I work casual hours in a bookstore and my manager picked up These Is My Words to let me know that it was on the New Releases list. The title had me at once. I bought it immediately.

Never have I felt so as one with a novel. Reading Sarah's entries, I too fought those Indians, felt the hurt with the loss of loved ones and loved Jack. On more than one occaison, I found myself in the most absurd places reading this story, (one morning for an hour sitting on the edge of the bath tub). I have been waiting for a book like this my whole life and now that I have found it, I doubt anything can replace it.

Nancy Turner's characters are vivid, believable, real. They grow through the course of the novel to become your friends, family and loved ones. I have never cried, laughed and siged with relief so many times through one book. I just hope that this treasure stays safe within yellowing pages and bypasses the big screen.

Truly amazing, an adventure everyone should have. Thank-you so much Nancy Turner!

When I began reading this book, I was, at first, annoyed by the prose. The author intentionally used misspelled words throughout the first few pages-- not to mention horrible grammar-- and I find that exhausting to read! However, after heroine Sarah Prine gets her hands on a newspaper and a wonderful young woman helps her learn to read and write a bit better, Sarah Prine's words become an adventurous, thrilling report of her life in the American West.

This book is loaded with adventure (Indian attacks, shooting contests, rape attempts, childbirth, and train robbery!!). I loved that the main character has a thirst for knowledge and love of books, too. She is easy to relate to, and impossible to dislike. I like Sarah because she is independent, sassy, and very real. Sarah's tongue is sharp, but her soul is so good, and it was exciting to read about her passion and lust for Jack and then watch their lives fall into place together.

This book was absolutely convincing as the diary of a young woman out West so many years ago. I found myself wondering about Sarah Prine as though she were a real person more than a few times... Also, as a Tucson resident, the parts about the erection of the university and the climate of the city back then were particularly interesting.

I could not put this book down. I stayed up three nights in a row, reading until 2 or 3 in the morning, just to find out what could possibly happen next. I laughed at the scrapes the characters found themselves in, and how they reacted to them, and I sobbed for half an hour as I turned the last few pages. To find out why, you will simply have to read this wonderful new piece of literature...

I'm expecting a baby soon, and my best friend enclosed this book for me along with a baby gift. I can't imagine a more wonderful gift than this book. I recently read "Cold Mountain" and thought that it was my all-time favorite ... well, "These Is My Words" has topped "Cold Mountain"! I wish I had the discipline to have read it slower, but I devoured it and now feel almost mournful at having finished it. I agree with the earlier poster ... I, too, pictured Jack as looking like the actor Sam Elliot. I also agree with another poster that I hope this is not made into a movie ... it's a precious treasure on its own. I loved Sarah, in fact I almost felt as if I became her charcter ... I felt as strong and courageous, yet at the same time as vulnerable, as she. It was a great character to live through! I fell in love with Jack, and I'm still angry at him for getting himself killed! While I almost feel disloyal recommending another book right now, in this same vein is "The Oldest Living Confederate Widow Tells All" (which is VERY long, so you can savor it a bit), and of course "Cold Mountain" (which is a much slower pace than "These Is..." but an amazing tale of the rugged pioneer spirit and a poignant love story). "These Is..." and many of the other books about this era make me a bit ashamed to see how "soft" we have become as people at the 20th century's end ... we take for granted so many modern conveniences ... the people in these novels didn't have the luxury of being lazy, and they seemed to have much richer lives in spite of it.

This book was a very quick read, as I have found all of Mr. Evans' books to be. While at times the writing did seem a little lengthy and the plot contrived, I very much appreciated the message behind this book (and all of his books, for that matter). This latest work was indeed a quick read, as I finished it in two readings. The story is quite enjoyable although at times I kept mentally picturing Ali McGraw and Ryan O'Neal (albeit in reversed roles) as Faye and Michael. The book gave me pause as I reflected on Esther's comments on old age and how certain decisions in one's life can indeed be pivotal experiences.

This is a must-read for fans of Mr. Evans and it shall receive a place of honor in my library next to the "Christmas Box" series I own. Read and enjoy!

Straight to the heart and beyond, goes this wonderful book by Evans. After spending the last two years of his life caring for his dying mother, twenty-two-year old Michael goes to work in a skilled nursing facility where he meets Esther Huish, a quiet elderly patient with regrets that have crippled her life. It is through Esther that he realizes his life's dreams and is able to reach for the unattainable.

Faye, the love of his life, is from an upper class family that puts the value of a dollar and breeding on a pedestal that Michael falls short of. When Michael finds himself accused of a terrible crime he learns just how alone he really is. Faced with choices that are near impossible to make, he is guided as well as saved by the wisdom of this older woman that has come into his life.

This is an excellent story filled with inspirational quotes and bits of hard won knowledge from Esther's journal. The sequel is titled "The Carousel" and is a continuation of the lives of these extraordinary characters. Evans is the well-known author of "The Christmas Box" series that also includes, "Timepiece" and "The Letter". 3/4/01

I have heard of Richard Paul Evans, but have never read his books until now. I recieved The Locket in a fed ex package from my step-daughter. I read it in one night. Start to finnish. The Locket is a story of a longing heart and a yearn for love. It is a story of valuing every moment of your every day life. Is about the enduring qualities of hope and forgiveness. When I read the last page I was left in awe. The book has changed me. For anyone who has experienced the redemption of love, you will identify with this book. The Locket is the best book I've read in years, and since reading it, I have put all of Evans' books I've missed at the top of my Christmas list.

Every so often a book comes along that restores your belief just a little. This book is one of them.

It chronicles the childhood of Homer Hickam, NASA engineer who grew up in the West Virginia town of Coalwood. Coalwood was a company town, centered around the Coalwood coal mine. In one shape or form everyone who worked in Coalwood worked for or in the mine. Sons were expected to follow in their father's footsteps. However Mr. Hickam and his group of friends are galvanized by the Russian's successful Sputnik launch. They are determined to become rocket scientists and help Werner Von Braun compete with the Russians.

This is a book of determination and courage. For instance, Mr Hickam, who couldn't pass basic Algebra taught himself Calculus so he could understand how to build better rockets. But it is also a story of boys growing up during the '50s with all of the normal teen-age angst. Most of all it is a warm book as we watch the Rocket Boys touch every member of the small coal mining community with their striving to reach the stars. I gave this book five stars, a rating I don't give out lightly. I loved this book and I think you will too.

I admit, I didn't pick up this book until after I had seen the fabulous movie about Homer Hickam's life. The film struck me in a way that left me in awe of this man's childhood, and the book astounded me! I had never been a fan of biographies until I was compelled to buy the book, and I didn't put it down once the whole time I was reading it. I was captivated by the life and motivation one boy had, and how he grew into a man who could face his challenges and follow his dreams.

This inspirational story is about a young man, Homer Hickam, or Sonny, as he is called by his parents and closest friends, who grew up in a small coal mining town in West Virginia. When he first heard about Sputnik, the Russian satellite, he was motivated to create his own model rockets along with his 4 best friends; Sherman, O'Dell, Roy Lee, and Quentin, forming their own Rocket Boys society, setting off their model rockets under the eyes of the towns people, and the strict figure of his father, a hardy coal foreman in the mine. He is pressure from both sides on his future career until he goes to Indianapolis (my home city) to the national science fair, and...I won't spoil it for those that don't know, and finally going on to become an employee with NASA, his dream acheived.

This book opened me up to a new world I had never seen. A person who acheived his final goals, with little help from the adults most kids rely on. This really is an inspiration, and I suggest you read it, to see what an amzing story I'm talking about!

My favorite things about this book:

· The author is very honest about his shortcomings, doubts, failures... How many times in the book is he ready to throw everything away?

· He writes truthfully not just about the rocket project, but about his feelings for his dad, his brother, his friends, the girl of his dreams, his teacher...

· The excellent portrayal of life in a mining town in WV in the late 50's. The community is slowly disintegrating due to the failing economics of coal, yet they find cohesion by rooting for the rocket project in unison. This is why the entire town would attend rockets launches and cheer and clap.

· The wonderful side characters, like the machinist who helps the guys by building special pieces, the dad, torn between his own stubbornness and the love for his son...

BEWARE! The movie is a triumphant Hollywood view of a successful, starry-eyed, brave and determined young man with a cuasi-perfect life. If we listen to the book, though, Homer was bullied, scared, intimidated, ready to quit, and had to overcome lots of opposition to achieve his dream. You might want to rent the movie to check out the last 3 minutes or so, because there is actual footage of many of the characters in the book, plus rocket launches! Other than that, the movie is a terrible adaptation of the book and doesn't do it any justice.

When I first picked up this book, I thought, uh-uh. No way can I get into a book where the hero's name is Bobby Tom. He sounded too much like some red-neck cowboy and not at all like the darkly handsome heroes of other romances. However, it took me about 2 whole seconds to fall head over heels in love with both Bobby Tom and this book. Phillips perfectly masters the romance genre combining great characterization with an interesting plot and lots of sweet humour. Yet at the same time she spices up her story with steamy sex scenes and gut-wrenchingly emotional confrontations between her 2 lovers. The romance between former NFL quarterback and Miss Gracie Snow is a roller coaster ride of thrills and smiles from start to finish. In short, its absolutely wonderful and I highly reccommend it.

After an injury that ends his football career, ex-jock Bobby Tom Denton signs on to become an actor. When he doesn't show up on the day of shooting prim and proper Gracie Snow is sent to retreive him.

Gracie Snow is ready to change her life. At the age of 30, she has finally left the retirement home that her parents ran and is ready for a change. She needs to get Bobby Tom to Texas on time, or else.

Once in Texas, gorgeous Bobby Tom tells everybody that mousy. frumpy Gracie Snow is his fiance in order to keep the matchmaking mamas away. Gracie plays along. Bobby Tom gets her a make-over, making Gracie actually look cute. The two spend time together and Gracie falls madly in love with Bobby Tom.

Susan Elizabeth Phillips has once again written a wonderful, witty and memorable romance. Gracie and Bobby Tom will remain in your hearts and you will laugh out loud at their outrageous romance. I can guarantee you'll fall in love with Bobby Tom and never look at a plain woman the same again.

I was randomly preveiwing books online one night when i came across the book Heaven, Texas. I double clicked on it only because I thought it was a cute title and had a nice cover. But I am sooo glad that I did buy it in the bookstore a few days later because this is hands down one of the best romance books I've ever read. Susan Elizabeth Phillips creates amazing characters that are extraordinary and fun-loving! You can relate to the characters and there are times when they make you giggle out loud.
This was my favorite book of hers, and i'm sure everyone else who has read it loves it. I've read this book at least 15 times since I've had (which is about 3-4 months).Bobby Tom and Gracie are great and this book just really makes you believe in true love (at least while your reading it)and that's saying something because I don't believe in love ( but that's another story for another time).
I also encourage you(anyone who actually reads this) to read her other books as well ( although Hot Shot and Just Imagine definitly weren't that great if you ask me, but that's just because they're not as light as the Chicago Stars series). I especially recommend It Had to be You and the other Chicago Stars books.

I became familiar with Bebe Moore Campbell's work only after reading "Brothers & Sisters" because like Esther, I did identify with the challenges of being black and female on the job. In "Your Blues Ain't Like Mine", she shows the horror of how one misunderstanding can affect the lives of the people of a small town. Floyd is more interested in proving his manhood to his father and brother than protecting his wife's reputation. Delotha is wracked with guilt and shame for not keeping her son Armstrong the victim, and Armstrong's father Wydell realizes that his inability to be a father has to do with his own inability to come to terms with the horrible relationship that had with his father. Lily, the unintentional instigator of this whole affair realizes that as she grows older, life is harder, men aren't always going to be there when you need them and that things aren't as rosy for other people as they seem especially when she discovers how bad off her in-laws have become, but at least in the book the characters try to come to terms with the past and struggle to live in the present. I would recommend this book to anyone who would want to read it.

Campbell's novel is one that is to be commended. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and her writing style. Sticking to detail but not adding too much is just what any reader appreciates and she comes through time and time again. Campbell wrote a book that contains so many characters and covers the span of nearly four decades and not once did she lose my attention or respect for her genious. Lovers of Toni Morrisson and Maya Angelou will certainly want to give Bebe Moore Campbell a try.

This book is bound to keep your attention because it begins and ends with something serious happening. It is a remarkable book encompassing the way black's movement from South to North specifically from Mississippi to Illinois, and the many changes that this time has brought forth. Many of the changes in the book was brought forth by the Armstrong Todd incident which was similar to the real life event of Medgar Evers incident. Although it is a fiction it brings to mind many real life issues that still persist today. When will we ever overcome racism and hatred, which is the far away cry in which some of the characters seem to be shouting to the reader. I feel that this book is a great book and I recommend this to everyone with an open mind...it is a must read book!! I totally enjoyed reading this book because it never left you hanging and idle...

Having only the cursory knowledge of Iwo Jima from the immortalized "photograph" and monument near Arlington National Cemetary, reading "Flags of Our Fathers" was an eye-opening experience. Born in the late 60's, I grew up in with war and its after-effects having little impact on my own personal life (somehow my immediate family escaped any time in the military). In this deeply personal account of the events surrounding Iwo Jima, James Bradley gives the reader a detailed account of the famous battle that no high school history class lesson could do justice to. From the "underground city" of Iwo to the facts surrounding the quite accidental photographic capture of the incidental second flagraising, the book is both educational and fairly quick read.

I was a little put-off early in the early stages of the book. In leading up to the actual battle, Bradley seemed to have already elevated the six flagraisers to godlike status. But having finished "Flags," one can easily forgive the author for the high reverence he holds for these individuals now knowing how each of their stories ended. Having recently visited Washington, I stopped at the US Marine Corps Memorial near the end of my trip. I did not know the names or stories of the men behind the impressive statues. Reading "Flags" made me initially regret what, at the time, had been a fairly unemotional visit to yet another DC monument. While that changed as I read "Flags" (I pulled out the photos I had taken several times while reading), I ultimately believe that the surviving flag raisers (particularly the author's father, John Bradley) would be quite happy that I did not associate them with the celluloid or bronze images that dogged them for the remainder of their lives.

It is heartening to see the success of this book. While not a scholarly historical work, Bradley has done a great service in recording these men's stories and the brave efforts of all who have ever fought for their country.

Seriously, five stars are just too few for a monumental book like this one. This book is an instant classic that should live for all time! If you are like me, you have a whole story built up in your mind around one of the most famous photographs in American history -- the raising of the flag on Iwo Jima. If you are also like me, there is little reality behind that story in your mind.

Written by the son of one flag-raising Marine, this amazing story should be read by everyone. It tells a tale of heroism, horrible circumstances, and the lasting consequences of an unexpected event in a compelling, unforgettable way. This book rivals All Quiet on the Western Front for its revealing insights into the nature of war, comradeship, and courage.

To set the stage, Iwo Jima was the first Japanese soil the Marines invaded. The Emperor had issued orders that the ground was to be defended to the last man. Iwo Jima was filled with tunnels that harbored over 20,000 Japanese troops who could shoot from relative safety while Americans were out in the open. The tunnel system was so extensive that Marines would literally be kidnapped while standing next to their buddies, and no one would know where they had gone. Rocks would suddenly open up to reveal mortars.

Tough fighting went on for days. The Marines lost 7,000 dead and had another 15,000 or more wounded out of 70,000 men. Ironically, the worst of the fighting came after the flag photograph, and three of the six Marines in the photograph died in this later action.

As tough as Iwo Jima was, living with the aftermath of the photograph was even harder in many ways. Two of the three survivors had their lives deeply affected in negative ways. The story of all three riveted me more than anything I have read in years.

I read fairly few books about war, but I cannot recommend this book enough to you. As Americans we owe it to those who fought in this battle to remember what actually happened and what the repercussions are. You will be moved at a deeper level than you can possibly imagine by this outstanding book.

Remember Iwo Jima!

I was only 5 when the attack on Iwo Jima took place. My own father, by virtue of age, good luck and a naval officer's commission escaped conscription into this particular hell. My personal wartime experience is a vague one of watching free movie musicals at the Ottumwa Iowa Naval Air Station, squashing and saving tin cans for the war effort and finally weaving red white and blue crepe paper into the spokes of my junior bike in celebration of VJ day. Thanks to a new book about World War II, I am discovering what it was really like back then to feel true patriotism. It is a bittersweet revelation, but a very valid one.

"Flags of Our Fathers" is a book which appeals not only to the die-hard WWII buff but to any person, male or female, with an interest in a teeth clenching, powerful and poignant story. It describes a horrible battle, the incredible selfless sacrifices of young men and the angst of their families.

James Bradley & Ron Powers have brought to vivid life the real people behind the famous flag-raising mythos, the surreal war in which they so valiantly fought and the survivors' eventual reentry into civilian life. This is an adventure story of true horrific experiences. On the surface it is a "good guy-bad guy" saga in which our good guys finally triumph. The good guys lucky enough to come home are quiet, self effacing and seemingly forever linked to the ghosts of those who did not survive. In an age before psychologists had discovered and mined "survivor's guilt" and Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome, the luckiest of these largely teenaged boys trained, fought, were wounded, came back and resumed living to the best of their ability. I defy any woman not to bleed for the mothers and fathers who waited and any man not to cry for the "uncommon valor" of these very young sons. Bradley's personal experiences with his own hero father, his intimate interviews with families of these sons and his own quiet faith are melded with the poetic prose of Ron Powers into a seamless whole.

This is a meticulously researched, lovingly crafted and stunning battle book, written by exceptional men about exceptional men. It is sure to become a classic.

I'm pretty stingy with my stars, but this book was everything I had read about in the reviews. I was hesitant to read it at first because I've never been a big fan of the time-travel genre, but with the new, pretty cover (yeah, I know, I know, don't judge a book...) I was inspired to give it a try. Boy am I glad I did!

The first part of the book was a romance-reader's dream. Nicholas was the perfect hero (C'mon, what would you expect from a knight in shining armor?). Dougless, granted, was pretty pathetic, but she was a perfect match for Nicholas. There were many funny and tender scenes in the first half of the book, and let me just emphasize again how perfect Nicholas was. In the end of the first half, when he gives up on pursuing his family's honor for Dougless' love... well, it almost made me cry.

The second half of the book didn't quite build up to the romance between Nicholas and Dougless as much as I would have liked; rather Nicholas suddenly remembers their 20th century relationship and wham, they're in love again. However, the historical detail was fascinating; I learned several things I never knew. And when Nicholas tells his mother of his love, it was very touching.

However, the ending of this book was the best. It was original; romantic, yet heartbreaking. When Dougless learns about how she changed Nicholas' future, I started crying. And the scene on the plane was the perfect ending. I don't know how anyone couldn't have liked the ending. Of course it wasn't like every other romance novel- it was better. Dougless had gained a spine, Nicholas had gained honor, and they both had gained a love that spanned time. I thought it was slightly unfair that Dougless meets a real-life love (the reincarnated Nicholas?), but Nicholas never marries. However, it does make the love story all the more touching. Have some Kleenex handy! This is the first romance novel that has actually made me cry in a long time!

This book is one of my favorite time travel books. I loved the unrealistic plot and the realistic characters.

Dougless is on a trip through England with her boyfreind, who she hopes to marry, and his bratty and spoiled daughter Gloria. During the trip she is ditched in a graveyard and left weeping and asking for a knight in shining armor, and she gets one. Nicholas has been sent to her through time to solve a life or death mystery. What will happen while these two star crossed lovers are searching for the answers?

I can't tell because that wouldn't be very fun now would it. But I can tell how much I loved Nicholas, who was handsome, intelligent, and considerate. Dougless annoyed me at first because she let people walk all over her, but she grew a lot during the story and learned her own worth. The end of the book was so moving I cried. At first I was disappointed but then it grew on me, I think. Also, Nicholas's fascination with modern appliances and other things made me appreciate the things I take for granted, such as daily showers and dishwashers. This book is definetely a charmer and a great read.

I titled my review "Soul Mates Meet" because that is the theme that runs throughout Jude Deveraux's self-said favorite book. If you fancy the idea of a special someone for you, A Knight In Shining Armor is a wonderful tale in which to picture yourself as the heroine.

The story introduces us to Dougless, a loving woman who allows herself to be taken advantage of by the man she hopes will ask her to marry him. While on a trip to England with him, they become separated and Dougless finds herself weeping at the foot of the tomb for an unpopular 16th century man. In the midst of wishing for a knight in shining armor to save her from her troubles, she suddenly is confronted with a very strangely dressed hunk in-what else?-shining armor!

As the tale unfolds, Dougless learns the tragic story of the knight, Nicholas Stafford, and together they work to change how history will forever remember him. After a few twists and turns through time while finding herself falling in love with him, Dougless discovers a new strength in herself.
The final scenes leave your heart aching with the unrequited love time has imposed upon Dougless and Nicholas....or has it?

Written with a deep understanding of a woman's heart, as well as her fears and struggles, A Knight In Shining Armor will speak solace and courage to every woman.

Anne of Green Gables is about a skinny red haired girl who has both a short temper and a very colorful imagination. She really loves the little farmhouse but the Cuthberts might send her back to the orphanage because Matthew needed a boy about 11 or 12 to help him on the farm.

Sometimes her imagination gets her in trouble. For instance when Marilla asks her to get a pattern from Mrs. Barry she doesn't want to because she imagined the woods between the houses were haunted! The book tells about her life growing up in the 1930's. As she grows, she learns many lessons and meets many friends who help her to become Anne of Green Gables.

This book is wonderful. It is a great book for girls to read. I loved it because the character was funny, spunky, and could talk forever. She reminded me of my sister. Anne never gave up trying to reach her goals. She will keep you interested throughout the whole book!

This is one of the best books ever written and the credit goes to spirited Anne (make sure it's spelled with an "e"!) Shirley. It's not often you find such a charming heroine as Anne. ANNE OF GREEN GABLES is the first of a series on this lovable orphan, and it begins with Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert, a respectable brother and sister, living at Green Gables. They are both growing old and need a boy to help out on the farm. But they got a talkative redhead girl instead. Before they can send her back to the orphanage, Anne has managed to win the hearts of Prince Edward Island with her wit and imagination. She seems to affect everyone around her - from busybody Mrs. Rachel Lynde to handsome Gilbert Blythe. And now, Green Gables will never be the same! . . .

It's not often you find such a spirited and lovable heroine as Anne. Captivating and captivatED, Anne is full of enthusiasm and fun, which gets her into all sorts of scrapes. This book is one that you are guaranteed to laugh over, cry over, and never want to put down! It is an ideal novel that you won't want to pass up! (Even if you don't read the rest of the Anne books, read this!)

A few weeks ago, I got really sick of today's children's literature. I had read enough mysteries and trashy books about romance to last me a lifetime. So I wanted something else to read, something well-written with a good plot and lifelike characters. I had to look no further than the first book I picked up- Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery.

Anne of Green Gables is the first book in the Anne of Green Gables series. It takes place, as most of L. M. Montgomery's books do, on Prince Edward Island in Canada. This particular story takes place in the town of Avonlea. It follows young Anne Shirley, an orphan brought to Green Gables to help Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert on their farm. Much to Anne's dismay, Marilla tells her that they wanted a boy to help around the farm, not a girl. However, Marilla changes her mind and decides to keep the dynamic young girl who would become Anne of Green Gables.

This novel is incredibly written, with well-developed characters and an intricate plot. I absolutely loved it. I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a great example of children's literature at its height.

This book is the story of an unusual family at the turn of the century, with twelve children. The father is an efficiency expert who runs the family like it is a factory assembly line, with everything timed down to the minute. Even the times for bathing are scheduled, so that the household runs smoothly. Mr. Gilbreth practices all of his ideas on how to run an efficient business on his family; they are the guinea pigs for new ideas.
He is the parent who disciplines all the kids, and the mom is really understanding of how hard it is to live in such an unusual family. Both of the parents were professionals, as the mom was also a psychologist and industrial engineer. They applied their professional ideas on raising the 12 kids. The children learn foreign languages, long division and about the solar system, using methods from Mr. Gilbreth's professional life. They were also taught touch typing and morse code by efficient methods. It is a very humorous look at the life of a large and unusual family. The ending of the book is sad, as Mr. Gilbreth dies, leaving Mrs. Gilbreth to raise the children alone.

The tone of the book is humor, as many of the situations are really funny, and the parents approach life with a sense of humor. The father is often very sarcastic, but not in a mean way. He liked to parade the family around and even though he was proud of them, he found the reactions of other people very funny. The parent's sense of humor made dealing with the problems of a large family easier, and made for a more loving lifestyle. Even though raising a family that large was serious business, they never took life too seriously. I think that is an important way to raise a family, by keeping a sense of humor. The father is a smart man, and he is never characterized as an idiot, even though he does some crazy things to help his family. The main theme throughout the book is the importance of humor in their lives.

CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN

Format: Paperback,1st ed., 180 pages ISBN: 0553272500 Publisher: Bantam Doubleday Dell Books for Younger Readers Pub. Date: February 1981 Other Formats: Hardback Recommended Age:Third grade and up

Wonderful...Once you start to read the first page you wont be able to put the book down. This perfect way to spend a rainy day. You will be very amused when you read about the hilarious events of the Gilbreth family. The family of twelve children have many adventures you will enjoy reading. The father is almost crazy and a very successful business man. He is very strict and overprotective. He won't let his daughters wear make up or dress the way they like to. They slowly change his mind and begin to dress their way. He thinks his children can do anything and is also believed he could do anything. He loved jokes and laughing and you will love the practical jokes they play on each other. The rich family loves to go to movies then out for ice cream. They also spend their summers at the beach, where their Dad forces them to learn to swim. He wants them to learn as much as possible about everything so he always finds a way to teach them new things. As an efficiency expert he made sure that everything was done in a time efficient way. It was a sin to waste time in the Gilbreth house and he was constantly coming up with new ways to save time. The Dad in the story liked to parade around and show off his kids. Although this was embarassing to some of the kids as they got older Dad found it hilarious. The mother also was sometimes embarrassed or insulted by the attention they got or the comments other people made. This book will keep you laughing right up to the last chapter when Dad dies. The book is a mixture of humor and then sadness at the ending. This is an excellent book that everybody should read. I recommend this book for anyone that knows how to read no matter how old or young!

Dina Bastianini, Pine-Richland High School

This book is the best book I have ever read. I own it and have read it many times. It kept me interested from the first page and you will not want to put it down. It is about a family of 12 children. Their dad is always thinking of new ways to save time and he thinks that he can teach him and his children anything. The family likes to play practical jokes on eachother and are always having a good time. This book is very interesting and never gets boring.