I live in the heart of the gay community in Brighton, and although I am not gay myself, I interact with the community on a regular basis. I found this wonderful book in a thrift shop, as I wanted my 6-year-old nephew to understand that the world is made up many different people but I didn't want to confuse him too much. This book is great and its fun to read as well. It tells the story of a little girl called Jenny and her two fathers. They live in Denmark, have regular contact with Jenny's mother who helps Jenny and her father Martin prepare a surprise birthday party for Eric. The story follows Jenny's life with her two fathers, and how various family disputes are sorted out such as Jenny not wanting to go to the launderette and a quarrel between her two fathers. It also gently points out that not all people are accepted in society but does it in such a way that children will not be upset. The book is filled with lovely black and white photos, and nice sized print that makes it easy for children to read or for an adult to read to younger children. It is a great book and it is a shame it is out of print. Well worth getting as it stands on its own as nice children's book that is both enjoyable and fun.

I have to say that I'm disappointed that this book is out of print. It was my favorite book when I was younger. Being a little girl with two gay dads myself, I really related to Jenny, who had blonde hair just like I did. Since there weren't any other books back then with families that looked like mine, I dragged this one practically everywhere I went. My copy is very old and tattered. I wish this book were available today, especially considering how few books there are that portray gay and lesbian families positively.

JENNY LIVES WITH ERIC AND MARTIN by Bosche, was one of the first children's picture books to be published which included gay characters. It is the story of a weekend spent by Jenny, her father and her father's partner, Eric. On Friday Jenny and her dad throw a surprise birthday party for Eric. They invite Jenny's mum, who often comes over to visit her and her two fathers. On Saturday morning Jenny looks through a book and has breakfast in bed with her fathers and then they go out into the garden. On Sunday they all clean the house and do the laundry. While both men are pulling Jenny back home in a cart, they run into a woman who wishes that gays would "...stay at home so the rest of us don't have to see you. Ugh!" Jenny is bothered and confused by the woman's comments. Eric explains that being gay is when two men love and live with each other. He goes on to explain the woman's behavior by saying that when people don't understand something or are told it is wrong, they get scared and angry. Using chalk to illustrate, he tells Jenny a story about a woman who disapproves of homosexual love until it is explained to her by her husband, who once loved another man. As Jenny is getting ready for bed she asks if her fathers can have babies. Eric explains that only men and women can have babies. The portrayal of Jenny's family will be familiar to children who live in a gay-headed household. Jenny's mother seems to have a role in the family that is unlike any of the other books which deal with this subject. There is a relationship between Jenny and her mother and between the mother and Eric and Martin. "Living nearby is Jenny's mum, Karen. She often comes to visit them." The original relationship between Martin and Karen is not made clear in the text. The black and white photos illustrate how the two men care for Jenny, each other, and their home in a variety of circumstances. The events that occur in the story (for example, holding the birthday party, doing the laundry, cleaning the house together, solving conflicts between parents) are familiar to all children and their families. Jenny's father's attempt to explain homophobia to her was simple, to the point, and successful. There are several issues about this book which must be addressed. One issue which can provoke powerful, almost visceral reactions from many adults is the photo of Jenny in bed with her two fathers, one of whom, though under blanket or pillow, appears to be in the nude. JENNY LIVES WITH ERIC AND MARTIN was authored in Sweden, translated in England and distributed in this country by Alyson Press. The difference in cultural practices and values may attribute to the seeming nonchalance in displaying such a photo in a children's book. The inclusion of this scene may make some adults uncomfortable, or for those individuals in families or cultures which are more open about their bodies, this book may be a nice addition to other story books about families. This frequently intense reaction is unfortunate because the book itself is one of the best in terms of the naturalness of being gay, being a parent and being a child who has gay parents. The books long length and detailed text make it more appropriate for children ages six and older.

This book is less about being black and a poet than it is about breaking boundaries and taboos in any medium. It's poetry written by Jaya Mangelou, a character in the universe of Eric Durchholz. The introduction tells us who she is and the poems tell us what she's about. This is satire, to be sure. And like all good satire, it knows what it is aping. The concept that "poetry doesn't sell" and the "black writer loved by white people" phenomenon. As if just reading a book by a black author makes you understand what it's like to be black. But this collection goes much farther than poking fun. Some of the poems are hilarious at the same time thought-provoking. For instance, "Clearance Rack" asks why black babies are always on clearance. Jaya notes that the black babies look just like the white ones except for skin color. They reside in different places. But all of this is ultimately okay because she can buy the baby at a discounted price. That poem in particular works on many different levels. Much like "Soul Sistah's Cafe", "Cat In Heat" and the fried chicken epic "Don't Know Your Life" all of the poems tell stories within the verse. But the real motivation comes from re-reading and analyzing them. As the follow-up to his awesome ghostly childhood memoir The Promise of Eden, Jaya Mangelou is definitely not what I expected. It illustrates what Durchholz is capable of. Genius is a word thrown around too much these days, but it applies to his work. He's vastly talented at anything he chooses. Whether that be websites, novels, music, poetry or even book design. Though he's still relatively unknown to the mainstream, I predict he will be one of our seminal writers in the next century. People will watch him to see what he comes up with next.

More than just a respectful satire of Maya Angelou, Just Publish Some Of My Poetry 'Fore I Diiie paints a picture of middle-class black life through the eyes of Jaya Mangelou. Sure there are parodies of "And Still I Rise" and "I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings" but there are touches of brilliance in "Clearance Rack" and "Soul Sistah's Cafe." Mr. Durchholz means no disrespect to Angelou. In fact, he celebrates her. Poetry has never been an easily accessible medium, but Durchholz rattles off little ditties like "Don't Know Your Life" like a dog shaking off water. Whole short stories are encased in a page of verse. The photos are hilarious as well and act as little poems of their own. A must for any Maya Angelou fan!

eric durcholz is a clown demon genius--and there are few who would argue that--but the very notion of satirizing the American Institution around maya angelou firmly plants him in the pantheon of Great American Crazy People.

the character/pseudonym of jaya seems to be part of a larger surreality he has created around an upcoming novel (see www.concretebooks.com) and a handful of movies, stories, and other projects. while there is a mythology behind this bizarre little book, it stands perfectly well on its own feet. this reader recommends reading the poetry out loud--at a party--to friends--in a horribly stilted voice rife with pretention, as if someone had just paid you a couple million bucks to do a voiceover for a bank commercial.

it is shocking, it is crude, it is a trip. it is also quite funny. it touches sensitive little wounds in your subconscious with a rough, salty finger and asks you if it hurt. when you say "yeah, quit it." it does it again.

I was a marine at Khe Sanh for the entire siege.The Book is a good accounting of the horror of the siege. I was with the 1st battalion ninth marines at rock quarry at Khe Sanh. It provides a view of what happened to those who endured the siege and for these give their all at Khe Sanh. Semper Fi

THIS BOOK IS SO TOUCHING IT SHOULD BE ON THE MARINE CORPS READING LIST IF YOU ARE OR WERE IN THE MARINE CORPS IT IS A MUST YOU READ THIS BOOK

I have read many books about military history and about the war in Vietnam in particular. This is by far one of the most emotionally wrought and amazing books I have ever read. The tales from the marines own words are amazing. You are given a great insight into the amazing odds they were fighting, and their undaunted spirit and determination to survive and win.

The purpose of this book is to inform the reader about general aspects and procedures regarding how the legal system works and the role lawyers and mental health professionals play. In addition the second part of the book comprehensively reviews the history of hypnosis and how the courts have scrutinized hypnotically refreshed memories within the legal system. Finally, the book takes an up front approach to addressing the recent crisis of sexual abuse in the United States and profiles sexual types of abusers provides insight into abuse.

This book gave me a great understanding of how the legal process works and the different types of law. In addition, I have been facinated by hypnosis for years. This book gives the most comprehensive review of the history of hypnosis that I have ever seen. Not only that, but this book also reviews how the court system has viewed hypnotically refreshed memories and the legalities involved in that.

I would highly recommend this book to any reader!

This is a great book! It explains in an understandable manner what the law is and how it works. Not only that, but it provides great insight into the workings of the legal profession, i.e., what lawyers do and the role of mental health professionals.

Additionally, it has a great section regarding mental illness and and explanation of different mental illnesses and also common defense mechanisms that people have and use.

Finally, I brought up great points regarding the crisis of sexual abuse in society and broke it down in a way that helped me understand the issues involved in abuse.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in learning an overview of how the law works, what lawyers and mental health professionals do within the legal system, and the issues of sexual abuse in society.

This is a very well written book on advertising. It is nice for a change to have heard of the authors! Usually when I read a review in another publication, such as Adweek, I am curious about the book but never buy it-this time I went ahead and bought it and I am most pleased. I am looking even more forward to the publisher's book entitled Inside the Minds: Leading Marketers - with the Chief Marketing Officers from Coke, GE, FedEx, American Express and other big names. It will be a very interesting contrast to the advertising side of the business.

This book is a must read for every advertiser-fantastic insight into the future of the advertising world. Adweek was right-this is a must read.

I have read close to 50 books on advertising throughout my career and this was by far the most innovative and thought provoking book I have read to date. I especially liked the chapter by Tim Love at Saatchi & Saatchi-but the entire book is full of insightful thoughts on where the future of the advertising industry is going. This is THE book to read if you are in the advertising, marketing or public relations industries.

This is a good read. Witty, warm, engaging--I was thoroughly immersed in the environs of Mt. Washington that the book related. The mood evoked both the warm cozy feeling of being tucked away indoors with a fire going (safe from the rugged outdoors), as well as the electric thrill of experiencing harsh, brutal weather first-hand. Believe it or not, I was actually hungry for a hot meal from reading this!

Great stories of life on top of Mount Washington. Interlaced with the stories like shovling snow from the kitchen and sliding 8 miles to the bottom of the mountain are explainations of our weather, how it forms and why. They also have cooking contests (what eles can you do when it's 41 below) and tell you how to make their great foods for warming the cockels of your heart on those cold winter days.

Eric's book is a delightfull source of both light hearted stories and easy to understand weather knowledge. If you love The Rockpile or just have a desire for a good weather book, then this book will not disapoint.

Introduced to me by a friend, it seems this author's work sells by word of mouth, though clearly the critics of The New Yorker, Boston Globe, LA Times, and The New York Times Book Review agree he produces a brilliant brand of fiction unlike any other.

On the surface Little Follies appears to be simply a collection of stories composed of childhood memories. The most obvious components of the work are the comedic, entertaining story lines and quirky characters - the work genuinely defines wit. But, add to that the narrative explanations in each preface of how the story and character were devised, and the reader finds himself diving below the surface to be pleasantly tangled up in multiple layers of fiction. Without question, this is a book that can be enjoyed on many levels.

Loaded with metaphor, literary allusion, and multiple layers of fiction, Little Follies is, simply put, literature for the intelligent reader who does not take himself too seriously. For a thorough sampling of this artist's talent, style, and wit check out his web site.

Several weeks ago a friend recommended that I read LITTLE FOLLIES. He was so insistent and it was such a heartfelt endorsement, I really felt like I had no choice.

What's it about? It's a story within a story, a fictional memoir within a fictional memoir, about growing up in the 1950s. On the surface, everything's sunny; underneath, life in the Long Island town of Babbington is a little, shall we say, odd. Kraft offers sly and hilarious variations on time-honored coming-of-age conventions. He lightly peppers his story with literary allusions, and peoples them with wonderful, oddball characters. His writing is simply wonderful: crisp, clever, occasionally profound. Kraft continues to explore this world in subsequent novels. Begin here, and you'll want to continue with WHERE DO YOU STOP, AT HOME WITH THE GLYNNS, and LEAVING SMALL'S HOTEL, all of which are first-rate.

When I was working on my doctorate I was enrolled in a class about contemporary fiction. This was not surprising, because I majored in English. The professor's attitude, however, surprised me. He thought that any book that should be a classic would be. Sales and word of mouth advertising would bring any obscure book to 'classic' status. When he asked if anyone in the class knew of any great books that were obscure, I was ready with Eric Kraft. The Peter Leroy stories wshould be classics, yet they are not. Maybe, by writing positive reviews through Amazon.com, I can help change that. Yeah, right. Erik Kraft's finely constructed pseudo-nostalgias chronicling the life and times of his alter-ego, Peter Leroy, should be classics. They are written with affection tempered by a sparkling wit that is often too subtle to see the first time around. No problem! The Peter Leroy books are a joy to reread. Originally a series of long stories or short novels, the adventures of Peter Leroy have been collected and expanded upon to please the newcomer. They are about growing up in the '50's, (which I didn't do), and about the New York Coast (where I've never been). Whether you have shared these experiences with Eric Kraft, you will find yourself nostalgic.

Eric pianka is one of the finest ecologists in the world. His excitement and passion for these animals is evident throughout the book. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who i interested in ecology an field biology.

I am so glad that I had bought this book from Half prize book store and had a chance to read. It helped me to understand the diversity of the lizards within and between the continents of northern America, Australia, and Africa. It also helped me to understand a lot about lizard natural history. The author of this book deserves a lot of credit for his hard work and dedicated service in bringing up so much knowlede about the lizards to the mankind.

Erik Pianka is one of the worlds finest ecologists. His passion for lizard ecology is infective. By the end of book you will feel like you know and have worked with Pianka. His story shows what field biologists are all about.

This is a book that I enjoyed as a kid. It is the perfect book for a young reader. If you are lucky enough to come across this book it is a definite good deal. Any child would love to read of the boys love of mud and his amazing washing machine. With so few words and the constant repetition it is child friendly.

I have looked for this book for years, it was one of my favorites as a child. I would definately recommend it to any reader, young or old. It brings forth the imagination and carries the reader back to those delightful days when getting dirty was all that mattered.

This book is wonderful. It was handed down to all of my siblings in my family and was a favorite of all. Great imagery leads to fantastic fun and imaginative excitement. This book is a must for both boys and girls. Loving mud doesn't hurt either.

1909. Strange suicide plague in Vienna. Why do all these people kill themselves, while they have no reason at all to do so? Wouldn't be something - or somebody - else? Warning to impossible crime fans: one of the so-called "suicides" is a locked room.
While he - remarkably - uses Golden Age school's apparatus, Perutz gives here a book that is wholly sui generis. It could be a mystery. It could be weird. It could be both. Mystery fans will be delighted by intricate plotting, virtuoso use of multiple solutions and a totally unexpected ending. They'll also be delighted, along with others, by magistral recreation of a vanished world, quirky atmosphere and characters, and a reflection on time, art and reality. Yet in the end, the book's real nature remains a mystery. There's only one thing to know: it's a masterpiece.

Leo Perutz is a true master of the German tongue, very powerful and strong. But he is also a great storyteller, something very rare in German literature. All of his novels are highly recommended. It is a shame they're mostly out of print. Read them, and start with this one.

Literature is full of great authors that do not receive the praise they deserve, for all kinds of reasons. Leo Perutz is one of them. I can only urge you to try one of his works once, and "The Master of the Day of Judgment" is a good place to start. Its central idea is shocking and original, the writing is crisp and tantalizing, and the book, while short - certainly compared to today's massive thrillers, is surprisingly "finished". Valid excuse to, for once, shout in a review: READ THIS BOOK!!!