Friday Night Lights: A Town, a Team, and a Dream

Amazon.com

Secular religions are fascinating in the devotion and zealousness they breed, and in Texas, high school football has its own rabid hold over the faithful. H.G. Bissinger, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, enters into the spirit of one of its most fervent shrines: Odessa, a city in decline in the desert of West Texas, where the Permian High School Panthers have managed to compile the winningest record in state annals. Indeed, as this breathtaking examination of the town, the team, its coaches, and its young players chronicles, the team, for better and for worse, is the town; the communal health and self-image of the latter is directly linked to the on-field success of the former. The 1988 season, the one Friday Night Lights recounts, was not one of the Panthers' best. The game's effect on the community--and the players--was explosive. Written with great style and passion, Friday Night Lights offers an American snapshot in deep focus; the picture is not always pretty, but the image is hard to forget.

Book Description

The classic, best-selling story of life in the football-driven town of Odessa, Texas, with a new afterword that looks at the players and the town ten years later.

Book Description

"Someone's going to call your bluff someday, Venetia -- you'd better hope it's not a handsome man."
-- Mrs. Charlotte Harris, headmistress

Lady Venetia Campbell's visit to her childhood home in Scotland takes a dramatic turn when she's kidnapped at pistol point by her father's sworn enemy. Sir Lachlan Ross is widely feared in his guise as The Scottish Scourge, but Venetia remembers her former neighbor as a handsome youth whose attentions she craved. Now a wickedly sexy man, Lachlan's appeal is even more intoxicating...and much more dangerous. Though Lachlan tries to treat her as his foe, his scorching kisses tell another story. And despite his plan to use her as a weapon against her father, Venetia is determined that Lachlan's lust for revenge will be trumped by an even more powerful desire....

Book Description

From New York Times bestselling author and "grand mistress of storytelling" (Romantic Times) Sabrina Jeffries comes the second seductive story in her School for Heiresses Series.

"You can't avoid him forever, Louisa. Just tell him you're not interested, and put an end to it."

-- Mrs. Charlotte Harris, headmistress

Marry? Never! It would end Louisa North's work with her ladies reform group -- and truth be told, she likes her independence very much, despite her royal father's protests. So when Simon Tremaine, the dashing Duke of Foxmoor whom she once loved -- and had exiled from England -- returns bent on marrying her, she's skeptical. Does he truly care for her, or does he simply want revenge? It's difficult to resist Simon's dangerous charms, because the fire between them still burns as hot as ever. But when his ulterior motive for marriage is exposed, along with the deeply buried secrets of his past, Louisa vows to make him pay . . . and the price will be his heart.

Customer Reviews:

Great Story, more serious than other "Heirssess Series" books.......2007-08-18

I have read all of the School for Heiresses Series to date, and I would have to say this is my least favorite of them all. Not to say I didn't like it, but I think the reason is that the characters lacked the witty banter of the other books. Louisa North, illegitimate daughter of the King, is head the London Ladies Society whose current goals involve prison reform for women as well as supporting Political candidates willing to support this reform. Her suitor, Simon, the Duke of Foxmore, has his own political agenda to be Prime Minister, which to gain the King's support involves the courting and "taming" of Louisa's political aspirations. All of these situations are quite serious as the treatment of women in prison during this time period was heart wrenching. Even Louisa's fear of marriage leading to child birth has its own horrific historical significance. While it was still an interesting story, it seemed an off-shoot of the otherwise fun and witty Heiresses series. I think it may help to read Sabrina Jefferies Royal Brotherhood series as these characters are tied into that. But I still recommend this book as the characters are very rich and full of depth, an excellent story and steamy romance.

Terrific As Always!.......2007-08-17

In the second book of Jeffries "School for Heiresses" the reader is re-introduced (TO PLEASURE A PRINCE part of Jeffries' "Royal Brotherhood" series) to Louisa North, illegitimate daughter of King George IV, as well as the man who'd broken her heart 7 years ago, Simon Tremaine, the new Duke of Foxmoor.

It's seven years later and Simon has returned from India where the king had banished him after Louisa discovered his affections towards her masked his aspirations for political gain. He's back and still politically ambitious but after his first sight of Louisa his passions are aroused even more so for the woman she's become. Summoned to an audience with the king, Simon is offered a deal he cannot refuse. If Simon can court and marry Louisa, who's been stirring up trouble as a member and founder of the London Ladies Society, the king would make it possible for Simon to achieve his greatest political desire - Prime Minister of England.

Louisa for all her new independence and charitable work for female prisoners; courting reformists to her cause; and secretly backing a candidate for the House of Commons; she was not totally immune to the attentions of the Duke of Foxmoor. Yes, Simon was a scoundrel for breaking her heart while using her for his ambitious political maneuvers, but his kiss still left her weak in the knees. While Simon knew it would only be a matter of time for him to bring her to the marriage bed, Louisa would be the one to finally bring him to his knees.

*** A long time fan of Sabrina Jeffries, I confess, I have not read a single book of hers I did not love! Bringing together a couple with bad history from an earlier story has been done before, but Jeffries brings them back with style incorporating sparkling dialogs and some very sensual trysts as they battle over both domestic and political issues.

Simon is a complex hero who isn't at all likeable when first introduced as he is shown bargaining with the king once again in an effort to reap political gain and rewards. If it weren't for having Raji, his pet monkey on his shoulder, I wouldn't have liked him at all. Little by little, he does become the hero when he starts to bend a bit while trying to worm his way into Louisa's good graces. As the author starts to weave in bits and pieces of Simon's tragic early youth of `training', beaten into him by his grandfather one starts see how he was molded into his attitude of political ambitions while making him stifle any and all feelings of passion. In some of his kind acts, used to break through Louisa's lack of trust, the reader begins to see bits and pieces of the man he could become if someone was brave enough to break through his defensive outer shell.

Having spent most of the last seven years in the royal court, Louisa had grown into an independent, accomplished woman after having her heart broken by Simon. She is intelligent and savvy, points very well defined by the author's excellent portrayal, and as such even though she knows Simon is not to be trusted, her heart is drawn as a moth to a flame. Willing to give him enough rope to hang himself, this more mature Louisa sees glimpses of the man she's always dreamed of and hopes he's become and gets caught in Simon's net, but was wise enough to demand concessions. Consequently she was devastated to discover once again his betrayal. Hurt beyond measure, Louisa would uncover truth's that motivated Simon, truth's that would set him free to live and love.

This truly was an engrossing story of redemption and sensual passion for Lousia and Simon - both wonderfully crafted and finally able to find the happiness they deserved. Not only does Jeffries titillate the reader with a passion filled romantic love story but she couples it with intricately woven human frailties making the characters leap off the pages into your hearts. I've said it before and I'll say it again Ms. Jeffries holds you from first page to the last with a perfect combination of wit, romance and intrigue.

Marilyn Rondeau, RIO - Reviewers International Organization for www.paranormalromance.org

The monkey stole the show!.......2007-06-13

The most interesting character in this novel, was the hero's pet monkey Rajii! That summarizes my view of this book. I'm glad I only borrowed it from the library.

Others have already summarized the plot so I will not rehash. I will say that the political backdrop was intriguing and very informative. The chemistry between the protagonists was lacking- of course when Simon could actually convince Louisa to let her guard down , it was steamy but their interactions as a couple lacked the spark I like in a romance.
I actually felt sorry for Simon for landing such a querolous wife.

I for one love the independanlt female, however I really think many heroines are not realistically rendered. I totally understand Louisa's devotion to her prison reform, and wanting a radical candidate and I understand Simon's balking at it- what I don't understand is why Louisa thinks this is abnormal from her husband, a DUKE with POLITICAL asperations.

There was also the scene where she got pelted by a rock (yes, a ROCK!) at the prison, however even though she got knocked out, she is adamant tonot have a doctor. Like I mentioned earlier, I don't mind independent heroines, I just dislike the borderline stupid ones.

didn't finish.......2007-06-07

I have read several of her other books and enjoyed them. I found myself having a few minutes to read, picking up the book, then doing something else. I wish that I had read the reviews before. Borrow the book if it appeals to you.

Needed something more.......2007-05-08

The hero and heroine of this book just never convinced me that they really loved each other. Since there was a lot of political machination going on between these two, they were always one upping the other when it came to advancing their own agendas. This was a tedious. I never understood how Simon, the hero, was so forgiving of Louisa. When she discovered that he was stringing her along in a courtship she had him sent to India for seven years. She was in no way compromised, they shared one kiss. This was glossed over and Simon said he deserved his banishment. This novel would have been more interesting if revenge had been part of the plot. Also, a deeper background into Simon's past in India would have fleshed out his charachter. He was one dimensional.

Louisa was stubborn but so was Simon. I really was tired of her reapeating to herself, "A pox on Simon, a pox on her husband."

Both were secretive but to the author's credit, they did not let misunderstandings go on throughout the entire novel. Once a secret was revealed, they discussed it and moved on. This book rates 2 ½ stars. The political backdrop with prison reform was fresh and inventive but the hero and heroine were not.

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Grave Risk (Hideaway Series #7)
Hannah Alexander
Manufacturer: Steeple Hill
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Fiction | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

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Romantic Suspense | Romance | Subjects | Books

Steeple Hill Love Inspired | Series | Romance | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0373785755

Book Description

It was a tragedy for the entire town: beloved high school principal Edith Potts collapsed and quickly died.

For nurse Jill Cooper, it was a crushing loss--and the first of many shocks. Two former sweethearts have suddenly returned to town, reawakening all her youthful traumas, secrets and dreams. Then another death occurs. It appears accidental, but is it? Is everything a coincidence? Or could it all possibly be connected to another murder, three decades ago?

Before it's over, Jill will have to look hard at her troubled history, question her sanity, her faith…and face the deepest secrets in her heart.

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SONFORCE KIDS STARTER PACK (2007 VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL STARTER KIT)
GOSPEL LIGHT
Manufacturer: GOSPEL LIGHT
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 0830738711

Product Description

Through their adventures children will be challenged to TRUST in Gods Plans, UNITE with Gods People, TRAIN for Gods Service, FOLLOW in Gods Path and LEAD Others to Gods Promises! Children will learn about how to have courage to serve God as His special agents.The Super Starter Pack includes the resources you'll need to kick off the new VBS season. Items inside also available separately

Silicon-based Microphotonics (Proceedings of the International School of Physics)

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Silicon-based Microphotonics (Proceedings of the International School of Physics)
O. Bisi , and INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF PHYSICS ENRICO
Manufacturer: Ios Pr Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Physics | Science | Subjects | Books

Optics | Physics | Science | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
ASIN: 9051995024

Book Description

The evolution of Si-based optoelectronics has been extremely fast in the last few years and it is predicted that this growth will still continue in the near future. The aim of the volume is to present different Si-based luminescing materials as porous silicon, rare-earth doped silicon, Si nanocrystals, silicides, Si-based multilayers and silicon-germanium alloy or superlattice structures. Moreover, the different devices needed for an all-Si-based optoelectronics are treated, spanning from light sources to waveguides, from amplifiers and modulators to detectors. Both the very basic treatments as well as applications to real prototype devices and integration in an optical integrated circuit are presented. Many still unresolved problems are underlined: the problem of electrical transport in low-dimensional Si systems, the possibility of gain in Si-based systems, the low modulation speed od Si-based LEDs, etc. The book gives a fascinating picture of the state-of-the-art in Si microphotonics and a perspective on what one can expect in the near future. For these reasons, it might be useful not only to graduate students but also to all researchers involved in this field.

And With a Light Touch: Learning About Reading, Writing, and Teaching With First Graders

Average customer rating:

gentle advice
This book is a treasure!
This book helped me the most!
Carol Avery makes teaching look enjoyable and easy!
A wonderful resource for first grade teachers!

And With a Light Touch: Learning About Reading, Writing, and Teaching With First Graders

Manufacturer: Heinemann
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Education | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Nonfiction | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
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ASIN: 0435087878

Book Description

Donald Graves

With its first edition, ...And with a Light Touch was immediately praised for its authentic portrayal of classroom life and learning. "It's my bible for teaching young children" and "It reads like a novel," said veteran and preservice teachers alike. Those with minimal background in children's literature have found the book a godsend. Every page rings true with the voice of a caring, real-life classroom teacher-one who marvels at what young children can do if given the chance to work in daily reading and writing workshops taught with a sensitive and responsive approach.

Now, Carol Avery offers a second edition, giving more insight and examples of children and a teacher learning together. Since her first edition, Carol has worked extensively in kindergarten and second grade, has had her own fourth- and sixth-grade classrooms, and has watched three grandchildren learn to read and write. Her latest edition incorporates Carol's stories and learning from these new experiences. It also expands sections on crafting writing, phonics instruction, read-alouds, and documenting assessment, and includes an updated bibliography. At the same time, it retains its focus on these major areas, addressed in depth:

the writing processstructuring daily writing workshops and the development of young writers
the reading processstructuring daily reading workshops and learning to read without a basal reader
children's literatureincorporating children's literature into the daily life of the classroom and stimulating children's responses to literature
classroom environment and toneorganizing and managing the classroom
expanding literacyreading and writing across the curriculum and a focus on kindergarten
assessmentdocumenting and reporting student progress.

Throughout, Carol rejects the concept of "one right way" to teach, but believes instead that a responsive environment provides the greatest possibilities for student growth.

As Donald Graves notes, Carol shows "real children in the process of learning to learn".Classroom teachers, preservice teachers, parents, and anyone concerned with young children learning to read and write will appreciate this book for its honest look into a first-grade classroom, both its ups and its downs.

Customer Reviews:

gentle advice.......2007-01-21

The book gently guides you through literature experiences with children- specifics that are logical- pleasant reading that ignites the desire to go into the classroom day after day-

This book is a treasure!.......2001-10-25

Bravo to Carol Avery for writing such a wonderful book! "And With a Light Touch" contains chapter after chapter of helpful ideas that can be implemented in the classroom, but the author also has such an honest and insightful voice, I actually put aside the novel I was reading and looked forward to reading about Avery's adventures in the classroom! Avery books gives a gold standard of value to the often overlooked teacher's anecdote, I wish more folks would share the way she does. As a mother of a first grader, I was very curious as to what the experience of teaching and learning in the classroom was like, and this book gave me a real inside view. I balked at the textbook price for a paperback, but this book was worth every penny and I would recommend it to anyone interested in teaching, children, or a good story.

This book helped me the most!.......2000-02-18

When I entered my first year of teaching, I did not know where to begin. This book helped me implement and find success with my students' literacy development. This book has been a very valuable tool. We are lucky to have such a fine teacher's footsteps to follow.

Carol Avery makes teaching look enjoyable and easy!.......1999-03-06

This text was an extremely easy text to read and one can relate so well with the real life classroom situations. I have taught for five years in the primary grades and by re-reading this book, it brought back the sense of fun that I have long since forgotten about with my classroom children.

A wonderful resource for first grade teachers!.......1998-12-31

Ms. Avery does a wonderful job of introducing a writing workshop and reading workshop to the teacher who doesn't know how to get started. I have read the book twice in addition to using it as a handbook in my classroom.

Nikon - The Speed of Light (Tutorial DVD) for Nikon Speedlight System

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Confusing DVD

Nikon - The Speed of Light (Tutorial DVD) for Nikon Speedlight System
Joe McNally , and Nikon School
Manufacturer: Nikon School
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: CD-ROM
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ASIN: B000NCYK4C

Product Description

Tutorial DVD, about one hour long; play in any DVD player. Learn how to use the Nikon SB-800 or SB-600 Speedlights by watching the author taking you thru ten shooting scenarios... from simple to advanced and more creative and challenging multiple wireless Speedlight set-ups. - Learn the Nikon Creative Lighting System - Lighting Schematics of selected scenes - Overviews of the Nikon SB-800 and SB-600 Speedlights

Customer Reviews:

Confusing DVD.......2007-10-03

I bought this DVD some time back after buying a SB-600 speedlight for my Nikon. If you are anything like me, you love natural light photography, but you are curious about strobe photography.

After getting my SB-600, I was able to take some okay shots, but overall, they were (are) nothing special (especially compared to my natural light shots). I think that the manual nikon gives you with the product is overly-complex and really does not help much.

This DVD is sort of the same thing. I am not sure who it is intended for, but it shows you how flexible the system is for the professional. The weird thing is that I suspect most pros know all about networking strobes to get complex effects... but us amateurs need step-by-step instructions on how to do the basics like iTTL settings for softer light, backlighting, etc.

I have some of Nikon's other videos and they are interesting, this one is not. I need a video that says "in conditions like this (wherever they are in the video), you should think about setting-up your Speedlight and camera body as follows... to do this go to the XYZ screen on the back of your Speedlight and push this button or that, make sure that your camera is set to XYZ settings, etc., etc., etc." this would be an awesome video - maybe someone makes one - I am going to keep looking.

I Turn to the Light: A Book of Healing Affirmations (Weewisdom Book)

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I Turn to the Light: A Book of Healing Affirmations (Weewisdom Book)
Connie Bowen
Manufacturer: Unity Books (Unity School of Christianity)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0871592169

Book Description

Children and adults alike will find the twenty-seven affirmations and colorful illustrations to be positive and uplifting. The messages help us recognize our inner greatness by opening the way to self-love and allowing us to experience our oneness with God.

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Drenched in Light by Lisa Wingate
Wonderfully orchestrated book
Great Read
Set in my hometown!
Another Lovely Sequel by Wingate!

Drenched in Light
Lisa Wingate
Manufacturer: NAL Trade
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Relationships | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0451218485

Book Description

Deep in my heart, a part of me will always be barefoot, running through the shallows of Mulberry Creek, with my eyes closed and my arms stretched out like I could fly.

Once a gifted ballet dancer, Julia Costell understands the joy of body and soul lost in a perfect moment. But after buckling under the demands of a professional dance career, she's landed with a thud as a guidance counselor at a performing arts high school. Living with her parents and feeling lost, Julia is afraid she'll never soar again. Until the day young Dell Jordan is sent to her office.

In Dell's writing, Julia recognizes not only her own despair, but also luminous sparks of hope. But as Julia fi ghts to forge a brighter future for one disadvantaged student, she is drawn into startling undercurrents of conflict and denial within the academy. Only then does she begin to discover where real meaning and fulfillment lie, and realize that even though her life has seemed off course, she's been on the right path all along.

Customer Reviews:

Drenched in Light by Lisa Wingate.......2007-04-13

I just happened to pick up this book because it was about a middle school teacher(I recently retired). I really enjoyed the book and feel it it relevant to the times. It's an easy read. I have since read 3 other books by Lisa Wingate and have enjoyed the message in each.

Wonderfully orchestrated book.......2007-03-13

Once again Lisa Wingate has done a stellar job of layering warm, inspirational values throughout the very well drawn characters of Drenched in Light. This reader found herself cheering for Julia's growing strength and independence, as well as Dell's growing sense of self. As an author, Wingate is unafraid to mix characters and settings, consistently providing her readers with a full sensory read that delights completely. Whether in her more mainstream selections (Tending Roses, Good Hope Road, etc.) or her Texas Hill Country romance series (Texas Cooking, Lone Star Cafe, Over the Moon at the Blue Lizard Diner), Wingate allows the reader to journey alongside her protagonist, letting them experience a full range of thought and emotion, dappled with down home humor while raising awareness of societal pitfalls and the need for faith in a warm, unobtrusive manner. Definitely a must read.

Great Read.......2007-01-22

I enjoyed yet another of Lisa Wingate's books. I met her a couple of years ago and she is a very real yet sweet spirit. She lives not too many miles from me and it is really neat to know one who writes so well who lives so close. Lisa weaves a wonderful tale and it was a great read. Loved the story line.

Set in my hometown!.......2006-12-19

I love Lisa Wingate's books - evidenced by the fact that I've read them ALL. I'm especially fond of this one as it takes place in my hometown - Kansas City and Overland Park, Kansas. Thank you Lisa for bringing us another wonderfully moving read. As usual, I can't wait until your next one....

Another Lovely Sequel by Wingate!.......2006-10-10

The main character in the story here is Julia Costell, of whom is 24-years-old, a former ballet dancer, and now a new guidance counselor at Harrington School. Harrington is a very exclusive school for kids who are talented in the arts, and academically talented as well. Julia has only been there 2-years. She gave up dancing when she became severely bulimic and almost died. And this was a secret she hid from everyone around her.

Now she is back home living with her parents who pick on her and her eating habits way too much. Not only that, but her job is very very demanding at the school, and she often thinks she won't be able to live up to the standards there of what people expect of her.

Dell Jordan comes into the picture here, living with her new foster parents Karen and James. She is attending Harrington, and though she is very talented musically, is behind in her studies, and on the verge of failing. When Julia gets to know this special student, who came from a horrible broken home amongst everything else, she takes Dell under her wing, and finds help for her academically so she can pass her classes. They form a special relationship and are the best of friends.

There are also more problems at Harrington involving drugs. Julia has a student, Cameron, of whom is obviously on drugs himself, but she cannot convince the principal of this, and soon is in deep trouble with the boy's parents. Julia is in danger of losing her job, along with all of her other troubles, but she cannot very well apologize to Cameron's parents when she knows he is in need of help and the parents refuse to believe it.

The book was very worthwhile reading as it is very much into the lives of families and their challenges.

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