After reading only five pages of this small children's novel by the reknowned fantasy writer Frank L. Baum, I felt only one thing: the need to make a dentist's appointment. Baum crafts a sugary tale without anything to really distinguish it, and it's the literary equivalent of eating a mountain of candy and not brushing your teeth.

This is the story of Santa Claus -- here portrayed as a human baby adopted by a wood-nymph named Necile in the human-free forest of Burzee. The baby is the first and only mortal adopted by immortals, and is given the name Neclaus, or Claus. For several years he leads a pretty idyllic life, and all the immortals just adore him.

But then Claus takes an interest in human beings, and ends up leaving so he can "make thousands of little children happy." So he ends up making various beautiful gifts for children both rich and poor. However, plotting his downfall are the hideous Angwas, since "one of the principal sports of the Awgwas was to inspire angry passions in the hearts of little children." So Claus and his little friends have to resist the Angwas so that little kids can have toys...

This is not a Santa Claus story based in any way in fact; rather, this is a tale suited to the mass-produced, plastic Santa Claus images that pop up every Christmas. The sugar level is mind-blowing. The idea of the bad guys, whose sole focus is making kiddies misbehave, is incredibly bad. The forest of Burzee is almost hilarious, with its inhabitants living in a sort of immortal hippie commune, with the kind of uninterrupted, continuous bliss that can only be found in certain controlled substances.

The characters have no real personalities: either they're sickening good or hideously bad. It feels less like Baum is telling a story than Making A Point, with the characters as his means of Making That Point. But even if the Angwas evil, they're not really evil -- instead they have a vague I-know-it-when-I-see-it badness, which mainly seems to consist of depriving the poor wittle kiddies of their toys and make them misbehave. Their idea of a hideous act is to steal and then hide toys (Oh horrors!) and they hate the good guys because... well, because they DO. Baum's idea of war is outrageously bad, and it's hard to take seriously because Baum takes care to tell you that it's impossible for the bad guys to win.

Claus himself is so good and noble that he is literally impossible to connect with, as are all his various nymph, Knook, Fairy, Ryl friends. The children that Claus befriends read like Shirley Temple parodies; lines like "I wants a tat" are too common to contemplate. The dialogue in general reads like a screenplay written by a first grader. If you can read lines like "I will overwhelm them with our evil powers!" without giggling helplessly, then you are a stronger reader than I.

I don't recommend this book for anyone over the age of eight who still retains full brain function, and I definitely don't recommend it for diabetics.

In author L. Frank Baum's book, nymph Necile finds a tiny babe in the forest of Buzee and raises him along with the help of the great spirits, elves, nymphs, knooks and ryls under the wisdom and guidance of the great Ak (Leader of all the great Spirits). She names him Claus who later grows up asking what is his purpose in life, and then decides to make toys to deliver to all boys and girls on one special night out of the year. But as time passes he soon he discovers that he is growing old. . .

A great book by L. Frank Baum that explores the fantastical life of Santa Claus-a real joy and gem to read, especially when you come to realize how many years ago this book was written. Baum's work here is so imaginative that many of today's stories of Santa Claus in my opinion pale in comparison.

L. Frank Baum was one of the great fantasy writers of the early 20th century -- in fact, were it not for Tolkien, I'd be tempted to call him the greatest in 100 years. His Oz books created a beautiful, vibrant land that still draws readers a century later. This book, his twist on the legend of Santa Claus, is part of that wonderful tapestry he wove.

Forget all of the Santa Claus legends you've read before -- there's no North Pole, no elves, no Bergermeistermeisterberger -- the story starts with a baby found in the woods by the fairy Necile. She raises him as her son, Claus (or "Ni-claus," meaning "Little Claus"), until the child begins to wonder about his own people. Shown the dangers of the human world by the great Ak, Claus decides to venture forth amongst the mortals regardless.

Claus gets a lot of credit in this story, from inventing the first toy to inspiring a war amongst immortals to retrieve them, and all of it is done in Baum's clear, clean style that is as easy to read today as it was in his time. It might not be the best book for a small child, who may ask questions trying to reconcile this unique version of Santa with the one he knows, but for an older child who understands that the spirit of Santa Claus is what's important it is a wonderful book. I re-read it every December.

This memoir is a wonderful panoramic view of America's most glorious tragedy, filled with romance, privation, luxury, and death. This chronicle is a window to a lost world, a world of private lives and great political movements.

Mrs. Chestnut provides us with the small details in the picaresque life of a general's wife. The frustration of a people's hope of self-determination is revealed, as is the revulsion of some Southerners to slavery and its attendant shame.

She shows us her neighbors' private and justified fear of murderous servants, the grand victories of the Confederate armies which mean nothing against an inexhaustible enemy, the intimate drawing room intrigues of upper class Southern debutantes among their friends and wounded heroes.

The traditional icons of Southern Gentility are shown to be less than uniformly admirable, though the perseverence and insight of this writer are heroic, and show the true character of the best of American womanhood.

Any serious student of the War Between the States who has not read this first-person account is not a serious student at all.

This narrative has the rare quality of allowing the reader to view the author's world through their glasses. The reader quickly slips into Mrs Chestnut's value system and truely appreciate the highs and lows of Confederate society, the wealth and hardship, privileges and privations of those who sat hearthside. Additionally, rare personal glimpses insights are provided on some of the movers and shakers of Confederate government, military and society. Such glimpes are delicious and slighly voyeuristic!
A great view, not by a driver in history, but one along for the ride.

I know this may sound crazy, but i am infact the great(times 3) granddaughter of mary boykin chestnut. When my grandfather told me this when i was younger (I am 16 now) I became very interested in learning about her and her husband and in trying to learn more i decided to read the diary in which mary had written. I found it very moving and in some cases disturbing. Before reading her diary ( My grandpap has one of the first copies of it) I could have cared less about the civil war or any war for that matter, but after reading it I gained a new found respect for everything that people in those days had to go through and I think that my grandmother gave people of today a great idea of what the war was like and how people were. I am very proud to say that I am of of the civil wars most influential women.

The topic of Sudden Money is not one that has been studied the way that it should be. The best book ever written on the subject was Amy Domini's "The Challanges of Wealth" which was written in 1989. It did what what Sudden Money should. It really talks about what is important in any sudden money situation, the ability to control your emotions, know who to listen to avoid well meaning advice from family and "friends".

I am President of a company who assist injury victims with their finances and have 19 years of study on the Sudden Money topic. I was hoping Sudden Money would be something to give to staff and clients but it is not even close.

There are two easy to read books that everyone from the secretary to the President of our organizations must read before they join us, A Piece of the Action by Joseph Nocera and the Millionaire Next Door by Tom Stanley. Nocera gives a history of personal finance and Stanley gives perspective as to why some people are wealthy and others are not. Read those and don't waste your money on Sudden Money.

The Sudden Money book does a good job of promoting what Bradley is selling, her seminars. There is not nearly enough detail of the emotional side of dealing with a settlement which is a LOT more important than picking the right products or advisor.

When it comes to picking the right products, Bradley shows she does not even know about even some basic techniques. In the whopping eight pages she devotes to insurance settlements ($200 billion a year is paid out in these settlements so it affects more people than discussing lottery winners) she does not even mention structured settlements, the most popular financial tool used on cases of $1,000,000 or more!

It is a tax free spreadthrift concept that only injured people can receive. $5 billion a year goes into structured settlements and after 19 years experience and writing numerous academic articles on insurance settlements, I can say with certainity is the best way for injured people to avoid a lot of problems. Bradley apparently has never heard of the idea. Maybe someone should go to one of her seminars and tell her about what is REALLY going on in the financial planning world.

Bradley is media savvy and a great self promoter. I hope her book is not too successful as the last thiing a person with Sudden Money needs is poor advice.

Don McNay...

I am a fee-only Certified Financial Planner that has heard Susan Bradley and read her book. Susan's book provides a good introductory overview of the issue that seems to be quite useful for those receiving smaller inheritances (<$3-4 million). So many people receive inheritances of $500K to $1 million and think they are rich. Susan's book helps them put things in perspective. Unfortunately many come to me after they have the money and have already started making the mistakes she discusses.

She does not have an axe to grind nor pushes any particular method of settlement--as each situation determines the method.

I like her approach of (1) don't do anything initially- Decision Free Zone(2) understand the emotions--a huge item(3) get some professional advice (3) lay out a plan (4)move deliberately. Consequently, I recommend or give a copy of her book to those getting or have just gotten an inheritance or a large sudden influx of money.

Great book from a nice person.

As a recent sudden money recipient, I found the book to be a very good initial exposure to the flood of feelings and responsibilities associated with my windfall. While I won't deny that extensive research remains to be done on the subject, the book is written clearly and simply enough to help even the most unfamiliar reader as to the path that lies ahead. Readers are likely to find that a great deal of the book does not apply directly to them, but they should be examined anyway....along with the specific sections pertaining to their unique situation.

I would have liked to see more information regarding tax implications, and clearer instructions as to finding a CFP specializing in this area. All in all, however, the advice was invaluable, if only to reinforce what I already suspected and to explain why I felt as I did during the process. My two bits: do not underestimate the value of the DFZ (decision-free zone) as a first step!

From firsthand experience, I'd recommend that the chapters on winning the lottery be excerpted and made required reading for all winners before they're allowed to cash that check!

When I read Mary Anne and the Haunted Bookstore, it was soooo boring!!! Don't waste your time or money on this book. It's just not worth it.

This book was so scary! Since I read it at night it seem extra freaky! I really recommend this book to people who really like scary stories!

Mary Anne chose the Poe books for her English assignment, The Tell-Tale Heart. But when she got into the bookstore, she got all those scary things. Ugh! It's very scary that I ran from my room to my parents. That's very, very interesting and scary. If you have heart attack before, better not read it. It's going to make you super heart attack. And the Gable descendant says that, like Poe killed him. Do not, not, not read this book if you have heart attack!

On the plus side, Collections does feature lots of lovely photos of pretty things. Sadly, it didn't really give me what I wanted, which was ideas on displaying diverse collections. Most of the photos either show only one of an item (this is a collection?) or just plunk the items down on a shelf (thank you, I could think of that myself.) The book wastes lots of space on collecting tips (price suggestions/figuring out the age or maker of a piece/etc.) which aren't very helpful -- too detailed and boring for someone who doesn't collect that particular item; not nearly detailed enough for someone who does.

Buy the book for the pictures, but don't expect too much...

If you're like me and love to collect, this book is for you. The pictures are luscious and it's loaded with great information. It brought back so many memories of my childhood (things I kept and things I wish I had kept). It also gave me great ideas on new collections. I settled in on a rainy afternoon to browse the book and before I knew it, it was over, much to my dismay!! I only hope Mary plans a sequel - with many more collections!

What simple pleasures we seem to find in collecting. To gaze through the pictures and pages in this book, you may find bits and pieces of items you enjoy saving. Unfotunately, you may also stumble upon a new item that you just have to have. There is always room for just one more little lovely isn't there?

Mary Engelbreit has added a dandy to this series of books on decorating your home. If you love this book, pick up her PLATES and PAINT books too!

THIS BOOK WAS GOOD BUT IT DID DRAG ON FOR A BIT.I HAVE READ QUITE A FEW OF ANN'S BOOKS BUT WHEN I READ THIS IT WASN'T AS GOOD AS MOST BOOKS. BUT IF YOU LIKE BORING BOOKS THIS IS THE ONE FOR YOU!!!

Once you pick up these books, you'll never put them down! When you read these books, you'll read them again and again and will want to read more about these characters!!

Generally a good way to teach very young children French, although I'm not really crazy about the storyline. In the story, each animal is unhappy with its various attributes and wants other ones, i.e. my nose is too long, I want a shorter one, etc - not exactly the kind of message I'd want my toddler to absorb.

Having said that, the illustrations are wonderful and the quality of the hardback book ............. is just great.

Although there is a glossary and pronunciation guide, I would not recommend this book to a parent who does not have a rudimentary knowledge of French.

As a Spanish teacher in an elementary school, I use this book to help teach describing words. The children love how the elephant and giraffe make silly changes to their appearance; it holds their interest in the story and helps them learn the material. At the end of the story they clearly recognize the lesson: you don't need to change who you are because friends like you just the way you are!

Get Dressed Robbie is a great introduction to French words for clothes. Like all of the "I Can Read French" books, both the English and French is on each page. You start by reading the whold book in English, then go back to read each page in both English and French. Finally, you try to read it all in French. This helps the young reader and/or adult helper to compare and understand the words and sentence structure of both languages. Even better, is that French pronounciation for every line in the book is located in the back. Unfortunately, the pronounciation is in the back instead of on each page, probably because each page would otherwise be too cluttered. Although I really like this series of books, they tend to be a little too long, and a little too much like lists. This is very useful practice for new French readers, but can get a little tedious. If this book, and others in the series, where instead shortened and made into board books with pronounciation on each page, then they would be fabulous for toddlers. Nevertheless, the books in this series are still a great start for young readers and adult helpers who have no previous experience with French.

So...Mary Anne's upset because her ex-boyfriend is assigned to her group for a school project. Poor Mary Anne. Naturally Cokie Mason's in that group and flirts her head off with Logan. What I liked is that Mary Anne didn't stoop down to Cokie and Logan's level, but just did her part in the project. I liked that the book didn't pit Mary Anne and Cokie against each other is rivals for Logan. Mary Anne had the dignity not to be drawn into trying to "win" Logan back.

i have to admit the author did a good job of writing it,but ive read better books.mary anne is nice but i wish shed just get over logan.in the other books he ,like , ran her life.i think it was a good idea to bring sunny & MA together in 1 book.

I liked how Ann brought Sunny & Mary Anne together! And yes, Mary Anne is getting new plots (NOT a new boyfriend, which is good). Her heart has just about healed from Logan;I'm glad Ann didn't latch her onto another boyfriend like so many other series would have done. I liked that she joined the yearbook in a previous book & she's doing more things. It's so heartwarming that her house has been re-built & she & her family move back in. I loved the descriptions; I felt as if I were right there with Mary Anne & my heart just warmed for her. She's been through so much pain & suffering in her life & it's good that she's happier now & at peace. She deserves peace & happiness; she's such a good, courageous person! I liked how she sensed that Sunny was still hurting from losing her mom, even though Sunny was hiding her pain under a facade of cheerfulness & she comforted Sunny, even when Dawn got mad at Sunny. It was funny how when the girls snuck off to New York City, Mary Anne felt so guilty. I was sooo sure that she was going to break down & fess up! I'm surprised that she didn't. The ending was gave such a sense of peace & closure & I'm glad that Mary Anne's feeling peaceful these days.

I TOTALLY recommend this book for people that like Sunny, Dawn, and the rest of the BSC friends Forever series. in thsi book, Mary Anne has finally moved in to her new house, and Dawn is coming to Stoneybrook with Sunny, the best friend of Dawn's that's mother died from Lung cancer. Again, read this book. It's touching, and finally, u get a picture of Dawn and Sunny! (LoL!)