This is the best book I've ever read, And I have read a lot of books. This book is about family, love, and hard times. Two sisters trying to keep away from there mom during her horrible fits, which usally lead to bruises and pain. The mother leaves the children at one point, and the children start running out of food and the bills are unbelievable! They can't do anything about it. This is such a wonderful book! You really should read it. It's a powerful book! But still it's definatly the BEST book I have EVER read!

The True Colors of Caitlynne Jackson, written by Carol Lynch Williams, in my opinion was a great book!! I could hardly put it down!! This book shows how family difficulties can bring sisters together. Caitlynne and her sister live with their mother who is abusive. Their mother is nice part of the time and then all of the sudden will turn on them and beat them. I think everyone should read this book. It shows how people can be happy in the worst of times.

I disagree with anyone who says this book is not good ... or it's the worst book they have ever read. You have got to be kidding me - The True Colors of Caitlynne Jackson is one of the best books for middle and high schoolers. It is now one of my favorite books of all. This book by Carol Lynch Williams is about two young sisters - Caity 12 and Cara 11 who must fend for themselves when their abusive mother storms out of the house with an old suitcase and doesn't come back. All she leaves for the both of them is about $40.00 in the honey jar ... which is suppose to last them forever? Mrs. Williams does a great job making this book as powerful as it is. I recommend it to all of you ... every single person. It's a must read. A must must read! Thank you - and enjoy The True Colors of Caitlynne Jackson (I know you will)! :)

I was on original fan long ago, but approached Joe Jackson's memoirs with trepidation. There is a rock bio genre, and it is not a style known for insight or wit. Frank Zappa once described the rock memoir analogue, rock journalism, as people who can't write, interviewing people who can't speak, for the benefit of people who can't read.

But I quickly got over my initial resistance because the book has such an honest feel to it. And you know what? It's simply a great read how David Jackson came up from the most shabby depths of the provincial English working class to ride the crest of New Wave as an avatar of in-your-face cool. Only a special person with no family encouragement could have gone from basic poverty through an industrial secondary school to the Royal Academy of Music on a composition scholarship. You can't help but root for this asthmatic loser as he climbs up the ladder.

The Musician as a Young Man.

This was a very interesting book both in terms of its content and in the approach that Joe Jackson chose to write it. At first, one may suspect that this would be another story of his successful music career as he rode through the fame and glitter. I was somewhat surprised and delighted that he avoided this all-too-predictable approach. We really don't need him to explain what we, as fans, already know. This is the story of the man named David Jackson and his experiences that shaped his persona into becoming the pop star Joe Jackson that we all later came to know him as. His story is very interesting because of the interesting perspectives through which he viewed his environment; the world of music; his peers; and the deeper meanings of life that come with the wisdom of a slightly older age. As a long time Joe Jackson fan, I was always interested in how he was able to take the different approaches to music that he did. Aside from the first two releases by the Joe Jackson Band, he never did the same thing twice. As he mentioned toward the end of the book: "I was at a crossroads. Where did I want to go? Did I want to continue doing the same thing and become a Pop cartoon character or, instead, grow up in the public eye?" The answer is obvious. I've always respected Joe Jackson as a very talented and entertaining performer. When I finished reading this fascinating story, I came to see that David Jackson is also a thoughtful and intelligent human being.

If you've read the reviews thus far, you can see this book has been well received by all for it's humor, intimacy, honesty, and that fact that it's a very well written book, obviously written entirely by Joe himself. I couldn't agree more!

I would disagree with the only two negative comments I've read thus far. First, the apparent claim that Joe is being pretentious ... "The latter trait [being pretentious] is evidenced early in A Cure for Gravity, and often slows down the flow of the book, as Jackson eschews the linear autobiographical route for sometimes lengthy digressions into a form of music criticism..."

On the contrary, as Joe says himself, the book is as much or more about music and his relationship with music than simply a factual account of his life. I, for one, am as interested in this information as I am a simple blow-by-blow account of the events of his life. And as a writing style, I enjoy an occasional digression or "flash forward" which provide context and enhance points the author is trying to make.

Secondly, as for the comment that Joe "hates... Brian Eno", I suggest the reviewer reread the passage in which Joe disagrees with a single statement of Brian Eno's and makes a point of saying that there are certainly some things Brian Eno could be commended for.

What I enjoyed most about the book is getting to know much more about Joe Jackson, the person, than anything else I've ever read since it's his words, not the interpretation or opinion of others. It has answered many questions I've always had about the man, besides being good fun to read. If you think you like Joe Jackson, the man, you'll love this book!

This was the first one I ever read of the Cat Who series and it was excellent. It kept me engrossed for hours. I couldn't wait to see what happened to Qwill, Koko and Yum Yum. I could relate with Qwilleran because I lived with two Siamese cats and I knew their behavoir.

It has a lot of excitement, involving a missing train. I learned quite a bit about trains reading this book. Lillian Jackson Braun certainly did her home work researching trains.

I highly recommend The Cat Who Blew The Whistle to any cat and train lover.

Being a cat lover and knowing how felines can be, I decided to read Ms. Brauns books. When I started they became clear that not only does Mr Q have a great pair of cats but he loves them very much. In all of the books I have read of this series so far, Ms. Braun hints at who the "bad guy" might be then she has Koko and Mr. Q work together to solve the mystery. It is fun, reading what Koko and Yum Yum are doing then seeing my own cats "talk" as they do in the books. Mr. Q, with all his billions, works for a living, cares for his friends and loves his cats. I have yet to see where he uses his money to look "better" than any other person in the book. Reading this and others of this series puts beautiful pictures in your mind of what Moose County may look like and how it would be to ive "400 miles north of everywhere".

I am an avid "Cat Who"... reader and I was really impressed with this story. The author has a way of tying things together while making it all seem as if this was the way it should have been to begin with. The attention payed to details as with the train, the interaction of Q,Koko and Yum Yum and the string of other characters make for an entertaining and fast paced book. One almost feels you are in the story with them as they are riding in the train. I highly recommend any of the books from the "Cat Who".. series. I can't wait for the next one to come out. It should prove to be a great read. Way to go Lilian Jackson Braun! Keep on writing!!

After three years with time and therapy Tiffany has a new lease on life. She has conquered her alcoholism and low self-image and helped her daughter and son move on. She decides to leave Atlanta and take a job in St. Louis, a job secured by Jason Cates, the father of her former. Jason is a physician who has been widowed for thirty years and is still rambling in the huge house he bought for his wife and has raised their five children in. Jason invites Tiffany to share his home until she settles into her new position and can secure housing. Jason cannot shake the strong attraction to this beautiful, composed woman, and it isn't long before she rocks his world. The book interwove characters from the two above mentioned books as well as The Look of Love, giving Ms. Jackson's fans an update of their lives.

This romance tale is incredibly "on the mark". Monica Jackson "put herself out", with this book. "Never Too Late For Love", a realistic love story gives energy to singles over 40. Many African American romances features characters in their mid-to-late twenties and early thirties. Understandably when people meet and connect in the mid-life stage, they have issues unresolved and unfortunate skeletons "shaking their bones" to wreck havoc and make some noise. Jackson tells a sexy, down-to-earth tale that many romance fans have been wishing and craving for. Tiffany Eastman and Jason Cates have a great deal of flame and fire from the on-start and mature romance readers are in for a treat. I had to put off some much needed chores for this one, and I have not regretted reading this book uninterrupted yet. Monica Jackson has her best romance to-date, and "Never Too Late For Love" has put her at the top of my list of romance authors.

Monica has done it again. She has proven that there is love at all ages and stages in life.

This story of Tiffany and Jason was awesome. Their love for each other was hot, but they had some unresolved issues that they both had to face to move on.

Tiffany and her kids went through alot in her first marriage (Heart's Desire)and there was things that she had to face in order to truly open up to Jason. And Jason had his on issues to deal with.

There are many shocking and eye opening scenes in this book. It was good to learn about some of the characters in Monica's other books.

I can not wait for Jenny's story and I would like to see a story on Jarad and Tiffany's son Dante'.

Hats off to Monica once again, Good work!

As author of SPLENDID SLIPPERS I was not surprised to read these two recent reviews by women of Chinese descent, which are factually absolutely incorrect. Sadly they have been badly misinformed by elder relatives who are needlessly ashamed of the custom of footbinding, or themselves were honestly ignorant of the actual facts. Or possibly the reviewers are of Manchu rather than Han Chinese descent. When the Manchu invaded China in 1644, the Emperor forbid Manchu women from binding their feet. Only the Han Chinese, and many of the Minority People, bound. So Manchu women may not know the true facts of footbinding.

I spent almost seven years researching the subject of footbinding before writing my book. I have read hundreds of books with information on the subject, and traveled through China many times, with English-speaking Chinese guides, interviewing a tremendous number of older women with bound feet, and their husbands. Photos of several of them, which tell the story better than I can here, appear in the book. And may I say not one of these elderly women I interviewed with tiny lotus feet had ever seen more than a life of poverty in mountain huts or little villages, rising at before sunrise helping to care for her family, and after marriage her own children, husband and husband's parents, foraging for firewood, working in the rice fields,yam fields, or whatever poor little crops the families tried to raise, since they were little girls with newly bound feet.

As I explain in my book, in the beginning period of footbinding (approximately 950 AD) only women in the palace bound their feet, then the custom spread to minor nobility. Eventually it spread to the newly rich merchant class. However, by the 17th century about 96% of all Han Chinese girls had their feet bound.

Chinese experts estimate that more than four and one half BILLION Han Chinese, and some Minority People women, have bound their feet the past 1,000 years. In cities such as Peking, Canton and Shanghai, and other wealthy areas, there were of course affluent women and they did indeed have bound feet. But the majority of the women of China have always been the peasants who live at poverty, or almost poverty, level. And the majority of them for 1,000 years had bound feet.

While this book has exquisite color photos of astonishingly beautiful shoes sewn by the women who wore them together with sepia tones from decades past & current snapshots in modern day China, the subject of this book, the millennium old tradition of binding little girls' feet for the express purpose of enticing their husbands' sexual advances, is heartbreaking. Beverley Jackson, however, doesn't allow you to wallow in pity & neither do the last few ladies she interviewed. Even as they have had to totter en pointe for all of their lives, they have climbed stairways to temples, congregated in market places & generally had good lives. Since the Communist Revolution, however, they have been pariahs, symbols of a decadent past & their works of art & memories have been suppressed. Until this big-footed American strode into their lives, showed them her collection of Splendid Slippers & listened to their stories. A marvelous book, one of a kind & going into its second printing. Very well done!

Ah, fashion...all over the world and for centuries we ladies have influenced humanity with what we wear. This is the perfect starter book for anyone who wants a little clearer picture of the ancient practice of footbinding. A fine read with lovely pictures, this book doesn't belittle the ladies who designed and wore these slippers. Worth having by all means.

I admit it...I never in a million years would have read Ramona, if not forced to do so by my history professor for a class in race & ethnicity in American History. However, having said that, I found the book a thoroughly enjoyable read...overdramaticized, yes, but we can forgive it when we consider the original date of publication. However, it is the story behind the story that is most interesting. What Ramona truly is....a middle class white woman's perception of what it might be like to be an Indian. Jackson was an abolitionist turned author in the 1830's. This is her most recognized and extensive work. So the next time you read it, if you read between the lines, you will see HER innate prejudices and assumptions. But,like I said, I enjoyed it immensely and reccomend it as a fun read...but don't take it too literally...it is after all, fiction

I must admit I read this novel only to get the background on my girlfriend Majel's name. I initially held no respect for its "Great American Love Story" subtitle, but this book really hit me right in the chest. I liked that I was able to extract the characters' personalities from their words and tones rather than from paragraphs of third-person description. I liked that it piqued my interest in nineteenth century Californian history, especially the upsetting struggle of the Mexicans and Native Americans living there. And lastly, I liked experiencing the boundless love that flowed from the simple, strong and beautiful Ramona. A quick, colorful, emotionally satisfying novel.

Just when I had begun to despair that I might never truly fall in love with a book again, along came Ramona. From the first page, I was captured by the poetic nature of the writing. Some books can be read quickly, not so Ramona. Every sentence is crafted so carefully, every description so complete, some passages must be read over and over again just for the sheer pleasure of the prose. The plot combination of social justice and romance makes the book amazingly contemporary. The racism of this book is directed toward the Native American population and their story is a heart wrenching one indeed. The description of the startling beauty of the landscape and the lives of the characters stands in stark contrast to the breathtaking cruelty with which this nation took land from its native population. Ramona thrilled me and broke my heart. I highly recommend it.

This purports to be a medical textbook, and many of the obviously learned author's quotations are from half-forgotten late mediæval medical writers. A plausible translation of the title into modern terms would be "A Study of Abnormal Psychology." The application of Scholastic methods to this topic --- so similar, and yet so different, from contemporary academic discourse --- creates a curious impression. He invokes astrology and theology in forming his psychology.

But in fact, Burton uses this arcane subject to go off on a profound and lengthy meditation on the melancholies and misfortunes of life itself. The author, it seems, was easily distracted, and his distractions are our gain. The passages on the Melancholy of Scholars, and the Melancholy of Lovers, are themselves worthy of the price of admission.

His prose is unlike anything before him or since him. It has some kinship to the paradoxical and simile-laden style of the Euphuists, but his individual sentences are often pithy and brief.

This seventeenth-century classic ought to be read by anyone interested in the period, in early psychology, or in the history of English prose.

Don't be misled by the title of this book, nor by what others may have told you about it. In the first place, it isn't so much a book about 'Melancholy' (or abnormal psychology, or depression, or whatever) as a book about Burton himself and, ultimately, about humankind. Secondly, it isn't so much a book for students of the history of English prose, as one for lovers of language who joy in the strong taste of English when it was at its most masculine and vigorous. Finally, it isn't so much a book for those interested in the renaissance, as for those interested in life.

Burton is not a writer for fops and milquetoasts. He was a crusty old devil who used to go down to the river to listen to the bargemen cursing so that he could keep in touch with the true tongue of his race. Sometimes I think he might have been better off as the swashbuckling Captain of a pirate ship. But somehow he ended up as a scholar, and instead of watching the ocean satisfyingly swallowing up his victims, he himself became an ocean of learning swallowing up whole libraries. His book, in consequence, although it may have begun as a mere 'medical treatise,' soon exploded beyond its bounds to become, in the words of one of his editors, "a grand literary entertainment, as well as a rich mine of miscellaneous learning."

Of his own book he has this to say : "... a rhapsody of rags gathered together from several dung-hills, excrements of authors, toys and fopperies confusedly tumbled out, without art, invention, judgement, wit, learning, harsh, raw, rude, phantastical, absurd, insolent, indiscreet, ill-composed, indigested, vain, scurrile, idle, dull, and dry; I confess all..." But don't believe him, he's in one of his irascible moods and exaggerating. In fact it's a marvelous book.

Here's a bit more of the crusty Burton I love; it's on his fellow scholars : "Heretofore learning was graced by judicious scholars, but now noble sciences are vilified by base and illiterate scribblers."

And here is Burton warming to the subject of contemporary theologians : "Theologasters, if they can but pay ... proceed to the very highest degrees. Hence it comes that such a pack of vile buffoons, ignoramuses wandering in the twilight of learning, ghosts of clergymen, itinerant quacks, dolts, clods, asses, mere cattle, intrude with unwashed feet upon the sacred precincts of Theology, bringing with them nothing save brazen impudence, and some hackneyed quillets and scholastic trifles not good enough for a crowd at a street corner."

Finally a passage I can't resist quoting which shows something of Burton's prose at its best, though I leave you to guess the subject: "... with this tempest of contention the serenity of charity is overclouded, and there be too many spirits conjured up already in this kind in all sciences, and more than we can tell how to lay, which do so furiously rage, and keep such a racket, that as Fabius said, "It had been much better for some of them to have been born dumb, and altogether illiterate, than so far to dote to their own destruction."

To fully appreciate these quotations you would have to see them in context, and I'm conscious of having touched on only one of his many moods and aspects. But a taste for Burton isn't difficult to acquire. He's a mine of curious learning. When in full stride he can be very funny, and it's easy to share his feelings as he often seems to be describing, not so much his own world as today's.

But he does demand stamina. His prose overwhelms and washes over us like a huge tsunami, and for that reason he's probably best taken in small doses. If you are unfamiliar with his work and were to approach him with that in mind, you might find that (as is the case with Montaigne, a very different writer) you had discovered not so much a book as a companion for life.

Don't be misled by the title of this book, nor by what others may have told you about it. In the first place, it isn't so much a book about 'Melancholy' (or abnormal psychology, or depression, or whatever) as a book about Burton himself and, ultimately, about humankind. Secondly, it isn't so much a book for students of the history of English prose, as one for lovers of language who joy in the strong taste of English when it was at its most masculine and vigorous. Finally, it isn't so much a book for those interested in the renaissance, as for those interested in life.

Burton is not a writer for fops and milquetoasts. He was a crusty old devil who used to go down to the river to listen to the bargemen cursing so that he could keep in touch with the true tongue of his race. Sometimes I think he might have been better off as the swashbuckling Captain of a pirate ship. But somehow he ended up as a scholar, and instead of watching the ocean satisfyingly swallowing up his victims, he himself became an ocean of learning swallowing up whole libraries. His book, in consequence, although it may have begun as a mere 'medical treatise,' soon exploded beyond its bounds to become, in the words of one of his editors, "a grand literary entertainment, as well as a rich mine of miscellaneous learning."

Of his own book he has this to say : "... a rhapsody of rags gathered together from several dung-hills, excrements of authors, toys and fopperies confusedly tumbled out, without art, invention, judgement, wit, learning, harsh, raw, rude, phantastical, absurd, insolent, indiscreet, ill-composed, indigested, vain, scurrile, idle, dull, and dry; I confess all..." But don't believe him, he's in one of his irascible moods and exaggerating. In fact it's a marvelous book.

Here's a bit more of the crusty Burton I love; it's on his fellow scholars : "Heretofore learning was graced by judicious scholars, but now noble sciences are vilified by base and illiterate scribblers."

And here is Burton warming to the subject of contemporary theologians : "Theologasters, if they can but pay ... proceed to the very highest degrees. Hence it comes that such a pack of vile buffoons, ignoramuses wandering in the twilight of learning, ghosts of clergymen, itinerant quacks, dolts, clods, asses, mere cattle, intrude with unwashed feet upon the sacred precincts of Theology, bringing with them nothing save brazen impudence, and some hackneyed quillets and scholastic trifles not good enough for a crowd at a street corner."

Finally a passage I can't resist quoting which shows something of Burton's prose at its best, though I leave you to guess the subject: "... with this tempest of contention the serenity of charity is overclouded, and there be too many spirits conjured up already in this kind in all sciences, and more than we can tell how to lay, which do so furiously rage, and keep such a racket, that as Fabius said, "It had been much better for some of them to have been born dumb, and altogether illiterate, than so far to dote to their own destruction."

To fully appreciate these quotations you would have to see them in context, and I'm conscious of having touched on only one of his many moods and aspects. But a taste for Burton isn't difficult to acquire. He's a mine of curious learning. When in full stride he can be very funny, and it's easy to share his feelings as he often seems to be describing, not so much his own world as today's.

But he does demand stamina. His prose overwhelms and washes over us like a huge tsunami, and for that reason he's probably best taken in small doses. If you are unfamiliar with his work and were to approach him with that in mind, you might find that (as is the case with Montaigne, a very different writer) you had discovered not so much a book as a companion for life.

Internationally acclaimed author and beer expert Michael Jackson has produced the best, and most attractive, book on beer and beer styles. In a straightforward and often lyrical way, he covers beer, from basics to specific styles, from history to specific examples from the top breweries in the world. There's enough here to interest both the beer neophyte and the veteran beer drinker.

Most of Jackson's other books are organized by region, shopping guides country-by-country. What makes this book particular useful is is attention to various beerstyles, with history and definition for each, along with listings of the classic examples. It's also a gorgeous book, with mouth-watering photos of beer and the geography of beer.

On another note, it's interesting that the only "reviews" that dismiss Jackson as a hack are unsigned. No e-mail addresses, just "a reader". Makes you wonder, doesn't it?

--Jeff Frane

I began my own personal journey into good beer back when Samuel Adams Lager was considered an exotic option to Heineken. I, along with many of my friends, became curious about investigating this exciting new angle to drinking beer. We all learned that there is more to drinking beer than just foolishly slurping Budweiser. One of the best sources for learning about beer styles and great beers brewed around the world is reading the books of Michael Jackson, British writer not American singer. Luckily, he removes one glove long enough to write these books. If you want to learn about beer, this is a very good resource. In my travels around America and the world, I seek out beers he recommends. This book is a primer on the many splenid styles of beer. There is a difference between an India Pale Ale and a Czech pilsner. He will point out several classic examples of each style he documents. I learned about the traditions of the countries that have great brewing histories. Beer is not just for breakfast anymore and Michael Jackson is one of the leaders in spreading the good word. His poetic prose and vast knowledge of the subject make for a fascinating read. Even a non-believer might learn a thing or two from this book. From Abbey doubles to Extra Special Bitters to Berliner weissebiers, this book has it all.

A funny and insightful beginning slowly becomes an enlightening mirror. Ms. Gandy encourages self examination that ultimately stimulates self renewal. I took a retreat one weekend to read this book and get it together.

I'm still working on applying some of the practical principles. My attitude is different now - not cocky but more confident and peaceful because Ms. Gandy made me realize that I can't take care of someone help without taking care of myself first. Although some of the principles are not my style, the overall theme and development definitely woke me up!

Do not pass this book by! For over a year I passed this book over on the library shelf until recently. The principles applied in this book will prove to be life affirming for recovering SBWs (Strong Black Women). If you aren't sure if you qualify as an SBW then you will by the end of the first half of this book. Gandy opens with an array of ancient principles from "Ra Un Neter Amen" to "The Holy Bible" quoting text and scripture that applies to ancient pampering techniques and principles. She offer recipes for successfully incorporating these sacred pampering principles into your busy life. In addition, the book is very easy to read. It can be read on the train to work, in the bathtub or right before you drift off to sleep at night. I encourage all African-American women of all ages to read this book in order to help improve your spiritual, mental and physical health and well-being. ~Peace and Blessings to everyone.

(originally posted: July 30, 1998)

A funny and insightful beginning slowly becomes an enlightening mirror. Ms. Gandy encourages self examination that ultimately stimulates self renewal. I took a retreat one weekend to read this book and get it together.

I'm still working on applying some of the practical principles. My attitude is different now - not cocky but more confident and peaceful because Ms. Gandy made me realize that I can't take care of someone help without taking care of myself first. Although some of the principles are not my style, the overall theme and development definitely woke me up!

Shirley Jackson's wicked humour (don't miss the story of "Charles," for example) kept me laughing, and it was especially refreshing to step into a (let's face it, far more realistic) world where children could have a score of imaginary playmates (the family of Mrs Ellenoy), a son could be a bit of a discipline problem, the baby could eat a spider ... and no one ran to the self-help aisle or shrink just because kids were kids.

I had assumed that this was a biographical work, with the adventures just a bit exagerrated, until I read Shirley's (excellent) biography "Private Demons." Somehow, the stories were not as funny when I came to know that some of them were fiction, merely based on the children's traits.

This tale will never bore, and will give anyone a good dose of laughter. Perhaps those who now have children of the age which Shirley's were then will relax a bit realising that raising children was never a joy ride - but there is no need, today, to make it more difficult than it has to be.

At one time, Shirley Jackson was both the scariest and the funniest writer in America. This book may come as a surprise to fans of "The Lottery", but don't neglect it on that account; it's still vintage Jackson, complete with a rambling old house (this time not haunted). This is hands down the funniest book about raising children ever written; somehow it manages to treat children as surreal and other (the savages of the title) without ever being condescending. The sequal, _Raising Demons_, isn't quite as good, but is still well worth the read.

This book entertained me as a kid and as an adult. I'll be sharing it with my kids. The book focuses on the life of a family growing up in the 40's. It is written by the great writer, Shirley Jackson. The comedy rivals Erma Bombeck's and the stories are funny, heartwarming and clever.