After visiting the "Little Town on the Prairie" of De Smet, South Dakota, I decided it was time to finish the series which I had started reading as a kid. The books have lost none of their charm during the past 25 years. They are perfect for reading aloud to your children. There are plenty of adventures to keep boys and girls of all ages entertained. I found Mrs.Wilder's descriptions of the pioneer way of life very interesting. Her simple style of writing paints vivid images of prairie blizzards, swarms of grasshoppers, and wolves, bears and Indians. It has been a long time since I've enjoyed reading anything this much. One suggestion: don't read Farmer Boy on an empty stomach. The mouth-watering descriptions of the Wilders' meals (especially dessert) will sent you running to the refrigerator.

If memory serves me correctly, I discovered Laura Ingalls Wilder's "Little House" books around the age of seven. I do remember being the envy of my third-grade classmates when I received the entire boxed set AND "On The Way Home" for Christmas. Of course, newer generations only know Laura from the TV series, which, as an earlier reviewer remarked, was the epitome of schmalzy, rose-glassed views of pioneer life, but interestingly enough included some real incidents Laura never put in the books (the death of the baby brother and living in the hotel). The books, however, still stand the test of time. True, some of the harsher elements of frontier life are glossed over to an extent--these are books aimed at kids, after all--but overall the books are an fascinating study of life on the prairie in the post-Civil War years. Much like Harry Potter, the Little House books can be read and enjoyed by adults. My only quibble with the books is that I've always felt that there should have been another book between "On The Banks of Plum Creek" and "On The Shores of Silver Lake," since there's a jump of about five years between the two. According to some of Laura's biographers, however, Laura's family had some rough experiences during that time, so that might explain the lack.

Still, there's a reason these books are classics--the descriptions are top-notch, they're moralistic without smacking you over the head, and they're just plain fun to read. I still have the boxed set (not the same one I got for Christmas, alas), and on snowy days in my own little house I find myself curled up in front of the fire with "Farmer Boy" or "These Happy Golden Years." Enjoy!

When I was eight years old I found On the Banks of Plum Creek in my Easter basket. At the time I hated reading and promptly tossed it aside. A few weeks later I found it again and for some reason decided to give it a shot. I absolutely loved it. I ran out and read the whole series (in no particular order) and when I was done I went searching for others like it(LM Montgomery came close). The Little House books changed my life. They spurned in me love of literature which still lasts (I'm currently an English major!). I recommend buying these books for any little girl- even if they don't like reading. It just might change their minds, and if not, it's only money and the oppotunity provided is priceless.

I usually only read regency romances as I find the other types to be completely boring and totally predictable. The Windflower is an exception. I first read this book about five years ago and thought it was a wonderful and exciting read. I just recently read it again and it is my favorite romance novel. The characters are so well written and the book has many facets it isn't the "typical" romance. The pirate aspect gives it an exciting and humorous flair as we see the crew begin to befriend poor bewildered Merry. I would love to read a sequel or two. My favorite characters were Cat and Raven, not the main characters. I would love to see their stories, and the pirate captain Rand Morgan. This book also doesn't portray women in the usual "I will surrender to you" fashion. Although Merry is not strong at first her behavior is as excepted from someone who lead such a sheltered life and is in the predicament she is. All in all a wonderful, exciting, adventerous, and refreshing novel.

I FIRST READ "THE WINDFLOWER" WHEN I WAS IN THE 9TH GRADE IN HIGH
SCHOOL. MY OLDER SISTER BOUGHT IT AND LOANED IT TO ME. UNFORTUNATELY, I HAD TO RETURN IT. FOR YEARS I LOOKED FOR IT AS
AN ADULT. FINALLY, I FOUND IT. THE WINDFLOWER IS A GREAT BOOK FOR
ANYONE THAT LOVES ROMANCE BOOKS TO READ, BUT FOR ME IT HAD A MORE
CERTAIN APPEAL TO IT. THE INTENSE SEXUAL ATMOSPHERE BETWEEN DEVON
AND MERRY WAS WONDERFUL AND I COULD NEVER DECIDE IF I WANTED HER
TO END UP WITH DEVON OR CAT. I THINK THAT A SEQUEL SHOULD BE
WRITTEN TO IT, TO LET US KNOW WHAT HAPPENED TO CAT, MORGAN, ETC..
IN SOME WAYS, MERRY WAS LIKE A "CINDERALLA" TYPE THAT KNEW NOTHING ON HER WAY TO ENGLAND, BUT ONCE SHE GOT THERE SHE WON
EVERYONE'S HEARTS. SHE EVEN MANAGED TO CAPTURE DEVON'S HEART, WHO
WAS A LIFE LONG BACHELOR AND LEADING A DOUBLE LIFE. IT'S A VERY
INTERESTING BOOK IN THAT YOU CAN SEE WHERE THE RICH AND FAMOUS
LEAD DOUBLE LIFES, SOMETIMES DANGEROUS LIFES. I LOVE THIS BOOK.
IT'S ALWAYS BEEN MY FAVORITE AND ALWAYS WILL BE. I HAVEN'T READ
ANOTHER BOOK THAT HAS SO CAPTURED MY HEART AS THIS ONE HAS. WHEN
YOU READ THIS BOOK YOU FEEL LIKE YOUR THERE, LIKE YOUR MERRY.

This book is wonderful. It is not your standard formula romance book; it is multlayered and very well written. It is a book I reread at least once a year and every time is better. Devon and Merry are wonderful characters but the "supporting cast" are fascinating as well. The story is strong and interesting and makes you want to read it again and again. I wish Sharon and Tom would write a sequel to the book letting fascinated readers know what happened to Cat, Raven and Morgan! If one enjoys historical romance, it doesn't come better than this. I would give it 10 stars if I could!

Patti is truly a gem to be cherished. She is truly a living testimony. Through the tears and the pain, heartache and betrayal, Patti rises above it all, to show that there is gold at the end of the rainbow of life. This book is no less than remarkable, compelling, and exceptional. As you read, it leaves you, not only not wanting to put it down, but selfishly wishing for a sequel. Patti's life has only just begun, and through "Don't Block The Blessings: Revelations of a Lifetime," Patti shows us, without reservation, that we can truly overcome anything, as long as we don't block the blessings. Everything in life happens for a reason, and if you learn from each life's experience, you will transcend and begin to appreciate people, as well as yourself, just don't block the blessing.

Don't Block the Blessings is an excellent book. When I began to read the first couple of words, I knew that this would be one book that I would not be able to put down. I often found myself reading the book while taking tests, taking a bath, while exercising, and sometimes while riding in the car. I think that the reason it caught my attention was because some of the issues that Mrs. LaBelle faced, I have gone through also. Although I am only sixteen years old, I have been in similar situations. Like Patti, I have often feared death, and I let that bother me for so long. I have lost an aunt, tragically, and me not being able to say to her what I needed to say still haunts me. After reading the book, I've learned to deal with my problems, as did Patti. I know Mrs. LaBelle will remain a true inspiration in my life because through her book, and through God, she has helped me to learn to never block the blessings. I believe that if America were to live by this motto, it would be a much better place. We need more people , like Mrs. Patti LaBelle, to speak out and help make this world a better haven. I commend her and may God continously bless her. I will remain her number one fan!!!

This book has truly been a blessing to my life. After reading it four times, I have been compelled to stop complaining and appreciate life, for I am truly blessed. Patti is truly a gem. She is a living testimony. Through the tears and the pain, heartache and betrayal, like a phoenix, Patti rises above it all. She shows that there is gold at the end of the rainbow we call life. This book is no less than Remarkable, compelling, and exceptional. Patti tells all, and each revelation brings about a major learning experience that makes her the powerful, spiritual, and "down-to-earth" Diva that she is today. As you read, it leaves you not only NOT wanting to put it down, but selfishly wishing for a sequel. If there were a class on autobiographies of the stars, this would be a Required Reading. Patti's life has only just begun and through "Don't Block The Blessings: Revelations of a Lifetime," Patti shows us, without reservation, that we can truly overcome anything, as long as we don't block the blessings. Everything in life happens for a reason, and if you learn from each life's experience, you will transcend and begin to appreciate people, as well as yourself, ...just don't block the blessings

This is one of my 10 month old's very favorite books. When he goes to his little bookshelf, this is the book he invariably pulls down and flips though. When I read it to him, he is totally riveted. When he flips through it by himself, I see him touching the ladybugs (since they're 3 dimensional) and exploring the holes on the left.

This book is brilliant and works on many levels. It's very melodic (great rhyming verses w/out being too sing-song-y). Example: "Ten little ladybugs, sitting on a vine. Along came a caterpiller, then there were..." turn the page and you get "nine little ladybugs...."

Plus, you've got each number on the page represented 4 ways -- on the right, you see how many ladybugs remain (i.e., 10 of them). On the left, you've got the number displayed ("10"), plus the holes add up to the same number, and then the verse at the bottom has the number written out ("ten little ladybugs...")

All the characters throughout the book (the caterpillar, the grasshopper, the turtle, etc.) show up at the end so you it's not like they come & go and are forgotten, and each page is beautifully illustrated. The book is also very well put together and I don't fear that the ladybugs are going to come off when my son grabs them. This book is very well used in our house and it's still holding up incredibly well. We highly recommend it!

Ten Little Ladybugs was given to my son as a gift when he was 6 mo old. Since then (he is 10 mo. now) my husband and I read it to him at least 5x a day! In a pile of books he will search and recover this book without hesitation. He loves turning the pages, the bright colors, and of course touching those adorable ladybugs!!! This is now a staple gift for all my friends having babys!

My 11 month old son absolutely adores this book. He is excited to read it the minute I pick it up. He laughs and turns the pages all the way through. It is so colorful and whimsical and the tactile ladybugs keep his attention. He touches each ladybug before he turns the pages. When all the ladybugs appear at the end, he smiles even wider as if he missed them. We read it practically every day and I get the same reaction every time. I highly reccommend this book for little ones.

Seabiscuit's "gallop was so disorganized that he had a maddening tendency to whack himself in the front ankle with his own hind hoof." And so the spell-binding story about a horse that runs with a duck waddle, a jockey (Red Pollard) who is blind in one eye, a trainer (Tom Smith) who is practically mute, and an owner (Charles Howard) who brought cars to the West is born. This unlikely group of misfits joins together through chance -- and because all three men immediately see the untapped potential in a mistreated, high-spirited, and lazy horse named Seabiscuit. This trio devotes their love, skills, and energy into turning Seabiscuit into one of the most phenomenal horse racing legends.

Tom Smith, perhaps the original "horsewhisperer", spends hours learning and understanding his horse. When Seabiscuit is first put into his care for training, the horse is nervous, paces incessantly, weighs too little, and suffers from a sore body. Tom spends time caring for Seabiscuit, showering him with affection and carrots, even sleeping in Seabiscuit's stall at night. A daily routine is introduced plus animal companionship. Before long, Seabiscuit has his own entourage: a cow pony named Pumpkin, the little stray dog Pocatell, and Jojo the spider monkey. Under Tom's care, the high-spirited Seabiscuit learns to trust, becomes calm, and, most importantly, starts winning horse races.

The triumph of Seabiscuit is ultimately the story of what any person (or animal) may accomplish when their talents are recognized, supported, and expanded. Seabiscuit, given his inauspicious start in life, could just as easily have faded away into non-existence running third tier races. However, the love and care he receives from his owner, jockey, and trainer have you cheering until the end of the book for Seabiscuit to keep running (and winning) with his heart. Not only does Seabiscuit capture the hearts of the misfit trio, he will capture yours.

This fascinating work of non-fiction is one of the best books I've read in a long time. Unlike a lot of historical non-fiction, this intriguing story did not read like a textbook - it read like fiction and not once did I find myself skimming the details ... too interesting to skim through!

When I first heard about this story, I wasn't sure about it - after all, I really know (or should I say "knew") very little about horse racing. Despite my misgivings, I soon realized that a major purpose of this book was not only to teach the reader about this sport via Seabiscuit's career but also to memorialize the amazing individuals (Charles Howard, Tom Smith, Red Pollard, George Woolf, etc.) who defied all odds to make such a successful racing career possible.

I especially liked the chapters dealing with the difficulties of life as a jockey - the way the jockeys punished their bodies to the extreme for the honor of participating in a harrowingly dangerous sport was truly unbelievable...and I thought ballerinas were harsh on their bodies when it came to weight loss! Red was my favorite character and I can't help wondering if the author felt a particular kinship with the jockey as a result of her own struggles with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - after all, she did have to push her own body beyond her normal physical limits to complete her research and write this amazing book!

Ms. Hillenbrand successfully incorporated the story of Seabiscuit's racing career into the historical context of the era. Seabiscuit was a much needed diversion for Americans who were suffering the depths of the Great Depression. ...And perhaps, through Laura Hillenbrand, Team Seabiscuit is still providing us all with an inspirational diversion from today's distressing headlines!

Oh - and don't skip the interview with Laura Hillenbrand at the end of the book. It was very interesting to see how Ms. Hillenbrand's own background influenced her writing and how her research helped her to resurrect this intriguing epoch in American history.

I'm excited about the movie although I hope Universal Studios does this wonderful literary work justice!

Admittedly, I was slow out of the gates when it came to reading Laura Hillenbrand's "Seabiscuit: An American Legend." So after endless weeks atop the bestseller list and 300+ glowing reviews here on Amazon, I finally decided to give the book a shot. Much to my surprise and delight, the book actually lived up to all of its hype and success, a true rarity in my reading experiences of late.

Hillenbrand has fashioned a compulsively readable account of one of the greatest thoroughbred horses of all time as well as three men (owner Charles Howard, trainer Tom Smith, and jockey Red Pollard) who molded the lame-looking animal into a national hero. Through meticulous research, Hillenbrand masterfully fleshes the main players and events of the day. With all its drama, suspense, and surprises, "Seabiscuit" is one of those real-life stories that reads like fiction.

So there is probably little more to say, except to add one more voice to this already word-of-mouth bestseller. It is an inspiring story of reaching beyond what was thought possible to achieve one's dreams - be it man, beast, or even the author herself.

I have been cooking for years, not out of obligation, but because I get this incredible feeling from creating meals- it is my art. This is why I feel so connected (not in a "Single White Female" way!)to Patti LaBelle. Cooking is her art, it's her expression of love and devotion to her family and friends. I totally understood her fierce protection over her famous potato salad recipe- once you give it to someone, it no longer belongs to you. So, I understand what a loving sacrafice she has made by giving us this collection of incredible recipes. I particularly recommend her "Over the Rainbow" mac and cheese, her "Don't Block the Blessings" dressing (stuffing, for you "Stove Top" lot), her "Make You Wanna Holler" Maryland crab cakes, and her Aunt Mary's Philadelphia Butter cake. The stories behind the recipes is worth having even if you never cooked a single thing. Even if you are hopeless in the kitchen, if you follow these recipes to the letter, you'll even impress your mother-in-law!!

I bought the book because I'm a fan of Patti LaBelle's music and her life stories (from her autobiography. Now, I'm a fan of her food!

For an Irish-American woman in Michigan like me to be able to make Macaroni and Cheese and Smothered Chicken alone was worth ten times the price of this book. My Italian husband who grew up in New York eating out-of-this-world soul food from neighborhood restaurants and cooks was amazed. He was asking for thirds!

I can't wait to try out more recipes. Be warned, many of these recipes are traditional soul-food recipes, i.e., high in fat/cholesterol/calories. You can, however, use substitute ingredients to lower the sin quotient. You only live once, so as long as you don't eat like this everyday, try the recipes in their original form - you'll love the food!!

I bought this book off of Amazon, never having seen it in the stores. What a pleasant surprise! I'd expected another book of soul-food, Southern cooking (which is what I was looking for). Ms. LaBelle's book has plenty of down-home-type recipies familiar to those of us in the South, such as her pot roast and her Southern fried chicken, but also has recipes that reflect a wider, more modern cooking trend, such as Caribbean fish steaks and shrimp fried rice. Her Macaroni and Cheese recipe is to die for!

Unlike so many other 'celebrity' cookbooks, the recipes here are well-written and easy to follow. I've cooked a couple of dozen recipes here, and all have worked as published.

This cookbook can be a terrific introduction to Southern cooking as well as an illustrated biography of its author. I've been a fan of LaBelle for many years and was delighted to read her autobiographical segments. This book is a great blend of cookbook and memoirs, and can be enjoyable even if only for reading!

"I'll try and do anything and be anything you want if only you'll keep me." This is how "Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery begins.
Anne Shirley is a twelve-year-old girl who is brought to Green Gables only to find they were expecting a boy. The Cuthberts however, are one over by this queer, imaginative girl with bright, red hair and decide to allow her to stay.
Green Gables is a lovely, little farm just outside of a small town on Prince Edward Island called Avonlea. It is surrounded by fields and forests, which hold many surprises for adventurous Anne.
Throughout this book Anne's fierce temper and wild imagination often get the better of her, but she usually manages to squeeze out of these scrapes.
Anne's melodramatic nature and fiery temper keeps you interested as you read this marvelous book.
Montgomery's humorous writing style gives life to the characters so that you feel like you are meeting them in person.
I think that this was a wonderful book filled with humor, drama and tears. I would recommend this book to anyone that has ever had a dream and loves a good book.

If you were an orphan and all your life you continued to move from house because no one wanted to keep you,then finally,all of a sudden you find someone who actually likes you and wants you. That's exactly what L.M. Montgomery's novel Anne of Grenn Gables is about.

Anne Shirely is a smart talkative,very imaginative little girl who lived all over until one day the Cuthberts of Avonlea,Canada adopted her. Deciding to kepp her didn't come easily. They finnally did decide and she was so happy about it. During her stay she got into lots of trouble. Anne then has something that happens that is very nice but sad. In order to find out whatg happened,you will have to read the book.

I liked Anne of Green Gable because the character was very smart and had a big imagination. I also liked it because the plot was excellent. I recommend the book to anyone who is into reading stories with lots of plots and if so you will sure love this book!

Anne of Green Gables is one of my all-time favorite books. Anne is a person almost everyone can relate to in some way or another. Anne is launched into the "depths of despair" as soon as she finds out the horrible truth that the Mathew and Marilla really sent for a boy from the orphanage. Her fiery temper gets the better of her at some of the worst possible times. Such as when she vows that she will never forgive Gilbert Blythe for calling her carrots, as if smashing a slate over his head is not enough. This is a wonderful book that L. M. Montgomery has really shown her skill as a writer and novelist in. I have read the entire Anne of Green Gables Series and am also, like another reader, saving them all for my daughter some day. If you want a book that you can thoroughly enjoy, this is the one, although I have one warning that you may have a hard time putting it down.

We've finally grown out of this book at our house - but it took a long time. My soon-to-be 9 year old will occasionally (in secret)read this book now, but from age 3 to 6, it was a bed time favorite!

The story is funny, as are the illustrations of the little mouse, making a mess and asking for more things - and it all started by just giving the little fellow a cookie.

The hardcover book alone is a great gift item, but it's better yet as a mini book with the cute little stuffed mouse. If you add a small package of chocolate chip cookies, this would make an exceptional gift. Or, if not cookies, a crayon set with some paper is ideal (you have to read the story to understand why!)

For kids who want to read and listen, the audio tape will be listened to again and again. This is also one of those books that adults enjoy reading to their children!

The whole If you series is a fun set to read. The little mouse is adorable and the story can be told to any age. It is a great bedtime book. The mouse and his energy and enthusiasm allows for the child to get into the story. I love this book

.....you will have hours of fun ahead of you.
My favorite time of the day is when I take my kids to bed and read for them. We read different kinds of books, but each child always gets some special favorites. If you give a Mouse a Cookie is among 5 year old Marta's all time favorites. We can read the book over and over again, and the story is just as cute as when we first discovered it.
The story starts with a little boy eating cookies outside his house, he sees a mouse and wants to share his cookies with it. The mouse eats the cookie, then asks for a glass of milk, of course the boy gives him some milk, and the story goes on and on. The little mouse asking for more and more, the boy having a wonderful time following his new companion. From a napkin, to scissors to trim his hair, a broom to sweep up, and so on. And the wonderful, funny last page when the mouse asks for a glass of milk, but of course, if you give him a glass of milk the chances are that he will want a cookie to go with it, and we are right back to the start of the book. The most perfect story for a child who always wants repetitions, over and over again.
The book is beautifully written by Laure Joffe Numeroff, and the cute drawings to illustrate the story are made by Felicia Bond.
Lucky parents and children with books like this to share.

Britt Arnhild Lindland

A friend called to say she'd just finished Laura Pedersen's novel, BEGINNER'S LUCK, and she urged me to buy it. She said that if I read just one book this winter it should be this one. Though I wondered how good a book narrated by a 16-year-old high school dropout who spends time at the track and works as a yard person for a zany family could be, I bought a copy. And I was hooked. I read it straight through on a Sunday afternoon. The characters' eccentric yet genuine behavior is unforgettable, and Hallie's story is one that anyone-at any age-will relate to. After I finished the book I missed Hallie in a very real way; I actually wished I could spend more time with her! I am now
totally envious of anyone who hasn't read this book yet because they have a wonderful, rare treat ahead of them.

This charming novel is sort of a throwback to the 1950s, even though it takes place in the present. Which just goes to show once again how everything changes and everything stays the same -- at least when it comes to important things like love, death, the necessity of friendship, and the difficulty of finding where we belong in the world. I'd recommend this book to any young person who ever felt as if they didn't fit in and to any older person who enjoys an old-fashioned good read that's witty, poignant, and filled with original characters and great dialogue. I had not heard of this author ever before but from the picture she appears young enough to serve up a few more stories and I look forward to that. And if you ever wondered what might have happened if Anne from Green Gables had become a gambler this novel may just hold the answer.

I picked this book up because I liked the cover and received a wonderful surprise. It's funny and charming and a sweet reminder of simpler times. So much goes on that I think the best description is probably "Seinfeld" meets "The Wonder Years." The protagonist is 16 and even though it's a coming of age novel for her, there are terrific older characters, and anyone who has tried to raise a child will enjoy and identify with them. So it's a good read for ages 13-103. A few of the main players are a bit eccentric, but no more so than the crazy relative most of us have. I'm sure book this will be a movie or TV show and I hope there's a sequel. If you want to sit and laugh for a few hours, buy this book and then give it to a friend or your mom.

This book is THE best! I previously tried one of those shady "carbohydrates are bad and here's how to get rid of them" books, and not only was I miserable, it also made me physically ill after 1 month. Volumetrics, however, is such a wonderful "plan". It's realistic, it's easy, it doesn't have any weird ingredients or any true no-no's. I've lost 5lbs in about 2 1/2 weeks, and I feel great...I'm not starving, I'm not eating at only specific times, and I'm eating real food that my husband can enjoy with me (he who has no need to lose post-baby weight!). It truly is a life changing book as far as how you eat; it makes you much more aware of how and why fruits, vegetables, and fiber are good for you and how they help you in your weight loss venture. I highly recommend it to those of you who want to look and feel better.

I have a PhD in nutrition and want to let readers know that "The Volumetrics Weight-Control Plan" is a weight management book that they can trust. Unlike most other popular diet books, "Volumetrics" is based on scientifically proven principles. "Volumetrics" does not include lists of foods that must be avoided. People can follow this weight-management plan without giving up their favorite foods! In the book, the studies on which different concepts are based are explained in a conversational style. The book also provides many easy-to-understand examples and great-tasting recipes. Thus, readers will be able to truly understand the principles of the diet. I would recommend this book not only to people who want to lose weight, but also to people who just want to adopt a healthier way of eating. Enjoy!

I received this book as a gift and it has earned a place on my kitchen counter (instead of in the bookcase with other weight-loss books). "Volumetrics" has helped me to make gradual changes in how I feed my family without feeling deprived and without having to announce, "We're going on a diet." I especially like the snack suggestions. When I REALLY WANT ice cream, I can quickly turn to the snack list and find something sweet (like a smoothie) that I can put together FAST. The recipes are fresh and very easy to prepare. Not normally a soup eater, I now understand its value in a meal plan and eagerly look forward to trying some new soup recipes (when the heatwave ends!). I don't quite understand why one reader gave this book only one star and then went on to praise a DIFFERENT book by a Dr. Shapiro. Sounds like the negative review was written by a friend of Dr. Shapiro! I didn't pay any attention to it and I suggest that you don't either.