This is the first work of John Jakes that I have read and will definately look for his others.

I have read similar novels abour immigrants and the turn of the century, but this one was of higher quality. Jales told a really good story with excellent character development. It is also the story of America in the 1890s and all the changes of that era.

The characters are well drawn and interesting. I also liked that historical figures (Edison, Teddy Roosevelt, Clara Barton, Jane Addams) also wander in and out.

The story is mostly the experiences of new German immigrant, Paul Crown. Paul is a truly interesting character and he really grows throughout the story.

I look forward to reading the sequel becuase I was sorry when Homeland eneded......

John Jakes has done it again with another great historical epic. The writing and images put the reader in that era. I felt like a part of the Crown family. It was a long book, but I could not put it down!

Homeland is not a literary masterpiece, but it is a thoroughly engrossing look at turn-of-the-century America through the eyes and adventures of one family. Joe Crown is a German immigrant who has built a successful brewery. Son Joe Junior becomes passionately involved in union activity, while nephew Pauli, a street kid in Berlin, travels to America and finds his calling in moving pictures.

What I love about John Jakes is how he showcases the major issues, struggles and viewpoints of a time period through his characters, but still manages to give the characters depth and allow the reader to connect and relate to them. Once you read Homeland, you'll be anxious to pick up the sequel, American Dreams, to see what happens to the second generation of the Crowns!

All of us have that book which we remember fondly from childhood, that one book we saw in the school library which we wish were ours so we could keep it in our own private place and read over and over again. Van Loon's Story of Mankind is that book for me. Van Loon does a tremendous service to the study of history. Even though this is a childrens book Van Loon does not ignore or alter the facts of history so that he can comfort instead of educate the child who may be reading the book. And even though the book reads like one big bedtime story, Van Loon always tries to remain objective and never force his opinion on the reader. When he talks about Napolean he makes it very obvious that he does not like the man or what he stood for, but he also tells the reader that his grandfather fought alongside the man and that he(Van Loon) would have probably fought alongside him as well, that's just the kind of man Napolean was. At an age where you will believe almost anything told to you, especially by a man who has written a book, Van Loon tries to give the child both an appreciation for history and a sense of objectivity about events. This was one of the first books, if not the first book, that showed me that everything is not always black and white, good and evil, but shades and gradations of good and evil. I read this to all my nephews, and when they don't know what to read I hand them this book, hoping it will make them a wiser person for listening to Van Loon's lessons.

As a history minor and professional journalist I've read my share of history books but by far this book is the best I've ever read. Sure there are more scholarly volumes written on the rise of humanity but the author takes our collective tale and puts it in a form in which children can understand and adults can draw joy from. By all means this is a kids book but when you consider how many of us have been pushed away and unknowingly punished by history professors who thought it more important to tell us dates and not the story of the people making the dates significant, this book can be a valuable asset to adults. In a world which is being dumbed down this story, written on a childs level, may even be more apperciated. However to say this text is "DUMB" or lacking intelligence and well crafted words would be an injustice.. It's an incredible book. I have the hard back volume and it will stay in my family for the rest of time. I look forward to the day when my youngest son returns it to me after reading it and says, "Thanks dad". Yes this book is that good.. God Bless.. Ross Guidotti..

This reprint of Henrik Willem van Loon's "Story of Mankind", winner of the 1922 Newberry Award (first awarded) is a treasure chest of history spiced throughout with van Loon's delightful pen and ink drawings. Modern editors have tried to bring the book up to date by including major world events since van Loon originally wrote the book, but their writing doesn't have the insight that made van Loon's writings what they are. Van Loon traces the history of mankind from the beginning, starting with a brief geologic description of planet earth. His writing makes it seem as if you are reading a docu-drama, and you'll keep wishing that he could spend more time on each topic. I especially enjoyed the sections on the middle ages and renaissance, and this book serves as a good introduction to history for children with writing that brings history to life. At times, given when this book was originally written, you may be struck by van Loon's eurocentric flavor, but overall, he does a remarkable job in providing a well balanced presentation of all major world events. He does a great job of looking at major world religions. This is not an exhaustive epic of the history of humanity, rather it is an excellent introduction to history. Sadly, not many histories can claim to be as entertaining as this volume. Perhaps if more were, history would not be viewed with dread.

I cannot believe Tom would believe his "father" over
Elizabeth. He's known his father for what? Two weeks!
And already he's believing his pond scum dad over his girlfriend.
Why would Elizabeth lie anyway?? It makes no sense!

However, as mad as I am at Tom, this WAS a good book. I'll
definitely be reading more.

As for Jessica, I think she was stupid to try to follow up
on something Nick obviously didn't want her to know. I hate
to say it, but Jessica needs a good kick in the butt every now
and then!

This book is very exciting! Jessica Wakefield goes on Nick Fox's meet, but still hasn't gotten any real info. Then she and Nick are driving and when Nick spots a car following them, they go on a really exciting chase. Then Nick fights a man with a gun later on, and saves a lot of people. Jessica and Nick fall deeper in love, and it's so romantic. Elizabeth and Tom get closer. Now that they found out that George Conroy is actully Tom's father, Tom has gotten happier. Only Elizabeth hasn't. She can tell that Mr. Conroy is hitting on her- her son's girlfriend! He hits on her a few times, and she is fully disguisted. When she confronts him, she knows for sure he's hitting on her. Meanwhile, Alexandra Rollins is working for a substance abuse hotline, and is answering calls. Celine goes on a dangerous trip to get money. She gets a boyfriend, and uses him as part of her plan. She goes to dangerous areas and meets with very dangerous men that will kill her if she doesn't give them money by Tuesday. But she uses her boyfriend for some other dirty work. Meanwhile, Jessica is still trying to figure out Nick's secret, and comes close and closer and dangerously close! This book is great!

This book was one of the best stories I have ever read. First of all, it was a page turner with George Conroy hitting on Elzabeth. I thought that was a great story, because you don't know whats going to happen next. And Jessica's new, mysterious boyfriend, Nick Fox keeps making read more and more. It is definetly a good book for teens to read!

If you don't have a feel for what it must be like to hope to dig yourself and your family out of the worst of situations and build a better life, this book should help. I've driven by at a distance from such projects and have failed to really understand what bright kids like these have to deal with . . . at school, at home, in their neighborhood . . . until I read this book. And right here in "the land of the free".

LeAllan & Lloyd are living testimonials to what must be overcome each and every day when one is in such circumstances. It makes one wonder how many others are feeling so trapped and possess such strong desires to better themselves in the midst of such tragedy.

Your America may be a bit different from LeAlan Jones's and Lioyd Newman's...welcome to theirs. These young men bring you into their community were you find yourself laughing at time and then wanting to reach out and save them. This reading is not sugar coated...your heart will break. LeAlan and Lloyd have used thier power to speak, listen to what they have to say! Then you will be blessed with John Brook, the talented young photographer whose images grace these pages of this outstanding book.

I have great respect for these men in this book for they are our future. Chicago, my home, is a better please because of these talented men...Continue to speak with your mighty voices.

Though I was required to read this book for a course I took, and therefore supposed to be reading and analyzing it over a week's time, I found myself reading the entire book in one sitting. This book shows the unfamiliar reader what poverty really is, how it thinks, acts, looks like, and feels from the words and experiences of children. LeAlan and Lloyd are children growing up in a very adult world, and one is reminded just how young they actually are when you listen to the recordings of their initial broadcasts. Knowing that they and their families are real people, how can you read this book and feel nothing? The tragic part is, those who most need their eyes opened to the state of poverty and violence in our nation will most likely never read this book. For those of us who do, may your eyes be a little wider, your heart a little deeper, and your spirit be called to action.

I read this when I was in elementary school. (I'm 23 now.) I didn't enjoy reading at all until college. But of the few books I bothered with I remember loving this one. It was just so bizarre and sinister to a kid. Edward Gorey's illustrations creeped me out. (check out his own books.) If you want a book that will enthrall your child with its eerieness, choose this one.

I grew up to love books like The Third Policeman, movies like Eyes Wide Shut, TV shows like Twin Peaks, composers like Berlioz, and painters like Magritte. Do your kids a favor and weird 'em out!

This book was the cooest book that I had ever read. I thought that it was full of adventure and the book was vary exciting The book did end like I thought it would. But I didn't expect it to be so exciting. I really enjoyed this book and I would reccommend it to people of all ages.

Evaristus Sloane invented a robot that was like a pitching machine a long time ago. But Johnny's grandpa didn't want it because he didn't like the way it's eyes look. Now, crazy Sloane is going to get back at him and he is going to use Johnny to do it!!!!

Buffy Summers knows that something is not right in Sunnydale when an all-female rock band spellbinds its male. However, Buffy has no time to determine why it feels unnatural to her because she needs to concentrate on the human bones that an essence sucked dry. If she had the time, Buffy would have learned that the all-girl band is comprised of ghouls lunching on the male of the species. There is also a new vampire in town, who handles sunlight like a mortal strolling in the daytime.

The Scooby Gang has its own troubles so Buffy can expect little help form that quarter. Buffy?s plate is overwhelming as she must stop a sun-tanning vampire, ascertain who killed the males and put that creature out of circulation permanently, and save a close associate held captive while insuring she keeps up her non-slayer life.

BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER: GHOUL TROUBLE is a delightful tale that keeps the essences of the main characters of the TV show yet provide a new adventure for Buffy. The story line is more than just a horror tale as John Passarella adds humor and a who-done-it to the action-packed suspense thriller. Mr. Passarella has written a tale that will interest readers beyond just the series fans. This in turn will send the audience seeking other Buffy novels (see SPIKE AND DRU: PRETTY MAIDS ALL IN A ROW by Christopher Golden) and Mr. Passarella?s award winning WITHER.

Harriet Klausner

Ghoul Trouble is great!The best things about this book are that all my favourite characters are there,and you really feel they are,because of the way in which the author has portrayed them.It moves along at a fast pace,with Buffy fighting not only a pack of ghouls disguised as an all girl band,but also a vampire is out to get Buffy,named Solitaire.The first twist is that he appears to have the ability to walk around in sunlight.I wont tell you the other as it would spoil the story.This book is very descriptive,and imaginative,the storylines being really original.This book is a surprise in many ways,and a great read!

This is a must have for buffy fans!!! i read it once and i'm reading it again. this is the story: When Buffy and gang find a pit of bones(human) picked clean and find evidence that all owners of the bones were male, Giles tells them to be wary of sirens and/or ghouls in Sunnydale. Meanwhile, a new girl group shows up at the Bronze and all the guys go gaga for them. Xander and even oz are mesmerized by them. If that's not enough,Solitaire, a vampire with immunity to the sun and an interest in buffy's mom shows up and attacks Angel and Giles. Then Willow goes missing. Buffy must figure out what left the pit of boy bones, who kidnapped Willow, and how to get rid of Solitaire. And while all this is going on , Buffy's new "commando counselor" is on her case about the subjects she's failing. Will Buff get to Willow in time, get rid of Solitaire before he hurts her mom, figure out about the bones in the pit and pass 12th grade? read the book to find out.

With many funny scenes and lines "I Want to Buy a Vowel" would have to be the best book I have read so far. For the first time reading one of John Welters books, it certainly made a good impression on me. The book kept me interested and always waiting for more. The charters were well introduced and made the plot more interesting. What seems to be a book only about immigration turns out to be a mix of immigration and satanical rituals that seem to be going on in the town, which turn out to be practical jokes. Jokes, that happen to get out of hand and turn a town upside down. The author John Welter does a great job of introducing characters and a great job of making the book flow smoothly from scene to scene. I give this book four stars, and would recommend this book to everyone and especially to the people that don't like to read books, because this book would keep anyone interested with its humor.

Here's a maddening fruit cake of a book. Welter mixes chunks of humor and serious social and religious concerns into a kind of heavy cake that can scarcely hold everything together. Natural, elegant passages are followed by stilted descriptions. Sophisticated ideas about human behavior are offset by juvenile notions about the way the law and social institutions work.

According to the cover of this paperback that is an authentic bargain, Welter's Waxahachie, Texas, characters are proof of an extraordinary imagination. A conclusion closer to the truth is that the author probably spent time in a Texas small town and has a genius for capturing what he experienced first hand. He treats religious ideas seriously and has an extraordinarily deft talent at finding fun while mulling over some pretty weighty issues.

So pick out the funny nuts. Go for the loony citron. Get the rum soaked pineapple. And ignore the rest.

I Want to Buy a Vowel is a light, satirical look at small town life in Texas through the eyes of two key characters--eleven-year-old Eva Galt, the somewhat precocious and philosophical daughter of a local preacher and Alfredo Santayana, a Guatemalan émigré who thumbs his way to Texas in search of the good life North of the border and whose "command" of English is based on his exposure to the TV show "Wheel of Fortune".

Welter does a masterful job of setting the stage for the sort of offbeat antics that so color the life of a small town. There's the uproar over the sighting of an image of the Virgin Mary in a stamp machine in the local post office, the local grocers decision to paint a replica of the Sistine Chapel on his store ceiling and the discovery of what appears to be the residue of Satanic cult activities on the outskirts of town-your typical Texas summer stuff in Waxahachie, Texas.

The book works because Welter has a fine feel for gently gibing comedy on the one hand and a true gift for developing sympathetic and enjoyable characters, especially kids characters, on the other hand. Eva, particularly, is a delight, but even the more peripheral characters--such as the Sheriff, are delightful as well.

Welter also clearly understands the dynamics of the intricate web of character, tradition and circumstance that constitutes small town living.

The end result is a charming and extremely funny book that has you running back to the bookshelves hoping there is a sequel to be read. With luck, perhaps someday Welter will treat us to one.

CALIFORNIA GOLD is the story of Macklin Chance, who like many others of his day, journeys to the land of California with the hopes of finding a new life and fortune. It is the start of the gold rush, and Macklin, along with thousands of others, help build the state of California in the late 1800's and early 1900's.

Macklin starts from the bottom and works his way to the top,and along the way he encounters the men that helped build California: Leland Stanford, Randolph Hearst, to name a few.

As in all John Jakes novels, CALIFORNIA GOLD is filled with a lot of history and a lot of great characters. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, although I do not feel it's Jake's best. I felt the ending was a little disappointing - can't explain it but it felt wrong to me - but otherwise this was one of those books that I couldn't put down. A must-read for all John Jakes fans!

This was certainly a book that you could enjoy. This book also gave you a good picture of the history of California. This book chronicles the rise from poverty to massive riches for a young man from Pennylsvania. He first grows immensely wealthy by taking part in the oil industry of California. From making big money in petroleum he moves into the citrus industry. He is able to continue making money in the citrus business. His next step is in water rights. This novel also tells of some of his lady loves that he becomes familiar with. Also interesting is some of the potent enemies that he gets in the state of California. This is a good depiction of wealth and power gained in the Golden State. If you read this book you will read a good story as well as get a good history of the state of California. It is also very unique the way that John Jakes uses some historical figures from these days in this story. Read this book,you will not be dissapointed.

In California Gold, John Jakes has once again created a very engrossing story wrapped in lots of interesting history about California. As usual, his plot moves along at a brisk pace and he introduces many interesting characters -- both fictional and real-life. The main character, James Macklin Chance, is one of Jakes' more memorable ones. I'm sure you'll enjoy how he comes to California as a young man, poor financially but rich in ambition, and his adventures in building one fortune on top of another. If you enjoy historical fiction, and especially if you're a John Jakes fan, do yourself a favor and get a copy of California Gold. You'll be richer for the reading experience.

I really liked this book but it would have been better if Jessica came to London on her own and explained to Elizabeth. At first she doesn't listen until Max sees the real truth. Jessica kissed Sam to show her sister that he is no good. Either way I am happy that Vanessa and James got together. I hope SVU continues until they graduate. At first I didn't like the series. But I changed my mind after reading the first book.

I really enjoyed the Elizabeth series, and I thought that all of the characters and storylines were both captivating and exciting! However, as sad as I am to see Max and Liz split up, I'm glad to hear that Liz is going back to SVU! I wonder what's going to happen when she gets home. What's been going on with Jess? Or Neil? Or Sam? What's up with Nina, or Denise, Winston, Isabella (if she's back), Nick (wherever he may be), Todd, or Tom? Anyway, if anyone knows anything, post away, ok? Besides that, enjoy your SWEET VALLEY reading!

The only word to totally sum up this book, is finally. In this concluding book to the ELIZABETH series, every issue is resolved. It makes me sad that i've finally gotten use to the characters, and now the series is through. Some may have found it boring, but i have found it interesting. The Elizabteh and Max story line is one of true love. I wish it would continue and that Max would return to sweet valley with Elizabteh, and the whole gang (including Todd, Alex, Denise, Isabelle, Danny, Winston, Neil, and Nina) will be reunited again. I miss the old sweet valley. I think Max would be a wonderful addition. I have been a faithful sweet valley reader since third grade, when i began reading the sweet valley kids books. I own every single book, and i hope that they will continue!!

first of all, the plot. tom gets this scolarship thing to work with nicholas des perdus, a big journalist for new orleans. naturally, he takes his picture of liz with him (awww...). when nicholas sees the picture, he seems transfixed by it. then tom notices it disappears, only the reappear the next night with a spot on it. it seems liz looks exactly like some long-lost love of nicholas's. a side plot is jessica competing with alison to get a spare room at theta house. the good points of this book are how the writer changes the style when it's nicholas thinking. i just find that really cool. also it's funny how much tom is mooning over elizabeth... towards the end, he walks up to jessica and a group of thetas, and he's like "have you-" and they all say in unison "seen elizabeth?". that was stupid, but funny. another good point is that it's an svu book!! as an addict, i love it anyway!! the bad points are... 1) nicholas is a vampire. how realistic. 2) in general not much happens in the book until the last, like, 15 pages. 3) it takes too long to get to the point. 4) ANOTHER girl who looks just like liz and jess? there's liz, jess, margo, her twin, and now lizette (nicholas's long-lost love). 5) it's way too unrealistic even for me!! this book is not the best, but it's ok. i reccomend it mainly to big fans of svu.

I liked this book. I can't say it's the best ever, because I haven't read so many. This is my third SVU book. Everything starts when Tom gets an internship in New Orleans, working with a young, but famous, journalist. He puts a picture of Elizabeth on his desktable, and the problems - and fun for the reader - start. My favourite part was definitely where Tom figures out that, well, SOMEONE, is a vampire. You can't stop reading until you finished the book.

I'm a big fan of the sweetvally books.Thier relly exciting,altough I really didn't expect Elizabeth to fall for the vampire act but I thought it was cool , it has alot of twists and turns , it was exicting.