Over the years, I have thoroughly enjoyed Mr. Herriot's wonderful stories. When I found this book for my 7 year old daughter, I wasn't sure if she'd be able to follow along. What makes this book stand out is the fabulous drawings--they are full paged drawings, with not too much writing on each page. Each drawing is very detailed, perfectly matched to the accompanying text. I can't get over the talented illustrators (this book has two different ones, although the drawings are similar in appearance). I've loved re-reading these familiar stories and sharing them. This is one of the best books we've read this year, and I would wholeheartedly recommend it for a permanent library collection.

I think I have not had a more pleasant reading experience than sitting down next to a burning fire place, listening to my favorite antique clock ticking.. the patter of rain on the window panes and reading James Herriott. It is a memory of that afternoon that all these years later I have never forgotten. James Herriott is the most pleasant, relaxing, refreshing writer. Forget all the worries and cares and escape for a few minutes into a quiet world where the animals speak their own language.. A wonderful book, a wonderful writer. Thank You James Herriott for the memories.

I am a huge fan of any of James Herriott's writing. I love to read. My daughter, however, has a reading disability and the whole reading process is tedious and frustrating for her. We usually read together. This was one book that she requested to read again and again and again. James Herriott's heartwarming stories translate well into the youthful reader's world. Even if you are not an animal lover, you will find yourself falling in love with the lovable creatures and their eclectic owners!

I read this book over 25 years ago and it has haunted me. I periodically re-read it and find new hope in its pages every time. I have lent it to many friends over the years and my copy is sadly dog-eared. I know it is considered young adult/juvenile but it is timeless and ageless. It is a very precious book and I treasure it. It needs to be re-printed.

I read this book so long ago, I must have been in my teens. I picked it up because I needed a quick read. This story has stayed with me all these years. Each time someone asks me about a memorable book this is the one I think of instantly. Over the years I read and re read it, each time I found a new meaning in the story line. A new postive message for me to use in my life. I lent it to a friend who was going through a difficult time and it was then passed on again and again to other friends until I finally lost it. I would love to find it again, this time I would buy several copies so I could have one as well as lend them. I hope the publishers can be persuaded to do another printing soon.

Publishers take note - this book is both timely and timeless! Published again, in this era where so many seek spiritual guidance, it would be certain to find mass appeal.

I read this remarkable, image-rich book twenty-five years ago. It was a treasure that cried out to be shared, and so I did. Unfortunately the book journeyed away and never returned to me. I hope that it is still being passed from reader to reader inspiring others with its message of eternal interconnections and redemption. It haunts my mind to this day - so much that my quest to find another copy has never ceased.

What an appropriate title! Susan was starving from deprivation of love. You won't want to put it down. In addition, it may help those suffering from anorexia and/or bulimia to understand their sickness (or saddness) and seek out the help they need to heal. I highly recommend this book to all ages.

Starving Hearts is a visceral, powerful first novel about a woman who is consumed by food in every sense of the word. Susan Talberg's journey is told in stark and compelling language which immediately invites the reader into the story...and so we struggle, we cry, we rejoice, we mourn, and we triumph along with Susan as she fights to control her simultaneous attraction and revulsion toward food -- and a controlling mother who battles her own demons. Painful yet funny, sad yet hopeful, Starving Hearts is the kind of book that makes you want to seek out the author and hug her.

What a vivid account of life during a time when the general public knew little about eating disorders and abusive relationships! It makes me feel much more sympathetic towards people whose behavior appears strange. While it describes complex family and social environments with strong religious overtones, this book is also a gripping story - hard to put down and with a great mixture of humor, emotion and drama. A wonderful first novel - I'm looking forward to No.2!

As a SSR Master Teacher, I've been using this manual for my own Sekhem/Seichim/Reiki practice. The atunements in the back of the book are especially powerful and filled with love. For anyone interested in energy work, I would consider this required reading. Even if you have never been exposed to Reiki before and are interested in learning more about it from one of the best teachers out there (she attuned the woman who attuned me), this is a great book for novices as well as seasoned professionals.

When I opened the book and began to read about Seicheim, an Energy System I have been looking for more information on, I was delighted with the material. I felt it was well written, straight forward and very helpful for practitioners and anyone who is interested in Seichiem. It was as if I were in a class with Diane. I feel that anyone who is interested in working with energy will find the book very helpful. I do not know Diane and I have never taken a class with her or Patrick Zigler, but I am looking forward to taking a class from her very soon. Enjoy, the book is a Jewel.

I loved Diane's book. Patrick recommended this book to me and I'm glad he did. Diane has put a lot of time, love and effort into producing this book. I have found it very informative, well written and displayed. Two of my pupils have already purchased this book after seeing my copy! Another great book Diane!

I tripped across this book at my local library and I am here looking for my own copy, as we are limited on how long we keep it. I brutally removed the kids from their TV addiction, and the transition has been difficult on the older ones especially. This book has been my salvation. The prereader like to pick out things by picture, my beginner read has no problem understanding the direction and my toddler and teen get involved too. We have used this to fill the huge void of television and to stave of the "mom I am bored..." routine. This is a small book it fits in my purse and we take it with us everywhere. Breaking the index down by activity type means I can have a Doctor's waiting room idea or a park idea up in running in 2 minutes. The materials list is in the margin for easy access and all the material are everyday every house items, half of which are in my purse any way... This book is a keeper!

This book was recommended in the book Living the Simple Life. I'm so glad I took the time to get it. It's a wonderful resource for busy families looking to spend some quality time together. So turn that TV off and buy this book. Encourages you and your child's imagination and they learn through playing with simple things around the house and the bonus is that by not watching that TV, you've spent memorable time with each other...what could be better?

For each activity, the authors explain how to do the activity, materials required and materials that are optional to use

365 activities to choose from which are grouped into 16 categories

Safety reminders are included to ensure safe play environments and to monitor potentially tricky materials

The authors explains the importance of quality tiem and quailty play

Few of the many activites includes:
Alphabet Hands
Atlas Adventure
Crayon Rubbings
Easy House of Cards
Family Calender

Gotcha!
House Detective
I've Got a List
Phone Words
Sand Painting

At 50 I'm still the fantasy freak in the house and found this book as enchanting and enjoyable as any I've read. My wife the murder mystery consumer was totally enthralled by the tale when searching for a diversion from her regular reading. We've both read the tale more than once and have made present to one of our nephews of a hard back version of the book, that's how much we liked it. When you finish reading this book you set it down with a feeling of satisfaction, that everything wrapped up quite nicely, and wonder if there will be another to follow.

I have had my copy of this book for over 10 years now. My mother read it to my younger siblings and me when I was a tweenage girl. I pick it up and read it every few years and have also read it to my son. He thought it was great, too.

It's a great, old-fashioned fairytale set in today's world. Be warned - It is not an everyone gets along in the end story. The ending ends as it should with everyone getting exactly what they deserve. It makes you wish that there was a little book dragon looking over your shoulder.

I would recommend this book to adults and children alike. It has a moral message that a child as young as 4 or 5 would get but has enough levels to keep everyone entertained.

I found this book as an adult, but I was totally enchanted, and it became the start of my collection of dragons. This rates with Anne McCaffrey's dragons--friendly dragons. This tale is so enjoyable, yet not predictable. Moral, but not preachy. And kids will love the good guy/bad guy tension.
This is a book every child (and most adults) should have the pleasure of having in their life.

I didn't care much for this book but have to say that that's probably because it didn't take the path I'd assumed it would.

I picked it up thinking that it would be a somewhat disinterested look at theology, historical events and so on, and an even-handed look at Judaism and Christianity.

It isn't. It's a book for believers, specifically, Christians, which is fine if that's what you want. The author, Henrietta C. Mears, is clear on her own beliefs and what she and the reader should believe. She's a little more fond of !!!!! than I care for, and there's a kind of a see?-I told-you-so kind of tone to it. Have you ever seen those bumper stickers that say something like, God Said It/I believe it/That's It! ?

That's how this book reads. Now, having said that, here's the general direction of the book.

Mears analyzes every book of the Bible. Every single chapter of her book starts out with the word Understanding, then names that book, from Genesis to Revelation. She reels off details and assessments of each book, with the underlying assumption that the reader agrees with what the Rev. Billy Graham says in the foreword to this book: "The Word of God is the only real authority we have."

So, for example, in her chapter on Genesis, she writes: Satan appears to have special enmity for the book of Genesis. No wonder the Adversary has bent his attacks upon it. It exposes him as the enemy of God and the deceiver of the human race; it foretells his destruction; it depicts his doom." A few pages later, we get this sentence Remember, Jesus Christ is the center of the Bible.

She also gives us such tidbits of information as this: there are 31,102 verses in the Bible, using 775,693 words*; Psalm 119 is the longest chapter; Psalm 117 the shortest. Ezra 7:21 contains all the letters of the alphabet except J (I don't know how well this fact stands up in translated versions and a conspiracy theorist could have a field day with the source J!); the longest book in the Old Testament is Psalms, the longest in the New Testament is Luke.

This book is probably best used in an adult Christian education class or something similar. I don't see it helping much on an ecumenical or evangelical level. Perhaps it works as a self-education tool, for someone who's arrived at Christian belief and wants a wider understanding of the sense of the full Bible.

*In English, I assume.

This book has tremediously helped me understand God's word. I recommend this book for new Christians and to anyone who reads the Bible but, just can not grasp what it is trying to say.

I bought this book for myself and liked it so much I bought a second one for my Mom. It's easy to read and interesting.

I am 20 years old and recieved this book at the age of 12. It was an amazing resource for me throughout my preteen year, and teen years. I was able to get non biased information, just the facts, whenever I was too embarased to ask someone. I am now looking at buying one for my 11 year old brother, so that he can learn from it the way I have.

This book is a very good spring board to help talk or at least begin talking about key topics to,or with preteens. This could be at own home or home of grandparent/friend/sister/brother/aunt/uncle/Godparent/spouse/neighbor/or at a pediatrican's/orthodontist's/dentist's/nurse's/psychiatrist's/psychologist's office or waiting room. At school,camp,business office or waiting room,local or school library, bookstore reading room,hospital,or at a shelter, wherever preteens are. It can be helpful for the preteen to browse through, read independently, and/or together with parent,guardian, significant other,teacher, friends, doctor,school administrator . Some kids could be ready to read it on their own independently,in privacy or out in the open in conjunction with others, now, or in the future. It could also be used as a gage to see where a child is developmentally by a parent,significant other,teacher,groups of adults or/preteens/researcher, college or graduate school student(eg. in a book club, study group, school course,and with others eg.those listed above).
As you can see Knowing and Changing;a Guide For Preteens is a book for many places,many uses, and for many people.

This is the best book on being a teenager that I have ever read! And this should mean a lot to you coming from a teen (I'm a 15 year old male). It's different from other books in that it encourages teens to make their own decisions in life. It doesn't come out and say, "No! Sex is bad! You will rot in hell if you have sex before you are married!" Instead, it gives equal reasons of why to have sex and why not to and then describes all the means of birth control. But it doesn't just deal with sex, it also touches on emotions that you might have through adolecence, masturbation, what you can do if you do become pregnent, and even drugs.

This book SEEMED like it would be helpful, but except for *some* info on premarital counseling, it really came very close to being like any other *secular* wedding book. Some of the advice is really dated, too.

I used this planner for my wedding in 1998. It never left my side, I took it everywhere! It helps you plan everything from the day you get engaged to the honeymoon...

If you're a listmaker and love checklists, this is the planner for you! There are tons of lists, calendars, and how-to's for the entire process. Four years later, it's still on my bookshelf for easy access. It's a fabulous planner that I'd recommend to anyone!

I used this book 3 years ago when I was married and recently passed it along to my sister-in-law to be. It is an invaluable resource and a very **different** resource. It isn't a book about different wedding "ideas" ("how to arrange the tablecloths", "how to deal with new in-laws", etc.) It is a **GO-TO** resource on the actual planning of the ceremony/celebration. It gives template sheets that I found helpful to simply xerox and put in a 3-ring binder and create my own workbook. (The best part is the book is still blank for my sister-in-law now!) Your money will be well spent here.

I have just finished House of Stairs for the 3rd time. I know little about writing and read mostly commercial fiction. However, the quality of Rendell's writing is at times breath taking. Her device is this book for shifting from the past to the present is simple and elegant. There is really no who done it here, only a why done it. And when you find out why, its so ordinary that you wonder why you read so long to get there. The why is that Rendell writes so good and dribbles the information out is dribs and drabs that you keep reading. You know early on that the narrator may or may not have a dread disease but it isn't identified until about 15% into the book.

One of the drawbacks to this book is the lack of sympathetic characters. Maybe its my age, but there is really no main character is this book who is likeable (although there are a couple which you care about). Elizabeth is the narrator but has an unfathomable weakness when it comes to Belle with whom there cannot be any type of healthy relationship. Belle is a flagrant sociopath who is only interesting because of the degree and outlandishness of her coldness and selfishness. Cossette is the all-time post child for co-dependency. Mark comes closest to being decent but in the end destroys Elizabeth and Cossette's relationship to save his own. There is no one in this group I'd ever want to be friends with.

As Elizabeth Vetch is travelling down the street in a taxi, she suddenly spots a woman whom she used to know many years before. A woman that she thought was still in prison. She calls the vehicle to a stop, and rushes off in pursuit of her old friend. Eventually, Elizabeth looses her amid the bustle of London. Then, here memories triggered by this event, she begins to tell the reader her story...

It's a tale that leads to a time when Elizabeth was staying in a tall boarding house (known by its residents as the House of Stairs) run by her kindly old friend Cosette, when all the varied inhabitants lived in peace and harmony, and when she was in a relationship with the enigmatic Bell, a woman who will soon be arrested for murder. But, then Mark comes into their lives, and the effects of his presence soon mean that none of their lives will ever be the same again. For death is following in his path...

Barbara Vine (aka Ruth Rendell) is quite, quite marvellous. The way she mixes past and present, the current story and the flashbacks to the events which happened at the House of Stairs is masterful, and not nearly as confusing as a lesser writer might make it. Her demonstrations of how the past can hold an inextricable grip on all our future's are brilliantly subtle. The characters she creates are almost unbearably realistic, and few of them are likeable. Even the kindly Cosette's needy dependency may grate on some after a while. She also injects a great subplot concerning the fact that Elizabeth, our narrator, may well have inherited the Huntington's Chorea that runs in her family.

The suspense Rendell creates with the almost unbearably slow (although never, ever boring) teasing out of her plots is immense, and she maintains it right to the end, when the final surprise is revealed. Some longstanding fans of Rendell may be able to guess the main subtle twist that she uses (but not all she has up her sleeve), for she has used a similar one before (but in a rather different way). But then, as another reviewer has said, very aptly, of Rendell, "she pulls back the curtain to reveal, rather than to surprise".

Vine/Rendell is not going to be ideal for anyone who prefers their thrillers to be fast-paced and exciting, with constant surprises, but if you're the sort of reader who admires an intelligent, immaculately written thriller, full of realistic characters, subtle suspense, and with one or two surprises along the way, then there is no one better at providing this that Rendell. The House of Stairs is a prime example

The Book is really good because the reader really has to think and has to find out who the killer is, and who she/he wants to kill. There is also a good version for non-English speakers! (Its for Intermediate -1650 words) The book was written by Barbara Vine, she is one of the most popular crime and mystery writers.

In the story is an old Lady who is really lonely and wants to be younger and to have a husband. Her best friend Elizabeth is always helping her with her problems. Cossette (the old Lady) is really rich so she buys her a new house with 106 stairs, then Bell Sanger, who was in prison because she killed her husband for money, meets Elizabeth on the street. What effect will she have? Later Liz (Elizabeth) falls in love with Bell. Liz is so happy but does Bell feel the same? Later Bell brings her brother Mark to the house of stairs. Cossette falls in love with him and Mark with her. Soon they are together, but is Mark really the right one for Cossette? And why is Bell so strange? Read the book and you will find out.

By Lilly F.