"The Road to Guadalupe" is a heart-warming and healing treasure. Author Eryk Hanut weaves the timeless tale of the enormously revered Virgin of Guadalupe with his experiences as a modern day pilgrim in Mexico City. The fragile, poignant and miraculous story of the Mother's appearance to an illiterate peasant runs counterpoint to Hanut's dusty, wise and scintillating account of the host of eccentric characters, from charlatans to diamonds in the rough, that surround her shrine. It is this mixture of earthy and Divine that makes the book so utterly unique and delicious.

I marveled at Hanut's use of English (not his first language) in "I Wish You Love", the story of his relationship with Marlene Deitrich. In both books, he delights the reader with stunning metaphors. Although "The Road to Guadalupe" is a narrative, the author's disarming observations as poet and photographer dominate the vivid writing style, leaving his audience breathless and eager to turn the page in search for more of his jewels. His lazer sharp sketches of unforgettable characters will blaze in your memory, long after the book is reluctantly closed.

At last. At last a book that is what it claims to be. At last an author whose congruency shines in every word and between every word. At last a HUMAN journey for, with, and in search of the divine. No detail is missed, no simple solution or candy-coated solace is sought, no doubt is shirked, no one and nothing is spared his scathing scrutiny and wit. This is it. This is Mexico. This is the journey of the thoughtful and the faithful. It is all seen and told with an acute sensitivity, a true and wicked sense of humor, a brilliantly refined and down-to-earth sensibility, and with a rare congruency that includes the reader in every emotion, every taste, and every spell on so many levels that it fills your senses and your heart with every word. I believe this writer. I believe his faith. I believe his struggle. I believe he could not have written this story, this way, without being exactly who he is on the pages. This book manages to BE a pilgrimage. It does not describe a journey to the sacred tilma in Mexico city. It IS the journey. Mr. Hanut managed to evoke the place, as if casting one of the spells, he includes from his journey. This book is a magical adventure that does not end. And Mr. Hanut is a practiced and effective guide in the land where story becomes myth, myth becomes religion, and religion becomes daily life in all of its darkness, as well as its light.

This book is just AMAZING- I bought it with "Blessings of Guadalupe"by the same author, and i am really thrilled and impressed by the beauty of this talent; I am sure that Eryk Hanut's name will shine in the history of writing; Buy this book and you will acquire the same belief; His metaphors, sense of prose and lyricism are just matchless- Can't wait for the next book of Eryk Hanut!!

I am 13 years old. I just finished reading Mrs. Mike. My mother found the book at our public library and told me I should read it. I didn't bother to find out what it was about. You know how people always tell you not to judge a book by it's cover? That is exactly what I did. Since it was old and worn I expected it to be a book that I wouldn't find interesting, or very good. I was SO wrong! I have read many books and this is the VERY BEST book I have ever read. My mother told me that the book has stuck with her ever since she read it! I can see why. I couldn't stop reading it! It is a very well written book telling about a young Boston Girl, Katherine Mary O'Fallon and Sergent Mike Flannigan, a Canadian Mountie, who fall in love and start a new life in the Canadian Wilderness. There life is full of love, hardships, and friends you will never forget. I recemmend this book to anyone who can sit still long enough to read it!!

Mrs. Mike is a surprisingly contemporary story whose main character is a strong female. I think it was written about 40 years ago, so parts of it are a bit dated (and perhaps politically incorrect by today's standards). However, it is a wonderful, tender love story set against the background of the extreme and brutal climate and geography of the Canadian northwest. It is the story of a young Irish girl from Boston who falls in love with a Royal Canadian Mounted Policeman. The young husband, a strong male character, adores his wife and treats her accordingly. The book also depicts Indians (now called First Nation people in Candada) in a wonderful fashion, as well as strong and deep friendships among the women. This book should be required reading for young people, especially in a time when bonds between people are easily shattered and hardship is looked on as something to be avoided at all cost. Our book group loved it and read it based upon the memory of one of our members who read it as a very young woman and always treasured it in her heart.

This book is my all-time favorite. I first read it as a teenager, and recently found a copy at [local book review] after many years of thinking I'd never see the book again! It is an uncomplicated story of love and life in the early 20th Century in the Northwest Territory. As a young girl, the places referred to in the book were just names. Now they are real.

My daughter moved to Saskatoon, Saskatchuwan last year. She is married and has a baby boy. When re-reading Mrs. Mike last night, the first city mentioned was Regina, SK. I've been there on the way to Saskatoon! Edmonton is not far from Saskatoon, either.

I've always loved this book's simple love story, but did not remember that the part of Canada the story was set in was where my daughter actually lives. It seems that my daughter and Katherine Mary have a lot in common!

Saskatchuwan is beautiful! I did not have the opportunity to visit the Northwest Territory, but through Mrs. Mike, I feel as if I have already been there!

I am so grateful that the authors chose to re-release this book, and am waiting anxiously for the sequel, The Search for Joyful!

This is the 5th or 6th time I've read this magnificent novel & I still can't get enough! Her (M.M Kaye)knowledge of the Indian psyche is astounding, I can almost smell & taste the India of the 19th century. My heart ached & I was moved by the intense love between Ash & Anjuli. I felt their moments of joy & despair, Ash's confusion of which society he belonged to & Anjuli's unselfish love. I hope Ms. Kaye would consider writing a sequel (I know, it's asking too much). Right now I'm trying to persuade my (Indian) wife to read this wonderful story, she's only seen the 1984 TV mini series. I thoroughly recommend this book, thank you for a most wonderful & satisfying experience, Ms Kaye.

The Far Pavilions is not a fairy tale. Too many people die for it to be called that. But if you have ever believed in a love that conquers all, and a life of glossy glamour, with the exotic backdrop of silks and snakes, you have to read this book. Kaye has a talent for bringing you close enough to the main character that you can feel the heat of an Indian summer, and the sting of the cold wind in the Himalyan mountains. I read this book when I was eleven, and in the seven years that followed I collected a copy of every fictitious book she wrote. I searched many different countries, all around the world, and they were worth it, because no matter how many times you read it, the magic in any one of M.M.Kaye's books never fades away. And The Far Pavilions is her best work.

I read this book first when I was 15, and it has got to be one of the best that has ever been written. The honesty, love and wonderment with which M.M. Kaye writes about India is magnificent. The characters of Ashton and Anjuli are unforgettable, and more than just magical - there is too much pain, anguish and struggle for that. It can leave you shaken as well as elated at times! This book, its characters and the whole experience is something I would wish everyone, who loves reading, share and enjoy. I promise you that it will stay with you for the rest of your life.

The story of Merlin has always intrigued me. Yet I have found the various books and movies distasteful. They portray Merlin in ways that do not jive with my inner sense of what might have been real. Mary Stewart, on the other hand, has portrayed a real individual in her books. A boy, Myrddin Emrys, who grows up spending a great deal of time alone, exploring and thinking. He is then believable as an adult because the magic he practices is ensconced in political wisdom, the beliefs of the people, strategic thinking, and the type of shamanic power that no doubt exists in the world. When the Merlin stood on a hillside overlooking Arthur's troops entering battle, of course they won. They won because they knew they would. Amazingly simple. Was it wizardry or was it the power of belief? Or both? I was permanently affected by this book. I named my son Emrys. I came to believe that the king's merlin no doubt existed, much as political advisors exist today. It is the realistic portrayal of this very important historical character that no one else has managed to conjure in quite so convincing a way.

Before I read these books when I thought of Merlin I thought of magic, dragons, and fantasy. Today my view is so very different. Mary stewart follows Merlin from early childhood to the time of Arthur with her trilogy. And along the way she shows us a realistic young Merlin whom we can all relate to. This series makes the myth of Merlin and camelot seem like it was fact and happened this way. This is my favorite series of books and I will reread and enjoy them for the rest of my life.

if you have never bothered to read Mary Stuart's Arthurian legends, I suggest you begin immediately. I've been pouring over these (The Crystal Cave, The Hollow Hills, The Last Enchantment, The Wicked Day) for the past two weeks, and I can't help but be readily consumed by these tales of old world romance and swirling intrigue. not only does the story embrace the haunting realm of kingdoms and castles, but there is also an engaging human quality that only Stuart could have accomplished so poetically. the character of Emrys (or Merlin, as he is more commonly known) is so well-painted, his dimensional layers revealed through truly melodic circumstanes and the wisdom by his humble narrative prose. he alone deserves a thorough character study, as enthralling and complex as his personality is. the story as a whole is a gorgeous representation of Kingdom life, and all of its mysteries and intricacies. it also poses a delicate thesis on the relationship between the servant and his master. due to the powerful parallels and situational drama that these legends present, I've been moved to a deeper place in my spirit than I could have imagined. I believe that I would run now without abandon to serve a master that I loved. these novels are far from conventional entertainment. there is a dark mystery and poetic light within these stories that captures your soul like a vivid dream. Stewart weaved these stories with pefect grace and detailed concern. the lines of complicated storytelling and Dickensesque plotting eventually come together in truly mighty, climactic mountain of trembling beauty. not to say that this collection is altogether flawless. there were many exchanges between characters that I looked forward to for pages ahead of time, only to be left hungry for more after the discourse was complete. there was room here, I think, for a work of brilliance on par with anything Shakespeare created. notably, the scene between Morgause and Merlin was an exceptional example of riveting passion, wit, and literary dichotomy. unfortunately, in our day and age, litereature has been forced into a far less passionate experience than it used to be. perhaps Stewart owned the potential, but she wasn't always willing to readily fulfill it. nevertheless, after exploring the depths and beauties of Mary Stuart's works, I am certain that she should be regarded as a pure artistic genius, despite what petty imperfections an excessive reader might encounter. I just can't believe it took me this long to figure it out.

Now, don't get me wrong. I love this book, the copy I have is all ragged, the pages are falling out, because it's like "It's a Small World" ride in Disney World -- there's so much in it to see you can't go through it once.But the downside is, it only half-heartedly covers the KTMA episodes (actually some of my favorites are from there Phase IV, and some of the first MSTings of the Gamera movies), and being written while season Seven was in the planning stages, it stops there, giving it the same half-hearted treatment as the KTMA's.Yes the book is in depth for season's one thru six giving all of the short and movie summaries, as well as the host segment rundown and reflections on each episode. IT IS A GREAT READ, but still incomplete.As enjoyable and highly rated as it is, I think the guys should do a revised version covering all eleven seasons (yes boys and girls, the boys at Best Brains don't consider the KTMA's as a season, or if they do break down and admit it, they call it Season Zero).Yes I enjoy "The MST3K Amazing Colossal Episode Guide", I'd give it two thumbs up (if my thumbs were working), and would reccomend it to anybody who even has a vague intrest in the series, but I'll also note the fact that something is missing.

First off, I would like to say that MST3K was the most brilliant, hilarious and creative show ever produced. They were snubbed by TV Guide in their top 50 shows of all time article.
Now on to the book:
This book has summaries and memories of all the episodes form seasons 1 though 6, the hayday of the show. The summaries of the films themselves rival the actual show for laughter value. Whether the synopsis was written by Mike (who I think is one of the funniest writers on the planet), Trace, Mary Jo, Kevin or Paul, they will make you heave with gutteral belly laughs. The memories of each episode are also very funny, and beyond that, pretty informative.
The book also features a ton of other things, such as the story behind the creation of the series, answers to the top 50 questions asked, the making of the MST3K movie and much, much more.
The only complaint I have about this book is that it only goes up to season 6. Although I think the show never regained the edge and hilarity of the the Comdey Central era shows (specifically seasons 4-7), I would still love to have a companion volume that takes care of seasons 7-10 and the movie.

I highly recommend this book for all MSTies out there.

Well at least it was back when Mystery Science Theater 3000 was in its sixth season.

This is THE book for any fan of MST3K whether you became a fan of the show during its early days at the local station in Minneapolis, or just found it on the Sci-Fi channel during the final reruns. The book offers a peek into all of the 120 episodes that can only be seen on a fan's tape. Each episode area has descriptions of the actual movie, all of the segments, and one of the writers reflects on the episode. In fact the style of how each episode is described in the book was so much loved by the fans that the cast continued to describe the 8th, 9th, and last season at Scifi.com. It also chronicles the conception and birth of a revolutionary comedy.

Running through the book are poems, reflection, and suggestions on how to discuss "Your Area" which will leave your sides in pain. In fact the introductions of the book are enough to rip out a few stitches so be careful.

Even if you do not really care about all of the old episodes that you may never seen, the reflection and other writing in this book are enough of a reason to buy this book. Trust me.

This is a wonderful story! Well-written in first person, Kaitlin Malone being the narrator, it is a real treat to read. It almost reminds me of West-Side Story or Romeo and Juliet.

The Malones hate the Crutchfields, and vice versa, and it has been that way forever. It all started with the two Crutchfield sisters, Maggie and Amanda, and the web of lies, deceit, and betrayal they wove. And now, generations later, this feud has led up to murder. The Malones insist it was an accident, but regardless, a Crutchfield is dead and a Malone is in jail for it.

Kait, a thoughtful poet, is proud of her family. She is a Malone to the core. Raised to hate the Crutchfields, she blames them for everything that has happened. And now that money is tight, she and her sister Abby have to go to public school on Crutchfield land. There she meets blue-eyed artist Bram and they instantly fall in love. But-alas!-Bram is a Crutchfield, and to keep their love a secret, Kait lies and deceives. But when the Crutchfields threaten to destroy their land, she has to decide where her loyalties lie. Is she a Malone? And can a Malone really love a Crutchfield?

This thought-provoking romance is wonderful and tender. I highly recommend it to anyone (especially sentimentals like myself) who enjoys a good story.

It says it in the summary and it's easy for you to figure out: this exceptional book is a Romeo and Juliet-like romance. I read this book and was left in awe. It was of superior quality and the wording in the story was very rare. You BECOME the main character and are left hanging in the suspense and building conflicts. All I was thinking while reading this book was, "Oh my gosh!" "What will she do next?" "This should be a movie!" and of the like.
As you become deeply involved, you will, no matter how strong you are, have the urge to express emotion. This book is very sad and touching so leave the Kleenexs by your bedside.
I would just like to leave a short summary of the book before you read it although the plot is very simple to figure out: There are two familys, the Crutchfields and the Malones, who have hated each other for generations. Kaite Malone is the main character who, despite the fact that he was her enemy, falls in love with Bram Crutchfield. The story doesn't begin until you find out that Bram is the enemy. Kaite tries to conceal her identity of being a Malone and it's quite easy considering that she's enrolled in the school as a Hampton. There's murder, love, blackmail, hate, and the enforcement of the golden rule in this story. You won't be able to set it down! I highly encourage this to anyone, but especially if you enjoy young adult fictional romances. Enjoy!

Scribbler of Dreams is an awesome page turner and I simply could not put it down. It is about two related families (The Malones and the Crutchfields), that hate one another with a passion. Out of money because of her family's refusal to sell land, Kaitlin Malone, along with her sister Abby, must leave Holy Trinity, a private school, and start her senior year at Twin Oaks High. Kait's life is turned upside down because she must start her last year of high school at a new school, which just happens to be on Crutchfield land. Then Kaitlin meets young Bram Crutchfield, a compassionate artist that wins her heart. In order to protect thier love, Kait tells one lie after another and is enrolled at Twin Oaks as Kaitlin Hampton. Soon, Kait is caught up in a web of deciet, that threatens to destroy everything she knows and values.
This book is awesome! I fell completely in love with Kaitlin and Bram, and their love for one another was amazing! What I loved about this novel most is how it showed things from Kait's journal, her writing was fantastic. Everyone will love Scribbler of Dreams, I swear on that!

I love alll of the Anne of Green Gables series. They are so vividly written you find yourself wishing that you were born as Anne a hundered years ago on PE Island. I would have happily endured all her hardships for all the wonderful moments in her life, and the fact she married Gilbert Blythe! It's so well written that you actually feel that you know Gilbert and I actually found my self falling in love with him! I've read the series 2 times. The first time I couldn't stop thinking about Anne. I read Anne, I tried to live like Anne and I dreamt Anne. Anyway, although I love all 8 books almost equally Anne of the Island is just a little better. And although it's romantic it's definitely not just a romance. Anne of the island includes wit and humour that makes it an all-round perfect book. If you're an Anne fan you havvvvvve to read this. I could not describe how wonderful it is in 1000 words. Anne of the Island is truly a book you CANNOT put down. After reading this I recommend you read all the rest of the Anne of Green Gables series (there are 5 more book,) although you'll probably be rushing to buy them anyway.

Anne Of The Island is a great book. It is about a girl with dark strawberry-blonde hair. She goes off to college with her friends: Charlie, Gilbert, and Diana. She makes some new friends and one of them, Priscila which is Pris for short, they meet in the graveyard across from the college. She meets many men she thinks she is in love with, including Gilbert, but when the propose to her she finds out she really doesn't love them that much. She even turns down the man of her dreams. So, it is partially a love story. She was adopted when she was young by Marilla. Now they have taken in twins when their mother died and their only relative can't take care of them. The younger one is Davy, who is always asking questions and getting in to mischief. He especially likes to bother his twin sister, Dora. She is always quiet and quite lady-like. They all live on Prince Edward Island in Canada. If you want to know the rest, you can read the book for yourself. Happy reading!

If you like the Anne of Green Gables series this is the best one in the whole thing! Anne of the Island has something for everyone! Anne Shirley leaves the small town of Avonlea to attend Redmond collage.. There the novel introduces you to a character who is extremely funny named Pricella! (Hope I spelled her name right). In this novel Anne falls in love with a fellow school mate, while her long time friend Gilbert Blythe finds a love interest as well! Do they end up together at last? Read the book and find out! This book is definatly for people who liked the movie "Anne of Avonlea". They are without a doubt slightly similar, but the book is definatly better!

This Was the best book I've ever read! I've read it so much the pages are falling out and the cover was riped of a long time ago! I really related to Lauren and fell in love With Spencer! you never get tiered of it! My best friend who hates to read & read it and feel in love with it. I laughed and Cryed (mostly cryed). I definetly recomend it!!!! I hope Mary Downing Hahn writes another book just like it!

I will never EVER forget this book. The first time I read TWBB (9 years ago) I couldn't stop thinking about it. Since then I have aquired three copies of it. (all tattered and torn with underlined parts and dogeared pages) Spencer and Lauren's relationship has since inspired me in my own life and in my writing. I think perhaps this was the first book that awoke my love for creating my "own little world" in literature. I devoured it (like Lauren devours romance novels;) I think I have nearly memorized it. I have since read heavier and such books but this book... it has stayed with me as my number one favorite and it always will be. (me and my friend even started writing our favorite quotes on her bedroom wall and by the time her mom noticed it was too late;) All I can say is.. read it... then read it again and again. There will be something new each time. Every girl that read this book will fall hoplessly in love with Spencer and find Lauren to be kindred spirit like I did, every guy will be captivated by Lauren and envious and curious of Spencer and by the time you are done there will be a lump in your throat and tears in your eyes and you will want to find what these two have. This book and it's character has been a great friend to me.

I reccommend anybody who love to read romance can read this book! IT specify every single character details so clearly that you can just know exactly who they are, without even meeting them! THere are so much that is happening in the story that you can just reflect this upon to reality!YOu cant be confused when you read it!
SO much to learn so much to experience it wil change your whole atttitudes on how you think about life and how true love really is! Love is not not a word but its something that is hiding beneath it and this book will tell it all! I will never get tired of this book and cant stand to let it go!
Way to go Mary, you have done a great job in your writing! I admire you greatly!

This is the most comprehensive, well researched, and best written book on this subject. The author is not a doctor but is so thoroughly informed on this subject through her own exhaustive research as well as through her collaboration and consultaton with recognized experts in many health disciplines including the medical field. She is someone who has suffered with hypothyroidism and has made it her mission to help others. I am an RN and I have read many other books on this subject and she is more thorough and professional in her approach than I've seen in most other books on the topic.

The author is refreshingly unbiased for the most part and readily admits where she may be biased due to her own personal experience. Even then, she writes with an open mind for the reader's sake to provide sound information so they can make intelligent choices. Her intention is clearly to help people understand the many ways this disease presents itself as well as to help people find appropriate treatment. She provides about 30 pages of resource material at the end of the book including web sites etc. literally leaving no stone unturned. If you have symptoms including fatigue, depression, digestive problems, weight gain, high cholesterol, fertility problems, low blood pressure, low body temperature, and brain fog to name a few, this may be important information to look at. Or if you have been tested for low thyroid and have been dismissed by medical professionals who say your thyroid is "in the normal range" but you know there is something wrong, buy this book! You may discover real help for the first time.

Mary Shomon's book is the first I have read (out of a LOT of books) that tells the whole truth about hypothyroidism, as experienced by a patient who has been there. I wish that every doctor that treats thyroid patients could be made to read this! So many doctors seem to think that hypo is a simple, easily treated disease, and it isn't. They also tend to focus on individual symptoms without looking for the overall CAUSE. If I had had this book years ago it would have saved me several years of suffering and being told there was nothing wrong with me. Mary's list of symptoms is very thorough, her book is easy to read and understand, and it tells the real truth. I especially like the way she pays attention to the emotional impact of this disease and the depression that often accompanies it. Her weblinks are very helpful in finding out more information. This book is EXCELLENT, and a great resource. It can literally change people's lives. I could barely put it down once I started reading. I can't recommend it enough, especially for newly diagnosed patients or those who SUSPECT they are hypo but haven't been able to find a doctor to test them. Mary's list of symptoms is great to take to your doctor to help them see the overall picture, and her compassion and understanding are very comforting and empowering for patients. She makes sense out of what to most of us is a very confusing disease. If you only buy one book on this subject, make it this one!

I first heard of Mary Shomon through her excellent web site on hypothyroidism. Once I discovered that she had written this book, I promptly ordered it and read it from cover to cover. This book literally saved my life. Throughout my life, I have been ultrasensitive to hormonal changes and have suffered from a pituitary tumor. After my daughter was born, I was not the same person. My post-partum depression lasted a year and was coupled with other physical symptoms I could not explain. My primary care doctor was sympathetic and ran bunches of tests but they yielded nothing. Meanwhile, I got sicker and sicker with no hope in sight. Then I found and read this book. All of my symptoms were listed as hypothyroid symptoms. I had numerous risk factors for thyroid disease. I even found my specialist through this book and Mary's web site.

This book is a total eye-opener. Mary is a passionate advocate for patients everywhere who have lost hope. Her writing is clear and concise and explains complex information in a simple way. Not many writers can do that. In fact, this book is so good that I have recommended it to numerous friends of mine who also have thyroid problems. Even hyperthyroid patients should read it because they could end up hypothyroid.

Read it and then read it again. All medical books should have Mary Shomon at the helm. The world would be a much better place for it.

Standing in the Light was a wonderful Dear America book, and one I could read over and over.

It tells, in diary form, about 13 year old Caty Logan who is growing up in her Quaker village in the 1760's. She is perfectly happy, with boys, learning housewifery, and schoolwork to keep her busy - but that all changes one day when she and her younger brother are captured by Lenape Indians.

At first Caty is desperate: she hates living with the rough Indians, who watch her diary writing curiously and force her to follow their Indian ways. But later, she learns that they are good people, though different than the Quakers, and she begins to make friends - and loved ones.

This was a great book! You really care about what will happen, if Caty will stay with them or return to her village. It was sad, but I love it!

I'd recommend this for ages 10 - 14, and I'd recommend some other captive stories: Trouble's Daughter, I Am Regina, Indian Captive, and Calico Captive.

The book called Standing in the Light by Mary Pope Osborne is a very good book. It is written in diary form. The story takes place in Delaware Valley, Pennsylvania in 1763. The main characters are Catharine Logan and her little brother, Thomas Logan. In Standing in the Light, Catharine realizes that she likes a guy who she's known for a long time. Later she finds out that there are Indiansnear where she lives that have beencapturing and killing people. One day when she and her brother were walking to school they get captured by Indians. They separated Catharine from Thomas. In Catharine's camp she meetsan Indian boy named Wine-lo-wich, which means Snow Hunter,who was also captured by Indians when he was young. Catharine laterrealizes that she loves Snow Hunter. Soon after that Snow Hunter disappearsafter he goes on a hunting trip. If you want to find out what happened to Snow Hunter and if Catharine and Thomas ever get home, you'll have to read Standing in the Light by Mary Pope Osborne. I thought that it was a wonderful book.

If you love history read The Dear America Series. "Standing in the light" is one of my favorites. It provides a glimpse into two cultures-Caucasian and Native American. It also tells what occurs when these cultures have contact with one another. There is much tension and heartache that occurs when Catherine Carey Logan is kidnapped by the Delaware. The family bonds and love between Catherine, her brother and the Delaware are even more remarkable. This story is a beautiful one, and these books are not just for kids. I am a 35 year old grad student and love them!! Also recommended for adults and older kids that enjoy this book "The White" by Deborah Larsen