This is a very good book. The author is obviously indebted to Johanna Spyri's Heidi, but in a good way. This book can be read aloud to children as young as 5, but young teenagers will also enjoy it. Be aware, though, that St. John's original text is out of print. What Moody and Scripture Union currently publish is an "updated" version--good if your child struggles with reading; but if your child is literate, get a used copy!

When I was 9 years old I read this book. I didn't remember much about the story, but when I saw it in a book store all the warm feelings came flooding back, and I bought it to read to my daughters.

They have so enjoyed it! Our oldest is 8, and our youngest is 5, and we've had a difficult time getting the 5-year-old to sit through "chapter books". But she was enthralled from the start, especially because of the cat and the kittens!

It's a gentle story that depicts the love of Jesus in a simple way, without forcing it. It's just part of life, exactly as it's supposed to be.

A beautiful story that I'm sure my daughters will carry with them, too!

I first read this book when I was in 3rd grade. It has always been my all time favorite book. I have now been an teacher for 14 years and it is has remained the only book I will always read to my class. It deals well with issues of pride, friendship, sacrifice, truth and growing up and draws the readers in from the very first chapter. My students always elect this as their favorite read aloud of the year - and I read a lot of classics to them! Try to read the original text. I always prefer these to the abridged versions. There is also a well done movie available! READ THIS BOOK and you will be greatly moved and impacted!

Edward Gorey was a master of the macabre. Seemingly inappropriate, always bizarre, Mr. Gorey walked the taboo tightrope in his stories and illustrations. Here are fifteen such delightfully atrocious tales, compiled for the convenience of his very demented fans (including yours truly).

First is "The Unstrung Harp" about a befuddled and (in appearance) paranoid writer who trudges through his maddening existence, as so many a writer inevitably will. The casual reader might find this tale odd, but anyone who has ever taken to writing seriously will feel nothing but empathy. Has one of the greatest ending lines of any story I've ever read.

Next is "The Listing Attic", a series of devilish ryhmes with correlating illustrations. Many of these are horrible in design yet strangely you'll find yourself laughing at the unfortunate mishaps that fall upon the characters.

Now, on to "The Doubtful Guest" about a mysterious penguin-like creature that arrives at a residence only to act in a seemingly irrational way, doing things for inexplicable reasons. Personally I think this is nothing more than a metaphor for the unexpected in life and how it's more irrational for people to waste time trying to make sense out of these things. But that's just me.

"The Object Lesson" is just plain confusing, as if Mr. Gorey was just penning random thoughts and then illustrating them. Definitely weird.

"The Bug Book" is pretty childish in design and, to me, not particuarly noteworthy.

"The Fatal Lozenge" is another series of ryhmes, although the level of morbidity and violence is pretty much maxed out. Reading these you won't find yourself able to laugh, only maybe able to produce a nervous twitter as you ponder how very real these situations could be.

"The Hapless Child" is nothing short of a masterpiece, evoking every emotion from love to terror this tragedy should have a place in American high school curriculum, but alas public education systems in this nation would rather not deal with horrible reality.

"The Curious Sofa" is an attack on preconceived notions of sexual morality, being pornographic only in suggestion the point is that if someone who considered him/herself to be in the right in his/her sexual ideals he/she wouldn't understand the innuendo of the words and illustrations. A very interesting piece.

"The Willowdale Handcar" is a story I didn't like.

"The Gashlycrumb Tinies" has to be my favorite Edward Gorey piece, a sinister telling of the Alphabet with a small child meeting its demise for each letter, kind of an anti-Alligators All Around. I have a separate review posted for this story as it is deserving of the title of literature.

"The Insect God" is another disturbing work involving intelligent, and apparently religious, giant sized bugs.

"The West Wing" is a series of illustrations that force the reader to create his/her own captions for what is depicted.

"The Wuggly Ump" is a silly song about a very hungry monster.

"The Sinking Spell" is another tale of an unexpected visitor, a creature on an indecipherable journey.

Last, is "The Remembered Visit" about a woman who can't forget the odd travels of her youth or her meeting of a once famous man.

That's it, the coffee table book to beat all coffee table books, the ultimate conversation piece. But, then again, everything Edward Gorey did was worthy of conversation.

The artwork in Amphigorey is absolutely amazing. The style is reminiscent of a very old cartoon. Every single frame of each story is so detailed, and the lines are so intricate and precise, it's as if Gorey spent days on each drawing.

The stories which are illustrated by these drawings are very creepy. Many of the stories are incredibly pointless. Some of them end awfully, others don't really end at all. Some aren't stories, but rather collections of poems with a title. At times, things get quite disgusting. For example, in one set of alphabetical poems entitled "The Fatal Lozenge," the last poem goes like this:

The ZOUAVE used to war and battle
Would sooner take a life than not:
It scarcely has begun to prattle
When he impales a hapless tot.

This is accompanied by an illustration of a baby pinned through its abdomen with a sword and blood dripping down. But no matter what, everything in this collection is interesting and unique. This book is at no time dull or boring. Plus, it makes a great conversation piece. I love showing people my Amphigorey book! Most people have never heard of Edward Gorey and are entirely surprised that such a bizarre book even exists.

In any case, if you don't already have it, you should definitely get this book! It's such a great thing to have around the house, you'll never regret owning it!

This book is GORGEOUS. I first discovered it while hanging about at a Christmas party at the house of a pair of my uncle's co-workers. I didn't know any of the guests, so I looked around the house and discovered the host's collection of antique books, Amphigorey among them. When the lord of the household found me sitting in his rocking chair and reading, he graciously invited me to borrow the volume, which I did. How grateful I am!

Edward Gorey is the Renee Magritte of literature. I have always loved bizarre, vague, puzzling works, and Amphigorey is delightfully, bitterly twisted. The characters are so spectral. On each page I see... not nightmares, but dark dreams surfacing. This wild, enchanting book ranks alongside William J. Meyer's comic book saga, White Bread, as one of my favorite "what the hell is going on" works of literature.

Within the borrowed volume I read, I discovered an artifact that may be of immense value. It was a printed invitation decorated by a copy of Edward Gorey's drawing of the Gashlycrumb Tinies and their Grim Reaper nanny. In Gorey's handwriting, the invitation gave the names of two gentlemen and continued "...and the Gashlycrumb Tinies demand your presence at their home at 8:00 pm on ALL HALLOWS EVEN [that's not a typo], 1975." The invitation announced a costume contest and gave an address and phone number. Ah, to have attended Mr. Gorey's celebration! He is surely the master of Halloween.

St. Francis de Sales is one of the greatest of spiritual writers and writers, period. It is easy to be charmed by this guide to the spiritual life. He inspires the reader with a gentle, loving touch which I found delightful. He was also a very learned and experienced adviser when it came to things of the spirit. He seemed to have known about every difficulty that one has in the spiritual life and offers practical and wise solutions that anyone can carry out. If you are interested in reading the great spiritual classics, be certain not to miss this one. It will be well worth your time. I cannot imagine anyone finishing this volume without obtaining some excellent advice from it and also without making progress just from reading it. The only drawback is that it IS several hundreds years old and some of the theology is dated and will seem strange to modern, post Vatican 2 Christians. Do not let that keep you from this book, just keep it in mind when reading it. Highly recommended.

A spiritual masterpiece for all Christians, Introduction to the Devout Life is rich with spritiual reflections and excercises. It mandates a slow, reflective read. The book focuses the reader on their past and present life rallying them to purge themselves of past sin and affection for present sins. St. Francis recommends spiritual exercises to avoid future spiritual decline, and unites the reader's future devotion with GOD. Introduction to the Devout Life is a "life" changer.

Although this original text was written in the 1600's, it is as timely in todays modern world as ever. If anyone is looking for spiritual guidance and a way to grow closer to God, this book may help. Many of De Sale's examples are drawn from nature and help us to see our own sin and need for a loving God. The author provides insights on areas such as our own creation, on God's benefactions, on sin, on death, on paradise and our election and choice of heaven. It has changed my life and could change yours....

If you're as tired as I am of the NFL schlock, of having to take the time to remind the high school kids you coach every season that taunting and trash talking are not a part of the game, then you will absolutely love this book. Mr. Murphy is funny-- so funny, in fact, that several times I laughed so hard I couldn't even read the passage in question out loud to my wife and had to hand her the book. Mr. Murphy is also jaded, tired of spending his life on the road dealing with the overlarge head of professional and big college Div-1A athletes.

You won't find jerks like Randy Moss or Brian Bosworth in the pages of this book, unless they are mentions solely as a stark contrast to the genuinely respectful and worthy athletes of St. Johns. Reading this book reminded me of the potential of all athletics to reap great good from the hearts and minds of youth, and also reminded me that, as a coach, it's my responsibility to sow those seeds.

The book can be enjoyed on several levels-- as humor, as a description of a sporting season, and above all, as a triumph of what football is supposed to be-- fun for everyone involved, ESPECIALLY the players.

I hope you enjoy it.

Some reviewers have suggested this is a story of true student-athletes in an idyllic religious school. But the descriptions of the players could have fit those at almost any school: focusing on football, alcohol, and sex. They did not seem more religious than any other college student; they wanted to win championships as much as any other college football player; they didn't seem to particularly burn the midnight oil (not studying, anyway). Their main distinction was that they weren't big enough to play on Division I teams. One other criticism: I could have done without getting to know Murphy's brothers, who had about the same maturity level as his son Devin.

But those are small quibbles. Murphy's narrative made me want to know Gagliardi, and made me want to walk on the campus of St. John's. Or should I say that he almost enabled me to do both simply by reading the book. That's good writing.

I don't know where to start on this book. I just finished it and was blown away. Austin Murphy is truly an excellent writer. At times poetic in his descriptions -- one point talking about how the coach of the college had lost a dear friend and had put up walls to protect himself -- and many other times funny. The whole book has one-liners all over.

But the purpose for Murphy isn't to be funny, it's to describe the world of Division III football at the nation's most successful college program, under an ecclectic coach with unorthodox methods. Murphy leaves behind big-time college and pro football reporting for a fall and rediscovers not just the game, but himself and his family. The way he ties football in with the rest of his life is amazing.

Murphy gets close to the players, coaches and fans of the program, and becomes involved heavily in the community of the town, getting to know the monks at the college and local fans. He rediscovers his wife and family, an area he admits neglecting for the past few years.

Perhaps the best part of the book is Murphy's transparency. He's not afraid to admit his faults. He's often the Homer Simpson of parenting: he loves his children deeply but stumbles along in raising them -- letting them stay out to midnight, having them eat junk food and taking toddlers on scary amusement rides made for adults. He's a man of contradiction, admitting he can't help but go with NFL players to strip clubs -- Sports Illustrated ought to put an end to this real soon; what kind of comments is he going to get at such a place, cat calls? -- but feels he is compromising his journalistic integrity by hanging out too much with the St. John's players. Strange logic indeed, but at least Murphy is candid enough to put his faults out there.

It's inspirational, moving, funny and very well written. Anyone who is interested in humanity -- not just football -- and getting back to one's roots, should read this book.

Fr. Thomas Dubay has been able to synthesize the teachings of two of the greatest teachers and mystics in the Catholic tradition. A comprehensive discussion of St. Teresa's "mansions" and St. John of the Cross's "dark night of the soul," this book is also a practical guide for people who want to grow in prayer and in the universal call to holiness. Fr. Dubay is an authority on both theory and practice, and is a much sought-after spiritual director. His explanation of discerning genuine encounters with God versus one's own self-delusion is especially useful in the realm of contemplation, since contemplation is by its very nature not an objective experience. He elucidates the movement from meditation to contemplation and distinguishes it from other psychological states. His chaper on friendship and the development of virtues sets the entire contemplative experience within the context of the goal and purpose of prayer. This is a meaty book, but it is well worth the effort.

I took over a year to go through this book: reading a few pages, then processing it for several days or weeks. Explaining mystical prayer is very difficult outside of trying to describe the experience, yet Fr. Dubay uses the writings of these saints beautifully for instruction and reflection. He spends considerable time refuting modern critics and cynics by demonstrating the Gospel calls all of us to deep union with God (according to God's choosing). He seems to write about this central theme endlessly; yet, without being verbose or tedious. My prayer life had become very dynamic over the year or so before I found this book. Reading it gave me some way of making sense of it all. I expect to reread it several more times throughout my life.

This book is a must for anyone who desires a closer relationship with God. It is literally a life-changing book and shows how deep contemplative prayer is possible for anyone in any walk of life. It dispels many misconceptions and objections about contemplative prayer: that it is impractical, takes too much time, is esoteric or has nothing to do with everday life and relationships. The author, basing himself squarely on two great masters of prayer, St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross, emphasizes that contemplative prayer is a gift of God; we cannot "earn" it or merit it in any way, though we have to make ourselves open to it by trying to live more and more according to Jesus' gospel. It does not depend on techniques (despite what many people think), but God will not give it unless we really want it. Contemplative prayer, a deep imersion in God, as Fr. Dubay so passionately puts it, is the "one thing" of the gospel, the "pearl of great price", yet God wants it for everyone. I don't come across many books that have changed my outlook on life, but this is one.

Bill Belleville takes to Florida's St. Johns River in "River of Lakes" to tell the story of its history, culture and nature with eloquence and ease. He is truly smitten with the waterway, and it shows. His descriptions of the river's flora and fauna are sure to captivate readers, taking them along for a vividly colorful ride as he explores the river and its tributaries and springs via airboat, houseboat and kayak. Belleville's provocative thoughts also prompt deep ponderings of the river and its fate as Florida steps into the next millennium and struggles with the issue of balancing growth with its fragile environment. This is a Florida rarely seen by tourists, and, thankfully, Belleville delivers a stunning and remarkable guided tour.

River of Lakes is a masterpeice and will sell itself! Environmentalist and adventurer Bill Belleville traveled the entire length of Florida's fabled St. Johns River in a very small boat. The past comes alive! He writes so vividly you can almost see, hear and smell the Timucuans, Spanish explorers,the early settlers and the smoke belching paddlewheelers and, especially, the reality of the present day St. Johns. I thought an alligator tried to bite me while I was reading this book! The author has probably researched this river better than anyone in history and turned it into a fascinating story as well as a benchmark for generations to come. Also, the exploitation of this beautiful river is detailed and its future is brought into perspective. Belleville who is best known for his expeditions on behalf of the Discovery Channel has written a great book. His style, at least in my mind, resonates with the travel writings of Paul Theroux. River of Lakes is a delight to read and I loved it!

Bill Belleville's sublime story of the St. John's River was a book I could not put down. A modern version of William Bartram's Travels, "River of Lakes" truly catches the history, geology and flavor of life along the St. John's River. For those of us who have grown up on the river, and who have played in its creeks and springs since childhood, it was an absolute joy to read. I hope that Belleville (who also makes films about rivers) makes a film about the St. John's based on this book. Hang up your hammock by the river, sit back and soak up the beauty of this poetic odyssey. If you haven't seen the St. John's before, you will want to now!

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.

He knows he can never live up to the memory of her dead husband. Is there a chance their marriage could grow into something more than two people brought together out of necessity? Cheryl St. John stories come from the heart, and they never cease to move me. Joe's Wife is no exception. Tye and Meg's story of growth and love showcased the kind of work St. John does best - stories of people, of hope, of love.

"Intense, passionate and romantic, JOE'S WIFE brings to the genre all that is noble and good. Cheryl St.John rises to superstardom with this book. Her masterful writing places her in the lofty atmosphere of stellar constellations. JOE'S WIFE introduces Tye Hatcher, a hero to die for, a man of distinction, a lover of renown, and a dream to last a lifetime. Ms. St.John looks into his soul, affording us a glimpse of anguish, and into his heart to see the depth of a love so deep and pure, it humbles. When his lips touch Meg's for the first time, it curls the toes as a tears slides down our cheeks."

Do not hesitate to purchase this book! A wonderful reflection on the lessons left to us by the life of St. Francis and how to apply them in our daily lives. One need not enter a monastery to enjoy the applications in this book. As a suggestion, this book is especially wonderful when read with one of the author's CDs playing in the background. Some good ones available from Amazon.com.

This is a wonderful book...very easy to read and quite helpful. If you want to learn how to live the Christian life; read this book and begin your journey.

A gentle compendium on bringing the Franciscan lifestyle into your world, this book will help you express the simplicity and faith of Francis in your personal life. For anyone who has "always loved St. Francis".

While I enjoyed this book and it's characters, I was left with the feeling that there was something missing. Maybe it's because I had just finished reading Gaelen Foley's terrific Asencion trilogy - a tough act to follow - and maybe it suffered by comparison.

While I liked both Gunnar and Raina's characters and the story was well put together, it lacked some spark. The romance seemed to develop too slowly (they don't share a real kiss until more than halfway through the book!) and then it seemed suddenly they were in love. And though I loved the scenes where Gunnar and Raina flirt and move the romance forward, I found myself wanting to skim past scenes without them. And for a guy who has worked so hard to feel no emotion whatsoever for the past 13 years, he seems to feel them for Raina immediately. But I guess I quibble. Overall it was an enjoyable read. I reserve 5 stars for books that I adore and will read and re-read over again. It's too soon to tell, but I'm not sure I'd read this one again, though I will read other books by this author.

When I first started the story, I couldn't believe that Gunnar would ever "fall for" Raina. I could sympathize with him and his need for revenge. Her viewpoint was understandable as well.

Nevertheless, Ms. St. John pulled it off! A I read further, it seemed entirely plausible that the initial lust both characters felt would turn to trust and eventually to love. I was impressed! Love does indeed conquer all.

If you like historical romance, you really should try this one! A fantastic first novel! I look forward to future works from Ms. St. John.

I simply cannot say enough about how wonderful this book made me fee. It's a beautiful medieval tale in every sense in that the hero, Gunnar Rutledge, so brimming with hatred and vengeance and angst, especially in the beginning of LOV, changes his destructive path because of the gentle, sweet as well as fiery love of his heroine, Raina, his enemy's daughter. The writing is excellent and so is the story. I don't want to give away the plot, but if you're looking for a fun, exciting historical romance told with a fresh voice, LORD OF VENGEANCE will sweep you right off your feet, your toes, your whatever! Ten stars for Tina St. John! I can't wait for her next book!

How can you not like Tina St. John's medieval romance adventures!?

WLL is another winner with Isabel on her way to her betrothed, an Earl chosen by her guardian, King Richard, only to be kidnapped by none other than Griffin of Droghallow. Her childhood hero. He has changed though; there is no more heroic and gallant behaviour from the once golden boy. Now it's only raw passion and disillusionment from a fallen angel, a lost soul. Sounds good? You bet!

In her third book, Tina St. John perfects a hero so courageous, dangerous, protective and sensual, I couldn't help but fall for him. Not only that, she toped it with a heroine who matches him in all actions and emotions,creating a perfect balance of exciting action scenes and loving tender ones. Nothing pretentious about Tina's style or her characters.

I highly recommend White Lion's Lady to all you medieval romance fans out there!

WHITE LION'S LADY is a romance to be treasured. Tina St. John shows us why she is truly one of the rising stars of romance. Griffin and Isabel's story will touch your heart from first page to last. Ms. St. John moves her reader through the innocence of a little girl's crush to a woman's reality that love is never easy and the dreams of childhood are easily shattered. Griffin is a dark and enigmatic hero and Isabel is a heroine that you can't help but adore. This is true page turner! Well done, Tina!

Prepare yourself for an exciting medieval romance you will not want to put down.

WHITE LION'S LADY is the 1st in a 2 part series.

Eighteen year old Isabel de Lamere, ward to the Crown, is on her way to her betrothed, Sebastian Montborne (who you will read about in BLACK LION'S BRIDE). On her way to the Montborne's she is abducted by Griffin, the White Lion. She does not realize at first that this is the man who she met first as a boy, the boy whose medallion she carries everywhere she goes. The boy she remembers represents honor and chivalry.

Unfortunately Griffin has become a hardened man, made to carry out tasks that are distasteful and each day wear at his soul. His evil step-brother now sets him out on the task of kidnapping Isabel. Upon returning Isabel to his step-brother, and being denied the bounty promised him, Griffin and Isabel escape and continue on to her betrothed. During this time, they fall into a forbidden love.

Tina St. John weaves an enchanting tale of love, acceptance, and high adventure. The chemistry between these two characters sizzles, and it is a delightful read that you won't want to miss.