Lynn Johnston is a genius! With the exception of April, she has created a delightful cast of characters, all of whom are believable and sympathtic. (April is for the birds). She is a gifted artist who has brought a nonpareil caliber to the cartoon genre. Three cheers and hearty kudos to Lynn Johnston and her courage for facing some realistic and challenging topics, e.g. sexuality and death. WE LOVE YOU, LYNN!

This book is in a class by itself. Nobody in cartoon history has created such delightful (save for April with her fresh mouth) and believable characters. Nobody else has been brave enough to confont issues like breast exams, death of family members and loss of pets as well as homosexuality. It is a brave new look at a superior caliber of comics that is more than just a comic.

HATS OFF TO LYNN JOHNSTON!

Lynn Johnston has again been able to touch the hearts and souls of her readers while keeping them smiling. Only someone who has lived through the "Sunshine and Shadow" of life could give her readers the insight of coping with illness, dying and bereavement. The "boomer" generation is now coping with children, careers, spouses and the care of aging parents. In showing how Elly, John, Liz, April and Michael cope with the death and dying of Grandma Marion while supporting Granddad support is given to those who are coping or will be coping with similar challenges. Other story lines are followed as well. We learn how April is growing and changing, how Liz coping at school and with boyfriend Anthony and how Mike is continuing his education at University. A wonderful collection which should be on your bookshelf. Well done Lynn!

For much of the 20th Century, the American Civil War has been a popular favorite and familiar epic theme in American Literature and Culture. The struggle and conflict between the North and South, with its mythical ideals of sacrifice, bravery, & honor have long overshadowed the horror and reality of the conflict - the lost lives, the destruction, the pillage and carnage that a society at war with itself can inflict in such a short time. Whether or not the War Between the States was fought to put an end to slavery and emancipate the slaves - or to preserve the Union and thereby create a forward looking, nationalistic, military-industrial state is one of those American History final exam-type questions that will continue to be debated for decades.

Dan Bauer's book, The Long Lost Journal of Confederate General James Johnson Pettigrew, doesn't really try to answer any of these lofty and important questions. What it does - is to give the reader some fantastic insights into the thoughts and actions of a Southern gentleman, a Charleston lawyer, who risked and lost everything for The Cause in which he believed. As you might expect, Pettigrew's Long Lost Journal, is written from the perspective of James Johnson Pettigrew, a single, thirty-something lawyer, who decided to keep a journal as the events of the Fall, 1860 Presidential election began to unfold. His chronicles of the next three years' events include a great deal of historical fact, intertwined with a good deal of "camp humor", personal anecdotes, and most importantly, many reflective insights into that one question that pre-occupied and seemingly perplexed Pettigrew - "What is it that is so wrong about slavery"?

There are several other themes developed from Pettigrew's Long Lost Journal that are worth noting and speak volumes of Dan Bauer's craft and talent as a writer, researcher and historian. His descriptions of many of the battle scenes are horrifically realistic - you'll stop at the end of a passage realizing that your heart is pounding and your pulse racing from the din of battle. Yet, it's Pettigrew's descriptions of Confederate Army camp life that provide the truer picture of 19th Century soldiering and the ironic fact that many fine soldiers died of sickness and disease without ever experiencing the "glory of battle". In chronicling Pettigrew's campaigns, his organization and leadership of the Charleston militia prior to Fort Sumter, his "enlistment" as a private [just to see some action], his near fatal injury, capture and ultimate exchange as a prisoner of war, leading finally to his promotion to Brigadier General, Dan Bauer has accomplished the difficult task of painting a realistic picture of the Civil War without either boring the reader to death or compromising the truth of Pettigrew's service.

Dan Bauer has done a great job portraying The Conflict through Pettigrew's eyes, but that is far from all this book offers. Pettigrew's Long Lost Journal also enables the reader a glimpse into the heart and soul of a brave and noble, yet tragically flawed human being. General Pettigrew, like so many of his Southern contemporaries, was unable to comprehend the inherent evil that slavery posed. Though genuinely appalled by the many horrors, atrocities and physical abuses inflicted upon black slaves at the hands of their white masters, Pettigrew could not bring himself to do more than wonder about what the South might be like without slavery. He willingly died for The Cause, without ever questioning or considering that the institution of slavery for which he fought was so inherently evil and wrong. No amount of paternalistic rationalizing over the plight of freed slaves could ever justify the South's inhumanity toward and oppression of the slaves.

If there could be but one reason why the Civil War was fought, Pettigrew's Long Lost Journal certainly suggests an answer. It is so remarkably apparent, after reading this wonderful rendition by Dan Bauer, that the only way to purge the evil of slavery from the South, was by the blood and sacrifice of so many brave and noble men, men such as General James Johnson Pettigrew, who unquestionably believed in the "rightness" of The Cause for which they willingly fought and nobly died. While we may admire their bravery, courage, and unwavering loyalty, we should not forget that these Confederate Rebels, these noble Southern citizens were just, plain, wrong about slavery.

The passages of Pettigrew's Long Lost Journal that explain his thoughts about slavery and describe some of the events he witnessed, will make many readers of this book uncomfortable. That is good! It is all too easy for 21st Century Americans to take a four hour trip back in time and "experience" the Civil War through any number of romantic, epic tales portrayed on the silver screen. Thank you Dan Bauer for a wonderful history lesson from The Long Lost Journal of Confederate General James Johnson Pettigrew.

Gary L. Luhman Browntown, Wisconsin

The Long Lost Journal of Confederate General James Johnston
Pettigrew is a great read!!!! Read it if you can you will not
be disappointed.It is historical fiction at its best.
Many books in our present culture of self-help and how to
do books need a gimmick to sell. This book features solid
historical research and characters facing the dilemmas of
slavery,war against their fellow countrymen and government.
It needs no gimmick, for the writing is excellent, and the characters true to life.
This is a book that makes you both think and feel.How could
men of honor support slavery? How could the South turn away
from a government that was not committed to ending slavery in the
slave states?
James Johnston Pettigrew was a man of intelligence, honor
and great bravery. This I believe is he kind of journal such
a man would have written. To make Pettigrew come to life and his journal so believeable is a brillant and stunning achievement.
As a person from the north I enjoyed spending time with
Pettigrew, he is a most likeable man. And this is a most likeable
book!!!

I really, really, really enjoyed this book! I am not really a history buff but I read this book in a matter of a few days.
Having lived in Illinois all my life I never really understood
the Southern perspective.
I think this would be a great book for teachers to use with
students for it is extremely well researched. Written in Journal
foremat it would be easy for students to follow. I work for a public school system so is readily apparent to me.
Following General Pettigrew from pre-civil days in Charleston, South Carolina to Gettysburg, Pennslyvania was a wonderful reading experience. For example, When the Charleston
Courrier woman correspondent meets General Pettigrew and he is
astonished at her blommers I could only wonder what a gentleman of the 1860's thought. He was probably as perplexed as many men are over some of the attritire of todays women. The journal entry
dealing with the slave Jupiter and his story of the death of
Mom Lizzy still has me laughing.
Once again, this is a wonderful book, but don't take my word for it, read it yourself and enjoy!!

This book puts together a bit of history in a light people can relate to. History is a story. The factual account of History often gets distorted. But the use of a bit of fiction, I believe, frees the writer to be more true to what happened. History books are always going to contain some bias one way or the other, when you start off by saying this is fiction based on fact, the story can come out. It is also a lot more interesting than your factual history book. A good read, and you learn something too.(Your having a good time so the larnin' is less painful!)

As aslways Mr. Jonston uses a fictional person to carry his story. Seamus Donegon and fifty top notch army scouts after scouring the Colorado Territory for the mighty Cheyenne. At the junction of the Republican river and the Arikarre on an island the scouts find themselves surrounded by Cheyenne and they are out numbered 20 to 1. The battle lasts nine long days. This is a good book but as one reviewer said "why make this book fictional when the real story is just as fascinating" I agree. If you like good history of the Indian wars without reading 25 different books go to this isbn # 0803251866. The title is: GREAT WESTERN INDIAN FIGHTS.You'll love this book.

Terry C. Johnston makes history live. I discovered him several years ago while looking for something western to read. Having read many of Loius L'Amour's stories I happened upon T. C. J's trilogy about the life and times of Titus Bass. (Now at least five books.) I then started reading the 'Plainsmen series' of which 'The Stalkers' is book Three. The absolute finest historical fiction I've ever read. His stories are based on carefully researched history. Because he has such a unique story teller's ability bringing the reader 'in', sometimes I think I can smell the black powder and hear the arrows singing overhead. I buy em' as soon as he writes em'.

I remember the excitement of opening my high school graduation gift from Aunt Beatrice. It was this book. My Aunt B assured me that this book was the key to a fulfilling and successful college career. As I begin my junior year, I reflect on my college times thus far and realize that Aunt B was right.

This book definitely helped make the transition from high school to college a smooth one. I was able to participate in all the fun games on campus with working knowledge of the correct rules. In a few cases, I was able to introduce upperclassmen to new games and intervene/referee during controversial moments in play.

In just a few months, my little brother will be graduating from high school and embarking on his college experience. I will be purchasing this vital reference volume for him. How proud he will be to put this book alongside his dictionary, thesaurus, and encyclopedia set. This book is an excellent gift for a new grad, a college kid, or a middle-aged guy needing to brush up on his favorite games. Bottoms Up!!

This is the greatest book ever written!!!

I'm at a loss to describe the beauty of this book. It just resonates with my sole.

This is a delightful comic series with believable characters. It is a good sign if any characters cause strong reactions and responses from their readers. I, too, dislike April. April is devious and sassy and often provokes others. I don't think she's a good kid. She is a spoiled little brat who needs a bun warming session. She's a good literary example of what overindulgence can do -- create a sense of entitlement and no respect for others. AztecPrincess said it best -- April is a spoiled brat who has no respect for anything.

The rabbit and dog chases are funny. Mr. Bunny Rabbit is a scream, the way he hops after that dog. It's a good thing the two species get along so well. Mr. B. is the best fictitious rabbit to ever grace the funny pages! Drawings of the rabbit really show the sense of speed and motion -- another nod to a great cartoonist.

Grandpa Jim is the best of the family characters. It is such a refreshing treat to see a senior citizen with a regular voice in the funnies. One of the best ones appeared in the paper on Veterans' Day, when he says the lucky ones came home. I also like the one on Memorial Day when he remembers dancing in his sergeant's uniform with his late wife, Marian. Hip, hip, hooray for Grandpa Jim!

The rest of the bunch are equally delightful, but for different reasons. Liz and Michael bring home the realities of college, job and impending marriage; they are wonderful characters who have never once lost their senses of humor.

As always, Lynn Johnston captures the essence of a family whose members are maturing. She treats with especial sympathy the subject of young Gordon, an abused boy who has grown into a successful businessman and a wonderful father, even weaving into the storyline that his parents have gone into rehab for their alcohol problem. While there are conflicts, as anyone with siblings or multiple children knows, it is a joy to see some maturation between the older two's relationship. Also, I love seeing the community involvement, such as when Elizabeth helps with the foodbank and Michael works on a project to enlighten others as to the Canadian past. One of the final panels depicts all 3 of the Patterson children working together to cook dinner for Elly - and is a treat - and very true to life.

Fans of Lynn Johnston's 'For Better or For Worse' comic strip about a family's interactions and aging will relish this collection, which provides black and white strips from some recent comics. While truly avid fans may find little new here, The Big 5-0 gathers cartoons from 1998 through 1999 and any who have missed a few will certainly find some 'new' material.

I received this book just yesterday and already I've read it twice. I've even marked my favorite passages for my in-laws and relatives to pay close attention to. This is a GREAT book for anyone affected by adoption. The information was presented well and in an easy to read format. I'm sure that after reading this my relatives who have been a little reserved about adoption will come to accept our decision and even enjoy our baby when s/he arrives. This is a MUST for anyone whose is having trouble getting their friends and family to be enthusiastic about adoption.

This book is great to give to your relatives when you are considering adoption, are in the process of adopting, or have already adopted a child. It is easy to read, doesn't "talk down" to people, and has a lot of good information. I am giving copies of this book to my parents, mother-in-law, and grandmother! When we first started the adoption process, this book wasn't yet published and I wish it had been. I really wanted something for my close relatives to read so that they would understand what we were doing and also to help them relate to our daughter-to-be. I"m so glad this book is available now! It's not too late for them to benefit by reading it, that's for sure.

Hope you and your relatives enjoy the book also!

My mom was pretty hostile when my husband and I decided to adopt older children. She wanted us to have a baby or at least adopt one. We were really upset because we really could have used the support that a girl can only get from her mama. We found this book and gave her a copy. After she read it- her total attitude changed. Instead of talking about how she would never babysit for our kids and asking how we could give them back when we realised our mistake, now she is buying dolls for my little girl, stockpiling treats for grandmas house and passing their pictures around the office. This book is an easy and fast read that clearly acknowledges the very real concerns grandparents have when their child announces the adoption. But in a very gentle and understanding way sets the record straight and tells the reader exactly how to support their adoptive family member. This book is a must read. It covers all types of adoption- not just older child.

Given my relatively weak background in econometrics and statistics, I was afraid I wouldn't be able to understand my graduate econometrics class. However, ever since I started reading from this book, I have managed to follow what my teacher is saying. The steps on how the equations are derived are explained, but without making it too easy for the reader. This textbook is a great help. No wonder this has been around for some time. Nevertheless, I was hoping that there's an answer key for the problems.

After trying many books as a PhD student at Harvard, this
is one of the books I have finally settled on as the best for
understanding the first year graduate-level fundamentals
in econometrics. Just at the right level - keeps econometrics
understandable without trivializing it or filling up needless
pages.

A classic text , everything is derived using elementary calculus and the subject is practically developed from scratch . A greater emphasis on matrix notation and the inclusion of topics like survival analysis would be a plus though

This was a good read. Anyone who likes a good action novel will enjoy this book. Plus it adds a bit with the Japanese characters. If you like military thrillers, and NAVY SEALS etc. you will enjoy this book.

Having lived on Johston Atoll for 5 years and having worked in the chemical demilitarization plant the book took on really special meaning to me. I had my hardback copy autographed by the various island commanders and the project manager for Chem demil. The plot was great and plausable. I could visualize the events taking place around me as I read the book on the island. While some poetic license was necessary it is mostly accurate.
I highly recommend the book.
Ben Janacek

This is a book! Great carachters and really interesting heros. Don't mind the homophobia because this is accurate, being that alll the Naval members, I, have met, really do act like this.

Being a fan of Japanese history, the author gave me the fealing of being with the team. The way he talks Navy and the ending Wow wee

alex widrow

When the tall, rugged stranger stepped out of the shadows and rescued her from a fate worse than death, Katherine MacKinnon knew she had found her bodyguard. With his steely arms and reckless courage, he would shield her from her clansmen, who refused to accept her as laird, and from the hated Duke of Blackthorne, who controlled her family's lands. As her desire grew for the mysterious man who was constantly by her side, she had no idea that she was falling in love with the enemy himself. Was not as good as the previous one in the series but a good read none the less. I can't wait to see what will happen to Blackthorne's daughters in the next one.

Even before she became the new head of Clan MacKinnon, Katherine had heard all of her life about the dastardly deeds of their enemy, the Blackthornes. Katherine makes a death bed vow to her father that she will continue the fight against the sixth Duke of Blackthorne, Alastair Wharton. When Katherine claims a choice Scottish estate as being owned by her clan, Alastair sets sail to Scotland to put an end to this nonsense. However, after nearly dying in a shipwreck, Alastair scores a job as THE BODYGUARD to the fiery Katherine, who has many enemies.

Alastair stays close to Kitt to protect her and learn her plans on how she will gain control of the disputed lands. However, their proximity leads to a growing love. Still, he is the very enemy that she has sworn a sacred vow of vengeance towards and this doesn't make their chances for a lifetime of happiness seem very possible.

The third novel, starring the popular Blackthorne family, is a well written, very interesting Regency romance. Like its two predecessors (CAPTIVE and AFTER THE KISS), the story line is filled with action and vibrant characters that bring to life early nineteenth century Scotland and England. Fans of the series and historical romances in general will joyfully want to read Joan Johnston's latest fascinating romance.

Harriet Klausner

I have read all the captive heart series. I look forward to seeing more about the Blackthornes.(the Texas ones) I'd like more about Reggie & the Earl of Carlisle. Also there must be a story about Becky and Mick and their children. It wasn't hard to follow the story line from AFTER THE KISS to BODYGUARD. Although I was looking for the title of the book to be "Blackthorne's Bride", I think that would have been a better title for the book, instead of BODYGUARD. I just read "Bridegroom" about the TWINS. Is there still a story line for MARCUS & ELIZA and their family ? Since it started in AFTER THE KISS...I'd like to see it go on.