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Review Date: 8/7/2011
Wow. A "normal" girl gets her biggest wish, but then wishes she hadn't.
Kimberla Lawson Roby tackles the tragedy in young Jillian's life with poise and grace....and an honesty rarely found covering such topics. Once you start, you won't want to put it down.
Written for adults, the story should be shared with ALL family member, and follow with an open discussion.
Kimberla Lawson Roby tackles the tragedy in young Jillian's life with poise and grace....and an honesty rarely found covering such topics. Once you start, you won't want to put it down.
Written for adults, the story should be shared with ALL family member, and follow with an open discussion.
Review Date: 10/27/2009
Jacobus is often regarded as the father of modern, "scientific" genealogy and this short but sweet volume (the first edition of which was published in 1930) is still one of the very best explanations of research principles and guides to types of resource materials published in English. His contemporaries, like Milton Rubincam, regarded it as THE classic, largely because the author was an undisputed master of every aspect of his subject. His many published articles and books were and still are models of critical research and analysis, and The American Genealogist, which he founded in 1922 (as The New Haven Genealogical Magazine) is still one of the best periodicals in the field. The chapters in this volume range far afield, from a discussion of the nature of family pride to the sometimes touchy relationship between genealogy and academic history, from early nomenclature in colonial New England to the impulse to prove royal ancestry. He considers genealogy as a profession (conditions in which, he says, are "unsatisfactory") and how (and whether) to become a professional. Other chapters focus on "The Client" and commercial firms generally (quoting Benjamin Franklin that "Half the Truth is often a great Lie"), and on the practical aspects of putting together a publishable family history, as well as such utilitarian subjects as dating systems and analysis of original sources. This is one of those books that every serious genealogist should reread every few years, just to stay centered.
Review Date: 8/30/2009
Gripping from the very beginning, it's a book you won't want to put down. McMahon doesn't disappoint. The story has twists and turns and keeps you guessing, changing your mind with each passing chapter.
Review Date: 7/19/2009
Helpful Score: 1
I related a lot to Annabel's character. I'm really not the open and honest type and seeing the words on paper made me understand myself a bit more. While the plot was foreign to me, the characters were VERY well developed and Dessen certainly has a way with words that I clearly understand now how she is an award-winning author. While this is a YA book, I would HIGHLY recommend it as well to parents of YA and even children. While it may be a novel, it's written well enough to give insight into how to help open communication with them. TWO THUMBS UP!
Review Date: 10/31/2009
Helpful Score: 1
I really had no desire to read this book, but it was a required text for a class. I was immediately drawn into this non-fiction story about the beginning of the settlement at Plymouth Rock. The story is written as a novel, but is historically accurate and includes all of the data for history buffs in the back. It tells the story of the ex-communicated Puritans' journey from the Netherlands. Their initial destination was the mouth of the Hudson River, yet they ended up at Cape Cod, and eventually Plymouth.
From one who hates the requisite memorization of history, dates and the like, I truly enjoyed this book. I would highly recommend it to anybody.
From one who hates the requisite memorization of history, dates and the like, I truly enjoyed this book. I would highly recommend it to anybody.
Review Date: 7/31/2015
LOVE THIS BOOK! The story told needs to be heard.
Review Date: 6/15/2009
This has to be one of the best books I've read in awhile! Nina Chickalini has been waiting her entire life to get outta Queens. Now she's struggling to remember what those reasons were that she can't wait to ditch Astoria and see the world. Her best friend wants her to have his baby, but she's spent her life raising her siblings. This book has laughs, and tears. It made me want to stop everything and just keep reading it. I cried when Nina and Joey cried. And laughed when they laughed. Heck, I cursed at Bebe and Rosalee when they were being ignorant! It's one of those books you can't wait to get through, but then you want to keep reading more about the characters.
Review Date: 5/3/2009
This novel is set during the turbulent student uprisings. Kate is charged with saving the University College, sort of like NYU's New School, primarily for adults returning to finish their education. The powers that be do not want the school to continue, the reasons are not clear. The leader of the movement is Professor Cudlipp, a stereotypical academic snob, and he is murdered. Kate and Reed are bound to find out the truth.
This is one of Amanda Cross's best, wittiest, best conceived mysteries. The characters are well drawn and three dimensional. Some of her descriptions were so true to type that I laughed until I cried. It may be her most literary novel. Each chapter is introduced by a quotation from the great English poet, W.H. Auden and Auden is present --though generally in absentia -- throughout the novel.
The mysterious death of one of the University's most bigoted faculty members (Cudlip) is presented against an accurate picture of University politics, during the Columbia student revolt of the last '60s. (The author, AKA Carolyn G. Heilbrun, is Professor Emeritus from Columbia, where she was awarded an endowed Chair in Humanities after teaching Victorian literature for many years.) Lionel Trilling, the great American literary critic and scholar appears, thinly disguised as "Frederick Cremance." Trilling/Cremance coined and popularized the expression "the life of the mind." Heinlein was one of his students, though he doubted that women were capable of having a "life of the mind." As Kate Fansler she has an opportunity to challenge him at long last. The writing is graceful, literary and tasteful.
This is one of Amanda Cross's best, wittiest, best conceived mysteries. The characters are well drawn and three dimensional. Some of her descriptions were so true to type that I laughed until I cried. It may be her most literary novel. Each chapter is introduced by a quotation from the great English poet, W.H. Auden and Auden is present --though generally in absentia -- throughout the novel.
The mysterious death of one of the University's most bigoted faculty members (Cudlip) is presented against an accurate picture of University politics, during the Columbia student revolt of the last '60s. (The author, AKA Carolyn G. Heilbrun, is Professor Emeritus from Columbia, where she was awarded an endowed Chair in Humanities after teaching Victorian literature for many years.) Lionel Trilling, the great American literary critic and scholar appears, thinly disguised as "Frederick Cremance." Trilling/Cremance coined and popularized the expression "the life of the mind." Heinlein was one of his students, though he doubted that women were capable of having a "life of the mind." As Kate Fansler she has an opportunity to challenge him at long last. The writing is graceful, literary and tasteful.
Review Date: 7/29/2009
Absolutely holarious. Markham gets better with every Slightly book she puts out. I love Tracy more now than I did back in Single! Keep 'em coming!
Review Date: 6/22/2009
This is the great first book of the Slightly series. I'm really growing accustomed to Markham's writing style. She makes the characters relatable and you really feel like you are inside the story. I actually read Slightly Settled before Slightly Single, so I was already familiar with Tracey and Will. It actually made me like the book a little less, because I knew what would happen. However, Tracey is a VERY relatable character and you just want to make her see what she's so blind to. Great beach/pool or rainy day read.
Review Date: 6/4/2009
So picture me, all psyched having finshed Something Borrowed in uber record time and totally stoked about reading the further wonderment of Rachel and her new beau Dex. Now picture me, one chapter into the book, with flames coming out of my ears because Something Blue is NOT a sequel of Something Borrowed, but it is the story of Darcy's take on the situation and how she got herself knocked up and how she simply can't believe that noone is apologizing to her and OH POOR DARCY. Picture me LIVID!!! But of course, I still read the book, because I'm certain that at some point, Rachel and Dex HAVE to come into the picture. I hated the book nearly all the way through it, I was rooting for Ethan to kick Darcy out and for Marcus's balls to grow large enough to stop dealing with her shennanigan's and ditch her sorry behind onto the streets of Manhatten. But of course, I couldn't stop reading, because I NEEDED to know what happened. I will give Giffin a B+ in her Sophomore writing attempt, the story line is woven better, but I simply can't understand who can be that self-centered. This is a GREAT novel to give to those friends who don't realize they think they are the center of the world.....The book wraps up a little to neatly, but, hey, it is chick lit :)
Review Date: 4/19/2009
This was a super chick lit book! I didn't want to put it down, and frankly wanted to ditch my man to read it. The main character was extremely likeable, even though she slept with her best friends' fiance. It was the first book in a long time the grabbed my attention and kept it! I loved how the story was told and the emotions she put into the characters, I was able to relate, because I knew if I were in a similar situation I would be as emotional. Well worth the read!!!
Review Date: 11/28/2009
Helpful Score: 1
A wonderful story, should be required reading in school! I read this book on recommendation of my cousin, and boy do I owe her thanks! She said it made her think of how our ancestors probably grew up in the early 1900s in Detroit, and I couldn't agree more. Betty Smith does a WONDERFUL job at portraying the perfect amount of detail to make you feel like you are the one walking the streets and bargaining for a hat or piece of meat, or walking 12 blocks one way to school. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn follows Francie Nolan, beginning at age 11, in Brooklyn, New York. She loves her drunk father and is desperate to win the affection of her mother, who favors her brother Neely. She absorbs the world around her with an awe that most 40 year olds lack.
This book is a wonderful description of life in turn-of-the-century Brooklyn, but it can be applied to ANY city, and makes a strong statement on the hope offered to the immigrants who came to the United States. The story emphasizes quite clearly the value of reading and a good education, but most importantly the strength of family and the dreams that sustain people. As Francie learns, "there had to be the dark and muddy waters so that the sun could have something to background it flashing glory." All people, young and old, will relish Francie's story and hold its message in their hearts forever.
This book is a wonderful description of life in turn-of-the-century Brooklyn, but it can be applied to ANY city, and makes a strong statement on the hope offered to the immigrants who came to the United States. The story emphasizes quite clearly the value of reading and a good education, but most importantly the strength of family and the dreams that sustain people. As Francie learns, "there had to be the dark and muddy waters so that the sun could have something to background it flashing glory." All people, young and old, will relish Francie's story and hold its message in their hearts forever.
Review Date: 6/20/2009
After reading Ashley B's review of Wicked, I really had to sit down and write one of my own. Maguire does not claim to follow The Wizard of Oz, and the fact that you find it "dull, boring and hard to follow" lays claim only to the fact that you perhaps have little interest in his premise, which is the political and religious undertones of the Witches' upbringing and whether or not she was born wicked or if wickedness was thrust upon her by others due to the fact that she was born green.
As with any novel (yes darling, I said NOVEL) that is made into a movie or stage musical or play), it is downright obvious that there will be PLENTY of differences between the book and the musical (one wonders if you've ever read a book and seen the movie or play equivalent of said book).
The novel is a fantastic prequel to The Wizard of Oz told in the perspective of Elphaba (The Wicked Witch of the West) and how her life was before Dorothy's flying house landed upon her. Don't expect Wicked to be a bright children's tale (allegory and dark, mysterious magic abound). Maguire also does not explain much, he introduces people, places and ideas without much hoopla, but the way he weaves them into the story explains them completely -- so don't feel left in the dark.
I would reccomend this to someone who has quite a bit of undistracted time. It's important not to take very long breaks in reading this novel, as the details become more important toward the end, when the witch begins looking back upon her life. Its richly detailed characters and interesting plot choices make for a wonderful read that you're surely not soon to forget. Tough it out through the middle (when the content can become a bit flat) so you can finish this great book. This book certainly sets the stage for the far more entertaining and fast-paced "Son of a Witch" and "A Lion Among Men", which are the second and third books in the series by Maguire.
As with any novel (yes darling, I said NOVEL) that is made into a movie or stage musical or play), it is downright obvious that there will be PLENTY of differences between the book and the musical (one wonders if you've ever read a book and seen the movie or play equivalent of said book).
The novel is a fantastic prequel to The Wizard of Oz told in the perspective of Elphaba (The Wicked Witch of the West) and how her life was before Dorothy's flying house landed upon her. Don't expect Wicked to be a bright children's tale (allegory and dark, mysterious magic abound). Maguire also does not explain much, he introduces people, places and ideas without much hoopla, but the way he weaves them into the story explains them completely -- so don't feel left in the dark.
I would reccomend this to someone who has quite a bit of undistracted time. It's important not to take very long breaks in reading this novel, as the details become more important toward the end, when the witch begins looking back upon her life. Its richly detailed characters and interesting plot choices make for a wonderful read that you're surely not soon to forget. Tough it out through the middle (when the content can become a bit flat) so you can finish this great book. This book certainly sets the stage for the far more entertaining and fast-paced "Son of a Witch" and "A Lion Among Men", which are the second and third books in the series by Maguire.
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