I LOVED this book! Ordinarily, I do not recommend religious books to anyone, because what works for me will not usually work for other people. In times past, I would simply say that I enjoyed the book, but would be very noncommittal when asked if I would recommend it. This time, however, I highly recommend this book!

It was an excellent retelling of the story of Gomer and Hosea. It moved me from anger to love, from tears of sorrow to tears of joy. It was a great example of how God's love, expressed through man, can heal another person's heart. It showed how no matter how far we try to run, God is always there for us and with us, and He will take as much time as we need to teach us of Him and His love.

Redeeming Love is, at its heart, a story of restoration and forgiveness -- the kind that has to take place not only on a spiritual level, but also on an intrapersonal level and within one's self. It's also a lesson on judgement. So many people had so quickly passed judgement on Angel that she internalized their negativity, and they missed out on the opportunity to heal her wounded spirit. Even Micheal almost missed his chance, until he allowed the Lord completely bend his will to the divine purpose the Lord had intended.

This book will make you fully appreciate the goodness of the Lord. I will awaken in your spirit a renewed desire to be drawn into His fold. If you are not moved by this story, check your pulse, you may be dead.

What a joy to be able to share my thoughts about this book with whomever may read this. This is the first book Francine Rivers wrote after coming into her relationship with Christ. Because of that, it has a rawness and a fresh fascination with the incredible love of God. The characters are real and believable, especially Angel, whose life experiences have left her bitter and angry, certain that there is no hope for redemption or love. The story that unfolds is so much more than the "sappy" romance-novel cover depicts (I wish the publisher would redesign it). Even for me, a Christian for 15 years, it was deeply moving and humbling to read of how unshakeable God's love is, and also His discipline. I have reccomended this book to so many people, all of whom have had similar responses to mine, and I would suggest it as a way to show God's amazing love to anyone you may know who doesn't know Him. Praise God for servants who are gifted in such unique ways as Mrs. Rivers - may she continue to glorify Him with her stories!

The first day I bought this book, I sat on my desk and told myself I'd just read a chapter before I go to bed. That was 9pm. No matter how hard I tried, I could not put the book down. I found myself teary eyed, reading the ending, at 5am the next morning. Intending to read just the first few pages, I ended up reading the entire book in one sitting (with one bathroom break!).

Everytime Angel would run away from Michael's love, I would say, "you stupid, ungrateful woman!" But as I was reading, God reminded me of all the times when I myself would backslide from my faith, thinking that I could make it on my own without Him - and of how unconditional His love is (like Michael's) when I come to my senses and ask for His forgiveness. After I finished the novel, I couldn't help but thank God for His forgiving, faithful, redeeming love.

I definitely recommend this book. But don't read it like I did - Don't read it in one sitting until 5am when you need to be at work at 7am.!!

Seabiscuit's "gallop was so disorganized that he had a maddening tendency to whack himself in the front ankle with his own hind hoof." And so the spell-binding story about a horse that runs with a duck waddle, a jockey (Red Pollard) who is blind in one eye, a trainer (Tom Smith) who is practically mute, and an owner (Charles Howard) who brought cars to the West is born. This unlikely group of misfits joins together through chance -- and because all three men immediately see the untapped potential in a mistreated, high-spirited, and lazy horse named Seabiscuit. This trio devotes their love, skills, and energy into turning Seabiscuit into one of the most phenomenal horse racing legends.

Tom Smith, perhaps the original "horsewhisperer", spends hours learning and understanding his horse. When Seabiscuit is first put into his care for training, the horse is nervous, paces incessantly, weighs too little, and suffers from a sore body. Tom spends time caring for Seabiscuit, showering him with affection and carrots, even sleeping in Seabiscuit's stall at night. A daily routine is introduced plus animal companionship. Before long, Seabiscuit has his own entourage: a cow pony named Pumpkin, the little stray dog Pocatell, and Jojo the spider monkey. Under Tom's care, the high-spirited Seabiscuit learns to trust, becomes calm, and, most importantly, starts winning horse races.

The triumph of Seabiscuit is ultimately the story of what any person (or animal) may accomplish when their talents are recognized, supported, and expanded. Seabiscuit, given his inauspicious start in life, could just as easily have faded away into non-existence running third tier races. However, the love and care he receives from his owner, jockey, and trainer have you cheering until the end of the book for Seabiscuit to keep running (and winning) with his heart. Not only does Seabiscuit capture the hearts of the misfit trio, he will capture yours.

This fascinating work of non-fiction is one of the best books I've read in a long time. Unlike a lot of historical non-fiction, this intriguing story did not read like a textbook - it read like fiction and not once did I find myself skimming the details ... too interesting to skim through!

When I first heard about this story, I wasn't sure about it - after all, I really know (or should I say "knew") very little about horse racing. Despite my misgivings, I soon realized that a major purpose of this book was not only to teach the reader about this sport via Seabiscuit's career but also to memorialize the amazing individuals (Charles Howard, Tom Smith, Red Pollard, George Woolf, etc.) who defied all odds to make such a successful racing career possible.

I especially liked the chapters dealing with the difficulties of life as a jockey - the way the jockeys punished their bodies to the extreme for the honor of participating in a harrowingly dangerous sport was truly unbelievable...and I thought ballerinas were harsh on their bodies when it came to weight loss! Red was my favorite character and I can't help wondering if the author felt a particular kinship with the jockey as a result of her own struggles with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - after all, she did have to push her own body beyond her normal physical limits to complete her research and write this amazing book!

Ms. Hillenbrand successfully incorporated the story of Seabiscuit's racing career into the historical context of the era. Seabiscuit was a much needed diversion for Americans who were suffering the depths of the Great Depression. ...And perhaps, through Laura Hillenbrand, Team Seabiscuit is still providing us all with an inspirational diversion from today's distressing headlines!

Oh - and don't skip the interview with Laura Hillenbrand at the end of the book. It was very interesting to see how Ms. Hillenbrand's own background influenced her writing and how her research helped her to resurrect this intriguing epoch in American history.

I'm excited about the movie although I hope Universal Studios does this wonderful literary work justice!

What a book! What a reading!

I picked it up to fill in the void left by Harry Potter book 5, and this Seabiscuit just blow me and every other books I've ever read (in English) completely away. I just couldn't put it down once I started, finishing the 300-plus pages in less than 48 hours - a personal record for me as a slow reader.

Yes it is about horse racing - a topic I couldn't have cared less if not for the movie I plan to see, but it goes way beyond. It's really about perseverance, redemption, friendship, and second chance in life overcoming obstacles. As a foreigner, I found this book the best window to peek into a piece of American history, an American legend, and the true American spirit.

Laura Hillenbrand's writing is mesmerizing, the way she tells the dramatic stories about the horse and the people behind it, the way she builds up layers over layers of suspense leading to one climax after another, make this book a real page turner. Don't be fooled by the non-fiction category, this book is exactly what the best fiction should have been written as.

I can hardly believe this was her first book. What a talent!

Her life itself is also a reflection of the theme of the book and just as inspiring. She has been suffering severe chronic fatigue syndrome since age of 19 as a result of food poison in college. Yet she never gives up writing.

Although after reading the book I found the movie is just so-so (perhaps my bar was set too high by the book), I still want to thank Hollywood for making this film from the bottom of my heart - because it introduced me to the most satisfactory reading I've ever had.

This is a real serendipity!

In the ranks of those young writers who altering the form of other genres--Ben Marcus in fiction, Doug Powell in poetry, Jonathan Safran Foer in the novel, etc.--John D'Agata's HALLS OF FAME has not only altered the way contemporary essays are viewed, but based on a brief review of what's being published today in small literary journals, he's effected the very stuff being written in the genre. Long before most writers are usually said to have a tangible effect on their forms, D'Agata seems to have done it with his first book. It basically changed my life when I first read it, luring me out of a PhD in English, into a writing program where finally, thanks soley to this writer, I have realized that both the artful and the intelectual can sit side by side in essay writing. He does it better than anybody else. Not only better than any other young writer; better than ANYBODY. The first five pages of this first startling book will show you why. The rest of the book, I suspect, will change your life.

When I was first assigned this book in October in my fiction class I didn't really know what I was in for.

The book isn't fiction, first of all. It's creative nonfiction, and there's a huge difference.

Creative nonfiction, as I define it, is about the use of the real world as a basis for literary musings. Or something like that.

I guess I should have a better definition since I'm majoring in writing and specializing in CNF, as we like to call it.

But now whenever anyone asks me what creative nonfiction is I just point them to this book by John D'Agata, inventor of lyric essays and one of the most readable experimental writers of Generation X.

The books starts out with what seems like a pretty straight forward travel essay about Hoover Dam. But even that safe-seeming subject is pure fodder--and nothing but!--in D'Agata's wily prose. In fact, the travelogue about Hoover Dam never really arrives at Hoover Dam, never even discusses it even. Instead the essay wanders fascinatingly through the idea of a wonder, in terms both literal and imaginary.

It's this tone that the book intitially hits and maintains that makes me so in awe of the book. From the non-Hoover Dam essay, to a biography about Martha Graham that's really about D'Agata himself, to an interview with the President of the Flat Earth Society told in footnotes, to the spectacular long title-essay "Hall of Fame" about the 3000 halls of fame that D'Agata tells us are in America, to what must be the longest sentence in the English language in the single-sentence essay about Deep Springs, to the first truly admirable essay about Henry Darger (that wacko self-taught guy who became an artist in Chicago), to the final meditation on the brightest light in the world, the book becomes itself a kind of wonder.

Unassuming, delicately toned, musically thrilling, and hyperintelligent, this is the best essay collection that I've ever read, and I've read them all.

Truly this is one of the best debuts in Creative Nonfiction's recent past. Clearly it is one of the most exciting and meaningful from the last decade's memoir-enhanced Nonfiction craze.

The book is wily, weird, well researched and highly--hugely--intelligent. The "forms" employed in HALLS OF FAME, while unlike anything we've seen in the genre to date, are profound. They make sense. Get to know the man who calls himself the President of the Flat Earth Society and you'll realize why D'Agata chose to write the essay almost entirely in footnotes. Read through a few of the short peices in the title essay, "Hall of Fame," and you'll understand completely why D'Agata needed to write about these pathetic little museums in one-sentence paragraphs and line breaks.

To dismiss this book because of its complexity would be a great blunder indeed, but that doesn't seem to be a problem here, considering its reviews so far. What amazes me and gives me hope is the fact that so odd a book is touching so many people. Maybe American literature isn't dead after all. Good for us.

Giving praise and honor to my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, I want to thank Him for allowing me to come in contact with Stormie's book, The Power of a Praying Wife. My marital affairs were pretty bleak. I was praying for all the wrong things. Praying first, then reading this book opened my eyes to a alot of things that needed prayer in our life. It wasn't just my husband it was me. I was praying for God to change him. I needed changing, I needed to let go of many issues pent up inside of me. Once God dealt with me, then I was able to move on within my marriage. I am so greatful. My husband and I are now loving, and caring, and respecting each other. My home is truly one that is filled with love and the spirit of Christ. I strongly suggest that every woman read this book, whether married or not, there is something for each of you. I am now persuading my sister to read it. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Thank you for walking me through, step by step and for making it easy to read. The prayers are the key. There's one for each chapter. I am working on starting a Praying Wives Ministry as a result of this book. God bless you Stormie!

This book covers every aspect of marriage. It is for every wife who desires a marriage blessed by God and a closer relationship with her husband. It is backed by God's word. God truly uses this author to teach women about their relationships with their husbands. It is an especially effective tool which helps you to summarize your thoughts on different subjects and put them into your prayers. Whatever your concerns may be (health, fatherhood, etc.), Stormie has covered a variety of subjects. You may go into this book thinking about changing your husband, but this book will also change your life in many ways and bring you closer to God. God Bless You, Stormie Omartian.

I have had this book for two months. It's a book with specific chapters for specific needs. It does not have to be read front to back. I recommend reading through the first chapter "His Wife". You think you're reading about how to "help" or even "change" your husband...you soon discover the Lord showing you things in your own life that need prayer and change! Don't you hate it when that happens? Me too. But, if you allow the Lord to speak to you through Stormie's writing and experience, you will not believe what happens! It is difficult to put into words the change that has taken place...in me. Attitudes, expectations, desires, wants, and needs, are all addressed. Biblically. I go to different chapters at different times on different days. Lately, I have been reading it along with Scripture in my personal time. I've known my husband since 7 yrs. old and have been married for 23 yrs. God is always faithful and always good. He will teach us if we take the time to listen. Married? Engaged? Hope to get married? Get this book. Then, read it. Then pray. Then apply it. God Bless.

I'm pretty stingy with my stars, but this book was everything I had read about in the reviews. I was hesitant to read it at first because I've never been a big fan of the time-travel genre, but with the new, pretty cover (yeah, I know, I know, don't judge a book...) I was inspired to give it a try. Boy am I glad I did!

The first part of the book was a romance-reader's dream. Nicholas was the perfect hero (C'mon, what would you expect from a knight in shining armor?). Dougless, granted, was pretty pathetic, but she was a perfect match for Nicholas. There were many funny and tender scenes in the first half of the book, and let me just emphasize again how perfect Nicholas was. In the end of the first half, when he gives up on pursuing his family's honor for Dougless' love... well, it almost made me cry.

The second half of the book didn't quite build up to the romance between Nicholas and Dougless as much as I would have liked; rather Nicholas suddenly remembers their 20th century relationship and wham, they're in love again. However, the historical detail was fascinating; I learned several things I never knew. And when Nicholas tells his mother of his love, it was very touching.

However, the ending of this book was the best. It was original; romantic, yet heartbreaking. When Dougless learns about how she changed Nicholas' future, I started crying. And the scene on the plane was the perfect ending. I don't know how anyone couldn't have liked the ending. Of course it wasn't like every other romance novel- it was better. Dougless had gained a spine, Nicholas had gained honor, and they both had gained a love that spanned time. I thought it was slightly unfair that Dougless meets a real-life love (the reincarnated Nicholas?), but Nicholas never marries. However, it does make the love story all the more touching. Have some Kleenex handy! This is the first romance novel that has actually made me cry in a long time!

This book is one of my favorite time travel books. I loved the unrealistic plot and the realistic characters.

Dougless is on a trip through England with her boyfreind, who she hopes to marry, and his bratty and spoiled daughter Gloria. During the trip she is ditched in a graveyard and left weeping and asking for a knight in shining armor, and she gets one. Nicholas has been sent to her through time to solve a life or death mystery. What will happen while these two star crossed lovers are searching for the answers?

I can't tell because that wouldn't be very fun now would it. But I can tell how much I loved Nicholas, who was handsome, intelligent, and considerate. Dougless annoyed me at first because she let people walk all over her, but she grew a lot during the story and learned her own worth. The end of the book was so moving I cried. At first I was disappointed but then it grew on me, I think. Also, Nicholas's fascination with modern appliances and other things made me appreciate the things I take for granted, such as daily showers and dishwashers. This book is definetely a charmer and a great read.

I titled my review "Soul Mates Meet" because that is the theme that runs throughout Jude Deveraux's self-said favorite book. If you fancy the idea of a special someone for you, A Knight In Shining Armor is a wonderful tale in which to picture yourself as the heroine.

The story introduces us to Dougless, a loving woman who allows herself to be taken advantage of by the man she hopes will ask her to marry him. While on a trip to England with him, they become separated and Dougless finds herself weeping at the foot of the tomb for an unpopular 16th century man. In the midst of wishing for a knight in shining armor to save her from her troubles, she suddenly is confronted with a very strangely dressed hunk in-what else?-shining armor!

As the tale unfolds, Dougless learns the tragic story of the knight, Nicholas Stafford, and together they work to change how history will forever remember him. After a few twists and turns through time while finding herself falling in love with him, Dougless discovers a new strength in herself.
The final scenes leave your heart aching with the unrequited love time has imposed upon Dougless and Nicholas....or has it?

Written with a deep understanding of a woman's heart, as well as her fears and struggles, A Knight In Shining Armor will speak solace and courage to every woman.

An unusual and quite lovable fairy tale, "The Last Unicorn" captures a certain eerie and mystical quality that sends shivers down your spine, and adds alot of enjoyment to the book. I sometimes found myself quite frustrated with the unicorn, wondering how she could be so callous and unfeeling, but her emotional as well as physical journey is a main theme in this book. Her companions are quite far from perfect, an unusual concept in fantasy, and one which I enjoyed very much. You can't help but grow quite fond of the fumbling Schmendrick, or the tough, practical Molly Grue, both of whom add a bit of diversity to the story. I was also fascinated with the wierd, witchlike Mommy Fortuna, who knows the limits of her own power but lets her covetous nature of all things immortal be her downfall. Written with a dreamlike quality, "The Last Unicorn" isn't as much fantasy as it is a story about beauty, and the search for it, and how magic is a very tangible part of our lives.

The Last Unicorn is an all time classic. I loved this book after reading the first two pages. It is that addicting. Peter S. Beagle wrote the best book I have ever read when he wrote this.

The story is about a Unicorn, who was the color of the snow while being relected in the moonlight. She is wonderfully described by Beagle. She learns through several scourses that she is the last unicorn in the world, and she starts on a quest to find her people.

On the way she is captured by the vile witch Mommy Fortuna, and is held captive. But among her captivity she finds a trusted friend, a bumbleing magicain named Shemdrick. Shemdrick joins the Unicorn on her quest.

Soon they find another ally, in the form of a jaded woman named Molly Grue. As the trio continues to search for the rest of the world's unicorns, the find themselves face to face with death, danger, betrayl, love, and an alcoholic skull (sorry, but I had to include that).

I read this book at least once every month, and every time I still get the same thrill when the Unicorn battles the Red Bull, or when the Lady Amalthea confesess her love for Prince Lir.

This is the best book I have ever read in my life, and will remain the best book I have ever read. You should without a doubt pick up a copy of this book and read it.

As a child, my sister and I watched this beautiful movie over and over until the colour had faded and the sound was poor, but to this day my sister watches it still. The characters were unforgettable and the animation unique and exquisite. Was I surprised to find that there was a book, and that it had come first? Yes. I was sceptical at first, but my reservations melted as I fell in love with Beagle's story. His writing does my favourite characters more justice than the screen,. His story will take on new meaning for everyone who reads it and learns to love it. Not just a silly tale about a unicorn, Beagle's story is witty, daring, fun, and magical. A timeless book you'll regret not reading... again and again! There's something for everyone in Beag'es books. And, if you're interested, there is a history to the animation of The Last Unicorn that is simplyenchanting. I'm not sorry that I've spent hours of my adult life watching the movie and reading the book, and neither will you be. Find out and see! Remember: it is a very rare person who is taken for what he truly is. Enjoy!

This book is the story of an unusual family at the turn of the century, with twelve children. The father is an efficiency expert who runs the family like it is a factory assembly line, with everything timed down to the minute. Even the times for bathing are scheduled, so that the household runs smoothly. Mr. Gilbreth practices all of his ideas on how to run an efficient business on his family; they are the guinea pigs for new ideas.
He is the parent who disciplines all the kids, and the mom is really understanding of how hard it is to live in such an unusual family. Both of the parents were professionals, as the mom was also a psychologist and industrial engineer. They applied their professional ideas on raising the 12 kids. The children learn foreign languages, long division and about the solar system, using methods from Mr. Gilbreth's professional life. They were also taught touch typing and morse code by efficient methods. It is a very humorous look at the life of a large and unusual family. The ending of the book is sad, as Mr. Gilbreth dies, leaving Mrs. Gilbreth to raise the children alone.

The tone of the book is humor, as many of the situations are really funny, and the parents approach life with a sense of humor. The father is often very sarcastic, but not in a mean way. He liked to parade the family around and even though he was proud of them, he found the reactions of other people very funny. The parent's sense of humor made dealing with the problems of a large family easier, and made for a more loving lifestyle. Even though raising a family that large was serious business, they never took life too seriously. I think that is an important way to raise a family, by keeping a sense of humor. The father is a smart man, and he is never characterized as an idiot, even though he does some crazy things to help his family. The main theme throughout the book is the importance of humor in their lives.

CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN

Format: Paperback,1st ed., 180 pages ISBN: 0553272500 Publisher: Bantam Doubleday Dell Books for Younger Readers Pub. Date: February 1981 Other Formats: Hardback Recommended Age:Third grade and up

Wonderful...Once you start to read the first page you wont be able to put the book down. This perfect way to spend a rainy day. You will be very amused when you read about the hilarious events of the Gilbreth family. The family of twelve children have many adventures you will enjoy reading. The father is almost crazy and a very successful business man. He is very strict and overprotective. He won't let his daughters wear make up or dress the way they like to. They slowly change his mind and begin to dress their way. He thinks his children can do anything and is also believed he could do anything. He loved jokes and laughing and you will love the practical jokes they play on each other. The rich family loves to go to movies then out for ice cream. They also spend their summers at the beach, where their Dad forces them to learn to swim. He wants them to learn as much as possible about everything so he always finds a way to teach them new things. As an efficiency expert he made sure that everything was done in a time efficient way. It was a sin to waste time in the Gilbreth house and he was constantly coming up with new ways to save time. The Dad in the story liked to parade around and show off his kids. Although this was embarassing to some of the kids as they got older Dad found it hilarious. The mother also was sometimes embarrassed or insulted by the attention they got or the comments other people made. This book will keep you laughing right up to the last chapter when Dad dies. The book is a mixture of humor and then sadness at the ending. This is an excellent book that everybody should read. I recommend this book for anyone that knows how to read no matter how old or young!

Dina Bastianini, Pine-Richland High School

This book is the best book I have ever read. I own it and have read it many times. It kept me interested from the first page and you will not want to put it down. It is about a family of 12 children. Their dad is always thinking of new ways to save time and he thinks that he can teach him and his children anything. The family likes to play practical jokes on eachother and are always having a good time. This book is very interesting and never gets boring.

There's no doubt that "Till We Have Faces" is Lewis' most profound book. Its prose is masterful: spare, stark, the best writing Lewis ever did. He creates memorable, fully human characters, especially in Orual, daughter of Trom King of Glome. She is ugly, brutalized by her father, friendless until love enters her life through two characters: her Greek slave tutor and her youngest sister, Psyche. The novel becomes an examination of loves true and false, of manipulation of love, and of the power of grace to redeem and love the unloved and unlovely. I've read this novel at least a dozen times; it never grows stale. You needn't know the original myth to enjoy the book. I only wish more readers knew about this book--even many Lewis fans are unaware of this one. It will move your heart and make you think.

CS Lewis has created a wonderful unique view of the Eros and Psyche myth and transported his ideas into an awesome creative story just for all of us! The original plot of the myth has always appeared very didactic to me, especially for women who need to find the strength inside themselves to conquer the seemingly undaunting tasks which are necessary for a joyous reunion with their heart's truest desires. I believe this story takes this one step further and makes the focus of the myth about the unveiling of one's soul into a new light. The story's three main women (Ungit included) all hold some piece of the vieled soul (i.e. the ugly and shameful elements) inside and the unconscious quest that Lewis puts them on in this story is to have these women uncover these shadows within themselves and bring them to light. That's what I got out of this book anyway. It's all there on the higher plane. I was very impressed with this intricate, subtle, beautifully crafted "double myth". That's what I'm calling it. You get the Eros and Psyche amazing story plus this wonderful new myth about wanting to find your true face. It's under there hidden with the dark and musty viel of fear-based thinking and belief systems. This book knocked my socks off...It's one of my favorites! Like the Fox says "How can they (the gods) meet us face to face till we have faces?" This means we need to uncover all our dusty negative agreements that sit in our soul and bring them out in the open. We need a cleansed face (soul) one that embraces clarity and balance, calmness and beauty. No zits, hopefully! CS Lewis has said this is his favorite piece he ever wrote...I totally agree. This book will give the reader a lot to think about if you really want it to, one needs to be patient and let it speak to the parts of you that are hidden. Open your dusty souls and READ IT!!

I bought Till We Have Faces based only on a familiarity with the Narnia chronicals that I read as a kid. Knowing nothing of the "classic myth of Cupid and Psyche", I let this book sit on my bookshelf for months before I opened it one rainy day. What a mistake! I was drawn in by Lewis' elegant, simple story of two sisters and how their relationship colors their lives. The plot and characterization are accessible to the casual reader, but the allegorical relationship to the ancient myth gives it deeper meaning. This is one of the rare novels which nourishes your soul while providing pure enjoyment.

I feel like SIMON COWELL and I'm sorry, but I just don't see what was so great about this book. It was boring and the plot was very weak. Need I say more? Well, I will. I usually love this author.

This book was the first one I had ever read by Julie Garwood. Now, I own ever book she ever wrote. Jamie and Alec marry on order of their respective kings, but fall in love on the order of their hearts. Jamie is a strong heroine, stubborn and loyal to her heart. Alec is a typical Highland warrior who has a lot to learn about women. Jamie is more than willing to instruct him. A secret enemy threatens their tender love If youre tired of weepy weak heroines, you'll love this book.Its one of the reasons I love Ms Garwood's stories. Her characters are women who have experience pain but have become stronger for it. The men are strong and stubborn as well.. but also learn what it means to love completely. The romance is secondary to the story and ususally occurs after marrage. Her storys are historically factual, and painted vibrantly. Also, if youre like me, you'll want to read more about Jamie and Alec. They show up again as support characters in the book, The Wedding. (Thanks Julie for letting me know what has happened in my "family's " life.)

Julie Garwood is truly an amazing writer. She manages to enfuse, charm, humor, love, adventure, passion and so much more into her stories. The Bride was truely no exception. Jamie is such a charming character who maintains her head-strong personality throughout, even when she is first married to Alec and knows nothing of him. Her hilarious misadventures will have you laughing till you cry and her strength of will will make you proud to be a woman. Garwood portrays Alec wonderfully as a strongly passionate man and leader while showing his lovable side through his tolerance and amusement in Jamie's antics. He's the type of man every woman would feel safe with and yet not controlled. Jamie is constantly persuading him to let her have his way and he keeps telling himself that it is the last time he'll bend to her will, but he often obliges her wishes, finally realizing how much he loves her. But what will happen when her English betrothed comes to claim her?

In Mario Puzo's The Godfather, he uses the crimes of a family and their Italian heritage to show how it affects a large loving family. I thought this was an excellent book, because the plot sequence was amazing with constant twists and suspense. The irony of this book comes through the crime boss Vito Corleone who is a kind-hearted and loyal friend of all who come to him with a request. However, he makes his living off of corruption and death which really doesn't affect the reader's attitude towards this loving character. The vicious side of the mafia comes through Vito's son Sonny. Sonny's rage leads to the death of many mob-related characters as well as to the his own death which is another irony evident in this novel. The Godfather uses masterful description of each member's life and how mob-life affected them. Another example of irony in The Godfather is the youngest son Michael's situation. At the beginning of the novel, Michael is returning from World War II and has no part in the family business. However, when his father nears death after gunshot wounds, Michael is drawn into the family business and chooses to pay back the antagonist Solozzo by spilling his blood for the sake of the family. Michael becomes the leader of the family after his father and Sonny die and he returns from Italy after things die down about his assasination of Solozzo. This transformation from an upstanding servant of the country to a crime boss looking out for the wellbeing of his family alone is the ulimate irony in this novel. Women and children are not major characters in the novel, because Puzo uses them to show how the mobs goal was to keep the innocent free from encountering their violent troubles. Puzo incorporates the lives of everyone involved in this crime family to show how much love and loyalty lead to their success and rage and deceit lead to their downfall. After reading the novel, I gained a greater appreciation for the movie which I had seen earlier and an understanding of how loyalty leads to power in the world.

If you've seen the movie The Godfather, then Francis Ford Coppola, Marlon Brando, and Al Pacino struck you with greatness. Now its time to buy and read Mario Puzo's all time classic and be blown away all over again. But if you're expecting a peaceful read that you can relax at night and read before sleep you'd be sadly mistaken.

Puzo's classic novelization of the mafia saga of Vito and Michael Corrleone is a must for every literate in the world. Between these covers are tales of crime, corruption, savage murder, love, drugs, Las Vegas, triumph, tragedy, and Vito Corrleone's rise as the nation's greatest Mafia kingpin. And all these stories are written with fiery intensity and passion that brings the characters to life in ways few authors can. Puzo writes this book so well that you will cringe in horror at the savage and corrupt ways of the Sicilian mafia, and all the terrible things that the members of these Mafia families will do.

So if you've seen the movie and was simply blown away or if you're just a fan of good reading that brings the characters out of the pages of the book and leaves them stamped in your mind then here is an offer you can't refuse; buy it now, and enjoy some of the greatest literature EVER!

The Godfather by Mario Puzo is about an Italian Mafia family, the Corleones, who live in New York, and it gives an inside look at how the Mafia runs. The many characters include Don Vito Corleone, the Godfather, and his three sons, Santino, Fredo, and Michael. The first main event happens when a man by the name of Virgil Sollozzo enters Don's office and asks if Don would help him import drugs into the United States. Don rejects saying that even though the profits from drugs are high, so are the risks. A couple days later, when Don is getting into his car, he is shot by two men. Even though he is severely wounded he is not killed and Santino is forced to take over the business. I won't give away the rest of the book, but I will tell you it kept me on the edge of my seat. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys nonstop action in the novels they read. I found Mario Puzo's writing style to be very good with lots of unexpected twists and turns. This helped make the book very exciting. I also recommend it to anyone interested in the Mafia. This book provides an inside look about how the Mafia is run. Overall, I enjoyed this book very much.