This book is a wonderful ending to the brilliant trilogy William Nicholson has written. The characters are createed with so much history, they seem real. The whole story has a depth to it that I have never encountered before, not even in Lord of the Rings or the Robrt Jordan trilogy. As you read, questions pop up into your mind, but it is almost garaunteed that if you don't get an answer right away, you will come up with one on your own by the time you finish the book. My only complaint is that it is so short!

Ok im only 13 years old and it wasnt a struggle to read at all. I cant write very good rewievs, so make sure you read all the other ones written by intelligent and extremely helpful people. I just want to say if you are thinking of buying this book go RIGHT AHEAD! i guarantee you will not be dissapointed. The characters are all brilliant. I have written books myself but i have never got so involved witht he characters emotions and feelings before. It even made me cry- which i dont often do. I keep reading it again and again and again. Im still not bored of it just sad that it's ended.I rate this book a well deserved 5 out of 5! It is extremely gripping, adventurous and jam packed with stuff. PLEASE read it, especially if you have read the other two in the trilogy. If you like teen books like artemis fowl, his dark materials ect you will LOVE this. It is even better! The ending isn't absolutely great as it is a bit soppy but who cares??? Its... its... its...amazing! INGENIOUS!!!

This is an excellent book. It has no weaknesses and proves to be an excellent sequel to the other two books in the trilogy; The Winsinger. Slaves of the Mastery. Anyone that enjoyed these two books would enjoy this one. The characters are very realistic and you can relate to some of their dilemmas. It is a great book for all ages even though it says it is for the younger reader. It is just as enjoyable for adults. It is very easy to understand and i couldn't put the book down, i was literally glued to it. Even though it is 340+ pages, it is exceptional.

Pick yourself up, dust yourself off and make it - against all odds is the success formula shared by the authors of this book through the remarkable journey of Floyd Flake. His committment to his dream of self-sufficient people galvanized a community, and the "impossible" became possible. The book details his nine steps to success which can be equated to being responsible for our every thought, word, action and deed. Whether in the pulpit of his church, or in the political arena, or in the community helping to build adequate housing for senior citizens or spear-heading youth programs, or motivating more legions of people to rise to the level of proficiency and achievement, this gentleman's life is an astounding example. He motivates us to try- and try- and try again; just don't give up. Welcome back ethics and values. With more leaders of this calibre, America has a chance to fulfill its destiny as a land of the free and home of the brave. After reading this book, you will never again be afraid to pick yourself up, and start all over again. Time to begin bootstrapping your way to actualizing your dream. Floyd Flake says and demonstrates all things are possible, - if you only just believe, and make the committment. An inspirational and courageous book.

"~At a time when so many hunger for practicality and wisdom in ordering life, Pastor Flake delivers a powerful tome for our times!"~ philosophy. His church, Allen AME Church, New York,NY, models this book and serves as a model for authentic, attractive witness to the Lordship of Christ.

I loved the section where he advocates going off by yourself and do some self-knowledge. Great book. A bit slow moving at first, but gets going.

The idea of "the best of the Oxford American" brings out a lot of expectations. This magazine has been the home for a lot of special writing. This book provides some of those moments. I especially enjoyed the narrative of the small town photographer burdened by the unwelcome insights of his coworkers and the blank misunderstandings of his Disney World roadtripping friends. I think that the criticism by Tony Earley would have made just as good an introduction to this book as did Rick Bragg's more metaphorical observation that this writing is "heavy on the salt."
I would recommend this book for anyone that wants to read about the South as it actually is -- unique, history-addled, and genuinely "salty".

This collection of works--fiction, nonfiction, poetry, reportage--by the biggest names writing in or about the South is a real treasure. For those already familiar with "the New Yorker of the South" it will remind those what have made the magazine so special for so many years, and for those who have not discovered the magazine, BOA will be a great introduction to the best in Southern belles lettres. The book, like the magazine itself, is a little trad and not good on commenting on the lives of blacks, gays/lesbians, and immigrants to the South, but there is much for everyone to enjoy here.

If you are a fan of the Chicken soup books, You'll love Black-eyed peas for the soul, a collection of inspirationl, and stories of hope from african americans of every wake of life.

This unique book carries the reader into many worlds through the experiences of the writers. A reader is inspired by stories of faithfulness in varied relationships. Lessons about the kind of persistence that leads to life altering achievement are included from unexpected authors like George Washington Carver. It is good to read perspectives from African-Americans from many different disciplies and philosophies. I don't think we have heard enough about the presence of this book in the literary world. My suggeston to everyone is read it and improve the quality of your life. BLACK-EYED PEAS FOR THE SOUL IS A TREASURE.

THIS BOOK IS VERY DIFFERNT FORM DONNAS OTHER BOOKS.IN HERE SHE GIVES A THEROY ABOUT AUTISM. I DONT KNOW IF IS TRUE OTR NOT BUT IT REALLY IS INTRESTING. THE BOOK IS NOT THE EASYEST READ INT HE WORLD THOUGH. SOME PARTS ARE VERY DISCPICTIVE IN PSYCOLGOLY. AND SOME PARTS ALMOST SEEMS LIKE PHILSOPY.

To date, this is absolutely the most fascinating and wonderful book about Autism! She has an amazing gift to explain an entirely different world, her own and so many of my friends. This book has given me extraordianry insight and understanding for my friends who live with Autism. I think this is a must read for everyone!

Another deep and uplifting master piece from my sister Donna. It's great that she can help so many people in the world through her thoughts and feelings - portrayed in her writing. Love from Brother Shane.....

The book gives a nice overview of black geneology but it's not the only book you'll need. It's an introduction to the subject. Unless your family kept marvelous records in the old family bible this book won't get you too far.

I couldn't put this book down. It provides tips for both the novice and the experienced researcher. It was just the information I needed to begin my family history search and I'm sure I will use it often.

This book will get you far whether your family kept excellent family records or NOT. It discusses and addresses the difficulties most African Americans face in tracing their family history. It provides many tips and resources for obtaining family information.

again, Donna Williams takes us through the eyes of an autistic person. Shes amazing, but you should read Nobody Nowhere first, because that is the stroy of her life, and it might help you understand this book more.

This is indeed a very positive book by Stella Waterhouse, who has spend many years teaching children with learning disabilities and emotional problems, but after providing residential care and training to teenagers with autism, she began research that resulted in this publication. The book is divided into eight chapters. The first is a historic review of autism followed by theories and ideas with examples from the various schools of thought about autism. These thoughts are then analysed and discussed resulting in several hypotheses. It is proposed that there are different types of autisme: perceptual autism or Asperger's syndrome, reactive autism or reactive Asperger's syndrome, delayed Asperger's syndrome and OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder), induced autism, frontal lobe syndrome and secondary autism. The following chapters deal with the various diagnostic tools, treatment alternatives and implications for education, residential care, family and spouses. There are also some very useful additions, such as glossary and addresses. The argument of the book is that children with autism are not mentally handicapped, but rather normal children, whose problems leave them isolated and unable to express or understand even their own feelings due to a special response to anxiety. An interesting review for parents or professionals working with autism.

Professor Joav Merrick, MD, DMSc Medical Director, Division for Mental Retardation

I recently finished reading Carol Shields' short story collection, Dressing Up for the Carnival. I'm a big fan of Carol Shields, having enjoyed Larry's Party, The Stone Diaries, even adding Swann to my wicked Top Five list - but this one didn't hit the spot.

Although the stories were charming and well-written, they weren't engrossing. I need to be EN-GROSSED! Instead I felt like I was wading through the bad stuff (I use the term "bad" for effect only) to get to the good. Some real gems here, but not a stellar collection.

Somewhat recommended - that is, to fans, and not just the casual passerby.

It's hard to describe the effect of these stories -- perhaps mindbending would be as close as you can get. Who else would devote whole stories to keys, or a meteorologist strike or the founder of a nudist camp? My only small complaint is that at times some of the stories, especially those taking place in the academic realm, are almost too clever for their own good. The collection as a whole though is strong and quite imaginative and profound. Shields is certainly an interesting writer -- there is nary a dull moment and some quite enlightening ones.

Carol Shields can take an ordinary word and polish it into a shining gemstone. Finely-tuned phrases are scattered plentifully throughout each chapter of _Dressing Up for the Carnival_, straddling the gap between poetry and fiction. This collection of stories is so spare, it almost feels empty at first. But you find Shields has emptied her work of distractions and needless explanations so you can more clearly see . Her focus on minute details is selective and purposeful. She reveals deep insights on the human condition through small observations-ones only a keen observer could see, and only a master writer like Shields could translate into words. If you want to be entertained, this book may not be for you. If you want to think deeply and be stirred to a higher level of emotion, pick up this book. You'll find yourself setting it down after every story so you can absorb each word.