The Bondwoman's Narrative, by Hannah Crafts, a fugitive slave, escaped from North Carolina was a unpublished, cloth manuscript that a Harvard professor of African American studies, Henry Louis Gates, came across in an auction. He wondered if this manuscript could be for real? Could it really be written by a fugitive slave? Could it possibly be the first novel known to have been written by a black woman in America? Could it be the first novel to be written by a fugitive slave? Mr. Gates made it his mission to find out the truth about this mysterious manuscript. Throughout his many hours and months of research, which are chronicled in the opening chapters of the book, Mr. Gates has come to the conclusion that, YES, this manuscript is most likely genuine and the first novel written by a black female slave.

It was such a joy and wonder to be able to read this manuscript unedited. This novel is pure in the author's thoughts and feelings, thus a very accurate look into the life of a slave. What a treasure Mr. Gates has found!

This was the most fascinating book that I've read in ... well, I don't know how long! THE BONDWOMAN'S NARRATIVE is a fictionalized yet seemingly autobiographical slave narrative written by Hannah Crafts somewhere between 1856-1860. Hannah delves into the the mind and heart of a slave by telling the story of a young woman's personal experiences.

Henry Louis Gates, Jr., who chairs the Department of African American Studies at Harvard University, came across this hand-written manuscript at an auction for African American artifacts. He then embarked upon an amazing research project which explored the author's identity. From scientific analysis of the manuscript (handwriting, ink, paper quality, etc) to actual genealogical research (census reports, etc.), Professor Gates attempts to prove that Hannah Crafts was indeed the first African-American woman to write such a narrative. ...This is part of the book is intriguing although I do have one word of advice here - READ THE NARRATIVE FIRST! If you read the Introduction first, you will know much of the story before actually reading it (in his discussion, he gives away the ending!). By reading the narrative first, I found that I was able to reach some of my own conclusions before reading those of Professor Gates and I better understood the informative analysis!

I usually don't read books more than once but I would read this one again!

In THE BONDWOMAN'S NARRATIVE Hannah Crafts eloquently details the experiences of a light skinned female slave in the South in the decades preceding the Civil War. Discovered in the form as an unpublished manuscript by Henry Louis Gates, Jr. it is believed that this is the first slave narrative written by an African-American woman from only her perspective. Gates provides thorough scientific and literary evidence in both the forward and appendix proving its authenticity. I give Gates the benefit of the doubt that this manuscript is authentic as I am not an expert to judge otherwise. Regardless, THE BONDWOMAN'S NARRATIVE is a thoroughly enjoyable book that kept me reading far beyond my original intentions. I especially enjoyed the sections describing her accounts of running away from her master and mistress to freedom. Also admirable are her depictions of the evil slave speculator Mr. Trappe. What a hateful man he was to totally disregard the well being of slave for the sheer enjoyment of monetary profit. Hannah has the ability to make these characters come alive and does a good job at representing this painful time in American history. I applaud Gates for publishing the manuscript therefore enabling others to enjoy and sympathize with the life journey of Hannah. Enjoy!

Hey Anna!! Congratulations girl!! I knew you would do it if anyone would. I knew you were special from day one, and always knew you'd achieve your dream, you are just that type of Lady. I am very happy for you dearest and hope you are happy with your new title as Author! You go Girl. I read the book and couldn't stop thinking that I knew you once, loved you still and now you were an author. I couldn't even concentrate on the story, even though when I did finally calm down enough to read it, it was wonderful! You are so talented in so many things babe I miss you! Please give me a call sometime and let's talk. Congrats angel, I always told you that anyone who worked as hard as you do, deserved everything this world has to offer and I'm glad you're getting yours. I'm so proud of you, one more chance? I love you babe, Jimmy.

When I received this book in the mail, I immediately opened the cover and started to read the text. I found myself not wanting to put it down. I just wanted to see what was going to happen next. I love mystery books, but so often I can predict what will happen with the characters. Not so with this book, surprise after surprise just kept me captivated and wondering. The author has a unique style of writing in which one chapter just flows into the other. She has shown indepth research into the medical field with an accuracy that is refreshing. The characters just come to life with each word and action that takes place. Even though I have just begun to read this book, it has already grabbed my interest and I just crave more each time I finish a chapter. It keeps you guessing just when you think you know what will happen. I hope to read more from this author. If this is her first published book, I surely suggest that there be more to follow. I'm hoping for a sequel to this one. Anyone who has not picked up their copy, go and get one now - it will be a most interesting and intriguing read!

Are you writing another book? Maybe a sequel to this one? The way it ended was good, but I wasn't sure if you left it the way you did because you were writing a sequel or not. I checked the stores, but so far, nothing. I want to know if this book is going to be made into a movie? I have a feeling it is, but I don't know when it will be out. Am I close? You told a good story in The Ice Pick Technique and I would personally like a sequel, but I would also like to read more work by you, but I can't find anything else. Am I missing something? I'm a big fan of writers and good murder mysteries, I love Mary Higgins Clark, Ann Rule and Elmore Leonard and now; Anna Mavrikis. God Bless & Good Luck, Angie Cordoza

I think Anna's real cool and I think that Liz is too perfect and everything gets handed down to her. I don't think that Salvador and Anna, or Sal and Elizabeth should hook up, though, they should all just be friends. Because of they broke up, the friendship they had will be gone forever. Jessica's cool. I think she and Damon will make a good couple.

This book was great! I think Salvador and Elizabeth need to hook up, i mean if their going to be happy together, which they probably would be since they like each other, then Anna should be happy for them. I mean whats her deal anyway she needs to stop feeling sorry for herself and get a clue.

I think Anna is just jealous because she is not prettier than Elizabeth. She knew that Salvador likes Elizabeth like a girlfriend and her like a friend which is not a bad thing. I can feel Anna's pain, but come on! If Salvador likes Elizabeth better as a girlfriend, Anna should'nt toy with his feelings.

I discovered Laurie Colwin by accident (luck!), and have fallen in love with her writing. I read "Home Cooking" in two days, and then went on to devour "More Home Cooking." Reading this book makes you feel like you are in Laurie's kitchen with her, just chatting and creating some delicious food. Her musings are interesting, inspiring, and down to earth. In many ways, she is the anti-Martha Stewart, as she openly admits short cuts she takes (cutting up canned tomatoes while they're still in the can!), and discourages purchasing lots of kitchen paraphenalia. Throughout all of her writing and her cooking, the biggest ingredient is love. I felt warm all over reading this book, and whether you're into cooking or just having a great read, I'm sure that you will too!

Laurie Colwin wrote evocative, funny novels and short stories. Here, she shows that she was also a terrific cook. With a few words, she can conjure up images of splendid meals, as well as some spectacularly awful ones. This is a book to keep in your kirchen, and maybe by your night-table, too. It's something to read when the world seems slightly overwhelming and you don't quite know what to cook for dinner.

Laurie Colwin's columns in "Gourmet" were a reason to subscribe to that publication. Unfortunately, heart problems claimed her life when she was 48. Her writings have been compiled in this book, Home Cooking, and a sequel (unpublished columns she left after her untimely death in More Home Cooking.)

Ms. Colwin was always opinionated, so you may find her obsessions with such things as yogurt, beets and boiled beef not to your food tastes. But even if you never make a single recipe in this book, the writing is some of the sharpest and best there is.

The book does have a set of gingerbread recipes that make it entirely worthwhile. Colwin spent some time trying to find the Holy Grail of gingerbread. This homey treat is often overlooked, but greeted with glad cries at the end of a simple meal of soup, especially if served with a lump of good vanilla ice cream, or even home-made applesauce. This book will save you a search for a better recipe than ones typically found in standard cooking books. Her roast chicken advice is also not to be despised. All in all, one of my favorite books just to read on a dreary day.

The title wonderfully chosen, the voice and the mood of the author is happy and yet suprised. Beautifully written book, Amazing child, the way Fynn wrote it was like he was still under shock because of the way Anna sees the world, God was friends with Anna, they communicated everyday.Fynn learned so much from Anna. The whole book was a lesson to me and I guess to all other readers, this book teaches about kids that we cannot ignore their intelligence though Anna's intelligence was scary as it always scared the hell out of Fynn. Anna is just a kid that knows God so much, one could'nt argue with her because she knews her story, she fitted into society like a glove. No questions asked that is why Fynn kept her, she was a community builder at her age, changed peoples way of thinking, she was interested in learning new things as well, the fact that she would say 'write it down big' was amazing as you can tell that she was an interesting kid that wanted to learn things that she did not know. Kids do change peoples lives everyday that is why it is always advisable that we spend sometime with them, they are as fun as Anna was. I totally agree with Fynn that she is laughing with God now. this book I will read it over and over again and I will pass it on to my kids.

I read this Great Masterpice back in 1977; it was a gift of my late mother (her last gift) and what a gift! Fynn is superb, with that power which is deposited in very simple people, the power of the written word! I wonder Who deposits that virtue in this this "Special Reserve Author". If you start page ONE, you will not stop...and soon you'll be brewing the best coffee or tea, as companion to the inspiring dialogs among a liitle beautiful blessed girl, that will shake our the very foundations of our soul. If you are looking for a religious book this is not for you. "Mister God, this is Anna" is well far beyond any of your expectations; the kind of perfect gift to the people you love at any sort of season. When Anna asks or say something we are amazed...to the point we could feel the magic sensation that HE es right in front of her. Stright fooward conversations, philosophy and over all: love! There is no useful rewiew for this beauty, this one is just an excuse to let you know...that Anna is waiting for You. Thank Fynn. I know that at any forgotten alley of England, you know for suere that your book -the gift from you to all people of sensitive heart is a very precious gift.

In much the same lyrical quality of Saint-Exupery's 'The Little Prince', 'Mr. God' allows us to 'get small', as Anna would say, and see the world as a still wonderful place. I first discovered this book almost 25 years ago, and have given as gifts countless copies whenever I can find it. The copy on my shelf today is from the 19th printing in 1985. I cannot think of anyone -- young, old, sinner, cynic, saint -- who would not enjoy the wit, wisdom and other-worldliness of spritely Anna and her exuberant joust with -- and quest for -- the truest reality. Anna's relationship with Old Woody is a pattern for adult-child relationships not easily surpassed. Fynn proves coming of age often means not leaving childhood behind, but hauling it with you into adulthood. If you've not yet discovered a pair of companion books -- 'Anna's Book', and 'Anna, Mister God, and the Black Knight', both also by Fynn -- seek them out and latch onto them if you can find them. If joy has a name, it is Anna.

This book is excellent. It covers all the bases--practice with numbers, letters, shapes, opposites and more while using everyday objects and favorite characters to "teach" them all. Plus, there's the fun of lifting the "flaps" to see what's behind many different objects--an activity of great interest to children. My son just loves this book (he's 18 months). He's a big fan of reading, and this certainly would be in his top 3 favorites. I just can't say enough about this book! (As a teacher, I have a great appreciation for how well this book is organized and what all it covers. Teaching and learning is a snap with materials like this!)

A good book for all young childrens: I leave in France and I geave this book to my little nevew. He loves it so much. It's possible for him to learn easier english. A good way to learn!

Buy this book only if you're prepared to read it *all* the time! I love that this book has helped teach my 2 yo son his letters, numbers, shapes, opposites, etc., but he has to read it every night before bed and he has to sleep with it! This has been going on since we got it for Christmas! I'm so sick of it, I came online to find another Elmo lift-and-look book. For my son's bedtime reading ritual, I have to read Elmo first or he won't concentrate on the other books--constantly saying "I wanna read Elmo" as I'm trying to read a different book! Thankfully, there's enough going on each page that I can make up stories about the characters or play games like finding circles in the numbers page to mix things up a bit! Ah well, thanks Elmo :-)

I discovered this book 31 years ago, for my daughter and it is still loved by all the family. The illustrations are wonderful, warm, charming and delightful and bring a special meaning to the story. We still read it to all the young children on Christmas Eve and for adults we read the story and pass a grab bag gift every time the word THE is mentioned. It would not be Christmas without this book. It is magical.

We have an inexpensive paperback version (see our reviews) of this classic poem, and we said that's enough for us. That was before we looked through this beautifully illustrated (by Bruce Whatley) edition of The Night Before Christmas.

The lyrics are the same, from book to book, but the fanciful illustrations in this one are enough to engage adults and children as they read this book together.

The perfect gift for any family whose Christmas tradition includes reading this classic!

This beautiful book was in my family as a hard cover edition for many years and was a Christmas Eve tradition for my four sons when they were growing up. It's poor battered body disappeared some time after the last of my little ones went off into the adult world. I am so delighted to see it back again, though this time as a nicely affordable soft cover. Clement C. Moore's enchanting story poem already provides an atmosphere filled with warmth and joyful expectation and with the addition of Tasha Tudor's quaint, nostalgic water-colors from an antique New England the Christmas magic is complete!
The winter landscapes fill our senses and Tasha's own gray tabby cat and Welsh Corgi welcome us into this charming world.
Tasha's Santa that you will meet in this book has been portrayed as the poem describes him...a right jolly old elf. He's not that much larger than the corgi and his team really consists of eight "tiny" reindeer. His pointy ears and his Eskimo mukluks add to the delightful ambiance of the book. He dances with the toys and with the happy animals and we can truly believe it will be a happy Christmas for all.
I hope this book becomes a Christmas Eve tradition for many, many more families.

I picked up this book recently at the library. And then I couldn't put it down. Author Heather Pringle manages to keep the pace lively throughout this book; not that the subject matters hurts either.

I didn't know much about mummies going into this book, except how the ancient Egyptians prepared theirs. "The Mummy Congress" soon put an end to my ignorance, and in a very amusing, captivating way. In the book, we are introduced to the mummy experts and their beloved mummies in detail. Pringle pulls no punches in her descriptions of the people or the ethcial dilemmas they sometimes face. She also gives the reader a multitude of lessons in mummies. Did you know that some of the paintings you may see in museums were painted with a pigment called Mummy -- made out of ground mummies? Did you know that there are many mummies in South America which tell us how the culture faced grief? Did you know that caucasians once lived in China? Read this book, and you'll learn many such facts. The best thing is that Pringle doesn't write for the expert; she's writing for those of us with an interest, but no experience. And she manages to do it in an entertaining way. I couldn't find any dull parts in this book. So, read it and be amazed at the ancient worlds and people you'll get to know. I can't recommend this book highly enough!

My husband picked up this book and then decided not to read it and instead moved onto another, but I decided to give it a try. Boy, am I glad I did. It's wonderfully written, and extremely accessible to those of us who know very little about mummification, mummies, and their history - my knowledge was the basic "King Tut" and "Inca Girl" sort, yet reading this book I never felt lost in scientific terms, historical stories, or complex explanations and theories from authorities on the various subjects. Pringle covers wide territory, ranging from the preservation of saints to the bog people; the classic Egyptian mummies to the frozen Incan children. Her writing is interesting and exciting, and her personal perspective is never intrusive or unwarranted. I would highly recommend this even to someone not particularly interested in this area of study - anyone could gain knowledge and be fascinated by this excellent book.

To paraphrase Faulkner, the dead are not past; they are not even dead. Heather Pringle, in a wonderful book, _The Mummy Congress: Science, Obsession, and the Everlasting Dead_ (Theia), admits that she knows she is on to a good thing. She had never heard of a Mummy Congress, but her editor at _Discover_ magazine had asked her to watch for any stories on preserved bodies. Readers relish stories about mummies. The information desks at museums are most often asked where the mummies are. And Pringle makes clear in her entertaining book that mummies are still playing a role in science, pathology, religion, and politics. As long as we stay interested in them, they have an active relation to us, and are not dead by a long shot.

The Mummy Congress (actually, The World Congress on Mummy Studies) holds meetings of international mummy experts every three years, and Pringle attended its third meeting, in Arica, Chile. She got to enjoy being with many of them, and then to fly around the world to interview many more experts, and her book is full of amusing thumbnail sketches of the mummy authorities and their stories. This is not a book of Egyptology, for Egyptian mummies are mostly covered by accounts of the ways in which people have used them long after ancient Egyptian society had crumbled. Such uses are bizarre, like for medicine or for pigment in oil paints. Mummies might be able to show us how disease prospered in ancient times, so we can better fight it now. There are mummies from other regions, like Tolland Man, excavated from a Danish bog after 2,400 years, and whose bog was recently sought for making an anti-aging cream; after all, it had worked on Tolland Man. Cherchen Man is a mummy unearthed in China with strange striped clothes and a distinctly Caucasian look. This so alarmed the Chinese government that all research became a matter of state security. Juanita is the beautifully well-preserved mummy from the Inca highlands, whose display by _National Geographic_ was subject to accusations of cultural imperialism; a Peruvian firm proposed to use her eggs to make a new Inca baby. Lenin and Stalin were turned into mummies, and met distinctly different fates. The Catholic Church used to have a requirement that a saint's body had to display a lack of corruption, but has abandoned this since fans of the saints had often mummified them in some way after they died, and the dry, cool crypts of churches might provide a natural explanation for preservation not requiring anything miraculous. Mummies are with us, and always will be. Pringle has made a lively book out of them, and well conveys her own enthusiasm for the long-dead bodies that still have something to tell us.

It had tons of detail and cool pictures!If you liked those other phony Spice books you'll love this REAL book about the coolest band today,THE SPICE GIRLS!!!

This book is great.I have every single spice girl book,poster,cd,magezine that has come out since the spice girls started.I even have all the spice girl merchandise.I am a spice girl die-hard fan.This book I would rate one of the better spice girl books.I even have the spice girl book that is out of stock.It was really good also (because the spice girls wrote it themselves).

THIS BOOK IS REALLY COOL! I AM A REALLY BIG FAN OF TEH SPICE GIRLS AND IT TOLD ME A LOT OF STUFF I DIDN'T KNOW BEFORE! IT'S ALSO A VERY GOOD WRITTEN BOOK. IT'S VERY SAD THAT GERI LEFT THE GROUP, BUT I HOPE THERE ARE MORE BOOKS ON THE SPICE GIRLS! GIRL POWER FOREVER!