"You enter Ivy House through a screened-in porch, where you can while away the time relaxing after a ride, reading, visiting with other guests, or simply enjoying the peace and quiet. Proceeding into the living area, you'll find comfortable green wicker furniture beneath a ceiling fan that diffuses the fresh breezes off Lake Erie." (Ivy House, Marblehead, Ohio)

Such carefully crafted descriptions abound in this recently published guidebook. The authors, a Toledo-based couple, lodged, dined and biked at 27 bed-and-breakfasts throughout Indiana, Ohio and Michigan. What resulted from their adventures and strict attention to detail is a very thorough and thoroughly interesting guide to the best of biking and lodging in America's Heartland.

The Midwest, especially Ohio, especially, have a tradition of friendliness to bicyclists. It is only fitting, then, that Ohioans have created this latest addition to the Anacus Press Bed, Breakfast, and Bike Series. Co-author Theresa Russell has written frequently on bicycle touring and is currently completing a guide to cycling Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula.

The truth about the Midwest is that much of it is not flat. Accordingly, the Russells cover inns and nearby bike routes in lands of giant hills (Southern Ohio), valleys, rolling terrain, lakefronts and, of course, plains. One bike route even includes a ferry and an island (Kelley's Island in Lake Erie).

While the appearance and menu of each inn are described in perfect detail, biking content for each is plentiful and handy. Lodging rates reveal many inns that are pleasing to the purse as well as the eye. All of this information is critical for those planning weekend bike getaways but not planning on any surprises.

What does pleasantly surprise the reader, however, is the variety of accommodations (one is a sternwheeler riverboat, for petesake) and the listings of not one, but two, suggested bike routes from each inn. Most routes are comfortably under 50 miles.

But the most pleasant surprise is the final chapter listing 18 recipes shared by inn hosts along the way. Culinary delights range from "Blueberry-Walnut Coffeecake" to "Hash Brown Quiche." Treats for the palate, yes, but also excellent fuel for a hearty morning of Midwest bicycle touring.

While my big behind has never been balanced on a bicycle seat, I thoroughly enjoyed..and benefited from..my reading of Bed, Breakfast sand Bike Midwest, by Robert and Theresa Russell. The Russells have combined descriptive prose with precise information in their well researched work. When I visit the Midwest in the fall, I will be well armed with all the facts I need to make considered decisions in re: my accommodations. And, between now and September, should I be overtaken by the spirit of the winner of the Tour De France, (highly unlikely), I will be well apprised of routes to take, locations of bike shops, landmarks, sights to see, and all other information required to expedite a safe and engaging bike tour. On the other hand, should "the spirit" elude me, (highly likely), I will know just where to go to get a tasty breakfast of "Dutch Babies" and other goodies. All in all, a tasty read.

How can you not like a book that inter-mixes snippets from Voltaire, Chief Tecumseh and the local innkeeper with nitty-gritty facts? The Russells thought of everything. They detail biking routes down to a tenth of a mile, grade them as to severity, even include dirctions to the nearest bike shop. The descriptions of inns and innkeepers reflect the differing personalities of the various lodgings. I've stayed at several; the Russells' reports are unerringly accurate; I can't wait to try the rest. In fact, the inns are sound so delicious that I bought a copy of the book for my non-biking but B & B-loving aunt!

Foaling horses is definetly a very long process especially if you intend on being there for the whole delivery. This book explains what to look for and what will happen during the foaling process. It also tells what to expect and the musts for after delivery. It was very easy to read and understand by real people. I drag it out for each foaling I attend even though I have read and re-read it more than once.

When my mare was near term this was the one book that I had with me at all times. Where other authors of foaling books tend to emphasize foaling horrors and disasters, Theresa Jones emphasizes what is normal. She makes you very aware of what can go wrong, and gives ample instruction on how to recognize an emergency or abnormal situation, but she does it in a way that helps you remain confident rather than helpless.

Theresa Jones has created a wonderful, easy to read and understand manual that is a must for the first time or experienced horse breeder. The book is accurate, written so it is very understandable by the layman, yet full of good medical advice and knowledge. To supplement the book Theresa Jones provides an advice column online to answer specific problems encountered in foaling.

I echo what's been written about this book. I kept checking it out of the library over and over until I finally decided just to buy it. My 3 year old has been figuring out a DIFFERENT way to solve problems since we started ICPSing. Beginning with word concepts that can be started at a very early age (same/different, is/is not, good idea/not a good idea) then moving into more complex problem solving is a great approach. This book gives parents, or anyone working with children solid approaches on how to teach problem solving. I highly recommend this book.

This book and its successor, Raising a Thinking Preteen, are going to be required reading for prospective parents when I am king of the world. There are so many cliche phrases that we learn from our parents, TV, etc. that are very destructive, and certainly not constructive, and this book teaches parents how to talk to their children to foster many positive traits, including the "hungry mind" attitude.

My six year old son loves to play the ICPS games and has shown a marked improvement in conflict resoution with peers. He now knows the meaning of the word "frustrated" and how to avoid frustration (and how to avoid temper tantrums) by thinking of and evaluating his own alternatives in many cases. Instead of yelling or pushing to get his way, he offers to trade or works out a deal for sharing. It is a pleasure to watch his self-confidence grow and his self-esteem rise. As he grows older, he will be able to think for himself and avoid being controlled by others or becoming controlling himself. This book has been helpful for the whole family. This Mom now has some training in how to model good problem solving skills for the rest of the family, as well. Communication skills in our home have improved greatly at all levels due to Shure's book. It is one of the best parenting/communication books that I have ever read.

Before my first spay, I watched the demonstration video a few times, read over my spay manual a few times....but reading the procedure over in Fossum upped my confidence in remembering each step.

I've used this book to clarify certain procedures mentioned in my classes, and it has helped me so much conceptually. The illustrations are great and provide a great model to accompany the instructions.

It's a standard for any vet student!

The best surgery book out there. Detailed, full-color drawings give me confidence that I can actually do the procedure. I did my first GDV last week with this book!

A must have for any practitioner. The first edition was great, replacing my 2 volume Slatter's, the second edition is even better! Other authors should learn from this reference, provide the information needed and include terrific pictures and drawings!

I was struck by the faith and hope demonstrated by both Nancy and Theresa, as well as the love between them. It is not often that someone is inspired to take on a project like this for the next generation. I'm sure that Theresa's daughter will be very grateful that her grandmother wrote this book about her mother. Breast cancer is a devastating disease, but I feel that if women hear Theresa and Nancy's story they will be encouraged to hold their heads high and be the heroines they truly are.

Nancy writes beautifully about Theresa's life and her struggle for life. Nancy also lets everyone know there is hope beyond hope. Theresa's fight was valiant and her mother's account of her whole life is a wonderful tribute. Theresa's daughter Madison will truly appreciate what her grandmother has done for her. The book very truly indicates how precious life is, and how, we as the people left behind must tell our loved ones everyday how much we love them.

The True Story of Theresa, The Most Beautiful Rose is an incredible journey through the life of a young woman who was taken too early from her family and friends. This account not only shares the devastating effects of cancer and cancer treatments but it sets an example of the power of love and faith. Nancy Moore has a powerful story to tell and her work is well written. This book is hard to put down and leaves the reader desperately wanting to change the ending of the book. There is a strong message here to never give up hope and to treasure each moment of life and the love of those around us all. There are lessons to be shared - never stop looking for answers and miracles, never forget to say I love you, always remember that life is a precious gift and hold onto your faith.

I loved the main character, Alice Rose. Her adventures with Sam Clemens were both fun and educational. I learned quite a bit about the time period -- Lasky should be commended for her thorough research!

A while ago, I was faced with a decision: to read Alice Rose and Sam or another book for a book review. I decided, not really caring, to read Alice Rose and Sam. Now I am so happy that I did so I could tell other people about this great book. You just can't put it down! You learn about Alice Rose's time, too, so this is a simply marvelous book to read.

This novel is great fun. Alice Rose - never simply Alice - is a dynamic lead character who treads a narrow path between defying her era's gender roles and wanting nothing more than to go to Boston and be like her refined, petticoated cousins. Sam Clemens plays a supporting part, but does so memorably; his outrageous stories first land him a job on the paper, and then drive him out of town. Through the character of a Chinese immigrant, Lasky shows the reader the virulent racism of the time. Some readers may be put off by the novel's attitudes toward religion. Both Alice Rose and Sam rail against quotation-mark Christians, the sort who wear the name but do not live by the principles they espouse. However, both, also speak favorably of people they have known who have lived up to the name. The books only real flaw is a climax that may leave readers wondering for a moment just what has happened. The confusion is cleared up quickly, however. An author's note at the end describes the historical elements of the book and explains which are fact-based and which are totally fictional. All in all, an appealling heroine, the irrepressible Sam Clemens, and an exciting plot make this an excellent choice.

Having enjoyed the first two books in the Merry Widow trilogy I was all set to enjoy Sarah's story. She is strong, independent, and a woman who is training and selling horses on her own now that Catherine and Mary have married and have homes of their own.

Rio Santee is a man on the run with his two sons. He is accused of murder and is being hunted by killers who are more like animals. He finds Sarah's home in a rainstorm and seeks shelter and food for his sons. Sarah is shocked, but comes to realize she will come to no harm, and decides to help Rio and his sons since he is in dire striates. It never seems to stop raining, which keeps the townspeople away as well as the killers.

One of the things that Rio wants to protect Sarah against is that he is part Apache, and although he never fought with the Apaches against the whites, he is an outcast. He suffered a family tragedy when his deceased Irish grandfather left him a house and land. Breeds were not allowed to own property and it was taken away from him with tragic results.

Sarah and Rio both have deep secrets that have caused them great pain. As they learn to know one another they find themselves caring about one another and are able to share their pain and through love are healed. I did a whole lot of crying while reading this uplifting romance. Get out the hankie box! And it's got a knockout ending.

To me, Sarah's story wraps up this trilogy perfectly with a great heroine and a hero you'll remember for a long time to come. He is phenomenal. I think you will be turning the pages just as quickly as I did. Look forward to a rewarding reading experience and I bet you will be smiling through your tears and cheering for a writer who believes in the power of love. Ms. Michaels, I love your books, your spirit, your creativity, and you write the best dag-gone heroes ever!

At first I didn't think I would like Rio Santee, but he grew on me and the way that he grew to love Sarah was neat to read. Theresa Michaels makes these characters feel alive as you read and gets you involved in their lives and they come into your heart. If you haven't read this first two of the "The Merry Widows" Trilogy you must!! I give Sarah a 5 star rating!! I can't wait to read her other books!! I am HOOKED!! :-)

This is probably the best of "The Merry Widows" trilogy. Auhtor Teresa Michaels sets an exciting, sensuous pace that never lets up. And beautiful embattled "Sarah" really is a match for the dangerous, compelling renegade Rio - "your worst nightmare." A great read - I loved it.

I first read this book when I was 14-years old. Now 20 I look back and still this is my favorite book. It hit me at the right time in my life where not only did I relate to it...but I learned something about my self from it. At first glance it just seems like any other "child has runaway" story, but in no way is this book anything close to normality. I am a fan of many writers from orwell to salinger. If you ever had anything that troubled you as a child even if your are way past those days pick this book up and read it.

This is a brilliant book. Although I read it for the first time in second grade, it is my no means for children. Every time I read it, I discover a new layer of meaning; some plot point becomes clearer to me; an even is given new shades of color. It is impossible to absorb the book fully in one reading.

The author captures Claire's plight quite well, with poignant characterizations of her and the rest of the kids in their street gang. It's a fascinating, compelling book with deeply sympathetic characters; my personal favorite is Racer. This is a good read for anyone!

I think this is a good book about runaways. I thought it was neat how they made Monopoly a game of real life, except they steal stuff from the places instead of buying it.

The poet Charles Simic says, "Long drawn-out works conflict with the fragmentariness of our consciousness. What is recorded in a notebook is the sense of the unique and unrepeatable experience of the rare moments of clarity."

Dictee is this kind of book, a collection in nine parts of mixed writing styles including short passages in French and English, jounal entries, stories and dreams, even a handwritten letter. And more. Theresa Hak Cha's book, which has been callled both fiction and autobiography, also contains photographs, film stills, diagrams, and other black and white images. "Electic" only begins to describe the structure and style of Dictee.

Cha's writing doesn't come without risk--Dictee seems thematically and structurally difficult. But it's with this style, actually a process-of-writing style, that Cha shows us how her mind works. It's in her "fragmentariness" that elements of profound meaning rise to the surface, what Simic meant by "rare moments of clarity." Cha's imagination on the page, her explorations into language and poetic lyricism--with connections to nationalist and feminist themes--help us feel her genuine struggle with Korea as a victim of the Cold War. This message is her legacy; it's a kind of Presence in her writing. And we sense her triumph.

The autobiographical work of Theresa Hak Kyung Cha, "Dictee," is both a challenging and unique experience to read. Her provocative blend of prose, poetry, narrative and historical pieces, among other genres, reveal a voice that purposely avoids a "typical" patriarchial discourse that is refreshing although disarming. Her words, contextually somewhat difficult for the (this) reader not previously aware of the complexities and truths of Korean history (both in Korea and America), are at once powerful and insightful...poetic, yet raw. Cha is able to use her gift to offer a glimpse into one woman's history and journey; one that ended much too soon on this planet for this talented artist.

Theresa Hak Kyung Cha's Dictee is well crafted, yet difficult. It examines life experience from the perspective of Korean women.Poetry, narrative and other text structures are employed. Language is used forcefully and in thought provoking ways to build the unique form of this book. Dictee poses questions and provides a lens from which to view the Korean immigrant experience, as well as, the history of political struggle in Korea. Reading Dictee is a wothwhile experience that will expand a reader's vision.

I am not a Linguist, but this book helped me to appreciate all of the differing theories and various fields within what is known as linguistics. If you are seeking a book that is simple to read, yet very comprehensive, I recommend this volume. If you enjoy languages, speech development, regional dialects, language acquisition, theory of language, language trends, and more - this book is for you.

Major disciplines coverd include: phonetics, morphology, syntax, and semantics. Also included in this new addition are new chapters on second language acquisition and psycholinguistics.

One of the best features of this text is how well it is laid out. It is a pleasure to peruse and even study because of it's logical and user friendly format.

If you love anything about language- whether knowing it's origins, or what part of the mouth is used to create certain sounds, or how language changes over time and for what reasons, or a host of other curiosities, you will certainly enjoy the wealth of information within Contemporary Linguistics!

"Contemporary Linguistics" (CL) is a wonderfully clear and accessible introduction to the field of linguistics. The authors begin by introducing the methodological assumptions that underlie present day Chomskyan linguistics and then reserve a chapter each for almost all major research directions within linguistics.

One thing in particular that I liked about the format of CL was the treatment of more advanced material (marked "Advanced") in each chapter. The "Advanced" sections augment the material in the rest of the chapter and are placed in logical sequence with the rest of the material instead of appearing in an appendix at the end of the chapter. For example, a section marked "advanced" on X' (read X-bar) Theory appears fairly early in the syntax chapter. Having some knowledge of X' Theory allows the reader to proceed to examine the rest of the material with the knowledge that there exists an intermediate level of structure between lexical categories (N, V, ...) and phrasal categories (NP, VP, ...).

Most chapters in CL are pretty well written and technical tools to treat linguistic phenomena are almost always introduced at the correct juncture. However, CL does not treat Innateness properly (why Innateness and arguments for and against Innateness), and has a weak chapter on semantics. The reader would do well to augment the material in CL by reading Pinker's "The Language Instinct" or Jackendoff's "Patterns in the Mind" for a non-technical introduction to some ideas in linguistics, as well as sections of De Swart's "Intro to Natural Language Semantics" to get an idea of how semantics is done. If the reader is interested in looking at language from a cognitive science perspective, she would also do well to read most of Gleitman et al's "An Invitation to Cognitive Science: Language".

All in all, CL provides a relatively painless initiation into linguistics and I highly recommend it.

Speaking as a newcomer to the subject, I found this book to be an excellent intro. Very useful.