My 8-month old daughter LOVES this book! It makes her laugh out loud and she already has figured out how to lift the flaps on her own when we read it! It's a cute little book for babies and toddlers. I don't mind the Teletubbies so much anymore! :-)

My one year old daughter loves this book! It is a very delightful book. It is fun to lift the flaps on each page. She picks this book most often for me to read to her.

This book is great for small children on several levels. I bought it when my son was a little over a year old; he's now almost two and still loves it. At first he was happy to watch the teletubbies "appear" when I lifted the flaps. Now he can do it himself! He likes to guess who's behind the flap, and can identify other items in each picture. We loaned it to his 20-month-old friend, whose parents were relieved that it entertained him for an entire 3 1/2 hour car trip.

Alice Miller (author of The Drama of the Gifted Child and Breaking Down the Walls of Silence) has long emphasized that if we are serious about solving society's problems, we must focus on how we treat children --- as individual families and as a cultural. This book is an excellent contribution toward that end.

From thought-provoking observations to practical suggestions about solutions, Best Friends, Worst Enemies is an effective education about social problems that begin in childhood, but do not end in childhood. One point the authors make that interests me greatly is that when one child is being bullied by others, the majority of children witnessing the abuse will either do nothing to intervene or they will join in with the bullying. If you think that is not a reflection of the society in which we live, think again.

As a psychotherapist and author (Embracing Fear, HarperSanFrancisco) who emphasizes personal responsibility and facing fears head on, I hope that more than just parents and educators will read this book. I think there is something here for us all to think about --- no, to do something about.

Michael Thompson, Ph.D. is the author of the bestseller "Raising Cain: Protecting the Emotional Life of Boys. His latest, written with compassion, humor, and practicality, is an insightful look into the sometimes mysterious world of child development.

As a special education teacher, and soon to be school counselor, I have long held that those who have children, and work with children need a keener understanding on why children do the things they do, if we are to care for them, and serve them better. This book will go along way in fostering this understanding among parents, teachers, and practioners because it helps us understand how a child views her world.

Written in conjuction with journalist Catherine O'Neill Grace and Lawrence Cohen, Ph.D. "Best Friends, Worst Enemies..." provides such a keen insight into the social lives of children, it is almost as if it was written by a child, because they have such an excellent perspective.

This book deserves many more than five stars for its careful, thoughtful, and detailed look at how children develop their social lives. Like all remarkable books, it will extend your understanding beyond your personal life experiences and provide simple, common sense guidelines for achieving outstanding results. If you only read one book this year about improving the social life of your child, make it this one!

Every book I read about the psychological problems of youngsters focuses on the forms of social exclusion and bullying that typically occur in schools and neighborhoods. Best Friends, Worst Enemies takes that as the starting point, explains what causes the social exclusion and bullying, and details what schools and parents can do to eliminate it.

Social connection between children begins at a younger age than most people believe. The book details videotaped studies of infants watching and connecting with each other. Then, step-by-step, the authors show you how social interaction develops from those early months through to dating. I was particularly impressed by the conceptual description of youngsters being assigned a place versus the in group (in or out, and high or low status in that role). Although I could not articulate it, that certainly captures my recollection of those painful teenage years.

The use of animal studies is persuasive for the ways that humans often behave. I found myself chuckling over the descriptions of Alpha male and Queen Bee female behaviors.

The best part of the book is that it points out that exclusion is bad for those who do it, as well as for those who suffer from it. So all parents and all youngsters should be concerned.

The book avoids being too technical about psychological concepts. Everything described is built around the common human needs for connection, recognition, and power.

The section about how to improve schools was very sensitively done. It pointed out that teachers almost always know what's going on, but don't always know what to do about it. The many ideas for mixing the young people up and giving them all a chance to shine will, I'm sure, make many teachers enjoy their work more and help more students. I especially liked the idea of having a counselor meet with the kids who have trouble reading social clues, and helping them discuss and learn from each other how to connect. The idea of having high-status kids mentor low-status kids over the summer was also appealing.

Parents will have a tougher job to follow the advice here. You need to set a better example, and not be exclusionary in your own life . . . not gossip about others behind their backs . . . and help opens doors for your shy and excluded, or popular and obnoxious youngster. But, it's good advice . . . if you have what it takes to follow the advice.

Ask yourself at least once a day: How can I help someone feel included and appreciated today? Then, act!

Chunky Rice is like no other book I've ever read. Its at one time adorable and depressing, but always captivating. Comparable to Melvile's MOBY DICK, this tale of a wandering sprit's driving desire to leave his safe and almost perfect life in exchange for the uncertantity of life at sea is one that anyone can relate to. The fact that the central character is an almost genderless cartoon turtle makes him truly iconic so that anyone can put their own identity into the character's life journey. Once Chunky Rice sets sail we are introduced to a strange crew of freakish characters each with a striking vulnerability that they try to keep buried within them only to find it constantly resurfacing. This is the type of book to read and then share with a friend. I Highly encourage everyone one to pick up this book. It's quietly poetic and beautifully drawn with a wild imaginative style that truly stands out.

Craig is a master beyond his years. Moi, j'chapeau l'mec.

A book about the deep feelings and longings that are possible in the world of existence, told through a mythologized melange of lumpy dumpy bumpy people, "funny animals", a neurotic bird, motown, moments of passion, clinking clunking bottles, interpersonal and intrapersonal ignorance and discovery.

A very rich comic experience, sure to capivate those who already know the comics universe is bigger than many think, and probably a safe bet first foray for those who are looking to start exploring that universe.

I bought this at the Knockabout stall at the Angouleme (France) comics festival in January of 2000. But you don't have to go to France. If it will help you make the decision to buy this book, then think of buying this book via Amazon as possessing the magic and mystery of going to France. There; did that work?

You know that feeling when you see something for the first time, and it perfectly defines an undefinable emotion? Like the first time you heard Pink Floyd's "Great Gig in the Sky?"

Same thing here. This book manages to completely encapsulate that raw loss---of friends, of family, of innocence, of whatever while going to seek your fortune. I don't want to sound corny, but it's like an elegy to what you leave behind in order to get to your future.

Glorious glorious book. Go read it. Now.

The author must have had a good time writing this, and it shows. Sure, it's a light froth of a story, but it's inherently more clever than most similar romances. Not plodding and not so linear, even if the ending--like all romances--is the predictable one. Yet in this story, getting there is a whole lot of fun. I can't remember when I laughed aloud as much reading a story of this genre. Author Rhonda Thompson gets in her pokes, spoofing the fact that in a romance novel, the hero must be handsome with washboard abs--then giving her hero dazzling looks and washboard abs. A similar description applies to her heroine, just as Thompson mocks the prototypical heroine's requisite beauty. Only one part of the premise seems a bit strained, that the hero is a book reviewer for a local paper who has a huge following and enormous influence, a situation that never occurs in real life--sorry, book reviewers just are not household names. Still, most of these romances require some suspension of credulity. At least this novel is reality-based, and once a reader accepts the hero's popularity as a motivating force in the story, it's a whole lot of fun to read the tale Ms. Thompson has woven. If she can sustain this pace, she is going to have an important romance writing career.

Ronda Thompson continues to amaze me. Her level of humor and her ability to poke fun at her own profession is a delightful and welcome change from most Romance authors of today. I have been reading Romance for most of my life. Sometimes they bore me, sometimes they thrill me and sometimes they make me cry. But most of all I love it when they make me laugh. I have read three of Ronda's books and when I close the book after reading the last page, there is always a smile on my face. Not many authors can do this nowadays. A lot of them try, but few succeed. Ronda is great at what she does. I won't tell you the plot of the book, but I will say if you like romance and if you like a good laugh, you'll certainly get it with "Isn't It Romantic." Thanls Ronda, for a really good read. Queenie

FUNNIEST BOOK I've read in years! I laughed til I cried from page 1 to the end. This one should be a MOVIE! More than a "chick-flick"... the plot twists and turns and keeps you on the edge of your seat, always guessing what's NEXT? LIONHEARTED PUBLISHING picked another great storyline AND ELEVATED WOMEN and romance genre another notch. Characters are funny! Don't have to live in Texas to appreciate this one, but it captures the diversity of Dallas. WAY ABOVE trash novels, this book made me a "romance" reader. Go Rhohda Thompson! Need to laugh? Want a great read? Want to escape? BUY THIS BOOK. Do a good deed & Send it to your chronically cranky friends, too!

Former Texan, Ann Vandeventer

"Tatoo" is the second book in Earl Thompson's sweeping tale of a young man coming of age in the underside of the 1940's. This is my favorite of all three, and the one that received the most media coverage in its first publishing.

Thompson wasn't afraid to write of the people he knew, and the characters he created are never one-dimensional -- they eat, sleep, drink, fight, and indulge in sex. This is what life was really like for so many hard-working people during the WWII era, despite the rosy message musicals of that time force-fed the public.

Steinbeck, Faulkner, and Dreiser are lauded as great novelists for their accurate display of human plight. Thompson is no less prolific and realistic, but because of his depiction of raw sex, I'd bet his novels will never be taught in any public school. The stark sexual themes -- including incest and rape -- will offend the masses but will never appeal to the "Debbie Does Dallas" set. Still,his protagonist is so real and the story so fun that this ranks high on my "Top 10 read every year" list.

Having worked for many years in the navy, reading books has occupied a great deal of my time. The first occasion on which I read the book tattoo, I was struck by the sheer depth to the charachters that enabled these american individuals in an alien culture to my own, to be brought to life and appreciated by myself, an english sailor. I have read the book many times since and will continue to do so in the future. Along with Orwell's 1984, it is my favourite.

feel the hunger in your belly, have a sense of desperation in your soul. Not many novels alow me to let go and put myself in the place of the main character, but this one does. You will feel all of Jack Andersen's pains, desires,triumphs,failures and fantasies as if they were your own. The very rare combination of great writer and consumate storyteller. A true tradgedy that Mr. Thompson is no longer with us. Highly recommended, but not for the prudish or politically correct. A must read.

Mr. Thompson's novel is no simple cliche about returning combat veterans. It is a hilariously captivating tale of people in search of a God...any kind of God. Make room on your bookshelf next to "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest", "Catch 22", and "The World According To Garp". With "Coprphagy: Book One", the Milky Way has become a little more insane, a great deal more entertaining, and a hell of a lot more honest place to be from.

Very, very, funny. Easy to fall in love with. The characters became friends of mine. I became so involved in their lives that I found it harder and harder to put the book down. END

Book review

Gil McNeil returns from "nam" to adjust to a life that should be similar to the one left behind, but is vastly different. New friends in old faces and old friends in new faces require the constant reassessment of ones' values and truths.

The book is a rolling, rollicking, and insightful look at a time in space that we all recognize but still can not fully grasp ourselves. We know and appreciate the characters in the book because we know them in our own lives. Thank you for helping us understand. Give us more.

This is the fourth in the Gaslight Mystery series and is on a par with the earlier books. Sarah Brandt's neighbor's son is accused of murder and she, of course, must help find the real murderer to help her neighbor. The mystery in this one is easier to solve than previous mysteries and there were times that I could not understand why neither Sarah nor her policeman friend Frank Malloy could not see what I thought was obvious. The reason that they don't may have to be the time period in which these mysteries take place - the culprit is hiding himself in a manner that was unthinkable.
There is some movement in the personal side of Sarah and Frank's relationship as well, which I found as interesting as the mystery itself. I am looking forward to the next in the series.

Another charming turn-of-the (last) century mystery from Victoria Thompson. This is the perfect book to read for light diversion - it's not deep, mysterious and depressing (think P D James), but it does provide some fun reading. I honestly don't know how accurate her portrayal of this time period is, but it rings true when you read it. For the most part, the main characters are well developed and the dialog is good. I believe we may be seeing the emergence of some additional secondary characters in this book, which would be good. In fact, one of the old standby secondary characters - Sarah's neighbor - and her son take center stage, as the son is accused of the murder of a woman of doubtful character. I'll be honest - I figured out "who done it" before the end, and even suspected the "surprise twist". However, as always, I enjoy the banter and growing relationship between Sarah and Frank and find the time period irresistible. Oh yes - Sarah and Frank...Thompson is going to drive us batty waiting to see if they will ever get together. Significant "progress" is made in that direction (if you can call it that) in this book, but Thompson also does an admirable job of showing us the obstacles of class, religion, and social circumstances that these two have to overcome. She may have even introduced a longer-term rival for Sarah's affections (and surely there's a nice Catholic girl out there to turn Frank's head and make Sarah stand up and take notice!) All in all - fun reading, great for the upcoming summer.

Victoria Thompson's Gaslight mysteries are one of my favorite series. Sarah is sweet and spunky (in a *good* way, honest!) with a charming sense of humor in addition to her stubborn sense of justice. The romance between this wonderful character and Frank really drives the stories for me, but the mystery is also excellent. This installment in the series deepens all the characters and fleshes out the time period even more lushly than before. If you're a fan of historical mysteries and haven't tried these books yet, you're really missing out.

This book has more depth on e-commerce than most e-commerce books. That is surprising since it is a "Complete Idiot's" series. The applicability to the business side of e-commerce is especially good. The book, taken as a whole, is a great starter's bible on e-commerce and technology businesses in general. If you want to know how to program Java or build a router from scratch then you'll need a different book but if you are building a company (any company) then don't miss some of the gems of wisdom buried deep in the book.

This book is a valuable resource for people starting a tech company or running one from the business side. I thought it was worth the money and feel that there are lot's of valuable hints especially in the 'landmines lurking on the net' area. I got great value out of the concepts hidden deep in the pages. The 'links' to online resources are dated and the writing could be better at the start but overall the theory is great.

I can't stand reviews in general but the negative ones on this book suck. This is an unusually good starter book on e-commerce. Note I said starter...not expert (read the title). I like the approach and the content. I can't find more than a couple of references to the authors websites and if you've ever listen to a Comdex keynote, self promotion is the name of this game anyways. The fact that they only made a few references is surprising in this day and age. Here's what's good and bad. The good is the forward looking stuff. The bad is that this stuff dates very fast (it needs an updating especially website references). The basic stuff on business design is good but the stock stuff is maybe better suited for a book on the stock market. It's a bit slow at the start and that's bad but picks up the pace after the first chapter and that's good. If you do e-commerce, buy the book and you'll learn something unless your some kind of freakin e-wonderboy. But then you wouldn't be reading a "Complete Idiot's Guide now would ya?

The Grifters was the first Jim Thompson book I read. This book made him my favorite author of all times. The characters are alive, with you, next door. Anyone who wants to live on the edge.Lilly and Roy live on the wild side. Jim Thompson sucks you into their world. This was no 400 page novel with lots of filler, it was written with broad knowing strokes. I want to own all of his books. I did read others but this is my all-time favorite. Lilly was a tough strong mom who happened to be a grifter but wanted better for her son Roy, above all they were survivors, at any cost. I must say I find the infrences and hints to incestuous desires non-existing This was only played out in the in the movie. I'll have to read it again. I would love to own a hardcover edition but alas it's out of print. I can't afford a first-edition. But alas who knows what the grift will bring.

I saw the movie version of the Grifters when it was released in 1990 and really loved it. I finally got around to reading the novel and was very impressed. The book is a very quick read, but manages to pack in a great deal of enjoyable material. The book chronicles the story of Roy Dillon, who is a second generation grifter. His mother is Lilly Dillon, who works for the mob, and one of the most ferocious women ever created for fiction. Roy works the short-con, cheating businessmen and people in bars. He meets Moira Langtry, who has a history of pulling long-term con jobs with an ex-boyfriend. She tries to convince Roy that they should team up, with disastrous results. The book is gritty, with vivid characters and a terrific ending. I've read quite a few Thompson novels and this is the best. In fact, it may be one of the best pulp novels ever written.

Jim Thompson, known as the king of 'noir' crime novels, has a style which might not appeal to everyone. His novels consist of characters that have the look, feel and sound of B-movie gangsters. Yet his stories always contains at least one character that is either extraordinarily vile or pathetic (a hapless loser).

In The Grifters we are entertained by three rotten individuals: a "nickel-dime" con artist ("grifter"), his equally crooked youthful mother, and his older girlfriend who'll do just about anything for money. It's the interplay between these characters rather than the crime themselves which are most fascinating. In effect each character tries to manipulate the other to his/her pure selfish advantage. Love? You won't find any in this book. Oh, and the ending is really g-o-o-d.

Bottom line: sleazy, depressing yet utterly compelling. Amongst Thompson's finer works.

(The film adaptation of The Grifters is also highly recommended.)

I just LOVE books that let you be proactive and have fun while doing it! I especially love the story of "Diva-rella.!" It's time we women started to lighten up and enjoy taking control of our lives, too. This books gives us great ideas on how to strut our stuff with the best of them. Makes a great gift, too.

I found this book to be a complete delight, a pleasure cruise of helpful hints to guide me through the bumps in the road of life. If you find yourself stopped in life or life just isn't what it used to be, or you just want to have more fun in life, then this book is for you! I AM DIVA!

A FUN, TOUCHING AND INSPIRATIONAL GUIDE TO LIVING LIFE AGAIN WITHOUT THE GUILT. TRULY UNIQUE! (ANYONE WHO IS THINKING OTHERWISE SHOULD REALLY TRY READING THE BOOK)