The Gag Family: German-Bohemian Artists In America by Julie L'Enfant (Associate Professor of Art History, College of Visual Arts, St. Paul, Minnesota) is a remarkable look at a German-Bohemian family who settled in a Minnesota frontier town in 1879. The Anton Gag family business of art and story-craft flourished among these remarkable individuals that included his daughters, Wanda and Flavia. The Gag Family is a visually pleasing and informative presentation, filled with both black-and-white and color photographs, as well as detailed text that thoroughly addresses the stories behind specific works of art. A fine addition to artist biography shelves, The Gag Family is highly recommended for inclusion into American Art History and Upper Midwest Regional History academic reference collection or supplemental reading list.

In Getting Up Is Hard To Do: Life With Rheumatoid Arthritis, Canadian author Wanda James notes that not only does the wide-spread medical condition of arthritis cost its sufferers more than 70 billion dollars annually, it is also the leading cause of long-term disability in North America. James also reveals that the notion of arthritis as being restricted to the elderly is simply incorrect and is a condition that afflicts infants, children, teens, young adults, and the middle aged as well. Highly recommended for his insights, candor, thoughtfulness, and humor, James' Getting Up Is Hard To Do reveals to the reader what it is truly like to live with this condition which is highlighted by unrelenting and severe pain; immobility; harsh medications with their assorted side effects; loss of self-esteem, loss of career; loss of what so many of us simply take for granted -- our health.

These stories of 30 women are all interesting, but I found some to be captivating, exciting and mind-boggling. I particularly enjoyed the Mary Land chapter, her life has been a kaleidoscope and the light illuminating it is God's grace. Her Elvis story is representative of how God will use anyone who will yield to His prompting, maybe even me. This book really made me aware of God's involvement areas I always thought to be insignificant. What a comfort to know His grace is moving through my life, gently steering me toward His perfect will. Every story will not appeal to everyone, but some actually reached into my heart and caused me to realize the magnitude of God's grace which He extends to me, a nobody, just because He loves me.

This book was a wonderful insight into the mind of a woman and artist in the early twentieth century. Growing Pains follows the story of Wanda Gag from age 12 to 22 or 23. It is fascinating to see how different life was at that time, and watch a woman with vast creativity and talent as she struggles to survive the poverty of her childhood. How poignant the destitution of her early years, as well as her discovery and development of her talent. Wanda Gag was also a very introspective person, and had a decided trancendentalist slant. It is interesting to read her philosophies about the self which apply even today. I think this book would appeal to people who have an interest in the early twentieth century or illustration. I also recommend it to fans of the Betsy-Tacy books, as Wanda grew up in New Ulm, MN, not far from Mankato (Deep Valley) and during the same time period. She also appears to be aquainted with Delos Lovelace (the husband of Maud Hart Lovelace (the real Betsy) who wrote the series). Later in the book she mentions going to a concert or play with tickets given to her by Delos Lovelace (Before he ever met Maud!). Overall this book was very good and I was extremely sorry to reach the last page.

Wanda Coleman speaks clearly and powerfully in this book of poems. You won't find many "typical" love poems here -- the subject matter is sometimes brutal but always honest. My favorite poem in this collection is her account of the night that the fast food taco restaurant, where she was working, got held up. I won't spoil the poem for you because the unexpected outcome is part of the force of this poem. I'd highly recommend that you read it for yourself!

How wonderful and delightful and spiritually uplifting you will become after having read "Inspirations From My Heart." It is truly a work of art and so much comes from the very depths of her soul in these marvelous words penned by Wanda Powell Heagy. You will not want to put the book down until every last word has been absorbed. You will also find yourself going through your days thinking and pondering on these beautiful poems reciting them over again and again, and perhaps even singing some. It is truly an "Inspiration" to all who read them.

This is truly a beautiful book for children and adults alike. Each page tells a special story about Jesus beginning when He was a baby and continues on.

Each story is accompanied with a tender illustration of Jesus interacting with people.
Colorful and real to life, the illustrations are outstanding and coincide wonderful with the stories.

All in all this little book is a winner and a very
special read for parents to share with their little ones.

I purchased this book for my daughter at a school book fair, and insisted that she read it because I felt it was important for her to understand the history of slavery, from a child's perspective. Before she finished reading it, she had to sit and tell me almost every detail of the story of Hannah. Hannah is an inspirational story that not only helps pre-teens to understand the life of black children in the southern states during the time of slavery, but it also challenges them to make good choices today.

LANCASTER BRIDES is an inspiring anthology of four very good, excellent, in fact, complete novels about love and faith in the Lancaster, Pennsylvania Amish community. Author Wanda Brunstetter has researched her sources well and writes in a wonderful clear presentation. I couldn't put this book down and I'm sorry it's over! I usually send these Barbour inspirational romances to my sister and sister-in-law so they can enjoy them as well, but I have a feeling I might have to hang on to this one! These stories are, in fact, beloved, and I highly recommend LANCASTER BRIDES for all women, teenagers to senior citizens! It's a terrific ride with many basic insights into the Old Amish ways. It's also full of romance and faith. All in all, a good setting for these fine stories.

Great text for younger readers. Excellent for lower reading ability and older students as well. Authentic, engaging content--with real wrold applicability. Short chapters, concentrating on major concepts. I highly recommend this book.