I like others have read and re-read this book many a time. It's truly a literary piece of genious. Not just a novel about biting necks and drinking blood, but a brilliant story written with great images (no, not pictures...) and the most descriptive words/phrases of any of the vampire novels. Way more accessible, and far better written than the more popular Rice novels. If you can get your hands on this,do not let it out to anyone. This book has a tendency to disappear like a sock in a clothes dryer. Yes, I was foolish enough to let a few of my copies out only to have them never returned. My one copy now is stapled to my forehead...

I read this book over 20 years ago and like most of the people reviewing it I loaned it out and it was never returned. This is one of the very few books I have read that has stayed in my mind over the years. When I recommended it I say that it is the best vampire and more book ever written. I have asked the library to purchase it and I'm looking forward to reading it again. I believe that the book has some sort of metaphysical force in that it is passed around and not returned to the owner.

I read this book when it was first printed 18 years ago and although I forgot a lot of the plot elements I have never forgotten this book. I obtained a copy 2 days ago and finished it today. It is rich with the History of the world and with mythic vampire lore and is very believable in it's statements. I was there for awhile (in the reading) in London and Paris and I enjoyed it tremendously

"Once upon a time, there was a very bad rat..." So begins The Tale of One Bad Rat. And though it would seem a classic Beatrix Potter beginning, this tale is not hers, but is actually a graphic novel written and illustrated by British artist Bryan Talbot. For those unfamiliar with the term, graphic novels are essentially thick comic books, often collected from a series of individual comics. It's a format not entirely dissimilar to Beatrix Potter's own, and the similarities with her work do not end there.

As in many of Potter's tales, Bad Rat's main character is one of unfortunate circumstance who has to see her way past the wicked foxes and ill-tempered farmers of her life to find her happily ever after. Instead of using an actual rat, though, Talbot introduces us to Helen Potter, a wildly imaginative, homeless teenager, whose only possessions are the Beatrix Potter books she took when she ran away from home and whose only friend is her small nameless pet rat.

Helen's world on the streets of 1990s London is not an easy one. She gets by panhandling and through the kindness of her fellow street kids, but is plagued by occasional bursts of her own imagination. Among other things, she sees visions of possible ways to end her life, can see historic versions of her surroundings, can envision people as their animal counterparts and even imagine a giant version of her own pet rat. She views herself as a bad person-a bad rat. This psychologists tell us, is often the case among those who, like Helen, have been damaged by the all too common nightmare of parental abuse. It is the exploration of this important problem that forms the foundation for this story.

Like her namesake, Helen's finds pleasure in drawing-whether doodling on her pants or copying Beatrix's illustrations from her books. Helen finds hope in the parallels she sees between her life and Beatrix's. She wishes more than anything else to leave London for the Lake District village of Sawrey, where Beatrix herself lived much of her life. After some unfortunate incidents involving the police, this is exactly what Helen does. Escaping London for the peaceful Sawrey brings her some happiness, but it does not allow her to escape her past. Finally facing that past and her abuser becomes Helen's ultimate quest toward her happy ending.

In The Tale of One Bad Rat, Bryan Talbot has created a modern version of a Beatrix Potter story, filled with colorful true to life characters and villains every bit in Mr. McGregor's league. The story also serves as a love letter to the English Lake District and its various villages-a land of lush green mountains that were a passion of Beatrix Potter's for much of her life and served as the setting for many of her tales. He has also created a work about the terribly important issue of sexual abuse-especially considering that government studies estimate that one in three girls will be molested before they're eighteen, and that statistic is based only on the few cases that are reported. And while Bad Rat is ultimately an uplifting tale of survival, it reminds us that not everyone lives happily ever after.

I have known about this book for years, but it wasn't until last year I picked it up and checked it out. What a great story. I love comic books, but I have never really picked up one that was this real and true to life. Unlike the comics I read, there are no heroes or snappy endings. This a story about a young English girl who is sexually abused and tormented by her father. When she can't take anymore, she leaves and the streets of London become her home. The only comfort she finds is in her pet Rat. Her mind swarms with thoughts of suicide since she feels guilty for what happened. Along the way, she takes the same journey as writer Beatrix Potter and ends up regaining her strength and courage in the end. The Tale of One Bad Rat is an inspiring story. I like how Talbot talks about the places, locations, and models that were used as the backdrops for the story. There is also a lists of addresses and numbers at the end for abuse hotlines. What started out as a story in comic book shops can now be found in public libraries and abuse centers. Just a great story all around and you will get choked up after reading it.

... I read it and highly recommended it. It's like seeing a movie and light on the reading. The message is clear - positive - uplifting - empathic - savvy ...

I first heard about this book by laying in bed with my dad when I was young, and he would tell me a fantastic story about this incredible man that faced struggles trying to assist the Britons in fighting the Romans in 55AD. Well, when I got older, he told me that the stories had come from a book he had read, and in high school (late '60s) I read the book. It is a real page turner. Unfortunately, the book that can now be found is also out of print, but is a paperback of just the first portion of the book. So, try to find the hard cover complete book, it is remarkable writing and should be on every collector's shelf after they have enjoyed the saga. Good hunting, it is not at Amazon, skip the paperbacks, it is better to go looking for the hardback!

One of the great regets about this wonderful book is that very recently I had the chance to introduce it to a very well read young man but could only give him the 2nd installment of the triogly (the Tros I read was a 3 book set) as I have over the years lent the others to people who have never returned them! As the books are now out-of -print I realize that a great character may never have the chance to be re-discovered!If you have not read the Tros books and can find them hang on! The brawn and derring do of Conan,the guile of a career diplomat,there are few characters in the genre with the scope of Tros.Enjoy!

Tros of Samothrace is an epic tale of adventure. It is historical fiction. And it is my all-time favorite. Many people on the Internet who are aware of Talbot Mundy agree that "Om, the Secret of the Arbor Valley" is his masterpiece. But "Tros" is my favorite. The complete novel is in excess of 1000 pages, so take your time. The book offers lots of what I call "kitchen wisdom", but I think best of all is Mundy's revisionist portrayal of ancient Rome. For that reason alone it is a must-read for anyone in touch with the ancient world. PS: Talbot Mundy writes excellent prose.

One of the pleasures of reading is discovering a new writer with great talent, and because I learned about Rhonda Talbot's novel A Halfway Decent Girl (Creative Arts Book Co.: 2002) through word-of-mouth rather than through the hype of commercial publishing, I am moved to recommend it to readers and book clubs.

While Talbot addresses the perennial topic of the fractured family that many of us have experienced and some of our greatest writers have portrayed, this book is fresh, particularly in Talbot's gift for characterization, and Talbot's two central characters are brilliant.

Jeannie, the doubting, troubled teenage protagonist and speaker, tastes the mistakes that come with her recently achieved adolescence-truancy, drug abuse, teenage pregnancy, and theft--but she is also the object of adult crimes that are worse, ones that she must weather. Many of Jeannie's problems are created by her mother Daisy, Talbot's most ingenious character. While Daisy is ruthless as she forges checks, lies, manipulates, and prostitutes herself, she is also a kind of modern-day, unsung hero, fighting for her own identity and survival against a brutal husband and another daughter bent on self-destruction.

Set in post-Vietnam America, grappling for its own identity, the book is a journey motif both physically and emotionally, as there are two trips back and forth between Michigan and Marin. CA. The first is a failed escape for an adolescent who bears the full force of the family's horrors and the second is for an abortion, the final trip playing an important role in her maturing process and with it a sense of redemption.

It's beautiful writing because every paragraph is filled with pain, humor, and poignancy.

One word for this brilliant masterpiece - WOW. I find myself reading about 75% of a book and then beginning the next. Problem is, I can usually predict the end and find it unnecessary to read the rest. I can honestly say that I read this book from cover to cover in 3 days, barely able to put it down. The "matter-of-fact" feeling and it's smooth flow made me want to keep going. Rhonda has been blessed with the ability to capture you into the world of this growing adolescent young lady as if it is your own life. Memories, ideas, and the confusions about the world and the people in it were shared, leading me to reevaluate my own growing experiences. I would recommend this book to anybody and everybody as it contains all of the essentials of a good book,.. humor, emotion, and reality.
Rhonda, please publish another book soon, I can't wait. Seriously.

I'm a mother, an MFA, and read about 20 books per month. Talbot has written a most engaging novel, in original language and skilled similies. Her sentences end with a whip lash, as she maintains complete control of her reader. I laughed until I cried, then cried, choked, and cried some more. Talbot leads her reader on an exhaustive, often poignant, and extremely frightening journey as she attempts to save herself and her dysfunctional family. Talbot owns her characters, never losing sight of the need to expose the frailties and inner dimension, that maintains credibility and pathos. We see Jeannie as victim-cum-heroine,thrown alone into a world of grown up crazy people. Jeannie is brave, clever, and survives her irresponsible parents, without losing herself in the terrifying journey. I went through a roll of two-ply Charmin![.] Great reading, when is the next???!...

We started an allowance for our almost 5 year old son and we were having a difficult time teaching him about saving. This book was the perfect tool! Now, instead of wanting to run out and spend the few coins he earns each week, he's excited about saving them up. And at the same time learning some math and money counting skills. I'll be purchasing this for several nieces and nephews as well.

anyone trying to teach youngsters about saving should start with coin county ! wonderfully illistrated and original. fun and secretly educational . simply a must for age 4 to 10.

Mr. Talbot's book appeals on so many levels, it is a "must buy" for any household with children who are curious about coins.

Pick it up for any child who is always wandering around with that spare penny, nickel, dime or quarter clutched in his or her little fist. The book provides a safe place to collect those coins, while storing them in such a way that they can be looked at from time to time.

This book is perfect for any child who is ready to learn about the distinguishing characteristics of these basic coins, and how we use those coins to add up to different amounts.

And the book walks little ones through the process of saving, a stepping stone in the lesson of the value of responsible money handling. The book's premise: "If I fill all the slots, then I will have..." You and your child can then decide how the amazing sum (over $20.00, ultimately) will be spent.

Our entire family is having fun with this book. I would pick it up again in a heartbeat, and will undoubtedly be giving it to everyone I know.

This is such a comforitng book, I am only 14, but I think this is the coolest book ever. The "devotions" are short and to the point, but sometimes it seems that there was one written especially for you in your time of need. The pictures are very beautifuladn vivid, they remind me of all the care and detail God put into making this earth. I just love knowing that knowing that God loves me, knows all my pain, and is ready to comfort me. I would recomend this to any one who is in pain.

The texts are deep and comforting, the photographs are of striking beauty, and the layout and graphics blend everything nicely: Every page of this book is a work of art! It helps us not to forget there is a loving God.

We recently lost our 11 year old son and this book is never far from me. It has provided me with such comfort, especially when I only have a few minutes to read something. The pictures inside are just beautiful, those alone can bring enomorous comfort and a peaceful feeling. I have given it as a gift many times.

"Masks" and "Tao" are my personal favourites both because of their intelligence and beauty, something hard to find together.
Masks is a disturbing and compelling tale of identity while the eastern quest of 'Tao' fits Batman's spiritual history quite well.

One of my favorite Batman graphic novels! I especially liked "Sanctum" and "Masks", both of which stand on their own as excellent Batman stories ("Sanctum" gave me chills!). The artwork is all first rate, too, making this one a winner on all counts!

I first read "Masks" one of the several stories featured in this excellent collection when I was a kid and it's haunting, dark imagery, has not ceased to entertain me. As well as the above mentioned story, Batman: Dark Legends also has a tale about Batmans first encounter with the Joker, which is one of the greatest Batman stories in print buy this book now, you'll treasure it forever! Peace.

Do not hesitate to purchase this book! A wonderful reflection on the lessons left to us by the life of St. Francis and how to apply them in our daily lives. One need not enter a monastery to enjoy the applications in this book. As a suggestion, this book is especially wonderful when read with one of the author's CDs playing in the background. Some good ones available from Amazon.com.

John Michael Talbot's little book goes with me everywhere I go. I am nowhere NEAR being a Catholic and never will be, but I have to say that in just a few short chapters, I've learned where mainstream Christianity goes horribly wrong. Most important are the chapters on Service, Prayer, and Humility. If we get just these three right, we will have come a long way. I'm sorry Francis is considered a Catholic; it's not a good time to be one this day and age, but if there were more like him there wouldn't be much problem. That having been said, there is the interesting section on his friend and disciple Clare, whom he didn't even want to look at, yet considered an equal? I'm off to look for a similar book on her life and teachings; in the meantime, I'll keep this unanimous and give it five stars, because I recommend this book to anyone, Catholic or not. I believe it'll give the reader plenty of food for thought.

Talbot offers us a nicely packaged little book on the essentials of Fransiscan faith. He interprets the way of St. Francis for 21st century man, gleaning nuggets of truth that apply to most all of our daily lives. What I liked about the book was its straight forwardness. It's a book that can be read again and again, helping us to strip away the complicated baggage that we clutter our lives with. Someone once said, "To live simply is to simply live" and that sums up this book. Talbot offers chapters on creativity, community, service, peace, prayer, solitude, simplicity, joy, and more. We are richer for the life of St. Francis, and this book brings that to light.

I was SO curious when hearing references to the "Talbot method", and HAD to know what the method was that would remove the wetness from the normal collage techniques.

I guess he's got a good idea here. However, I personally am way too impatient to go thru this process. Also, I imagine it would take a LOT of space to spread out the elements while they dry. When I'm thinking collage, I cut out so much stuff, and it just doesn't seem a practical way to work. I'm sure many people who have more patience and space like this method.

The book is more like a lengthy pamphlet, so while I'm glad to have it as a reference, I'm glad I didn't pay more for it than I did.

Although this is among one of the smaller instruction books on collage, it is among the best. Mr. Talbot is a thoughtful writer and he succeeded in packing lots into a small compartment.

This book has totally changed the way I work when I create collages. Don't be put off by the low page count -- there is more information packed into these 55 pages than in the 3 books on collage that I own, combined.

This is a technique book, not a book on collage design or color theory. In this book, Talbot battles the biggest challenge for collage artists: once you've got your elements arranged as you want them, you have to pick them up again to apply adhesive -- and then remember how they were arranged in the first place. Talbot solves this problem with the use of readily available materials, and leaves the artist free to create instead of worrying about what goes where.

In addition to the technical information, I found the appendix and source list invaluable. Talbot tells the reader how to easily obtain every item that is mentioned in the book, as well as suggesting alternatives. I have not yet seen another book on collage as well planned and thought-out as this one.

The Truth About Sacagawea has a wonderful story to tell about Sacagawea. Kenneth Thomasma worked very hard on it. This story is adventurous and it makes you want to keep on reading on and on. You always need to believe in yourself like Sacagawea, Lewis, and Clark did when they were going through tough times. Sacagawea was very brave to go on an expedition with her young child. Sacagawea went on this expedition because she was hired as an interpreter and guide person. Lewis and Clark went up the Missisippi River and then traveled on the Snake River.

While this book is a bit short (96 pages) it is also filled with fact, as written by Lewis and Clark themselves. This is a testament to the value of Sacajawea to the expedition. A crucial part of the success of the exploration of the Louisanna Purchase.

Sacajawea proved very valuable in finding food, acting as an interpreter for the exploring party and guiding them through lands that she remembered from her younger days. She was a Shoshoni girl who was captured at age 11 and married to another tribe.

This book serves as a good introduction (it was mine) to a fascinating woman who's place in history, while assured, probably is not as esteemed as it actually should be. She is too often overlooked in the school books or her contributions minimized. I barely remember anything (other than her name) from my days of learning history in school. And I was astonished to find that William Clark was the guardian of her two children after her death (before the choice of her husband).

On oversight this is a good book for a history buff or for someone interested in Native American History. It is also easy to understand and read and would benefit children from, say, 12 and up.

As Lewis and Clark began their journey to the Pacific Ocean, the two captains found it necessary to find a guide in order to pass over the mountains and to communicate with the Natives. As Thomasma says, "The hiring of Charbonneau and his young Shoshoni wife would prove to be a stroke of good fortune and good judgement."(p.15) As the reader progresses through the book, he or she may discover that the good luck wasn't referring to Charbonneau. In fact, the journal entries prove just the opposite. Throughout the book, it is very interesting to find the irony of hiring Charbonneau. As it turned out, this French-Canadian Trapper was nothing but a nuisance to the party. The irony shows when Sacajawea essentially becomes the guide, when she wasn't even hired, but brought on for sympathy reasons. In this view of the Charbonneau family, Charbonneau and his wife (although they are considered one with the other) are foils of one another. This biography well describes the voyage with the young mother and her husband, and their trials and helpful guidance given along the full voyage.

Those who are into history should read this book without any hesitation. This book falls into different categories of history, including American History, Native American Heritage, etc. This very informative narrative would easily be liked by history fans, as well as other ordinary people. Personally, I have never been a fan of history, but this book was very fascinating to me. The structure of this account "allows readers to experience what the explorers wrote about Sacajawea." (P. 11) Thomasma presents summaries of journal entries, along with a description of the points made out by that entry. In between each entry is a summary of the other events between the respecting passages. This structure gives a very effective way of helping the reader understand Sacajawea's importance and value along the Lewis and Clark Expedition. I highly recommend this 92 page narrative not only for the historical aspect, but also for the great story line it gives to the reader, and for the respect developed by reading this account of Sacajawea, the young mother who set a good example for all people.