The Moomin books were read to me when I was a child, in the sixties, and were among the first books I loved so much that I had to pick them up and reread them on my own. I've never forgotten them, and I'm so pleased to find them in print. COMET IN MOOMINLAND and MOOMINLAND MIDWINTER had the strongest effect on me, but I adored them all. The Moomins are unique in children's literature.

My sister and I read the Moomin fantasy stories in the 1960s, when we were children. We STILL share jokes about plot lines today! When my son was 5, I bought them and we read them. We could hardly put them down, and he wanted to read the entire series through again the minute we finished. I hadn't realized how entertaining they were for adults. Maybe it's the wry humor of Finland coming through. While these are chapter books, they do have some absolutely charming illustrations. My son ... prefers them to Harry Potter (which he is hearing aloud again at school). It's best to read them kind of in order, as there is a time line to the books insofar as characters are introduced. Comet in Moominland is the first one, in my opinion, and Moominpappa's Memoirs is last. You can read the others in any order, in between. Moominsummer Madness was a little bit weak, I thought; but the others are just terrific, children's classics! Also great take home messages subtly presented, such as: even orphans can find a family; friends help friends out of jams; people go through moods, and it's OK; people who look scary and behave strangely, can maybe just be misunderstood. I credit these books as major contributors to his outstanding love for reading. The characters are beautifully drawn, diverse and imperfect; while there is a mother, a father, and a son, family structure is not stereotyped; the plot lines keep your attention; and the prose created by the translators is superb. They may be hard to find in libraries but they are WELL WORTH the search (or purchase).

Bearing in mind that this book was originally published in 1946, one realizes that the ominous comet that is seemingly destined to destroy Moominland is none other than the atom bomb. Jansson has achieved the feat of calming children's fears about the nuclear age (she may have been the first to tackle the subject in a children's book)---and she has done it delightfully. In this charming, whimsical, and profound story, Moomintroll and Sniff journey to an Observatory somewhere in the Lonely Mountains to find out if the great comet that Moomin has seen will really come to destroy the Earth on October 7th at 8:42 pm (or possibly four seconds later). On their journey they meet up with the solitary traveler Snufkin, the Snork, and the lovely Snork Maiden (soon to become the love of Moomintroll's life), the Hemulen, and other fascinating creatures. The bleak reality of the comet is in stark contrast with, and ultimately powerless against, the loving relationships of the characters themselves. Highly recommended, perhaps the best of the Moomin books to start with for those new to Jansson's work. There is hardly a modern problem or anxiety that Jansson does not address, in her childlike wisdom, somewhere in her books. A major overlooked children's writer in this country (though quite popular in Scandinavia and, interestingly, Japan).

This book is a perfect college graduation gift, or for a friend just moving into her first apartment or house, and/or your mom. It's one of those books that should be left out for frequent browsing. The writing is fun, the topics are useful. Ladies who've read this book will seem to be more clever than their friends, which is always fun.

This book is a must, especially for women! The information is practical and the writers have a witty style that keeps your attention and makes you want more! I learned so much about the things most people my age are afraid to ask or are too embarrassed to say they don't know by now. Hats off to you, Elizabeth and Elizabeth!

This book is a must, especially for women! The information is practical and the writers have a witty style that keeps your attention and makes you want more! I learned so much about the things most people my age are afraid to ask or are too embarrassed to say they don't know by now. Hats off to you, Elizabeth and Elizabeth!

Jacques' experience as a blind person living through, and participating in, the French resistance was amazing to follow with him through his autobiography; I find no fault in what he presented. I did, however, feel that something was missing from it. There was a painful depth that I knew had to exist within Jacques somewhere that I did not see. What he did do is tell us how beautific the experience was (generally) of being blind for him; he went to great lenght in the first half of the book to let you know that he did not really suffer from his loss; that it was not really a loss to him but actually a lovely thing. I do not doubt that this was true for Jacques but it seemed a bit too sweet for me. Perhaps this is because of my own experiences with loss in my life I wanted to be with someone that expressed more psychological dimension.

Again, no fault to this story; it was well presented and I am glad that I read it; the man was remarkable. It's just something to keep in mind about reading someone's life experience and if you are looking for how someone dealt with the pain of their loss, their struggles with daily life, this book does not go very far toward giving you much of a picture because he did not express much about it at all related to his blindness.

Harper Collins just came out with their list of the 100 best spiritual books of the 20th Century. Yes, another list, but this one intrigued me enough to want to sample the books on the list. And that is how Icame across this remarkable book. Jacques Lusseyran was blinded in an accident at the age of 8, yet was a major force in the French Resistance during World War II, was betrayed and spent time in a Concentration Camp.This is NOT anotherholocaust memoir. Insteadit is an odd, inspiring, beautifully and simply written story, detailinghow one man lived a full spiritual life despite blindness and the presence of great evil. Blindness was not a "handicap" to Lusseyran, instead he reacted to the world in amazing ways. It was a mysticism born out ofcircumstances, not theology. Few books can overwhelm the cynic in me.For a time, this one did.I have sent this book to friends and relatives, who were as surprised and moved as I was. And There Is Light may change you.

This is one of the most incredible books I have ever read! Lusseyran describes and reflects everything inside myself that I never thought I could find in anyone else. He is brilliant! If I could meet anyone who ever walked this planet, Lusseyran would definately be who I'd meet. He has become a role model.

This book begins with a guided tour of the digestive system and emphasizes the importance of a wellness diet and lifestyle in maintaining proper nutrition and health. The bulk of the book is devoted to offering hundreds of nutritional and herbal self-care ideas for digestive illnesses - including ulcers, heartburn, common cankers, Celiac disease, diverticulosis, IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) and IBD (Crohn's disease & ulcerative colitis). I found this to be a well researched and thorough guide to alternative solutions for digestive health problems and wellness.

An excellent book for anyone who wonders if how they eat affects their health. As a nurse in a wellness practice, I quote Ms. Lipski all the time. This book is a must read for anyone with a chronic health problem or anyone who doesn't want to get one!

Not only is the list of difficulties caused by poor digestion lengthy, it includes many health problems that people don't immediately associate with their digestive process. Most people know that bad breath, indigestion, hiatal hernias, and Crohn's Disease are related to what happens in the digestive tract. Clinical nutritionist Elizabeth Lipski, M.S., C.C.N., also includes arthritis, autism, fibromyalgia, psoriasis, and schizophrenia in the list of digestion-related ailments.

Lipski cites all the latest research and studies on digestive disorders and therapies in her new book, Digestive Wellness, Updated Second Edition.

Digestion begins in the mouth and continues through the stomach and intestines to the colon. Each organ has an important role to play in helping the body break down foods so that their nutrients can be absorbed. Lipski says that "most of us don't think much about digestion unless it isn't working well," adding that "many people with chronic digestive problems continue to eat poorly, never realizing that their food choices are causing their ill health."

She starts with an exploration of the causes of digestive illness, which is often related to lifestyle choices. She then describes how a healthy digestive system works, and explains where and how the process can get out of balance. Lipski also includes information on how to pinpoint the source of your particular digestive disorder and provides recommendations and therapies for restoring wellness.

She emphasizes that each person has different biochemistry, and that what works for one will not work for another. Although health professionals can order lab tests (and she explains these tests fully), healing usually involves modifying individual eating habits. Accordingly, Lipski devotes one section to self-care strategies, with the intent of exposing readers to "more plans, new ideas, and the tools to be your own health expert."

She ends with a resource list of nutrition experts, health professionals, laboratories, and suggested reading.

Lipski says that Digestive Wellness "is about taking control of your lifestyle to increase your chances of getting healthier and more vibrant each year." It's an excellent resource for everyone suffering from any kind of digestive disorder and those who care about them.

Mary Elizabeth Anderson's LINK ACROSS AMERICA is an informative and entertaining way for young and old alike to learn about the Lincoln Highway. The book combines facts, photos and entertaining Burma Shave jingle signs to help keep children interested in the topic while they read.

The history reflected makes you appreciate the roads we travel, instead of just taking them for granted. I must admit that I attended Seedling Mile School in Grand Island, Nebraska for 3 years and only recently learned why it was called such when I read Ms. Anderson's book. I had no idea the struggles made by so many to put together this road that I travel so often.

I highly recommend LINK ACROSS AMERICA to anyone with an interest in American history.

A friend of mine recommended "Link Across America", and I thourghly enjoyed reading it. I had no idea that the Lincoln Highway even existed, since I grew up here in Michigan. I was also not a fan of history as a kid, but this book is so interesting and easy to read. Children will love it. It is a great part of history that children should not miss out on. I also love all of the colorful pictures.

I thought the book LINK ACROSS AMERICA by Mary Elizabeth Anderson was excellent. I have lived by the Lincoln Highway most of my life but I was never aware of the histroy behind it. It is a fun book for children to read, and also learn at the same time. The book makes us appreciate what we have and also recognize the efforts of the people who gave us the first coast to coast highway.

The Trouble With Perfect is an invaluable resource for all those raising children or working with families. As an educator, mother and grandmother, I have read countless books on parenting. If I had to recommend one book on the subject during these stressful times it would be this one. Dr. Guthrie demonstrates clarity, common sense and experience as she discusses dangerous assumptions regarding the definition of a "good parent." She writes about the pitfalls of parenting with humor, intelligence and great wisdom. The Trouble With Perfect is a valuable and practical resource for parents, educators, therapists, pediatricians and anyone else interested in learning what being successful parents and children really means.

In "The Trouble with Perfect" Dr. Guthrie offers a unique and much needed perspective on raising children in this modern age of competition to always be the best and have the best. Not only is this important book enlightening and refreshing in its content and message to parents, it is enjoyable, easy to read and funny while exploring serious and difficult topics. This book is a "must read" not only for parents, but for all adults who spend time and interact with today's children.

I loved the book! As a parent raising three teenage children in this very competitive world, this book was a dose of reality. Sometimes you find yourself caught up in how things "look" rather than what's right for your children. This book made me take a closer look at my children and what their individual strengths and interests are, and how I can nurture them to become happy and successful adults. I especially liked the Strategies chapter, which offers some hands on tips for situations that are familiar to many parents. The book was an easy read, with a friendly tone and a sense of humor that made you feel good about your children and what you can do to help them in a positive way when you were finished reading it.

Okay, there's not many days left until Xmas but let me assure you that this Garfield book makes an excellent last-minute gift. Everyone I know loves Garfield and would be thrilled at getting a book like this.

It's rather thick and taller than usual. Plus it's in full color. As long as I can remember I've loved reading Garfield, even when I was a little kid reading the black and white pocket books. So kids will appreciate this too. Trust me.

It opens with 'Garfield's code of Nevers', such as 'Never Eat the Mystery Meat. And ends with 'Garfield's Top Ten Suggestions for New Athletic Events, such as 'The Fridge Lift' and 'Eat till you Explode'. Crammed inbetween are hundreds of hilarious comic strips. Plus there is information on the last page on how to join the Garfield fan club. And why not?

I was so used to the old format in the Garfield series, black & white and the book being vertical. Nevertheless I enjoyed Garfield and his constant abusings of Jon and Odie. Reading Garfield in this new format of color and in a taller book form was a pleasant surprise. I can never tire of Garfield and all his antics, especially when he is swatting spiders. I may be inching towards 30 but I will never stop buying Garfield books. As long as he keeps me laughing I'll keep buying.

I still can't believe after all these years he's still going strong! The first book i ever remember reading was "Garfield Takes The Cake" i learned to read on these things! However, i must admit that Jim Davis is starting to run out of ideas. Lately all of his books are about how mentally challenged Jon is, or redo the same lines over and over. The spark is stll there, but its somewhat dimished. This book is still great, but if you look back at the earlier ones you see Garfield coming up w/ better ideas to pass the time (like "Ameoba Man" and "The Sludge Monster" or who could pass up all of Garfields vacations?). Also some of the ideas have changed. In the beginning Jon was a cartoonist, Lyman lived with Jon, Odie was Lyman's pet, and Nermal also used to belong to Jon's parents, those are just a few differences. The book itself has changed too,i like the new color format and all but i kind of miss the black & white version. All in All Garfield is STILL the greatest comic strip ever created, its a must read and he keeps you laughing.

There is probably no word to describe this series, so i just chose awsome! It's got sassyness, class, sensitivity, witt, fashion, wildness, flirting, and SO much more! This series is truly one of my favorites:-D! Although the cover may make it out to be a tad bit childish, it very much is not. Elizabeth Cage is a trully gifted writer, and has a ton of creativity! (thats what makes Cage's books sooo great!)

Basically, if you liked Charlies Angels or an other Spy type things, then you'll totally love this book!

This is the girls first mission, but do they have enough witt and cleverness to pull it off? you'll never know unless 'ya read it.:-D haha.

When i first read the back of the book i thought, boy this is totally a write off of Charlie's Angel's. But i was wrong this book was sooooo much cooler. Plus the girls were younger so yyou could relate to them more. All in all this book was great!!!!!!!!
I definatally (pardon my spelling) recomend this book to anyone.

When I first saw "License to Thrill" out in bookstores I thought it looked SO STUPID. The cover has a bunch of girls dressed in leather pants looking very suspicious so I thought it would be a very stupid book. Then a couple of months later I was out of stuff to read so I decided to buy it-just for the heck of it- and I found out it was REALLY GOOD. I really love the characters (I can identify with Caylin the most) because there exaggerated versions of today's teens and I thought that was funny. I also like how they get all this cool first class stuff like: limos, cool little gadgets (the lipstick cam), expensive clothes, and they got to stay at The Ritz hotel which had jacuzzis and more nifty things like that. The story is also very interesting, I loved how they all got undercover jobs and how the ending was not what I was suspecting. This is a awesome book though the title and the cover might throw you off, so BUY IT.

In an effort to reconcile memories, dreams and fears with real life, Ianthe Brautigan writes of her life with father, Richard Brautigan. After he took his own life in 1984, she was left with memories and what-ifs. This book is her journey into remembering and discovering her father and his life. Within the pages of this book lies a healing journey, back to the terrible drinking times, back to the grandmother she never knew, back to treasured morinings at her father's San Francisco apartment, and other times shared with her father. Photos capture the fragments of that life, and let us glimpse again at the shy, wild-haired Brautigan. Somewhere in facing down deamons and fears of this past life, I feel she somehow reclaims her own life and is no longer afraid of the future. This book had a powerful impact on me. The story of a daughter trying to gather the pieces of her life and to set them out to study, is a portrait of courage and grace.

This is a must read for any fan of Brautigan. Ianthe has put together a book that sheds a very revealing light on her life with her father, her willingnes to cope, his alcoholism, use of his talent and fishing. I enjoyed her comments and insight into the fishing stories, the observations of the scenery, the wilderness and feeling the life of her father's past. Her trip to Eugene, OR is a spiritually challenging and moving portion of the book. Literally following his footsteps, in more ways than one, this book is on a shelf in my library with all of her daddy's first editions. I am proud and thrilled, I'm sure he would be too!

I love this book. It is as painful to read as going to the funeral of a friend or a writer whose work you loved. It is as rewarding as the grieving process. We've been wondering about Brautigan's daughter, the girl with the stange name, Ianthe, and this book of hers lets us know all about her. This memoir she has taken so long to write suggests she has struggled to find her own voice, as a writer, and I am happy to report that her father's style has influenced her enormously. That's a very good thing. I will look forward to the publication of the next Brautigan and I will be as sad it is not by Richard as I am happy it is by his daughter, Ianthe. Write a novel, Ianthe, write short stories and short short stories, too. We'll be waiting patiently for you.

In terms of spinoff coverage, this is the best I've seen so far. While they're not the focus of the book, Moran does talk about each one in more detail than anyone else so far. There's no episode guide for the spinoffs, but I suspect the problem there is availability. I bet a lot of us would do our own episode guides if we could just see the shows again, uncut!

Moran's book also talks about the stage show, and speculates about the "upcoming" (at the time!) theatrical film, the first Brady Bunch movie from 1995. Moran was shooed away from the ultra-high-security movie set in her quest for tidbits!

I have yet to find the true ultimate Brady book. Like the rest of the Brady books, the episode guide in this one could be a lot plumper. But Moran's book is a good balance of character trivia, actor trivia, producer trivia, episode trivia, etc. Read every word, and you just might pass the trivia challenges at the end of the book!

You can find more in-depth actor trivia in "Growing Up Brady," and good "outside-world" trivia in the "TV Treasures" book. However, if you are looking for a little of everything, "Bradymania" will do the trick.

"The Brady Bunch" is one of that elite group of television programs (such as "Star Trek" and "The Simpsons") which have become icons of pop culture. Since the initial 1969-74 run of the series, the Bradys have returned in numerous TV, musical, and motion picture incarnations. Elizabeth Moran's "Bradymania" is an essential guide to the Brady universe.

Moran's well-written book includes profiles of both the major Brady characters and the actors who played them, an episode guide to the original series, a profile of "Brady" creator Sherwood Schwartz, a guide to the Brady TV spin-offs, and many other fascinating features. There are even floor plans to the legendary Brady home! And Moran thoughtfully includes Cousin Oliver, the "lost Brady," in the profiles.

The book could have been improved with more detailed information on the "Brady" spin-offs; I think those short-lived shows deserve the same episode-by-episode treatment that the original series gets. But that's a minor complaint. This is a wonderful book, full of great photos and revealing snippets of interviews from cast members. So if, like me, you are a devoted Bradyologist (that is, scholar of all things Brady), you'll want this book for your library.

I loved the book I learned a lot about my faviourt show the brady bunch.I have other brady bunch books but this was the beast one I've ever read befor.someone gave me rthe book an I loved it! I LOVE THE BOOK!