's wish, but Lalasa soon evolves into a strong, independant young woman who is not afraid to let men know the meaning of the word "no".

Lalasa is not the only person that evolves. Now that Kel has reached puberty, she must learn to deal with her new feelings for Neal, her best friend, and she learns the joy - and hardships - of entering womanhood and getting her menstruation. She must also learn to conquer her fear of heights, which she thinks is necessary in order for her to become a knight.

While things aren't always easy at the palace, Kel manages to pull through it all and, at the end of the book, she finally becomes a squire. This book was highly enjoyable and just as good as the previous one. I cannot wait to read the continuation, rightly entitled Squire! I am not at all disappointed and I thoroughly believe that Tamora Pierce has managed to write yet another fantasy story, filled with adventure and action. Congratulations Tamora!

Sugar (Thorndike Press Large Print African-American Series)
Published in Hardcover by Thorndike Pr (Largeprint) (2002)
Author: Bernice L. McFadden
Amazon base price: $28.95
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Beautifully written, stunninly haunting
In the writing workshop I recently attended and in the book on writing I am now reading, I am constantly being reminded to hook the reader with that first sentence and paragraph. "Jude was dead" grabbed me from the beginning and had ahold of me until the last page was turned. This hauntingly beautiful tale of a "scarlet" woman and the small town without pity was an exercise in human nature. Sugar comes to Bigelow, a small African American town in Arkansas, in 1955 to live in a house next door to Pearl and Joe. Fifteen years earlier their daughter Jude was brutally murdered. There is something about Sugar that reminds Pearl of her beloved daughter and while the whole town shuns her, she befriends her. Sugar brings out the youth and makes Pearl laugh and enjoy life. Pearl has not laughed so much since before Jude died. Pearl, the virtuous wife and mother, pillar of the church has even taken to dying her hair and visiting the juke joints with Pearl and taken Joe with her. The town is horrified at Pearl taking up with Sugar and their back- biting curiosity turns to venom.
Sugar, abandoned, as a child and growing up around brothels just does what she know best, make men happy. She knows secrets about Bigelow that no one else knows. Sugar has never known love and when she meets Pearl's son she finds out what it is, alas, she is unable to accept it. A tragedy unfolds with devastating consequences that reveal the events of fifteen years prior.
This book is written in rich detail, realistic characterization and superb writing. This writer's ability to capture the look and feel of the 50s Jim Crow south and the people who inhabit this small town are amazing and there is no doubt this is a literary masterpiece. I'm told there will be a sequel; I can hardly wait.

Sugar!!! my,my,my
This book was WONDERFUL! It is a book that takes you on a journey. A beautiful journey. Oh! the characters Pearl and Sugar were deep. I was able to experience their joy, their pain, their defeats. Pearl's husband Joe is a man I would love to have in my own life. He was a MAN! A STRONG BLACK MAN who loved his wife and understood his wife and was patient with her. Sugar grabbed me by my mind and soul and forced me to follow her through all her trials. This was a book that I could not move without it being readily available for me to read. I went no where without it. This is ONE gorgeous, delicious, stupendous, and satisfying novel. THANK YOU BERNICE MCFADDEN! There is not enough adjectives to describe my feelings about your novel and the characters you brought TO life and INTO mine.

Excellent Debut
This book is truly one of the best that our book club has read this year. As you begin reading, you can't imagine in a million years why a God-fearing older woman would befriend a young prostitute. It's amazing how the story unfolds.

The characters are developed so well that you suddenly feel the pains that both Sugar and Pearl experienced. Excellent story!

Bernice McFadden is a new voice is African American fiction...a voice that needs to be heard. If you're looking for something to read that escapes the beaten "Waiting to Exhale" path, look no further.

Sugar is perfect for those with a literay sweet tooth. Looking forward to the next release.

The self-publishing manual : how to write, print & sell your own book
Published in Unknown Binding by Para Pub. ()
Author: Dan Poynter
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Publish Profitably
Publishing can be a tough business, but with the advice of Dan Poynter you can make your book a profitable reality. 'The Self-Publishing Manual' includes great nuts-and-bolts advice and lots of helpful resources for getting your book written, produced and distributed.

The templates and forms Dan includes are useful, for everything from permissions requests to requests for print bids to discount schedules. Even if all you use are the lists of publishing web sites, printers, distributors, reviewers, etc., you will more than get your money's worth from this book.

Dan's information helped me produce a quality book on a tight timeframe. Not only did I get the book done quickly, it was profitable within one month after release.

I teach a course on publishing, and 'The Self-Publishing Manual' is the text I use. If you want to learn about publishing, this is the place to start.

Don't Think About Self-Publishing Until You Buy This Book
If you are not a full-time author/publisher, I don't know how you write and then publish a book without Dan's help. From the man who nearly single-handedly established self-publishing comes a one-stop, full service resource: THE SELF-PUBLISHING MANUAL. The MANUAL simplifies and provides the roadmap for a daunting task. But, recall that ancient Chinese aphorism, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." That first step is digesting The Manual and you are on your way!

The book's greatest added value comes from the Glossary and the Appendices. As a neophyte writer/publisher, you need to quickly learn the language of the industry; the glossary handles that for you. The Appendices are rich resources: listings for the services you need to be successful. Having used several, I have found Dan's recommendations to be reliable. With over twenty years experience, he knows the right people--the real pros. And,
Dan catalogs the resources you need--that you would not think of
without his prompting.

Particularly, if you are a rookie writer, before you pick up a pen, pick up Dan's book.

Superb, one more time, with feeling
Throughout the years, I have purchased about a half dozen ofPoynter's Self Publishing Manuals, so I didn't think I needed the new12th edition. I was wrong! Poynter remains thehead-and-shoulders-above-all Guru of self publishers. His latest again is a cookbook on how to publish a hot literary dish everybody loves, which, as usual, keeps me rolling in dough. On the contrary, others with similar books keep me rolling in the aisles. Poynter stays on the edge of technology so he saves you money and time as you begin to publish. His book makes you aware of the traps writers can fall into. As a direct result of following his easy-to-understand instructions, I've sold 30- 40,000 copies of all six titles and established my ( ) so I run to the bank daily. How does Poynter fail? He doesn't charge enough. What's it worth to acquire fame and fortune? A lot more than the cost of this super-directory for discovering the gold in publishing.

When Pride Still Mattered: A Life of Vince Lombardi (Thorndike Large Print Biography Series)
Published in Hardcover by Thorndike Pr (Largeprint) (2000)
Author: David Maraniss
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This is not just a sports book or a book about sports
For football fans and non-fans alike, for men and women, for anyone with an interest in leadership, psychology, family dynamics, ambition, organization, and American culture, this is a book you will love. David Maraniss writes biographies that read like novels using the most powerful prose and beautiful language. As a woman who follows football, I thought I knew all the important facts about Vince Lombardi's life. Not a chance. Don't be daunted by the length; every page is laced with fascinating and dramatic details. The Ice Bowl chapter is one of the greatest pieces of writing (of any kind) I have ever read. While I knew the outcome, I was still riveted by the drama. It is compelling, intense and funny all at the same time. I actually felt cold as I was reading it, as though I was there all along. That's really the key to the entire book-you may think you know the Lombardi story, but Maraniss makes you feel like you were there with him...all along the way.

Well researched and well thought out
As I read this book, the thing that kept running through my mind was how much research the author had to do. That is the difference between this book and other biographies, especially when you think that the two best sources of information - Vince and wife Marie - have long since passed away. I commend him for his efforts as not just a writer, but as a researcher. I will say this though, there are volumes and volumes of information about the Packers and Lombardi, making the writer's job not easier, but less time-consuming because of the availability of all the information out there.

As for the writing, I loved the way he blended Lombardi's day-to-day life with the football seasons. Just when you thought he was going to give you some boring play-by-play, he took you in another direction, describing Lombardi's relationship with a player, an assistant coach, a business leader, even his secretary, and he did so in a thorough and fascinating manner. He then took you back on the field for the play-by-play, and as a reader you felt like you never left.

You don't have to be a sports lover to love this book, because to me it's not really a sport book. Instead, it is a journey into the psyche of a man who was driven to succeed in everything he did. Chapters on his personal appearances, business ventures and other interests were nearly as interesting as the tales of his obsession with football. Lombardi was truly driven to be the best at everything he did.

The title of this book says volumes because to Lombardi pride did matter. Everything he did - except perhaps his relationship with his immediate family - he did with the intent of showing others that quality mattered to him.

I loved the book and despite his many shortcomings, I love Lombardi.

Thoroughly enjoyable - fascinating look at the man and life
I too started the book as a football fan, and ended the book as a fan of the man and his principles. From childhood, through minimal success on the field, then to enormous success as a leader in America in the 1960s. You get a sense of the true values and character of not just Vince Lombardi, but America during a time of national change. I was only 10 years old when he died, but the stories of the Lombardi Packers are still cherished in the midwest today. But that misses the point. How a man can lead every team he touched to the top is studied and presented and you can almost see into his mind. It was sad to see the family suffer through years of anguish, mixed with with pride, love, and loyalty. The author's style and storytelling were excellent.

Inner Harbor (Thorndike Large Print Romance Series)
Published in Hardcover by Thorndike Pr (Largeprint) (1999)
Author: Nora Roberts
Amazon base price: $29.95
Average review score:

Wow!
Once more, Nora has created magic--with an absolutely FABulous conclusion to the Quinn brothers' trilogy. All the loose ends are tied together in INNER HARBOR--in a seemingless effortless effort by Nora (which is a testament to her talents as a story-teller)--to the point where you, as the reader, will say, "But of course! This makes perfect sense!" INNER HARBOR, of course, is Phillip's story. He is the polished Quinn brother--resident of Baltimore's Inner Harbor, fancy suits, and wine connoisseur extraordinare ... When he meets Dr. Sybil Griffin, love and betrayal are the farthest things from his mind. Things change, however, rapidly. As only Nora can do. In some respects, Sybil is Nora's toughest heroinne to like. She has the best of intentions--and will attempt to achieve her goals--at seemingly any and all expense. When the tables get turned, I wondered how--even if-- Nora could redeem Sybil--especially in the eyes of Phillip and Seth. This is a story that will consume you. Once you sit down with it, you won't want to put it down. Be sure to block off plenty of time to read it--or be prepared to lose some sleep. It is a story of laughs ... of tears ... of horrors ... of hope ... of love ... of trust. But mostly--it is a story of the wonder and beauty of family. It is--simply--Nora at her best.

Superb conclusion to Nora's Cheaspeake Bay trilogy

Dr. Sybill Griffin has come to the seaport town of St. Christopher to ascertain if her sister Gloria's allegations about the Quinn family are true. Sybill hides her relationship about Gloria to the Quinns. Sybill quickly learns that as far as Phillip Quinn is concerned, Gloria lost all rights to her son Seth when she used the lad as a punching bag.

When the Quinns uncover Sybill's identity and lineage, they pound her with the truth even as she falls in love with Phillip. She desperately tries to make reparations even as she prays that she and her beloved can make a future together.

INNER HARBOR is the satisfying conclusion to Nora's "Quinn Chesapeake Bay" trilogy. This time the great Ms. Roberts tells the story from the refreshing male perspective in a very sensitive and compassionate way. The metamorphosis of the heroine is dexterously developed in a believable manner. Though this novel can stand on its own merit, fans will gain immense pleasure by reading the entire series.

Harriet Klausner

A stunning trilogy! Worth the hours to read the whole thing
Wow! Yesterday I finished this book, the last of the trilogy about the Quinn brothers. I was obsessed with getting to the end, but now I'm sad because those characters are no longer in my life. Nora did a great job of portraying what it was like to come from different realities. She did a wonderful job of dealing with the difficult subject of child abuse (physical, sexual and emotional) and how that shapes the adults that emerge from that type of life. Best of all she shows the power of love, trust and acceptance in healing battered spirits. The love stories, the development of both familial love and romantic love, were powerful. The characters were so real, and of course the men were to die for. And the thread of the father's ghost and younger brother's rehabilitation throughout the three stories is brilliant. Nora has an extraordinary gift. Thankfully she shares it with us.

The Bride (G.K. Hall Large Print Book Series)
Published in Hardcover by G K Hall & Co (1991)
Author: Julie Garwood
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What's So Great About It?
I feel like SIMON COWELL and I'm sorry, but I just don't see what was so great about this book. It was boring and the plot was very weak. Need I say more? Well, I will. I usually love this author.

DELICIOUSLY ROMANTIC BOOK ,MUST READ
This book by Julie Garwood is probably one of the best romantic novels ever written ,at least I think so .It is a roller coaster ride with a great storyline :elements of mystery ,romance and humour sucessfully knit together and the sex scenes are HOT .The charachters Alec and Jamie are two absolutely adorable people.Alec Kincaid is a Scottish laird who by the edict of the king should take an English bride . He chooses Jamie a violet eyed , fiesty beauty . Both vow not to fall in love with the other; Alec because he does not beleive in love and Jamie because she is angry at Alec who to her seems like a ruthless person who took her away from her home . However there is an intense attraction between them which slowly blossoms into a love that will change their lives and conquer all. It is a wonderful book and i assure you that by the end of the book you will be in love the charachters and they will stay with you . So take my advice and be prepared for the ride of your life ...

Warmth and Humor
SEQUEL: THE WEDDING

I have read almost all of Julie Garwood's work and I've never been disappointed. She will always be my all time favorite author esp. in Historical Romance Genre. Upon observation, I do agree with most avid Julie Garwood readers that she tend to use the same characteristics and somewhat similar formulas in most of her works - Her heroes are mostly tall, large-brutish-warrior & intimading yet handsome who is gentle and patient to his Lady. Meanwhile, the heroines are usually petite, well educated, saucy and spunky. However, I confessed that these familiarities doesn't seem to bother me at all. In fact, I liked it. Every now and then, I do enjoy my books with such characteristics. I'm guessing, this is J.G's style, her mark/her signature traits and I respect that. Humor, heart warming scenes, heart pumping twist and lovable secondary characters are also just a few of Julie Garwood's usual ingredients in all her novels.

THE BRIDE is definitely not an exception of Ms. Garwood's standard book qualities which I've mention above. Alec and Jamie's love story was captivating. Full of warmth and humor - I liked the idea that Jamie has no sense of direction, not to mention her ways of saving Alec's soul by buying an indulgence -chuckle! You have to read the book to appreciate this scene with a good laugh. My favorite part was the initial meeting (the conversation in the stable and the "choosing")... from there, the book gets funnier & even better! The arrival and adjustments in Highland are as always interesting. The suspense of finding out the murderer in this book was an add-on thrill. I have my doubts and guesses but the revelation was quite unexpected. I actually thought the murderer would be ----- yet I prayed and cross my fingers that it wouldn't be him because I liked him so much. So in a way, I was relieved it wasn't who I thought it was. The ending of this book was also one of my favorite in this book, another very unexpected and thoroughly heart warming conclusion to a supreme love story. Mary, Daniel, Gavin, Angus, Elizabeth, Father Murdock are just a few secondary character-favs of mine. What a joy! Read this book and chuckle with a glowing heart.

Till We Have Faces: A Myth Retold (G K Hall Large Print Perennial Bestseller Collection)
Published in Hardcover by Simon & Schuster (1998)
Author: C. S. Lewis
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An Overlooked Classic
There's no doubt that "Till We Have Faces" is Lewis' most profound book. Its prose is masterful: spare, stark, the best writing Lewis ever did. He creates memorable, fully human characters, especially in Orual, daughter of Trom King of Glome. She is ugly, brutalized by her father, friendless until love enters her life through two characters: her Greek slave tutor and her youngest sister, Psyche. The novel becomes an examination of loves true and false, of manipulation of love, and of the power of grace to redeem and love the unloved and unlovely. I've read this novel at least a dozen times; it never grows stale. You needn't know the original myth to enjoy the book. I only wish more readers knew about this book--even many Lewis fans are unaware of this one. It will move your heart and make you think.

A review of Til l We have Faces
I bought Till We Have Faces based only on a familiarity with the Narnia chronicals that I read as a kid. Knowing nothing of the "classic myth of Cupid and Psyche", I let this book sit on my bookshelf for months before I opened it one rainy day. What a mistake! I was drawn in by Lewis' elegant, simple story of two sisters and how their relationship colors their lives. The plot and characterization are accessible to the casual reader, but the allegorical relationship to the ancient myth gives it deeper meaning. This is one of the rare novels which nourishes your soul while providing pure enjoyment.

Psyche, the unvieled soul...
CS Lewis has created a wonderful unique view of the Eros and Psyche myth and transported his ideas into an awesome creative story just for all of us! The original plot of the myth has always appeared very didactic to me, especially for women who need to find the strength inside themselves to conquer the seemingly undaunting tasks which are necessary for a joyous reunion with their heart's truest desires. I believe this story takes this one step further and makes the focus of the myth about the unveiling of one's soul into a new light. The story's three main women (Ungit included) all hold some piece of the vieled soul (i.e. the ugly and shameful elements) inside and the unconscious quest that Lewis puts them on in this story is to have these women uncover these shadows within themselves and bring them to light. That's what I got out of this book anyway. It's all there on the higher plane. I was very impressed with this intricate, subtle, beautifully crafted "double myth". That's what I'm calling it. You get the Eros and Psyche amazing story plus this wonderful new myth about wanting to find your true face. It's under there hidden with the dark and musty viel of fear-based thinking and belief systems. This book knocked my socks off...It's one of my favorites! Like the Fox says "How can they (the gods) meet us face to face till we have faces?" This means we need to uncover all our dusty negative agreements that sit in our soul and bring them out in the open. We need a cleansed face (soul) one that embraces clarity and balance, calmness and beauty. No zits, hopefully! CS Lewis has said this is his favorite piece he ever wrote...I totally agree. This book will give the reader a lot to think about if you really want it to, one needs to be patient and let it speak to the parts of you that are hidden. Open your dusty souls and READ IT!!

Cheaper by the Dozen (G K Hall Large Print Book Series)
Published in Hardcover by G K Hall & Co (1984)
Authors: Frank Gilbreth and Ernestine Carey
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A Functional Family
This book is the story of an unusual family at the turn of the century, with twelve children. The father is an efficiency expert who runs the family like it is a factory assembly line, with everything timed down to the minute. Even the times for bathing are scheduled, so that the household runs smoothly. Mr. Gilbreth practices all of his ideas on how to run an efficient business on his family; they are the guinea pigs for new ideas.
He is the parent who disciplines all the kids, and the mom is really understanding of how hard it is to live in such an unusual family. Both of the parents were professionals, as the mom was also a psychologist and industrial engineer. They applied their professional ideas on raising the 12 kids. The children learn foreign languages, long division and about the solar system, using methods from Mr. Gilbreth's professional life. They were also taught touch typing and morse code by efficient methods. It is a very humorous look at the life of a large and unusual family. The ending of the book is sad, as Mr. Gilbreth dies, leaving Mrs. Gilbreth to raise the children alone.

The tone of the book is humor, as many of the situations are really funny, and the parents approach life with a sense of humor. The father is often very sarcastic, but not in a mean way. He liked to parade the family around and even though he was proud of them, he found the reactions of other people very funny. The parent's sense of humor made dealing with the problems of a large family easier, and made for a more loving lifestyle. Even though raising a family that large was serious business, they never took life too seriously. I think that is an important way to raise a family, by keeping a sense of humor. The father is a smart man, and he is never characterized as an idiot, even though he does some crazy things to help his family. The main theme throughout the book is the importance of humor in their lives.

Cheaper By the Dozen is a great book!
CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN

Format: Paperback,1st ed., 180 pages ISBN: 0553272500 Publisher: Bantam Doubleday Dell Books for Younger Readers Pub. Date: February 1981 Other Formats: Hardback Recommended Age:Third grade and up

Wonderful...Once you start to read the first page you wont be able to put the book down. This perfect way to spend a rainy day. You will be very amused when you read about the hilarious events of the Gilbreth family. The family of twelve children have many adventures you will enjoy reading. The father is almost crazy and a very successful business man. He is very strict and overprotective. He won't let his daughters wear make up or dress the way they like to. They slowly change his mind and begin to dress their way. He thinks his children can do anything and is also believed he could do anything. He loved jokes and laughing and you will love the practical jokes they play on each other. The rich family loves to go to movies then out for ice cream. They also spend their summers at the beach, where their Dad forces them to learn to swim. He wants them to learn as much as possible about everything so he always finds a way to teach them new things. As an efficiency expert he made sure that everything was done in a time efficient way. It was a sin to waste time in the Gilbreth house and he was constantly coming up with new ways to save time. The Dad in the story liked to parade around and show off his kids. Although this was embarassing to some of the kids as they got older Dad found it hilarious. The mother also was sometimes embarrassed or insulted by the attention they got or the comments other people made. This book will keep you laughing right up to the last chapter when Dad dies. The book is a mixture of humor and then sadness at the ending. This is an excellent book that everybody should read. I recommend this book for anyone that knows how to read no matter how old or young!

Dina Bastianini, Pine-Richland High School

Cheaper by The Dozen
This book is the best book I have ever read. I own it and have read it many times. It kept me interested from the first page and you will not want to put it down. It is about a family of 12 children. Their dad is always thinking of new ways to save time and he thinks that he can teach him and his children anything. The family likes to play practical jokes on eachother and are always having a good time. This book is very interesting and never gets boring.

Lucky Man: A Memoir (Random House Large Print)
Published in Hardcover by Random House Large Print (02 April, 2002)
Author: Michael J. Fox
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Michael, in a way that makes his "character" shine!
This review will not only uphold the dignity of a man that has exposed himself so completely to the world but, in a strange twist of irony, I would like to share a personal 'chance' happenstance that made my reading of this book very serendipitous. I began reading this book in a local bookstore while I sipped a coffee. I had not been on vacation but, I had gone to Gainesville, Fl., for a medical procedure that was to begin a very real change in my life. As I began to read the first few pages I was awe-struck to find that as my own personal "fight" with illness was scheduled to end in Gainesville, Fl., Michael's journey with Parkinsons had begun in the same city. I was immediately hooked and bought the book to read while I was in the hospital. I read the book in the matter of 3 sittings. I can say this, I now care more for the person of Michael A Fox, than I ever did for Alex Keaton or Marty Mcfly. I have become a true fan of the man Michael A. Fox. In case your wondering I am not mental Michaels real name is Michael A Fox. I recommed this book to anyone who hase faced a "life controlling problem". My own problem is daily meeting its demise, while Michael daily meets the challenges of Parkinsons. He is more than a Lucky Man, as this book will show he is a true artisian to his craft, a man of character, and finaly a role model for the rest of us, who fail, get up and try again. Thanks Michael. Your Nana would be proud!

Lucky Readers!
From the moment Michael J. Fox takes you into his world during the "Pinkie Rebellion", to the emotional flashback to his grandmother, (in the telling of the walnut tree episode and dream)"Lucky Man" does what MJF has always done. It amuses and inspires, shares his insight and his dreams, gives nothing but honesty and fellowship to the reader. Like Gary Goldberg, we, in reading through Michael's first "written performance" can see that spark of life that sets his performance apart from all others.

As Fox threads through his beginnings and growth during his struggle with Parkinson's disease, he gives us a window into his Canadian childhood, his family, his brief struggle for success, the pressures of TV/Movie stardom, and his close ties with friends and his young family.

The PD community is fortunate to have MJF represent them in the continuing struggle for funding and research, and to help the nation better understand the world they live in. Michael who always could "elude, evade and anticipate any obstacle or potential bully" finds "peace, security and spiritual strength to stand in one place" through his battle with Parkinson's.

A brief look at the remarkable and talented Tracy Pollan, as well, Fox paints a picture of a relatively young man coping with fate, yet looking back on a life we might all envy, with spirit and humility.

Fox has taken his small screen talents and transposed them in an autobiography that will both compel and entertain you. What a marvelous read!

A whole new reason to be a fan...
I happened to pick up "Lucky Man" in Best Buy, while waiting for my family to purchase a washing machine and dryer........anyway, I digress.

After flipping through the book, I found myself 10 minutes later so engrossed in it, I continued to read as I walked to the cashier to purchase the book.

I can't praise this book enough. I have a new found respect for Michael J. Fox. His life and his story are truly an inspiration. When I finished it I immediately returned to page one and started over. Nuts? Don't knock it 'til you read it.

About the book: It's basically Michael J. Fox, unplugged. It will make you laugh and it may make you a little teary-eyed, but most of all, it will inspire you and make you appreciate the power of the human spirit.

I can't end this review without mentioning his wife, Tracy Pollan. She is an inspiration as well. I now find myself wanting to be more like her - strong, supportive, funny and smart. I'm sure she is one of the primary reasons MJF feels like a "Lucky Man".

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