Jan Karon has done it again! Not only has she kept me spellbound with The Mitford Years, but Jan Karon has created a terrific platform for children's books as well.

Miss Fannie's Hat is a wonderful, true story about Jan Karon's own grandmother, that demonstrates the joys of sacrifice. A lesson can be learned from Miss FannieÑI can only pray that Jan Karon writes more children's books about her grandmother!

Jan Karon's Miss Fannie's Hat is a picture book for young Christian readers, about a little old lady who loves her hats - yet when her church needs help, she gives up her favorite hat of all for their auction. Playful color illustrations by Toni Goffe mark this whimsical and highly recommended story about the joy of sharing. A cheerfully narrated audio CD accompanies this special edition Christian storybook.

Having read the Mitford series by Jan Karon, I was thrilled to discover she also has written children's books. I know a lady just like Miss Fannie at my church. It's a wonderful story for old and young alike. My women's group had everyone wear hats to their May meeting and shared this book with all the gals. They loved it. And the surprise at the back of the book is really enjoyed by my granddaughters.

Joseph Mitchell writes and I become the wiser. His first story on McSorley's Irish Pub prompted my visit to same last week when I visited NY. The visit made me pick up Mitchell's book and read it all over again. Every story is worthwhile despite subjects that would, at first, seem uninteresting. His profile of Joe Gould was one of the best pieces of non-fiction writing I can recall. If only a dozen guys in the world could write this way about real people.

Joseph Mitchell's Up in the Old Hotel is by far the best book that I have read by an Amerian writer. His words paint pictures so vivid that I could smell the ale from the saloons, hear the laughter from the comrads, feel the salty sea air around Fulton's Fish Market, and tast the diner/coffeepot food. Mitchell succeeded in creating nothing less than magic in these stories. Each is so independant, but yet together they weave incredible tapestries. The New York that Mitchell portrays here is one that could only be viewed from these stories. The way that the people and places are captured will preserve their memories for ever in the minds of his readers. An excellent book, I personally recommend to every lover of the American Dream

This book would be interesting even if it weren't so cleverly written. The character's that Mitchell portrays: Joe Gould, the bearded lady, the denizens and proprietors of McSorley's saloon are so... for lack of a better term human that this story would be worthwhile to read as if it were just a part of Joe Gould's 'Oral History'-- for what it contributes to a knowledge of a time that has long since passed us, for the insight it has provided in to a world that has since disappeared. Mitchell describes a world that has left us and makes it seem as if it were still with us; I think that I'd give this book four stars just for the characters and the insights alone....

But one could say the same about writers like Iceberg Slim; certainly, he too described shady characters in works like 'Pimp' and 'Trick Baby'; today, those seem more annoying than invigourating, and his writing more self-aggrandizing than reaching toward a verismilitude. Mitchell seems with us. His work could stand alone as a work of fiction rather than one of journalism; if it is six-hundred and eighty for pages (I think it is...) all are worth reading in multiple.

I highly recommend this book. And I'm usually not a fan of works of this type. If I were to be, another neat book that is vaguely similar but a lot older is Hamilton Holt's 'The Life Sotries of Undistinguished Americans as Told by Themselves...'

In the book Petey experienced lots of emotions as well as the people around him. Born with a birth defect, that we now call cerebral palsy, he was looked down upon in the human society. They at the time diagnosed him as " an idiot". His family tried very hard to take care of him plus they gave him all the attention and left the other kids to take care of themselves. Finally when the parents can no longer take care of him, they have sold everything and are out of money, they are forced to take him to a mental institution. Petey experiences so much pain and grief but at the same time with other people we has fun and happiness. He makes friends and learns to love life as it comes to him. This heart warming, touching, story is a story to touch many hearts. In my personal opinion this story if for anyone with a willing desire to find out about the hard ships and the great things in life that are there for you to experience you just need to find them. The reading is very easy and it's a great book. You will most likely enjoy this book " Petey " as much as I did.

The book Petey was such a good book. It makes you understand that people shouldn't be mean or scared of people with cerebral palsy. People with CP go through a lot. Petey was born in 1920 with twisted features, but at the insane asylum he touched anyone who met him. His friends he met at the asylum were coming and disappearing because of reasons. Petey and his best friend Calvin went through a lot together, seeing their friends at the insane asylum come and go. Their lives were horrible and cruel, but some how they were still happy whenever a new attendent or friend came who was nice to them. Later on, Calvin and Petey are separated without knowing it. Petey's heart has been broken so many times, but altogether he's still happy and he's still making friends. Trevor, a boy who rescued Petey from snowballs thrown by bullies, never thought one old man could change his life. I recommend people read this book. It touched me deep down. If you see someone who looks like they have CP, please don't make fun of them. People, no matter what their health is, are still people. Everyone has feelings. Like I said, read this book and you'll understand. Have fun!!!!

Petey is a heart touching story of a boy with cerebral palsy. Petey at the age of two was put into an asylam to live. He was treated with much disrespect. When care taker finally had time to take care of Petey they found out how special he really was. All his care takers were then very touched by Peteys life and way of dealing with his troubles. This book explians in an amazing way the life of Petey. If you want to read something that will touch your heart and really make you show respct for others read Petey.

When developing this translation, Fox tried to recapture the rhythms and sounds found in the Hebrew language. He notes that the Torah is meant ot be read aloud. Building from the ideas of Martin Buber and Franz Rozenzweig, Fox develops a genuine masterpiece. His richly layered translation combined with his invaluable notes makes this book a treasured and much used reference in my library.

A glorious book that is magnificently printed. Mr. Fox's translation is pure poetry. The commentary is the best I have ever read. For the Bible student and layman this is a version of the first five books of Moses that should not be missed. Will undoubtly become a classic in Bible literature. The translation from the Hebrew is a joy to read and brings new insights to this the greatest of all books written.

How many people have actually read the bible? While many describe this text as the most important work of western civilization, too many people find it both impenetrable and poorly written. That is not the fault of the actual text; indeed the Hebrew poetry of the bible is among some of the best ever written. The problem lies instead in the translation. Myriad efforts at popular translations have been made, from putting the bible into common English to straight line-by-line English. While these methods render the text more easily read, they also cost it the poetic language and much of its drama.

Everett Fox has solved these problems with a translation that is nothing short of masterful. The language is lucid, the prose poetic, and the story intact. Moreover, Fox is an honest translator, detailing his decisions and pointing out where multiple meaning exist. I have read literally dozens of translations of the bible. In my opinion, this is far and away the best.

Fox's contribution to the text will surely be remember and appreciated both now and for decades to come.

My God, a real book! I couldn't get over this writing! Thoughtful, smart, funny as heck and so wise and brave. It made me realize how every night I go to sleep grateful my parents are still alive even though I pay very little attention to their well being because they're so far away. Komaiko has reminded me my own aging is happening now, it's not so bad, and there is a solution to getting old besides a lot of denial and a face-lift. Read this book! You'll love it!

every generation has its voice...the beats had ginsberg...the 60's had kerouc...now the boomers have komaiko...intelligent, cool, acerbic, ironic and very funny...komaiko taps into our souls and psyches...i literally could not put it down and read it in an afternoon...i sent the book to 40 friends and all are calling with rave reviews...

I loved this book! It speaks to friendship, our fear and loathing of aging/"Old People" and still maintains a dry sarcasm that had me laughing out loud. I'm gonna buy 15 copies and give them as gifts. Anyone who has a parent, a child or a dear friend needs to read this.

'These Old Shades' is my absolute favourite by Georgette Heyer. Out of so many wonderful stories that she has written this book is in a class of it's own. No romance reader should ignore this book. It has it all - romance, intrigue and humour. It is more enjoyable because it doesn't have any of the heavily erotic love-making scenes that can be popular today. 'These Old Shades' is so well written that it doesn't need to rely on them. It is, purely and simply, a romance story in its truest form.

In several ways Barbara Cartland's 'Love Me For Ever' is very similar to 'These Old Shades' - runaway meets cycnical Duke, is briefly disguised as his page, calls him Monseigner and becomes his ward. 'Love Me For Ever' is one of my favourite Barbara Cartland stories, but 'These Old Shades' has more depth and the characters, Justin, Duke of Avon and Leon/Leonie, and even the supporting characters are much stronger.

Please read 'These Old Shades'if you get a chance. You won't be sorry.

"These old shades" was the first Georgette Heyer I ever read. This was a few years ago and I never forgot this story of hate, revenge and true love. The duke of Avon is a cynical and cruel man, very aristocratic (this was before the french Revolution) and hautain. Leonie (or Leon) captures his heart with her passionate love and devotion for him, even when he was still her master and she his page. She is the most enchanting of romantic heroines and will never be forgotten. The other figures in this story are amusing and charming. There is the young brother, the silly and loving sister and a real villain. The book gives a very nice discription of the aristocratic "beau monde" in England and France before the Revolution, just like the Scarlet Pimpernel- books by baroness Orczy. I think many people will love this book.

For a light-hearted read, this is one of the most wittily written Regency romances ever published. Full of believable and captivating characters, These Old Shades will take you body and soul to a time and place long past, if indeed it ever existed. The Duc of Avon is the male lead; he is an unrepentant reprobate whose basic good nature has not quite entirely withered away. He adpots a street waif in Paris, playing along with the charade that the child is a boy. His motives are not of the best, at first, but as the story unfolds, we are allowed to watch a subtle shift in the thrust of his plans. The two main characters are supported by a rich cast of characters, from the household servants to the pinnacle of Paris society. The Duc's bubble-headed sister is not as much of a lightweight as she would have you believe, and his younger brother is just a simple, nice fellow. The biggest appeal of this book, for this reviewer at any rate, is the language-of-the-day, with which Ms. Heyer brings these people and this era to brilliant clarity.

Charles Swindoll does an excellent, if not remarkable, job of not only presenting the trials of David in modern day life, but he also vividly illustrates the psalmist's shortcomeings into lessons for today. Without a doubt, this book was written with God's guidance (no slight intended towards Mr. Swindoll), and I recommend this book to be used as a tool for the Christian of today in his/her walk with God. Upon finishing, I not only had renewed insight upon David, but also within myself, and found newborn strength to conquer my own daily struggles. God has annoited this book, of that there is no doubt, and I strongly urge Christians to delve into it.

Chuck Swindoll is an excellent author that helps me under stand the bible very easily. in an exsample of how much I enjoyed what I have learnd, i'll tell you that I have started reading the book "Moses a man of selfless dedication" and have the one on Josphe on the book self that I bought through amozon.com. Seindoll pours over all the detail to bring King David into a real sence and not a bible caricter that lived 3000 years ago, but some one that I can understand and see in life, or in someone around me, I loved what the book tought me and what makes me different then david and how to become more of "a man after Gods own heart".

Consistent with Swindoll's writing style, the reader sees the character as described by the Bible - both good and bad.

While David was Israel's greatest king, he also committed grevious sins that adversely impacted those around him. Even so, he was described as " a man after God's heart".

Some of the excellent points Swindoll covers in his book include:

1. God can use our talents and use them for His glory.
2. Do not fight battles in your own strength! Rely on the
Lord and His timing and methods.
3. How our bad decisions affect others.
4. God cares about the details of your life - the better you
know your standing with the Lord, the freer you are.
5. We must not abuse God's grace to sin and expect no
consequences.
6. When God says no to our dreams, it may be because of
redirection in our lives.
7. The importance of having a thick skin - if you want God
to use you, you need to shed your ultrasensitivity.
8. Important notes about true friendship.

All in all, an excellent read that can encourage us and sober us about the impact we have on other people!

"Dom Casmurro," by Joaquim Maria Machado de Assis, is a delightful novel by this great Brazilian writer. I have read the English translation by John Gledson. In the foreword to his translation, Gledson notes that the book was first published in 1899 or 1900.

"Dom Casmurro" is a first-person narrative about the life of Bento, a 19th century Brazilian man. Bento recalls his youth and adulthood, and tells about his friendships, education, romantic life, and family relationships.

The content of the novel sounds straightforward enough, but its execution is a virtuoso display of ironic playfulness. Machado's narrator addresses various potential readers, from the "'most chaste' lady reader" to young lads. The narrator comments on the structure of the story and plays with readers' expectations, and even at one point challenges the reader to throw the book out. Machado's narrative technique blurs the line between fiction and reality.

"Dom Casmurro" is an effective mix of comic and tragic elements. Particularly interesting are the gently satiric portrayal of religion, the tender evocation of youthful romance, and the many European cultural references. This is a story of love, jealousy, and loss, told with wit and compassion by Machado. Highly recommended for all those interested in Latin American fiction.

I can say without a shadow of doubt that this is my favourite book. It was the first book of Machado de Assis that I read and which made me follow in love with his work.
It is a story about an old man who "try to attached both extremes of his life" on the own words of this character, Bentinho who explains his nickname, Dom Casmurro, on the first pages of the book. He tells the reader about his youth, his studies and mainly about his first and only love: Capitu.
However, if you are expecting another novel talking about love, reading the book will surprise you. It is not only about love, it is about insecurity and doubts. Better, this novel is about the human soul, its worst and best sides.
I would say that the talent Machado de Assis takes the reader into an investigation. But it is not an usual one. It is necessary to enter into Bentinho's mind looking for clues that could absolve him or his beloved, Capitu. The reader is overwhelmed by the doubts that disturbs Bentinho and which made him took drastic actions.
The most fantastic element in this book is that reading it over and over never guarantees the certainty about what it is right and what is wrong. If we suppose that there is some truth to be found. It is a game between the character and the reader!

Considered by most critics the greatest brazilian writer ever, Machado de Assis writes a masterpiece about a paranoid man consumed by his own jealousy, insecurity and self pity. This storyline is also considered one of the most intriguing dillemas of brazilian literature. DID CAPITU CHEAT ON BENTINHO OR NOT??? Machado doesn't reveal it. Each reader makes his own mind. I believe in Capitu and hate Bentinho. She was faithful till the end. Why did that stupid paranoid had to fool her that way... Oh man, read this book!

Dr. Hahn has summarized his lectures and tape conferences in this amazing "user friendly" book on the Holy Bible. It is an excellent guide for anyone who finds the Old Testament confusing. Hahn clearly shows the unity of the Old and New Testaments and how the Bible is a family narrative of God the Father's love for His children. Once you read this book, you will see the Bible in a whole new light; and appreciate the Divine plan of God in salvation history. Noteworthy especially is Hahn's excellent synthesis and orthodox interpretation of the Book of Genesis; perhaps one of the most misunderstood and misinterpreted Biblical books in the last few centuries. Non-Catholics will benefit from reading Hahn's book, for it shows how the Catholic Church has correctly interpreted scripture throughout the centuries; and it clears up misunderstandings that some non-Catholics have in regard to the belief that the Catholic Church "downplays" the Bible. This book shows the love and reverence that the Catholic Church has always had for Sacred Scripture.

Dr. Hahn once again has brought new insights into scripture for us all. His book is not hard to read but also allows our minds to dive into covenant theology. His presentation style is straight-forward and scholarly, but also entertaining.

I used the book as an outline to teach a religious education class and it went over great with the kids. To understand the relationship that God has built throughout history with his people and then how it all comes together in Jesus is really a necessity for all Christians to understand. Dr. Hahn has made this both fun and easy to do.

I'm a cradle Catholic, but through Scott Hahn's tapes and especially this book, I've discovered how rich, powerful, and loving my faith actually is. I urge all Catholics, all Christians, and any others with only a slight interest in God to buy this book and ingest its every word. Dr. Hahn's explanantions are thought provoking yet lighthearted, informational as well as inspiring, entertaining while also being essential for understanding the true love of Our Father. You'll enjoy it and cherish it. I just finished it and will pick it up to re-read it tonight. This study provides a wonderful explanation of how the Old and New Testaments reveal God's promise to love us from the beginning of time, despite Man's continuous rebellion. Scott shows how the Father slowly forms His family through His covenant promises, climaxing in the universal family established with Christ's New Covenant. Scott breaths new life into the stories of Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and David and explains the true significance of Christ's Passover celebration with His apostles. To know God is to love Him. This book will help you do both. (Also great for CCD teachers trying to get a grasp on the significance of the Old Testament stories.)

Keller's classic book on Psalms 23 provides unique insights into the conduct & character of mankind.
If the reader can not gag on the continual self-promotion of Keller, smeared throughout the booklet, it remains a very good choice for devotional reading.
A better title may have been "Shepherd exalts himself while commenting on Psalm 23".
Spend the [money], it's still worth it.

My brother bought this book for me and started my addiction to Mr. Keller's writings. I read the book through and only put it down with great reluctance. Mr. Keller took one of the most beloved of Psalms and made it so that I was not only able to understand it better, but I could see the "subtle colors" in it. I not only love this Psalm for why I first read it, I can see more of the background to the picture that God was painting for us through David's hand. I would not only recommend this book for ANYONE, I have bought copies of it to use for presents. If you read it, you will be happy to pass it out to someone that you love. Mr. Keller has written in such a style that you will enjoy reading his book and then go back into your Bible and read what the Lord has written for us with a lot more joy in your heart for His provision.

Mr. Keller is very good at bringing to life the shepherd's view as expressed in the 23rd Psalm. He is personally aquainted with the Eastern way of sheep ranching, which of couse is the method employed and understood by David, the psalm's writer. More than just being insightful into the shepherd's mind-set and references, he takes us beyond the physical realm to the spiritual applications that were intended by the the Lord, who inspired David to write it. Herein lies the real worth of this book, because we are brought to see the Great Shepherd, Jesus Christ, and how He is caring for the sheep of His pasture. It brings great comfort to know the love and care that My Shepherd exhibits for me. I recommend it to read by all those who have called upon the Lord and have let Him be their Shepherd. As they read this book they'll understand in a far deeper way the psalms' opening line, "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want." I also recommend it to those who ! ! are seeking such an encounter with the Lord God. He is patiently waiting your surrender. God bless you and brother Keller.