Have you ever think of finding a book that capture you from the first page until the end. Beautiful story like fairy tale with supurb narrative style that you want to re-read it many times. Moreover, the book that contains a wonderful idea about life. If yes, try to read this book. Story of a little girl and her friends seemed to be a simple plot. But it isn't like that when it is in Michale Ende's hands. It's about people, friendship and time. Please read this book to your children and you will enjoy this beautiful story as well. If you still don't believe me, Let go through other's people comment for this book. The best way is to find out by yourself. In Thailand, this book is reprinted so many times and I am so glad that I can own this precious book. Another "Gem" from Michale Ende is "The Never Ending Story" both are equally supurb.. I guarantee.

What a wonderfull Book! A truly great fantasy story, I read it years ago as a child, and It's great coming back. There are so many layers to this story it's amazing. It's really a must for our time. The tale speaks of Momo - a Nice little girl, that knew how to listen (If you think you know too, read the book...) And has to save the city from the Time stealing men in Grey. The whole idea of Time in this story is lovely... Just go on, and read it!

It's very seldom that a book both takes hold of your heart *and* guides you through metaphors to notice something about reality that had previously escaped you. 'Momo' is such a book. Set in a fantasy world that parallels what we would consider ideal, 'Momo' is the story of a special girl observeing and trying to cope with/battle against the slow and unnoticed appearance of an army of grey men -- intent on stealing the free time from all the people in her world. The effects of this time theft is clever and in a way haunting; the world begins to become modernized, looking more and more like our own. To give away any more then that would be to give away the plot; trust me, it's a wonderfull, wonderfull read for adults and kids alike. I rank it up there with C.S. Lewis's "The Chronicals of Narnia".

Terminal Consent smartly navigates us through the chillingly corrupt world of `Managed Care for profit' and the utilization of `confidential information'. Both issues in the courts today! Mr. Freeny's extensive and intimate knowlege of the heath care profession, and it's technologies, is truly impressive. The book has fully developed and relatable characters, and is written with passion, sensitivity, and a wry sense of humor. Thanks for this compelling and alarming ride. A MUST READ!

On several levels, this book has real appeal. As a mental health professional I was vaguely aware of some of the potentials associated with healthcare information technology. Michael Freeny has alerted me to the depth of those potentials . . . both the good and evil. I must admit, I doubt I would have ever wadded through a technical description of this technology had it not been woven into a story that captured my attention. It was a great way for me to get some needed updating.

As a novel to read on an airplane or at the beach, Terminal Consent is thoroughly enjoyable. It is a good read! The plot and the characters are unique and engaging. I particularly enjoyed seeing the world through the eyes of a caring and thoughtful mental health professional; and thankfully, there was not a young lawyer, ready to do battle with a corrupt system, anywhere in sight!

Michael Freeny, a Florida writer and chotherapist, provides a riveting insider's view of America's largest service industry - market driven health care. His is a chilling account of cybercare gone mad. Freeny notes at the beginning of his book that the technology described in the novel is currently available. Thus this book could also serve both doctors and the general public as a primer in the intricacies of the deceptive practices of managed care. Indeed, a note at the end of his book notes that 'Healthcare professionals may be eligible to earn continuing education credit for reading this book.'

I first read Trixie Belden: The Secret of the Mansion when I was eight years old. I fell in love with the Trixie Belden series immediately. I'm almost 22 now, and I own through Book 20 with a few more from the more recent books. I would dearly love to find copies of the remaining books (up to 39). Not only do I still like to read these books, but I plan to pass my collection down to my own children.

Just a note, Trixie Belden: The Secret of the Mansion was written by Julie Campbell, not Kathryn Kenny. Julie Campbell is the author of the first six Trixie Belden books. Kathryn Kenny picked up the Trixie Belden series with Book 7, Trixie Belden and the Mysterious Code.

Like most of the other reviewers, I started reading them when I was young, got hooked and have continued reading them. I packed them up when we moved about 10 years ago and recently was thrilled to discover my box with 34 titles in it, so thrilled in fact I had to re-read them all, in sequence. Then I had to pack them up again but now, at long last, they are in a place of honor in my new bookcase (which, by the way has a shelf of exactly the right height for Trixie Belden books). The local library recently removed from circulation an almost complete set (1-34,36,39) if you can believe it. Unfortunately I got there too late to get the two I was missing and only managed to get a duplicate of #1 which was extremely tattered. I went back a few days later and someone had cleaned them out of the rest of the set. The Trixie Belden series actually furthered my education more than once. Want to know about Arizona? the Hudson River Valley? Williamsburg? More than once I've been sent to my encyclopedias (doesn't that date me?) to look up something I read in my Trixies. I raise my voice with the rest of you--REPRINT NOW!

This was one of my favorites. Even though Jim has been adopted by the Wheeler's family, for him to find a true relative seems to bring him a contentment that he has always deserved. The story is pretty simple and straightforward; a newspaper notice searching for ownership of property brings forth a young woman who is Jim's long lost cousin, Juliana. She becomes involved with the Bob-Whites and is accepted into the Wheeler's home and affections. A seemingly unrelated occurance brings in a new character, Janie, who is recovering from injuries that have left her without her memory. Trixie's involvement in Janie's recovery, and her desire to help Janie discover her past revive more than expected and bring back a character almost forgotten by all but the most dedicated Trixie Belden fans. I first started reading Trixie Belden books in the early 1970's, and adored every book I read. Now that my daughter has started reading chapter books I am eager to introduce her to my favorite childhood series. I adored the youthful angst of Trixie, her fallabilities, but mostly her determination, whether it be in finding the solution to the current mystery, or her belief in her own future as a detective. I, too, would love to see the series reprinted although I realize they would be conspicuously out of date with current technology. However, I would not like to see any revamping to them done, as it would probably change the stories and characters beyond recognition. Hopefully, I as well as many of the others here will be able to find and once again read all these cherished classics.

John Lewis tells the story of a time when America was at its crossroads. He was Destined to become a leader in the Civil Rights Movement from his humble beginings in Troy, Alabama. Congressman Lewis tells his story of 35 years standing steadfast with determination and never wavering efforts to bring about "The Beloved Family". "This book is a legacy to us all and should be required reading in all educational settings."

John Lewis chronicles his ascendancy from the backroads of Alabama to the hallowed halls of Congress - an experience which reads more like carefully contrived fiction than real life events. The struggles, the triumphs, the emotions, the meanings are all carefully woven to create a soon-to-be American classic literary canon, depicting the Civil Rights Era. Lewis, described as an American treasure, lives up to the title with his intimate details of the renown leaders of the movement and the not-so-well-known heroes, who fought tirelessly to end the social injustices of the segregated South. Twenty-first century textbook authors would be remiss, if not negligent, by not including the perspectives of Lewis' Walking with the Wind. Amazingly, Lewis remains humble, despite his successes. He is a role model, and more importantly, a 20th Century American hero. Walking with the Wind is a must-read for all.

This work is a well written account of one of the most tumultous times America has seen this century. Its vivid descriptions of the many facets of the Civil Rights Movement take you through the mundane and the monumental, and make you feel as though you are there. Through the touching recollections of his family, and the friendships that he made during the Movement, this compelling book gives insight to what makes John Lewis one of America's living legends.

I laughed out loud at a lot of the commentary in this book. One really funny example is the recipe on page 110 "Hotter Than Hell Sabbath Dip" (From a drag queen in New Orleans who claims to be the original Creole Lady Marmalade) Very campy, very southern, other recipes make reference to Tennessee William's "A Streetcar Named Desire" and there are so many with that distinctly New Orleans flair. This book shows the city and its cuisine from a new, refreshing angle and not the same old boring "BAM!"

It just doesn't get any better than this, here's a wonderful book that captures the French Quarter and the Big Easy at its absolute best. If you think cookbooks are old news & that it's all been said & done before, dare to be proven wrong by this fantastic book, it is well written by a very knowledgeable chef! Emeril look out, Todd St. Pierre (A native of South Louisiana and a real Cajun) is a talent to be reckoned with!!!

I first discovered this book while on vacation at Mardi Gras, it has 7 different recipes for Gumbo, humorous Cajun Poetry & a wealth of historical information. Personally I liked the Shrimp Creole, The Zydeco Chicken & The Mardi Gras King Cake Best; Great Choice!

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.

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!

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.

I will not repeat what other reviewers have said about this classic learner's dictionary. It has been a valuable reference for ESL students for many decades. I own several learner's dictionaries published recently (Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English 4th Edition, Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary, and Collins Cobuild 3rd edition) and some of them have features this one does not have. But I still use this dictionary a lot and will continue to use it. I hope a new edition of it will come out soon.

I have recently bought the millenium edition (hardbound) of this book. In my scientific studies (I study Scientology which uses a precise study technology that demands a good dictionary to look up misunderstood words) a good dictionary is vital.
This one has been very helpful to me as it gives precise yet comprehensible definitions. This is maybe the most important point of all.
I found it very easy to look up a word i did not understand and gain a conceptual understanding of that word after a short period of time. The definitions just make sense and are not too complicated and confusing.
It also includes example sentences and idioms and information for the further usage of a particular word.
It also has a section with colored pictures (maps, categories such as clothing, food, animals etc.) that provide a picture of the real thing that the word represents - a quite useful tool for foreigners and non native speakers like me.

If you are currently studying english, reading english texts (but have a limited vocabulary) or just don't want to run into too many complexities when using a dictionary and don't want to be too confused but you just want to know the meaning of a word and understand it, then this is the right dictionary for you.

As it is a dictionary for "learners" it does not include things like etymology and syllables (the only negative points), technical definitions (although it includes some where their appearance is reasonable) etc.

But it includes phonetic symbols at the bottom of each page and has, as all dictionaries, a section wich explains each symbol and abbreviation that can appear in an entry.
If there would appear some symbol or abbreviation in the entry that you wouldn't understand, you would find it easy to find its meaning as everything in this dictionary is exactly where you would consider it to be.
So you don't fool around loosing time and getting frustrated. I think the editors of some dictionaries assume that you already know all these symbols but include their definitions anyway in a very complicated way.

Not with this one.
I highly recommend this dictionary. You can buy it without reservations.
But...you should have a second one with etymologies at hand.

No other book on my bookshelf is more worn out. I use it all the time. When I started to study English I used to use an English / Portuguese (my first language) dictionary but I could only actually improve my English when I started using the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary.

The dictionary has lots of pictures (over 1700) for words that can be explained but for which a picture is much more effective like "hinge". The words have a pronunciation guide with a mark (') showing the main stress. There are many useful appendixes like irregular verbs conjugation, usage of numbers, punctuation, family relationships and a few colorful maps.

Over 220 usage notes clarify the subtle differences among words such as dealer trader and merchant. Although it's mainly a British English dictionary the differences in spelling, use or pronunciation between American English and British English are stressed.

By far the most interesting feature is the extremely reduced defining vocabulary constituted of 3500 words. The great majority of definitions are written using that reduced defining vocabulary. This simplifies the definitions and it's a great starting vocabulary for the beginners. The use of such a small defining vocabulary rules out the use of this dictionary as a thesaurus but the advantages compensate this drawback.

My copy is a paper back that has been reinforced with adhesive tape. This makes the dictionary lighter and handy. I used to put it on my back pack and take it to all my classes when I started college in USA.

The drawbacks are the need of an additional thesaurus and the fact that the entries are not syllabified. Nevertheless I would give it 10 stars if I could.

Leonardo Alves - December 2000

This was an incredible book. I would read it again and again if I had to. I really had feelings for the characters when the tragaties came around the corner. Shiloh season is a great title for this book because Marty thinks mean old Judd Travers is going to go hunting for Shiloh. He thinks this way because if Judd will shoot a dear out of season why not a dog when there is not even a season for dogs.To find out what happens in this breath taking shiloh trilogy, you will have to read the 5 satr* book Shiloh Season.

Have you ever struggled to keep your pet? In the book Shiloh Season by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor a boy named Marty Preston tries hard to keep his dog Shiloh. Judd Travers a mean hunter formaly owned Shiloh. Judd attempts to kill Marty and Shiloh. Judd was trying to shoot Marty when he was at his doctor friend, but luckily missed. One of Judd's rabid dogs bit Becky in the arm. She was weeping and weeping, but Shiloh came to the rescue when he attacked the mad mutt. Judd tried to run over Marty and Shiloh with his rusty truck. One late balmy night Shiloh was sleeping on the porch Judd shot his gun and woke up Shiloh. This is a book I recommmend.

Have you ever had a man accuse you of stealing his dog or having him try to kill you? Well in the book Shiloh Season by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, a boy named Marty has this problem. He worked for Judd Travers` for two whole weeks and kept secrets just to keep his beat up dog named Shiloh. Judd says Marty did not even earn that dog and it still belongs to himself. So Judd starts to drink more and more beer. Then all of the sudden one night he got so drunk he got in an accident. One night Marty and Shiloh were taking a jog down to Dr. Murphy's and he was not home, but Judd was around. They took a rest on a log and right in the middle of Marty and Shiloh a bullet comes flying. Judd! That is all that came to Marty's mind. Was it Marty or Shiloh he was trying to kill? Well if you want to know read this book! It's a great adventure story. I think you'll love it!
I like this book a lot, but I did not like it when Judd killed animals and tried to shoot at people.
I think the book was pretty neat though. When Marty had his mind full of secrets it made me think about what he might do with them. He might tell someone or he might not tell anyone. Then I was thinking of what might happen if he spilled out a secret. What might that lead to? This book kept me in a lot of suspense throughout the whole time I read it. The book has many cliffhangers in it so it makes me want to keep reading. I really enjoyed the book, but that Judd Travers made the book have some horrible scenes that were hard to understand and was uncomfortable to read. That's how I feel about this book.
The main character in the book I read is Marty. Everything is based on him and his life. He is a 10 year old boy who lives in Friendly, West Virginia. Marty has blond hair and two bratty sisters. Their names are Dara Lynn and Becky. He also has a friend named David. They go to school together and are in the same class. Marty has many traits throughout the book. One is he is a very curious boy who always needs to know things. He is also a very courageous kid. He is always spying on Judd, making sure he doesn't do bad things. Marty is a very caring kid. When his dad thought Judd was hunting in their woods, Marty was worried about Dara Lynn and Becky, but most of all Shiloh. Marty has many strengths. One is he is very good in school. His teacher feels that he wrote a great report but he must use his "family" language at home and good grammar in school. He also is a very good spy. He goes to Judd's house with his friend David. They were being very underhanded. Marty also has weaknesses. He just barely leaves Shiloh to get on the school bus. Rarely does Marty ever go to friends house for a long time. Those are some of his strengths and weaknesses.
I think Marty does all the right things! I think Marty loves Shiloh so much that whenever he is not with him he anticipates being with him. To me Marty resents Judd Travers. Everything in Marty's life seems to be very bewildering. During the book everything seems to change my mind. One minute I like the book, the next minute I do not like the book. Marty, a young 10 year old, seems to do quite a lot for his age. He is a very brave young boy to me. I like this book a lot because it makes you feel like you go right inside and the book comes alive. This was a spectacular book! I hope you will read it.
I thought this book was wonderful because it made me think about how hard life could be and that I do have a good life so I should be proud.

Gregg Levoy's book literally fell into my hands at my public library. Since then I have purchased it as my own. It is a deeply spiritual and invigorating piece of work which has made me become more aware of the messages around me.. A powerful related experience is when I happened to be talking to an acquaintence who was expressing her frustration with her life in general. I said I was reading a book that might help her. She said she had begun reading a book, too. She had been to a large book store in a metro area and turned to come face-to-face with a book. When I asked her the name of it, I gasped when she said, "Callings." Read this book and open your ears, mind, and soul.

The term "calling" is rather misleading: it implies something unequivocal and unmistakable, like Moses hearing a voice from the burning bush or Paul being knocked off his horse. But, more often, it's a whisper you have to strain to hear, or a series of little signs you'll overlook if you aren't paying attention. Levoy's book is less a how-to guide than a meditation on the nature of callings and how to listen for them. He uses many examples from his own life, but, to his credit, he doesn't take himself too seriously or pretend that he has The Answer to anyone's questions about the meaning of life -- even his own. And his subjective insights are balanced by plentiful examples from the experiences of others. His anecdotal style, his heavy use of quotations, and the circular structure of many chapters might frustrate a reader looking for direct guidance, but I found the book thought-provoking and intuition-stimulating. It's the sort of book you can pick up at any time, flip through, and find a paragraph or a chapter that sets off new sparks in your mind. My one complaint is that he often isn't specific enough about the source of a quotation -- e.g., "Goethe wrote ..." is NO help at all with the author of such bagatelles as Faust, Parts I and II! Otherwise, I thought his reference section offered excellent suggestions for further reading: you can pick a quotation that resonates with you, and follow it up with more of that author's writings. Finally, his writing is a great pleasure to read -- it's fluid without becoming monotonous, and well expresses the twists and eddies of his or his subject's thoughts. I enjoyed the book thoroughly, and plan to reread it.

I'm not going to say much because it would take away from the time you should spend reading this book. If you are open to any level of insight into your own life, and you are if you are reading this review, this book will have something worthwhile to say to you. My thanks to Mr. Levoy for a huge research job and for passing on an enormous labor of love from which any and all can benefit.

When I'd finished reading "A Place called Wiregrass" and looked again at the editorial reviews on the cover I was surprised that no-one had commented on the strong message of faith portrayed in the story. Erma Lee Jacob's journey from the depths of despair to following God's call came slowly, honestly, sincerely and lovingly throughout the book. It
showed how much easier it was to live God's plan and not the world's plan for a happier life. It wasn't a sudden decision, but a long thought-provoking one and I enjoyed travelling along this spiritual path with Erma Lee.

Well done Michael Morris. You deserve recognition for this first novel beautifully written. I believe this book is so powerful that it can appeal to anyone -- regardless of individual spiritual beliefs.

This beautiful book is filled with characters to love, characters to hate and joy in the redeeming value of love and endurance. Rarely do I read a book ( and I read A LOT) that makes me sorry for the need for sleep and even more sorry to see it end. Wiregrass is a place we have all known, but few have taken the time to get to know well. Thank you Michael Morris for the rare novel that takes us through a multitude of emotions (without risk of being offended) and then gently comforts in the end!

I add books to my life like jewels to a jewelry box. Some books, like jewelry, are shiny and self-important and you read them out of a sense of duty. Some books are as fun and disposable as paste-on earrings. And then there are some novels, like "A Place Called Wiregrass", that are simple, eloquent treasures to be taken out again and again. Michael Morris' first book is a powerful testament of love and redemption. It is an easy read, with characters that flesh out quickly into people the reader will care about. "Wiregrass" follows the journey of Erma Lee,as she moves from physically and emotionally abusive relationships with her husband and mother to a spiritual rebirth with a new family, headed by Miss Claudia, in the town of Wiregrass, Alabama. Her journey could be yours, in any town, in any time. It is a survivor's story. It will inspire you. And it will make you grateful for authors like Michael Morris, who have the ability to weave humor, tears and spirit into a storyline that will captivate your heart. I highly recommend this book for book clubs. "A Place Called Wiregrass", and Michael Morris, are true gems.