Back in 1975, racing fans and non-fans alike were mesmerized by the Great Match Race, the boy vs. girl angle of the Ruffian vs. Foolish Pleasure match race. Here were the champion two-year olds of 1974 matched up together, the filly a black giant of a horse, the colt the Kentucky Derby winner. Tragically, the race didn't end with a clear-cut winner. "Ruffian- Burning from the Start" gives you the background story of the great Ruffian, arguably the finest Thoroughbred filly to ever grace a racetrack. She was never headed on the track, and as the title says, she was burning to run from the time the gates opened. This book gives you a glimpse into the rich world of Thoroughbreds owners and breeders, and a glimpse into the mind of a great trainer, Frank Whitely, who also trained three-time Horse of the Year, Forego. The author not only gives you some insight into racing, she takes you to the racetrack and makes the sights and sounds come alive. She breathes life into the story of Ruffian and the final chapter will have you reaching for your hanky. I heartily recommend this book for any fan of horses, or of horse racing, or Thoroughbreds.

This is definately one of the best books written on Ruffian. It was the final jewel to my Ruffian collection... Pictures, all the books written on her, videos of all her races, models, etc... and is one of my favorites. I've read it three times and each time it makes me cry. Unlike the other books, it does not describe Ruffian's death as "Ruffian was euthanized." Instead, it is in Ruffian's point of view. She's running freely now, with no cast, no pain. I did an oral language piece on this book and went on to regionals. I highly recommend this book to adults, but not to young kids. There is very frequent, strong language throughout this book, and is very detailed.

Whether you are into horse racing or not, you will love this book. It is a wonderful addition to any horse lover's book collection!

The wonderful books of Walter Farley hooked me on thoroughbred racing when I was a young girl. When I grew up, I used my Farley-gained knowledge to follow big-time racing in the real world. I was knowledgeable enough to know how special Ruffian was when the spectacular filly took the racing world by storm in 1974. The following year only added to her legend. As I devoured Ms. Schwartz's riveting account of Ruffian's life -- and death -- I was transported back more than two decades. This book evokes the excitement of the times, and all the memories I had buried deep in my mind poured back. I let myself remember how glorious Ruffian was and how I, along with millions of others, "raced" vicariously through her exploits. As the noble filly's final race approached, I found myself wondering if I would be able to finish reading the book. Reading the account of the race and its aftermath was as gut-wrenching as I feared it would be. I asked myself, "WHY am I doing this to myself?" I wished I'd never started the book, because once started, it had to be finished. But Ms. Schwartz has figured out how to put a fitting, uplifting end to this tragic and triumphant saga. The tears I shed revisiting Ruffian's story were worth it. I take from this book the inspiration of Ruffian's strength, determination, and spirit.

I have talked to pro-choice women who condemn this book sight unseen. Their hypocrisy is amusing, since only a few years ago, when "Miss Norma" revealed herself to be the "Roe" of "Roe vs. Wade," they couldn't get enough of her "charming simplicity" and "homespun sincerity." They even got Holly Hunt to play her in a movie! But now that "Miss Norma" has had a change of mind and heart, she is persona non grata - that "homespun sincerity" is now patronizingly referred to as "childlike naivete" by some reviewers. Well, well. I suggest anyone, pro- or anti-abortion, will do well to read this book and see what "Jane Roe" really went through. Even if you disagree with her, you gotta respect her. She's REAL.

Let me just say this: this book managed to reduce this 23-year old male college senior to tears. I came to know more about God's love in this 240 or so page book which I was able to read in two evenings than I have in volumes of systematic thoelogy...

In what is perhaps one of the most encouraging books I've ever read, Norma McCorvey (Jane Roe of Roe vs. Wade) shares with us the story of her upbringing, her involvement in the (in)famous Supreme Court case, and how she was used both by the men who caused her to desire an abortion, and ironically(!), the people who she turned to for help.

In the end, it was the love of Christ expressed through a group of Christian pro-life activists who moved their office next to her abortion clinic who started to soften her heart. Building on a friendship with a young girl named Emily, Norma befriended her former arch-enemy, and in one culminating moment, decided to give her life to Christ.

The later parts of the book are concerned with the reaction she received from her former cohorts and the liberal media, and exposes the double standards employed when people don't tow the liberal line during interviews and such.

Needless to say, Norma is now a pro-life activist herself, who has founded her own ministry, Roe No More (http://www.roenomore.org/).

If you only have the time to read one book this year - or have one to recommend to someone, this should be it.

Norma McCorvey, the "Roe" in Roe v. Wade, tells the story of her conversion from a pro-choice activist and abortion clinic worker to a pro-life Christian. Norma, bless her heart, is an emotionally unstable alcoholic, desperate for acceptance, and even now I would not go so far as to believe everything she says - read it, you'll see what I mean. But her story is very moving nonetheless.

Norma starts by describing her experiences working with the pro-choice movement. Her upper class, Ivy-League-educated counterparts - Kate Michelman, Sarah Weddington, etc. - consider Norma an embarrassment, and treat her poorly even while using her name to further their political agenda. Norma is understandably hurt by the innumerable snubs and sneers she has suffered at the hands of her pro-choice "sisters". The one exception is Gloria Allred, who treated her with kindness, and of whom Norma speaks almost worshipfully. Norma then goes on to describe her daily life working at an abortion clinic, with the pro-life Operation Rescue right next door. She strikes up a friendship with several of the OR volunteers and they gradually win her over with their kindness. Unlike the pro-choicers, whose only interest in her was political, her pro-life Christian friends care about her as a person. To illustrate, pro-abortion activist Sarah Weddington admitted in a television interview: "I don't care about Norma McCorvey. I care about Jane Roe. Norma McCorvey was just a name on a class-action lawsuit." Talk about dehumanizing. Norma's crossover was motivated not so much by intellectual reasoning as by a desire to be around nice people who are kind to her, and value her for the human being she is, not what she can do for them. Is that a valid motivation? It sure is.

Whatever her past or present shortcomings, Norma McCorvey's conversion is obviously sincere, and she has a good heart. Regardless of your views on the subject of abortion, you can't help but wish her well on her journey. Godspeed, Norma McCorvey!

I received this as a gift and cried my eyes out the first time I read it. I am a working mom who hates to say goodbye to my little one each morning. My son is a year old and will bring it to me to read to him. I still get teary eyed when I read it. I am going to buy one for all of my working-mom friends. Highly recommend this book.

This is a wonderful book to read about the concept of being apart for a time during the day. The illustrations and text are sweet and enjoyable. My daughter loved the fact that a small heart is visible in almost every picture, although you must look carefully. Look for the "swirl" of heart over mom's coffee on one page. We read it when she started school, then I cut some small hearts from felt and tucked them into her pocket or bookbag. It was a small secret for us to share and made the transition easier for both of us.

I read this at a book fair and spent the next five minutes trying to hide my teary eyes! I bought one for me, three for friends and family members, and a couple of spares for shower gifts. When I got home, I read it to my 3 1/2 year old and showed her the hearts on each page. We read it four times in a row -- she absolutely loves it!

This is a touching, charming book, with beautiful illustrations (I bet every mom will think baby bird looks like her own child!). It's a wonderful way to share with our children how much we love them and how that love never leaves us, even when we're apart -- perfect whether you're a working mom or not!

I like this book so much I've already checked out other books by the author and illustrator.

BUY IT! You'll love it!

This is Karma Wilson's first book, but after you read it, you can bet you'll know that it will definately not be her last! Talent abounds with this book from Margaret McElderry Books/Simon and Schuster. Jane Chapman's pictures are refreshingly unique, and endearing.

When you pick up this book, you will think that you are picking up a piece of art.
And you are!

The text and the pictures simply sing with the flurry of the winter snowflakes. Soft, unexpected, rich, deep, and crisp!

The story is about a bear who keeps snoring on, even after some animals stop by to have tea and popcorn with him. But the party goes on without him as he sleeps. The chomp and crunch of the rabbit, badger and mouse eating honey-nuts- still doesn't wake him up! A fleck of pepper finally rouses him, and they do the party all over again for the sake of the bear. :))

Buy two. ..one for your best friend who will want to borrow your copy!!!

Bear Snores On is Ms. Wilson's first picture book and it is WONDERFUL! Written in flowing, musical rhyme, the structure is flexible, never stilted, to allow the story to unfold as it should. Clever word choices add to the feel of the story, be it the cold winter with "fluff-cold snow" or the animals sharing food and fun ("They tweet and they titter. They chat and they chitter."). A recurring refrain tells us that "The bear snores on" while other woodland creatures gather in his cave to escape the winter weather and end up having quite a party. Jane Chapman's cute illustrations will hold the attention of young listeners as will the story, the word choices, onomatopoeia ("And they nibble and they munch with a chew, chomp, crunch!"), and the refrain, which little ones will love to say along with the reader. And the twist at the end will always bring a smile. This is a book that everyone will want to read over and over again. I'm already looking forward to Ms. Wilson's next book, Moose Tracks, which is due out later this year. Hooray, Karma!

While the winter storm rages, bear snores on. Guest after guest arrives in bear's lair, and bear STILL snores on. The story is funny (and has a moment of sadness) without losing meaning. Another delight of the book is the text - not just what the words are saying, but the way the letters are CAPITALIZED and sometimes bold-print, or smaller than the normal type. This really highlights the emphasis on the emotions or activities of the animals, including the bear (whose snoring seems to get louder as the activities around him become more animated). The story seems "just right" - kind of like Goldilocks finding the right bed to sleep in - and the full-page illustrations are great attention-keepers. A book kids will want to read again and again.

This is the very best Spanish English dictionary that can be found. I've found it necessary to use several at a time when doing translations in the past, but with this one, it's a very rare occasion when one finds the need to look something up in another dictionary. It contains current language and keys in on different parts of the world, not just Spain, as with others. So, if you're using Spanish from a Latin American country, you'll have no problems finding translations using this dictionary

Before undertaking a study abroad program in Bogotá, Colombia (5 years ago), I spoke almost no Spanish. I took an older edition by this author with me at the time. Several other authors claimed to have the best resource, but this author proved to be well above the best. Within 3-4 months time, I was speaking fluent Spanish while taking college level courses. A great deal of vocabulary could be learned by asking questions in everyday society, yet a good portion needed to referenced the old-fashioned way. I was able to succeed in my courses because of the vastness, depth and broad range of terms and phrases in this resource. Not only did this resource help me to excel in college, but in everyday life as well. It exemplifies all words and phrases in a multitude of contexts virtually exhausting all possible utilizations. In addition, it recognizes region-specific terms and phrases when necessary. Unlike any other publication, this dictionary references vulgar terms, which I found to be a priceless tool. These are parts of everyday living, and should be able to be referenced like any other part of spoken language. I have shown this publication to a plethora of individuals from all walks of Hispanic culture, and all have been equally impressed. This, of course, including individuals ranging from ages 16-65, from lawyers and optomologists to bakers and cab drivers. I still have my 1994 edition and it hasn't outdated one bit. This edition only capitalizes on the previous edition. I can't recommend this publication enough. It is very well though-out, written and organized, yet it doesn't take a biochemical engineer to decipher its contents. If you don't shell out the measly 30-some odd dollars for this one, then you really aren't that eager to learn another language.

I use this dictionary for two reasons. First, I am studying Spanish, and this book is a wonderful and necessary learning tool. Second, and most importantly, I teach English as a Second Language to many Spanish-speaking students. I have found this dictionary very effective at fulfilling my needs as a learner and as a teacher who uses it to provide translation and meaning in the classroom.

THE GOOD: Wow, there are so many good things about this dictionary, let me just highlight my favorites. 1) It is easy to use. Colored tabs make it easy to quickly find the word you need. It has an easy to read font, and the page is laid out nicely - so that words and explanations aren't crammed into tight spaces. 2) It is a hardback book. This may not seem like much, but when you use a paperback dictionary a lot its covers tend to become ragged and worn. The hardback also allows the book to stay open to any page that you turn to - allowing you to use both hands to type or write the definition, and making it so that you don't have to worry about the book slamming shut and forcing you to look up the same word twice! 3) Useful entries. You get all the normal stuff that you would in any dictionary: part of speech, gender, number, etc. But you also get some nice little features! Entries are cross referenced to similar words. Sense and regional indicators are also included, so that you know if an adjective refers to automobiles or people, and whether or not it is used only in Bolivia. Also, all Spanish verbs are referenced to a table at the back of the book which gives all forms of that type of verb. 4) Tables. In addition to the nice verb tables, there are also pages to help you with forms of address, numbers, dates, time, weights & measures, and even how to write letters.

THE BAD: The only problem that I can really foresee is the size and weight of the book. It is big, and it is heavy! I think that this is a "leave at home" reference book, and might be inconvenient to haul around between classes.

What else can I say? I love this book! It is, without exception, the absolutely best foreign language dictionary that I have ever used (and that includes a lot of different languages!) Definitely worth every penny spent!

Having read many True Crime novels over the years, I must hail this piece of work by author James Dalessandro and contributor David Mehnert as being one of the finest yet.

The story of Jane Alexander was both awe inspiring and admirable. I am also a family victim of a brutal homicide crime. The convictions of the two murderers in my case came from a trial of circumstantial evidence. Knowing all to well the frustrations of our justice system and lack of victim's rights, I praise and wish to thank Mrs. Alexander for her strength of resolve along with her success in creating an easier and more pro-active path for fellow victims as ourselves.

Unlike so many other True Crime novels, this book was written with the same "mirrored passion" that so obviously drove the dedicated individuals forth for so many years to see that justice was served. The book's author James Dalessandro, truly honored Mrs. Alexander's efforts by his attentive, thought provoking and accurate depiction of her difficult and painful journey.

A wonderful and tenderly written tale... Purely brilliant!

Brilliantly deliverd by author James Dalessandro and contributor David Mehnert. A book written with passion, mystery, truth and justice was done. "Citizen Jane" is a book that you just keep reading - can't put it down, so I went online looking for other books by James Dalessandro. Bought,"Bohemian Heart". It will be delivered in a few days. Can't wait to read it!

"1906, the San Francisco Earthquake" saga will be in the stores soon. Watch for a movie by this great author.

Mary L. Bates

Having read many True Crime novels over the years, I must hail this piece of work by author James Dalessandro and contributor David Mehnert as being one of the finest yet. The story of Jane Alexander was both awe inspiring and admirable. I am also a family victim of a brutal homicide crime. The convictions of the two murderers in my case came from a trial of circumstantial evidence. Knowing all to well the frustrations of our justice system and lack of victim's rights, I praise and wish to thank Mrs. Alexander for her strength of resolve along with her success in creating an easier and more pro-active path for fellow victims as ourselves. Unlike so many other True Crime novels, this book was written with the same "mirrored passion" that so obviously drove the dedicated individuals forth for so many years to see that justice was served. The book's author James Dalessandro, truly honored Mrs. Alexander's efforts by his attentive, thought provoking and accurate depiction of her difficult and painful journey. A wonderful and tenderly written tale... Purely brilliant!

As a child, I read this deliciously chilling book over and over, and it caused me never to look at lawn-ornament reflecting balls in the same way again. As an adult, I checked Jane-Emily out of the library a few years ago to see whether it was as good as I'd remembered, and surprisingly, it still gave me goosebumps!

I'm disappointed now to see that Jane-Emily is out of print, so that I will have trouble finding a copy to share with my children. The story, with a little bit of historical detail, a little bit of romance and coming of age, and a whole lot of things that go bump in the night, is definitely worth a reprint!

It's a shame this book is nowhere to be found. I checked Jane-Emily out of the library every weekend my entire third-grade year. For fifteen years, it's blend of romance, psychological drama, gothic suspense and unforgettable characters has remained in my subconscious. Without giving the plot away, I must say that there are pieces of the book that are still so vivid to me -- the forbidding house, the giant glass ball in the yard, Emily locking herself in her bedroom. Jane-Emily is remarkably mature for a YA novel; many of the themes and situations are ones present in adult fiction of this genre (reincarnation, ghosts, a haunted house, mysterious death), and it borrows a lot of it's gracefully dark, ominous style from Edgar Allan Poe and Shirley Jackson. I would love to read Jane-Emily as an adult -- it would be like stepping back into a relentlessly haunting memory. WHERE IS THIS BOOK?

Last summer I was at the library with my 10 year old niece and suddenly remembered the title of the book about the ghost-girl and the reflecting garden ball. All my life, I thought of that story whenever I saw one of those reflecting balls (and now I have one in my own garden!)

We found a tattered copy in the library and read it together. It struck the same chord with me in 2001 as it did in 1976, when I first read it, and it was one of those books I read again and again. My niece loved it, although she was a bit scared. The book contains some heavy themes for a pre-teen: life, death, love, loss, reincarnation, but is a wonderfully told story. This book stands the test of time and I wish it would be reprinted.

This isn't a bad read and it's a quick read too. I love reading vampire novels, and was told I should give it a try. Over all, it wasn't that bad. I found it interesting that the word "vampire" is never used. If it was, it was done once and I missed it.

This is the story of Stefan, a vampire that wasn't to put his past behind him, and live a "normal" life as a vampire. He enrolls on school and meets Elena, who falls for Stefan. Some murders happen and all (most all) of the finger pointing goes to Stefan. Stefan has a darker and more evil Brother nanmed, Damon. He too wasn't Elena. And will kill for her....

Over all it's a decent book. It's a YA book, so it's not heavy on teh vampire aspect. Heck, the vampires could go out in the day. that was a bit over the top for me, but I enjoyed the book.

Smith has a writing style that can keep you hooked to the book. The char are well developed and the plot is interesting to read with a lot of nice twists.

take a chance, you may like it.

In this book, Elena finds herself in a triangle between he vampire boyfriend, Stefan, and his vampire brother Damon. Elena knows that she should aviod Damon, but he keeps showing up at places where she is. Meanwhile, she and Stefan grow pretty close, and soon they are secretly engaged. Elena knows that she has so save him though because in the first book, her diary was stolen by her ex-best friend Caroline whos planning to read it at the founders Day Pagent. In her diary was proof that Stefan was at sight of one attack earlier in the school year. Now, I've told you more than enough, so go read the book.

I loved this series!!! This book especially. I read this book about 5 years ago and to this day, if you ask me to name my top favorite books The Struggle would be #1 followed by the other books of this "I could'nt put the book down, if I tried" series.

Elena is a sweet "I would do anything to help someone in need" type of a girl who's beauty is as captivating as her personality.
Apparently the Vampire Stefan and his brother Damon thinks so too. The story holds your eyes as Elena discovers she loves both men and has to choose between them.

Whew!!!! there is so much more to this story and so little space to say it...but then again I'd hate to ruin this book for anyone interested in buying it.....But Hey if you are into vampire novels with a huge heaping of passion and romance....BUY THE BOOK!!!!!!

This book is mainly about a young girl who strugles to become a lady. It all starts when Jane (the main character) is made fun by a girl named Sally because she wasn't very lady like. Jane soon tires of being tormented and decides to join a young ladys academy to become more lady like. A man named William, that works with her father, decides to move to the frontier. William and Jane exchange letters for a long while, and she continues to tell him of her proggress at the academy, when finally he asks her to come to the frontier and be his wife. Jane can't wait to go, but her father doesn't want her to leave. After months of begging her father, he decides to let her go. She soon writes him a letter accepting his proposal, but making the wedding dress took longer than she had planned. She sends him a letter telling him she will be late, he fails to recieve the letter. When she arrives in the frontier he isn't there. Jane must learn to cook and survive on her own, she also must learn to give up some of the rules of being a lady.
I found this book to be very enjoyable. I liked how she handled her problems about having to change her way of life. I liked how the characters developed throughout the story. People who like historical fictions will enjoy it more that others, but it's really a book for everyone.

While searching the teen shelves at my local libarary, i came across this very exciting read....

The story starts off with Jane Peck, the main character in the story, in Philadelphia around the 1850s. She is a rather tomboyish, improper child, who adores her father and is interested in his job as a doctor.But, as she grows into a young lady, she is teased because of her behavior, especially by a wealthy bully, and decides to attend Miss Hepplewhite's Young Ladies Academy to improve her manners and apperance.
In the mean time, she falls in love with her fathers's apprentice, William Baldt, who has dreams of sailing, exploring the frontier and starting a lumber business. He leaves Jane, and keeps in touch with her by letters. Finally, he proposes, and she decides to leave for Washington Territory, much to the disapproval of her father.
At the moment she starts her journey, she encounters many hardships, and as she arrives in Shoalwater Bay, set to start her new life right away with William. But things do not go as smoothly as she expected, and through self exploration, her life takes a unexpected twist of fate!
Read Boston Jane to find out!

Boston Jane was such a good book! I read it in one day and finished its sequel the next and am anxiously awaiting the upcoming third book to this series. It is about Jane,a girl from Philadelphia, who goes out west and finds many adventures, true friends, and unexpected love. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes historical fiction with a twist of romance and adventure interwoven within the story.

I read this book in one day-couldn't put it down! I grew up in Massapequa, NY and went to school with Al DeMeo. It blew me away to read what he was going through, while attending high school and acting like a "normal" kid. We all knew that his father was "in the mafia" but it was presumed that most weathly Italian men in this area also had links to the mob. While I was drawn to it for my hometown connections, my husband, who is not from LI, also could not put it down! I have recommended it to many family and friends. Excellent story about the home life of a member of the mafia and the repercussions it has on his family, the ones he tried so hard to protect.

Al DeMeo's 'For the Sins of My Father' offers the other side of Roy DeMeo as portrayed in the book 'Murder Machine'. Young DeMeo describes in vivid detail growing up in adulation of his father, gradually facing the reality of life in the Mafia but never quite coming to terms with the extent of his father's sins. It's understandable why Al doesn't believe the accounts of his father's bloody butchery in the 'Murder Machine', considering that he grew up seeing the fatherly side of Roy DeMeo and was never subject to his father's blood-curdling brutality. Al's account of his life growing up as the son of one of Mafia's most notorious killers is sometimes heart warming, usually sad, and always suspenseful. All in all, this book is well worth the read. It is different than any other 'Mafia' book; Al was not only the son of a vicious killer but a victim of his father's deeds. For greater effect, I recommend reading 'Murder Machine' before reading this book. Good luck to you Al DeMeo.

I am by no means a big book reader but when I got my hands on "For the sins of my father" I couldn't put it down! Albert, son of a mobster and devoted father Roy DeMeo does a masterful job of showing the other side of mobster life. The side where the "sins" commited by his father were far surpased by the loving relationship he had with his family. I would highly recommend this book! A+++++