Charlie's Touchdown is a wonderful book. Mary Jo Stopher has so much faith! It is an inspiring book about a mother that is raising five children and one of her children has multiply defects including a terminal heart defect. I wasn't sure I wanted to read this story as it would be too sad but the story of Charlie's life is a good one. He endured so much pain and suffering yet still smiled and had such a good attitude about life and living. I highly recommend reading this book. You won't be sorry you did! Teri in Troy, Ohio

I'm 19 years old, from Bogata, Columbia. As I read Charlie's Touchdown I was very interested in the medical aspects of Charlie's condition. Little did I realize just how much this book was going to change my life forever. The wonderful attitude of this young boy during his 14 short years on this earth and the deep faith of his mother touched my heart deeply. I could see the obvious suffering of Charlie and his family, but as I read on hardly able to put the book down, I could truly see
how God can take an obvious tragedy and turn it into something beautiful if only we love and have faith placing all things in God's capable hands. My faith was not what it should have been, but after reading Charlie's story I can tell you it has increased a hundredfold. I wish I could have known Charlie, but thanks to Mary Jo, I now feel like I do. Not only has my faith deepened in this wonderful God we have, but by the time I finished this book I knew without any doubt in my mind that I wanted to become a physician, not only to help relieve suffering, but to help those who's suffering seems almost unbearable to know that there truly is such a thing as redemptive suffering and I believe with all my heart that Charlie is responsible for the saving of many souls. I only pray that my life's work as a physician and healer of the body can also bring about a comfort and healing to the soul. I begin my studies to become a doctor later this year. Thanks Charlie, you just scored another big TOUCHDOWN because your beautiful story has changed my life forever and brought me closer to Jesus.

This is a beautiful true story of a young boy's life within the realms of his family and his mother's spiritual journey. Over time, Charlie's multiple disabilities drained the family financially but fueled them spiritually. The story emphasizes what wonderful events can occur when you open your mind and your heart to the Spirit of God. I could not put the book down! Even when extremely tired, I continued to read and sometimes cry as well. I felt I was living with the Stopher family! I can truly say the end of the book is only the beginning!

Although this is a new discovery for me personally, this book has been a source of inspiration for the generations since WWII.  I was alerted to this by a man at a used book store who told that this book, a gift from his mother, had been a special source of guidance for him over the years.  He claimed this to be a hidden treasure, the best book on the "Spiritual shelf."   He may be right.  The book is constituted by anonymous epistles from lay and clergypersons which were published in a periodical, titled "The Churchman," between 1934 and 1948.  Interspersed with these letters are classical quotations from the sages of all time.  I read from cover to cover last night and felt connected to the timeless wisdom of the ages and inspired by the Spirit of the unknown authors. This is an exceptional read. It would make a great gift. We have chosen this as the Spiritwalk Book of the Month for April, 1999. I highly recommend this book to those who are looking for something just a little deeper. ~ Roger Ebsen, Spiritwalk Foundation

The anonymous letters to the reader in this lovely little book are a source of strength for me in beginning my day. I happened on my copy by accident (?) in a used book store and put it away on the shelf in my bookcase. Several weeks ago it came into my thoughts and I began to read it in response to some difficulties going on in my life at that time and found it immensely soothing and life-affirming. Since then I have made it a practice to read one or two letters a day and it never fails to speak to me. Thanks to Mary Strong for editing this book for us, and thanks to the contributors whose words are so inspiring. I am so happy that it's still in print and hope to give copies of it to friends and family as gifts.

We came across this book in my father's library after his death, and discovered the source of his serenity and his sage advice for us as we grew. The corners were turned, margins full of notes, passages highlighted and underlined. As I read, I was hearing his comforting words again. You, too will feel the presence of ancestors and hear the wisdom of the ages as you read the passages. And because it was compiled during WWII, the writing gives us perspective on our own troubled times. I have used the "open the book and point" method of meditation with "Letters". It has never failed to address the exact need, answer the unspoken fears, calm the spirit. I have already bought and given away two cases of this book. It is the one gift I know will be there when my friends need support the most.

We never truly know how powerfully our simple acts of kindness can impact those around us. This truth is demonstrated in One Smile, an inspiring new offering from Illumination Arts Publishing. This lovely book is filled with richly detailed watercolor illustrations by Mary Gregg Byrne. The story follows a young girlfs innocent smile as it starts a chain of selfless giving that ripples throughout the entire community. Cindy McKinley drew her inspiration for One Smile from her desire to show children the powerful blessings that can flow from a simple smile. In this delightful telling, we find Little Katie walking through the park with her mother. Katie passes a sad young man who has lost his job. After she looks back to give him an encouraging smile, he feels inspired to start looking for work. The young manfs renewed confidence spills over when he helps a woman by fixing her flat tire. The wonderful chain of kindness flows from person to person, eventually circling back to touch Katiefs life in a heart-warming and surprising conclusion. One Smile also includes a page to help children and their families ponder the types of activities they can do together to help others. After reading this enchanting book, each of us will be encouraged to pass along One Smile to everyone we meet.

A freely given smile can be infectious, as a little girl and her mother, hurrying to catch the bus, find out. As they rush through the park, the girl smiles at a sad young man on a bench and suddenly his world doesn't seem so hopeless. With a lighter heart, he moves on-and notices a woman struggling to change a flat tire. He stops to help, and her frustration melts away in the young man's act of kindness. Smiles, acts of kindness toward strangers, are passed on and on throughout the story, and the effect they have on each person is quietly profound and, in some ways, comes full circle. A smile really can change a lot.

An amazing thing happened when I read One Smile, written by Cindy McKinley-I felt like every character in the story, I guess because the story is about every day people in life situations. Each and every one of us has "been there"and faced trials and tribulations like the characters in this book.

But what the story is really about is how doing one good deed for one person each day can make a long lasting difference in many peoples'lives. What begins as one perfect, heart-cheering smile passes from person to person in the form of many kind acts until it finally comes back to reward the child who began the circle with that inspiring smile.

It was author McKinley's hope to show children how powerful a single act of kindness can be. The book is recommended by the "Pay It Forward" Foundation, which is based on the book of the same name. In the novel Pay It Forward, written Catherine Ryan Hyde, the main character Trevor believes that if he does something good for three people, and they each do something good for three more, nine people will be helped, who will each do something good for three more, and the cycle continues.

One Smile presents thoughtful questions to share with your family and a family challenge to work together to help others.

Recommended for ages 3-8, the book is a great asset to any family or church youth group. Beautifully illustrated with wonderful watercolor art on each page , by Mary Gregg Byrne, the pictures come alive to tell the story.

Liza, a freed slave, hates having her life all planned out for her. She thanks Miss Bet for freeing her but she doesn't want Miss Bet to plan her life for her. After returning from school in Phildelphia and after getting married to a free black call Wilson she finally gets to live her own life. So when Miss Bet comes up to her to plee for her help in the fight against the Rebels in Richmond she is hesitant. Working at the rebel's president's house is going to be one hard thing for Liza to do. However her decision is finally made up when she sees how the Rebels treat her husband Wilson. When he finally escapes to the North and joins the Union army Liza begins her spying in the President's Residence. Through secret codes and letters she and Miss Bet use the code name Ellen Bee to communicate.

Written in diary from with drawing and scrapes from hear and there this book was really a very good book that gave great insight into the minds of two Union spies. I recommend anyone who likes this book to read the Dear America Series which is also historical novels written in diary form about different girl's lives in different parts of history.

Hi I am a 5th grade student. I am going to tell you about the book that I read called Dear Ellen Bee. I liked the book because it is about a little girl named Liza and a teacher named Miss Bet. In the book it talks about two union spies. If you read this book you wuold think it is worth 5 stars. Well I think it is worth 5 stars. I think you would like to read this book. Me and my group made a poster and gave it 5 stars. It was realy FUN to read this book!!!

Dear Ellen Bee is a woundful book. They'er two Union spies in the Confederate stats. Then they are trying to save the Union people.Liza and Miss Bet write notes about what they are doing. They all so write letter so they now how they are doing. If you are go to read Dear Ellen Bee it is a good book. If you like the cival war and diary's read Dear Ellen Bee.

My 2-year-old son picked this book out himself at the bookstore and it is now his absolute favorite book. Mine, too! For starters, it has wonderful, bright colors. Each two-page spread has only 1 line, i.e. "I like it when you hold my hand." Every message is positive and affirming. My son now has an activity for every page. One page is, "I like it when we hug real tight." He either hugs me, hugs a toy, or hugs himself and says, "Ahhhh." The last page of the story is, "You're wonderful." What a wonderful way to put him to bed. I am going to give this book at every baby shower.

The vibrant colors and simple text caught my eye in the book store, but both my son & I fell in love with it the first time we read it together. After only a few readings he began to "hold my hand". I have given it as a gift several times. You can't go wrong with this loving book between parent and child.

My daughter (16 months) loves this book. We act it out together and she knows what each page means. Very quick to read. Good before-bedtime book. Text includes: "I like it when...you hold my hand...you let me help...you read me a story...we eat new things..." At the end, it shows mom and child hugging and it says "You're wonderful!"

Encourages a closer relationship between mom and child. The front and back inside covers have boxes with colors, it definitely helped me teach her colors--she would point to a box and I would tell her the color, then she'd point to another one, etc. Then she was able to tell me them on her own. The book also won a literary award. Sturdy hardcover, high quality. Definitely one of our favorites, and we have over 100 books.

This is a workbook to teach quick and easy quilting piecing. It teaches diagonal sets, different techniques and different piecing of quilt blocks. I would recommend to quilters as a resource book to improve skills and learn techniques.

Mary Ellen implies in the title that she wants you to experience your quilt, snuggle up in, carry it in the car, use it! Certainly she doesn't mind if you do make the heirloom type quilt that is gazed upon for enjoyment, untouched. No hand piecing or hand quilting for her, get that machine out and put the pedal to the metal. One amazing discovery you will have is that her quilts look great ... even on the seamed side (especially in the Connecting Up book,which I'll try to review that later). On paging through Mary Ellen's book you would not believe what a wealth of information those thin covers contain. Many chapter members take their books to a place such as Kinko's and have it punched with three holes to fit a binder and make it even more practical. This book can truly bring out the design artist in a person. If you live in an area as I do that is fortunate to have a chapter of "It's OK If You Sit On My Quilt", you not only delve into her philosophy, you will have a leader who has trained with Mary Ellen and you get special patterns and "secrets" that outsiders miss! Best yet,go to one of Mary Ellen's weekend seminars, you will congratulate yourself for the rest of our quilting years for being so smart. Mary Ellen's sense of humor is a match with her quilting talent! It is almost magical the way she has developed what appear to be simple quilt blocks, to nearly unending design possiblities. I hope you will not just get her book and look at it, you need to read and try some of the exercises she recommends, you will be so glad you did.

This is a classic. For anyone who loves to piece quilts, this book is a must. It contains patterns and instructions for hundreds of quilt squares, some historic, some contemporary, and in a variety of sizes and configurations. Let your mind wander as you design 2,3, or 4 block combination quilts.... I can stare at this book for hours! Hopkins has lots of good ideas, but some of her instructions leave a bit to be desired and lack the clarity that a beginner needs. But for the experienced quilter who can make half-squares in her sleep, this books is just the beginning of stunning quilts. I have often taken part of her idea and made my own designs from ideas gleaned from this wonderful book.

This is an exciting book. Jack and Annie go back in time and end up at a castle. I liked the part where Jack fell out of the castle and into the moat. They meet a mysterious knight. Jack and Annie find another "M" clue at the end of the story.

Age 7. It was scary and funny at the same time. I learn a lot of different things. I have read 6 of the magic tree house books and like them all a lot!!!!!! My favorite part in this book was the whole adventure. The knights looked funny and had funny names.

Two kids named Jack and Annie go on an adventure back in time. The Magic Tree House takes them there. Sometimes the exploring is scary and sometimes it's funny. You will enjoy this book, Dinosaurs Before Dark. Mrs. Swafford's Third Grade Reading Class

I was glad to see that this book is still available, so that other people can also enjoy it. I read "Musical Stages" in the early 80's, and my admiration for Mr. Rodgers increased considerably on learning about his personal and professional life in his own words. I was particularly delighted with stories like the one about "Blue Moon", which seemed destined to oblivion, but instead became one of his greatest hits ever. Or the ones about the way he worked with his partners Lorenz Hart and Oscar Hammerstein II, and how he dealt with Broadway and Hollywood people, producers, musicians, fellow composers... Above all, what strikes the reader most is the genuine love Mr. Rodgers always had for the stage. The anxieties, curiosities and goings-on involved in the production and staging of his Broadway works made me quite envious of those who were able to see the premieres of shows such as "On Your Toes", "Pal Joey", "Oklahoma", and so on, which Mr. Rodgers relates in such a vivid way. I was lucky enough, though, to see Yul Brynner in the 1978 revival of "The King and I" at the Uris Theater in New York. It was a magic moment I will treasure forever. Every person of good taste in this world owes a lot to this determined and sensitive man that managed to create a lot of the best music of this century, regardless of national, ideological or whatever boundaries you may think of. And, on top of that, Mr. Rodgers tells us his wonderful life story in a style that echoes the irresistible charm of his immortal melodies. For better enjoyment of this book, I recommend that you read it with your CD player on with, for instance, the soundtracks of Mr. Rodgers' shows and movies, or compilations and/or albums dedicated to his music by the likes of Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Anita O'Day, Bing Crosby, Maurice Chevalier, Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett. Like me, you will thank God for the existence of someone like Mr. Rodgers, and for the legacy he's given us.

There are a handful of composers of American popular music whose body of work is revered generation after generation. Kern, Arlen, Gershwin, and Loewe come to mind. But at the top of the list is Richard Rodgers.

In my opinion, Rodgers is the greatest songwriter in the history of Broadway and popular music. His range was simply astonishing. He could write jubilant, folksy music as in "Oklahoma" or jazzy sophisticated tunes as found in "Pal Joey". He could create soaringly romantic melodies such as those in "The King and I" or inspirational and spiritual ballads as presented in "Carousel". Many of his songs have become popular standards as well.

Rodgers adapted brilliantly to a variety of subject matter. And the longevity of his illustrious career is enviable. "Musical Stages" not only chronicles Rodgers' life and work, but it is also an overview of the development and maturation of American musical theater to which Rodgers contributed mightily.

In this autobiography, you will get to know some of the true giants of American popular music in particular Rodgers' two lyricists: the impish, undisciplined, yet lovable genius Lorenz Hart and the wise and idealistic Oscar Hammerstein II. Both of these men wrote many of the best lyrics ever composed for Broadway or popular music.

You'll also meet acting luminaries such as Yul Brynner, Gertrude Lawrence, and Mary Martin among others. "Musical Stages" is a rich addition to any theater and popular music buff's library. Read it with delight!

(Note: Portions of this review have appeared in lesser detail elsewhere.) Simply stated, Richard Rodgers is America's finest composer. In our history, no other composer's music equals the consistent and prolonged quality, innovativeness, range, and sublime beauty of his compositions. Rodgers'exquisite, unforgettable melodies are crafted with such subtle ingenuity and sophistication that they never lose their freshness or their appeal.

Rodgers' musical genius was matched in two legendary partnerhips, the first with lyricist Lorenz Hart, and the second with librettist-lyricist Oscar Hammerstein II. Rodgers' collaboration with these two gifted men elevated and transformed musical theater into a true and distinctive American art form.

There is a knee-jerk tendency by a few so-called musical "experts" to site Gershwin as the greatest American composer. But discerning authorities and audiences know better. The ENTIRE BODY of Richard Rodgers' work stands the test of time better than Gershwin's, or for that matter, better than the music of Berlin, Kern, Porter, and Arlen, all gifted composers.

Rodgers' music is universally admired and respected generation after generation among all kinds of audiences. Few, if any of his compositions sound dated which cannot be said for a significant portion of Gershwin and other composers' music.

Rodgers' music is written so brilliantly that it seems organic, as if nature itself had perfectly strung together a series of notes which sound no less than heavenly, and which seem as if they could not have been structured in any other way. In some of Gershwin's music, particularly "An American in Paris" and "Porgy and Bess", the music seems stilted, grandiose, even pretentious.

You never get that feeling with a Rodgers' composition. His music always has a quality of lightness, fluidity and sponteneity something missing in portions of Gershwin's music. Some of Gershwin's music feels leaden and redundant unlike Rodgers' works.

The breadth of Rodgers' range as a composer was limitless. And no other composer was better than Rodgers in translating character and plot into music. Here is a man who wrote scores perfectly suited to shows as diverse as "Oklahoma", "Pal Joey", "Carousel", "Sound of Music", "Cinderella", "King and I", "No Strings", etc. The list is impressive.

"Musical Stages" offers a detailed account of Rodgers' life and his incomparable career. In it, you will meet Rodgers' two most famous collaborators the undisciplined, gifted, and lovable Lorenz Hart, and the idealistic, eloquent, and reliable Oscar Hammerstein II. Rodgers also reveals behind the scenes stories about Mary Martin, Yul Brynner, Gertrude Lawrence, Julie Andrews, and other luminaries of the musical theater.

This autobiography should be required reading for fans of musical theater and popular music.

I have read many books by Mary Stewart, and this is one of her best. I like reading her books because the story usually takes place in far off places, like this on, in Greece. Reading this book made me want to visit Greece myself and find out the hidden history/treasures of Greece. I find most of Ms. Stewart's book enjoyable, but this is one of my favorites.

I love all of Mary Stewart's early suspense novels and wish I could buy new copies of them because the battered old ones I have are 20-30 years old, yellowing, and falling apart from repeated re-readings.

I particularly loved the ones set in Greece which was a country that had always captured my imagination. This one in particular made me want to go to Greece and see Delphi and The Charioteer. Five years ago when I finally beheld The Charioteer myself and stood on the theater at Delphi and looked out over the mountains my first thoughts were of Mary Stewart. I recommend this book highly to anyone who can find a copy of it. It is well worth because it is a marvelous read as are all of Mary Stewart's earlier books.

Sadly it appears that most of her early wonderful books are out of print, and the only ones still available are mainly the later and less skillful novels - though a few of the good early ones are still available.

Look for this one. It's a winner.

35 years ago, as a very young girl, I also dreamed of visiting Greece after reading this book and "The Moonspinners". I see that all this time later, Mary Stewart's wonderful stories are still working the same magic... I love all of her books - she will always have a special place among my favorite authors - for her dry and subtle sense of humor, great storytelling ability and of course... that rich descriptive prose (I can't think of anyone else who does it so well). The Merlin books are being reissued - so should all of the romantic suspense (or should they be in the travel section?) :)

I believe Heavenly was better - loyalty to the first book maybe...! But Piper was simply 'the best' too! Couldnt put it down...went without sleep...almost! I want more horse books from this author as she is able to express what I want to believe in the world of Equines.

In my opnion Piper At The Gate is by far the best book i've ever read. Unfortunitly I havem't had the pleasure of reading it's precessor but I ordered it in hopes it would be half as good as Piper At The Gate. Mary Stanton in an incredibly talented author and I would reccomend this book to everyone I know, whether they were horse lovers or not. Definitly order a copy of this, you won't regret it for one second.

This book was almost as good as the first, but still had that same 'grab 'ya' action and kept me reading until the last! I believe you should read Heavenly Horse first, but buy this one too; you're gonna want to read the sequel after you're finished!