The introduction and textual notes provide insight into Anne's world. They also give a feel for how well read L.M. Montgomery was. The story is treated respectfuly, and for those who love Anne, one reading will not be enough

This is one of the most outstanding annotated editions of a book I have ever seen. It is packed with interesting, relevant annotations about the world of Anne of Green Gables, as well as LM Montgomery's own life and Prince Edward Island itself.

Due to the nature of the writing in Anne of Green Gables, an annotated edition is especially welcome to fill in the blanks on Canadian politics (What is a "grit?") and social conventions at the time. Reading the annotations increases the pleasure of entering the Anne's world, and that is incredibly important.

Also, of special note and appreciation, many of Anne's favorite obscure poems and readers are included in the back. Finally, you are able to get the whole version of the many quotes that she drops, and see just where she picked up her big words.

The best gift you could get for a true fan of Anne of Green Gables.

I only wish that all of L.M. Montgomery's books were available annotated because she made so many references (literary, political, historical) that seem almost impossible to research these days. I knew I didn't understand many of the references in the book already, but I didn't realize just how many more I only thought I understood!

The editors have thoroughly researched the life and times of L.M. Montgomery. After reading the appendixes in this book I feel much more knowledgeable about L.M. Montgomery, Prince Edward Island and the life of a young girl in a Victorian Canadian villiage.

As a requirement for The Summer Reading Clinc at Miami University, my colleagues and I were required to read "Beyond Tradtional Phonics" by Margaret Moustafa. This book was enlightening, one of the best I have read in a long itme. Throughout my course work to prepare for our reading clinic, I had become familiar with many of the concepts covered in this book, but Moustafa covers these topics : the need for the access to books of the appropriate reading level, the importance of teaching phoincs surrounded in literature and the fact that letter phonemes mean little to children if they are not able to read, in such a matter that I was thrilled to hear it again, and couldn't wait to share the books with fellow teachers at my school. The section of the book that I found to be the most alarming is the fact that so many children have less that .4 books on their appropriate reading level in their homes and that these studetns may attend schools that have less that .5 books per student available. This study contniues to report that in these schools, the students are seldom able to check out books to take home, because of the small number available in the first palce. This just reinforces the importance of have a variey of reading levels in your classroom library. All students need to find books that allow them to experience successful reading episodes. Moustafa's book makes you more aware than ever of the need to provide a wide reange of reading materials in your classroom library. I will work to diversify my book selection this year, and I hope many other classroom teachers will join me.

This book is a must for all educators; undergraduates, graduates, veteran teachers, professors, and administrators in the school buildings and out of the school buildings. This book describes the process that children learn how to read-through meaning. Moustafa relates how phonics lessons do not allow children to make a connection with the outside world; reading within context does. Moustafa describes how important the learner's prior knowledge and experiences tie into learning how to read. She explains the difference between reading words and understanding the text being read. There is a difference, and we need to acknowledge that. In order to do this, the appropriate leveled books must be purchased for daily use in the classroom and used as take home books. Teachers need a vast amount of books on different topics and a range of levels.

This book looks beyond our old assumptions about how children learn to read. Moustafa presents research to support the fact that traditional phonics drills do not help children learn letter-sound correspondances. Rather, children naturally use onset and rime to make these correspondances. Children also use onset and rime to figure out unfamiliar words in a text. Moustafa then presents ways to help any reading teacher improve their reading instruction based on this research.

I first read this book four years ago and have taken it out of the library many times since. It is the wonderful coming-of- age tale of a real historical figure, Elstrid, daughter of Alfred the Great of England. Not only does the journey of the title refer to the pilgrimage that Elstrid takes to Rome, but her journey from girl to maiden. It only makes it more interesting to know that the main characters, Alfred, Elstrid and her sisters and brothers, Bauduoin and Judith were all real people who lived long ago. I also wish this book would be published again. I would love to have a copy of my own.

this story is a timeless tale that can touch women and girls of all ages. it is wonderfully written and very descriptive. detailed, yet easily read by middle school aged children it is a delight to the imaginative mind. it is historic with a slight flavoring of barely discernable romance and contains action and suspense unlike that of the newer action stories and movies of today. i first read this book in 5th or 6th grade after i had bought it at a book sale at a local school. now about 6 years later i still love it and so does my younger sister who read it in fourth grade. i wish i had a newer copy but mine is still in wonderful shape and well bound by the school. i would also recommend those who enjoyed "A Journey For a Princess" to try and find a book entitled "The Witch of the Glens." i fear that it is probably out of print and hard to locate but it is similarly entertaining and historic. as a more modern recommendation i would suggest any book by Elizabeth Berg including her book on writing "Escaping into the Open: the Art of Writing True." if you would like to respond to any comments above please write me at: findawaypastelprincess@yahoo.com

I've read it again and again! I would recommend it for girls of all ages and princesses at heart. Follow Elstrid as she grows to be a woman, a leader, a warrior, a wife, and a queen to all who cross her path!

This is a delightful book. It gives us a humorous peek into what parents of twins are up against. Even early readers will enjoy its short and sweet verse: "Double shirts. Double jeans. Belly buttons in between." And the illustrations are heart-warming! TWIN TO TWIN is a book that I'll keep on my "Special" shelf to read again and again. I'm looking forward to more children's books from the talented Margaret O'Hair.

I had to write in to say how much we enjoyed Twin to Twin. This adorable little book is so fresh and fabulous. I don't have twins, exactly, but two children 15 months apart, and so when a friend told me about T to T, I picked it up and could totally relate. I can't wait for more from Ms. O'Hair!

I intended to buy this book for a friend expecting twins, but had to get one for myself. The charming illustrations in baby hues grabbed me first. I couldn't stop turning the pages with right-on rhyme that made this mom chuckle. Parents of any little ones will want this by their bedside for nightly storytime. I'm also going to use it in my 1st grade class because I believe in the power of language. This new author not only has a "niche" book for families with twins, but a book all children will want to hear again and again (and will be soon chiming in with the rhymes).

Jenny Lansing receives a telephone call from her father, Phillip, who is part of the Witness Protection Program. Phillip wants his daughter to bring him an envelope to Los Angeles. Determined to leave the program, flee to another country, and start a new life, Phillip puts his daughter in immeasurable danger.

Stalked by members of the Chicago Mob, for whom her father was holding money, Jenny heads to L.A., in the company of FBI Special Agent Alex Kendall. Before she can meet her father she and Alex are accosted by the hit man, sent to take care of her and her father, and her briefcase, containing the precious envelope, is stolen. Phillip is kidnapped and Jenny and Alex are trapped when a tremendous earthquake strikes. In spite of the trials, Jenny is determined to rescue her father but her determination is challenged by her growing attraction to Alex.

Tightly woven, THE WITNESS is a dynamite read. Margaret Johnson gives readers a peek into the enclaves of the Federal Witness Protection Program as well as into the workings of the mob. Alex and Jenny are immediately attracted to one another, but have little time to persue their relationship deeply because of the constant hurdles thrown into their paths.

I only had one teensy little gripe, which probably won't phase most readers. Ms Johnson called The Magnificent Mile (Chicago's Michigan Avenue) Michigan Boulevard. As a former Chicagoan that jumped out at me. Other than that one gaffe I found THE WITNESS a quick, enjoyable read. There are definite inspirational themes, however they in no way overshadow, or overpower, the enjoyable suspense theme.

Margaret Johnson is the author of ten books, including EIGHTEEN NO TIME TO WASTE, the story of her daughter, Kathi, who was killed in an automobile accident. If you have teenagers be sure and include a copy of EIGHTEEN in their Christmas stockings. It may change their lives.

Fasten your seatbelt and hang on as Philip Lansing fulfills a deadly vow, catapulting himself and his daughter Jenny into a fast- paced dance with the Mafia and the Witness Protection Program. Can FBI Agent Alex Kendall protect Jenny in their cross-country race against time? Will a catastrophic earthquake destroy their growing relationship?

In The Witness, Margaret Johnson employs crisp dialogue, vivid descriptions, and riveting lead-ins to create a strong flow between chapters. She introduces characters in snapshot fashion until they merge into one finale. No loose ends. No wasted moments.

The Witness-read it!

The Witness is an exciting read from beginning to end. Only a skilled author could weave the themes so carefully as well as keep the pace moving. Her characters are real. The message within the story is one you'll need to discover for yourself. I highly recommend this book.

Guy De Maupassant (1850-1893), if "Bel-Ami" is any indication, must rank as one of the best writers in the history of the western world. Born in Normandy in 1850, Maupassant became a disciple of the French author Flaubert early in life. Guy quit his job with the civil service after publishing his first short story, "Boule de Suif" in 1880. What followed was a phenomenal flurry of 250 short stories and six novels before his premature death from syphilis in 1893. During his short life, Maupassant helped to form the "groupe de Medan," a loosely knit group of naturalist writers headed by Emile Zola. He also worked as a journalist, covering such important events as the French campaigns in Algeria and Tunisia. A hard worker when it came to writing, Maupassant also possessed a zest for life, including a love for the ladies that eventually killed him.

"Bel-Ami" is hardly an original premise. How many books written through the years discuss the idea of a rural man heading to the city to make it big? That is exactly what happens with this book in the form of main character Georges Duroy. After a five-year stint in the French army, Duroy moves to Paris to make his fortune. Regrettably, Duroy is languishing in a lowly job as a railroad clerk until he meets his old army buddy Forestier. From this point forward, Georges is on the fast track to success. Forestier gets him a job at a scandal rag named "La Vie Francaise" where Georges rapidly ascends the ranks from lowly reporter to chief editor. Along the way, Duroy engages in all sorts of amorous adventures with women both high and low on the Paris social register. By the time the story ends, Georges is within sight of the highest positions in French society, all accomplished through sheer cunning and social maneuvering.

There are so many themes running through this sordid tale of the decadent Third Republic that it is impossible to adequately describe them all here. The introduction to this Penguin edition, written by translator Douglas Parmee, does a good job of showing how incidents in Maupassant's life appear in the character of Georges Duroy. The protagonist's rural background, his experience in France's North African expeditions, his work as a reporter and the subsequent expose of the seediness of journalism, the numerous affairs, the social positioning, and the philosophical musings on death are all expressions of Maupassant's personality and activities. I do hope, however, that Maupassant was not as big of a cad as Georges Duroy because this character may be one of the biggest jerks in the history of literature.

You cannot help but hate Duroy. He has little self-control except when he realizes that holding off on a conquest might mean self-advancement. Georges takes his mistress to the same theater where he picks up prostitutes, takes money from people without paying them back, corrupts women of high moral standards, sleeps with his boss's wife, seduces his boss's daughter, and physically assaults his mistress. There is just no way to sympathize with this guy, and the fact that he gains riches and fame is particularly galling to anyone with any sense of decency. But that is the message De Maupassant is trying to convey; that the complete decadence of French society during this time allows the likes of Duroy to succeed, and to succeed with a smile. Witness the scene towards the end of the book when Walter, Duroy's boss, grudgingly accedes his daughter to Georges's slimy scheme. "He will go far," says Walter, with more respect for Duroy's distasteful achievement than disdain for his lack of morals.

Another theme in the book, and one that runs through the pages like a 400-pound gorilla, is hypocrisy. The propensities for backstabbing, lying, and blatant disregard for self-realization in "Bel-Ami" is laugh out loud astonishing. These are shallow, manipulative people without a shred of decency, and Maupassant never passes up an opportunity to expose these despicable people. The hypocritical stance of the characters and situations often vie with powerfully descriptive passages of Paris and the French countryside, which are truly beautiful to read and have probably accounted for thousands of tourist trips to that country. The characters in "Bel-Ami" may be of no account morally, but they move and live in an environment of unsurpassed beauty.

Maupassant's knowledge of his own impending death weighs heavily in the story. Two sections highlight his musings on mortality: the monologue of the poet Norbert de Varenne and the death of Forestier. For the author, his slow deterioration from a disease made death a daily reality. What seemed to worry De Maupassant the most about death was not punishment from God but the idea of nothingness and being forgotten by the living. Of course, death makes no impression on Georges Duroy, who experiences only a moderate twinge over the passing of Forestier before making a play for that man's wife in order to improve his social position.

I am elated that I discovered this author. Guy De Maupassant is a brilliant writer whose early death robbed the world of a great talent. Although his short stories are considered some of the best ever written, do not pass by this novel. I have rarely seen an author who can write about mundane, daily situations with as much aplomb (see the scene about the fencing party as a prime example). De Maupassant's masterful abilities make this ordinary plot strikingly original and I will revisit this author again in the future. You should too.

Maupassant's characters are more real and colourful than those created by any of the other French naturalists. Bel Ami, his first fill length novel, is simply a joy to read. It tells the story a young ex-soldier, fighting for social position and materialism in the rat race of 1870s Paris. This novel could easily be transported to present day and loose nothing of its impact. Scandal, political intrigue and sexual manipulation are described with Maupassant's cutting pessimism, yet beautifully balanced by his black wit and appreciation for the simple joys of life.

I would never have known that Guy de Maupassant wrote novels along with his great short stories if another amazon reader hadn't turned me on to their existence. This novel, reminiscent of Madame Bovary (a male version, you might say) is terrific. You'll get a great deal of description of Paris in the late 19th century with period details worthy of any great novelist. The plot is typical: poor, rural young man from the outskirts (Rouen) has no money and no position in life, but longs to find fame and fortune. Thanks to his manly wiles (he's a natural ladies' man), he manages to sleep his way to the top. Like Madame Bovary, happiness is never really there no matter how much money and power he attains - the more you get, the more you realize that others will always have more. Still, Monsieur Duroy, even at his most calculating retains somewhat of a sympathetic quality that allows us to relate to him and root for his success. Despite its length, this novel is a fast read. One of my favorites of the year.

The reason I put four stars is because it was sad. Whenever I think of the Boy in the Alamo, I think of my grandfather. My grandfather died in World War 1, so I never met him. Boy in the Alamo was good, my favorite part is when Billy said he'd look for Lupe his whole life.

My 4th grade son and I loved this book! It's a great read with lots of excitement and emotion. My son read it first and loved it so much I decided I wanted to read it. I had trouble putting it down. It's an absolute must for kids and adults.

Loved it! It could not get any better!! I liked Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie and Santa Anna! It shows and tells you everything just like the Alamo. Even though it was just told through the mind of a 12 year old boy, it was still the best book. The story really shows what the Alamo was like. It was blazingly awesome with fantasy and real scenes. The pictures were great! I would give this book six stars, if I could. I couldn't resist to say no to this book!

I had been looking for an "Elephant" quilt for my elephant crazed 3 year-old for some time. I finally decided I would probably have to make him one myself. I have intermediate sewing skills but had never quilted before. This foundation piecing method is the way to go! The blocks turn out beautiful everytime. It is so easy and very addictive! There are so many different animal patterns in this book, from farm animals to zoo animals, to Australian animals and more. Something for everyone!!

With this book you learn to easily foundation piece cats, cows, lions, monkeys, elephants, chickens, bunnies, pelicans, eagles, peacocks, butterflies, cardinals, hummingbirds, kangaroos, and soooooo much more with readily understandable instructions.

The book is a great reference for other sewing projects and consists of 112 pages so it's rather thin. The book covers basic embroidery stitches (chain, french knot, stem, and more) with directions and illustrations, ways to add borders with directions and illustrations, assembling the quilt top, binding, and quilting of the finished work. There's a section pertaining to fabric selection and sewing materials/equipment.

I'd never paper pieced in my life and this book covered all the bases to complete these mini-quilts in a short period of time with professional looking results. I've surprised several family members with my work!

If you need a quilting book with easy to make animals, purchase this book as you will not be sorry.

The cover of this book really does not do justice to the designs inside. They are truly beautiful works of art--unique and magnificantly simple in their construction. The Noah's Ark quilt is a classic. Particularly helpful are two examples of the same animal square with the different types of fabric. One can easily see the dramatic difference that selection of fabric and color make in the final design. As my first project as a quilter, I made the rooster from fat quarters as a birthday present for my sister. If I do say so myself, it looks fabulous! With Ms. Rolfe's techniques of foundation quilting you do not have to worry about cutting exact shapes (except once for the entire block), nor about grain of the fabric. Instructions are clear and easy to follow. For Xmas, I plan to make pot holders from the designs as gifs. I'm even thinking about tackling the Noah's Ark quilt--for myself! I ordered more of her books because I enjoy her easy-going manner to quilting and the professional looking results!

Finally! The book has been written. During my 15 years as a hospice nurse, countless caregivers, students and volunteers have asked me "Which book should I read?" This is The Book, both succinctly written and easy to read. With great compassion, Dr. Coberly covers nearly all our secret fears and inadequacies by talking about her own beginnings using wonderful heart warming stories. Many of us have tried and failed to understand the Tibetan Books of the Dead. She makes the Tibetan Buddhist view on death and dying understandable to a Westerner. And she finishes this brilliant piece by giving us the tools we need to face death with great love. The annotated list of recommended readings alone is worth the price of the book. Nurses can log onto a website listed on the inside back cover and take a test for CEU's.

Sacred Passage takes a disarmingly honest look at the subject of death. It is filled with real life stories that demonstrate new and innovative ways to interact with a person who is dying.

The author, a former emergency room and hospice nurse, gives sage advice and practical suggestions on how to deal with many of the troubling situations that come up when a friend or loved one is given a terminal diagnosis. The book offers the Buddhist perspective on death and dying in terms that are clear and easy to relate to.

I rate this book 5+ and recommend it as both a provocative narrative as well as an extremely helpful little manual on how to be an empathetic presence during the death of a loved one.

Sacred Passage is a remarkable and timely book - a consummate marriage of the art of living and the art of dying. It elevates care of the dying from a fearful, sometimes paralyzing, undertaking to a compassionate, fulfilling, engagement with living. Time and again the book illustrates how in learning to fully be there for a dying person we come to know and understand ourselves more deeply as well. The author is adept at illustrating how much we can learn from the process of dying when we are unafraid of seeing clearly what is there - a sacred passage. As the author says: "... the treasure is always there, its discovery imminent. It is not dying that reveals it, but awakening."

The inspired revelations of this engaging volume did not come easily. The author - a longtime nurse, educator, and hospice administrator - skillfully weaves together poignant and emotionally gripping stories about her own beginning professional doubts and about the transformation she underwent to a broader view of life and death informed by the wisdom of the Tibetan Buddhist perspective. The outcome is an invaluable, practical guide for anyone responsible for taking care of a loved one or a patient who is dying.

All of us face the mystery of life's coming to an end - most of us with fear and denial. This book demonstrates convincingly how facing up to the mystery can not only promote a more caring, compassionate, and insightful end to life, but illuminate and enrich the art of living. As a psychologist and university professor teaching courses on death and dying, I look forward to using this book in my classes. And I recommend it to anyone seeking an inspiring, practical guidebook for the one trip we are all destined to make.

Margaret Wyman has written a compelling story about early California and its invasion by Spain and the Catholic church. Surprising twists and turns are followed through the intertwining of the lives of the natives, the Spanish soldiers, the Mexicans, and the "black robes". Good and Evil, sanity and madness, religious fervor and native beliefs are all portrayed in this novel.
I hope that her future titles will be as readable.

I was delighted to come across this incredible book by Margaret Wyman. Having taught fourth grade in California for ten years, I thought I had a good understanding of the relationship between the native Americans and the Spanish. This indredible story of a Kumeyaay Indian woman, took me to new heights of understanding, and stirred emotions in me from compassion and sadness for the natives, to rage and disgust of the Spanish. The author does an exceptional job of bringing her characters to life. I literally could not put the book down as I raced to learn the fate of these intriguing characters. Margaret Wyman writes with passion and ingenuity. I highly recommend this fine book.

Besides telling the dirty truth, this book will keep you reading and biting your nails until the very end. (In fact, you will be asking "What's Next?") The book is that good!
Just remember that beyond the kind, decent, misguided and sometimes sordid characters, the story is historically accurate, even when the truth is frightening and shameful.