I recently discovered (upon reading Syrup by Maxx Barry) that a unique writing style can do wonders for a book. This book was defintely unique, with the story being told through letters, notes, interviews, programs, and various correspondence between the characters of the story. I really enjoyed that aspect of it, but I also quickly realized that this book was more than just a novelty.

About a third of the way through the book, I formed a pretty strong impression of what I thought was going to happen at the end, but instead of that making me less interested, it made me more interested. I kept reading until I was finished to see if my impression was right. I didn't know if I wanted to be or not.

Along with the unique perspective, this book provides a compelling story about growing up when it must have been a very difficult time to grow up. It really made me appreciate my relatively easy childhood of the 70's and 80's. It also shows, however, that even in such a difficult time with so many bad things going on in the world, there are good things too. And if you work hard enough to achieve your goals, then anything is possible.

I really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it to anyone.

This is one of the best books I've read in years.

The format is *fresh*, with letters, telegrams, notes, transcripts, and the like. I could not put it down. I usually read Mary Higgins Clark, and various popular novelists; yet this one jumped out at me, and it was worth every penny.

This novel isn't mainly about baseball; it's about a boy and his hero. There were some surprising twists and turns, with each of the main 2 characters trying to outwit the other, yet all they do is love each other more.

Not only do you get to know Charlie and Joey, you get to know their friends and family as well, even though the majority of it is written from Charlie's and Joey's points of view. This helped me to love this story.

I did not laugh out loud, as the cover suggested. However, I was touched by the poignancy of the story. It was very believeable, and harkens back to the days where you could believe that a 3rd baseman for the NY Giants baseball team WOULD write a kid back.

I came to care about the characters in this book, and that is no easy task. I did cry, of course, due to being so touched by certain parts of it.

I would recommend this book to men, women, teenagers, anyone. There is some foul language, but in the context that it would fit. Enjoy!!!

I first got this book from the library, and I thought it was so amazing that I bought a copy soon after. The format of letters, news articles, telegrams, report cards, etc. made it very easy to read, I zipped through it in a day or so. I haven't laughed this hard out loud over a book since I was a kid, and the end had me crying my eyes out. I made most of the members of my family read it and they all loved it. I would highly recommend it, it's a sweet, spunky, smart story, especially for people who like it when characters do everything right (for example the movie the Fugitive, when the main character was escaping, he did everything right to get away from his captors, in the same respect the kid in this book does everything right with his crazy escapades).

I'm japanese and I'll tell you that Japan is flooded with comic books also known as Manga.Threre are hundreds of weekly all comic magazines published and almost EVERYBODY is into some sort of those things. And I'm not. I can't stand reading and gazing at drawings at same time, it almost seemed like impposible to me. Until I saw this. I saw the animated film version of the same title and was blown away! I had to read the Manga version. The story is deep. There is a lot more going on here than in the movie. Way more complicated, and made me cry so many times. You won't understand in 1 read. I've read it like a thousand and one times, but every time you read it you find more to it. Another message here, different meanings there.....
Mr. Miyazaki took like 16 or so years to complete this. It's a masterpiece. only 1 thing is towards the end it feels like he rushed himself to end it, like very anxious to finish it and get it over with.It could've been 50 more pages to have it ended more dramatically. But well it might've taken him another 3 years for that so.... that was enough for him I guess. Anyway...
I think it's great and this is the only manga book I own and love.

You don't have to be a fan of comics to love Nausicaa. In fact Nausicaa is the first one I've ever read (at the age of 19). The world Mr. Miyazaki has created is one of the most complete fiction worlds ever realized by an author. Mr. Miyazaki then goes onto to create beautiful characters for his world. As if this wasn't enough the story really stops you dead in your tracks as you begin to think what all of twists and turns really mean. Our views of all the characters change with time, even Nausicaa. Perhaps the most rousing compliment I can give is I was sad when it was over. I wanted the story to go on and the characters to continue their lives. Do yourself a favor and go buy these books, and Mr. Miyazaki's work deserves to be called books.

Where do I start? I'll try this... Nausicaa of The Valley of Wind is absolutely the best manga ever created! It is the epitome of what manga, literature even, should be. For those who recognize it as the same story seen in "Warriors of The Wind", the horribly mutilated translation of the anime version of Nausicaa, all I can say is that "WOTW" is a travesty to the story displayed in this graphic novel. For those who have seen some of the works by Mr. Hayao Miyazaki (Kiki's Delivery Service, My Neighbor Totoro, Mononoke Hime), Know now that Nausicaa is his greatest achievement. This story deserves to be recognized by the public as one of the greatest works of storytelling ever created. I will not spoil the story for you, but believe me, it will not dissappoint. Enemies become friends, friends become enemies, plot twists abound and some of the most likable (and lovably despicable) characters in the literary world. I haven't even gone into the artwork. Miyazaki is an accomplished artist, with extraordinary skill and talent. It shows in this masterpiece. Wonderful character designs and the use of art and look to help tell the story can be spotted. When reading, realize that one can recognize a character in disguise by examining the way the character stands, holds him/herself, and talks. I have never seen that before in a manga. Imagine the characters not as drawings, but actors upon a magnificent and beautifully crafted stage. In ending, this manga deserves not just 5 stars, but all the stars in the heavens above.

Here she is again folks, but this time she's all the way across the Inland Sea. Coming with a royal envoy (which includes familiar persons such as the Gareths, Alanna, and Numair)she plans to try and heal the emperor of Carthak's ailing birds with her magic. Little does she know what will happen toher there. Some examples are making a friend who is NOT on this century's "Top 9999 Good-Smelling Vertebrates List", and receiving several godly visits. In this book, Daine, with some help, should wreak havoc on the world of book reviews.(Among other places.) If you'd like to see Daine and her friends, search "Tamora Pierce" in Infoseek, and check out the site headed MEGAN.

I have always been a lover of animals and magic. When I discovered Tamora Pierce and The Immortals Series I couldn't keep my hands off them! I just finished Emporer Mage. Daine and a few nobles of Tortall go to Carthak, the land that Tortall has less than the best relationship with. Here she meets Kaddar the surprisingly friendly heir to the Carthak throne and she suspicously kind Emporer Mage, also known as Ozorne. In Carthak she meets new friends including animal friends of course) and new immortal friends too. The Badger God warns her of the dark future to the Carthak throne, but only warns. She also meets the Graveyard Hag, a less than idealistic goddess who gives her a power only Gods have. The way she converses with animals makes me even want to become Daine and meet her and her lands. If you are an animal or fantasy reader I most definately reccommed this book as good light reading.

Here she is again folks, but this time she's all the way across the Inland Sea. Coming with a royal envoy (which includes familiars such as the Gareths, Alanna, and Numair)she plans to try and heal the emperor's ailing birds with her magic. Little does she know what will happen to her there. Some examples are making a friend who is not on this century's "Top 9999 Good-Smelling Vertebrates List",and recieving several godly visits. In this book,Daine, with some help, will wreak havoc on the world of book reviews.

First, this is a one-day book, 250 pages of large type. So if you're looking for an in-depth tale of the Iditarod, look elsewhere. Second, the first 50 pages are some of the worst prose I've read in years. But after that Paulsen finds his pace, uneven as it is, and I started to thoroughly enjoy it. Paulsen paints an entertaining picture of his amateurish preparations and training for the race. But the pace shifts again as the race starts and he turns serious. From then on, the reader begins to feel both the stark beauty and the incredible harshness of the race. One can also feel the joy of the dogs who love to run, and sense Paulsen's decline into exhaustion, not so much from his words but from the fact that he writes (I suppose because he recalls) less and less as the race wears on.

This is an intensely personal book, full of downright foolhardy determination, and worth the short time it takes to read.

I have lent this book to countless people, and everyone has loved each page. Even my husband, who does NOT like novels, couldn't put this book down. Winterdance is a novel that has a fine pace, spectacular imagery, and wonderful humor. It is an engaging story. Gary Paulsen, a celebrated children's author, highlights a time in his life where he was not a writer, dead broke and totally in love with his dogs and the great outdoors. Winterdance chronicles Paulsen's discovery of "running dogs" and follows him all the way through the grueling Iditarod. Along the way, he reflects on personal transformation as well a passion for nature. His writing paints beautiful pictures of the northern wilderness areas without going on and on. He is funny, compassionate and very much an individual. It is a quick read and a MUST read.

This is actually one of the few books I have read twice. Gary Paulsen tells the story of his rookie run in the Iditarod Sled Dog Race. He starts out this process knowing almost nothing about what it will take to actually get to the starting line, much less finish the race. His experiences during the training phase are tragically funny. The abuse he takes from his dogs, the elements, and his lack of knowledge about putting an Iditarod racing team together would make most people quit. Gary, however, sticks it out and endures what must have been one of the most spiritual experiences of his life. I read this book on a plane and I was laughing so hard I think people thought I was crazy. Have fun with it!

Jez Redfern has grown up believing that she is one of the lamia, the born vampires, only to find out that she's only half vampire. The other half is human, and if any one in the Night World found out, they'd kill her. Now living with her human mother's family, she kills those in the Night World who hunt humans. Circle Daybreak, a group that wants harmony between the Night World and humans, gives Jez a mission. They heard that Morgead, a member of the gang Jez used to be a part of, has a Wild Power, a person mentioned in prophecies about the end of the world. If Jez can't get the Wild Power to someplace safe, the world will end at the turn of the new millenium.

The Night World series now has a particular direction it's going in, and it's a thrilling one to read about. Just a warning, though: as far as I know, the series never gets finished, and we never get to see what happens at the turn of the new millenium. In this book, we get to see someone walk two worlds in a different way than we're used to in this series. Jez leads a double life with her new family and with Morgead, her soulmate. I would've liked it if this book had been a little longer; everything seemed to happen so quickly, and it made me wish there were more for me to read.

Jez Redfern had thought she was 100% vampire. She was leader of one of the most influential gangs in the night world. But one fateful night she learned the truth! Her father had been vampire, but her mother had been human! The Council had killed her parents while she was still a tiny child, and would have killed her (as a freak of nature) except for her Uncle Bracken. Devastated, she was sent to live (hide) with her mother's relatives. They did not know her true heritage. As long as she did not drink blood, she could pass as human. She became part of Circle Daybreak, a vampire hunter!

But Circle Daybreak sent her to rejoin her old gang in order to locate one of the legendary Wild Powers that their current leader, Morgead, claimed to have found. Morgead had been her second in command and was highly dangerous. Worse, some sort of twisted fate made them to be soul mates! Should he find out she was half human, he would kill her instantly!

***** An awesome tale! WOW! This book is fabulous! You will not regret purchasing this one, readers! I am currently searching for the next! Oh, this one is a book in itself, but there will obviously be others! A winner!

I love this book. I think this is my favorite book out of most of the Night World books i've read. I couldn't put it down the first time I read it until i got to the end and I'm still reading it again and again. I love all the characters, especially Jez, strong-willed, beautiful and righteous. And Morgead is just...wow. He always has an aura of danger about him and is absolutely gorgeous. I cried so much at the end when everything was revealed and Jez was staked. All in all this book is terrific, splendid, marvelous, intriguing, superb, exceptional, Wow, fascinating, amazing, extraordinary, spellbinding, and did I mention Wow? If anyone who is reading this hasn't read Huntress, get it and read it. Then read the rest in the series.

This is the best Buffy book ever! Personally, I haven't seen the entire first and second seasons, so this book was great for me. After I read it I felt like I had really seen all the episodes. The book is divided into different sections:
The mythology of Buffy:Basically it gets you started on what being the Slayer really means using extracts of dialogues from the original episodes.
Sunnydale Guidebook: It includes a review of all the places to go in Sunnydale presented like a real advise.
Character Guide: The acting start of all the actors, and the development of their characters. The lines from each one are hilarious!
Episode Guide: A short review of each episode + a great quote + Love, Slayer style:How the relationships are in that episode + Buffy's bag of tricks: her weapons every time + Pop-culture IQ: references made to the pop culture + the continuity with the other episodes + excerpts from the original script.
Monster guide: A guide with the most important monsters, vampires and witches that have appeared in the show.
Bloodlust: Every relationship that has ever taken place, with great tidbits of dialogue between the lovers.
Behind the scenes: Lots of goodies from behind the scenes of Buffy, as well as interviews with the whole cast, producer, make-up artist, etc., etc., etc. Basically every person involved in the making of the show.
Music: A complete list with the most important songs played in each episode.
This book is one of the most complete I have ever read, and I have nothing but compliments for it. Golden and Holder did a wonderful job together like always, and I recommend this book to every Buffy-watcher, wheter it's die-hard or not. The book is great, and it includes everything you could possibly want to know, so I say, go for it!

Ok, where do I start?? The Watcher's Guide for BtVS is the most informative book on any show, let alone Buffy. With all the quotes you'll ever need and the little things that you might have missed - though if you're like me, you watch the eps over and over anyway!!

There are the helpful explanations on the quotes that involve movies or TV, and help you to see what everyone was laughing about - especially good for Aussies who sometimes dont have a clue about the American terms and stuff (like me!)

There are full colour pics, as well as black and white pictures. And if you missed a few eps, there is a full episode guide of seasons 1 and 2. From the eps you did miss, you might also have missed some vital info about a character - well, never fear! Detailed character info and backgrounds are also found in this book!!

I know this is an over-used phrase but it is sooo true in this case - If you buy ONE book this year and you're a Buffy fan, this is the book you should buy!! Save up if you have to, but do whatever you can to get a hold of it before The Watcher's Guide pt 2 (for seasons 3 and 4) comes out in November 2000!! Whether you're an Australian, an American, English, from New Zealand, or ZIMBABWE! It doesn't matter! Get your hands on this book!!

This is more than "The Official Companion to the Hit Show," this is the best volume covering the first two seasons of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Christopher Golden and Nancy Holder do a first-rate job. The episode guide has not only plot summaries but also include quotes, pop-culture references, continuity points, and sometimes dialogue that was cut. There are also 100 pages of interviews with Joss Whedon, the cast and crew. The second volume is coming out on Halloween and it is my top choice for this year's treat. I do not want to wait for Christmas for that one. You cannot be a Buffy the Vampire Slayer devotee and not own these volumes.

This story is about a young girl named Mandy who lived in an orphanage. She lived there as long as she could remember and had lots of friends who supported her. There was a wall behind the orphanage where no one has ever climbed over and no one knows what it's like behind it. One day, Mandy started getting curious if there was a whole new different world behind it so she climbed over the wall when no one was looking. When she got over, she found a small cottage that was deserted. Everyday she climbed over the fence and she would clean the cottage with tools that she borrowed from the orphanage. Then there was a stormy night and she fell ill and couldn't even move, but then a mysterious person rescues her and she returns back to her cottage.
I read this book because I read the summary behind the book and thought it was a good story because I like adventorous stories. This book was also recommended to me by my cousin. This was one of her favorite books and told me to read it becuase it was written by the famous Julie Edwards.
My favorite part in this story was when Mandy finds the deserted cottage and cleans it all by herself. She plants flowers and she decortates the house will shells and other things that she found in the forest, next to the cottage. Also when she gets saved by poeple who were vistiting and they care for her. The part when I didn't like was when she got very ill and no one was there to help her and no one could hear her because the storm was so loud.

I absolutley love this book. My Grandma gave it to me as a present when I was 8 or 9 and I didn't even really like to read, but this was an amaizing story that really captures the reader. Mandy was so interesting to read about. I couldn't put the book down when I started reading it. I would fall asleep reading it! It was an easy book to read, no difficult words or ideas, so it would be ideal for a younger child, but it was also so interesting that an older person could definatey enjoy it. It is still my favorite book. I've loved this book for almost 10 years and I have no idea how many times I read it. But it's still good and draws me into the fantasy ever time I read it. I'd reccomend this book for a mom to read to her daughter. I'm sure you'll enjoy this book.

I am a student at Waldron Mercy Academy. (ADH)
The story takes place in a stone orphanage close to the woods. In the orphanage lives a 10-year-old girl named Mandy. Secretly Mandy's heart pounds for a family and a place to call home. One day Mandy follows her heart and travels in the woods. There in the woods she finds a cottage and a little garden. Mandy loves it so much that she dreads leaving. When she gets back to the orphanage she swore herself to secrecy. Soon Mandy falls terribly ill and is forbidden to leave the orphanage. When
no one was around Mandy sprints towards the cottage. Outside Mandy hears loud crashing thunder and is so sick she can't even move. The only person who can reach her is a secret admirer.
This book kept me reading from page 1 to end. You should defiantly read this book.

A friend of my father's brought me a box full of used books when I was 9 or 10. Tucked away in the bottome was this, the last in the Prydain Chronicles....it sat for quite awhile in my bookcase before I picked it up and began reading. What an experience it turned out to be! The adventures of Taran (Assistant Pig- Keeper), Eilonwy, Gurgi, Prince Llyr, and all the other charming charaters in their quest to beat the evil Horned King opened my eyes to the wonderful world of fantasy in children's literature. Indeed, after reading the High King I ran out and spent all my allowance (preciously saved) on the rest of the 5-book series.

Lloyd Alexander writes with a refreshing and unpretentious stye, neither speaking down to kids nor falling into any of the cliched storylines or dialogue of many writers of fantasy literature. Indeed, I believe many authors of modern adult fantasy would greatly benefit from studying Mr. Alexanders writing style.

I credit this series for the beginning of my 25+ years of affection for Celtic, Gaelic, and Welsh mythology and would strongly recommend this series for any lover, young and old, of fantasy and mythology.

_The High King_ brings to a rousing conclusion Lloyd Alexander's magnificent blending of Welsh mythology and Tolkienesque heroic fantasy. This is definitely the most reminiscent of _The Lord of the Rings_ of all the Prydain books, but that isn't a bad thing. Tolkien had the right formula, and there's nothing wrong with using it, as long as you use it well--which Alexander certainly does. In this novel Taran finally becomes a full-fledged hero, following the quests and disappointments of the preceding novel. If _Taran Wanderer_ was the quietest of the series, this more than makes up for it, with treacherous lords, deathless Cauldron-Born, and relentless Huntsmen aplenty. Alexander weaves together all the threads he has spun in the previous novels, but without appearing to force anything. I read this novel first in the series, which definitely wasn't a good idea. But even without the others, it was excellent. As the capstone of an excellent series, it is superb.

The High King is a Newbery award winner in a series of 5 books (The High King is last book in the series). Starting with the mystical and astonishing book The Book of Three, this series builds over time and forces the reader to read these books again after time. The book starts off with Taran, once a cowardly assistant pig keeper. After the other books he develops the skills needed for a warrior, and is now grown up into a majestic character with the other characters met and discovered in the other books. The saddest and dreadful book in the series, the story must end, and main characters that played an important role are enforced in this book, ending the series once and for all. This book is the final attack made towards the Death Lord, and seals the paths for epilogues, but leaves room for the past to be revealed. The series read together make a great connection towards each other, and answers all unanswered questions that remain in the readers' head. This adventure plots all the characters from previous journeys, and makes a perilous excursion for the fantasy readers. Just like any series, what happens in the past controls the future. This book, read with the series or alone, provides adventure for any age. The fantasy based book implanted on the fundamentals of a welsh legend shows how people can react sometimes, or how much their customs make notice in front of intelligence and common sense.

I Have Lived a Thousand Years by Livia Bitton-Jackson retraces the steps of a girl, Elli, and her family during the Holocaust. The family is forced to endure extreme humiliation. They are then herded into the cramped Ghetto's. Living conditions are unbearable and there food is unsanitary. The next hurdle is concentration camps were families and friends are separated. You are now no longer an individual only a number with no possessions. Elli learns to go on even if you have no reason. Through all this Elli has been able to shed some light on a bad situation and make it worth living. She, along with her mom and brother, are able to make it against all odds.
I Have Lived a Thousand Years is a good book to read or buy. You are really taken into the time and you feel as though you are there with her. Although you may stumble on some of the words it is worth the trouble. The story is one a tragedy and of hope.

I Have Lived a Thousand Years by Livia Bitton-Jackson is beyond an amazing story. It tells the life of thirteen-year-old Ellie Freidmann during the Holocaust. Ellie is a Jewish girl who is forced from her home, along with her family, to the ghetto and then to many different concentration camps, including the worst, Auschwitz. Her father is taken away from them very early in the book, which is then followed by other losses. The book is almost guaranteed to make you cry, as it is not only filled with grief and loss, but also with an almost unreal amount of determination and love. Ellie and her mother's strength is almost unimaginable. I highly recommend this book to everyone. It really opens your eyes up to what hate and prejudice can lead to. Even though it contains large amounts of sadness, reading the book gives you a very encouraging feeling, to know that evil didn't and can't prevail.

This book was very good. It taught me a lot about the holocaust. Before I hadn't heard a lot about the holocaust. Then, my Reading class started talking about the holocaust and we were told to read a book about it. I am glad I read this book,because this girl had really gone through a lot and all this really happened. Ellike, the main character, is a teenage girl living in the holocaust. She is a very talented girl that would risk a lot even if it meant her life. She went to a ghetto and then was taken to a concentration camp. She really matures and goes through a lot for her age and a lot of adults couldn't even live through all of the physical and emotional times. Even now after all the years it takes a lot of strength to get over it. This is a very disterbing, but informative book, and I think you should read it.

CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN

Format: Paperback,1st ed., 180 pages ISBN: 0553272500 Publisher: Bantam Doubleday Dell Books for Younger Readers Pub. Date: February 1981 Other Formats: Hardback Recommended Age:Third grade and up

Wonderful...Once you start to read the first page you wont be able to put the book down. This perfect way to spend a rainy day. You will be very amused when you read about the hilarious events of the Gilbreth family. The family of twelve children have many adventures you will enjoy reading. The father is almost crazy and a very successful business man. He is very strict and overprotective. He won't let his daughters wear make up or dress the way they like to. They slowly change his mind and begin to dress their way. He thinks his children can do anything and is also believed he could do anything. He loved jokes and laughing and you will love the practical jokes they play on each other. The rich family loves to go to movies then out for ice cream. They also spend their summers at the beach, where their Dad forces them to learn to swim. He wants them to learn as much as possible about everything so he always finds a way to teach them new things. As an efficiency expert he made sure that everything was done in a time efficient way. It was a sin to waste time in the Gilbreth house and he was constantly coming up with new ways to save time. The Dad in the story liked to parade around and show off his kids. Although this was embarassing to some of the kids as they got older Dad found it hilarious. The mother also was sometimes embarrassed or insulted by the attention they got or the comments other people made. This book will keep you laughing right up to the last chapter when Dad dies. The book is a mixture of humor and then sadness at the ending. This is an excellent book that everybody should read. I recommend this book for anyone that knows how to read no matter how old or young!

Dina Bastianini, Pine-Richland High School

This book is the best book I have ever read. I own it and have read it many times. It kept me interested from the first page and you will not want to put it down. It is about a family of 12 children. Their dad is always thinking of new ways to save time and he thinks that he can teach him and his children anything. The family likes to play practical jokes on eachother and are always having a good time. This book is very interesting and never gets boring.

CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN

Format: Paperback,1st ed., 180 pages ISBN: 0553272500 Publisher: Bantam Doubleday Dell Books for Younger Readers Pub. Date: February 1981 Other Formats: Hardback Recommended Age:Third grade and up

Wonderful...Once you start to read the first page you wont be able to put the book down. This perfect way to spend a rainy day. You will be very amused when you read about the hilarious events of the Gilbreth family. The family of twelve children have many adventures you will enjoy reading. The father is almost crazy and a very successful business man. He is very strict and overprotective. He won't let his daughters wear make up or dress the way they like to. They slowly change his mind and begin to dress their way. He thinks his children can do anything and is also believed he could do anything. He loved jokes and laughing and you will love the practical jokes they play on each other. The rich family loves to go to movies then out for ice cream. They also spend their summers at the beach, where their Dad forces them to learn to swim. He wants them to learn as much as possible about everything so he always finds a way to teach them new things. As an efficiency expert he made sure that everything was done in a time efficient way. It was a sin to waste time in the Gilbreth house and he was constantly coming up with new ways to save time. The Dad in the story liked to parade around and show off his kids. Although this was embarassing to some of the kids as they got older Dad found it hilarious. The mother also was sometimes embarrassed or insulted by the attention they got or the comments other people made. This book will keep you laughing right up to the last chapter when Dad dies. The book is a mixture of humor and then sadness at the ending. This is an excellent book that everybody should read. I recommend this book for anyone that knows how to read no matter how old or young!

Dina Bastianini, Pine-Richland High School