A Hat Full of Sky

Book Description

Something is coming after Tiffany ...

Tiffany Aching is ready to begin her apprenticeship in magic. She expects spells and magic -- not chores and ill-tempered nanny goats! Surely there must be more to witchcraft than this!

What Tiffany doesn't know is that an insidious, disembodied creature is pursuing her. This time, neither Mistress Weatherwax (the greatest witch in the world) nor the fierce, six-inch-high Wee Free Men can protect her. In the end, it will take all of Tiffany's inner strength to save herself ... if it can be done at all.

A Story of Discworld

Customer Reviews:

Love those wee free men!.......2007-09-26

This is a great children's book as well as for adults. I love the wee free men as only Pratchett can describe them. The "sharkies" and "big job" are personal favorites. This book has been read several times in my household and we actually gave a copy to our nephew for his birthday one year. He liked it so much he has asked for more titles by Pratchett.

Pratchett at his worst...........2007-09-23

...would still be better than Rowling at her best. The 'Editorial Reviewer' that created this comparison is just covering him (her) self with ridicule. Pratchett was creating masterpieces when Rowling was still in kindergarten. For that matter, in many ways, she still is.

Is this really for kids?.......2007-07-05

I found this book to be immensely entertaining. Despite relatively clean jokes, this doesn't really seem all that different from the rest of the Discworld series, in terms of reading difficulty. However, I imagine I might say otherwise, were I still in elementary school.

JUST what I wanted!.......2007-05-07

It took me a little to find the right cover, but it was just what I wanted, and came in good time!

Not Pratchett's best story, but full of Pratchett's heart.......2007-03-18

As an avid Terry Pratchett reader, I believe there are two kinds of his book: good and great. A Hat Full of Sky is of the good variety, as it stands on its own. However, I believe it's a great chapter in the larger work of the Discworld series. He has something very important to say here about responsibility, about relationships within the community, and about deep morality . . . I think that Pratchett's sympathies lie deeply with his witches, and watching this witch grow up is his lesson to us . . . I laughed and cried, and went away for the better.

(And ignore the Harry Potter comparisons. While I think Rowling is a fine author, Pratchett is the better storyteller, in the old, old sense of the term. His stories crackle with the energy of seeing all the parts of ourselves leaping back at us.)

Crowns: Portraits of Black Women in Church Hats

Average customer rating:

A Must Have...
Crowns: Portraits of Black Women in Church hats
Ladies and Their Hats
Crowns truly deserves a Crown
An excellent choice!

Crowns: Portraits of Black Women in Church Hats
Michael Cunningham , and Craig Marberry
Manufacturer: Doubleday
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Photo Essays | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Portraits | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Beauty & Fashion | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

African American | Other Practices | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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Queens: Portraits of Black Women and their Fabulous Hair
Spirit of Harlem: A Portrait of America's Most Exciting Neighborhood
Crowns
Soul Sanctuary: Images of the African American Worship Experience
Jewels: 50 Phenomenal Black Women Over 50

ASIN: 0385500866
Release Date: 2000-10-17

Book Description

Countless black women would rather attend church naked than hatless. For these women, a church hat, flamboyant as it may be, is no mere fashion accessory; it's a cherished African American custom, one observed with boundless passion by black women of various religious denominations. A woman's hat speaks long before its wearer utters a word. It's what Deirdre Guion calls "hattitude...there's a little more strut in your carriage when you wear a nice hat. There's something special about you." If a hat says a lot about a person, it says even more about a people-the customs they observe, the symbols they prize, and the fashions they fancy.

Photographer Michael Cunningham beautifully captures the self-expressions of women of all ages-from young glamorous women to serene but stylish grandmothers. Award-winning journalist Craig Marberry provides an intimate look at the women and their lives. Together they've captured a captivating custom, this wearing of church hats, a peculiar convergence of faith and fashion that keeps the Sabbath both holy and glamorous.

Customer Reviews:

A Must Have..........2007-06-12

Orginally, I purchased this book as a gift and after browsing through it, I decided I had to have a copy of my very own. The photography in this book is excellent. The photographs are shot in black and white in order to focus on the church hats. The stories behind the hats are amazingly beautiful. I will never look at a black woman in a church hat the same ever again. I learned that each hat has a story that must be told.

Crowns: Portraits of Black Women in Church hats.......2006-11-07

I wear lots of hats and this book really helped me understand at lot about hats. Being raised in a household where my mom always wore a hat to church> I grew up and I do the same. This book lets me know that there is some more history to it.

Joyce Marshall-Hamblet

Ladies and Their Hats.......2006-08-01

Coming from a hat wearing tradition, I fully appreciated "Crowns: Portraits of Black Women in Church Hats". My hat was a pill box a la Jacqueline Kennedy which shows how old I am. Nevertheless, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, the photographs and the women's stories. Hat wearing is a fine tradition and very much a part of Black culture that Michael Cunningham has captured in all its glory.

Crowns truly deserves a Crown.......2006-04-01

We are performing the play Crowns here at the Unicorn Theatre here in Kansas City, MO as I write my review. It has been sold out every night and we had to add another week and it is sold out as well. I play the part of Mother Shaw. I have to say that before the play I was not one who wore hats but NOW!!!!!. The lines we say come directly from the book. This book is the best read I have come across in a long time. I had to order it here on Amazon because all the book stores in KC are sold out!! They love the play and they love the book. A book that all black women ( especially those of us who grew up in the church) can identify. We have all seen a Mother Shaw, Wanda, Jeanette and Mabel in the church wearing their hats. Regina Taylor really hit the nail on the head. This is one role that I can truly say I have enjoyed playing. God bless you Regina and keep them coming!

An excellent choice!.......2005-08-02

This book brings back memories of being a young girl and seeing the church ladies entering the church wearing those extraordinary hats. Being blond and fair didn't stop me from mingling among the congregation just to see the hats and hear the singing. The hats in this book are so familiar. The stories are new and give life to those hats. This book would make an excellent gift.

The Red Hat Society(R)'s Laugh Lines: Stories of Inspiration and Hattitude

Average customer rating:

The Red Hat Society(R)'s Laugh Lines: Stories of Inspiration and Hattitude
Sue Ellen Cooper
Manufacturer: Grand Central Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

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

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

Motivational | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Self-Esteem | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Women's Studies | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
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The Red Hat Society(TM): Fun and Friendship After Fifty
Warning: When I Am an Old Woman I Shall Wear Purple
Red Hats, Purple Shoes & Afternoon Teas
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The Red Hat Club

ASIN: 0446695114

Book Description

The follow-up to the #1 New York Times bestseller The Red Hat Society is a collection of the RHS members' most memorably funny and touching stories. It's Chicken Soup for the Red Hat Soul. Life begins at 50! And the women of the Red Hat Society are proud of it. In THE RED HAT SOCIETY'S LAUGH LINES, Sue Ellen Cooper and the women of the RHS celebrate the life experiences that have made them who they are today. Over the years, they've accumulated well-earned laugh lines and cry-lines from wonderfully funny, incredibly touching stories that will warm readers' hearts and touch their souls. Just as there is so much more to each of these women than a purple outfit and a red hat, there's so much more to their lives than the RHS-from their husbands, children, and grandchildren to living life fabulously after 50. This book is a collection of some of the most touching and funniest stories that they want to share with their sisters, and is filled with sidebars recommending their favorite books and movies. With contributions from members across the country, this collection is bound to thrill all Red Hatters-and those who soon will be.

Average customer rating:

Cute Kids Book!

Queen of Easter (Ann Estelle Stories)

Manufacturer: HarperCollins
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Picture Books | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
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Queen of Hearts (Ann Estelle Stories) (Ann Estelle Stories)
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Such Devoted Sisters: A Sister's Treasury
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ASIN: 0060081848
Release Date: 2006-01-24

Book Description

With the neighborhood Easter Parade coming up, Ann Estelle dreams of wearing a hat covered with ribbons and pretty flowers galore. But when her mother gives her a plain straw hat instead, she wonders how she can be the Queen of Easter in a hat like that!

Luckily Ann Estelle has plenty of ideas up her sleeve, and nothing could be more fun than watching her get to work on her masterpiece. But the magic of spring brings unexpected visitors, who make a hat so cute that not even Ann Estelle would want to compete!

Mary Engelbreit's irrepressible alter ego is back in a story full of all the warmth and humor that her many fans have come to expect. Perfect for tucking in Easter baskets or reading aloud on the porch swing, this Ann Estelle story is just in time for spring!

Customer Reviews:

Cute Kids Book!.......2006-05-26

Ann Estelle has always wanted a beautiful hat for Easter covered with ribbons and flowers. Instead, her mother gets her a traditional, classic hat with only one blue ribbon. Try as she might, Ann Estelle simply cannot like the hat so she thinks nothing of leaving it on her front porch one afternoon. A few days later, her mother discovers the hat, but with a surprise. There is a robin inside! The hat turns into a beautiful Easter surprise for Ann Estelle, and she discovers that having the best Easter hat doesn't always have to do with how many ribbons or flowers adorn it.

I rarely review children's books, but picked this book up on a whim as I am a huge fan of Mary Engelbreit. I love her colorful, fun illustrations! This book was cute, had adorable pictures, and a great storyline. I read it to my 5-year-old son, and he enjoyed the story even though it was about a girl. This book is a beautiful, fun read.

Enjoy!

Seeking Enlightenment... Hat by Hat: A Skeptic's Guide to Religion

Average customer rating:

So easy to relate to
A new side of Nevada Barr
Beautiful, thoughtful, profound
On things that really matter
Mystery Writer Shares Her Spiritual Musings

Seeking Enlightenment... Hat by Hat: A Skeptic's Guide to Religion
Nevada Barr
Manufacturer: Berkley Trade
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Authors | Arts & Literature | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Women | Specific Groups | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Memoirs | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

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General | Spirituality | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

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Bittersweet
Hard Truth (Anna Pigeon Mysteries)
Deep South
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Ill Wind

ASIN: 0425196038
Release Date: 2004-06-01

Book Description

A refreshingly honest spiritual exploration from the New York Times bestselling author of the Anna Pigeon novels.

Actor, adventuress, seeker of truth, and author of the New York Times bestselling Anna Pigeon mystery series, Nevada Barr beckons readers to share her spiritual search for meaning in life.

Hat by hat, step by step, Barr leads readers down her path to enlightenment by sharing personal episodes, some of them funny and revealing, others painfully honest. Each chapter offers a truth or an answer forged through experience and deep reflection, and a nugget of insight certain to encourage thought and discussion among readers, who may, in turn, find their own spiritual language.

Customer Reviews:

So easy to relate to.......2007-07-10

I've read all Nevada Barr's books not so much for their stories/plots but because I love Ms. Barr's, and her protagonist Anna Pigeon's, attitudes and views on life. I first took it out of the library, read it twice, and then decided I wanted my own copy so I could reread it whenever I wanted.

For me, this book is about Ms. Barr's journey to reconcile and integrate spirituality, without becoming a religious fanatic, with her down-to-earth psyche and firm footing in physical reality. This is something I've been working on for most of my life, and I'm astonished how similar my thoughts have been to Ms. Barr's. The thought paths she takes you through in this book, and the clarity of her conclusions, helped me focus on who I am and how to make the best of my time here. I am so glad I found this book.

A new side of Nevada Barr.......2007-02-07

Having read all of Nevada's novels, I didn't expect to be surprised by her spiritual journey, but I was. It was interesting to find out how much of Anna Pidgeon's personality and personal history was based on Nevada's own and how much was very different. Her insights are very real, down to earth and unlike most spiritual guides. I didn't always agree, but she made me examine some assumptions from a new viewpoint.

Beautiful, thoughtful, profound.......2007-01-06

This book touches deeply and lovingly on many of today's spiritual issues. I bought copies of this book for all the people in my life that I care about.

On things that really matter.......2006-01-20

I found Nevada's book to be honest, well written, with a subtle sense of humor so needed in works dealing with religion and enlightenment. One of my favorite lines: "... I would occasionally run across someone who seemed to truly know God, and I realized that religion, like a bad toupee or a face-lift gone sour, is only obvious when it's done badly." This book did not do well commercially because honest well-written books dealing with things that really matter don't sell. But this book is very good, very important. It helped me on my return journey to God.

Mystery Writer Shares Her Spiritual Musings.......2005-06-09

In this collection of short essays, Ms. Barr shares her spiritual experiences which are sometimes witty and sometimes thought-provoking. Some of the stories may even inspire readers to do some soul searching of their own, as they relate to some of the deeper issues Ms. Barr shares. These issues include social conciousness and responsibility to the global community; the importance of keeping commitments to others as well as to oneself; and striving to be a good person, not only for the hope of redemption of one's soul in the hereafter, but for the benefits received during one's lifetime.

Ms. Barr shares some unusual thoughts regarding spirituality that other seekers might also find enlightening. Those readers who are already on a well-defined spiritual path may not agree with some or many of the ideas Ms Barr presents, but reading this book is still a good opportunity to explore the musings of a fellow traveler on the spiritual journey of life.

Stick a Geranium in Your Hat and Be Happy (John, Sally)

Average customer rating:

An antidote to life's discouragements
VERY PLEASED!!!!!
Pseudo-Christian Claptrap
Just Horrible
Stick a Geranium in your Hat

Stick a Geranium in Your Hat and Be Happy (John, Sally)
Barbara Johnson
Manufacturer: Thomas Nelson
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Death & Grief | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Grief & Bereavement | Death & Grief | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Splashes Of Joy In The Cesspools Of Life
Living Somewhere Between Estrogen And Death
I'm So Glad You Told Me What I Didn't Wanna Hear
Pack Up Your Gloomies In A Great Big Box, Then Sit On The Lid And Laugh!
Humor Me, I'm Your Mother

ASIN: 0849944791

Book Description

"Pain is inevitable but misery is optional," says Barbara Johnson, and she should know. The survivor of four devastating experiences, Barbara, with the wit of Erma Bombeck, teaches how to find joy in the midst of it all. Her "credentials" open doors and provide insight to all those who suffer from the difficulties of life.

And this million copy edition is proof that the message holds true! Parents of prodigals and those who have suffered the greatest loss of all, the loss of a loved one, have all proclaimed with a smile, "This book has saved my life!"

Barbara's "pain" began when her husband was in a near-fatal accident. While he slowly recovered from severe, debilitating injures, they lost one son in Vietnam, and another son in an automobile accident. The final blow was losing their third son to the homosexual lifestyle. Through Barbara's final desperate plea to God of "Whatever, Lord…" a bubble of joy came to replace the elephant she felt sitting on her heart.

But life continues and so have the opportunities to practice what she preaches. Barbara was diagnosed with adult-onset diabetes and then most recently a cancerous brain tumor. Despite her difficulties, she continues to model that though pain is inevitable to us all, we can choose to see the flowers instead of the weeds.

Customer Reviews:

An antidote to life's discouragements.......2007-09-10

As an intimate view of a Christian's less than perfect reactions to one of life's most sobering challenges, Ms. Johnson speaks candidly and from the heart on her feelings and responses to finding out her son is gay. I found her faith and her willingness to seek and spread the joy God provides in life incredibly encouraging.

VERY PLEASED!!!!!.......2007-08-31

I was very satisfied with my purchase--was on time and in great condition. I am about 2/3 the way through and it is a great book--well written. There are points in there that make you feel better---like "hey, I'm not alone!) Very good confidence builder.

Pseudo-Christian Claptrap.......2007-02-01

I will never ever recommend this author. She may claim to be a Christian, but her behavior is anything but. This person has no business counseling parents of homosexuals, as it is clear she has no understanding of them. She describes them as something that formed wrong, flowers that didn't open. I have news for you, Ms. Johnson. God doesn't make mistakes. Each person is made that way for a reason, just because you can't get out of a stone age interpretation of the Bible, don't infect other parents and friends of gay people with your poisonous fake christian "love". I want to go wash my hands in lysol. It is because of attitudes like hers that Christians like me are portrayed as a bunch of whacko nutjobs.

Just Horrible.......2005-11-26

I was unfortunate enough to receive this book as a "gift" from my mother (along with Where Does a Mother Go to Resign"). As a gay Christian (yes, a GAY Christian), I find Mrs. Johnson's writings decidedly disturbing and un-Christian. The Bible does NOT clearly condemn gay people (if one researches historical and language origins of Biblical writings) and to base her reaction to her gay son on Christian beliefs is just wrong. So yes, I think that makes this a bad book.

Stick a Geranium in your Hat.......2005-08-30

I agree that BJ spends a huge amount of time writing about her gay son and diminishing the tragedies regarding her other 2 sons and her husband's accident. Readers might benefit by skimming over those long and often repeated portions on 'gayness' and pick up instead on her light-hearted and insightful encouragement. I enjoy her humor - she's like an Erma Bombeck with the Christian piece added right up-front. For those seeking other Christian authors with a humorous slant, pick up one (or more!) of John Ortberg's books.

The Red Hat Society(TM): Fun and Friendship After Fifty

Average customer rating:

A terrific read, even for guys
Do not recommend
The Red Hat Society (TM): Fun and Friendship After Fifty
From QueenLadyInPurple...great idea, lots of fun...
Great Fun Read

The Red Hat Society(TM): Fun and Friendship After Fifty
Sue Ellen Cooper
Manufacturer: Grand Central Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Motivational | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Self-Esteem | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Aging | Aging Parents | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books

Inspirational | Spirituality | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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Accessories:

RESPeRATE Blood Pressure Lowering Device
Philips HeartStart Home Defibrillator (AED)

ASIN: 0446679763

Book Description

Finally, the official book of The Red Hat Society, which is sweeping the nation. Inspired by the Jenny Joseph poem that begins: 'When I am an old woman I shall wear purple/With a red hat which doesn't go, and doesn't suit me,' Sue Ellen Cooper bought herself a red hat. Soon it became her signature gift for friends turning 50. In 2000, Cooper and her friends formed The Red Hat Society, whose only rule is no rules-it's simply a play group encouraging women over 50 to have fun, support each other, and find kindred spirits. THE RED HAT SOCIETY is their official book, covering marriage, children, grandparenting, careers, retirement, physical, mental and spiritual aging, friendship, mothers, daughters, sisterhood in hard times, clothes, rituals, the genesis of The Red Hat Society, and of course, information on how readers can start their own chapters.

Customer Reviews:

A terrific read, even for guys.......2006-10-28

As a 50-year-old guy, I'm not in the typical demographic for this book. Nevertheless, I found it to be a real hoot.

The Red Hat Society started in 1996 as a sort of joke between frieds. Sue Allen Cooper had read Jenny Joseph's poem, "Warning" which threatened all sorts of self-indulgent and unladylike behavior -- including wearing purple clothes and red hats -- when she grew old enough to get away with it. Cooper started giving red hats to her friends as they turned 50. The silliness and liberation that this unleashed quickly became contagious. In a few months, the idea of forming rule-less girls-only clubs had spread across the country and around the world. The joy, release and sisterhood that these women have found is very inspiring and fun to watch. Rather than making middle- and old age a thing to dread, these women have found joy and camaraderie in their later years.

The book tells of the story of the group and divulges the homemade rituals and customs of this fabulous "disorganization" It gives helpful tips on how to form a group of one's own, and of all things that go along with being a Red Hatter - the regal wave, the motto, the song, the vows and regalia.

I truly enjoyed the freewheeling wackiness that has been a hallmark of the group from the beginning. The group names are a riot - "The Scarlett O'Hattas," "The Red Hat Tamales," and the "Ladies of the Purple Sage" are just a few of the whimsical names that the women have given themselves. Not to mention the personal titles! Women are bestowing upon themselves titles from Lady to Queen and everything in between. "Countess Can't-be-bothered" and "Lady Lie-about" were two of my favorites.

The Red Hat Society is a breath of fresh air and sisterhood to what can bee a depressing and lonely stage in a woman's life. The Red Hatters are giving themselves permission to get old, permission to age gracefully and permission to bring joy into their own lives.

You go, Highnesses!

Do not recommend.......2006-08-05

This book is full of typos; what happened to proofreading...is that a lost art/job?

This book is also a good example of what Andy Rooney spoke of; authors making thousands on the backs of others. Nothing is original by the author in this book; it is merely a compliation of the works of others. You would think at least, since the author did have to compose anything, she could have at least proofread it.

The Red Hat Society (TM): Fun and Friendship After Fifty.......2006-03-23

This is a wonderful book for those ladies approaching the dramatic age of "50". It's uplifting, funny and positively great for boosting morale. Almost like turning 21 again! We have a new look on life and plan to strut with our Red Hats often. Already my friends and I have chartered our membership and have officially named ourselves the "Fabulous Diva D'Lites". An article was printed recently in our local newspaper with a photo of our Queen Mum and all the Divas! So far, we've had a ball! I highly recommend this book...

From QueenLadyInPurple...great idea, lots of fun..........2006-02-20

I have heard of this 'movement' for several years, and finally started my own chapter...but I guess its going to be slow-going cause no one has joined me yet...but I will continue to wear my purple, plus my red hats...and maybe those I invited will loosen up for some nice fun times...thanks for this book...it was a source of encouragement; gave me the guts to go for it...so give my Chapter a gander...join the Rockin' n Rollin' Reds in Arvada, CO. Way to go, Queen Sue Ellen!

Great Fun Read.......2005-09-23

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Light hearted good fun with lots of ideas for Red Hat Ladies.
Loved the section on the names.

Average customer rating:

Revenge And Good Friends, What Could Be Better?
CHURNING OUT DRIVEL FOR THE ALMIGHTY BUCK
liked it a lot
my thoughts
Can I Be A Red Hat Lady?

The Red Hat Club
Haywood Smith
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Paperbacks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Friendship | Women's Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0312984308
Release Date: 2004-08-05

Book Description

Meet Georgia, SuSu, Teeny, Diane, and Linda-five women who've been best friends through thirty years since high school. Whenever they get the chance, they don their red hats and purple outfits for a delicious monthly serving of racy jokes, iced tea and chicken salad, baskets of sweet rolls, the latest Buckhead gossip, and-most of all-lively support and caring through the ups and downs of their lives. When Diane discovers her banker husband has a condo (with mistress) that he bought with their retirement funds, the Red Hats swing into action and plot to hang him with his own rope in a story that serves up laughter, elegant revenge, high school memories, long-lost loves, a suburban dominatrix, plenty of white wine and junk food and most of all, the power of friendship.

Customer Reviews:

Revenge And Good Friends, What Could Be Better?.......2007-08-10

Georgia, the narrator, lives a stable but all too predictable life with her undemonstrative husband. SuSu is always late. Teeny is frail, vulnerable, and abused by her husband. Linda is happily married. Diane thought she was too, until she found unmistakable evidence of Harold's philandering. All five ladies have been friends since high school, sorority sisters, a lifelong support group. Now in their fifties they meet monthly wearing red hats to exchange jokes, gossip and emotional support. Over the years they have developed a marvelous system of "Sacred Traditions" to help them through the rough spots of communication.

Most of the plot revolves around the girls helping Diane to "get" her erring husband, which she does, and ah--revenge is good. There are many subplots, and the Red Hats continually learn new and surprising facets of each other. The plot elements have been done before. What makes this book special is the picture of lifelong friendship and loyalty--among five very flawed women--and through all kinds of difficult circumstances, which the author is able to portray.

Author Haywood Smith does a great job making the improbable believable. The story rolls quickly along and is an enjoyable "fun" read. I recommend it. Reviewed by Louis N. Gruber.

CHURNING OUT DRIVEL FOR THE ALMIGHTY BUCK.......2007-07-19

If you saw the movie First Wives Club when it came out in the mid 90's, there is very little reason to read The Red Hat Club. The themes are similar and Olivia Goldsmith did a much better job with First Wives than Haywood Smith has done with Red Hat. First Wives featured three divorced women who band together to wreak revenge on their husbands who left them for younger women. Red Hat features five married women, friends since high school, who band together to support each other through cheating husbands and other personal and marital mishaps.

The fact that the five ladies of Red Hat get "dolled up" once a month in purple outfits and red hats and "do lunch" is an obvious ploy meant to boost book sales. Since the REAL Red Hat Society has hundreds of thousands of members, Smith evidently sought to capitalize on this fact and most likely assumed that she would have a built in audience eager to spend their hard earned dollars on this bit of fluff.

I suppose the message the book was supposed to convey is that by making positive choices in their lives and supporting each other rather than tearing each other down, all women.....regardless of their age can lead stimulating, challenging and exciting lives. Unfortunately for Ms. Smith, other writers like Anita Diamant and Margaret Atwood have already sailed those waters and produced more clever, interesting and complicated characters whose stories are worth the reader's investment of time and money.

Recommendation: Life is short....eat dessert first! Oh yes, and skip The Red Hat Club!

liked it a lot.......2007-02-13

I picked this up at my local used book store, just because of the cover and it sounded interesting. glad i did. it turned out to be funny and hardwarming. i could relate to these ladies(even being a little younger!)and found my self wishing i had such a group of wonderful, funny and just plain great ladies in my life. that's ok, I bought the sequel and laughted and enjoyed just as much. i just wish there were more books.

my thoughts.......2006-07-23

I thought it would be really cool to be part of a society that wore red hats in public. Being part of a club where one could identify another club member because they are wearing a certain item of clothes while in public, fascinates me. But then I started reading the book. I found the characters non-believable. The rules of the club, do overs and make overs were just too restrictive. Life is not about squashing dialogue with your friends because you are too uncomfortable or too polite to say what is on your mind. The scene about catching Harold in the act truly stretched my imagination. The amounts of money thrown around boggled my mind. And the ending? It reminded me of the last episode of Seventh Heaven.

Can I Be A Red Hat Lady?.......2006-06-23

What took me so long to pick this book up? "Warning" by Jenny Joseph (the poem that inspired the Red Hat Society and this book) is an old favorite. I am glad I finally grabbed this from the library. I loved it. As the ending neared, I worried it was wrapping up too perfectly, but then I thought, "Who cares?" This is fiction. This is my ESCAPE from real life. I need a fair tale ending every once in a while. Don't you? Who cares if no real person in my circle has the kind of money these ladies do? Who cares if I will never hobnob with the upper crust of Atlanta? These women rock my socks. I think, if I met them, they'd like me. Their conversations are laugh out loud funny, and their friendship is solid. When I am in my 50s, I hope to be them.

Actually, I want to be a Red Hat Lady now, but I can't. Not officially. You have to be at least 50. Prior to that, you are a Pink Hat Lady, and I just don't know about that. I want to be a RED Hat Lady. So I may just be one all on my own. I'll buy a red hat and a purple dress and I'll take myself to dinner with a good book. *grins*

Red Hats & the Women Who Wear Them (Red Hat Society)

Average customer rating:

Red Hats and the Women Who Wear Them
Stylish, Classy, Dynamic...and FUN!

Red Hats & the Women Who Wear Them (Red Hat Society)
Lark Books
Manufacturer: Lark/Chapelle
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Fashion | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Decorating | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Fashion | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

General | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

The Red Hat Society Cookbook
The Red Hat Society Playful Paper Projects & Party Ideas (Red Hat Society)
Red Hats, Purple Shoes & Pink Elephants
Red Hats, Purple Shoes & Afternoon Teas
Red Hat Society's Domestic Goddess

ASIN: 1579909949

Book Description

A fun and vibrant celebration of red hats and the women who wear them. On festive display here are some of the most amazing, unique, elegant, and just plain wacky works of millinery art ever designed since the first red hat was donned in 1997. Best of all, the models showing off the impressive headgear are the very inspirational ladies who created them. These women happily offer colorful commentary on their handiwork, from information on the hats’ construction to anecdotes about the reactions they evoke. Irresistible, proud Red Hat hattitude shines through in chapters such as Hoity Toity Crowning Glories, Mad Hatter Tea-Time Toppers, Blooming Brims, and, best of all, Over-the-Top Hats.

An introduction by Founder and Exalted Queen Mother Sue Ellen Cooper (author of the bestselling Fun and Friendship After Fifty) focuses on the history of the hat, fun hat facts, and the basics of embellishing a hat—and the sassy Ruby Red Hat provides amusing narration throughout.

Customer Reviews:

Red Hats and the Women Who Wear Them.......2007-10-01

Great book shows many different hat styles, and how to do them. Really enjoyable for folks who are into Red Hats and making hat designes.

Stylish, Classy, Dynamic...and FUN!.......2007-01-10

I can say nothing but GREAT things about this book. The lovely women of Sterling Publishers(Lark/Chappelle) really capture the essence of Red Hatting. My good friend Lisa and I are both featured in the book, as well as other Red Hat ladies I have come to know over the years. The book is chock full of whimsical creative ideas, inspiring any budding milliner to go for the gusto! The book is also value-priced, making it an ideal gift!
If you are a Red Hatter, this book is a MUST for your library--and...if you are not, this is a fabulous way to find out about all the fun we have!

Women's Hats, Headdresses and Hairstyles: With 453 Illustrations, Medieval to Modern (Dover Pictorial Archive Series)

Average customer rating:

Women's Hats, Headdresses and ......

Women's Hats, Headdresses and Hairstyles: With 453 Illustrations, Medieval to Modern (Dover Pictorial Archive Series)
Georgine de Courtais
Manufacturer: Dover Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Textile & Costume | Design & Decorative Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Fashion | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

History | Fashion | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Hats: A History of Fashion in Headwear
1,000 Hats
The Little Hatmaking Book: A Workbook on Turn-Of-The-Century Hats (Little Hatmaking Book)
An Illustrated History of Hairstyles 1830-1930
Hats Design and Construction

ASIN: 0486448509

Book Description

More than 400 of the author's own drawings provide an authentic record of over 1,300 years of changing fashions in women's hairstyles and headwear in England. Finely detailed images — rendered from vintage sources — depict everything from wimples and crespines worn in Anglo-Saxon times to early Victorian bonnets and pillboxes of the mid-20th century.

Customer Reviews:

Women's Hats, Headdresses and .............2007-04-10

One of the better referance books, tons of illustrations and extrememly helpful for fine details.
I would purchase this book again.

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