Beth Bruno really knows families, and she really knows writing. Melding these two areas of her greatest expertise, she has recently published her first book, "Wild Tulips." Each chapter of her book begins with a vividly-described vignette drawn from her life or from the experience of one of her children or other relatives. Each concludes with an insight into human nature. For instance, the section "Late Bloomers" starts with the story of her now-grown son's attention difficulties in kindergarten and first grade, and ends with a reflection on teacher-student "styles" and the necessity for parents to be advocates for their children. She says, "Significant differences between student and teacher learning styles or personalities may strongly affect learning outcomes for individual students...Parents usually know their children best...Cooperation and persistence will most likely lead to effective changes." Beth Bruno's style is conversational and friendly, and she tells a good story. The details she describes, like "I rolled a sheet of 4" x 6" paper into an Underwood manual typewriter" and "Geoff and David scampered down the hill to the family garden, opened the chicken-wire gate, and began snacking on plump strawberries, lettuce, and sugar snap peas right off the vine," draw readers into the scene of the tales. At the end of each vignette is a piece of wisdom or advice-never heavy-handed-but one which readers can often apply to their own lives. The author writes with honesty about the mistakes she has made, as well as about the satisfactions and joys she derives from her family and her work. Many of her pieces are grounded in family values from a gentler, slower time: kids riding their bikes around the neighborhood instead of watching TV, extended family vacations at a cabin on the shores of Lake Michigan, mother-child talks over a sink full of dishes. Yet she is never saccharine: she acknowledges marital conflicts, strong-willed children, and the need for discipline. Her candid style does not gloss over the fact that it is difficult being a stepmother, parenting a teen, or raising an infant. About parenthood's lifelong, fulltime commitment, she says that beginning with the birth of a baby, "Spontaneity is history." Delighted as she has been with her own years as a parent, she still cautions against unrealistic expectations: So, just remember, all you teenagers and young couples who romanticize parenthood. Think twice and be prepared. Because when you say, "Hello, baby," you simultaneously say, "Goodbye, freedom." Beth Bruno has spent decades as a daughter, granddaughter, wife, mother, stepmother, teacher, and counselor, and each of her roles as a student of human nature deepens the wisdom from which she draws her writing. Each brief section of "Wild Tulips" indicates that the author lives fully and thoughtfully. She is a close observer of the people around her-ranging from an employer (a former SS commander) for whose daughter she acted as nanny, to a lively four-year-old who would rather count dead flies than answer assessment questions--and she recounts her wide-ranging experiences with them in a way that makes the reader ponder, wipe a moist eye, or chuckle. Wild Tulips' unifying metaphor is that of a flower garden, the essays falling under such chapter headings as "Seedlings, " "Nutrients, " Harvest," and "Pests." Each piece is 1 ½ to 3 pages long; readers can sample specific topics, for instance, reflections on spanking, Alzheimer's, making a marriage last, and environmental allergies, or can go through the chapters consecutively. The beauty of this format is that even people with little unbroken time to devote to reading-young parents, harried businesspersons, hassled teachers or overburdened students-can partake, and be refreshed by Bruno's humor and wisdom in just a few moments. The book's lessons are accessible, yet lasting. (I envision copies of the book kept in the bathroom book-and-magazine basket, in the car for reading during traffic jams, and at the back of the bed for those few minutes before a person drops off to sleep.) In "Wild Tulips," Beth Bruno reflects on her experiences as the wife of a public figure, as a parent, and as a mental health professional. She holds master's degrees in clinical psychology and education from Yeshiva and Harvard Universities, and has worked as a school psychologist. She began her professional writing career with the Record Journal column in 1995, and has since written and edited for other print publications and for internet sites such as Snet.net and Teachers.net. She is a member of several organizations, including the Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association, and is a contributing editor of CAPA's monthly newsletter, "The Authority." The beauty, humor, and wisdom which Beth Bruno expresses in her book stem from what parents and children have taught her during ordinary times in homes and schools. She concludes her introduction with these words: I know intuitively that you and I--regardless of differences in race, culture, religion, or circumstances-have a common bond. We deeply love our children and strive to do what is best for them; at the same time we strive for personal growth, to do what is best for ourselves. Each life, like each flower in a garden, has a beauty all its own. Anyone who has ever been a child or loved a child will find something to appreciate in "Wild Tulips."

Beth Bruno's "Wild Tulips" takes us through the seasons in the garden of life, taking clippings from her experiences as a child, young adult, wife, parent, educator, psychologist and writer. "Wild Tulips" is sprinkled with anecdotes from her own, her family's, friends'and clients' lives that show how precious this garden is though it may be occasionally invaded by pests. It is cultivated with wit and Bruno's common-sense philosophy of life. Readers, no matter what their stage in the garden, will harvest a greater appreciation of the wonders of life.

It is rare to find a book that tells so much about family life in such a clean, clear style. Beth Bruno's book, Wild Tulips touched me in a number of ways. As the fathter of a 12-year old girl and a 16-year old boy, I need all the advice on parenting I can find in order to maintain my sanity. While I too have been subjected to "racoons" attacking my metaphorical family garden I never knew how to properly deal with these pesky creatures. Bruno's book offers valuable insights into the dos and don'ts of getting through the rough patches that plague every family garden. Mike Covello

Mustansir Mir has done a superb job of bringing to life selected works of Iqbal to a generation of Indian and Pakistani Muslims who do not read, write of speak Urdu fluently.
The author has gone into a detailed analysis of the work of Iqbal. Each poem is introduced with text and there are plenty of foot notes to grasp the meaning of each verse. It is said that poetry loses its charm when translated and is not as good as the original. In Mustansir Mir's case, I cannot subscribe to this view. His work has made me appreciate the true nature of Iqbal work in full force that even my parents who were well versed in Urdu and read his work did not enjoy.
For this invaluable gift to us, that is Indian Muslims, I offer a collective thank you!

Nadir Mir Ali

Superbly translated and deftly edited by Mustansir Mir, Tulip In The Desert showcases the poetry of Muhammad Iqbal, one of the Indian sub-continent's most influential thinkers who Urdu and Persian poetry helped to inspire the idea of an independent Pakistan. Rumi And Goethe: In paradise that perceptive German/Happened upon the Master of the East./Where is a poet of such stature!/Though not a prophet, he is possessed of scripture!/To the one who knew divine secrets/He read about the pact of Iblis and the doctor./Rumi said, 'You who bring words to life,/And hunt angels - and God -/Your thought has made its home/In the inner recesses of the heart,/And created this old world anew./At one and the same time in the body's frame,/You have seen the tranquillity and the restlessness of the soul,/You have been a witness to the birth of the pearl in the shell./Not everyone knows the secret of love;/Or is fit to reach these portals./'He who is blest, and a confidant, knows/That cunning comes from Iblis and love from Adam'.

"When I was a boy, I didn't see much of America. My parents were homebodies, so I stayed home. But when I grew up, I knew I was different. I wanted to see America. So I bought a little green Beetle and in it I put a small box of clothes, a small bag of food, and my dog, Tulip. And we left Ohio and went across America. This is what we saw:" Inspired by author, Cynthia Rylant's own cross country trip, Tulip Sees America takes the reader on a marvelous and evocative journey from the farms of Iowa, and the vast skies of Nebraska, through windy Wyoming, the glorious mountains of Colorado, the beautiful and mysterious desert of Nevada, to Oregon, with its towering, rugged cliffs and boundless, blue ocean. Ms Rylant's eloquent and engaging text is poetic and complemented by Lisa Desimini's bold and vibrant landscapes that capture America in all its splendor. Together word and art send imaginations soaring as they take young travelers on a joyous and fascinating adventure. Perfect for youngsters 4-8, Tulip Sees America is a quiet little treasure the entire family can share, and a wonderful addition to all home bookshelves.

This is a wonderful children's book with fantastic illustrations drawn by the same artist who has done the covers for many Barbara Kingsolver books. Children will learn about the natural beauty of different states in the US while they follow the adventures of a young man and his dog, Tulip, as they take a cross cross trip. Adults will not get tired of this children's book, as it offers delightful reading and illustrations to children of all ages.

A portfolio of the beloved tulip. Peter Arnold's images are stunning and inspiring. They capture the seductive and delicious nature of the tulip. All flowers should be honored this way. Thank you Peter for unveiling the tulip to our naked eye. - Sienna Wildfield, Wildfield Studios

This is a very amazing book. It features over 60 full page photographs in color... Photographs of tulips! The book includes several pages of introduction by the photographer. He talks about his garden, his tulips and photography, and the history and industory of tulips. Also included is a list of tulip suppliers!

This is a wonderful book! My own daughter (now an Attorney) still quotes lines from it. Any two children growing up together will enjoy the humor. Our twin godchildren howl at this story. We would be so happy to see it return to print. Children deserve a chance to read this classic Rosemary Wells title.

We absolutely loved this book. The pictures were gorgious and the facts and information fascinating. Most people we have talked to have always thought tulips ORIGINATED in Holland. We thought that, too, but learned differently in this great book! If you love tulips, this book is for you!

Here, at the beginning of the 21st century, Reformed theologians are uniting as never before. The Sovereignty of God, which only a fool would debate, and man's "God-given" freedom to accept or refuse God's offer of Grace have become the "whole counsel" of God. Calvin's disciples, with their (not Calvin's) 5 points: Total Depravity, Universal Election, Limited Atonement, Irresistible Grace and Perseverance of the Saints, have distorted a truth beyond its original intent. Mr. Kelly, a Biblicist, who is neither an Arminian, nor a Calvinist, presents "the other side" in the only fair and objective review that I have found on this subject. He gives the Scriptural basis and the arguments which support them. Equating "The Calvinistic System," with the Word of God, would break Calvin's heart as I am sure it breaks God's. Chosen before the foundation of the world? Whosoever will may come? Two "trains" running through the Bible. God's business" or could it be another "lie" from the Enemy, to keep us from "being about our Father's business?" Someone has said, "Truth, out of balance, leads to heresy." Read about the "TULIP" controversy, and see if you believe it shoud be the "only string on Your violin."

My five year old daughter has wanted to read this book every night since we got it. It is a wonderful mother/daughter story. It explores being different and accepting oneself as well as introducing children to immigrant families in America. We are not from an immigrant family, but nonethless loved this story and the peek it gives you of another family and a young schoolgirls story. Also has beautiful illustrations and a few Spanish words.

I was delighted when I found the Claire Sharples series-science, environmentalism and mystery all in one book! Rothenberg seems to get better with each new title, and I especially enjoyed this latest. I enjoyed the emotional roller-coaster Claire is dealing with, along with some pretty sharp(and often funny) characterizations. The setting and the plot twists all meshed together quite well. Read all three, then wait for more.

Nurseryman and author Jeffrey Meyer started the project called America's Famous and Historic Trees, wherein said trees are rescued for posterity through seed propagation. Seventeen specimens are discussed, each featured in a chapter that relates the tree's historic significance, botanical description and instructions for propagation and placement of the tree. There is one color photograph of each of the seventeen trees, with many small black-and-white photos and drawings. Initially I was disappointed that the book did not take more pains to represent these trees more lovingly with good color photography, but the inspiration is in the text and the companion project, and one is struck by the brilliant simplicity of Meyer's idea for preserving these lovely old giants.

What a thrill to find Jeff Meyer's book at Amazon and Barnes& Noble! I had no idea he was working on one - and one so comprehensive as this. I knew he was extremely involved in the historic tree/seed program and research. There is also a very interesting documentary on this subject that Jeff appeared in and advised on, which was aired on PBS this year. His mother, Joanne, has been a strong influence on Jeff in this field. She is a tireless member of The Garden Club of America and, by her efforts, raised the conciousness of many.This book is a fine explanation of all the work that has been done to preserve history, as well as to make us more aware of how important beautiful trees are to our quality of life on this planet. The photography is marvellous and the book is a wonderful read, as well as a great coffee table book for just a quick pickup. We all love a "picture book", don't we?

Here is a book that combines a love of trees with famous American individuals to make an outstanding addition to any book collection. The author, Jeffrey Meyer, gives an account of 17 of the most noted trees and the historic persons associated with them. From the Indian (Comanche) Marker Pecan or George Washington Tulip Poplar to John F. Kennedy=s Post Oak or Elvis Presley=s Pin Oak, Meyer goes through pages of American history to pick out some the most significant figures of the time (Patrick Henry, Lewis and Clark, Johnny Appleseed, Frederick Douglass, Wyatt Earp, etc) and the trees (Osage Orange, Cottonwood, Rambo Apple, White Oak, Black Walnut, etc) that meant so much to them. In so doing, he provides the reader with a fine book, easy to read, beautifully published, with magnificent black/white and color photos and illustrations, and sidebars on how and where to grow the particular tree. As a idea and as a published work, America=s Historic Trees ranks in the top five per cent of books I would urge all to read and enjoy.