THE GIANT JAM SANDWICH was one of my favorite illustrated stories when I was a kid. I remember in first and second grade listening to this story at story time in the library. This book was one of those rare books that every kid in the class sat still for because we loved it so much and didn't want to miss one word or not be able to see one of the pictures. The story is rather simple; basically a town is over run by wasps and in order to get rid of the pesky insects, they build a giant jam sandwich. However, the original rhyming pattern adds a touch of flare to the story. Also, the illustrations are a pure joy to look at. This is a great book that most children will enjoy. But be forewarned, it's a book kids might want you to read over and over and over again.

My mother recently saw this book at a yard sale and remembered it was one of my favorites. Now at 29 I read it to my stepson , who is 2 1/2, everytime he visits, and he loves it as well. Each time I get to "And they had a feast for a hundred weeks" it fills me with a sense of well being. The illustrations are wonderful - each page is like a story of its own, with new things for children to discover each time the book is opened.

This book was one of my absolute favorites as a child. The rhyming verse makes it very fun to read aloud. The story is just fascinating to young children. I'll have to buy a new copy to replace the tattered one from my childhood! I was very relieved to find that it was still in print, it really is a wonderful children's book.

I absolutely love horror and read everything I can get my hands on in the genre. GREELY'S COVE stands out as one of the most gruesome and harrowing horror novels I've read. A young boy is miraculously "cured" of his autism by a strange psychiatrist in the small town of Greely's Cove. Things are not as they seem, however, and bizarre things begin to happen in the town. People vanish, the dead come back to visit the living, and something unbelievably grotesque and evil tries to break through from the Otherside with the help of an evil warlock. Gideon really pushes the envelope in this book. There are scenes that will have you gasping out loud while you read, they are so vile. If you have a strong stomach, love your horror bloody and gorey and creepy as hell, seek this book out. But don't say I didn't warn you!

This one of the only books I have read that actually scared me. The only other book was Golden Eyes, also by John Gideon. I love how he incorporates real places in the northwest into his books. Being from the northwest, it is good to read books about it, especially horror ones. I am currently reading his latest and greatest books, Kindred. So far it is just as good as the others. I think one of the greatest things about his vampire stories is that they are so original. He doesn't have Bela Lagosi type vampires, he creates his own breed of Vampire. This is the best way to write about vamires I believe.

By far, the most disturbing horror story that I've ever "started" to read. I started the book about 5 year's ago and was affected by it's graphic horror but was also so enthralled that I couldn't stop reading it. I asked my wife to dispose of it for me so I could sleep again and she did. I was in a used book store recently and the title sceamed at me from the shelf. I couldn't resist the urge to try it again and found the second half even more gruesome. Thank God for sleeping pills.

Wow! I really enjoyed this book. The character of Jubal Sackett was very well developed and set in a historically correct period. I found myself walking in his footsteps as he went further and further west. The story arouses the explorer instinct in all of us. I intend to read more of the Sackett sagas.

I have yet to read many of his books, but I must say that all of Lamour's books are great. Jubal Sackett is a special character. I appreciate that Lamour spent more time on this book (or at least made it longer than usual) in order to give us a full scope of Jubal's transcending years in his migration to the west. The Sacketts are successful because they are well learned in many a trade and they don't take things for granted. They nurture their friendships when they can and comfront their enemies just as readily. You feel this story, you root for the characters and you feel as though you are among them. I guess this is more of a mountain man book than a western, but it still sets the setting for the Sackett's pushing west. A great book.

This by far is the best audio book Ive listened to.

The guy reading the story has an accent that fits the story perfectly. While this is a lengthy book it is never boring
The pacing is perfect and the story itself is riviting.
Do yourself a favor and get this on audio. You will not be dissappionted

The Esperanto Teach Yourself Book is a very valuable book. It presents all the grammar very clearly. A person doesn't have to know any previous knowledge of the language to utilize this book to the best of their ability. There are clear dialogues that are said on the tape. I recommend getting the tape because you can hear the spoken language and acquire a better knowledge of the tape. Also vocabulary is presented but it's better getting a dictionary either from online or the concise Esperanto Dictionary Teach Yourself.

Esperanto itself is a small language. But many books on Esperanto over-simplifies Esperanto and in result many books mistake by not giving enough examples or comparative explanations. It's hard to find a good and small Esperanto guidebook. The size is important because you will have to take the guide book with you when you travel overseas. This book is small enough and provides good enough linguistic material (examples, explanations, comparisons). I always travel overseas, with this book in my hands.

I'm not going to go into a lot of description, but I think this book is wonderful. I have only been studying Esperanto for a few months, and I can already hold conversations. The grammar only takes a few weeks to master, but I am still lacking in my knowledge of vocabulary, which is why I am still studying. I recommend this book to anyone interested in The International Language.

Great book to read to your kids. I did a little editing as I was reading it aloud (my kids are 7 and 8 years old). We picked up maps from our automobile association and traced their journey from start to finish. My kids learned about human behavior, predjudice, generosity to strangers and geography! Well, we're off on a bike ride!

TV and movies are fiction. This adventure is REAL! For anyone who has ridden their bike down the street and dreamed of where it might take them. Five kids, two adults and 5000 miles from sea to shining sea. I can't count the number of emotions I felt while reading this book. Ultimately, you will feel proud. Proud of John and Lynn for leading the kids to adulthood the best way they knew how. Proud of Heather, Joy, Carl, Rabbi Ethan, and James for completing such an ardous and worthwile task. And finally, proud of the good citizens and 'angels' of our country who helped them on their way.

The story of two married teachers shepherding five 12-13 year old kids across country on bikes, I thought this was a really fun book to read. I couldn't help wishing I could have been one of those kids. What an education - what a way to see the country. Any story that features a bunch of kids probably has to be a bit schmaltzy, but the author keeps it to a minimum and the book moves along well, and I was sorry to see the last page. There's enough biking to keep this from being a travelogue, and enough humility on the part of the author to keep it from being just his story. I wonder what those kids think of their adventure now.

"In the tradition of LaVyrle Spencer and Stephanie Mittmann, Cheryl St.John will endear readers with her heart-warming Americana romance, JOE'S WIFE, an endearing tale about second chances and the healing power of love. Don't miss Tye and Meg's utterly endearing love story."

Joe's Wife is an absolutely memorable story, just as most of Cheryl St. John's books are. She astounds me with her insight into character and the subtlety of her presentation. My heart bled for Tye. When Meg asked him to marry her, I held my breath. The problems they encounter in their marriage are unique, sensitive, and deeply touching. I just can't get enough of Cheryl St. John's work. Beautiful writing like this is a rare find. Joe's Wife has joined Cheryl's other books on my keeper shelf. Now I'm itching for more.

warming you and teaching you the true meaning of love. Tye Hatcher knew he could never fill Joe Telford's shoes, but accepted Joe's widow Meg's offer of a partnership. He might be Meg's husband on paper, but he feared he'd never be a husband of her heart. St. John takes us on Tye and Meg's journey of personal growth, and of love. Her ability to reach within her characters and truly bring the to life is a gift St. John displays with every story she writes - it's a gift that continues to grow and refine. It's a gift she freely shares with her readers. Joe's Wife is a beautiful portrayal of St. John's talent. Tye and Meg's story has me once again argueing with myself over which of Cheryl St. John's books is my favorite.

Those who decry the current state of judicial affairs in this country will be interested to learn that our modern court system has changed very little since its inception back in the 18th Century. This, along with many other scholarly insights, is the compelling undercurrent running through Jean Edward Smith's John Marshall: Definer of a Nation.

Smith, no stranger to scholarship himself, guides the reader in painstaking detail through the rise of one of the most renoun jurists of early American history, John Marshall. Marshall, who served his country first as a soldier under General George Washington and later as the first truly influential chief justice of the Supreme Court, is a figure ripe for investigation at this particularly legal-oriented period in our history. For it was Marshall who, in his landmark decision, Marbury v. Madison, first gave rise to the notion of judicial review, the concept that suggests that the Supreme Court indeed has final say over the constitutionality of a given state action.

What is fascinating about Marshall's life is how bitterly he had to fight to establish what we today take for granted, the Court's supreme authority. Marshall's relentless pursuit of a powerful judiciary was often at odds with the vision of his fellow founding father, Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson, who pushed for a small, decentralized federal government in a largely agrarian America, was constanly at odds with Marshall, and the tale of their stormy political battles resonates throughout the pages of Smith's biography.

Of course, the philosophical musings and feindishly political battles of our founding fathers may not make for interesting reading for everyone. Smith's book is chock full of obscure anectdotes and oftentimes difficult-to-get-through detail. All the same, the interested reader seeking to understand just how our current court system got to be this way can do worse than pick up Smith's tome for some insight. For, in the end, the battles fought between America's early political titans bear a strong correlation to -- and perhaps even explain -- blips on the judicial radar screen now called things like "O.J."

The author acknowledges up front that the book has little to say that is critical of the great Chief Justice. Nevertheless, the author presents a balanced view of the man and his times. As befits one of the greatest writers in legal history, Smith's prose is clear, precise and entertaining. Given Marshall's long tenure on the Court and his many accomplishments and associations with great historical figures, this book should be of interest to anyone with a serious interest in American History. One is left with the strong impression that Marshall's role in shaping the government has not been fully appreciated.

John Marshall defined American law, politics and power. This book paints a vivid picture of who Marshall was, and why he is still important today. The author does an excellent job stating the facts and letting the reader decide for her/himself whether or not Marshall did the right or wrong in the very important decisions he made. This book is enlightening and well written. Marshall's life is wonderfully told through the authors use of clear and concise writing. This book is excellent. It clarifies many misconceptions of this great man who came out of a generation that claims many great men. Marshall may be the least understood of them all, but he certainly is no less important than any of his contemporaries in forming and defining the United States of America.

bodhiman@hotmail.com from California, USA , 03/04/98, rating=10: Please accept my revised review which I have edited for errors. As a student of martial arts and Japanese history, I found this story, which is little known outside of Japan to be a most impressive example of the ideals of the elite warrior class of Japan known as Samurai. In Japanese, it is entitled "Chushingura" which translates as "Vengeance" The Forty-Seven Ronin Story probably ranks as one of my favorite books about history ( and I have read many). Unlike other historical situations where men were faced with death, these men had a choice between life and death and they chose death with honor. The warriors were driven by allegiance to their code of chivalry known as "Bushido" which emphasizes a fanatical loyalty to their lord, tempered by the serenity and wisdom of Confucianism and Buddhism. The book provides fascinating insight into the feudal system known as "bakufu" under the Tokugawa shogunate and the influences of Confucianism and Buddhism on Japanese society. While it may be fictionalized or embellished in places, the book is based on a true incident which occurred in 1701. The loyal retainers of Lord Asano were given the choice of a free life with a loss of reputation suffered when their lord was wrongly forced to commit seppuku. Instead, the men chose to seek vengeance and restore honor to their clan. The loss of face caused by the death of their lord was more than they could endure and the men sought revenge after a two year facade of drunkeness, unruly behavior and poverty. Ultimately, the corrupt court official responsible for Lord Asano's death was beheaded by the loyal retainers and the men dutifully paid their respects at Lord Asano's grave before turning themselves in for court martial. All forty-seven men were given the privilege of committing seppuku, for which they were grateful since imprisonment or execution was considered disgraceful. The loyal retainers were buried with their lord at a temple called Sengaku-ji which is located just outside of the city of Tokyo. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in Japanese culture, history or martial arts. It is one of the most impressive examples of men who refuse to compromise their honor or integrity at any cost..

As a student of martial arts and Japanese history, I found this story, which is little known outside of Japan to be a most impressive example of the ideals of the elite warrior class of Japan known as Samurai. It probably ranks as one of my favorite books about history ( and i have read many). Unlike other historical situations where men were faced with death, these men had a choice between life and death and they chose death with honor. It also provides fascinating insight into the feudal Japanese society under the Tokugawa shogunate and the influences of Confucianism and Buddhism on Japanese society. While it may be fictionalized or embellished in places, the book is based on a true incident which occured in 1701. The loyal retainers of Lord Asano were given the choice of a free life with the loss of reputation suffered when their lord was wrongly forced to commit seppuku. Instead, the men chose to seek vengeance and restore honor to their clan. Loss of face was more than they could endure. The men sought their revenge after a two year facade of drunkeness, unruly behavior and poverty. Ultimately, the corrupt court official responsible for Lord Asano's death was beheaded by the loyal retainers and they paid their respects at Lord Asano's grave before turning themselves in for court martial. All forty-seven men were given the privilege of commiting seppuku, for which they were grateful since imprisonment or execution is considered disgraceful. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in Japanese culture, history or martial arts. It is one of the most impressive examples of men who refuse to compromise their honor or integrity at any cost..

This is a perfect example of bravery, honor, and patience. A must read!!

I remember ordering this book,about a year ago,through the mail and just couldn't wait until it arrived. I've proudly made "Gladiator" a part of my DVD collection and have seen it many times since. Once I got this book I was not in the least disappointed with it. In it was absolutely everything and more I ever wanted to know about this spectacular movie. This book has it all! MANY photos, some history, costume design, about the cast, some drawings by Sylvain Despretz(storyboard artist), the making of "Gladiator", and more. I just couldn't get enough of this book. If you're crazy about the movie as I am then buying this book is highly recommended! "Gladiator" has a great book, great soundtrack, and SPECTACULAR film! ~Did You Know all the armor was made out of foam covered with leather?

A visually stunning book, which portrays the movie 'Gladiator' in detail. Lots of photo's from the movie that were not part of the media blitz that promoted the movie in magazines and other publications. The book is well written using interviews from the filmmakers as well as actors. The best aspect of this book are the full page color photographs, production drawings as well as costume sketches and architectural drawings of the sets used. Overall a great book for the 'Gladiator' fan.

Presuming that prospective buyers of this book probably saw the movie, this book will not disappoint you. The movie was epic in scope, and although some historical inaccuracies existed, they did not detract at all from the movie, nor the performances of Russell Crowe, Connie Nielsen, Joachim Phoenix, and Richard Harris.

If you like to know the 'nuts and bolts' behind the making of a movie such as this, this is your book. If you are curious how they managed to 'reconstruct' the Coliseum complete with gladiator 'fans', this is your book.

A great gift for Gladiator and Russell Crowe fans alike.

Commodus was in fact Marcus Aurelius' son and the downfall of Rome, while already in progress, hastened when Commodus was made Caesar.

Enjoy! And watch the movie again.

The Great Brain at the Academy is a book told from John Fitzgerald the author of the book about his brother Tom, the great brain, and his time at the Catholic Academy. Tom is a smart boy so he countines his education in the 7th grade a year earlier than the other boys his age. At the Academy Tom has to deal with the horible Father Rodriguez the superetient at the school. Tom learns from him that the school is almost no fun and he must use his great brain to give the other boys some reason of coming to the school besides by the force other their parents. Tom runs a candy store, finds a card shark, and swindles many kids as he does in all the books of the Gret Brain Series. This is a very good book loaded with pranks and Great Brain fun.

I don't want to be a spoiler after reading all the other glowing reviews on the the Great Brain books, and for the most part I won't be. Any kid with a taste for adventure and a tiny bit of rebellion in his soul will enjoy the whole series, especially the "Great Brain at the Academy." My only, minor, complaint is the essentially superflouous religious indoctrination that J.D. throws in regarding the Catholic priesthood. J.D., those of you who have read "Papa Married a Mormon" may recall, decided to become a Catholic, while T.D. became a Mormon. It seems like J.D. is attempting to cram in a little ideology, or at least Catholic history, into the book. But that complaint is really very minor. I still recommend it for anyone with kids 5-15 years old (and I confess to re-reading them myself every now and then).

It's funny, heartwarming and really involving. All these feelings I felt when I read it when I was 9 yrs. old. It's so amazing how one can be so enterprising and witty at such a young age! Tom definitely had an impact on me then and always will! I grew up wishing to be like him...and I think I got my wish. EVERYONE: Grab this book, in fact, the whole GREAT BRAIN series as soon as you can. The little ones will love you for this great gift! On a personal note: I lost all my GREAT BRAIN books to kids who borrowed from me and never returned. Now that I'm 22 I'm very happy to get a second chance to collect THE GREAT BRAIN SERIES! Victoria Miranda