My mother read this book to me as a child, and I have read it many times myself as an older child and as an adult. It teaches the true values of life from the mind of a totally innocent child, who has never been exposed to all of the attitudes of the "real" world, but has been thrown into the real world by unfortunate circumstances. The sweetness, beauty and innocence of this child is so refreshing in this world. My mother also read it to my oldest child. They had regular Friday night reading sessions, and JUST DAVID was one of their favorites. This is one of his best memories of his grandma. She died when he was 9. I will have a first grade classroom next year, and plan to read this to my class. Would love to have another copy. My copy is a family treasure, and I hate to take it to school and risk losing it. Hoping for a reprint. Excellent and timeless book.

Just David was a steal for me. I bought it at a Garage Sale along with many other old books. I had it for over a year before I finally read it. It is by far my most favorite book. I love how David always brings out the best in people without actually realizing what he is doing. He is young and the most naive little boy ever. He reminds me a bit of my six year old daughter. She always sees the beauty of something...even bugs. This is the only book I ever recommend. It is a wonderful, delightful, and interesting book. A MUST READ FOR EVERYONE! I am so glad it is still in print. I have seen it in many local libraries as well. I have since read other books by Eleanor Porter, but find Just David to be my favorite to date. Most Libraries will loan out there copies...so if not on your library shelf, see if they can find a copy for you to read. Enjoy! Lori

I read Just David in 1968.I was in 5th grade when my mother handed me a book & suggested I might like it. Just David became something special between us. It's a wounderful story of a young boy his father and a journey into life. Over the years I have let many people read my copy and they all leave a note in the book saying what this story meant to them. My copy is very old and not in the best shape. I have it in a safe place.

this account of the vietnam war from a helicopter pilot's perspective is THE BEST book i have read about that war from anyone's perspective.the author does an excellent job of describing the combat action, but more importantly, he gets you right into the cockpit with him -first in flying school, then coming into a "hot" LZ when the intensity of feelings is almost unbearable.mason is that unusual combination of compelling writer with a compelling true story to tell.The sequel to this book-"chickenhawk-back in the world" is possibly even better! what happens when he gets back is maybe as much of a dangerous mission as any during the war. in the end the writer succeeds in the ultimat mission--letting you into his head.

This book helps to understand the Vietnam experience a little better. The book is well written and moves along too fast. You will be finishing this story before you are ready!

Mr. Mason, like so many Vietnam Veterans, went through pure hell over there while the American citizen went about his life casually and seemingly unconcerned. This book shows some of the times that our brave soldiers faced for us. They did their duty and I for one am proud of them!

For good, easy, fun and thoughtful reading, I highly recommend this book. It is one of my all time favorites about Vietnam and I have read it 3 times so far. Thanks Mr. Mason and God Bless!

Being a helicopter pilot myself for the past 6 years, this book has always moved me deeply, thinking about those men, trying to maintain some sort of sanity in a crazy situation.

I have had the unfortunate luck, of evacuating wounded soldiers, from a war which is still controversial in my country, but I never faced the kind of situations that Mason discribes in the book, and I have always wandered how they did it, knowing that every morning and evry mission could spell sudden death, from the enemy, or worse, by your commander's stupidity.

I think it's a book about bravery, about how these helicopter pilots in Vietnam were willing to risk their lives every day for their fellow soldiers. I believe that flying into combat, surviving it, seeing what might happen if it wasn't your lucky day, then doing it again and again and again, takes a special kind of character. Character shown by Mason.

I have read many war books, some about Vietnam, some not. My country is (unfortunately) filled with veterans, including my entire family (my father was also a pilot and my brother was in the special forces, we've all been through combat). I think this book is special in the way it touches you intimately, making you feel, just as if you were hearing the story from the author in person.

This is not about victory or defeat, this is about something else, and to know what this thing is you must read the book and look inside to see the impact it has on you.

I am not a big romance reader, but this Holiday novella was the bomb. I read it three time this weekend. I just couldn't put it down. Brenda Jackson is a writer in a class all by herself. I just want to talk to her personally. I really really enjoyed all the stories, Ms Jackson just took my breath away. Ladies keep up the good work each story had a special highlight that truly deal with family, emotion, faith and issues of today.

What can you say about Brenda Jackson. She is one of my favorite writers. The story about Trask and Felicia had be laughing, crying and applauding. This would have even been better if it was longer.

I purchase the book for Brenda's story, but I did like the other stories as well. They both touched on some sensitive issues.

Good job ladies.

Brenda Jackson does it again with the continuous Madaris Family Saga. This is a well written story about cousin Felicia Madaris and her long time friendship with Trask Maxwell. You know how you have those kinds of friendships the boy-girl kind that you have had since childhood, picked on each other, just actually get on each others nerves but in reality as you get older you start having strange feelings for one another. Well this story by Brenda Jackson does just that with Felicia and Trask. It has humor, its heartwarming, it has that old Madaris family touch and it has another great ending. Brenda does it again and makes us all feel like we are apart of this family and somewhere you see somebody who you recognize either as a family member or a friend. So to all the old Brenda Jackson "Madaris Family" saga fans you should be able to read this in one day and enjoy it just like the others. To new fans, in order to really appreciate the Madaris Family and Friends you must start at the beginning, you won't regret being apart of this continuous saga. To my Florida Friend..Ms Jackson..Much continued success as you go into the next century!

I Do is my absolute favorite Love Stories book.

Jane and Adam are worst enemies. Adam is the school's star lacrosse player. And Jane, who is the school's top sports reporter, is his harshest critic. Unfortunately it turns out they are going to be in Jane's cousin and Adam's step-brother's wedding as the maid of honor and the best man. As they get thrown together in hilarious situation after situation they inevitabley get to know each other better and start to fall in love...

OMG! This book is the best. Can anyone say soulmates? I love the way Adam and Jane were just absolutely perfect for each other. If they were real people you know this would be a relationship that would last. Make sure to read Chandler's other books.

This is definitly one of the best stories in the series! Elizabeth Chandler did a great job with this book. It's full of twists and unexpected surprises. My favorite scene is the one-on-one lacrosse match between Adam and Jane(Daisy). If you enjoy reading romance novels, this is the book for you! Even if you hate to read, try it because I know you'll love it too.

I'm not into love stories at all. But my twin Bro Andrew bought me a few of these books, because his (Ex) Girlfriend Sandra said these books were great. I think this book is well written, and the characters are so realistic. I let (My only) girl mate Raquella read this. She told me she was falling for the character Adam. I give this 10 stars. It was a really great book! :P

why, oh why hasn't this book been "rediscovered" by a publisher, and put back on the shelves?

my boyfriend's mom lent me her copy to read to the little girls i nanny. (it was her favorite book as a child, i'm 28). well, i picked it up myself, began reading, and couldn't put it down! what a clever story.

so many children dream of secret worlds existing just beyond the next wall, or over the hill, or under the streets- and this book-with it's good and naughty children, tiny doll people world, and one very odd neighbor- lives up to and beyond the expectations any child might have about hidden, magical places.

publishing houses- bring back this book, along with the other children's book she wrote- loretta mason potts should be reborn on the bookshelves! it's sad that one would have to pay almost $[amount] to buy her fiction, but it also shows how treasured it is!

i'm so curious about the witch book she wrote! maybe one day i'll luck out and find it somewhere (and pay a reasonable price for it)!

My sister and I both (without the other's knowledge) have been remembering our experience as children when I read this book aloud in its entirety to my younger sister. We have both searched for it with no success and decided to look in Amazon.com. We were amazed not only to find this book, but to find so many reviews by other sisters who read it as children, loved it, and had such long-lasting memories of this delightful, fantasy of a young girl with a tunnel to a fantasy land in her closet. We can't wait to get this book and read it again and will probably recommend it to our young nieces. It was so much fun reading all of the reviews because they were as if we had written them ourselves. This book has given my sister and I wonderful, warm memories of a charming childhood experience.

I, too, thought I had dreamt up this book, as I could remember it from about 35 years ago but couldn't find it...only trouble was, all these years I'd been looking for "Laura Mason Potts." Google finally found it, even with my error. I discovered it late last night & was so thrilled I could hardly get to sleep! I loved the other reviews; I also remember curling up with this book by the Christmas tree; I remember the boy was named Colin, and the mother wished to "fly away" with her children - my own wish quite often..haven't re-read it yet but can't wait. Such a joy! Will have my own middle-school children & 11-yr. old niece read it! Other authors from my childhood to recommend: Catherine Woolley, Elizabeth Enright, Beverly Cleary, Edward Eager, Eleanor Estes, Mary Norton. So many great books from that time (60's). If you're blue, read "Rufus M." by Eleanor Estes, no matter your age - you'll love it! Well, I'm just so so happy to have found Loretta Mason Potts, and happy that others out there loved this book like I did! Restores my faith in people, in the current cesspool of our culture!!!

Stolen From Gypsies is an incredibly creative and fun-filled take on the classic love story. Noble Smith has created a rich and detailed fantasy world for his "book within a book" while loading the "real" world of the narrator with juicy historical tidbits. Part of the fun of the book for me was translating the invented words with the helpful glossary in the back of the book. I laughed out loud at many points during the day it took me to devour this charming book. The humor is lavished over every word, but the book is not a hollow series of comic "interlewds" (to quote one of the characters); the central messages of looking beyond surface impressions, of faith in one's self, and of relishing the beautiful in the absurd are timeless and important. Who doesn't need to be reminded of these things from time to time? Calling it a comic fairy tale for adults is about as close as I can come to categorizing Stolen From Gypsies; it defies categorization while remaining totally accessible. I highly recommend Noble Smith's Stolen From Gypsies.

This is easily the most satisfying tale I've read in a very long time. Rambunctious and witty, vastly imaginative, racingly-paced, and always downright funny, Stolen from Gypsies is a book for anyone who loves a great yarn spun with great skill. The author is drunk like a lord on the rich, mad joy of the English language itself, but not only can he hold his liquor, he turns the wildness of our words, old and new, into pure, narrative gold. This book is no spare, dry, modern comment on our brief, contemporary moment; it's a hot-blooded, hip-wading, sly-winking romp through the rich, roiling tradition of hundreds of years of broadly comic tale-telling. Full of exaggerated characters with outrageous names who do, say, and think extraordinary things, and written with appreciable literary and historical wisdom and wit, this story is firmly rooted in what everyone will recognize and appreciate as the ancient tradition of classically good storytelling.

Have you been yearning for an irrepresibly laugh-out-loud tale which steeps you in history and adventure, cozies you near and dear to absurd characters, bashes you good-naturedly about the head with old English slang, and goads you into turning the pages in equal measure of curiosity, surprise, and happy contentment of perhaps the most familiar, well-loved experience language can give us--the pleasure of a great story wondrously unfolding? Then you'll love this book; it's a true pleasure.

Post-note for all you hybridization fans: think Anthony Burgess's "Nothing Like the Sun" (a brilliant masterpiece) crossed with something more outright comic--the Monty Python movie epics will have to do for now. Maybe another reader will come up with the perfect title here...

A completely first-rate novel, sublime in richly historical hysterical characterizations. In his first novel, Noble Smith fashions a completely original story-within-a-story. The subject, a smart and thumping love story which leaves you both wildly entertained, expanded in your vocabulary, and just a little more informed about the wild turns of history which by only the smallest chance may have turned out quite different for all of us.
Smith's 'Gypsy' character breathes hope into our sometimes gray hearts that we all have, deep inside of us, an erudite, bold gypsy inner-being longing to break free from the humps which define us to sing our passions to the world. The story is told smartly through a decrepit writer-in-exile's re-telling of this fantastic story to his servant. With joy we watch the transformation both he and his main character makes throughout the book, tying up spectacularly in the end.
Stolen By Gypsies is a read which will keep you on the edge of your seat, as empassioned as the Gypsy character who is striving to become his complete self. Highly recommended reading. Waiting anxiously for his next novel.

There are thousands of books available on how to prepare for marriage, how to improve upon a marriage, or how to affair-proof a marriage. Mason here departs from the crowd and exults in the institution of marriage itself. His perspective is one of reverent awe rather than analytical examination.

Mason ponders the mystery of marriage from several different angles: otherness, love, intimacy, vows, sex, submission and death. His words are readable, yet profound. His book considers the greatest delights of marriage as well as the greatest demands.

I recommend this volume to anyone wanting to get a better understanding of how God has created marriage, and how He manifests His glory and His grand design through it. I have read many other books on marriage, but none with this unique, awe-inspiring approach. This work is a true classic!

As a marriage and family therapist, I have personally recommended this book to scores of people whether already married or considering it -- even if into an intimate partnership.... the principles apply. Why is this going on? What is happening? Is this normal? This superior book answers a multitude of questions that most people do not even know enough to ask. They just know they are feeling pain, or confusion, or questions. A beautifully written, easy to read, right to the heart of it book for everyone who may even consider falling in love one day.Buy it. Read it. You will be so glad you did.Then pass it on to a friend. Ask that friend to pass it on. Everyone who has ever considered love or marriage will be transformed -- their minds renewed -- through the reading of The Mystery of Marriage by Mason.You will never view intimacy nor marriage with the same eyes again.

Well, I guess it's about time to write a review for Mystery of Marriage after reading it over and over many times since my husband and I were first dating (8 years ago) and after giving it as a wedding gift to every single bride and groom we know. This book is a masterpiece. It stands alone as the most richly woven piece of literature about the state of being married that I have ever read. Mike Mason puts eloquent, authentic words to the feelings every husband and wife experience in a manner that makes you SO glad that you're married (or about to be) EVEN IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING REAL STRUGGLE. You cannot help but be moved by his riveting description of the marriage union...both the utter agony and the sheer bliss. The book builds as the true MYSTERY of marriage unfolds before you...the very thing we all long to understand and to grasp. Once you're into this book for very long, what will really send deep shivers through your soul is the realization that this unbelievabley 'impossible' union we are trying to have with our mate is only hinting at the extraordinary marriage between our God and us. Yes, this beautiful analogy has been written of numerous times before, but trust me...not like this. I would recommend ordering at least TWO copies of this book... one to give away and one to read simultaneously with your partner.(I suggest alone, because these words are powerful and seering, and to be most effective, perhaps need to be contemplated deeply in solitude.) You will not be sorry to have invested in this book...and don't let the 'gift book' appearance turn you off...I believe it was packaged this way to encourage giving it to couples. Give it to YOURSELF first. And to God be the Glory!

This book that Pastor Mason Betha has written for the world to read, felt more like a personal blessing that was given to me.
I was one of those lost saints who did not want MA$E to leave the music industry, because I enjoyed his music and his persona so much. In April 99 when I first heard MA$E was leaving indefinietly, I wanted to know what was his next step, was he going to succeed, did he really give up everything and was he going on this path alone. I was fortunate enough to speak with Pastor Betha over the phone for about an hour, and he began to tell me things that helped me to understand his decision and also that helped me to look deeper within my own spiritual being. At that point, most of my questions became answered and I felt relieved because I knew that Pastor Betha was in wonderful hands, he's in GOD's hands. He is painfully honest yet his words are powerful and very inspirational. He is straight forward, yet very easy to talk to. He appeals to our younger generation and relates to what we are going thru without compromising his committment and beliefs. After reading "Revelations", I realized that this man is focused and his heart is sincere and GOD has prepared him to captivate the world again, but not as MA$E. This time as a man of faith, obedience, and strength; As a man of GOD.

R.I.P MA$E and GOD Bless Pastor Mason Betha.

Revelations was an excellent book. I remember when I bought it. It took me one day to read it.It was incredible,I really gained a whole new level of respect for mase. His book made me realize that you don't need to have all the money, cars, and other material things to be happy. I am really proud of his decision and I pray that he continues to do well in Gods work. For any one who is thinking about reading this book, don't think no more and just buy it. He did an excellent job and I would recomend it to any young person.
Especially all the fellas who want to be in the "game", Pastor Mason Betha makes you see that everything that glisten don't gleam.I love you and God Bless You Mason!!!

When I bought this book I honestly didn’t know what to expect. I was curious about the change MA$E had experienced. I have to admit I was a fan of MA$E music and style. When I opened the book and started reading, I was truly impressed with what I was seeing the words were talking to me as if I was in church and Pastor Mason Betha was at the pulpit telling his story. I felt that close! It’s amazing what GOD can do with his children; I never once took this whole Paster Manson Betha drama seriously didn’t even care until now. This book tells the experience MA$E went through with the money, cars, girls, drugs, and sex. He tells the life of when Mase was an average person determined to make it big as a rapper or ball player. When he turned to rap he was known as MA$E the moneymaker down for whatever kind of guy. It’s funny how people change when you become globally known, well Mason tells his experience in this book. After being lost, GOD calls on MA$E and uses his soul to teach the word of faith and to save as many people who come in contact with him. Imagine GOD telling you to give up everything sin produced for you. Your house, cars, jewelry, clothes, furniture, women/men, sex, money, job, friends - in order to walk his way of life! Could you do it? Mason Betha did. I truly respect Mason; he’s a determined individual who knows what he wants. There’s no limitation to what Mason Betha can accomplish when GOD is at his feet to guide him. Mason Betha is a dangerous man in a spiritual way!

This book kept my attention from the very first page. I had difficulty putting it down and read it all in two sessions. The characters seemed very real. The suspense kept me interested and wanting to see what happened next, especially since it was based on a true story. I look forward to Mr. Ramsey's next book.

I read this book from cover to cover in a day and a half. I just couldn't put the book aside. Being a mother of two daughters, I had to know what the out come would be. It truly frightened me knowing this was a true story, however, it has made me more aware to always be on my guard. You just never know. I'm looking forward to Mason Ramsey's next book.

In short...I could not put this book down! Mason Ramsey's characters were touching, real and horrifying... Although, I do not usually select books of this genre I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good read. Truly, I am looking forward to Mr. Ramsey's next book and hopes he does not keep us waiting too long.

When writing a memoir, authors are advised to write the first draft as if everyone is dead - and then to prune the damaging parts in subsequent rewrites. Perhaps Mason pruned a bit too much. This otherwise lovely and affectionate memoir of how it was to grow up in a small, working-class town in Kentucky in the 40s and 50s is a bit long on respect and caution - and a bit short on grit.
Otherwise, I loved it. I grew up in Kansas in the 50s and can relate to the pace, small-town values, and lack of danger (except from the "evil Communists" and "the bomb") that Mason portrays as such inherent parts of her roots. Her language, esp in the first part of the book focusing on her own childhood memories, is rich and multi-layered and pulls readers into every scene right along with her. In the rest of the book, she uses the techniques of creative nonfiction to weave a background narrative that spans the lives of three generations of women within the community.
A worthwhile read; it won't change your life, but it might make you think, and it's certainly a pleasant trip to take with this accomplished author.

Bobbie Ann Mason has written an honest and wonderful book dealing with her growing-up years in Western Kentucky, with her leaving the rural life and entering the urban world, only to return in her later years to Kentucky. The book will trigger a lot of similar memories in many readers, and should take its place alongside books by Russell Baker and others as a true and accurate picture of bygone eras.

I really enjoyed this book a lot! I didn't just read it; I pored over it and savored every word. "Clear Springs" is the family history of Bobbie Ann Mason, a woman born and raised in Kentucky. It explores not only her own memories of growing up in rural Kentucky, but also those of her mother and grandmother--three generations of women. The details are wonderful. Reading this book makes you feel as if these women are people you know - maybe your neighbors or relatives in your own family. This book takes you back to a time when life was simpler in some ways, but more complicated in other ways. I especially enjoyed the photos of Bobbie's family members in the middle of the book. I would be reading the story and then go flip back to the pictures to envision these people in my mind as I thought about their lives. It really brought the characters to life in a more vivid way. What a valuable way of preserving her memories of a people, a place, and a way of life gone by in the words of this book! With all of the millions of people in the United States, one might think their own life is fairly insignificant; however, when you read this book, one realizes that everyone has a story to tell, their own personal history from their special era in which they lived. This book is like a little slice of America. I recommend it to all! Happy Reading!