This book is roughly about women inthe north who have no freedom and women in the south with the same equality as men. One particular girl, Sparrow, had a mother captured from the south to marry her father, Drinks-the-Wind, and takes her image as short, dark, and round-faced. Sparrow keeps away from her tribe as much as she can and her childhood friend, Wolfcub, who later becomes Kestrel, was always in love with her. they find out their passion for eachother later in the book when Sparrow and her other friend, Keen, escape to the south. Sparrow becomes part of the southern tribes, as keen and the future prince of the tribe, Cloud, fall in love with eachother also. the romanc is passionate, understandable, and realistic. The adventure is overwhelmingly perfect and changes a lot throught the whole book. It is also both tragic and comedic at once and this novel keeps your eyes glued to the pages. Overall, this book to me has been read and enjoyed tremendously.

I could not put this book down! I hadn't read any of Judith Tarr's books before "Lady of Horses," and now I can't stop reading her different works! The way she wrote this book, and her others, is so phenomenal!
"Lady of Horses" was a very enticing book about the struggle of Sparrow, a young women, within her tribe. Sparrow believes that women should be allowed to be near horses and do many other things that only the men can do, but of course, the men would never hear to such things. So, she sneaks out very late at night and just sits with the royal herd, until one night, a white mare, Horse Goddess, asks her to sit upon her back and feel what it is like to fly without wings.
The story has a great plot, and the characters are well depicted - she describes their physical features wonderfully, and allows you to relate to them so much, that you can see each individual character very clearly in your mind. I would definately recommend "Lady of Horses" to anyone looking for a good book to read!

Judith Tarr is simply one of the best writers in the world today! Whether writing literature, historical fiction or sci-fi fantasy, every novel takes the reader away into the time, place and world of the characters she writes about. You feel as though you are living through the eyes of the character you most identify with, and become emotionally involved in the events of their lives. One can't say Judith Tarr gets better with time because every novel (and I've read them all) written years ago till today are consistently excellant in every way a book can be. Lady of Horses is no exception!

Written about the Horse Goddess and a very powerful female character, she continues in the vain of her previous novel's, "White Mare's Daughter" and "The Shepherds Kings". Sparrow, an isolated, spiritual but strong female, is chosen by The Mare and is complelled to fulfill the destiny demanded by the Goddess to become a powerful Shaman and lead the Grey Horse People of her mother's tribe. Raised in a patriarchal society in the Tribe of the People, where men dominate and women are viewed as worthless and threatening, Sparrow must follow the Horse Goddess lead and learn the ancient lessons of the Gods. Set in the world of pre-historical times, the novel focuses on the physical and spiritual relationship between Humans, Gods and Horses. By daring to turn against the rules and demands of the men of her Tribe, Sparrow ultimately leds Tribes with different values and beliefs together. Through Sparrow's response to the Mare who has chosen her, Tarr leads the reader into the Tribe's world and the Spiritual World of the Horse Goddess. Characters arise from the pages of the book who are evil, wise, compassionate and loving. Walker, the People of the Tribe's powerful Shaman and brother of Sparrow, steals Sparrow's visions to control others in evil ways only to fulfill his desire to make the people do what he wishes and become the Maker of Kings. Keen, Walker's wife and best friend to Sparrow, becomes a strong and independant women with the aid of her friend and the will of the Horse Goddess. Then there's Wolfcub, who has always loved Sparrow secretly, but is bound by honor to return her to the Tribe after Sparrow rides the Mare away. Riding horses is an act forbidden to women by the Men of the Tribe and their Gods. And Old Women, a powerful Shaman who lives alone, she becomes the teacher and spiritual guide to a less then willing Sparrow. These four are but a few of the many characters in the story with which the readers becomes intimately involved.

Then there are the Horses. All aspects of the Horse world are brought intimately to life through Tarr's powerful, humorous and very real descriptions of their behavior, habits, relationships, and physical and spiritual nature. Readers become one with the horse, drawn into their world to the point of feeling the joy of riding on their broad and powerful backs, arousal at their definitive and playful courtships between Mare and Stallion, and understanding their thoughts, emotions and communication with the Humans that they allow the privilidge of being in their lives.

Don't start this book unless you have the ability to sit and read it straight through! As with many of Judith Tarr's novels, everyday life intrusions are as annoying as the flies that can torment the Horses. Lady of Horses is an all incompassing experience and it is with a sigh of both sadness and joy that you reach the final page and close the book. I never let go of a Judith Tarr Novel however, as this book, like her others are meant to past the test of time and be read and re-read for years to come.

Walked into the B& N in the Marina and on the Valentine's table was this book. I read it in two sittings. If I had only known these things happen - years ago. Great eye opener and on the mark for Heart Day.

This book is a delightful & touching love story between two seemingly different individuals. Offering a refreshing & humorous glimpse into their relationship, we find ourselves encouraged to strengthen & appreciate our own intimate relationship. I highly recommend it!!

Great Lesson! After reading this book I appreciate, even more, how much work goes into a relationsihip. How important it is to communicate as much as possible. Their exercises that follow each chapter work!

This play is brilliant. I don't know what is in the water in Canada, but it certainly has one major side affect.... AMAZING TALENT. Read this play. Read it often. Buy it now.

Judith Thompson writes like no other playwright I have come across. It is like a poetic version of language we hear every day on the streets. Her mixture of unsettlingly extreme, yet disturbingly real situations and dark humor take the reader on an emotional ride that is not soon forgotten. As an actor,I find the emotional life and depth she gives to each character in a scene (no matter how small the part) is such a refreshing change. The reader, or audience gets a real look at each characters inner core, even though their scene may be over within a matter of minutes. This play is extremely underated and should be read by all. There are lions in all of our streets, and we must learn to take our lives back.

do yourselves a favor-- fancy yourself a playwright?

take a note from judith thompson's lion in the streets.

otherwise, you're not getting it.

Judith Sills tells us how we can change our relationships with men by Refocusing, Reframing, and Responding Differently to our man's behavior. And since Sills says it better than I can, I'll quote a few sentences from her first chapter:

"Focusing on men has taken us as far as it can. This book is written directly to women, and just about women, so that we can turn the corner. The way we turn the corner is that we let go of the idea of getting to love by helping men to change. In our all-too-understandable obsession with getting more of what we need and what we are reasonably entitled to in a relationship, we have overlooked a key psychological truth: ** relationships depend far less on whom we choose than on who we are.**.... You are the single most important factor in whom you choose to love, and in what you experience in return. Love is a measure of your own inner stretch..."

If that paragraph intrigues you, you'll find much of value here. Throughout the rest of the book, she'll gently -- and a little philosophically -- show you how you can help yourself to stretch further.

And despite her statement that she is writing for women on the topic of romantic love, much of what she says about love applies in family and friend relationships as well.

This book shows me how to be more tolerant of the man in my life. My expectations can be pretty high--almost unrealistic. I am reminded to let my signifcant other have his shortcomings while allowing some of my needs to be met though other people and, that the only one I can change is myself. It is one of the best relationship books on how to co-exist with another human being and still be a loving mate. Judith Sills is insightful and skilled in her professional life and with her writing, she's one of my favorite "how-to" authors.

Judith tells women how to love the man we choose for who he is rather than for who he should be. We cannot change HIM, only our own interpretations. She calls this "refocusing", moving our thinking from "What's wrong with him?" to "What is it I need, and do I necessarily need it from him?" She gives us scenarios of different couples' ways of communicating from doing laundry to watching sports, which are familiar and funny. She teaches us, not submission, but how to help ourselves become more interdependent with our mate, allowing us to love him more, need him less.

This amazingly talented author has given us yet another of her incredible stories. Her characters will reach out and grab your mind and your heart. You will feel your heart being squeezed and will shed tears of happiness for them. I dare you to read this story and not look at your own life differently. You will watch these characters face the challenges life throws at them with strength of character, deep natural compassion and unlimited ability to love others. You will feel your belief in the goodness of people renewed. You will absolutely fall in love with the three characters in this Beauty and the Beast meets Little Orphan Annie story and will be very grateful for the roller-coaster ride. But be warned, you will not be able to put it down. This author is MAGIC.

If you love dark brooding mansions, tortured heros and spunky heroines you'll love this book. I did. The sexy hero made me wish I'd gotten stranded in his old mansion with him. And the heart warming love story of two people finding it within themselves not only to love each other, but themselves as well made me laugh and cry. The girl with her legion of gargoyles was a novel addition. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and look forward to Ms. Lyons next one.

When journalist Angie Rose hikes up the mountain her objective is clear. She can't bring herself to visit Kent's orphanage to write a story about the children. In an effort to save her job, she'll seek audience with the reclusive Jason Kent himself, hopefully appeasing her editor with the story of the remarkable man who funds the orphanage. But when he opens door in the blinding snowstorm, inviting her in much against his will, Jason's shocking physical appearance and infirmity quickly changes her mind. She can't destroy the wall of privacy that protects this incredible man.

Lt. Jason Kent lives secluded in an 800-year-old gothic mansion, brought stone by stone from Germany. However, the gargoyles, which guard its turrets, can't keep the pain the world offers Jason at bay. A mission gone wrong has forever changed his physical appearance and abilities. Now he only interacts with the world through the computers in his study and the occasional visit of one of the children from his nearby orphanage.

The recluse had started his orphanage as an extension of a gag. He'd risked everything once to save a child from certain starvation, smuggling her into the United States. He had all kinds of money and nothing to do with it, so he started an orphanage for hard to place children in memory of that first child he'd rescued. But the terrible scars resulting from his last mission keeps him from the halls of the orphanage, and from the hugs of the grateful children.

Angie understands the need to hide. She lives with her own deep-set fears; that is, if she risks her heart with Jason he will find her wanting. She can't stand for him to look at her with that look of pity and disappointment that she'd seen in her previous fiancé's eyes after the drunk driver came around the curve at her on the wrong side of the road. Sure, Stephen had said all the right things, but he had also left her standing at the altar. She absolutely believes that Jason will want more, and certainly deserves more, than she can possibly give.

Talented author Judith Lyons has a marvelous gift of characterization. Even as she exposes the deep-set emotional vulnerability of her characters, Lyons doesn't allow them to wallow in self-pity, but forces them to confront their weaknesses and grow. The well-crafted plot, unique setting, and intrusion of a whimsical child weave together in an exhilarating plot. Reflecting both the tragedy and the triumphs of life and love, SOMETHING TO TALK ABOUT comes highly recommended.

When Jenna's little brother was born, funny things started happening to her mother. Mama remembered some things, but forgot a lot of others! For example, she remembered to read to Jenna, but she forgot to defrost the chicken for dinner ("so they had pizza instead."). When Mama draws water for Jenna's bath, she forgets about the water when the doorbell rings and Jenna's little brother brother, Mickey, spits up. Mama also remembers to get groceries, but forgets to close the trunk and one time even accidently locks Mickey in the car! (a friendly neighbor comes to the rescue with a coat hanger).

For any older sibling who has a newborn addition to the family, things like this are common even among the most organized parents. What can be confusing to the older sib is what exactly is going on? Why is Mama suddenly getting forgetful? While the book doesn't exactly answer this question, it does tell us that everything will work out in the end and Mamas are good at improvising (when Jenna, Mickey and her Mama go to a birthday party a week early, Mama looks ready to cry but instead they go by a bakery and have a cupcake instead).

I love this story, especially now that our second child has entered our lives and our older child is wondering why the adults are not only always tired, but why we do things like stick the cereal in the refrigerator and the milk in the cupboard, and why I've gone to work in mismatched socks on more than one occasion. As families, somehow we manage to muddle through all the little trials and tribulations and try to make the best of even the most frustrating situations (when the bathroom floor floods, "Jenna went wading in her rainboots.").

The text of "Mama..." is easy to read and understand, so young children with new sibs can easily understand these funny situations. The illustrations are soft and colorful (watercolors, I think), and they clearly convey a sense of belonging and family among the characters, even when minor disasters strike like flooded floors, open car trunks and too-early arrivals to birthday parties. The book also shows us that minor setbacks and frustrations are simply a part of being in a family, and instead of complaining about it, what can we do to make the situation better? (Jenna entertains Mickey in the back seat while Mr. Carbone jimmies the door lock).

For the delightful illustrations, for the ease of text and for demonstrating that everyday frustrations are part of life, I highly recommend this book to parents and families of all kinds!

This is a wonderful look at the forgetfulness and distractions of a new mother of 2.

This is one of those great books that will entertain children (especially older siblings with new babies in the house) as well as making mom laugh out loud. The illustrations are great, and the story is right on target. I especially love the warm relationship that is shown between Mama and Jenna. This is one of my favorite all-time books. It would be a perfect present for a family who just had their second baby. (Check out Judith Caseley's other books too...they're all wonderful).

In The Mirrored Window: Focus Groups From A Moderator's Point Of View, Judith Langer (senior vice president of Langer/Roper Qualitative Research Division) draws upon her more that twenty years of experience and expertise to cogently clearly explain the role and performance of the focus group as an important aspect of the marketing process. With the use of examples drawn from a variety of different industries (including parts of an actual transcript from focus groups for Playboy Enterprises), Langer illustrated the client's role, offers tips for controlling rambunctious groups, and how to energize groups that lag or get distracted from the targeted issue or presentation. The Mirrored Window is essential reading for all aspiring marketing professionals and is a core addition to any Marketing or Business School reference library.

This outstanding book has become my preferred resource as I develop in the practice of qualitative research consulting on Judith Langer's side of the mirror after years in the back room. It provides a comprehensive, intelligent and thoughtful approach to qualitative research that I highly recommend for anyone involved in learning more about consumers. I especially enjoyed discovering her process for writing actionable, meaningful moderator reports. The challenge of conducting analysis and developing implications is demystified, thanks to Ms. Langer.

Whether you're looking at using focus groups for the first time, looking for ways to make your projects more productive, or looking to make your facility the regional star, look no further. Expert moderator JUDITH LANGER guides you to success step-by-step, using real examples, from defining your project to writing the report.

o Compare the advantages of focus group research over quantitative studies.

o Understand the process and timing for selecting a facility, scheduling groups, screening respondents, re-screening respondents, conducting sessions, and reviewing results. Learn which features and services to look for when selecting a facility.

o Find out what you need to know about cheaters, repeaters, and deceivers. Learn how to deal with know-it-alls, people who talk too much, respondents who are rude, and conversations that stray off the topic at hand.

o Review dozens of tips, actual phrases and signals you can use to keep a group on track-how to get the group talking, how to ask questions without biasing responses, how to control group dynamics, when to probe and when to use a firm hand.

Get the most out of your sessions and research dollars. As a client, learn when to speak up and when to let the moderator do her job. As a moderator, learn how to address client concerns and how to deliver the most value to them-Every Time!

In this day and age I had expected to find more 'single parent' baby books! But, this is the only one I saw for my son, 3 years ago... Not a Problem, as this book is perfect! So good in fact, I am here to buy another one for my daughter (on the way). I didn't even try to find any others this time... This book has all the same stuff as a 'traditional' baby book - just in a single parent format so you're not forced to leave lots of blanks! Cute illustrations and very nice wording - appropriate for a boy or girl. I'm very happy to have 'found' it again!

Our family is made up of just mom & baby. So run of the mill baby books just don't work. There are too many pages you can't fill out and who wants those pages left blank? I felt so fortunate when someone suggested this book to me. The beginning of the book has space for the parent to tell about his or her life and then it goes into the baby's story. I like the way it tells the story of parent and child better than a standard baby book.

From the first moment I opened this book, tears came--because here at long last was the book for MY family--my son and I. It felt like my unique situation was just as valuable as "normal" families--no "missing" information where the father should be, no trying to fit a round peg into a square hole. And then as I read further, even the little poems on each page made me cry (and I don't think it was from the hormones!) because they were so perfectly appropriate to our situation. Although it's missing some charts common to baby books like height and weight, it more than makes up for this with its strengths. The design is good, illustrations sweet, very useful, very wonderful. Buy it!

I started taking my son to the library when he was 1 years old. I would set him on the floor and read to him. Now that he is 4 years he goes with me to the library and he picks out his own books. He always picks this one out, he likes me to read it over & over again. Its very colorful and the book almost comes alive. Its a fun book to read.

I am an Elementary Literacy Resource Teacher, and I often recommend this book to teachers who are working with their students on color words. What better way for children to learn about the color red than to imagine everything they draw with their red crayon coming to life! This can spark much creativity in children's writing, whether independently or dictated to their teacher. A must for every Kindergarten and First Grade classroom.

I am a children's librarian and use this book in story hour programs for children age 3 - 6. Everytime I read it a child always comments, "What a great story." I have also used it at a local day care center and the children always ask me to bring it next time because they want to hear it again. It is one of the few books that I have read that made me want to write to the author to tell her how much I enjoyed reading the book. She offers the readers the possibility of the impossible and what a gift that is.

Although I consider having read all seven of the books in The Russians series a great accomplishment (and a very enjoyable one) I became so attached to Anna and the other characters that I was actually saddened when I finished this, the final book.

The series has given me a love for historical fiction and knowledge of many details in Russian history. Pella has done a wonderful job and I have never been disappointed by any of her works.

I read the first three books in this series when I was 14 years old. I can't begin to explain the agony the third book put me through. I had compard the first two to a fairytale, and with the last came the reality as the real world crept into view...bringing tragedy and pain.

I find that the author(s) of these stories manage to twist their way into my gut like very few others have been able to do. If you are ready to being what will initially appear as light "pleasure" reading, but what will also stretch you heart to it's boundaries, try the series. And please, read them in order.

I love this book!I have read the first six of the series, "The Russians" and there has not been one dull moment. Judith Pella does an incredible job of describing the characters and their feelings so well that you feel like you know them personally. This book really ties up a lot of loose ends; some sad ends and others are very joyful. But even the sads ones are just perfect because it helps give a realistic image of what live was like at the turn of the century in Russia. I would highly reccomend this to anyone!