Anita Jeram's illustrations are bound to elicit an "aw" from even the sternest of readers; these loving rabbits are expressive, endearing, and never cloying. In turn, Sam McBratney tells a simple bedtime story of sweet familial love with humor, insight, and a delightful surprise at the end. Children and parents will love snuggling up for this one--a treat to be read again and again, just before the lights are turned out. (Click to see a sample spread. Text © 1994 by Sam McBratney. Illustrations © 1994 by Anita Jeram. Permission from Candlewick Press.) (Ages 4 to 8)
The boy is Robey Childs, sent by his mother to bring his father home from the War. She has "the sight," and when she "sees" that General Thomas Jackson is dead, she tells Robey "Thomas Jackson has been killed... There's no sense in this continuing... This was a mistake a long time before we knew it, but a mistake nonetheless. Go and find your father and bring him back to his home." She sews a coat for him that is blue on one side and gray on the other, tells him to trust no one and sends him off.
He is ill-prepared for all that will happen to him. When his horse pulls up lame, he walks her to the blacksmith, but she is unfit for the task ahead. The blacksmith offers Robey a horse on loan until his task is completed. "It was coal black, stood sixteen hands, and it was clear to see the animal suffered no lack of self possession." Indeed, the horse is more fit to do his job than is Robey. Olmstead creates an iconic horse, but never anthrpomorphizes or romanticizes the relationship between boy and horse. When they are separated, Robey is truly at sea. When they are together, they move as one.
Robey encounters every kind of evil, venality, cruelty, squalor, and depravity imaginable. He is hardened beyond his years by what he sees. There is a battle scene as horrific as any ever written, graphic and frightening. "There were enough limbs and organs, heads and hands, ribs and feet to stitch together body after body and were only in need of thread and needle and a celestial seamstress." Robey is changed forever, but never dehumanized. Olmstead leaves the reader in no doubt about the unconscionable ravages of war; he also shows us the redemption that such suffering can bring. --Valerie Ryan
Displaying the same cheerful delivery and bright artwork that Katz used in Where Is Baby's Belly Button? and Toes, Ears, and Nose!, Daddy and Me tells its tale with a simple setup and sturdy flaps to lift on each two-page spread: "I'm helping Dad make something special. First we saw the wood. Where is Daddy's saw?" Two easy-to-grab flaps open to reveal that Daddy's saw is "In the... closet." Pencils, nails, screwdrivers, and a paintbrush are likewise hiding out around the shop, and it's up to Daddy's cherubic, gender-indeterminate little helper to track them down--with some help from the reader, of course, lifting up work gloves, a tool box lid, some paint cans, and a newspaper.
We finally find out what project Daddy had planned (which also explains why a cute chestnut puppy has been helping the helper all along): "At last we are finished. We made a doghouse for Henry! But where is Henry?" Readers get to lift one more flap to find out. (Baby to preschool) --Paul Hughes
Book Description
Tom Henderson (a.k.a. King Dork, Chi-mo, Hender-fag, and Sheepie) is a typical American high school loser until he discovers the book, The Catcher in the Rye, that will change the world as he knows it. When Tom discovers his deceased father’s copy of the Salinger classic, he finds himself in the middle of several interlocking conspiracies and at least half a dozen mysteries involving dead people, naked people, fake people, ESP, blood, a secret code, guitars, monks, witchcraft, the Bible, girls, the Crusades, a devil head, and rock and roll. And it all looks like it’s just the tip of a very odd iceberg of clues that may very well unravel the puzzle of his father’s death and–oddly–reveal the secret to attracting semihot girls.
Being in a band could possibly be the secret to the girl thing–but good luck finding a drummer who can count to four.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent, excellent voice-- I fell in love with it........2007-09-27
The boy narrating this story has a perfect teenage voice-- funny, a little too smart and self-conscious about it, alternately defensive and searching. I was in love with it after the first page: I handed the book to someone else with instructions to read the first page. She loved it too. I had a hard time getting the book back.
The voice keeps its magic all the way through. I liked the device of using a class assignment of one of those "30 days to a better vocabulary" books to justify the narrator's use of words most teenagers wouldn't use.
The events in the book were nicely balanced between realism and farce. Some plot points were a little larger than life, but nothing too over the top.
Four stars instead of five? Near the end, the book veered off track on the murder-mystery subplot and lost steam. It recovered a little before the very end, but not fully. This was the last ten pages or so: suddenly I just wasn't interested in picking the book up and finishing it.
I feel this book is aimed at people my age (late 30s) more than at teenagers. There's something fishy when I know more than half the bands mentioned in the book. Boomer-resentment and Catcher In The Rye backlash are also Gen X phenomenon, I suspect. It didn't bother me, but I can understand why other reviewers called the book dated.
Beautiful writing, funny, and well worth the read.
Catcher in the Wry.......2007-09-15
"If you really want to hear about it, the first thing you'll probably want to know is how my dad died, and what my lousy high school years were like, and how my mother and her aging hippie second husband were occupied, and all that Catcher in the Rye kind of crap, and I feel like going into it, too, if you want to know the truth, so here goes..."
No, KING DORK doesn't start this way, but so large is the shadow of THE CATCHER IN THE RYE that it darn well could. The protagonist, a sarcastic and wry high school dude named Tom Henderson (well, to himself -- he's called "Chi-Mo" among other slanders by the "normal" population of the school), describes himself as a "brainy, freaky, and oddball" kid who's interested in playing in a rock band, creating outrageous titles for songs and albums, and finding out how his father really died.
Tom (self-proclaimed "King Dork") comes from a long and rich literary tradition of precocious teens with good vocabularies and allusions before their years (one reference to Ronald Reagan's "I paid for this microphone" speech was a real giveaway). Still, the reader is willing to go along because Tom is... well... funny. Yeah, it's often immature, geeky teenaged boy humor, but Gen X (as well as Y) should be all over this book -- especially seeing how author Frank Portman goes out of his way to trash the Baby Boomer generation and its (ironically, considering its iconoclastic intents) iconic book, THE CATCHER IN THE RYE.
The plot rolls along at a leisurely pace, and if readers appreciate it, the reasons will have less to do with what happens and more to do with the wonderful characterization of a persecuted but highly intelligent young rocker and his non-stop wise-guy jokes and asides. Plot developments with girls and especially with the search for how his father died stretch credibility beyond the suspension bridge of disbelief at times, but overall, humored readers will be willing to overlook this. Why? In addition to Tom, there's his fellow-loser best bud, Sam Hellerman; his full-throttle hippie step dad, Little Big Tom; his mysteriously sad, hard-smoking and drinking mom; his vocabulary-destroying English teacher, Mr. Schtuppe; his romantic (OK, mostly lusty antics) interests Fiona and Deanna; and the evil vice principal from Hell, Mr. Teone.
I thought KING DORK was a bit (devil head) prolix (inside joke with the devil head, folks), going around 50 pp too long, but still enjoyed it overall. The punch line, when all is said and done, is that a book made to trash THE CATCHER IN THE RYE ultimately pays homage to it. This means that Boomers, too, may take a shining to the book, even though it is quite "young" in tone. It'll be interesting to see what Portman produces for an encore. Hopefully he doesn't hole up in New Hampshire and get all squirrelly on us...
Very Funny and Smart.......2007-08-29
I enjoyed this book a lot--smart, original and funny. Not a whole hell of a lot happens, but it's all about the characters and writing here. A great talent in Portman. Can't wait to see what he does next. Long live The Chi-Mos!!
Yes, the sex is gratuitous and most unlikely!.......2007-08-26
O.K. so I am 49 years old and the only reason I would not give this book a 5 star is that the sex just doesn't seem real. Admittedly I haven't been in High School for 30+ years but I just cannot believe that dorks do any better today or in the late 80's (when I guess Frank was in school) or the late seventies when I was in school. Why would a girl put herself out for a member of a band that stinks?
The voice if the book is really genius until about the last fourth of the book when the sex gets kind of crazy. Even being female and lots older I know this character...I don't really qualify as a "baby boomer" and I certainly wasn't raised by them but there is enough here that would have anyone laughing...I have definitely met these people.
I, unlike the High School teacher(see the reviews!) that read half the book to sophmores and had to quit, would have read the book through BEFORE I started a read a long with the class! If she could have finished without losing her job there is a lot here for discussion of why so little character development of the girls in the book and also what might have been their motivation. Too bad she had to quit the read...
Read the book but be ready for a disappointing ending...
fizzles...........2007-08-19
I did really enjoy this book for about the first third, even half,of the story. But then, a funny thing happened...I stopped caring. I got sick of our hero. I found his comments becoming repetitious. I guess the author deserves credit for allowing his voice to become annoying. I actually think this book is a bit flipped...I think it's too "normal" for me. "Nerdy" outcast likes girl,has social issues, has family quarrels, etc.etc. Kind of typical, frankly. Still, he's a good writer and this book isn't bad...just not as good as its cracked up to be.
Book Description
I Dared to Call Him Father is the fascinating true story of Bilquis Sheikh, a prominent Muslim woman. Her unusual journey to a personal relationship with God turned her world upside down-and put her life in danger. Originally published in 1978, the book has sold 300,000 copies and is a classic in Muslim evangelism. The 25th anniversary edition includes an afterword by a missionary friend of Bilquis who plays a prominent role in the story and an appendix on how the East enriches the West.
Customer Reviews:
Another Extraordinary & Powerful Christian Biography--Wow!!.......2007-10-16
A wonderful, encouraging and profoundly thought-provoking look at life as a woman in a Muslim culture who converts to Jesus Christ. I couldn't put this one down. Read it in one day! Awesome and truly miraculous!
Journey to Intimacy with God in Muslim South Asia.......2007-07-05
Bilquis Sheikh describes her journey, beginning with her initial interest in spirituality. She tells of her search for the truth, studying her Koran and the Bible she had requested, and struggling to know which book was God's. She humbled herself to visit a missionary to ask questions. She knew how to pray; prayer had been a ritual performed five times a day. However, she was startled by the new thought of praying to God as a father. In which of the two holy books was God a father? She decided to accept the Bible. She studied it, and began to spend time with the missionaries. She listened to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, and became convicted about so many things: baptism, her temper, her responses to other people. Christ gave her the strength to defy her family when they insisted she have nothing to do with Christians, as well as the courage to live calmly when her life was threatened. It was such a hard decision, even after she knew in her heart that she believed, and had become a Christian. Her family was close, and she enjoyed so many tender relationships cut off by her choice to follow Jesus. Her family, who had shared such love with her, even tried to kill her for rejecting Islam.
In this book, she chronicles this process. It is precious to see the Lord at work in hard places, like South Asia. We see that He is not limited, only we are. She also gives us insights into her own culture, and values of family and community which are remote from the individualism of the West. It is enlightening to glimpse into a Muslim family, and how she continued to live among her relatives after her conversion. Most of all, it is encouraging to read of another sister's journey to live before God in communion with Him as He has called us all to do. It brings reflection on our own lives, and the depth and closeness of our own relationship with our heavenly Father.
At the end of the book, there is an epilogue of Bilquis' life after the conclusion of the book. Then another perspective is added by Synnove Mitchell, the missionary to whom Bilquis first spoke about the Lord.
Written in an easy manner, this book can be read in an afternoon. Bilquis was open and honest about matters of the heart, and I did not find her to by dry at all. Who should read it? Those interested in this kind of conversion and culture, those wanting to know how God can be a Father, and Christians who want to understand this sister and those like her, and Christians who want to deepen their own relationship with our heavenly Father.
A Reminder of the Basic Truths.......2007-07-04
I'm trying to find the words, but the only thing that comes close is refreshing. At the time I read this, I was in a very dry place, but her tale planted a seed to allow God to raise me out of it.
It reminded me of the basic truths and just how complicated we make religion. The truth is God wants our obedience and through it all, he loves us unconditionally.
Great story and truly inspiring!
I Dared to Call Him Father.......2007-05-13
Powerful testimony of a Muslim background believer in Pakistan. Sent chills down my spine the first time I read it. It is a great way to get some insight into Islam and the way God can work. She is now with the Lord.
Wonderful Testimony of a Muslim Woman Turning to Christianity.......2007-03-19
I first heard of this woman when she was on the 700 Club with Pat Robertson way back in the early 1980's. She was interviewed and told how she came to know Jesus, when God called her to come to Him. She had been the wife of a very important head of state, and she was well known and respected. She kept this part of her life a secret for a very long time as if she was found out they would have killed her. She tells about how God would take her out of body over to america or some other continent to pray for someone that was sick, and the return her later to her body. She was sold out to the Lord, and fell in love with Jesus, as we all must do, and He began to use her to win other souls, and to heal the sick. It is a touching testimony of God's Love for all, and how He longs for all to come to Him. God is Love.
Read this book, and you will be touched by the love of the Father.
Customer Reviews:
Still great stories!.......2007-09-28
I loved these books as a kid and now my daughter's love the stories too. The illustrations inside are enough to help give the kids a little idea and then they picture the rest inside their heads as we read along! I really do prefer these Ramona stories compared to the Junie B Jones stories. Ramona seems to be alot more wholesome where I do find that Junie B Jones can be quite the rude little girl often. Very nice to be able to share with my girls and they are always trying to tell the stories to their friend that see the books too. Very cute!
Ramona Books.......2007-07-19
The books are in gret condition and will be a great opportunity for my second grader to complete his summer reading at a reasonable cost
Great set of books. .......2007-07-06
mY DAUGHTER IS SEVEN IS THIS IS A GREAT SET OF BOOKS FOR HER. SHE REALLY ENJOYS READING THESE BOOKS, WE PLAN TO GET MORE FOR HER.
Still a winner!.......2007-05-25
I loved these books when I was a kid, and now my daughter loves them. Still a classic.
Great read!.......2007-02-08
My daughter is 7 and devoured the Ramona books. She was able to relate to the character and found these books easy to read. They were her first page turners!
Average customer rating:
- Searching for Satisfaction
- Meat and Potatoes
- Her best novel yet!!
- A Savory Treat
- Satisfied!
|
In Search of Satisfaction
J. California Cooper
Manufacturer: Doubleday
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
 General
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| United States
| World Literature
| Literature & Fiction
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| United States
| World Literature
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Contemporary
| General
| Literature & Fiction
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Sisters
| Women's Fiction
| Literature & Fiction
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| Nonfiction
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ASIN: 0385467850
Release Date: 1994-09-01 |
Book Description
The folk flavor of her storytelling has earned her constant comparison to Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston, but through four collections of short stories and two novels, J. California Cooper has proven that hers is a wholly original talent --one that embraces readers in an ever-widening circle from one book to the next. With In Search Of Satisfaction, Cooper gracefully portrays men and women, some good and others wickedly twisted, caught in their individual thickets of want and need. On a once-grand plantation in Yoville, "a legal town-ship founded by the very rich for their own personal use," a freed slave named Josephus fathers two daughters, Ruth and Yinyang, by two different women. His desire, to give Yinyang and himself money and opportunities, oozes through the family like an elixir, melding with the equally strong yearnings of Yoville's other residents, whose tastes don't complement their neighbors'. What Josephus buries in his life affects generations to come. J. California Cooper's unfettered view of sin, forgiveness, and redemption gives In Search Of Satisfaction a singular richness that belies its universal themes.
From the Trade Paperback edition.
Customer Reviews:
Searching for Satisfaction.......2007-05-22
The members felt that this book could be a mini series television show. It reminded us of Roots and The Color Purple. The reading started off slow, but soon picked up. This book challenges your mind. An interesting plot that displays good versus evil. This showed signs of a seasoned writer by evidence of writing style progression as the book progressed. It left the members asking themselves what is the satisfaction that they're searching for.
Meat and Potatoes.......2007-05-10
This book is like eating a full and hearty meal of meat and potatoes. Ms. Cooper develops her characters so completely that they never lost momentum throughout each generation. Sometimes we make life choices, but somestimes life makes the choice for us. In the end, I began to miss Hosanna. I still do. Thank you Ms. Cooper for letting the world get to know these characters. I felt like a warm cup of coffee while reading this book.
Her best novel yet!!.......2007-04-26
I read this book a few years ago, and recently read it again. This is by far one of my favorite novels to date. Excellent work!!!
A Savory Treat.......2007-04-11
I loved the finely drawn characters and the rich texture of this novel. The characters were so vivid, I felt as if I knew them by the time I finished the book.
Satisfied!.......2006-04-20
This book is wonderful. It's suspenseful and full of drama, so much so in fact that I couldn't put it down. I'd recommend it to anyone.
Books:
- Edmund Wilson: A Life in Literature
- Eleanor of Aquitaine: A Life (Ballantine Reader's Circle)
- Emily Dickinson's Herbarium: A Facsimile Edition
- Eminent Victorians (Oxford World's Classics)
- Engineering Design: A Materials and Processing Approach
- Europa The Ocean Moon: Search For An Alien Biosphere (Springer Praxis Books / Geophysical Sciences)
- FDR
- Fear: Anti-Semitism in Poland After Auschwitz
- Finding Amelia: The True Story of the Earhart Disappearance
- Fire Places: A Practical Design Guide to Fireplaces and Stoves Indoors and Out
Books Index
Books Home
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Don't Like the Message.......2007-09-15
"King Dork"
