In my youth, I borrowed this book from the library so many times that my parents finally bought it for me. They also took me to see the legendary lighthouse (which still stands, proudly, under the GW Bridge, not far from where I grew up). Now, as an adult, I have had the great pleasure of enriching my nephews' lives with this simple fable of pride and perserverance. I still treasure this book, and hope to share it with my own children one day.

As a child in The Bronx, we visited the Little Red Lighthouse and this story paints a great picture of progress and the way it affects our lives. We may not think we are in with the times but as the lighthouse finds out, there is a place for all of us and people for us to take care of. I first read this book when my son was in 1st grade and now I'm ordering it for his 34th birthday. We've both visited the lighthouse and of course crossed the Great Gray Bridge on our way from the city to the south where we live now.

again. That's right. For all of you, like me, who loved this book as a child, the story you can share with your children is now even more wonderful. It was this book that saved the LRL from destruction half a century ago, and in september of 2002, for the first time in 55 years, the LRL is a working beacon again. See the web for news stories - the USCG moved some priorities and spare parts around, and now she shines again.

Better than ever....

Inside the Pike Place Market lives up to its title. It delivers a "day in the life" of the Market village, plus color pushed photos from angles never before seen. And, 20 recipes as a bonus. I collect Market books, photos, and printed ephemera but nothing since Victor Steinbruecks Market Sketch Book brings the reader so close to the people and activity of the Market as Rex-Johnson's Inside.....

Braiden Rex-Johnson has written a foodies delight. Sumptuously decorated with the photographs of Paul Soders, Rex-Johnson's exploration of Pike Place Market is candy for all the senses. This is NOT a cookbook. There are just 20 recipes (all very good). Rather, this is a delightful narrative of the history of the market, the people and products that inhabit it, and the terrific food that emerges from it. Braiden-Rex is deeply in love with her market, and it shows in her wonderful book. When you finish the book, you'll be hungry, but very, very satisfied.

For anyone who has ever visited Seattle's famous Pike Place Market, the book is a joy. It captures the hustle, bustle and charm of the market. Braiden Rex-Johnson has culled stories that make the market come alive in words as well as the wonderful pictures of Paul Souders. The 20 recipes spice up the text and serve to bring home the variety and texture of the market. Congratulations to both Braiden and Paul!

Those looking for an uplifting read need to look elsewhere; Bulosan's "America..." reads like a laundry list of suffering and hopelessness. Bulosan writes powerfully, compellingly and beatifully, but he would have been better off sticking to his own story instead of trying to create a composite.

With tragedy so frequently present nowadays, it doesn't seem hard to believe that Bulosan's protagonist would experience so much tragedy (extreme poverty, deaths, heartbreak in every sense of the word, a severely debilitating disease, etc., etc.). A closer reading reveals that he has indeed created a composite, mashing the numerous hard-luck stories of the Filipino migrant workers of that time into a single person's life. It is difficult to believe, but if you can get beyond that fact, "America..." proves a depressing read with important historical weight, chronicling the ups and mostly downs of the Filipino migrant, with a progression from childhood to the life's winding down phase.

I lent this book to my grandfather, who lived at approximately the same time, and could very well have been in the provincial areas, practicing the customs Bulosan described. It was extremely disappointing but enlightening to have him give the book a thumbs down based on accuracy. Many descriptions of the hardships of not only Bulosan but those around him, particularly in the Philippines, were much too tragic for my grandfather to take, although he had suffered plenty in his childhood.

Often in writing stories, reality is much more interesting than fiction; by trying to unrealistically include everyone's experiences as one individual's trial does create an unbelievable tale, that will be even more difficult for those unaccustomed to the goings-on and atmosphere of a third-world country.

Bulosan's work is important as it is one of the select pieces of Filipino-American literature that has made the rounds in universities and literary circles, and that it covers an often forgotten group and struggle in American history. However, his attempt to create an all-encompassing experience within a single character is his downfall. A read recommended with a grain of salt.

You're a filipino...living in your own house, free to walk your suburbian streets, free to go to any school you wish, free to work in an office, free to interact with anyone you please...but you're not in the Philippines. Have you ever thought about the struggle of your previous generations in order to have this freedom you often neglect? This book is an awakening of spirit and will command your heart to appreciate what Carlos Bulosan and those like him suffered for. All filipinos living in a foreign land MUST READ this great work! And then, ask yourself how can you be a better citizen, a better human being and how much do you respect those around you? At recent times it may be hard to fully understand why being a filipino is a blessing. This book will provide you with a reason to be proud of your heritage and will make you remember forever that you are a free filipino.

This book is an essential read for those who wish to learn more about the various Asian ethnic groups that have shaped America in the early 20th century. Carlos Bulosan, in this autobiography, describes his days of hunger, pain, loneliness, joy, whimsy and fantasy in "big brother's" country, America, with fellow Filipino "manongs" and sometimes not-so-friendly Americans. This book will touch your heart and make any Filipino-American remember and appreciate his or her roots.

Emilie Richards has done it again! Prospect Street captured my interest at the beginning and kept it until the last word was read. Ms. Richards has a unique way of building a mystery and gradually unfolding it so you just have to know what is going to happen next. Faith Bronson, her family and relationships, keep the reader constantly fascinated, sometimes surprised, always amazed at the intricate weaving of a wonderful storyline, believable characters, and a great romance. I have read all her novels and I can not wait for The Parting Glass.

I admit it, I bought this book because I liked the cover. I have never read any Emilie Richards books before and I simply fell in love the cover and picked it up. The book just looked so welcoming with the pretty red door, I wanted to peek inside and see what was going on behind it. I was not dissapointed. I was hooked from the first page. The story of Faith and her family kept me turning the pages, staying up late, and taking way too lengthy lunch breaks at work! This book is full of heartache, mystery, love and family drama. Emilie Richards develops her characters so well, you can't help but keep reading. The characters come alive off the page. By the time you finish this book you will feel like a member of Faith's family, or at least a close friend. Buy this book! It may have a great cover but it has an even better story inside!

This is my first Emilie Richards book and I can say that it won't be my last! I enjoyed this book completely, the story kept my interest right through. Faith loves her husband and believes she will be able to close the distance she feels has come between them, she is devastated when she finds out he has a lover. The story goes on to tell how she handles life afterward and how she uncovers many family secrets. I can't wait to read all the other books written by this author, hopefully they will be just as compelling.

I just finished "Chesta's Way" by Mary Jacobson. I read it in one sitting and have been preoccupied with thoughts of Chesta, her family, their lives and incredible contribution to our society's cast-off girls. Chesta and her family offered unconditional love to these girls by opening up their home to them and providing calves for each girl to feed, groom, nurture - to love and to be able to receive the kind of love they had never experienced. This is the story of a family moved to make a difference in the lives of abused, neglected and consequently very troubled and troublesome girls. The calves become a catalyst for transforming the angry, cynical, hard shell of these delinquents to young people who allow themselves to love and be loved. It is a heartful book that is a must-read for all who are affected by today's culture of escalating youth violence and are wondering how we can help to make life so much better for our young. Chesta found a way. "Chesta's Way" is uncompromising in its integrity of portraying the characters who inhabit a fertile valley in the Pacific Northwest and the events which transpire to make it a difficult, yet truly inspiring story. Mary Jacobson is the kind of writer I love to read. Her prose is simple, direct and powerful when her content warrants it, i.e., when the girls interact with the family, school and one another, but as she situates the story and weaves effortlessly from scene to event to dialogue, her prose takes on a lyrically evocative quality that enirely captivated me and made me yearn for more pages when I got to the end. Mary Jacobson is a very fine writer who can tell an engaging story. I look forward to her next story!

As a teacher and someone who works with today's youth, I found Chesta's Way to be an inspiration and an affirmation that people, right now, are not just talking about how to help our youth, but are doing it.

Chesta's Way offers a true glimpse of reality, but uniquely tells the story of a woman who stumbles on a solution to some of our youths' biggest problems. I laughed and I cried while reading this book. Not because it is a joke or because it was depressing, but because I could identify so strongly with the characters and the struggles they went through. It so accurately portrays what our kids are going through and the frustrations most adults confront while trying to help them or just understand.

I do not read for pleasure usually. This book was presented to me and I told my friend to be patient with me, I may not read it for awhile. The first page was tough for me. It seemed too "flowery". However, once past that page, I COULD NOT put it down, literally!! I have NEVER been so moved by literature. Absolutely incredible! If you work with children, have children, like children or are looking for ways to help our future, this is a must.

To those of you who take this seriously, thank you! It is you who will make this world a better place! (I know it seems extreme and exaggerated just for a book, but wait and read it then make your judgement!)

Chesta's Way is an inspiring and heartwarming true story that captured me from the beginning. Through smiles, tears and intense moments, this is an uplifting account of how one woman's compassion and perserverance helped fill the void in troubled city kids hearts. This book is a "must read" for anyone concerned about kids today, anyone who is called in their "own way" to make a difference in the lives of others, and for animal lovers everywhere who know and cherish the gifts animals bring to us through their need, companionship and love. City Kids and Calves...what a wonderful combination! Chesta's Way is beautifully written and it's story rekindles one's faith in the human spirit. It is the kind of book you will want to share with others. The perfect gift. I have given this book as gifts to others with the greatest of joy. Thank you, Mary, for sharing this story.

"Daughter of Darkness" is the second book by Steven Spruill concerning this disfunctional vampire family. It is a medical thriller, a suspenseful vampire horror story and a heartwarming story of a dysfunctional family. The relationships, the centuries of anger and pain, the love that will not die, make this one of the best books I've read in any genre. Spruill gives the reader an emotional ride that they will not soon forget. If you love a great medical thrillers, great vampire books and great stories of undying love, you have found the perfect book. Erma Arthur, Reading Forum Assistant, MS

I am a die hard vampyre fan, but often you only find books to terrify, not entertain. By page 15 of this book, I had my husband look up "Rulers of Darkness" so I can get it ordered. I try to stay away from sequels, but not this time!!! I have to read them all!! I'll be sharing this one with my friends and I'm sure I'll read it again.

This book was a wonderful follow up to "Rulers of Darkness" and well worth the wait. I read this book in one day because I could not put it down. Its a wonderful read, but it left me aching for the 3rd book!

Though touted as a "novel," the back matter of this book demonstrates that this author did some serious research in putting together "I Cannot Tell a Lie." This extensive saga gives the reader a wrenching, personal tour through the victories and heartaches of one family - who spent 200 years in the shadow of a secret that can - and will - change the way the world views American history. There is much to be learned from this fascinating book, aside from the astonishing revelation that the blood of our first national hero lives on in an African American family. The book gives us a whole new set of heros - in the form of courageous, lively people of color, and of mixed race - who have been omitted from our texts. This is a generous gift to America and the author is to be applauded. Read this book if you're ready to hear the truth about what America is, and should be, all about.

George Washington, may not have chopped down the Cherry Tree but,Linda Allen Bryant, had enough branches to build a tree of his African-American Descendants.

A lot of time had to be spent for Linda to take us back to the 1700's when George fathered a son,West Ford, by a slave named Venus. She weaves the story through each generation to bring us up to the present ending with her own family.

This is a wonderful, informative, educational book and a very interesting read.

I thought I knew my American history, but I was astounded by what I learned from this book that teaches, but reads like a novel. Ms Bryant has done some fascinating work researching her family's journey from the Bushfield plantation of 1785 through the Civil War and race riots in Chicago in 1919. You'll find much of this is mysteriously missing from our current high school history curriculum. Woven throughout the book is the thread of this family's strength fueled by their courage and commitment to place "family" above all else. Although sure to stir some controversy, this story needed to be told.

Plunkitt was a king in a world that needed benevolent despots. In a place like turn of the century of New York before Keynesian economics and the Welfare State, Tammany was the only relief the poor knew. Plunkitt reveals with refreshing honesty the seemingly rough and coarse manner with which one needed to play the game of politics in his town. However, one must look at it in context. This was a different time from our own, and the reader must imagine whether a person of Plunkitt's demeanor can last in the information age political world. Then again, the book also illustrates how many of the problems Tammany had still exist today.

I originally read this book in undergraduate school as Political Science major, and had to go back and find a copy because of the profound affect it had on my psyche. George Washington Plunkitt was a "stereotypical" politician. You know, the one who says what he needs to say to get elected; but once there does what's necessary for his party.

Comparing his comments to the actions of present day politicians, I don't think there are many differences. Everyone does a little grafting and civil servants are still "civil servants." Understood?

As with any politician, Plunkitt "seen (his) opportunities and (he) took 'em." This is a must for anyone interested in any realm of politics.

I first read this highly informative, often hilarious book for Intro to Political Science back in college. In this short tome are pearls of wisdom about politics and human nature still relevant 100 years later. Plunkitt, high atop his regular boot-black stand in NYC, declaims to his biographer, Riordan, a life spent in the political machine known as Tammany Hall, with such disarming honesty that is nearly non-existent today. Plunkitt's diatribes on "honest graft vs. dishonest graft," "Brooklynites Natural-Born Hayseeds," and the evils of civil service exams are outright hilarious. I highly recommend this book to anyone with even a passing interest in politics.

For both the aspiring Rainier climber, and the veteran wishing to seek out a new adventure, the first step in a successful climb is to obtain this essential guide book. I found Gauthier's book contained absolutely all the information any climber needs to be successful on a climb of this wonderful mountain, and most importantly be able to come back home to talk about it. Climbers can also be sure that all the information is accurate and up to date due to Gauthier's unique position as the Lead Climbing Ranger for Mt. Rainier National Park. Where I was most impressed with this book however, was with the route descriptions and photographs. As with the rest of the book there is no "fluff" here. The route descriptions cover all the information you need to safely ascend these routes, and have no garbage to wade through to get to it. The clear, easy to follow route pictures set the standard for which I have yet to see an equal (and believe me I have wasted enough money and time looking). I was also relieved to see a guidebook written by someone who truly knows this great mountain, and lives and works on it year-round. Any climber can learn from Gauthier's vast, expansive knowledge and his experience is second to none. All this and it will actually fit in the top flap of your pack! The definitive guide to Mt. Rainier and the only book I will ever recommend.

This is a GREAT book! Incredible photos, excellent route descriptions and comprehensive information make "Mount Rainier: A Climbing Guide" the A-Z directory for your Rainier summit dreams. Gauthier is an expert; his enthusiasm and vast mountain experience are amply shared with the reader. Well organized and easy to follow, the book has 2 sections. The first details everything you want to know when thinking about or planning a Mount Rainier climb; what it takes, how to prepare, what to expect, when to go, where to get current information on permits, weather, route, avalanche conditions, guide services, rescues, and more. The second section is devoted to the 39 climbing routes and variations. These descriptions are easy to read and understand; outstanding photographs with route overlays clearly show the mountain and its climbing routes. All combined "Mount Rainier: A Climbing Guide" is the authoritative book to own when considering any climbing trip on Rainier. You won't be disappointed!

Superior route photography and excellent route overlays set this book apart from all the rest. Gauthier's aerial photographs depict recent glacial conditions, and the generous number of photos show many of the routes from a variety of descriptive angles. The route descriptions are excellent and reflect the author's tremendous knowledge and experience all around the mountain. The first half of the book provides a comprehensive text on skills, strategies, and preparation for climbing Mt. Rainier. Anyone unfamiliar with Rainier- whether a novice climber or a seasoned alpinist- will find a wealth of useful information unique to this mountain. Gauthier addresses not only the fundamentals of mountaineering on Rainier, but provides sound advice coming from years of climbing the mountain in all seasons and conditions. Experienced climbers new to Rainier will appreciate the author's insights to safe climbing strategies on the mountain. Many experienced climbers have underestimated Rainier and have become the subject of a surprising number of rescues on the mountain. The author presents sound principles of "mountain sense", as particular to Rainier as anywhere else, that every climber should learn. Whether you're a novice climber aspiring to climb Rainier, a Rainier veteran looking for a new challenge, or a climber of any ability seeking to learn as much as possible about climbing this mountain, this book is a must-have.