The Guideposts edition is a collection of two of Stepahnie's books about animals and how they are important and healing in our lives. Foreward by DoriThe Guideposts edition is a collection of two of Stepahnie's books about animals and how they are important and healing in our lives. Foreward by Doris Day. "This book is a collection of true stories about animals who have displayed the sort of love and humanity we humans aspire to achieve � not only of dogs, but also of many other animals..." I loved this book. All animals are sacred and have things to teach us about love, survival, kindness, empathy and healing. Here are heroes, healers, angels, friends, empaths, unconditional love-giving, loyal, selfless, wondrous friends; and occasionally a human who recognized this and saved them. Some animals gave their lives for the human, or ignored great peril to save them. Some just gave love, and that was enough. If you are curious about animals, or love animals, or believe, as I do, that they are angels, you'll want to read this book....more
If I could give this book 10 stars I would. I Love, love, love this book. Ann Batterson's writing is like poetry, and you travel with her as she sets If I could give this book 10 stars I would. I Love, love, love this book. Ann Batterson's writing is like poetry, and you travel with her as she sets out on her journey. Her book could have been another "Eat, Pray, Love:" book, but it is oh so much more. I thought the latter was very self-centered and whiney. This book is a universe away from that. Not sure how she does that, as it is about her journey, yet it is a universal journey and you may find yourself in it (I did). Why have I not heard more about this talented writer? If you are a bird-watcher, bird lover or nature lover, if you find spirituality in nature, if you feel there is more to life than the internet and television, then you will find this book as awesome as I did. Ann goes off by herself in an old blue bus to follow the migration of birds across the country. Along the way she meets herself, and meets her soul. I encourage you to find and read this wonderful book. I want to read it again and again, and plan to do so at least yearly....more
I'd have enjoyed this book far more if I were an engineer or scientist, and if there were fewer characters (54+) and fewer time changes. I was more thI'd have enjoyed this book far more if I were an engineer or scientist, and if there were fewer characters (54+) and fewer time changes. I was more than halfway through the book before I took a day to figure who was in which time frame, and what happened to who.
I gave it 4 stars instead of three because after all it is a Pern Book. The author, Anne's son, is a aerospace engineer, so I have to forgive him for the heavy reliance on science. I guess I am more of a fantasy buff than a sci-fi reader.
The dragons are wonderful and the characters too. Just hard to keep track of. For thse of you brave enough, or smart enough, to read this, it covers two time periods on Pern: First Fall, After Landing (AL) 59-58 and Third Pass 508-509 AL. The chapters mostly go back and forth, every other. A plague is involved, some villains, and some mystery. Never did really figure out who or what caused the plague.
Quiet, intoxicating tales of revelation and woe evoke beauty from darkness, magic without manipulation, and memory without remorse--liner notes from AQuiet, intoxicating tales of revelation and woe evoke beauty from darkness, magic without manipulation, and memory without remorse--liner notes from Avon Bard edition. I couldn't agree more. His writing is poetic and takes my breath away....more
I've hear dof this book over and over, but had not set down to read it. The copy I had was by Jean Fischer (retelling the tale). The original by FrancI've hear dof this book over and over, but had not set down to read it. The copy I had was by Jean Fischer (retelling the tale). The original by Frances Hodgson Burnett. This was a lovely book and I finished it in one reading. The cover says "A book about the value of joy." It is also about friendship, loneliness, loss, grieving, caring, and having a "secret" with someone else. All comes to good in the end � positive attitudes do work....more
A delightful book with wonderful illustrations by Mary Barrett Brown about the great horned owl. "Strikingly lifelike illustrations of owls flying, huA delightful book with wonderful illustrations by Mary Barrett Brown about the great horned owl. "Strikingly lifelike illustrations of owls flying, hunting, courting, or feeding their helpless babies depict their character from all sides." (jacket). Barbara Juster Esbenson does an excellent job telling us about all of these things and more. While not dry and clinical, you come away knowing more and with greater appreciation for these wonderful creatures. If read to children they would glean something from it, and certainly from the illustrations. Ages nine to 89 will love it....more
Jean Craighead George tells how she was raised, loving animals and being taught to rescue them. Her childhood home was filled with rescued animals, anJean Craighead George tells how she was raised, loving animals and being taught to rescue them. Her childhood home was filled with rescued animals, and then she tells the stories of all the various and sundry animals she and her children brought home to rescue. The variety is quite impressive, sometimes tender and sometimes amazing. The stories are pretty humorous too. Just imagine that home! Regardless it seemed filled mostly with love, which is rarely a bad thing. There are only four stars because it hurt me to see her children be allowed to bond with the animals they brought home, only to have them torn from them later on, sometimes even years later. However, it seems all turned out to have good and productive lives; perhaps that is the problem when we look at animals as pets, or anthropomorphize them. Love found and lost is certainly something we will encounter in life as we grow. I would always recommend her books though, and this is no exception....more
Another wonderful Scholastic book by Jean Craighead George. She has written over 100 of them, some fiction, and some, like this, a story about the desAnother wonderful Scholastic book by Jean Craighead George. She has written over 100 of them, some fiction, and some, like this, a story about the desert and the flora and fauna that live there. She is able to make the animals individual without giving them names or making them human. You still care about them and enjoy their daily struggles. As before, I highly recommend her books....more
I have loved Jean Craighead George since a friend introduced me to her and "Julie" then "Julie and the Wolves" so I have had this book on my shelf forI have loved Jean Craighead George since a friend introduced me to her and "Julie" then "Julie and the Wolves" so I have had this book on my shelf for some time. I was not disappointed. The story is fun and interesting, but that's not all. Ms. George takes us with Rebecca to find the magical "overbird" her uncle told her about. Along the way, we see the woods through Rebecca's eyes and the many wonders and "magic" it holds. The icing on the cake are the illustrations by Gary Allen. Charcoal drawings accompany almost every page, some of the most wonderful illustrations I have seen. Trying to find him on the internet, or at least other books he has illustrated. At the end of the book are a Bibliography and an Index to encourage further investigation into the woods community. Perfect for 9-90, especially middle school where interests are forming and need nourishment. Fine for younger children too, to be read to them. On to my next Jean Craighead George book. Reread 2021, June...more
Jean Craighead George never disappoints. Here is another Scholastic book that can introduce children and young people to the world of Real animals. JeJean Craighead George never disappoints. Here is another Scholastic book that can introduce children and young people to the world of Real animals. Jean does not anthropomorphize her animals, ever. But she shows the world and its flora and fauna to be as amazing as they are. It is a good reminder to be thankful, present and in wonder at our planet. I keep thinking, reading her books, that some young person will read her books and want to study animals, nature or ecology. If you have a youngster of any any age that shows an interest, Jean's books are for them. Adults most certainly can enjoy them too. I certainly did. Illustrations again are wonderful and plentiful, and a bibliography and index are included....more
The author says it best in an interview: "This is not a science book. It's not even really a bird book. This is a romance -- in the broadest sense -- The author says it best in an interview: "This is not a science book. It's not even really a bird book. This is a romance -- in the broadest sense -- about how I became obsessed with a femme fatale. A falcon. My pilot, George Vose, and I were on a quest, like following the Grail. Our peregrine just mesmerized us. For Vose it was similar to his barnstorming days: flying cross-country without much electronic equipment. We saw what the birds saw, did what they did, fought the same winds, wandered everywhere with them. We shared their puzzlement, their confusion. You can read reams of fact in scientific papers, but that's not the same as living with these creatures, in the air, for months."
However, there Is a ton of information on falcons , birds and wildlife. He also touches on ecology and what is killing off the birds. His writing style is very good and the story enjoyable for the most part. I always have trouble with Nature books and videos because they show the killing and risks for wildlife. It is reality, I know, just not in my world....more
I love, love, loved this book. Although it is only the second book that I actually shed tears over, I knew the ending would be good and soldiered on. I love, love, loved this book. Although it is only the second book that I actually shed tears over, I knew the ending would be good and soldiered on. I love how the author reads the dog's mind, having Bella narrate the entire adventure, for an adventure it is.
This is the reality of a dog's life. Bella was falsely called a pit bull and faced many hardships because of that one idea. Pit bulls, I have one, are not vicious (some of their owners are) but the warmest, gentlest dogs I've ever had. Bella was not a pit bull, but she was a wonderful dog. And a therapy dog by nature. Glad that now hospitals are utilizing dogs in therapy (physical and mental).
I watched the movie before reading the book. I didn't like the movie, although the author was involved in its development. I think the book allows you to take a breather and remind yourself it ends well, while the movie is sort of "in your face: too real."
I had previously read Cameron's A Dog's Purpose and loved it. When I saw this on the giveaways page, I had to have it, and was thrilled to receive it. Highly recommended for adults and mature YA. W. Bruce Cameron has written a number of books for children as well, which I hope to investigate. Wonderful writer. ...more
David McCullough is indeed a highly acclaimed historian and author. He takes us on the first expeditions to the "West," which at that time was Ohio. HDavid McCullough is indeed a highly acclaimed historian and author. He takes us on the first expeditions to the "West," which at that time was Ohio. He gives a well-researched history of specifc families and names that made Ohio, particularly Marietta, which was one of the earliest settlements when the lure of the West became known. The effect of that expansion impacted the thick forests, the Native Americans, and the future. The fight for a State constitution banning slavery. for public education for all, and for freedom of religion was hard fought and won. I enjoyed the portraits of the men who took this dangerous first step. However, I was expecting to read of covered wagons crossing the Plains and the Rockies; or a mention of the Mormons (Church of Jesus Christ) who suffered greatly to reach Salt Lake. That would have sacrificed the in depthcharacter portraits and timeline of Marietta of course. I guess the title shoud have been Pioneers/the beginning of the West at Ohio. Or A History of Marietta. Historians will appreciate this book, and natives of Ohio will have a rich field of genealogy. Of course extensive notes are included....more
Another delightful book in the trilogy of Elmer and the Dragon he (the narrator's father) rescues. One thing I like about the book series is the authoAnother delightful book in the trilogy of Elmer and the Dragon he (the narrator's father) rescues. One thing I like about the book series is the author never says "he ate tangerines," he says he ate 15 tangerines.. then later "he ate 12 tangerines." A number is given for the things he packs, when he uses them, occasionally how many are left. This makes the book a good teaching tool for math, or for a child learning numbers. The story continues to be delightful, especially the encounter with the canaries and the plague, "dying of curiosity," that Elmer and the dragon help with. As in "My Father's Dragon," the first of the series, a wonderful map is at the beginning of the book and the illustrations are super fabulous....more
The final book of the trilogy. Elmer helps his dragon friend rescue his family. The astounding thing is the plans he makes in advance and the items heThe final book of the trilogy. Elmer helps his dragon friend rescue his family. The astounding thing is the plans he makes in advance and the items he takes along for (what I would call) unforeseen events. Here also the numbers contribute to the story. Illustrations continue to be great. This is a great book to read to a child, or for a child or pre-teen to read. (I liked it too/!)...more
Mary Oliver has been a light in the darkness this year. Her poetry will help you face fear, be grateful, love nature and be present. If you haven't reMary Oliver has been a light in the darkness this year. Her poetry will help you face fear, be grateful, love nature and be present. If you haven't read any of her poetry yet, now is the time to begin. Just choose one on the internet and you'll see what I mean....more
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