Compared with Mansfield's other books, this one is average. The Scottish brogue in many places diminishes the pleasure of smooth reading. This one is unlike her other books e.g. the Fifth Kiss or The Magnificent Masquerade which would evoke tender, warm or poignant emotions from her readers.Anyway, any book by Mansfield is delightful.

I have to admit that I am a sucker for old-fashioned, "sweet" romances. This one is definitely a keeper for me, and ranks up there with the best of Mansfield, in my estimation. I didn't have any problem with the Scottish brogue, but that is because I am a lover of all things scottish, and I have read so many books with brogue in them that I already knew a lot of the words. Besides, they were either explained, or easy to figure out from the context. I thought the hero to be a true hero--gentle, warm, funny, and honorable. I liked the fact that he became fond of the heroine's family members, and that they reciprocated his feelings. The heroine was a bit arrogant at the beginning, and the author did a good job of showing how she had her faults revealed to her and how she had a change of heart about things. This book was a "clean" read and reminded me of some of my favorite old-fashioned romances. Definitely going on to my "keeper" shelf after my mom finishes reading it!

This book covers in text and pictures the various movies Mel Gibson has done at the start of his movie career: Mad Max, Tim, Gallipoli, Road Warrior, The Year of Living Dangerously, The Bounty, The River, Mrs. Soffel and Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome.

It talks a little bit about Mr. Gibson's family and childhood.

I get the impression that the book's author, Keith McKay, did not speak to Mr. Gibson personally as there are no direct quotes in the book. The book does include quotes about Mr. Gibson from other people he has worked with as well as quotes from Mr. Gibson written in other people's articles.

This is a good picture book but not much info on Mr. Gibson's personal life.

If you are Mel Gibson fan, I would recommend this book. If you are looking for more details on Mr. Gibson, stay tune for the authorized biography which I am working on :-)

"I get the impression that the book's author, Keith McKay, did not speak to Mr. Gibson personally as there are no direct quotes in the book. The book does include quotes about Mr. Gibson from other people he has worked with as well as quotes from Mr. Gibson written in other people's articles.
This is a good picture book but not much info on Mr. Gibson's personal life.
If you are Mel Gibson fan, I would recommend this book. If you are looking for more details on Mr. Gibson, stay tune for the authorized biography .."

-------
The book's Author,Keith McKay, is (was) my first Cousin. Keith was a gifted and multi-talented Writer/Musician/Artist,gone too soon. Keith would have only written under the auspices (guidelines) given by those supervising him on said book, (or any other) , with expressed permission from Mr. Gibson etc.

(I dont know this for sure, but, knowing my Cousin,I'm pretty certain.)We all know very good books don't need (necessarily) "first-hand" info to be valid and important or true in content. I believe,if Keith spoke to Mr. Gibson "live", it would have reflected in the book.

If Keith's book says it's an Authorized biography, then it is:) We are so glad you enjoyed my Cousin's book. Thank-you for your kind post. And though,I don't know above details for sure, I think they probably apply. Knowing Cousin as we did:)

P.S. Young writer's ought think of picking up some of Keith's books,if simply to be aware of keen and insightful writing styles:)
God Bless:)

Since reading this novel first some six years ago, I've always felt that it has one of the most unattractive titles of any book I know. On re-reading it, I still think so. This should not put readers off, however, because behind that bland, unimaginative moniker, which reflected some long-since faded thoughts by the author, you will find a fascinating study of divorce in the 19th century, in a society that condemned it. Fifty years ago I can remember my own mother whispering the word 'divorced' when speaking about a couple no longer together'it was too shameful to say out loud. Yeah, well, times have changed. But what about the mid-1870s ? Howells carefully draws the picture in his usual, nuanced style.

A handsome, but shallow youth, Bartley Hubbard, flirts with Marcia Gaylord in a small Maine town. We can see their union is ill-fated right from the start, her family opposes it (he seems to have no relatives), but Marcia burns for Bartley. They marry surreptitiously and head for Boston where Bartley gets a foothold in the newspaper world. He mouths idealistic pap like 'I hope I shall never do anything unworthy of your idea.' but basically he has no moral framework in his character; he's selfish, facile, opportunistic, and self-indulgent. Marcia, though beautiful, is ignorant, self-centered, and very jealous. Howells emphasizes their lack of religion as a key to their deficiencies. As the marriage falls apart, we turn more and more to other characters, all in the higher levels of Boston society, who have the moral fiber that the Hubbards do not. Ben Halleck, Bartley's ex-friend, wrestles with his conscience over his secret love for Marcia as he sees her suffer over Bartley's abandonment of her. In very 19th century style, he worships her "as a woman whose constancy to her mistake" makes her sacred. He suppresses all his desires, even disappearing to Uruguay for two years, but merely thinking of another man's wife, albeit a desperately unhappy one, is utterly beyond the pale. He castigates himself unmercifully and winds up a penitent minister. But A MODERN INSTANCE is not a simple melodrama---it is a complex mix of personalities. There are no simple answers---isn't it easy to be upright when you are financially secure ?---and the end is indefinite. Though Hubbard is used as an example of moral decay, a man without firm principles and moral rectitude, he is still the most vivid, most realistic character. He is a likeable scamp, no matter how he is villified by the Boston society people.

The values that people live by in Boston circa 1875 are far from those we know today. They agonize about things that would not give us much pause. They emote on 'civilization' because they, like Howells, could not imagine the horrors of the 20th century. Thus, in a sense, Howells' novel is passé. Yet, his conversations, his picture of relationships, his description of the times, and even of nature are excellent. For example the vivid logging camp scenes (pp.79-97)are pure genius. You feel that you know that time and place by the end. Even if there are certain melodramatic twists and turns in the novel, and even if the last 90 pages drag a little, I would certainly recommend that you read A MODERN INSTANCE if you have any interest at all in American literature. It is a startlingly powerful book whose characters will stay with you.

Howell's novel follows the doomed marriage of jealous, insecure Marcia Gaylord and immoral--but somehow quite likeable--Bartley Hubbard. The story is very readable, and only seems to bog down in the last section of the book. The characters are well drawn, and Howell captures the changing character of American society towards the end of the nineteenth-century. There are no great moments of drama--rather this novel quietly makes its points. Cady's excellent introduction is best saved until after reading the book, so as to not spoil the plot. A great read for lovers of Wharton or Dreiser, or for anyone interested in American culture.

Hamilton High will be having a Valentine's Day Dance in honor of the popular "lover's-day." To add to the excitement, they'll be voting on a king and queen for the event. Everyday at during lunch, students can buy cards for the one they want to win. That way, the school can make a profit for library books. Amy Hunter and her friends are all competing for the title, yet one girl stands out from all the rest -- Tanya. Tanya has the lead over everyone and she thinks life couldn't get any better. That is until she starts receiving valentines from an unknown student at Hamilton. Inside are poems that warn Tanya to be faithful and worthy of being queen, or else she's better off dead. Tanya dismisses the warnings until she's found dead. It was all an accident, according to the police, but how can anyone be sure? After Tanya's death, another girl takes the lead, and also becomes cocky about it. Just like Tanya, she receives ominous messages, and -- just like Tanya -- she dies. Too bad for Amy. After each girl gets murdered, she's put more and more in the lead. Increasing her chances more and more of having a tragic "accident."

I thought that "My Bloody Valentine" by Jo Gibson was fabulous! It was filled with twists and turns around every corner, and kept you guessing until the end! These factors gave me a good impression, however I didn't like the way Gibson repeats her writing style. Like many of her other stories, the chapters alternate between the main character and the killer. Every other page has the main character blushing about something, and that starts to get annoying! Also, the author tends to use the same word over and over again -- "incredibly." That gets to be repetitive. While the plot was entertaining, it wasn't original, which weighed down on my rating. Other than that, it was an awesome book. Read it!

Also recommended:
a.) "Secret Santa" by D. E. Athkins
b.) "The Train" by Diane Hoh
c.) "Slay Bells" by Jo Gibson
d.) "Trick or Treat" by Richie Tankersley Cusick
e.) "Starstruck" by Richie Tankersley Cusick
f.) All R. L. Stine young adult thrillers
g.) All books by Joan Lowery Nixon

I first read this book when I was about 12, and I really enjoyed it then. At the time, I was really into R.L. Stine and other such authors. I saw this book on a paperback rack a Wal-Mart, and seeing as how I had a long car ride ahead of me the following weekend, I bought it. From the first page, Ms. Gibson held my attention and within two hours, i had finished the book! Because these thriller books for younger teens are so short, the authors cram a lot into them, making every page exciting so you don't lose interest. My Bloody Valentine is no exception. The plot is better than that of most of these types of books, but they all end the same. Also they have plot holes that anyone over the age of 15 can spot a mile away. But, for its few flaws, Valentine is a decent book for a younger teenager with a few hours to kill. It will definitely keep their interest, and if you have nothing better to do, read it yourself. You might be surprised at how decent it is.

Overall this book is a good overview of the american political system. The structures of the beurocracy, executive, congressional, and judicial branches are covered very thoroughly. However, I found that the author inserted a bit too much of his own Republican biases in it. There is a whole section devoted to "government waste" - a common election tactic by Republicans. While it is true that the government is wasteful- all beurocracies are to some extent- a recent survey showed the US gov't to be the 3rd most efficient in the world. Also, sprinkled throughout the book are convinient three paragraph long and very shallow "Counterpoints" which try to convince readers of republican principles from the flat tax to the abolition of affirmative action. The most egragrious offenses come in various profiles "people in polics" of various leaders in politics. Invariably, the Republicans profiled have their personal strengths asserted with a folksy charm, while the Democrats are given a far away overview as well as mention of some trivial personal faults (Barbara Boxer's overdrafts from the House banks- a trivial issue in the big picture of things- is in her bio). And of course there are also the "Liberal ratings" in it- with the late Paul Wellstone topping the list. In addition to all of this, the general wording of the book and word choice used betrays the clearly Republican biases of the author. Overall the book is not a bad book, it does a good and thorough job at outlining the structure of the federal government, however, reader beware of the biases of the author.

I just finished taking a class called "Introduction to American Politics" and this was our only textbook. I found the textbook to be easy to read, clearly written, and factually accurate. I fear that many students, like myself, who have already studied some in this area may find the book to be too simplified, and will get bored reading about the basics of material which is already familiar to them. The book is great for the novice, but is definitely not upperclassmen material.

To those interested in British earthenwares but not necessarily lustreware, this work could change things. Thoughtfully structured by manufacturing region, Gibson's book shares all the positives of ACC publications and its one negative: lacklustre (sorry) design. The color is abundant, photographs good, the text readable. When compared with the comparatively poorly-produced Shiffer editions, ACC books present high value.

I READ THIS AS A SHORT STORY IN A LARGER COLLECTION. IT IS TYPICAL OF ALL TROLLOPE SHORT TALES - IT HAS A PLOT, MUCH CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT, MUCH PHILOSOPHY ABOUT LOVE AND LIFE, AND HAS A MEANINGFUL CONCLUSION. TOO MANY SHORT STORIES JUST SEEM TO BE MOOD PIECES AND WANDER. NOT TROLLOPE! THIS STORY CONCERNS THE LOVE BETWEEN A MAN AND WOMAN AND HOW OTHER FACTORS - FAMILY AND SOCIETAL NEEDS AND MORES - EXERT AN INFLUENCE - USUALLY DETRIMENTAL. HOWEVER, IN THE END, TRUE LOVE IS ALL THAT MATTERS, NOT WHAT OTHERS THINK, THE FAMILIES DESIRE, OR SOCIETY DICTATES. IF YOU LOVE TROLLOPE, READ ALICE DUGDALE.

Ant has become a widely used tool and should be part of every developer's toolkit. This book is a nice introduction for the developer who is unfamiliar with Ant and is looking to get started using it. If you are a developer who is experienced with Ant then this book will not be of much interest to you. The book starts with a nice introduction to Ant showing how to create and use a typical build script. The first three chapters cover the basics of Ant and the authors do a nice job of making Ant simple to understand. The next two chapters cover all the built-in and optional tasks that are part of Ant. This section is of limited use to the new Ant user. Since the tasks are listed in alphabetical order and broken out into separate chapters for built-in and optional tasks, you have to know what you are looking for in order to find it. It would have been nice to have a list of all the tasks with a brief description all in one or two pages which would have made it much easier to find a task. There is one brief chapter explaining how to write your own Ant tasks. Troubleshooting Ant scripts is followed by two chapters showing real world examples of using Ant. The book ends with a discussion of tool support. Conclusion: the authors have done a very nice job of explaining Ant for the novice Ant user.

Ayala's Angel is much lighter and more lyric than many of Trollope's novels. Ayala is a dreamer, and Trollope wants us to respect her for that. The pace and the humor are typical Trollope. I enjoyed it very much, though it's hardly his most profound commentary.