As the author points out, Groucho was a willing participant in this book but didn't live to see its publication. Charlotte Chandler spent a good deal of time with Groucho in his home toward the end of his life, and it's a perspective not offered by other authors (and I've read a number of books on the Brothers). Ms. Chandler conveys a sense of mutual warmth between herself and Groucho but doesn't idolize Groucho the Legend to the point of forgetting to capture the man. I also appreciated her kindness and restraint in treating Groucho's twilight-years relationship with the much, much younger Erin Fleming (the subject of a lawsuit by son Arthur Marx and many vitriolic pieces by the tabloid press). My husband points out that a few of the stories are told twice (anecdotally by the author, then in interview form), but that's well worth the price of admission. Transcripts of coversations with Woody Allen, Bill Cosby and others are priceless.

I've read part of this book in the library. It contains MANY anecdotes and quotes NOT found in any other Marx Bros. books-- and I've read most of the main ones! Thrill to the revelations about the sixth Marx brother! Gasp in Amazement at the meeting between Groucho and Woody Allen! Cheer at the revelation of the Missing Sketch from "I'll Say She Is!". And last but least, laugh. Of course some tiny smidgen (say, what IS a smidgen, anyway?) of information is incorrect, but hey, beggars can't be writers. Or is that critics can't be boozers?

This book is the most delightful, most fun book about the Marx Brothers that I have ever read. It's a series of interviews with Groucho and his friends--friends like George Burns, Bill Cosby, Woody Allen. And the book is written in such a style that by the time you've read the whole book, you really feel like you've spent a lot of wonderful hours chatting with Groucho.

As a professional in the field, I have read a lot of books on self-help and relationship building and have found this one the unqualified best. It is gutsy, compassionate, full of hope and full of practical experiences of the huge issues we face in being ourselves and being with another. My first wife and I read it several years ago while she was terminally ill with cancer and found it so helpful then. Now, as another person and I are discovering love together, I am finding it extremely helpful again as we read it together and discuss it as a way to discover and deepen our intimacy.

I found this book to be fascinating and helpful. This book and "If The Buddha Dated" has greatly helped me in my quest for "happiness in singledom". "A Home for the Heart" points on topics such as communication on many levels, relationships with lovers, family, friends, neighbors, how to be "okay" with how you are feeling and not allowing others feelings influence your life, and much more. I find Charlotte's writing style easy to read, and the short chapters create time to digest what has been read. I highly suggest this book to anyone, whether in a relationship or not, no matter where you are in life.

"Home for the Heart" is one of those books that for me, ranks up there with Covey's "Seven Habits of Highly Effective People" and Thich Nhat Hanh's "The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching" that presents a way of looking at the world and myself that is both practical and profound. I feel that reading "Home for the Heart" has improved my ability to increase the intimacy and vitality in my current relationships. Get this book!

This was a great book. It tells about participating in horse shows and taking care of your own horse and much more! Anyone who loves horses should read this.

Sandy Ransford's Kingfisher Riding Club Horses & Ponies is a superbly illustrated introduction for young readers to horses and ponies which is as informative as it is fascinating. Youngsters new to the animals are shown all aspects on approaching, caring for, exercises, breeding, and riding the equine companions. For more experienced young riders there is a wealth of practical and insightful information on pony shows, dressage and eventing. For those who own or have access to a horse or pony (and for those who dream of having their own mount one day), then Kingfisher Riding Club Horses & Ponies is very essential and highly entertaining reading.

I love this little book. It's got tons of pictures and a cute little drawing in the top right corner of every page. It covers breeds such as the Shire, Suffolk Punch, Cleveland Bay, Holsteiner, Arabian, Appaloosa, Dartmoor, and Falabella. I highly recomend this colorful easy to read book to all children who love horses. This book includes an index of breeds and a height chart. The pictures are really nice as well.

This book is extremely warm, cozy, and charming. The relationship that the little girl shares with her mother is precious, and of a nature that harkens back to the first half of the 20th Century. Frankly, I miss it. The story is basically a converation between mother and daughter, a very respectful and sincere communication, whereby the little girl talks about simple joys that children share with no one else. The mother listens intently and encourages her child in conversation. These types of stories are so real, so without pretense, and very basic, slice-of-life in nature; unfortunately, they're somewhat hard to find!! The illustrations are, again, slice-of-life, nothing fantastic or overly imaginative, adding to the straightforward, wholesomeness of the story. Charlotte Z. seems to specialize in books about mothers and daughters. I was raised on her stories and I'm glad they're still in print so that I can share with my daughter!

Another classic children's story, written by one of the most loved and respected children's authors of all time. This story is simple, sweet, and easily understood by the youngest of children. It tells about a young girl who just loves being little because of all the things she can do. The endearing text revolves around the girl's view of her world and how she is lucky because she is small enough to sit under the dining room table, jump in piles of autumn leaves, and skip when she feels joy. A timeless classic that will warm your heart again and again~~!

This is one of those rare books that comes into your heart and helps it to sing about the joys of life. While it is considered a "children's book", it is in fact a story that is written for children but is really better savored by mother and daughter together.

After all, can a child truly appreciate the joy of being little without the contrast of what it is like to be big? My daughter and I cuddle together and she reads this book to me over and over. As a gift, it is without equal to any new mother of a little girl. Liking to be little is all about liking how it all turns out.

Seven women, using a unique format, individually reveal their life story. They each tell of their past experiences, their present situation and their future aspirations. The ladies are very open, honest and candid in divulging their innermost secrets. This makes for a book you cannot stop reading until it is completed. The reader is compelled to read some of the stories more than once because they are so intriging. You feel you know each person and can identify with their humaness. Everyone has a story to tell. These ladies have done so in a riviting and inspiring manner.

These are seven big, powerful, distinct voices. The courage and resilience of the women behind those voices make this one of the best books of this type I have read in a LONG time. It is one of those books we all need when we are dragging, when we need to refresh that connection with our community and maybe our community isn't right there just now. While we may or may not agree that life is one long birth canal, these women clearly see Light at the end of their tunnels and that Light has transformed them in a way that is simple and direct. There is no hocus pocus here, no new age mumbo-jumbo, just survivors who held on to their senses of humor every step of the way and who can write so well that we can share in their journey.

If you're a woman having a hard time with life...like the friend who shared this book with me...this book is especially for you. If you're a man having a hard time understanding life or women, this book is especially for you too! The stories of these women are riveting, as they take you through the lowest lows and highest highs of their life experiences on this planet. But best of all, these accomplished women show us how they triumphed over their adversities and healed themselves so they could create new lives of personal fulfillment and spiritual contentment. And those lessons are what so many of us need as we try to find happiness and fulfillment in these turbulent times. Highly recommended.

Evil has a new face in the remarkable hands of Charlotte Boyett-Compo. IN THE HEART OF THE WIND is a heart rending psychological drama revealing that cruelty and injustice have no limits in the quest for power--sometimes even within families.

Gabe and Annie James have a wonderful, loving life together. Married for two years, Annie knows little of Gabe's past, and is sometimes surprised at the jobs he chooses, which don't seem to live up to the expectations set by a college degree. Although Gabe's secretive about his past, Annie hasn't asked a lot of questions; that is, until now. While doing the laundry, Annie finds a news clipping about the death of a policeman in Florida. Later, she finds a trunk filled with such clippings and such paraphernalia as a policeman would own.

Iowa winters can be brutal, especially for a southern boy. Despite the frigid temperatures and piles of snow, Gabe was happy living with Annie. But there were times when his silence, preoccupation and nightmares frightened Annie. Nevertheless, the whole town loved Gabe, so when he was suddenly kidnapped from his home, an illegal act witnessed by neighbors, the town rallied to his rescue. Even when they learn of Gabe's past and his mobster family, the townsfolk never gave up their relentless pursuit to find Gabe.

Gabe James is really James Gabriel Tremayne, son of mobster Liam Tremayne, a man whose quest for power leads to kidnapping and torturing his own son. Gabe was the only child of four that didn't conform to Liam's expectations. Unwanted since his conception, the young Gabe had only wanted his father's time and affection. What he got was inconceivable abuse. And now the abuse has committed him to a mental institution, ordered shock therapy and plastic surgery, and promised to never set him free. Further, Liam promises harm to Annie if Gabe attempts escape.

IN THE HEART OF THE WIND provides psychological drama guaranteed to satisfy the appetite of the most demanding thriller fan. Previous fans of Ms. Boyette-Compo will relish this familiar, exciting voice while new fans will quickly find themselves addicted. Fast paced plotting, excellent characterization and a powerful voice combine in this heart rendering tale of power gone mad to reveal the dangers IN THE HEART OF THE WIND.

This book was about the how horrible evil is and how love can overcome anything! I thoroughly enjoyed it and have put Charlotte Boyett-Compo on my list of auto-buy authors!

Gabe James has a BIG secret. Not even his wife Annie knows who he really is. Then Annie opens a big can of worms and Gabe's evil father finds him. Now it's up to Annie and the town where they live to get him back.

This book gave me goosebumps. I literally could not put this book down and read it in one sitting on the edge of my chair!

"In The Heart Of The Wind" will keep you inthralled to the very last page. This is a book that just about anyone who loves the passion of reading will enjoy. The book is extremly well written as well as an emotional and poweful book. It will grab you till the end and won't let you go. This is definatly not a book to miss. You will be caught up with Jamie Malone who just wants to live a quiet life, but his mobster father won't let him live in peace and will do anything to keep him out of the way. But he doen't count on Jamie's friends to band together to find him. This book is a story of a deep friendship and the lengths that they will go to help a friend. It is filled with adventure, emotion, and power. You will see the charactors come alive and tell their tale. If you enjoy reading as much as I do, don't miss this book or any of her other books. They are all well written books and well worth reading. All her books are a five plus rating in my book.

Windlass . . . home, peace, and security. These words were what kept Rory 'Sinclair' McGregor alive for the past four years fighting for his beloved Confederacy. Now the war was over - the north had won - it was time to start to rebuild what was left of his shattered life and live once again for the future. Unfortunately, the battle wasn't over . . . in fact it just had only begun. Expecting to find his beloved home and fiancée both anxiously awaiting his return he is stunned to learn all is lost to one evil enemy, Edward Delacroix.

Ivonne Boucharde Delacroix had loved Sinclair McGregor all her life. It pained her to see the devastation contained in his eyes. She alone knew she was responsible for putting the hopeless look there when she betrayed his love and trust by marrying another. Now is it her fate she must suffer alone in silence? Will she ever be able to reveal the horrors which forced her into marriage with Edward Delacroix? Circumstances cruelly torn their love apart, is there any hope it will be recovered?

Charlotte Boyett-Compo does an astonishing job in her creation of IN THE WIND'S EYE. Readers will be spellbound as she masterfully reveals the exciting plot twists that are contained in every page. This one will leave you guessing right up until the shocking conclusion is revealed. If ever a novel should be made into a television drama IN THE WIND'S EYE defiantly should be considered. Books like this do not come along every day and they are to be treasured and savored for future reading pleasure.

With the war finally over, the Union Army releases prisoner Confederate soldier Captain Rory Sinclair McGregor. After two years in a hostile prison with substandard conditions, Sinclair feels his nightmare is over. He returns to his hometown Savannah only to realize that his real nightmare has just begun.

Sinclair's fiancee Ivonne Bouchard married his bitterest enemy Edward Delacroix who also bought the family mansion WindLass during a back tax sale. His grandmother feels Sinclair shames the family heritage and plots his death because he is unable to regain the mansion. Still scarred from his incarceration, Sinclair feels deepening depression with no hope for the present let alone the future.

IN THE WIND'S EYE is an exciting Reconstruction Era romance that may seem to follow the rules of the sub-genre, but actually is extremely complex and filled with twists. The story line is exciting, yet very dark as it brings to life the aftermath of the Civil War on the losers. Anyone who takes pleasure from a story about that period will find the deep layers of Charlotte Boyett-Compro's skills turn her plot into a triumphant complex historical fiction.

Harriet Klausner

Sinclair McGregor should be happy to return to Savannah. The war is over, he is no longer being brutalised at the Yankee-run prison camp. Everything would be wonderful, if only his fiancee, Ivonne, had waited for him. Instead she is another man's wife and there isn't anything Sinclair can do about it.

Ivonne and Sinclair had been in love since childhood, everyone in Savannah had known they would marry. Only Sinclair's gallant desire not to leave her a widow had stopped them marrying before he left for war.

If losing the love of his life wasn't bad enough, the winds of disaster had much more in store for the returning hero. In his absence, his childhood home "Windlass" was sold for back taxes. Windlass was the most beautiful and productive plantation in Georgia and now it belonged to Edward Delacroix.

For many years, Edward has been consumed with hatred for Sinclair, and he bought the property solely for revenge. Perhaps that was also the reason he had stolen Ivonne and made her his wife.

This complex and intriguing romance/suspense novel has the most devious plot twists. With a superb cast of villains, headed by a conniving, evil matriach, there is so much retribution going on that Sinclair will be lucky to survive.

Ms Boyett-Compo has done an incredible job and created a masterpiece of fiction.

In the emergent new forest of cyber law there is a growing need for collective works on this subject. There are many issues, which face lawyers as a result of this new technology. The issues require an open debate in order to arrive at practical solutions to the problems. Law and the Internet provides the meat for the debate on the specific problems faced by lawyers and their clients.

This book throws light on an area which is much in need of illumination. The editors are to be congratulated on the production of a first class analysis of the complex legal issues involved in the internet. A seminal work.

OVERVIEW OF MAJOR ISSUES OF INTERNET LAW, REGULATION, COPYRIGHT, DOMAIN NAMES, CONFLICT OF LAWS; CLEAR, SUCCINCT AND UNEXPENSIVE

It's always amazing how nasty the reviewers from Kirkus and Publishers Weekly can be. This book's characters are anything but bland. There's a remarkable cast of truly well-rounded characters, with the lives of each investigated thoroughly. At the heart of the story, Louise Parker is clever and determined, funny and lovable; shattered by the inexplicable death of her sister, she leaves her birthplace, Toronto, to start her life again in London. As always, Allen offers great insights into the whys of her characters, particularly the hateful Maggie, mother of Louise and the ill-fated Faye. Despite its length, this is a book that keeps the reader enthralled from start to finish, as we follow Maggie, her daughters, and her mother for a decade or so--their highs and lows, their joys and sorrows. Particularly wonderful is Allen's use of films as a consolation and soporfic for the tragically vulnerable Faye. There is always something cinematic (visual) about Allen's writing; she manages to create very vivid images for the reader--memorable scenes that stay with one long after the book is done. This is a must-read novel.

This is a long book,but well worth the length in enjoyment. Louise and Faye are sisters ,long mistreated by their bitter,abusive mother,Maggie. After Maggie finally goes too far, they are rescued by their warm,loving grandmother,Ellen.The two of them embark upon a life of much deserved happiness until Faye meets with an unfortunate, tragic accident. Louise descends into a deep depression, that is only overcome by her relocating to England. There she successfully starts anew,away from her haunting memories.She becomes acquainted with Rachael,a wealthy girl with bipolar disorder, which is almost causing her to lose her life. Louise takes charge of her friend's life, encouraging her to make changes. The two of them turn out to be mutually beneficial to each other.Together they bring about positive events that change both of their lives. There are the male characters: Raffie,Faye's only true love; Nick,the lower-class englishman who helps save Rachael;Tim,the doctor who was able to bring Louise the love she was afraid to face. There are many other delightful people who add so much to the plot of this remarkable book. Even the peripheral ones have life and are real. Charlotte Vale Allen has a great talent to make all of her characters live. You know all of them personally and almost become a part of the story yourself.This is another unforgettable book by Charlotte Vale Allen. If you have never read any of her books this is a wonderful introduction,which will start an addiction to all of her books.

Maggie (the mother from hell) vents her anger, bitterness and rage at life on her two daughters, Faye and Louise. This is a great story on the power of sisterly love and overcoming an abusive childhood. I found the characters to be true to life and well rounded. This was a good read that I highly recommend. (Illusions is still my all time favorite of Vale Allen's books!) If you're new to her, be sure to read it.

Matsuri, World of Japanese Festivals is a masterwork of photography. Vilhar's eye and skill with the camera captures the exquisite detail that exemplifies traditional Japanese culture and sensibilities. Like a door into historic fantasy, Matsuri gives both the well-travelled and arm-chair travellers a chance to immerse themselves in a world of beauty and ritual that took Vilhar and his wife Charlotte Anderson nine years to collect for this presentation. Well worth the price, I only wish there were a companion book of text to describe the ritual festivals in greater detail.

Vilhar and Anderson, a husband-wife photographer-writer team, have put together a superb book. Through mainly visual images and pithy explanations/picture captions, they have encapsulated Japanese matsuri (festivals). The Japanese have festivals for everything and Vilhar has collected a good mixture: Gion, of course (Kyoto's most famous festival), kites framed by Mt Fuji (for Children's Day), young geisha, etc. Nobody today is doing better work in Japan/on Japan than Vilhar & Anderson. The only "problem" with this book is that it was too short. I, for one, would pay more to get more.

Matsuri - Shrine festivals, which catch the spiritual essence of Japan. This book is a MUST, if you have ever visited to or are interested in Japan.The photographs are just amazing (how did Vilhar get these shots?) and the captions very informative. I am living for >10 years in Japan, and Matsuri is one of my favourite books. Order two: one for you and one for your best friend!