This book is a real gem, both for a twist on the usual Christmas story (the paw prints of 8 tiny gators) as well as the regional aspect. It is a hoot to read out loud, to yourself and others!

I have had this book for almost twenty years, and every Christmas my friends beg me to read it to them with my Cajun accent. This is such a FUN book for children and adults, and it is written in the Cajun dialect so that it is easy to have a Cajun accent. I have never met anyone who didn't fall in love with this book! Buy it! You won't be sorry, and it will become a family heirloom for many generations to come.

This book will be a great gift for any transplanted Cajun. I recieved this as a gift many Christmas"s ago. It has a special place on my bookcase, and is shown to all my guests. I brought it to work, read it in its true nature to my co workers and they all wanted a copy of it. This book is a must for all households, large and small. It is heart warming, and comical. Sometimes I take it out of my bookcase and hug it, that is how special it is to me. No home should be without it.

I just can say that it is great. There are no other words for this book...

I absolutely LOVE The Lion King. I, unfortunately have not yet been able to see it yet, but I might this summer and I'm so excited! I am 14 years old and I have recognized, for a long time now, Julie Taymor's brilliance! She is a designing and directing genius! I bought her SUPREME book title Playing With Fire, which I strongly recommend you all to buy...

The music from TLK on Broadway is, in itself, a brilliant thing! And, once again, if you don't have the CD, go out and buy that too. This book is an awesome thing that tells the whole story of bringing life to the godlike stage production we know to be TLKoB. The book is split into three parts; conceptualization, development, and performance. Julie Taymor is awesome and I love her! I would just DIE if I could meet her!

Many people don't understand the concept of infinity; I can't explain it except that it "goes on forever;" which is the way I feel about this book, the music, and ultimately, the musical. I'd give this book infinite stars! Enjoy!

"The Lion King : Pride Rock on Broadway" was really fun looking at.It had wonderful photos from the show and told how the show came together from conception to production design.It showed you costume designs, the actors in full costume, the sets, how they did the phenominal special effects, and much more!It's cool, and one of my favorite theater books!

I read this book on the recommendation of a friend and I must say that I absolutely loved the book. My mother grew up in the hills of Appalachia and the book brought back memories and stories my mother used to tell. Ms. Rice's abilities and stories are fascinating. I now recommend the book to others.

Janet's book has two parts. First she remembers growing up in the hills. Several interesting stories and lessons. She has me smelling the air for rain and cucumbers. Her journey to a fortune teller I found very interesting. I am someone who would love to have her talents but I never knew the work she put into it. What determination!!

Second part has some very, very interesting stories about clients she has had over the years. They are stories that make you gasp, cry and laugh out loud.

Janet's book was very well written and easy to read. I was pleasantly surprised and entertained.

Janet lovingly describes her years of growing up in a small town environment. Her family roots gave the basis for her book. I could identify with a lot of the "superstitions" as I also heard them when I was growing up. The book flows very well and Janet did an excellent job in pulling it all together......Good Job!!

I'm usually not a big fan of historical novels, but I received this book as a gift and was completely swept into the drama of these four compelling characters. Even though I have no Irish blood, the story of Reanna, Seamus, Siobhan and Donald had a transcendent quality: It was about ordinary women and men--a teacher, a hatmaker, etc.--caught up in a historical moment that they could not have foreseen or controlled. It makes me think of all those stories we've read about people working at the World Trade Center bombing on Sept. 11--that precious intersection of daily life with epic history. Even 200 years after the Irish Revolution, this book feels so immediate in Rice's able hands. She is a talented storyteller who created characters I cared about, and the historical backdrop just made it richer for me.

Reading "In the Midst of Darkness" was like taking a private tour of Ireland's past. Colleen Rice presented a fascinating story about real people facing real problems. From the first page to the last, I was engaged in the mystery, intrigue, and romance experienced by the characters. Their personas came alive in my psyche, allowing me to feel their feelings and see what they saw, and imagining what I would do if faced with their challenges. The Irish countryside that I have enjoyed in my travels now takes on a deeper meaning and significance, as I know they hold the stories of people like those in the book. Many thanks to the author for such an easy and powerful read! Days after finishing the book, I still wonder what became of Reanna and the others. The memory of the stories linger still.

I really loved reading Colleen Rice's, "In the Midst of Darkness." The characters came alive for me. She brought out the struggle to live under such difficult circumstances, but still be able to enjoy loved ones. I expect to keep it on my bookshelf and read it more than once.

THE PLACE AT THE EDGE OF THE EARTH masterfully combines mystery, time travel, Indian history, and suspense. Bebe Faas Rice skillfully weaves the factual information about the Indian schools into her well-plotted story.

This is a book to be treasured by children (of all ages) and their
parents. Like all great books, it is a "keeper", one to read and
reread and share with family and friends.

The Place at the Edge of the Earth by Bebe Faas Rice

Scrupulously researched, this book is a fascinating dramatized account of a young Lakota boy who is forced, along with other Indian children, to attend a boarding school in the late 1800s for the purpose of assimilation into white society. The story follows Jonah Flying Cloud on his frightening trip to the school in Pennsylvania where his hair is cut (a sign of mourning with his people), his Indian clothes taken from him, and he's made to wear scratchy long underwear, thick woolen uniforms, and shoes that hurt his feet. His days are scheduled by bells and bugles, and he's marched to meals and classes where he's taught to speak the white man's language. He's even taken to church and told he'll burn in a fiery pit forever if he doesn't accept the white man's god. Jonah Flying Cloud dies, brokenhearted, at the school and is trapped between the place of his earthly life and "the land above the clouds, where the eagles fly."

Jonah Flying Cloud's first-person narrative unfolds in alternating chapters with present-day Jenny Muldoon's story. Jenny moves with her mother and new stepfather to military quarters at Fort Sayers, which once housed the Indian school. When she finds out that her new home was once the school infirmary, the stage is set for her to meet the spirit of Jonah Flying Cloud who needs her help to be released from his dark half-world so that he can join his family and tribe members in the afterworld.

Both stories keep the reader moving quickly through the pages. In an interesting subplot, Jenny helps a friend, the son of the commanding general at Fort Sayers, stand up to his father and get help for his alcoholic mother. At the end, Jenny is finally able to figure out how to help her Indian friend. The novel ends with a final, poignant scene between Jenny and Jonah Flying Cloud.

This book a must for anyone interested in learning about the Indian schools. Its compelling story is sure to capture the interest and imagination of readers of all ages. Highly recommended!

This is a beautifully written and important book. It will give all readers, young and
old, a better knowledge, understanding, appreciation and sympathy for the Indian
children about whom the author writes with such deep feeling. Rice has managed to
balance the stories of the two main characters--the young Indian boy, Jonah Flying
Cloud, who died over a hundred years ago and the modern day young girl, Jenny
Muldoon--with exceptional skill as the two young people "meet" in a time warp and

gradually become sensitive of one another's feelings.
This is a well-told, smoothly flowing tale, a real page turner. Rice has a knack for
perfectly capturing the way young people talk, how they respond to one another and to
adults. Once again, balance comes into play in the way the author weaves flashes of
humor into the central, serious story line.
Though I hated to have the book end, my spirit soared at the conclusion, which
deserves to be read and reread several times. It's truly beautiful.
The Author's Note, where Rice speaks of writing this book "from the heart"
should not be missed. I wouldn't be surprised if The Place At The Edge Of The Earth
garners several awards, both for its writing craft and the importance of its subject.

How unique every situation is. Yet how amazingly SIMILAR.

For years you lavish time, love, effort and money on your alcoholic. Around the time you realize they are truly killing themselves, you may also notice the situation is killing you.

Alanon was a waste of time except for hearing the horror stories of people who had spent whole lives living daily tragedies. This book was the wake-up call I needed. It paints no pretty pictures. It looks at the situation realistically. In fact, it is comforting in it's honesty.

You may stay. You may learn to detach with love. Or you may leave -- hoping they will change before it's too late for your relationship. That's what I did. I left, hopoing he'd seek help. (He didn't.) But I saved myself. And I am so much happier now.

Read this book. At least you will have an honest assessment of your situation as others have lived it. If nothing, it will give you a clearer picture of the issues and help you deal with it -- if continuing to deal with it is what you choose to do.

ANYONE living with an alcoholic needs to read this book! Before I read this book, I thought I was the insane one. After reading it I now completely understand the disease of alcoholism. After reading it I could understand why the alcoholic I was living with did the crazy things he did. Every scenario the author wrote about was happening in my household. If you live with an alcoholic, please, please read this book. If you apply the practices the author mentions you will finally have the peace of mind that you deserve!

I read this book wanting to get my husband to stop drinking, but I quit instead, over 5-1/2 years ago. No one told me I had a drinking problem (but then, my friends are all alcoholics themselves), but until I quit, I couldn't see that I did have a serious drinking problem. And my husband has cut back dramatically. You can't get them to quit drinking if you drink yourself. My thanks to the author for working a miracle in my life. I highly recommend this book. It succeeded where many other efforts did not. Buy this book, but if you don't buy it, just stop drinking. There is no down side to quitting drinking. And you'll be amazed at what awaits you when you get sober.

I am in the process of making and decorating my first birdhouse from this book. I chose the Mercantile.I have just barely started by I am already enjoying it immensely.

I received this book as a gift because I love birdhouses and I am always talking about trying to build some of my own. When I would see a really cute birdhouse I always say "I could build this" so my friend got tired of me saying this and gave me this book, and said now you can build as many as you want. Thanks for a really good birdhouse book, I love it. Housewife in Iowa

I purchased 3 of these books, one for myself, one for my daughter and one for my daughter-in-law. Everytime I would see beautiful birdhouses like these, I would think,I would love to try and make them, now I can. The directions are so well done it seems impossible to make a mistake. The church will be my first project. Thanks again.

This great book shows in text and photographs the various and beautiful ways that African artifacts: traditional fabrics, sculpture, paintings and drawings, popular and ubiquitous souvenir items and - most importantly - African-inspired motifs and designs, can be incorporated into (or the inspiration for) sophisticated contemporary room decor.

The authors have worked for the international design company Ikea, so their slant is design, rather than anthropology. They come at it in an energetic and engaging way. The result is a source book that is a visual treat, and a great home tour. The rooms - living, bed, kitchens (in which W. African design elements are adapted to ceramic tiles, with gorgeous results) and more - are lively, smart, and modern.

You notice in reading the text, and drooling over the abundant photos of the beautiful and stimulating rooms, that well-known European textile designers of the sixties (the Finnish company Marimekko, for example) owe a debt of gratitude to indigeneous African cloth designers. This is something I hadn't ever realized.

A lovely, inspirational, and worthwhile book.

I have lived, worked and travelled extensively in West Africa since the early 1970's and this is the first comprehensive book which assisted me in incorporating my beautiful art and artifacts into a living design for my home. I loved all the gorgeous pictures and the practical tips. The variety of design styles was also a welcome reminder of the diversity of Africa. I can't wait to read the next book by Sharne Algotsson. I only wish there was a magazine devoted to this subject as well.

I have traveled to West Africa and the Caribbean. This book helped me incorporate the artwork and artifacts I brought back from my trips into my day-to-day design. The things I have are no longer just "souvenirs," but are now part of an overall look and feel of my home. Now, when I travel, I have an eye for what I can do with my "stuff" when I get it home!

The authors and photographers have done a wonderful job.

The core plot of this book is a fun, entertaining romance. Seth is an understandably troubled hero and Pippa has some very real demons. I enjoyed the growing romantic chemistry between them.

The side plots are where this book stumbles. The story about his son works quite well and keeps this from being just another cookie-cutter book about a trouble boss saved by a charming assistant. What I found to be utterly gratuitous was the whole evil threats/bombing aspects. This seems to be a real trend in 1990's romances. It seems to be something of a cop-out when the really tough thing to write about is the growth of the relationship.

Bottom-line: A pleasant read but not a book I'll be keeping or lending to friends.

This was my first book by this author and I will definitley be going to pick up more.

Pippa had a positive outlook on everything even with all the demons she was fighting in her life. Her mother died of cancer, she lost her job, and she had an abusive boyfriend. Even with all that, she came out on top. She was humorous and loveable at the same time. Her relationship with Chad was heartwarming and I loved how she dealt with Seth!

Seth was a total recluse who didn't know what to make of this whirlwind that blew through his life and ruined his routine. He definitley desired her but he wasn't sure what else he felt for her.

The end of the book was thoroughly enjoyable and very satisfying. Do not miss this book!!

I loved this story. The characters are very believable with idiosyncrasies that make them just a little different from the mainstream story. I liked the humor that Pippa displays in almost every circumstance, yet her underlying distrust of men (with good reason) is seen in her relationship with Seth. With her unfailing humor she changes the attitude of almost all of the people who live in this little town especially Seth and his son Chad.

I can't wait to get my hands on more of her contempory stories.

I bought this book to help me become a better grill chef. I love a steak cooked on my grill. There are tips for how to grill successfully here, especially on page 26 and page 6. There are several notable tips for insuring a great grilling experience, such as the admonition to use Salt on page 40 and 51. I love the composed butter recipe for T-Bone steaks.

The book is organized by types of "cuts". It is the uptown cuts that interest me the most. The sections about the T- Bone, Porterhouse, Strip, Rib Eye, and Sirloin. There are recipes for each type of cut. There are many asides in this book that describe the history of and tools used in cooking steaks.

I will not comment on the downtown or cross-town recipes because I've not spent much time with them.

I cannot help but favorably recommend a book the mentions a personal favorite steak house of mine in Ponder, Texas.

This book is filled with wonderful recipes. Last week I made the Strip Steaks with Spanish Cheese Sauce. It is absolutely delicious. The Calabres cheese is pungent, but it makes a wonderful sauce for this steak, so don't be afraid to try it.

My family loved this cookbook!

From Baked Steak to Pot Roast, learn how to cook beef in ways /everyone/ will love. This book does not 'talk down' to you like other 'cookbooks,' but lays out its recipes in a straightforward 'no nonsense' fashion. Like the title suggests, this book is strictly beef, but it covers all different kinds of steak and tells you how to cook it best in plain, 'no nonsense' language. In the back are several scrumptious sounding desserts! I can't wait to try.

This book is a must for anyone who wants to learn to do steak right!