A Small White Scar

Book Description

I had decided I would have a future.

Will can see his future stretch out before him. It's as clear as the plains that lead to La Junta and the first-place prize at the rodeo. He will become a man, a cowboy with a life of his own. But his twin brother, Denny, follows, bringing with him the memory of that small white scar. Ahead lies adventure; behind, responsibility. And on the road between, Will and Denny will travel together -- brothers united by blood.

Customer Reviews:

touching.......2007-07-02

Will and Denny are twin brothers and alike in many ways. They share the same birthday but Denny is developmentally delayed. They live and work on a ranch. Their mother died when the boys were young. It seems to Will that his father expects him to just look after Denny and never allows him to do really work on the ranch. Will decides to run off and join the rodeo. A twist of events happens when Denny follows Will.

A beautifully touching story about the relationship between brothers and between father and son.......2007-01-05

The summer of 1940 promises to be a dry one as a drought drags through Colorado. The lakes quickly shrink down to mud holes and the grass grows scarcer everyday, a definite danger to the Bennon cattle ranch. Fifteen-year-old Will Bennon could be a big help to his father; he has the skills and talents of an adult ranch hand. But his father insists on holding him back, hindering Will by forcing him to keep a constant eye on his twin brother, Denny.

Even though Will and Denny are twins, sharing a birthday is one of the few things they have in common. Denny has Down's syndrome; he can't read, can barely put on his shoes correctly, and needs almost constant supervision. Despite these obstacles, Denny can do many things. He collects the eggs from the hen house everyday, counting them as he goes. He can ride his horse, Scooty, though he often falls when dismounting. And he is always ready with a big smile to share.

But ever since they were born, and even more so after their mother accidentally drowned, Will has been weighed down with his brother's care. Will rather would be out helping his father with the ranch, using his riding and roping skills that he has practiced so diligently to be considered the man he wants to become. But his dad refuses to listen.

Believing his father will never allow him to be a man, Will takes his dreams a step further on his own. He must leave the Bennon Ranch. First, he will prove his ranching skills by entering La Junta Rodeo. There is big money to be made in the calf-roping and bull-riding events, more than Will could make in a whole year. Then he'd sign on with one of the other ranches, whichever one offers to pay the most after witnessing his talents at the rodeo. That would tide him over until the following rodeo season. Of course he wouldn't forget his family; he'd send money home to help out and eventually come back for a visit. But this was something he had to do, to get out from under his brother and start his own life.

A few days before the rodeo, Will sneaks away from the ranch riding his good friend and trusty horse, Deep. However, he doesn't get very far before he finds Denny following him. And it seems nothing will deter Denny --- not a rattlesnake bite, not the sudden thunderstorms, not the dangerously swollen river crossing. Fighting anger and resentment, Will finally allows Denny to ride along; somehow he will figure a way to get his brother home after the rodeo. What Will doesn't think about is how truly important his brother is to him.

K. A. Nuzum has written a beautifully touching story about the love and animosity between brothers, and between father and son. Set in the ranching wild west, A SMALL WHITE SCAR will especially touch horse lovers and rodeo fans, with in-depth and heartfelt descriptions of galloping through fragrant fields of sagebrush and desperately clinging to the back of a bucking bull. And most can sympathize with the anguish of loving someone who drives you a bit nuts.

--- Reviewed by Chris Shanley-Dillman, author of FINDING MY LIGHT and THE BLACK POND.

It's your misfortune, ain't none of my own.......2006-10-10

Cowboys are cool. They always have been and they always will be. It's just a fact of life, really. Like pirates, they capture the childish imagination (though we've yet to host an International Talk Like a Cowboy Day as of yet). Who wouldn't want to be able to say they could rope a buck, tame a steer, or ride a bull? It's kind of funny, then, that there aren't that many cowboy books out there for kids. You get the regular smattering of picture books, of course, and there's usually at least one non-fiction title published every year for the true fans. Chapter books, however, are less common than you might think. Thanks goodness for "A Small White Scar", then, eh? Part cowboy drama, part tale of brotherly love and hate, first-time novelist (and east Colorado native) K.A. Nazum gives this book her all. It's a nice voice and a nice book and I think that that's all there is to say about that.

1940. Colorado. The Bennon Cattle Company. Mesa de Maya. It's the only place Will Bennon has ever called his home and if he doesn't get out of there as fast as humanly possible he's going to burst into two. For fifteen years Will has grown up alongside his twin brother Denny and for the last seven he's had to "play nursemaid". Denny was born, as they say on the farm, "simple", but his devotion to Will knows no bounds. It shouldn't come as a surprise then that when Will lits out to rope some fame and fortune at a rodeo in La Junta, Denny follows with inescapable tenacity. Will's fighting his desire to escape Denny at whatever the cost and to help his brother as he's done all his life. To his mind it comes down to this: If he stays on the ranch he'll go stir-crazy and never make a name for himself. But does that mean hurting the person who loves him best in the whole wide world? Is it worth it in the end?

To Will, his father's admonishment to "Take care of your brother. Look after him", is the worst thing that could ever happen to him. "It took me a while to figure it out, but by the time I was twelve or so, I knew the only way I could ever escape the trap of those words was to chew my leg off just like a coyote would in order to free himself." So it's just bad luck that that leg happens to be Denny. The authorial choice of making Denny Will's twin rather than his younger brother interested me particularly. There's a reoccurring motif in the book where Will dreams that he and Denny have switched bodies and now he's the one with problems and Denny is in his own skin. Right from the start Nuzum is challenging the reader. She's throwing a great big There But For the Grace of God Go I in your face and I'm darned if it doesn't make the reader stop and think a while. I mean, it could have easily have been Will rather than Denny born with what I suspect might be (though it's never named) Down Syndrome. Which might be fairly impressive in and of itself, except that she manages to do it by page FIVE. Nicely played, Ms. Nuzum.

Nuzum also gets the flavor of the West down pat. You understand the lure of such a life and the desire that drives Will to be a part of it. The story of whether or not he can escape his job as his brother's keeper is completely understandable too. Will feels that his father ignores his other talents and sees him entirely as a babysitter rather than a cowhand. Fortunately his dad gets a say at the end of the book that shows a different point of view and, more importantly, he apologises.

So will kids read this book? I think so. Sometimes a book is only as good as its first chapter. We've all gone into bookstores and perused the first few lines of a story in an attempt to determine how exciting the book to come will be. Well this book has rattlers, killer coyotes, a near-death injury, bull-riding, a treacherous river, and a fight, alongside a good story and some fine writing. If that's not enough for a child reader you know, hand `em some fantasy and be done with `em. If, on the other hand, they're interested in some historical fiction with a bit of bite and a Western taste, "A Small White Scar" has their number. A smart debut.

Average customer rating:

rollicking epic
One of my all-time faves
A great book
Breathtaking novel
Favorite Book

The Brothers K
David James Duncan
Manufacturer: Dial Press Trade Paperback
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Family Saga | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Domestic Life | Women's Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

The River Why, Twentieth-Anniversary Edition
God Laughs & Plays; Churchless Sermons in Response to the Preachments of the Fundamentalist Right
$My Story as Told by Water: Confessions, Druidic Rants, Reflections, Bird-Watchings, Fish-Stalkings, Visions, Songs and Prayers Refracting Light, from Living Rivers, in the Age of the Industrial Dark$ My Story as Told by Water: Confessions, Druidic Rants, Reflections, Bird-Watchings, Fish-Stalkings, Visions, Songs and Prayers Refracting Light, from Living Rivers, in the Age of the Industrial Dark
River Teeth
Peace Like a River

ASIN: 055337849X
Release Date: 1996-06-01

Book Description

Finally in trade paperback, complementing Bantam's new release of River Teeth and our consistently bestselling edition of The River Why, here is The Brothers K, a lyrical and lovely novel of family.

Customer Reviews:

rollicking epic.......2007-07-01

Duncan has written one of the GREAT American novels. It's so good I hope Hollywood never mucks with it.

One of my all-time faves.......2007-05-08

As I was reading this book, I just couldn't believe how much I was enjoying it. Brilliant!

A great book.......2007-05-07

this was a required reading for one of my classes in high school. I found out then that I just had to have it for my own. I would recommend this book to anyone if they like baseball, religion, or family values. Its a great read and will want you wanting more of it.

Breathtaking novel.......2006-07-08

I have to say that this book has become one of those books I will be glad to read a second, third, even fourth time. The name itself, once fully explained in the novel is a great definition of the book in it's entirety.

I was at first a little scared at it's enormous size and by the fact that I had to complete this book in as little as about a month, having to do it for a school assignment. But, what I experienced by reading the book was much more great than I could have imagined.

I doubt that I have ever read a book so complete as this is, there always seems to be a way to expand the story in other stories, old characters stories aren't complete...or there's never any real resolution. But, this book by David James Duncan does complete the story, fully. In the end it begins like it started only this time with a new character, fully beginning a new story.

I recommmed this book for anyone who loves a true to life, conflict/family story that will leave a mark of hope on your life. It is really a fasctinating novel that touches your heart and interests you with its truthful subjects and history, that you can most definately connect to your life in one way or another.

Favorite Book.......2006-06-09

After more or less bitterly mocking my conservative Adventist upbringing with my very Catholic best friend 7 years ago, he laughingly recommended this book to me, saying it might help me "deal" with that upbringing to soothe away the bitter. Ohmymymymy.

I checked this out at 9 in the evening and by 4 in the morning had finished this...this...this...the word book, from this book-lover, does not do this book justice. This is the monster of books, the God of all books, it's been given a little book-sceptre and rules over all the rest of the book-ette proletariat. It's bourgeois book and beastie book. Even better, instead of pompously lording it over all the rest of the lesser books, it quotes them, loves them, welcomes them in for one big book party.

I have two copies of this book. One copy is signed and is missing three pages, and is ripped in two from reading it too many times. The other is yellowed and sits on top of my bedstand. I have parts of it committed to memory, and re-read over and over and over.

The thing that strikes me most about Duncan's style is his underlying foundation, his ability to find love in the most crazed places: from the Adventist church to Vietnam to Canada to the village dotted desert outside Pune. There is a certain naivete in looking for unmitigated love in these places, but while various of his characters embody that Dostoyevskyan naivete, I get the feeling that Duncan is an incredibly down-to-earth guy and that down-to-earthness meshed with mysticism, Adventism gone fanatical, non-violent violence, etc. leaves a lasting impression.

I would say his main foundation is that love is an uncontrollable force, it takes on faces we might never expect of it. We see that over and over again as we watch this family's epic story unfold so heartbreakingly and terribly.

As for my old friend's comment that "The Brothers K" might help me "deal?" Yes. And then some. I felt like someone had hit me over the head with a frying pan after reading this book. Maybe it was the staunchly Adventist Mama Chance who stepped out of the pages and gave me a good iron whack. Duncan called The Brothers K (and I might be misquoting him a bit) his 700-some page attempt at coming to terms with his own Adventist/Presbyterian upbringing.

Having been raised solely Adventist I find it necessary to point out that some of the theology he attributes to Adventism is incorrect, particularly that Adventists don't believe in a literal hell. The culture, which is ultimately what matters in a book like this, he has portrayed amazingly well, right down to the children's rooms being in the church basement. I understand, from an interview he had with Dan Lamberton of Walla Walla Adventist College, that he was originally trying to write about Baptists, which is bigger and more mainstream and therefore more meaningful to readers, but found himself always returning to his Adventist upbringing, finally switching over altogether.

This book was amazing. While I'm not sure that Duncan would like that I felt hit over the head by a frying pan wielding Mama Chance, it turned out for me, and it keeps turning out. This book "holds multitudes." I can read it and come out crying and laughing and head-achey and glowy and furious and excited depending on which page I'm turning to and which character I'm reading about.

So. Should you buy this book?

Dear friend, buy two copies of this one, for one will fall apart on you for all that page turning.

I Am My Brother's Keeper, Journal of a Gunny in Iraq

Average customer rating:

Not very good
SIMPLY THE TRUTH, UNEDITED
Simple but Clean and Crisp
Amazing
Awesome

I Am My Brother's Keeper, Journal of a Gunny in Iraq
Jason Doran , and J. K. Doran
Manufacturer: Caisson Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Iraq | Middle East | History | Subjects | Books

General | Military | History | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Fallujah, with Honor; First Battalion, Eighth Marine's Role in Operation Phantom Fury; Expanded 2nd Edition
Ambush Alley: The Most Extraordinary Battle of the Iraq War
No True Glory: A Frontline Account of the Battle for Fallujah
The Highway War: A Marine Company Commander in Iraq
My War: Killing Time in Iraq

ASIN: 1928724051
Release Date: 2005-01-02

Book Description

This is one of the first books published that was written by a Camp Lejeune Marine who fought in Operation Iraqi Freedom. In this first hand graphic account, GySgt Jason K. Doran, a Silver Star recipient, shares his experiences of his tour of duty during the Iraqi War. The book covers the journey of 1st Battalion, 2nd Regiment, a part of Task Force Tarawa, from the ship ride over through the Suez Canal, to the bloody battle for the bridges at An Nasiriyah and then home again. This book allows the reader to share in the day-to-day experiences and personal account of a Marine's tour of duty. This is the real thing. Gunny Sergeant Doran was there.

Customer Reviews:

Not very good.......2006-02-12

The author is a real hero, but this is a mediocre book. Not reccomended.

SIMPLY THE TRUTH, UNEDITED.......2005-12-31

I wasn't even into the first chapter before I had tears in my eyes. This Gunny has it all right. He sees the military exactly as it is, and explains it perfectly. He has seen so much in his short 41 years, and it has effected him greatly in his personal life - yet he continued to ask for the tough assignments. ALL MILITARY MEMBERS WILL LAUGH at his picture perfect descriptions of military life. ALL CIVILIANS NEED TO READ this book to truly understand the War in Iraq.
Jason tells the sometimes gory truth, but it is a truth that more people should know. He paints a blow-by-blow, gunshot-by-gunshot picture of the war without losing the reader. It is captivating from the Foreward through to the last page. He is a Marine's Marine. One rough, tough, Texan who is still a caring, loving man and father. Buy the book.

Simple but Clean and Crisp.......2005-09-20

Writing was not the best but I enjoyed this story by a fellow Marine and praise him fr sitting down and knocking out this story of combat, something I hope to do in the future. Nice job mixing intr-unit relations with external threats.

Amazing.......2005-09-15

Why more out there don't know of this book is beyond me. Far surpasses even "Generation Kill" and, dare I say, "The March Up" simply on the fact that is a Gunny who knows where his heart, his head, and his loyalty is, without question. Inspiring and motivating, this is a book that I've given to my fellow Marines and that I continue to recommend at all times. Lets you know what it was, and is, really like...something even different than those of us who went over in 1991 saw. Get this, and realize that what you are seeing on your CNN and even your FOX, and reading about in your newspapers and magazines, is largely a ruse. I just can't recommend this enough and truly can't put into words the measure of this book (or for that matter, this Gunny). Semper Fi brothers.

Awesome.......2005-09-09

This was an awesome book! Very difficult to put down. Author writes as he speaks - unedited for profanity. When reading a book on the lastest war written by an Active Duty member you shouldn't expect sensorship and there is none in this book. If your delicate eyes can't handle profanity from someone getting shot at, don't read it!

Rappin' With Jesus: The Good News According to the Four Brothers (The Black Bible Chronicles)

Average customer rating:

Its a great fun read.
Well...
Great read.
Don't knock it if it works!
By any means necessary

Rappin' With Jesus: The Good News According to the Four Brothers (The Black Bible Chronicles)
P. K. McCary
Manufacturer: African American Family Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1569770050

Book Description

Volume two of this acclaimed series covers the four Gospels according to Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

Customer Reviews:

Its a great fun read........2006-10-03

This is a great book. I do not suggest it as a replacement for a translation like NIV, NASB, KJV, etc. But if accepted as just the gospel in a different light, its a great laugh.

I don't think the book is really meant to used a "scripture" but as a comic relief. It only contains the four gospels, so it diffently cannot be a Bible replacement.

I really liked this book and its great to read aloud in a gathering of young adults. I take no offense to the language as I am black, and have said some of the same phrases before in my life.

Well..........2004-07-19

If the target audience is inner-city black children who have unwittingly picked up Southern California surfer lingo, then this book succeeds on all accounts. That most likely NOT being the case, however, I didn't know whether to laugh or cry when faced with this work.

The heart is in the right place, but either the language needs some updating, or we need to change the title to The Gospel According to Jeff Spicoli.

Three stars for an honest effort. Keep up the the ministering.

Great read........2002-12-18

I sure hope the reader who talked about the "real Bible" has been reading it in the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. The Bible deserves to be translated into whatever language is appropriate for its audience, whether they speak Greek, Latin, English, or BEV (Black English Vernacular, which is a dialect of English whose grammar apparently looks "bad" to the aforementioned other reader.) Implying that blacks are "too dumb" to read the regular Bible is like saying that Americans are "too dumb" to read the Bible in Latin. Intelligence has nothing to do with it; the crucial thing is to read the Word of God in the vernacular that will most allow you to get the Word into your heart. Peace Out.

Don't knock it if it works!.......2002-12-18

This book is a really great way to share the gospel with those (especially our youth of today) who might be intimidated by, or resistant to "religious" materials. It is meant to be used as an evangelical tool to lead others deeper into their studies of the bible, and it does!

It's a great intro for someone who thinks of all bibles as KJV and hard to read, or that the bible is not applicable to our world today. This book never pretends to be a study bible with word for word accuracy, but instead reaches out to those for whom this vernacular is familiar, to present the basics in a fun and non-threatening way. This is clearly a seeker's/beginner's guide. If the author's style of writing isn't for you, just pick a more popular translation. This book does exactly what it set out to do, which is to bring the gospel message to the people in a language they can understand. It also makes them feel as if someone really understands where they are coming from and therefore makes for an easier witness! :)

By any means necessary.......2001-11-13

I can appreciate and I am thankful for additional forms of expressing the message. Someone has to do it and like it or not, we live in a society in which this book could be a useful tool. Not to be confused with our "sacred scriptures", but can be used as an additional method. I have utilized the Black Bible Chronicles many times, and I was anxious to see this author's next work. Anyway, I recommend it. It is very easy reading and I appreciate the author's desire to bring more clarity to people who need it. By the way, who says only black kids communicate this way?

Average customer rating:

Wonderful
Yep, the catwings are back...
My review on Catwings returns
From a cat lover
Cats and Fantasy Fiction a Purrfect Combination

Catwings Return (Catwings)
Ursula Leguin
Manufacturer: Scholastic
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Action & Adventure | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Wonderful Alexander and the Catwings
Jane On Her Own (Catwings)
Catwings
Catwings Box Set (Catwings)
The School for Cats (New York Review Children's Collection)

ASIN: 0439551900

Book Description

A mini-edition sequel to Catwings follows four winged tabby cats as they return to the city of their birth to find their mother and a new companion.

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful.......2007-03-20

The Catwings books are great, so they make fantastic gifts. My 8YO godson agrees!

Yep, the catwings are back..........2007-02-28

Ursula K. LeGuin, Catwings Return (Orchard Books, 1989)

A year after the publication of the first Catwings book, Ursula LeGuin came out with the second, appropriately entitled Catwings Return. The catwings have settled into their new home, and decide to go back to the city to visit their mother. When they get there, the city has changed, but they find something far more interesting than they ever expected...

As with the first book, the main problem with Catwings Return is that it doesn't feel like a stand-alone story; as a series, it's fun, but reading just one of these at a time, as those reading the series as it came out would have had to do, seems as if it would have been rather unsatisfying. ***

My review on Catwings returns.......2002-10-15

It was brave how Harriet and James decided to go back to their mom on their own. They asked the others but they said no. I like the part where they find the kitten in the wrecked building and find out it is their sister. The author is really good at describing stuff. She makes it seem real.

From a cat lover.......2001-05-20

I loved this book when I was younger. I think that these books are for 6-8 year old kids, because as the years went by, I kept reading them, but they were for kids younger than I. I bought catwings when I was going on a road trip through the hills, and for the remainder of the trip I kept watching for flying cats. Finaly, I should say that I still enjoy this book, but I wish a series was made for older kids.

Cats and Fantasy Fiction a Purrfect Combination.......1999-10-18

For someone who is a cat lover and a lover of fantasy fiction this is a great book. It is a simple story (it was written for young children) but one that will be enjoyed by children and adults a like. The story (winged cats returning to visit their mother) is unique and touching. I would highly recommend this book to cat lovers of any age.

CCEL Classics CD: works by Saint Augustine, John Calvin, John Donne, Julian of Norwich, Brother Lawrence, Martin Luther, Saint Teresa of Avila, Thomas Aquinas, Thomas a Kempis, John Wesley, and more!

Average customer rating:

CCEL Classics CD: works by Saint Augustine, John Calvin, John Donne, Julian of Norwich, Brother Lawrence, Martin Luther, Saint Teresa of Avila, Thomas Aquinas, Thomas a Kempis, John Wesley, and more!
Dr. W. Harry Plantinga
Manufacturer: Christian Classics Ethereal Library
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: CD-ROM

General | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Product Description

The most important spiritual writings of Christian history are available on this Classics CD by the Christian Classics Ethereal Library (CCEL) at Calvin College. It contains 118 Christian classics, including three versions of the Bible, several commentaries, Bible dictionaries, readings, spiritual guides, sermons, poems and journals -- all in a convenient, searchable form. Books are available in HTML and PDF formats. The easy-to-use CCEL Desktop software powering the CD enables users to browse and print books and install additional books from the Web. The top-of-class search engine can search for words or phrases in books, in authors works or in the whole library. In addition, it can search for dictionary definitions of words and commentary or references to scripture passages. The interface is a Web browser. The CD is compatible with Windows 2000+, Macintosh 10.3+, and most Linux versions.

Average customer rating:

500 Million Stars for KM Grant!
A Motion of Awe and Great Respect!
A good story but flat on details.
Terrific historical fiction
Yes!

Green Jasper (de Granville Trilogy)
K. M. Grant
Manufacturer: Walker Books for Young Readers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Royalty | People & Places | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Historical Fiction | History & Historical Fiction | Teens | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Blaze of Silver (Granville Trilogy)
Blood Red Horse
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ASIN: 0802780733
Release Date: 2006-04-18

Book Description

Is it foolish to think that one boy and a blood red horse can save a fair maiden and the throne of England?

Will and Gavin de Granville have come back from the crusade older, braver, and definitely wiser.

Ellie has been longing for their return. But they’ve changed. And home is almost as dangerous as the war they’ve just left.

The king is missing. The country is in turmoil. And some men would do anything for power. What will two brothers risk for the woman they both love and the king they have both sworn to protect and serve? In the second book of the de Granville trilogy, Will and Gavin find their family – and all of England – in serious peril.

Customer Reviews:

500 Million Stars for KM Grant!.......2007-04-22

I have to begin this review explaining that I am an AVID reader.... I have been reading one book a day since second grade...I was reading His Dark Materials by fourth grade.....the point I am trying to make here is that I read ALOT....and Green Jasper, is a book that AMAZED me..I know that alot of people think that I'm crazy, but I dont understand how somene can NOT love this book.....Ellie, Will, Gavin, Kamil and Hosanna's emotions, are expressed very well, and the events that take place aren't unrealistic. The very real events that occured during the time such as the crusades, only help you immerse yourself in the story. All in all, this is an AMAZING buy....as is Blood Red Hose, the first book in the DeGranville Trilogy

A Motion of Awe and Great Respect!.......2006-08-22

Just like its predecesor, this book blew me away. I felt scathing anger and extreme loathing toward the once trusted Piers de Scabious. That vile creaton was no better than the black horse; a coward he shamed himself to be. In my opinion, he should have been hanged after Prince John arrived. I admire Gavin's thorough thought and William's bravery; however it seemed senseless for Will to go off in such a hurry and for Gavin to lag so far behind. Ellie did truly love Gavin, but to say it in the way she did was witless. If she ever hoped for a future with Will, why on Earth should she tell Will in such immense detail?!?

This book created true emotions within me; more real than any other book has.
The only sorrow in me that Green Jasper evoked was merely that this is a trilogy, and I only have one more book to enjoy before I reread the trilogy until I can recite every line by memory.

A good story but flat on details........2006-06-13

I saw the Green Jasper in the book store and thought that it looked like an exciting book. I liked the story, but it felt too modern. The phrasing sounded much like something someone would say today. I don't expect to read old English but it should feel like I am in that time period. It didn't have a lot of strong details by the end of the story I didn't know what the characters looked like (in fact I am not sure they were described at all in the beginning) other than Gavin was missing a hand which was referred to a lot. Overall, the story was good, but I've read better like the North Kingdom by Jordan N. Danniels and Pirates by Celia Rees.

Terrific historical fiction.......2006-06-06

When I picked up The Blood Red Horse a year ago, I did not know what to expect. I found myself dropped into the world of The Crusades and cheering for three young people caught up in those turbulent times.

Green Jasper continues the story of Will and Gavin De Granville and the heiress, Ellie. Home from the Crusades, Gavin is uneasily settling in as the new lord of the manor. The loss of his arm is difficult to handle. His younger brother, Will, has been gifted a title and lands by King Richard. Although closer to Will from childhood, Ellie has agreed to marry Gavin as they have been betrothed since she was very young. In the middle of the marriage ceremony, she is kidnapped by the vile Constable deScabious. DeScabious is Prince John's man and John is making his move for the throne of England as King Richard has not returned from the Holy Land.

Meanwhile, in Palestine, the dying sultan, Saladin, orders young Kamil to take a message to King Richard. Against his will, he must travel to Europe to find Richard who is a captive in Austria. Richard charges Kamil with a new mission, to take the news that he is still living to the DeGranville brothers as their loyalty to the king is certain.

Loyalty and the bonds of brotherhood between kin and between cultures set the stage for the action that follows. The throne of England and their lives are at risk. As a stranger in Europe, where will Kamil's loyalties lie? Hosanna, the amazing horse trained by Will and briefly owned by Kamil will have a role to play.

Grant richly evokes the times but the history never overwhelms the story. I have truly enjoyed reading these books.

Yes!.......2006-05-25

This is an excellent sequel to The Blood Red Horse! It was great fun for my children and me to read it to one another. There is so much excitement. It keeps you anticipating on each page!

Average customer rating:

Easter at Our House
P. K. Hallinan
Manufacturer: Ideals Children's Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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I Know Jesus Loves Me
I'm Thankful Each Day

ASIN: 0824955528

Book Description

Here is the traditional family Easter day as Little P.K. and his sister rise early and look for colored eggs hidden throughout the house. Then the whole family heads to the park for Easter sunrise service and a special baptism service in the park's creek. Here is the Easter messge of Christ is risen.

Coolies (Asian Pacific American Award for Literature. Children's and Young Adult. Honorable Mention (Awards))

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Asians in America
Historic Story of Early Chinese-Americans
Elliott at Ashley River Creative Arts El.
Richmond from Ashley River Creative Arts El.
Branden From Ashley River Creative Arts El.charle

Coolies (Asian Pacific American Award for Literature. Children's and Young Adult. Honorable Mention (Awards))
Yin
Manufacturer: Philomel
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Ten Mile Day: And the Building of the Transcontinental Railroad
Brothers
Railroad Fever: Building the Transcontinental Railroad 1830-1870 (Crossroads America)
So Far from the Sea
Landed

ASIN: 0399232273

Book Description

When Shek and little Wong journey to America in 1865, they have work! Along with hundreds of other Chinese, the brothers are going to help build a great railroad across the West. But as days grow into months, Shek and Wong endure more than they could have imagined-bleeding hands, blasting dynamite, and treacherous avalanches. For very little pay. Are they being treated this way because of their almond-shaped eyes-because they are coolies?

Inspired by actual events in the history of the American railroad, Coolies reveals the harsh truth about life for thousands of Chinese laborers, while it celebrates the love and loyalty between two brothers who were determined not only to survive, but to succeed.

Customer Reviews:

Asians in America.......2007-01-30

My first inclination when I saw the title COOLIES was offensive, but as I read the book, I thought how appropriate the title was. I applaud the publisher and author for reminding us of the truth about the Chinese's struggle for dignity and equal rights. The illustrations are luminous and complimentary to the text. I appreciated the artist's attention to detail all the while capturing the human spirit and struggles of early Chinese life in America. This is a must have book for all libraries to include as part of Asian studies. Asians must owe it to the Chinese (especially the Cantonese) whose sacrifices paved the way for all Asians living comfortably in this country today.

Historic Story of Early Chinese-Americans.......2003-10-25

Delightful story of two young boys who leave China and travel to US to earn money to send home. It begins because a grandmother is trying to teach her grandson the importance of honoring their ancestors.

The story is told by the young boys as they take us on the voyage, into the work camps and show us a glimpse of the predujices they faced in America.

It shows of the love the two boys have for each other and how they sacrifice to see to each others needs during this hard time. In spite of what they face, the boys remain optimistic.

The illustrations are beautiful.

Elliott at Ashley River Creative Arts El........2002-01-18

I think it is a great book that I think everyone should read. It was a great story that had good detail and had awesome illustrations that go really good with the book. I also think that the railroad was a great Place for the two of the characters to work at all through the story.

Richmond from Ashley River Creative Arts El........2001-12-07

I give this book 5 stars because it has beautiful illustrations. The pictures look life like.

Branden From Ashley River Creative Arts El.charle.......2001-12-04

The part I like about Coolies was when they went to put the dynamite on the edge of the cliff. Chris Sentpient is my favorite Illustrator because he writes good book. I gave you 5 stars.

The Dodge Brothers: The Men, The Motor Cars, And The Legacy (Great Lakes Books)

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Must Read Automotive History

The Dodge Brothers: The Men, The Motor Cars, And The Legacy (Great Lakes Books)
Charles K. Hyde
Manufacturer: Wayne State University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Riding the Roller Coaster: A History of the Chrysler Corporation (Great Lakes Books)
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The People's Tycoon: Henry Ford and the American Century

ASIN: 0814332463

Book Description

The first comprehensive biography of John and Horace Dodge and the history of their company, Dodge Brothers.

Customer Reviews:

Must Read Automotive History.......2006-04-23

This book is truly a must-read gem. It is the first academic book about the Dodge Brothers. Though it has many in-depth footnotes the book is absolutely readable and tells a nice story all in around 200 pages. It is perfect for the professor of history or the person just curious about Detroit or automotive history. The book is also full of great photos: images showing the brothers, their families, the cars and the plants where they were built.

I, who know a lot about the Dodge Brothers and the Dodge Families, was surprised at what I did not know and what I learned from this book. Mr. Hyde puts to rest many rumors and brings to light much new information which is important to the history of car manufacturing in Detroit. Most importantly he shows how the Dodge Brothers supplied Ford with engines and all the mechanical parts for his first `Ford' cars. Without the Dodges there would probably have never been a successful Ford. Then the Brothers turned to making their own car. Built with honesty and care the firm's cars became known as a solid and dependable. They were true innovators. When they both died in 1920 the company was on top of the world. A few years later the widow's of the Brothers sold the company for $146 million. And again a few years later it was sold again to Walter Chrysler, and is still today an important part of DaimlerChrysler

The Dodge Brothers were an amazing team and built an amazing company from sheer hard work and honesty, the true American Dream! It is surprising that it took so long for someone to write about them.

Key words: John Dodge, Horace Dodge, Anna Thomson Dodge, Matilda Dodge, Meadow Brook Hall, Rose Terrace, Hamtramck, Chrysler, Detroit, automotive, cars

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