My Secret: A PostSecret Book (Postsecret)

Amazon.com

At the beginning of 2005, Frank Warren launched a new blog called PostSecret as an experiment in community art, inviting strangers to mail him anonymous postcards that made art out of their innermost secrets and then posting a selection of the cards every week on his blog. Within a year, his blog was one of the five most popular in the world, and his first book, PostSecret, was one of the surprise bestsellers of 2005. My Secret is his second book, a collection of cards from teens and college students--none of which has been shown on the website--that carries the same emotional power and creativity that have made Warren's project a phenomenon.

We are featuring seven postcards from the book here: see two of them on this page, and click on the numbers below to see five more.

Click on the numbers below to see five more postcards from My Secret

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Book Description

Postsecret.com founder Frank Warren is back with a fresh and compelling companion to his wildly popular Los Angeles Times bestseller, PostSecret. For My Secret, a collectible, paper-over-board book that includes a page of vibrant, decorative stickers, Warren has personally selected never-before-seen anonymous postcards created by teens and college students from across the country. Each card bears an intimate and powerful secret—at turns inspirational, shocking, hilarious, and poetic—that is told through original illustrations, photographs, collages, and other creative means. Sample messages include:

"I am avoiding you because you are socially below me."
"I know the truth to the lie my parents tell... "
"My friends think I was homeschooled. I spent high school in juvi."

A unique and important book that will appeal to both young adults and their parents, My Secret offers a raw and revealing glimpse into the real lives of today's teens and twentysomethings. Choosing their own handmade postcards over email or text messages, teens and college students express their hopes, fears, and wildest confessions in a way that truly represents their diverse personalities and voices.

Customer Reviews:

My Secret.......2007-09-21

This book is classic, just like all of the other PostSecret Books. A must have for the PostSecret collector. You are not alone.

It is nice to know others have secrets!.......2007-09-14

What a really cool way to express yourself! I know for a fact that letting go of a secret makes life a little easier sometimes...and to have the opportunity to see what others have let go of is pretty neat. I wish it were longer!

Inspiration.......2007-08-23

This is an fascinating book filled with people's deepest secrets. It's beautiful to be able to open it, and feel as if hundreds of people have poured their hearts and creativity onto the pages. It's a thrill when you come across a secret and applies to you as well, makes you realize you aren't alone. Visually appealing, along with being the best kind of memoir, this book is a must have along with the other post secret books.

Love it; wish i could share it.......2007-07-18

I've done it a million times, but I still love flipping through this book and reading the secrets. I only wish that it was all "school appropriate" so I could share it with my students. Power points will have to suffice until they come out with a PG edition. Sadly unlikely...

Awesome Idea...tons of fun to read!.......2007-07-17

I love post secret and the person i gave the gift to also loves post secret! Its a great gift idea and tons of fun for everyone!

The Spy Wore Red: My Adventures as as Undercover Agent in World War II

Average customer rating:

Amazing autobiography
Great books
A counterfeit spy
Fascinating Page-Turner
A Spanish teacher recommends "The Spy Wore Red"...to ALL!

The Spy Wore Red: My Adventures as as Undercover Agent in World War II
Aline Countess Romanones
Manufacturer: Random House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Europe | History | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0394556658
Release Date: 1987-05-12

Customer Reviews:

Amazing autobiography.......2007-06-12

Aline, Countess of Romanos has written a spectacular book. I had to keep reminding myself that I was reading an autobiography and not a work of fiction. Aline is an agent for the OSS during World War II. She blends into Spanish high society and manages to complete her mission and introduce the reader to the thrills and chills of being an undercover agent. She also gives us a glimpse of Spanish Aristocracy, bull fighting and the inner workings of a nineteen year olds dilemma of befriending people who may be targets of her investigation. I have read all of her books but like this one the best. It is full of action, drama, and even a touch of romance. I have recommended it to all of my friends.

Great books.......2007-03-20

I have purchased 4 books by Aline Romanos. I absolutely love them. The fact that there is truth behind the story and that she really was an upper-class lady as well as a spy excites me. I find myself wishing I lived an adventurous life. She has a talent when it comes to recreating her life and exploits. I could not put it down!

A counterfeit spy.......2006-01-28

The most respected historian in the field of espionage, Nigel West, studied all of Aline's spy books marketed as nonfiction and concluded "...all four of Aline's books should be regarded as fiction, and nothing more..." Read "Counterfeit Spies, Chapter 3, by Nigel West, 1998.

Fascinating Page-Turner.......2005-01-13

Written like a fiction novel, this factual, first-person account of a young woman spy during World War II is absolutely enthralling. You'll get a first-hand look into what it's like to be recruited and trained as a spy, then go on your first assignment, mingling with the highest Spanish society while secretly risking your life to uncover essential Axis secrets. The characters in the novel are rich and compelling, and you never know what's going to happen next to the protagonist/ingenue Aline.

I read this book in the '80s and have remembered it ever since. I finally found it again and reread it. It's just as fascinating now as it was then.

The only drawback: If you read at night, you won't get much sleep because this book is nearly impossible to put down.

A Spanish teacher recommends "The Spy Wore Red"...to ALL!.......2004-04-29

Reading and re-reading The Spy Wore Red is a wonderful experience! Most of your other reviewers agree, but there are two aspects they seem to miss: the richness of Spanish cultural information and the possibility of a change in role for women. Aline Griffiths is bright, well educated, and departs from traditional women's work to lead a daring, adventurous, downright-dangerous job.

As a Spanish teacher, I have recommended The Spy Wore Red to my high school students for years. Several students who later spent their college junior year in Spain have come back to tell me how much this book meant to them and how much more they appreciated it following their sojourn there. They could catch glimpses of the old Spain in the new, simply because they had read this thriller.

Book Description

Lauren's pony Twilight changes into a unicorn when she whispers the magic words. The only catch is that Lauren has to keep it a secret or she could put Twilight in great danger. When Lauren's friend Tilly runs away, she and Twilight know they can help. But they need unicorn magic to find her. Will they be able to rescue Tilly without the news of Twilight's hidden powers getting out?

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful Series.......2006-04-02

My 9 year old daughter loves this series of books. We got this one through the Scholastic book club at school and she has quickly read through 4 other My Secret Unicorn books. I would recommend reading them in order though as they make more sense that way. The text is in bigger print and the chapters are a good size for kids her age. All in all, we have enjoyed these books and highly recommend them!!

Average customer rating:

Excellent
Great for the 7 to tweens and parents.
There will always be bullies; learning to cope with them is key
Helped my Shy Daughter.
My Secret Bully

My Secret Bully
Trudy Ludwig
Manufacturer: Tricycle Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1582461597

Book Description

When Monica's friend Katie begins to call her names and humiliate her in front of other kids at school, she feels betrayed and isolated. But with help from her mother, Monica reclaims her confidence from a bully disguised as her friend. This wonderful resource for children, parents, teachers, and counselors includes helpful tips, discussion questions, and additional information for any child who has experienced relational aggression.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent.......2007-07-24

This book talks about the bully who is supposed to be a friend. It should be read to the students a couple of times a year.

Great for the 7 to tweens and parents........2007-05-19

This is a must read. I'm buying this as a gift for my daughter's first grade teacher.

There will always be bullies; learning to cope with them is key.......2007-01-22

When my 6 year old daughter broke down and told me that some girls in her first grade class were not being nice to her, the first thing that I did was cry. When I finally could talk about it, I told her teacher from Kindergarten who lent me her copy of My Secret Bully. My daughter and I read it over and over again. We talked about the similarities between her situation and Monica's. She was surprised and relieved to realize that she was not the only person who had a "friend" who suddenly was not very nice to her. She asked me to share it with her teacher, which I did while we were discussing what was occuring in my daughter's classroom. I gave her a copy of the book (and also a copy to head of the lower school).
She read it to the class and they discussed it. It took some intervention on my part and the part of the school to stop the unkind behavior, but throughout the process, my daughter slept with My Secret Bully at the foot of her bed. Three months later, I still see her pick it up and read it from time to time. There will always be bullies, but my hope is that My Secret Bully will help her to cope now and in the years ahead.

Helped my Shy Daughter........2007-01-12

Well I have an assertive daughter and a shy daughter who was letting her "friend" bully her the way that girls do. This helped my daughter understand that you don't need to feel bad all of the time when you have a real friend. I would say that I am glad that I added this book to my library and have lent it to 1 of my other friends.

My Secret Bully.......2007-01-11

Just a good book to read to the girls to see how talking about somebody can hurt you and them..

Average customer rating:

My Secret Unicorn Series

Dreams Come True (My Secret Unicorn)
Linda Chapman
Manufacturer: Scholastic Paperbacks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0439813832

Book Description

Lauren's pony Twilight changes into a unicorn when she whispers the magic words, but Lauren must keep this a secret or it could put Twilight in great danger. When Lauren learns that her friend Mel's pony can't jump, she wants to help. Shadow is afraid, so Lauren and Twilight visit him secretly and use Twilight's magic to give Shadow the confidence to begin to overcome his fear. Then one night a powerful storm leaves Mel and Shadow trapped in a barn, when lightning strikes. Will Shadow be brave enough to save them both?

Customer Reviews:

My Secret Unicorn Series.......2007-03-09

I ordered this as a surprise for my 7 yr old daughter. She loved it and could not put it down. We have since ordered the rest of the books in this series and look forward to reading them.

White Tigers: My Secret War in North Korea (Ausa Institute of Land Warfare Book.)

Average customer rating:

A story long un-told
Excellent Book -- 40+Years in Coming
Cloak and dagger in the Korean conflict

White Tigers: My Secret War in North Korea (Ausa Institute of Land Warfare Book.)
Ben S. Malcom , and Ron Martz
Manufacturer: Brassey's Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Military & Spies | Professionals & Academics | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Military | History | Subjects | Books

Intelligence & Espionage | Military | History | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 1574880160

Book Description

Operating from a clandestine camp on an island off western North Korea, Army Lt. Ben Malcom coordinated the intelligence activities of eleven partisan battalions, including the famous White Tigers. With Malcom’s experiences as its focus, White Tigers examines all aspects of guerrilla activities in Korea. This exciting memoir makes an important contribution to the history of special operations.

Customer Reviews:

A story long un-told.......2006-03-05

In the world of foreign military advisors, Ben Malcom's name is not a household word in comparison to Joe Stilwell, John Glubb, Edward Lansdale, and, of course, T E Lawrence. His short memoir of life with North Korean guerrillas during the Korean War deserves to be read along with those of his more famous colleages.

Ben Malcom was trained as a traditional military officer, but was thrust into a highly unusual role as an advisor to a small group of North Korean guerrillas fighting against the North Korean government. Until the 1990s, the missions the so-called White Tigers undertook were still classified. While their contribution to the overall war effort can be disputed, Malcom's lessons cannot be ignored for what they teach us about the US Army and its abiding discomfort with non-traditional warfare.

Malcom demonstrates convincingly that the US Army forgot many of the lessons derived from working with partisan forces from Burma to Greece to France during the Second World War. Those lessons would have proved invaluable to young Lieutenant Malcom as he took on a role he was not trained for, but for which he demonstrated great aptitude. His book takes us from his ROTC days, to instructor at Fort Knox, through his time in Korea, and finally to Vietnam, where he experienced a nasty case of de ja vue. His memoir is short, but exciting and written with great verve.

Much has been written about the current conflict in Iraq and how the the US military is adapting to re-learn the lessons it forgot after Vietnam about insurgency, counter-insurgency, and partisan warfare. Many authors have applauded the adaptability of the US military; Malcom's book is a cautionary tale that shows we have been down this path before and failed to institutionalize the lessons of previous conflict. For that alone, his memoir is worth the price.

Excellent Book -- 40+Years in Coming.......1999-06-14

(Note: Part of the details furnished here are based on my discussions with the author shortly after White Tigers was originally released)

First, I'll have to say I'm a bit prejudiced toward Ben Malcom. COL Ben Malcom was the post commander at Fort McPherson, Georgia in the late 70's and I commanded his military police company. In fact, Ben was instrumental in my career -- first he allowed me to command a company as a first lieutenant, something his predecessor would not do. Second, he literally pushed my application for a regular army commission through and made sure it was approved. Ben is a true gentleman and was a fine Army officer.

On to the book. White Tigers recounts Ben's story, from ROTC to the Infantry, and shortly after his commission, to Korea. Ben was scheduled to be a rifle platoon leader in Korea, but was somewhat randomly selected to train North Korean partisans --- behind enemy lines. What was so remarkable about Ben's selection is that he is over 6', has no oriental features, and did not speak Korean.

Ben found himself behind enemy lines where he trained a battalion-size North Korean force, and managed to get to the mainland on more than one occasion to recruit and do combat -- where he was awarded the Silver Star.

My favorite portion of the book is Ben recounting how he left Korea after a year wearing the Silver Star, but no combat patch (his unit did not have patch) and no combat infantryman's badge (his unit was not recognized as a line infantry unit that qualified for the CIB). When Ben reported in to his next unit, his superiors asked how it was that he was wearing a silver star, but no combat patch or CIB. Ben's answer: "I'm sorry, I can't disclose that because it's classified."

And Ben's operations were classified -- in fact, for more than 40 years. Ben had started a book in the mid-50s, but terminated his efforts because of the classification of the operations in which he was involved. Once the operations were declassified in the early 90s, Ben dusted off his 40-year old manuscript, which served as the basis for White Tigers.

I will have to say that White Tigers is not an accomplished thriller -- however, what it is is a fine personal account of Ben's exploits in a very unusual operation. Many of the activities that Ben was involved in -- and many that he directed ad lib due to the lack of training and doctrine --have become the basis of some special operations today.

Ben deserves a huge well done for an outstanding effort in documenting a very unusual experience. I would highly recommend his work.

Charles D. Childers Colonel, US Army

Cloak and dagger in the Korean conflict.......1997-10-16

This is an interesting addition to the military history collection. The book is an account of indigent intelligence gathering and sabotage operations behind the lines in North Korea. A few U.S. Army Officers and Enlisted men were tabbed as advisors to assist North Korean nationals in the disruption of the Communist forces north of the DMZ. For the most part well written, the narrative is most worthy by demonstrating the reluctance, if not downright obstructionism shown by senior Army members toward unconventional warfare in this period. The young officers selected for the mission generally had little if any training or background for the job and were given minimal support. A good accounting of the initiative and ingenuity of our young college grads when thrown in a difficult position.

The Internet Escort's Handbook Book 1: The Foundation

Average customer rating:

They WILL publish anything!
Highly recommended
So you want to get started?
highly educational
Wonderful!!

The Internet Escort's Handbook Book 1: The Foundation
Amanda Brooks
Manufacturer: Golden Girl Press, LLC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Perfect Paperback
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ASIN: 0978094409
Release Date: 2006-10-16

Product Description

Most people are curious; what is it like to work as an escort? According to numerous sex surveys, one of women's top fantasies is to be paid for sex. But escort work is not as simple as money for sex. Brooks, a former escort, has written a myth-exploding examination of what escort work requires from the escort while creating an honest and humane vision of a mysterious, maligned business.

The book is not a recruitment tool because the job is not for everyone. The Foundation is a reference written to create a realistic awareness of the pitfalls and bonuses of escort work for current and future escorts, as well as the curious public. Ultimately, safe and sane escort work leads to happier, healthier escorts. (And happy escorts make for happy clients.)

Customer Reviews:

They WILL publish anything!.......2007-09-17

This purchase was a way to delve into the lifestyle of an escort, since they've been involved in many sexual scandals lately. I wanted to find the value and thrill these men in the public eye have found in their encounters with these women. This was bought and read with an open mind, truly no expectations. I read it as a professional business woman, a mother, a wife, a daughter and a sexual and sensual being. There were some interesting revelations and candid discussions which opened my eyes to situations I was ignorant of. Her words were biting and cut-throat at times, but as she claims, it's about business not emotions. Kudos! However, I felt that it read like a chapter book for a 3rd grader, it was condescending, drab and simply not very well written. Granted this wasn't aiming to become the next literary accomplishment, but I just expect more from a book if someone, somewhere, felt it was worthy enough to publish. Interesting read, not certain that it would do to much to help anyone who MAY want to break into this field. It seems that the basic business information she provides is common sense to begin with.

Highly recommended.......2007-08-17

The Internet Escort's Handbook is truly a well thought out book written n in a holistic matter by an ex escort for all girls who are currently working in the industry, keen or curious about entering the industry. It gives an insight of what it is and what goes on in this industry; asks a lot of provocative questions; provides useful tips. I would strongly recommend this as the ONE resource you should read. I can't wait for the other books in this series to be out.

So you want to get started?.......2007-08-11

Thought the book by Amanda Brooks was well put together. Gives you ideas of what you need to do if you chose to go into the business. But, it does not stop there. Need to go to Book 2 which is not available yet. I do recommend the book for starters.

highly educational.......2007-07-05

This is not a sex book. The style is simple and direct. there are lots of very interesting topics. I loved the part about "taking care of physical appearance". This does apply to women in general, not only escort business. The part about protecting yourself from STD is a little paranoiac but since this job is exposed to high risks, it is good to know what the risks are. I would recommend this book for all women and men (even if this is mostly for a women audience), curious about this underground world. It is more about the facts and the technical aspect than about the morality, although the author mentions the psychological part and the fact that it often leads to a double life. This book is intended to be a how to guide, but it can be read for entertainment only as well. I am a married man and I have more respect for these women after reading this book. They are normal women, often educated and running a home business, with all the administrative part of it.

Wonderful!!.......2007-06-19

I have to say that Ms. Brooks hit it on the head! This book is a perfect read for anyone that was interested in this line of work, how and where to start! She dispels the myths of drug addicted, sexual abused women are the only ones in this profession. She gives common sense answers to questions that the average person may not have thought of! Gracious and beautifully written, this book pays homage to the women that have gone before and prepared the foundation. It sheds light on the facts (and fictions), gives hope and laughter to anyone who reads this book. This book is not for everyone, but for everyone who is privy to it, it is a joy to read! I truly enjoyed it!

Average customer rating:

An enjoyable teen read, but certainly not Plum-Ucci's best
Don't bother
An intricate mystery filled with shocking surprises and memorable characters
Courtesy of Teens Read Too
The first-person story is realistic and compelling.

The Night My Sister Went Missing
Carol Plum-Ucci
Manufacturer: Harcourt Children's Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0152047581

Book Description

A tiny pistol, passed from friend to friend at a party on an abandoned pier, suddenly fires, and Casey Carmody falls into the water below. Kurt, Casey's older brother, endures a seemingly endless night at the police station while the coast guard searches for his sister and his friends are questioned, one by one.

Who was foolish enough to pull the trigger? Was the gunfire accidental or deliberate? Or was the whole drama one of Casey's practical jokes? And where is Casey--or her body--now?

Dark secrets are revealed and petty jealousies rear their ugly heads as each eyewitness comes to the questioning room with his or her own version of "the truth."

Customer Reviews:

An enjoyable teen read, but certainly not Plum-Ucci's best.......2007-07-30

The night Kurt Carmody's sister went missing was like any other island dune party when the parents were out of town. The usual crowd of year-round islanders were on the burned out pier horsing around and tossing back a few beers, Troubled rich kid Stacey Kearny brought a glamorously tiny pistol to the beach, and after it had gone through a dozen hands, the pistol went off, and Casey Carmody was suddenly no longer on the pier. With no splash.

Carol Plum-Ucci's fourth YA novel is set in a single night in the island town of Mystic. Kurt is a hostage at the police station, waiting for his parents to return on the soonest fight out of Los Angeles. The small town detectives haven't mastered their new interview room, so Kurt and his best friend Drew can hear the stories of every kid who makes a statement to the police. A web of island secrets and family tensions unfolds in the late-night interviews.

The story is a decent thriller with shifting, just-out-of-reach villains, but the book pales in comparison to Plum-Ucci's What Happened to Lani Garver. Many of the supporting characters are one-dimensional props used to repeat Plum-Ucci's familiar themes about high school cliques and stereotypes. Our narrator is wrestling with college decisions on that evening at the pier, and the book weakly delivers an epiphany about career choices in the final chapter.

Don't bother.......2007-07-09

A sloppy re-hash of Plum-Ucci's other books. The (annoying) narrative voice is almost identical to that in The Body of Christopher Creed. The story of a missing teen is a repeat. And all the heavy-handed themes of popularity and cliquishness are also right out of her other, better novels. Not to mention that the narrative device that allows the main character to listen in on police interviews is ridiculous.

An intricate mystery filled with shocking surprises and memorable characters.......2007-01-05

Kurt Carmody and his sister Casey are at a party on the pier, breaking lots of rules while their parents are out of town. When Casey disappears after a gunshot is heard, Kurt is left to spend the night at the police station, trying to figure out what happened. Everyone thinks they know and are happy to point fingers. Secrets, and much more, are uncovered about the Mystic Marvels, the insulated group that Kurt and Casey hang out with on the island.

No one has discovered a body, so where is Casey? Kurt finds a place to sit and wait at the station, and is able to hear some of the police interviews with other teens from the party. At 17, Kurt had gone to the party having doubts about heading to the Naval Academy. He had argued the night before with his 15-year-old sister about her older boyfriend, Mark Stern. So Kurt was separated from Casey at the pier, busy talking to a geeky kid who seemed to be happy with a set future.

Casey loved pranks. An accomplished diver, she joked lots of times about diving off the pier. So how come no one can find her? Kurt thinks back to the gun that was passed around. It was small enough to be a toy, and no one seems to know whose it was or where it is now.

Several teens think Stacey Kearny is involved. She is a bit of an outsider who has done kind things. But now she is Mark Stern's ex-girlfriend, is rumored to be pregnant, and was heard screaming when Casey disappeared. She is also supposed to have a big crush on Kurt, who grows tired of all the rumors and goes down to help the search.

His Naval Academy sweatshirt washes up, with a clean hole through it, but no blood. He finds Stacey also looking for Casey, who admits she purchased the gun. As each person speaks, Kurt begins to see what no one else can --- that there is more than one victim, and a lot more to Stacey than anyone realizes.

THE NIGHT MY SISTER WENT MISSING has all the suspense and drama of a locked-room mystery. Everyone observed the gun, but no one really saw anything. Carol Plum-Ucci, author of the award-winning THE BODY OF CHRISTOPHER CREED, has crafted an intricate mystery filled with shocking surprises and characters whom readers will remember for a long time.

--- Reviewed by Amy Alessio

Courtesy of Teens Read Too.......2006-12-19

Carol Plum-Ucci is a phenomenal writer who mixes elements of thrillers, mysteries, and problem novels with great success. In her latest, THE NIGHT MY SISTER WENT MISSING, she covers familiar territory from earlier novels without costing the story a suspenseful edge or satisfying conclusion. With her usual cast of sympathetic characters, readers are drawn into the story and feel as if they have a stake in the outcome.

The narrator, Kurt Carmody, learns the details of his sister's disappearance while eavesdropping on an interrogation room at police headquarters. Although there were many people there when Casey Carmody vanished, including Kurt himself, each witness' testimony is limited by personal bias against the main suspect, Stacy Kearn. Stacy and her father appear to be guilty of several crimes as well as an assortment of inappropriate personality quirks. Yet readers are wise not to rush to judgment in the story. No one and nothing is as it appears, neither those under suspicion for Casey's disappearance nor those who rush to help her and claim innocence. Like her earlier novels, particularly The Body of Christopher Creed and What Happened to Lani Garver, Plum-Ucci creates a realistic sense of community guilt for the mysterious, tragic events in the lives of teenagers. Those who are viewed as outsiders and are made to feel unwelcome suffer for the intolerance of others. This message rings through the novels closing chapters without overpowering the reader.

As in previous novels, the author tackles community myths and legends in order to show that there's usually a logical reason behind so-called paranormal events. Although the ghost of a suicide victim is given short-play in this novel, this subplot is engaging enough to leave the reader in doubt about the nature of Casey's disappearance until the novel's conclusion. There may be no better mystery writer in today's market for maintaining tension without sacrificing realistic endings than Ms. Plum-Ucci.

Five stars. Highly recommended.

Reviewed by: Mark Frye, author and reviewer

The first-person story is realistic and compelling........2006-12-10

Carol Plum-Ucci's THE NIGHT MY SISTER WENT MISSING will also reach ages 12 and older with a riveting story: this about playing with a gun, a vanished sister, and a brother's investigation of what really happened that night. The first-person story is realistic and compelling.

My Secret Unicorn A Special Friend (My Secret Unicorn)

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My Secret Unicorn A Special Friend (My Secret Unicorn)

Manufacturer: Scholastic
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0439701244

My Secret War: The World War II Diary of Madeline Beck, Long Island, New York 1941 (Dear America Series)

Average customer rating:

My Secret War rReview
What I thought of My Sedret War
Perfect for WWII unit study
My Secret War
Great book!!!

My Secret War: The World War II Diary of Madeline Beck, Long Island, New York 1941 (Dear America Series)
Mary Pope Osborne
Manufacturer: Scholastic
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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

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ASIN: 0439555124

Customer Reviews:

My Secret War rReview.......2007-03-16

"The navy regrets to tell you that our husband lieutenant commander David Beck has been critically wounded...we will furnish more details when available..." This was the telegram that Maddie Beck and her mother got from the U.S. navy. The K3F, her and her friends' war aid club, hadn't been enough to stop her dad's injury. The stress of being a tweenager with a father in World War Two was on Maddie's shoulders, and she managed to handle it. Though she had to leave her boyfriend and her life in Long Island, New York, Maddie's father was okay, and she later married her junior-high school sweetheart. Straight-forward and attention-grabbing, My Secret War was a great diary-form book to read.

It was pleasurable to be able to predict in part what was going to happen. Before the telegram reached Mrs. Hawkins's Mansion-by-the-Sea, I was anticipating that Maddie's father would die, and though he didn't, I was partly right because a telegram told them he was hurt. I also predicted that the "Coast Guard" who caught Maddie on the beach at night were really Nazis. It kept me on the edge of my seat, however, when Johnny told Maddie that he didn't really like Maxine, head of the Star Points-the popular girls-when I assumed that he liked her and not Maddie.

The author did an exquisite job of making Maddie look real through things like Maddie trying to break the habit of biting her nails or the feelings that she wrote in the diary. It was realistic that telling Johnny off would help her feel better, because people often feel that way when they are upset and blow off some steam on other people. Even when she kissed Johnny days before she left for California to see her dad, she needed a tissue and had to stop, which I found very real at the same time as humorous.

One component that made this book so effortless to read was the short chapters. Because they were usually only about a paragraph, you could read one in a spare minute, unlike other books whose chapters take at least ten minutes. Also, as well as the history, there was romance and drama so that the book wasn't completely obsolete and boring. The aspect of the book being the diary of a girl around the age of the book's targeted audience made you understand the way she was thinking so that you could understand and enjoy the book.

My Secret War allowed me to view history in a more nonchalant and less snore-intriguing way. The excellent unity between characters such as Johnny and Maddie, though their main topic of conversation was war, and the clever workings of the author's mind wove a magnificent story for its readers. Nazis working on Long Island were foiled by Johnny and Maddie, tin cans were collected left and right, and doggone it was the phrase of the day. It is definitely a five-star book.

What I thought of My Sedret War.......2006-12-19

I had to read this book, called My Secret War, for a US History book report. At first I chose this book because I noticed that is was on World War II. I have always been pretty interested in World War II because I know people that served in the army forces during it. As I began reading this book, it wasn't my very favorite. Once i got into it though, I thought that it was interesting and my opinion filp flopped. It is about a young teenage girl, and her life when her dad is sent to fight in the war as a Navy Commander, and how she and her mother deal with the compications of their lives. This book was written as a diary , and I found it easy to realate to because of the same age factor. I liked, and would recommend this book to any student around the ages twelve to about fourteen, because it is easy to understand due to the perspective that it is written in.

Perfect for WWII unit study.......2006-12-11

I let my children read these types of books for our unit studies. They bring them into history quite well.

My Secret War.......2006-05-10

I read the book My Secret War. This book is great. It is funny and exciting because you never know what's going to happen. I learned some interesting facts, and they are unbelieveable. I learned that all the contries fought in WWII. Madeline Beck's dad was in the war, but he got wounded in the war. I would recommend this book for three reasons. One is that you can look in the back of the book for amazing pictures. It's also interesting to read. The last one that you can learn about WWII. My Secret War is an amazing book.

Great book!!!.......2006-04-16

I loved "My secret war" by Mary Pope Osborne. I enjoyed reading about 13-year-old Madeline who was a lot like me. If I had actually met Madeline in person, we could become friends. I like World War 2 a lot because I know about the Holocaust. This book was very good but rushed in some ways. I liked the fact that Maxine and the popular girls were SO drama-queenish it is like girls today. You should read this book it was very good.

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