For those of you who want to have direct information, I strongly suggest reading this series. I borrowed and read five other books about Miss Mason's techniques but felt that I really needed to have the original. This series has not been disappointing. I will use this as reference material for many years to come and am so glad that I have been able to read through these books for myself. Please do not be fooled by the titles in the series and skip over any. The first one was especially useful. This is a MUST READ for ALL Homeschoolers.

This six volume set is certainly not light reading, but it's well worth your time. Miss Mason was a widely read educator in Victorian England. She gathered ideas from many sources, and shared her conclusions on education with her readers. Her books are deep and thought provoking. She discusses everything from the proper amount of fresh air, to the development of good habits, the training of the will, the formation of character, to what sort of books contribute to a truly educated person. She also explains why to teach certain subjects as well as how. She is passionate about encouraging the natural love of learning in children. I do not agree with everything Miss Mason has to say, but I cannot recommend her more highly as wonderful reading for the serious home educator.

Well for those of you homeschoolers who have heard the name Charlotte Mason, this is it! This is her complete works written by Charlotte Mason herself. For those of you not familiar with this method of teaching and learning I will explain a little. A very basic definition is that she suggests a narrative method of learning. For just one exmple, a child reads a history lesson. The child then repeats back to you in his own words, what they have read. This assures comprehension of the material read. For those of you with reluctant writers, or younger children, this is great! Of course older children can write down what they have learned & experienced. She suggests studying the classics verus dry textbooks for learning. Similiar to that of a unit study approach. If you want the true Charlotte Mason method, this is all the material you will ever need.

Zoey Phillips, Charlotte Moore, and Lydia Lane met just after high school while working at a wilderness resort in the Rocky Mountains. Ten years later at the reunion of the Jasper Park Lodger summer staff, someone speculates what fun it might be to look up the boy that led to their first heartbreak. Perhaps he's balding, paunchy, and boring. Then at the next year's reunion, they'd all report their results. Six months after their discussion, Charlotte gains her unexpected opportunity to find out what happened to Liam Connery, the boy she had a crush on in fifth grade.

Charlotte's sister Laurel offers to set her up with the opportunity to meet Liam again. Laurel supposedly made arrangements to breed her show Labrador retriever Maggie with one of Liam's dogs. While surprised to learn Liam gave up his dreams of flying to become a breeder, Charlotte happily agrees to drop Maggie off for breeding since she will be working nearby anyway. Charlotte has her own business as a decorative arts supplier, and had landed the opportunity to carry out a special estate appraisal on Prince Edward Island. The job should take three or four weeks, which should give enough time for Maggie's breeding. Unfortunately, Laurel neglects to mention that Liam had second thoughts about breeding one of his gun dogs with a show dog.

From the moment he first glimpses Charlotte, Liam doggedly holds himself in careful control. With a haunting dark secret, he doesn't want involvement with a woman. His life is limited to running his breeding and kennel service, and taking care of his marvelous aging mother. But his mother Ada has her own ideas about how things should be, offering to care for Maggie while Charlotte works. One thing leads to another, and soon Ada persuades her son to offer a room to Charlotte. Their house had been set up as bed and breakfast, so they obviously have the room and Ada can use the company. Even as the enigmatic Liam maintains his careful distance, Charlotte can't help regretting that the cheerful boy she knew years ago became such a taciturn man. Yet there's something incredibly attractive about him when he forgets his careful control long enough to smile.

Author Judith Bowen creates a delightful conundrum in CHARLOTTE MOORE. Liam falls in love while still struggling with the past. Granted, there are extreme circumstances that certainly justify his decision. However, because he has not told Charlotte the truth of the past, Liam's omission becomes not an ethical issue, but one of honesty. Bowen uses this plot to great effect, leaving the reader to contemplate Liam's dark secrets and question his motives before finally resolving the explanation. Contrasting the dark secrets of the past are several litters of puppies, a marvelous old house full of treasure, and terrific cast of characters. A novel of surprising depth and marvelous characterizations, CHARLOTTE MOORE comes very highly recommended.

At last April's Jasper Park Lodge reunion, a challenge surfaced to learn what happened to your first crush. More like Lydia Lane than Zoey Phillips, CHARLOTTE MORE finds the idea intriguing. She remembers being in a Toronto fifth grade class pining with love for high school student Liam Connery, who did not know she existed.

On a business trip to Prince Edwards Island, Charlotte sees Liam. However, he is nothing like her dreams and memories portray him, as he acts very dark, remote, and misanthropic except with his dogs. Charlotte finds herself still attracted to her first love even if he acts distant towards her. As she begins to break down his barriers and fall in adult love, Liam cannot commit to the forever that Charlotte needs from him.

Judith Bowen's second "Girlfriends" novel feels more like a modern day gothic romance as opposed to the contemporary tale of its predecessor (see Zoey Phillips). The lead couple is an interesting pair struggling with deep feelings Liam does not want. Prince Edwards Island makes for a unique Canadian locale. After reading CHARLOTTE MOORE, fans will anxiously await next month's LYDIA LANE tale.

Harriet Klausner

Zoey Phillips, Charlotte Moore, and Lydia Lane met just after high school while working at a wilderness resort in the Rocky Mountains. Ten years later at the reunion of the Jasper Park Lodger summer staff, someone speculates what fun it might be to look up the boy that led to their first heartbreak. Perhaps he's balding, paunchy, and boring. Then at the next year's reunion, they'd all report their results. Six months after their discussion, Charlotte gains her unexpected opportunity to find out what happened to Liam Connery, the boy she had a crush on in fifth grade.

Charlotte's sister Laurel offers to set her up with the opportunity to meet Liam again. Laurel supposedly made arrangements to breed her show Labrador retriever Maggie with one of Liam's dogs. While surprised to learn Liam gave up his dreams of flying to become a breeder, Charlotte happily agrees to drop Maggie off for breeding since she will be working nearby anyway. Charlotte has her own business as a decorative arts supplier, and had landed the opportunity to carry out a special estate appraisal on Prince Edward Island. The job should take three or four weeks, which should give enough time for Maggie's breeding. Unfortunately, Laurel neglects to mention that Liam had second thoughts about breeding one of his gun dogs with a show dog.

From the moment he first glimpses Charlotte, Liam doggedly holds himself in careful control. With a haunting dark secret, he doesn't want involvement with a woman. His life is limited to running his breeding and kennel service, and taking care of his marvelous aging mother. But his mother Ada has her own ideas about how things should be, offering to care for Maggie while Charlotte works. One thing leads to another, and soon Ada persuades her son to offer a room to Charlotte. Their house had been set up as bed and breakfast, so they obviously have the room and Ada can use the company. Even as the enigmatic Liam maintains his careful distance, Charlotte can't help regretting that the cheerful boy she knew years ago became such a taciturn man. Yet there's something incredibly attractive about him when he forgets his careful control long enough to smile.

Author Judith Bowen creates a delightful conundrum in CHARLOTTE MOORE. Liam falls in love while still struggling with the past. Granted, there are extreme circumstances that certainly justify his decision. However, because he has not told Charlotte the truth of the past, Liam's omission becomes not an ethical issue, but one of honesty. Bowen uses this plot to great effect, leaving the reader to contemplate Liam's dark secrets and question his motives before finally resolving the explanation. Contrasting the dark secrets of the past are several litters of puppies, a marvelous old house full of treasure, and terrific cast of characters. A novel of surprising depth and marvelous characterizations, CHARLOTTE MOORE comes very highly recommended.

Great piece of work. I can see their faces and feel their hearts in these letters. I wanted more and could not have handled more at the same time. Buy this one and then try to keep your friends from walking off with it.

This is a slim volume of actual letters written by children to the judge in divorce/custody suits. It is a sad little commentary in the real voices of those who are most hurt by marriage break-ups.

As a guide to parents facing separation, divorce,shared or sole custody, or blended families, it is probably invaluable, as well as being a very touching book to read. For anyone not in those situations, whether judge, lawyer, caseworker or even just a member of society watching families dissolve, this is a education about the feelings of the most vulnerable members of our society--children.

My favorite letter (among so many good ones):

Dear Judge,

....Grandpa said that just because my parents are big that doesnt mean they are grown up.

He promised as soon as they are grown up they will take care of me again. Grandma said he is telling me the truth.

Your friend,
TD

And there are more letters equally meaningful. You don't want to miss this book if you are facing family problems.

Sometimes it takes weeks and months to build enough trust with a child to get this kind of honestly felt comment. I had a notion these letters were out there.

I have purchased Dear Judge in bulk and am handing it out to parents the court has assigned to me for family evaluation.

I will put my personal favorite here...

Dear Judge,

Please have the valuator come back out to our house. The day she came was not a day like all the rest. The kitchen caught fire because my brother was trying to make cheese grill sandwiches for us kids to eat so mom could talk to the valuator. Tell Miss Hill the dog never peed on anyone before and we will put him outside this time.

Yours truly,

Bobby J.

This company deserves a 'Thank You' for taking the time to present these letters in Dear Judge,.

Charlotte E. Churchill lived a life full of stories. She also lived a life full of tragedy. In reading her work you can get a true sense of her bittersweetness. She pieces together memories, witty metaphors, humor, and heartache, and creates a patchwork of art so haunting and so honest that you cannot help but draw in a piece of her. I must admit I am not one to read a lot of poetry. I prefer novels to poems, but in reading Charlotte Churchill's work I found myself captivated. Like an old friend who has you over on a Thursday afternoon to tell you all the lastest news over a cup of coffee, she was a woman who had definitely found her voice. For anyone who wants a taste of a truly gifted modern American writer who can hold her own with the likes of Sylvia Plath and Joyce Carol Oates, then pick up this collection of Charlotte Churchill's poems. She will surely be missed, but her work is a true legacy.

Charlotte Churchill's poetry is rooted deep in the personal ... beautiful, vibrant words that tell a story about the author and her life experiences. Her expressions are at once chilling and inspiring, brutal and sweet. Add her to the list of accomplished female poets whose voice resonates with those who struggle in being alive.

They tell you when you write these Amazon reviews not to hype any promotional signings, book tours, television appearances etc. Well, nobody has to worry. the poet Charlotte Churchill died mysteriously last year under the wheels of an 18-wheeler bound for who knows where down a lonsesome road in western New York State. She won't be giving any statements. Part Portugese part WASP, the New England thing and the marrying well thing. The only thing good it did her was give her the ability to turn out poems of extraordinary craftsmanship. This is the real deal. The french might call it art brut but the french can be such arseholes. "I signed myself into this state nut house before I killed somebody," she wrote. I wish I would'a done it years ago." She looked like a goddess and society failed her. men failed her and love failed her. This is a great book.

I loved this book! I read it in one day, because I could not put it down! The twisted plot really keeps one rivited right until the end. Really good read, and it is a real shame that this little known book is out of print. I would love to see a pubishing house pick it up for a reissue.

Charlotte Bronte wrote a very short beginning to a novel, entitled 'Emma', which she never finished. Another author has picked it up and, based on various clues and the pieces's introduced characters, has continued the piece. The plot is gothic in the Bronte style, and the prose is very good and true to Bronte's style. The characters, as developed by the author, are engaging, and Emma herself is an impressive creation. One doesn't know how Bronte herself might have continued this piece, but the continuation/completion by this author make up for a satisfying, well-written story. I found it in a library and can't find it since- I am only sorry no one knows about it, and thus it's so hard to find! Bronte fans everywhere should have been treated to this well-done sequel.

This book rox! I don't know why most people don't know about it...it's so good! The whole plot is so twisted and intertwined with each other! The characters are cool! The conflict -- well, that's what the story's about! Not only that, it's full of suspense that once you start reading it, you just can't put it down! It keeps your knees bouncing and you bite your nails as you read through, wishing that you could read a bit faster. You think -- "I just want to know what happens to MArtina!" and when you find out you go "I just want to find out about GuS!" and so on till you're finished. And when you finish with the book, you'll have a nice, warm tingly feeling running through your veins.

I have had this book for over 12 years and still refer to it. My family and I have some favorite recipes from it. I am buying one for my niece now.

My copy of this book is falling apart from use--I've owed it since 1976!

A friend loaned me her copy of this book. It's her favorite, and I see why. Lots of recipes for everyday type meals, with glossy color pictures. Recipes for Trout, Lamb, Pork, Pastries...you name it. Well organized and easy to follow.

This is a sexy, lighthearted book with pictures and writing that ranges from gorgeous to goofy.
A fun book for couples as well as to look over alone or with a friend.
A lot of the pictures appear in other erotic anthologies, but the presentation here is worth the buy.

Today, moreso than ever literature fine works of art never change .... a book, once written can easily become timed, but the works of art of the ages become more valuable with age and allows us an insight into the many hidden treasures of the past.

The erotic art contained in this illustrated anthology shows works over a span of 2000 years from all on the continents and many many cultures. From painings, etchings, drawings, snuff boxes, carvings, mouldings etc etc this book is exquisitely compiled and a pleasure to read and enjoy. If you have ever enjoyed wandering into chinatown in San Francisco to see the wide selection of erotic ivory carvings being offered then definitely you will just devour this book which also includes some fine examples of these carvings.

Most erotic literature published as little as ten years ago always included some of the drawings and etchings to illustrate the stories. Todays books however are devoid of these little pleasures which makes this illustrated anthology that much more important.

If you have any appreciation for fine art and erotica then buy this book it's a treasure to be enjoyed over the years.

Erotica : An Illustrated Anthology of Sexual Art and Literature is the first book in a series that shows in wonderful detail the rich history of the great masters in art and writing, of what is called Erotic or very Sensual Art.

Most serious art lovers will want to own the series of books. It is sad that when people think of either erotica or sensuality in art or prose that they often confuse it with what I call raw pornography. I am not a censor etc but simply draw a distinction. Because what the great masters created (and a select few modern day artists) and what modern day society erotists create with air brushed accuracy. The masters drew and painted realistic bodies, with the love handles and other human imperfections.

This is why I appreciate books like these. They help make me feel comfortable with the human body, and in doing so, they help be succumb to the joys the naked body can evoke.

I feel like a 5 year old with a new toy. This book is sooo cool. I am making a portrait of my grandparents using the instructions in this book. I am a very novice quilter, and I am able to understand the directions. Worth the money.

Although the content is a bit intimidating at first, Charlotte Andersen gives detailed instructions, easy-to-understand directions, and constant encouragement. When I first leafed through the book, looking at the photos, I was convinced I'd never be able to grasp this technique, let alone master it. After reading Andersen's text and getting caught up in her infectious enthusiasm for this type of work, I'm inspired and ready to make magic. A must-have for any quilter ready for something completely different from the old nine-patch block.

Want to applique with the Best! Pick up the book Faces and Places: Images in Applique by Charlotte Warr Andersen. The book is a complete guide to the process that she has developed to create her wonderful pictorial quilts. Do you want to create in fabric a portrait of your loved ones? This is the book to study. Anderson's writing is concise and simple to follow with many pictures to help you see the steps. Her book starts with the basics of needleturn applique (no freezer paper), through all the details for a great finished product. It has four learning projects, patterns included. Definitely time consuming, but the results are spectacular! A phenomenal book for the quilter seriously looking for a way to portray whatever they desire, even great for a beginner who likes a challenge. It's how I got started in quilting

I bought this book about 7 years ago and its been my Bible
ever since! I read at least one chapter everyday. This book
is so uplifting. Its been a great guidance for me. When Im
feeling blue, I reach for this book. I simply can't live
without this book!!!!

Charlotte Davis Kasl, has hit the nail on the head! Want to change your life for the better? Want to really enjoy your days and learn to get through the rough ones? This book can help. She has thought of everything from finances, to love, to kids to your entire outlook on life. The sections are broken into 101 mini topics explained through anecdotes and therapy techniques. She uses teqhniques from many cultures and religions without pushing any religion on you. Easy to read and comprhend. Read a section a day (If you can put it down afer just one!) and you will feel the difference as you internalise the beauty of true Joy in your life. (Can you tell this is my favorite book?)

I was recently browsing through the local library and wanted to find something "uplifting". The title "Finding Joy" sounded like it would fit the bill, so I checked it out. I was amazed at how each chapter seemed to be written about my situation. Things that I felt & thought in my mind were actually written on paper. At the end of each chapter, there is a section entitled "Excercises for the soul" which are very soul-searching techniques.

The author uses the teachings of Jewish mysticism as a guide on subjects such as "making sense, not excuses" (a big one for me since I am quite a procrastinator!) & "getting your attitude adjusted". Our library allows you to check out a book for three weeks at a time & also renew once by phone. I have had the book for six weeks and hated to part with it, so I am placing an order today through Amazon to purchase it. I feel it is a great reference guide to pick up and read over and over.Daniel I. Schwartz has written a truly insperational book!

Every parent of school age children should read this book. The social engineering, beginning in the late 1800's, goes on at a gallop. The Dumbing down seems to be a diabolical attempt to Socialize America, let alone the re-writing of history. For the most part, our public education is in a deplorable mess due to eliminating basic learning, reading, writing and arithmetic. Also poorly educated teachers, who lack the skills to teach those basics. Read and do your part to pull education out of this abyss.

This book is highly informative yet I would suggest the newest book by Charlotte Thomson Iserbyt called: "The Deliberate Dumbing Down of America: A Chronological Paper Trail." If you are an employee of the American public school system you will probably vilify the author and attack the premise of the book simply because it attacks your method of earning a living. If you are a parent of a school aged child or a concerned taxpayer I highly recommend these two titles.

If this is truly the "information age" then something is terribly wrong in the realm of the American Education Complex. The word is not getting out. At least not to those who, as they say in journalistic parlance, have the most "need to know." For instance, how many of you parents out there in cyberspace know that the former Soviet Union was exchanging curricula with U.S. schools in the eighties? How many of you know that the Global Perspectives course Kimberly gets in sixth grade Social Studies is designed to override patriotism and shape her into a future Citizen of the World? And have any of you ever heard of Skinnerian Mastery Learning, Outcome Based Education, Goals2000 or School-to-Work, a federal law meant to get little Joshua into job-training, beginning in Kindergarten? Or have you ever really understood the meaning of Decision Making, Critical Thinking, Direct Instruction, Cooperative Learning, Character Education, the New Basics or Life-long International Learning, when Johnny's teacher starts spouting such terms on parent visitation night? If you've answered no to any, or all, of the above then you're in big trouble. And so is your child. But you wont get the answers from the teachers or the Principal or even your local school board members. You need to order THE GREAT AMERICAN CON GAME, by Barbara M. Morris and her co-author, Charlotte Iserbyt, who have spent thirty years doing the research for you. So get out your credit card and give this slim paperback a read. It will shock you. But the child you save may just be your own.