Amazon.com
Bartholomew and the Oobleck easily qualifies as a Seuss classic, first told way back in 1949. And its message--the importance of owning up to your mistakes and saying that you're sorry--is as timeless now as it was then.
Bartholomew Cubbins serves thanklessly as pageboy to King Derwin of Didd, a headstrong man who's decided he isn't satisfied with mere sun, fog, rain, and snow. ("Humph! The things that come down from my sky!") He wants something else, something uniquely his own, so he calls in his royal magicians ("Shuffle, duffle, muzzle, muff. Fista, wista, mista-cuff. We are men of groans and howls, mystic men who eat boiled owls"). Happy to oblige, the magicians tell the king they can make "oobleck" fall from the sky, only nobody--not even the magicians--knows just what oobleck is. But after a night of arcane incantations, everyone in the kingdom gets a taste of the stuff (in the case of the Captain of the Guard, literally!), as the green, gluey goo gums up everything in sight.
Of course, Bartholomew tries to help, but it's up to the king to save the day, as he learns to utter not magic words but simple words with magic in them: "I'm sorry." (Ages 4 to 8) --Paul Hughes
Book Description
Illus. in color by the author. An ooey-gooey, green oobleck was not exactly what the king had in mind when he ordered something extra-special from his royal magicians.
Customer Reviews:
OOBLECK.......2007-09-02
An excellent item and although the cost to get it here quickly was expensive, it was worth it. Thank you
Always loved the book........2007-05-10
I had loved the book as a child myself. So I bought it for my neice. We read it together and she loves it as well. I haven't met a child (or adult) that doesn't like Dr. Seuss!
A classic for any age.......2007-01-12
This was a gift for my niece. The adults in the room enjoyed it as much as she did.
Seuss is classic.......2007-01-05
I bought this book because it brought back such good memories of my child's childhood and my own as well. I look forward to sharing it with my grandchildren someday. This is a great book to read!
everyone should have oobleck!.......2006-12-13
if you love doctor Seuss then this one is a classic for the collection. a bit weird but then that's the doctor...
Book Description
In this raucous tale, the Knight, the Duke, the Queen--and eventually the whole court--all try to lure King Bidgood from his cozy bathtub, but he won't get out! Will anyone be able to solve this problem?
In celebration of the twentieth anniversary of a Caldecott Honor favorite, this new edition features a hardcover book and a musical CD with six original songs ranging in style from a minuet to a rap. Perfect entertainment for bath time or for bedtime, the joyful music and hilarious rhyming tale will provide hours of fun for young readers.
Customer Reviews:
You child will love this book!.......2007-08-23
Audrey and Don Wood books are always a delight to read with children. The story is fun and the illustrations are superb! The CD with this brings the story to life for the non-reading child while those reading can follow along with the text.
This story has established its place on my bookshelf as one of the all-time favorites! I would highly recommend this book to children of all ages. You can't help but have a great time reading this story!
GREAT CHILDREN'S BOOK.......2007-06-12
This book, in the manner of all of Don and Audrey Woods' books, is entertaining and fun-filled. The premise of the story is priceless - the King is in the bathtub and he won't get out. And the different solutions to the problem that are presented are funny. And, of course, who comes to the rescue, and how? Awwww, read it to find out! This book is great for kids and adults too. :)
Probably one of the best children's books around.......2007-05-07
This is our absolute favorite book that we read to our one year old son. We started reading it to him at around 3 months and he liked it then, and it continues to be one of his favorites. The book we received came with a CD which is fabulous and perfect for long car rides. At six months, I would play the CD at home near the end of the day or before bed time when he was on the verge of fussiness and it cheered him up right away. He dances to the songs and is absolutely calm and entranced when we listen to it in the car. Purchased the book and CD for my nieces, ages 7, 4, and 2 and they love it as well. Definitely, a winner for birth through at least 7 years. The illustrations are enchanting. A must have for every child.
This book should be on your bookshelf.......2007-02-05
It's fun to read. The illustrations are incredible. The text is word perfect. The King is likable and how can't you agree with his every edict?
If you have never heard of this book, then today is your lucky day.
That being said, I will amend my review title: This book should be on your kid(s)' bedside table. It'll be many months before it is back on the bookshelf.
I put it up there with Goodnight Moon and Where the Wild Thing's Are. A perfect read for children (and adults) in between those books, in fact.
King Bidgood's in the Bathtub........2007-02-03
This is one of my favorite childrens books. The illustrations are fabulous and it's a story with a lesson. When all else fails, use common sense. I love reading this book to my grandchildren. There is so much detail in each page it keeps their attention. AAAA+
Book Description
You Are Here to Fight
·Tips for the new multiplayer Liberation Mode
·Maps of all single-player and multiplayer levels
·Stellar multiplayer tips for all the new maps
·Complete walkthroughs for all single-player missions
·Info and stats on all weapons and vehicles
Average customer rating:
- 4 1/2 Stars
- A Knight's Honor by Connie Mason
- Wonderful Medieval Read
- Excellent story, Extremely romantic, Refreshing characters, 4.5 STARS
- AWFUL!!!!
|
A Knight's Honor
Connie Mason
Manufacturer: Leisure Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
 General | Romance | Subjects | Books
Mason, Connie | ( M ) | Authors, A-Z | Romance | Subjects | Books
General | Historical | Romance | Subjects | Books
Mason, Connie | ( M ) | Authors, A-Z | Romance | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
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ASIN: 0843954639 |
Customer Reviews:
4 1/2 Stars.......2007-08-15
Detra Fitch did a wonderful job of summarizing this book.
Mariah needs an heir and her dieing (older) husband decides a young injured knight (Falcon) was just that person.
I enjoyed it. Typical Connie Mason style.
A good read book to curl up with on a lazy afternoon.
A Knight's Honor by Connie Mason.......2007-08-01
I love stories full of romance and chivery, but I found this book somewhat lacking. It is a nice enough story, but the characters were not developed enought for me to care about their outcome. A lot of sex and too little development of the people in the story.
It was a nice was to pass the time, but wil not live on my bookshelve.
Wonderful Medieval Read .......2006-04-09
Okay, I finally went out and bought Connie's
new book. And as usual, I wasn't disappointed.
This book weaves a wonderful romance
about choices and their repercussions. A
knight, whose lost his memory after being
attacked, quickly falls in love the woman
attending him. But when his memory
returns he leaves. However, that is what
her and her husband intended him to
do...leave them with an heir to their title.
What she never intended on, was him
coming back after her husband's death.
This is a yummy book, with likeable
characters you'll find yourself rooting for.
Connie is a master of writing historical romances, and
proves it yet again with this superb read!
Excellent story, Extremely romantic, Refreshing characters, 4.5 STARS.......2006-01-25
I really enjoyed this story. It was very close to a "Five Star," except for one unresolved issue at the end of the story.
Mariah's parents die when she is a young teen. Her ward (Edward) is a kind- hearted old man, who later marries her to save her from being forced to wed a cruel man. Edward still views her as a daughter, so he is uncomfortable sharing a bed with her. He does consummate the marriage, but rarely touches her after that. As he becomes too old to "make an heir," Edward begins to encourage Mariah to take a lover. Edward's wish is for her to bare a son whom he can claim as his own. This would provide an heir to his estate, protecting Mariah and all of Edward's people from becoming victims of his cruel brother, Osgood. Mariah refuses to be unfaithful, until she meets a man whom she cannot resist...
Falcon is a knight of King Henry. He is the youngest son in his family, so he has no land or title. Because he is loyal to his king, he hopes to be matched with an heiress. His hope is to gain land and a title through marriage. King Henry delivers an heiress with vast lands and money. However, two weeks before the wedding, Falcon is attacked by a band of thieves, knocked unconscious, and left for dead on a trail. A merchant man finds him and brings him to Mildenhall, Edward's estate. The resident healer, Edwina, nurses him back to health. With Mariah's help, Falcon becomes well in all ways except memory. Falcon has no idea whom he is, or where he comes from. Edward sees this man as a good potential father of his heir. He tells Falcon that he is Mariah's father, and that her husband has passed away.
Over the following weeks, Mariah and Falcon fall in love. Falcon becomes happy with the idea of staying at Mildenhall and sharing his life wit Mariah forever. Mariah has guilt over being unfaithful to her husband, but she is in love and she has Edward's blessing to find happiness with Falcon.
All is well until the day Falcon's memory returns. He realizes, with great pain, that he cannot stay with Mariah. He has already promised his hand to another woman, and he is a servant of the king. He hardens his heart and tells himself that Mariah isn't really what he wants anyway- a woman who will bring him land and a title. He returns to London to find his betrothed, Rosamond. When he arrives, he finds that Rosamond did not bother to morn him. She has already married another man. He is tempted to return to Mariah, but instead his anger leads him to return to war with his king.
Five years later, Edward has passed away. His evil brother, Osgood has raided Mildenhall. He plans to force Mariah to marry his son, Walter. However, Mariah has a 5 year- old son, Robbie, whom Edward had claimed as his heir. The king is too busy to answer Mariah's summons for help. Knowing that Falcon has spent time at Mildenhall, King Henry sends his loyal knight to sort out the mess and decide whom Mildenhall truly belongs to.
Mariah never expected Falcon to return to Mildenhall. She is desperate to hide Robbie's true identity from him. She is afraid Falcon will take Robbie from her. She is also afraid that knowledge of Robbie's real father will cause him to lose his claim to Mildenhall. She lies about Robbie's age to hide the truth. Osgood is determined to get rid of Robbie, releasing Mildenhall into his own hands. Falcon must become Robbie's protector.
Who will claim Mildenhall? Will Falcon reject Mariah if he finds out about her lies? Will he give up his hopes for wealth and find true love again? Battles of the sword and of the heart follow.
I really enjoyed the characters of this story.
For once, we have a hero who does not contain a mean streak. He is not cruel or bitter. He does not insult or belittle the woman he is supposed to love. I like this leading man. He is not without flaw, but he is not a barbarian. He loves deeply and completely.
Mariah is refreshing in the fact that she is not the typical foolish leading lady. She doesn't make rash or dumb decisions. She doesn't crawl on her hands and knees, begging for Falcon to return to her. She is a real woman, who is making her son her first concern. Even though she doesn't like having to lie to Falcon, she is willing to do whatever it takes to protect her little boy. Being a mom myself, I can identify with her chosen priority.
Mariah and Falcon have a strong and true love for one another. Even in the hard times, they never throw insults or plot to purposely hurt each other. Falcon does not treat her with disrespect, even after the truth is revealed. Although his trust of her is broken, and he believes it can never be repaired, he is still a gentleman when dealing with her. For once, I could read the whole story without thinking "She is weak and insane for wanting him."
One true disappointment is in the fact that Robbie never gets to take his father's name. Falcon's heart is torn to pieces when he realizes that he can never give his son his name. He vows to reveal the truth to his son, when Robbie is old enough to understand. I hurt for Falcon when the story ended this way. Falcon finds joy in the fact that his son has decided to consider him his "Papa" anyway. But it would have "put the icing on the cake" if Falcon could have claimed his son to the whole world.
AWFUL!!!!.......2006-01-23
I was so disappointed in this book. I ended up making myself read it, and thinking it was sad for the waste of trees to print. The characters lack any depth and the dialog is painful at best. No romance in the love scene--too robotic. Yuck. Yuck.
Book Description
Victory is at Hand!
·Historical information and gameplay tips for each weapon
·Detailed walkthroughs for all new campaigns
·Strategies to neutralize enemy armor and field guns
·Advanced room clearing tactics for urban assault
·Expert tips for multiplayer games
Customer Reviews:
Go Jimmy!.......2004-04-21
Medal Of Honor: FRONTLINE is one of the best PS2 games I have ever played. I love the way how you get to see suicidal Nazis jump off the bridge because they are scared of you and kicking their bums. My favourite missions are The Golden Lion, Operation Repunzel and Nijmegen Bridge. Also Under The Radar. It's also great to see the Easter eggs- wanted posters of Jimmy Patterson and Nazi-decorated UFO's fly up in the sky.
FRONTLINE is definately the best MOH game.
Go Jimmy!
Doesnt help that much.......2004-03-07
The guide doesnt help that much. It just shows maps and tells you stratigies. If you are good at beating video games like MOH Rising sun it probably wont help.
Needs some work.......2002-07-14
I would've given the guide five stars if the walkthrough was better. Not much, but it doesn't fully explain everything in 100% detail on what to do. Plus, you shouldn't need a guide for Medal of Honor Frontline. At first I only got this guide for secrets, but then I noticed that secrets are found everywhere! This guide doesn't even cover them!
Basically, its a good guide for he up and go type of people but for those who'd rather just explore the game on your own. Everything in this guide is actually explained in full detail in the game and thats the main reason I didn't give it five stars. The guide explains the game, but the game is simple enough to the point where you don't need this book. don't waste your money on this, the game is a good enough guide for you.
Average customer rating:
- Too sad Dragon is not Irish Wolfhound....
- A really good book
- A great book!
- doggone dragon
- Kids will undoubtedly enjoy this excellent book.
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Dragon: Hound of Honor (Julie Andrews Collection)
Julie Andrews Edwards , and
Emma Walton Hamilton
Manufacturer: HarperTrophy
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Fiction | Dogs | Animals | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Fiction | Foxes & Wolves | Animals | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
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Medieval | Fiction | History & Historical Fiction | Children's Books | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
General | Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths | Literature | Children's Books | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
General | Literature | Children's Books | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Mysteries, Espionage, & Detectives | Science Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery & Horror | Literature | Children's Books | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
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Little Bo
ASIN: 0060571217
Release Date: 2005-03-29 |
Book Description
In the noble and dangerous times of medieval France, the young knight Aubrey de Montdidier, nephew of the Count of Montargis, has been strangely murdered. His friend the brave Sieur DeNarsac, captain of the count's men-at-arms, and Thierry, a young page, must now solve the tragic mystery. Yet it is a magnificent white wolfhound by the name of Dragon -- Montdidier's faithful companion -- who brings an unexpected, shocking conclusion to the puzzle of his master's untimely death.
New York Times best-selling authors Julie Andrews Edwards and Emma Walton Hamilton weave a tapestry of intrigue, power, loyalty, and friendship in this novel based on the captivating French legend of Montargis.
Customer Reviews:
Too sad Dragon is not Irish Wolfhound...........2006-01-01
This is a very nice book that every kid will love. The story is well kown legend of my country (france)with a lot of action and very good details of the middle age. Unfortunately, the author has obviously never met an Irish Wolfhound. I own one and believe me she has absolutely no idea of the power, strengh, weight and size of those dog!! Her descriptions are those of a large german sheperd not of a 75kg Wolfhound.
If you are an Irish Wolfhound owner and buy this book for that reason, you will be disapointed.
A really good book.......2005-08-12
My daughter really loved this book. She is entering 4th grade and it was perfect for her.
A great book!.......2005-03-30
The book is about a dog and knights. There are a lot of surprising details in the book. The characters are all great, too. My favorite character is Dragon the dog. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes knights in battle. Thank you Julie Andrews for writing this book.
doggone dragon.......2004-07-10
A story of mystery and suspense, a book of honoring, and a thriller for the whole family. This book, dragon, is like a Sherlock Holmes mystery: Dragon is the explainer of what happened, DeNarsac is Sherlock, and Thierry is Watson.
I suggest this book if your interested in the things below:
1.Mystery
2.Medieval times
3.Knights
4.Dear Watson
By Jake
Kids will undoubtedly enjoy this excellent book........2004-07-07
You can definitely count on books from the Julie Andrews Collection to contain good story lines and inspiring messages. DRAGON: Hound of Honor is a perfect example of the fine quality work the collection encompasses.
When the knight, Aubrey de Montdidier, mysteriously disappears there is an immediate sense of something amiss. Everyone in the kingdom is shocked, dismayed and horrified when, with the help of the knight's dog, Dragon, his bloodied body is found. No one can imagine why this terrible thing has happened, least of all his best friend Guy deNarac and his young page Thierry, plus Aubrey's future bride, the lovely Lady Isabelle. Through the dog, Dragon, a most unlikely suspect is eventually found, but how can a dog communicate this kind of information?
Many interesting characters bring this story to life, but the most fascinating one is Dragon, the great white wolfhound. This dog is intelligent and loyal, and ultimately helps bring the murderer of his young master to justice. Readers will be amazed at the dog's courage and willingness to sacrifice himself --- this is the story of a real hero.
Multiple expressions and words, which reflect both the time period and the French language, are found throughout the book. Helpful glossaries of French-English and medieval terms are provided for readers at the end. The authors have worked hard to tell a wonderful story and give an accurate picture of life during medieval times. Kids will undoubtedly enjoy this excellent book, which is perfect to use in an educational setting. Recommended for grades 5-8.
--- Reviewed by Sally M. Tibbetts (stibbetts@maine207west.k12.il.us)
Customer Reviews:
Fantastic, exciting read! (& I hate Romance!).......2006-01-08
I really enjoyed this book, Taylor is independent, smart, witty and that is a relief in the world of romance. Niether she or any of the other charachters are simpering, ignorant cliches.
I liked O'Donnell's 'The Angel and the Prince' immensley, and this book was even better! I hope to pick up more from this writer soon- Please keep up the phenomenal work Ms. O'Donnell!
Great characters and writing.....plot pretty usual.......2004-11-17
Medievil history is not my fav genre so when the story opens with
young Taylor's mother being burned at the stake for infidelity, my "rating" dropped some. This was, of course, a natural way of punishment in that era so is true to the story. 13 yr old Taylor is made to watch this horror by her unforgiving father but runs away from home the same night. 8 yrs later we find the 20 yr old Taylor is a beautiful, swashbuckling, mercenary with a sassy attitude. She is so charismatic and really terrific. Slane Donavon, our honorable knight, is under an oath of allegience to find Taylor and bring her back to marry his brother, thus aligning 2 castles. The rest of the story is based on Slane's efforts to get her back safely, since others want her dead. Lots of dueling with this robust pair with each other and against their enemies. One lovely love scene which creates a moral dilemma for our knight of honor. And a surprise ending when Taylor herself is about to be burned at the stake for refusing to marry richard! A nice story with great, great characters.
I Loved this Book!.......2001-12-26
Wow! This book is great! I couldn't put it down. It's filled with action, romance and a great plot. I read it in one sitting. I highly recommend this fast-paced book to anyone who loves medieval romances.
I Loved this Book!.......2001-12-26
Wow! This book is great! I couldn't put it down. It's filled with action, romance and a great plot. I read it in one sitting. I highly recommend this fast-paced book to anyone who loves medieval romances.
VERY WONDERFUL PAGE TURNER.......2001-11-19
I couldnt put it down. It kept me wanting to read more. If you like Medieval romances this is deffiently a good option and highly recomended it. Great Job Laurel O'Donnel, it really makes you feel emotion for all the characters, and the plot.
Average customer rating:
- A story about a girl, in all it's glory
- hope was good
- Waitressing and Politics
- Endless Hope
- Uh, dad...mom?
|
Hope Was Here (2001 Newbery Honor Book)
Joan Bauer
Manufacturer: Putnam Juvenile
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic | Science Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery & Horror | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0698119517 |
Amazon.com
Here's a book that's as warm and melty as a grilled Swiss on seven-grain bread, and just as wholesome and substantial. Ever since the boss promoted her from bus girl two and a half years ago when she was 14, Hope has been a waitress--and a darn good one, too. She takes pride in making people happy with good food, as does her aunt Addie, a diner cook extraordinaire. The two of them have been a pair ever since Hope's waitress mother abandoned her as a baby, and now they have come to rural Wisconsin to run the Welcome Stairways café for G.T. Stoop, who is dying of leukemia. But he's not dead yet, as the kindly and greathearted restaurant owner demonstrates when he decides to run for mayor against the wicked and corrupt Eli Millstone.
As old-fashioned goodness lines up against the bad guys, the campaign leads Hope in exciting new directions: a boyfriend who is a great grill man, a new sense of herself and her mission as a waitress, and--when Addie and G.T. finally realize that they are meant for each other--the father she has always wanted. And all of it backed up with stuffed pork tenderloin, butterscotch cream pie, and the rhythm of the short-order dance.
Joan Bauer, who won the Los Angeles Times Book Prize for Rules of the Road, has served up a delicious novel in Hope Was Here, full of delectable characters, tasty wit, and deep-dish truth. (Ages 12 and older) --Patty Campbell
Book Description
Hope's used to thinking on her feet-she hasn't become a terrific waitress by accident. But when she and her aunt Addie move from New York City to a small town in Wisconsin to run the Welcome Stairways Diner, she isn't sure she'll fit in. Luckily, she doesn't have much time to dwell on it, what with life at the diner and her new home's upcoming election. G.T., the owner of Welcome Stairways, has decided to run for mayor, and no one in town knows what to think. After all, G.T. has leukemia. And his opponent is the current mayor, who hasn't lost an election yet. Some think G.T. is crazy, but Hope sees the goodness and power in him. Will everyone else see it too?
Customer Reviews:
A story about a girl, in all it's glory.......2007-10-08
Hope Was Here is one of the most refreshing and genuine books I've read in a long time. The story carries so many of the themes that interest and captivate today's teen culture, love, family, abandonment, loneliness, as well as an acknowledgment life's general unfairness. Bauer does something miraculous however; she incorporates these elements but she does not make the story center around them. The story is about Hope plain and simple. It is not a treatise on why mothers shouldn't leave their daughters, or a You've Got Mail brand love story, or a girl's search for her father, though a lesser author would have made the story about one, or, if they were particularly bad, all. It is nothing more or less than a peak into the life of one of the most interesting girls I know. (And I do know her after reading this book!)Hope Was Here is a spectacular piece of young adult literature.
hope was good.......2007-08-27
Now, I don't understand why everybody seems to hate"Hope Was Here" so much. Was it because they were uneducated, it involved a mother who abandoned her, that it involved a nice man who died of cancer, or they just didn't like that there was a little bit of kissing in it? The only thing I didn't like about it was that it jumped around from subject to subject a bit, but not to much. Most kids who wrote the review for it seemed like they were quite a bit younger than me, like, 7 or 8, and maybe some of them were even boys, it is not a boy book, it is more of a girl book, if you know what I mean. AND this book is a young adult book, so now wonder they didn't like it. I would say that it is a great book for pre-teens, like me, and teens, girls. I think overall it was a GREAT book, it had some sad moments, but it was a good kind of sad. I loved it, and I highly recommend it for any girl 10-18.
Waitressing and Politics.......2007-04-26
Hope is a teenager living with her aunt. Her mother left her when she was just a baby, to continue her own life of waitressing and dating. Hope has never known her father, although she keeps hoping and believing that he will someday show up again in her life.
Hope's aunt Addie is an amazing cook who has traveled around the country with Hope, working at different diners and turning them into wonderful places to eat. Hope has become a proficient waitress and always manages to find a job working with her aunt.
At the last place they worked in New York City, the owner was a crook who ended up gaining their trust and then taking all of their money and disappearing. Hope and Addie are discouraged and have to find another place to work. This time they end up in a small town in Wisconsin. Hope isn't sure about this place--it seems too small, too unsophisticated for a person who has been living in New York. But the people seem nice and the diner is a good place to work.
The the owner of the diner, G.T. Stoop, decides to enter the town's race for mayor. The current mayor is corrupt and not doing anything to help the town. G.T. is respectable and honest and will do all that he can for the town's citizens. Unfortunately, he has leukemia and is losing strength. Will he be able to win, despite his illness, or will the corrupt mayor retain his hold on the town?
Hope and Addie were both admirable characters. They were very strong and determined and had learned how to be a family of two without being lonely. I liked the descriptions of being a waitress, too, They got across some of the good parts of working in a restaurant.
I thought that things in this story were resolved a bit too quickly, though. It was far too easy to fix all of this town's problems. The tactics of Millstone's committee were also over the top.
Endless Hope.......2007-03-29
I would definitely recommend this book because, every night I would look forward to reading it. One night, I stayed up to ten o'clock reading because I kept turning the pages. In the story I connected to Hope the main character because, sometimes she thought that time would never pass. When she was waitressing, and she was in weeds (little help with a lot of hungry customers) she hopes that time will fly by. From this story, I learned that you could never know when your last moment will be, so enjoy your life to the fullest extent possible everyday.
Uh, dad...mom?.......2007-02-23
This is a book about a girl who is rejected by her mother, raised by her aunt and in search of her father. The yearning of every teen who wishes to be loved, held and wanted is in the heart of Hope. Her exterior tuffness is played out well in a diner environment where a thick skin is a job requirement.
Some of the objections posted here I find unfounded. Hope's entire motivation in life is to seek out the love she misses from her MIA Dad while trying to accept her AWOL mother's attitude. She finds comfort in her imaginations about a loving father and ekes out bits of value from her mother's advice about waiting on tables. These two merge as a force that drives her forward in the book. Her head is motivated by her desire to be the best server and her heart by drawing near to a father. It's all there and justifies all her actions.
Oh, there's one other motivation that fills any open gaps, her devotion to her aunt. I found that everything she does is propelled by these.
I too felt a flaw in the book is the simplification of politics. The Mayor character is too flat, the Cheese company is Vadar like. But unlike one reviewer I saw the politics the other way around. Wisconsin can be a very blue state and small local politics is often devoid of real national issues. So I saw these as liberal people grasping for control, using corporations badly. Despite the usual corporate metaphors and our national rhetoric, we all know that dirty machine politics is the sole domain of no one party. Heck, the Dems wrote the book on corporate, government and local domination at Tammany Hall.
But after a momentary bit of labeling, I discarded the cliches. The story transcended party politics. Its about struggle, finding a cause that's worthy and keeping hope alive.
Integrity, love and hope are universal. This book weves these three qualities into a dramatic stroy that touched my family.
Can't wait for the movie version.
Customer Reviews:
Historical fiction which takes some liberties..........2001-09-04
The story is set in the civil war ensuing from the succession dispute after Henry I died - leaving a daughter Matilda (or Maud) who by her sex was unacceptable to the English barons. His nephew Stephen (son of his sister) seized the throne. At the time this story is set, Matilda has ceded leadership of her cause to her son Henry (the future Henry II). Roger, Earl of Hereford is a partisan of Henry.
First things first: this is a work of historical fiction, with a strong romantic component; or it is a historical romance which is really heavy on the history. If you know this period well from reading Cadfael mysteries or Penman's novels, the work goes so much easier. The author does make assumptions about the reader's knowledge of English history.
Roger, Earl of Hereford existed, but his wife Elizabeth did not exist. While the author admits this, she justifies the creation of Elizabeth on the basis of artistic license. Readers who want strict historical accuracy will find this troubling. I am a little concerned myself - I prefer great barons to be portrayed accurately (with correct parentage and spouse), while I allow considerable leeway for minor knights who can be created out of the author's imagination. From this point of view, the work fails.
However, the work has considerable charm in its own right. The Earl of Hereford is portrayed quite accurately for his time - not necessarily considerate of his wife (in the post-modern way that most medieval heroes are now portrayed) but considered a good husband for all that by his peers. Yes, he does rape a peasant girl, but that is par for the course.
Elizabeth's concerns are somewhat modern - her fears of losing her individuality and identity seem somewhat shallow given the more pressing physical dangers in that time. I also don't understand why every medieval author must have the heroine dressing as a woman, and being able to pass off as a woman successfully. Yes, women did cross-dress, but only under situations of extreme desperation [see Ellis Peter's ONE CORPSE TOO MANY for an example].
The ending is inconclusive, in both Roger's friendship with his soon-to-be king being questioned and his relationship with his wife somewhat uncertain. From both points, the book ends less than satisfactorily - whether you are reading it as a work of historical fiction, or as a historical romance. Readers of the latter genre want the Happily Ever After ending; readers of the former genre appreciate an epilogue or postscript indicating what happened to the main characters. To find the fate of Roger of Hereford, you need to go instead to the history books.
I rate this book at a 3.7 which is a so-so rating. I wish I could have rated it higher, since I love this particular period (the beginning of Stephen's reign to the death of Henry II).
Thoughtful but disturbing history.......2001-05-13
The plot centers on Roger, Earl of Hereford, during the war between Stephen and the Empress Maude for the Crown of England. Central to the story is the marriage between Roger and Elizabeth, daughter of the Earl of Chester.
Disturbingly, Roger is an historical character, but Elizabeth is not. The marriage is troubled by Elizabeth's difficulty in adapting to her role as Roger's wife and her fears that she will lose her identity within the marriage. A flight from the marriage leads to tragedy that will always trouble the love that they share.
Episodic, the novel begins after the death of Roger's father and ends with the departure of Henry II for France to attempt the courtship of Eleanor of Aquitaine, leaving Roger, who has given his life to Henry's cause, to feel deserted and somewhat betrayed. He is exhausted and drained by the demands of the war and determines to live in peace (until Henry returns).
Leah and Caine of Bond of Blood are major characters, as are Caine's father.
The novelist either assumes prior knowledge of the events of this war, or subordinates information on this subject to the overall message of waste and despair. I urge anyone who finds the book to first read Sharon Penman's Whene Christ and His Saints Slept, which will fill in the background, including that of Roger.
I recommend the book but am bothered by the inconclusive ending. The major figures of Roger and his wife are abandoned in the middle of their story. I am also bothered that the historic and important hero is given a nonhistoric wife, as if his own story was of no interest.
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