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Susan B. - Reviews

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The Black House
The Black House
Author: Paul Theroux
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 5/5 Stars.
 1
Review Date: 2/25/2015


I think Paul Theroux has a firm grasp in describing the most basic interactions in the lives of a couple: The quiet desperation; The meanest of machinations that evolve; The futility of both selfishness and devotion; The telling looks given behind someone's back. He proves he's no stranger to it all-he's lived it. He knows the solid loneliness of two people trying to exist together in an empty house. He recreates experience in word pictures to put you in the scene, almost screen by screen, like in a movie.


Friends to the End  The True Value of Friendship
Friends to the End The True Value of Friendship
Author: Bradley Trevor Greive
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 4.2/5 Stars.
 3
Review Date: 11/29/2010


Just say "Awwww"! How cute is this? Absolutely adorable pairings of animal buddies playing and romping and just being there for eachother. Engaging animal photographs in black and white...a veritable Noah's Ark of mammals, birds and beetle bugs! Including my favorite from page 107:

A very pensive penguin gazing out over a lake, accompanied by these words:
"and I just want to say that no matter what happens, you will never be alone..."

Includes an account by the author, Bradley T. Greive, of his amazing photography.

Inspirational gift book


Furniture and Decoration (The Dollhouse Idea Book)
Furniture and Decoration (The Dollhouse Idea Book)
Author: Pauline Flick
Book Type: Unknown Binding
  • Currently 3.5/5 Stars.
 1
Review Date: 11/29/2010


Calling All Dollhouse Enthusiasts: Here is a charming collection of How-To ideas for the amateur or expert miniaturist. Chock full of histories of famous dollhouses, this book also includes nicely detailed instructions and diagrams; as well as black & white drawings of finished furnishings, dolls, and more. Cute ideas in the "Found Objects" chapter; including a project to make a miniature deer head trophy...First step: Behead a plastic animal figure! Easy to read and inspiring treat for a dollhouse hobbyist or a holiday gift for girl or boy.


Indians (New True Book)
Indians (New True Book)
Author: Teri Martini, Margaret Friskey
Book Type: School & Library Binding
  • Currently 4.5/5 Stars.
 1
Review Date: 9/2/2015


"We can learn much about taking care of the land from the Indians." So ends a delightful story of our ancestors who landscaped our American continent. This Children's Press book from 1982 provides a basic study of the five (5) major Native American cultures, including my favorite, "Indians of the Northeast Woodlands". Teri Martini writes in a simple, readable style with pleasant descriptions of Indian culture, shelter and food. Authentic photos taken over several decades provide a rich impression of Native American dress and ceremony. Museum artifacts such as pottery and tools are pictured in addition to brightly drawn scenes from the book's various artists. This book would be the ideal introduction to Indian life for a beginning reader!


Irish Journal
Irish Journal
Author: Heinrich Boll
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 2.5/5 Stars.
 1
Review Date: 12/3/2010


"...In the slums, dirt sometimes lies in black flakes on the windowpanes, as if thrown there on purpose,..." but..."I shouldn't worry". A sojourn in Ireland finds the author partaking of what he perceives to be Irish humor; which really has nothing to do with comedy. The complexion of Irish humor has everything to do with presenting what disasters could have befallen and haven't. It's a way of shoring up against the fates, giving of compassion to the needy.
Heinrich Boll's Ireland is a rather dreary place with crumbling, abandoned houses, minus roofs, in which the square footage is measured by looking up at the patches of revealed blue sky.
From another chapter on Dublin, "It must be fun to have your own peat ditch", referring to the practice of burning peat moss for heating fuel. Boll proceeds to give a description of flotsam which can be added to fuel Irish peat fires.
I do believe in the existence of culture shock. And, upon reading this small book, it's my belief that Mr. Boll was just not having a pleasant time in Ireland. It's worth reading just for the sake of reviewing how any human, Irish or no, goes about his life. It's clear from the tone of his writing, that Heinrich Boll's German fastidiousness is diametrically apposed to the Irish "It could be worse" sentiment. I found myself wondering about our human condition. Which is worse? Total denial with some joy; or, in need of escapism, discovering that you lack creativity or resourcefulness.


Let the Crabgrass Grow Suburban Almanac
Let the Crabgrass Grow Suburban Almanac
Author: H. Allen Smith
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 2.5/5 Stars.
 1
Review Date: 11/30/2010


Great commuter reading...If you're sitting down and someone else is doing the driving!... Following the seasons of the year, the author re-creates in short vignette, his observations of suburban lifestyle. What's happening with the weeds, driveway, and barbecue,...And anything else pertaining to life under the suburban rainbow. Written in a somewhat "chatty" style, this book can be a small revelation of town living in 1960's America:
IE: In Charcoal Broil (or, Cookouts can be Murder), we join in the battle of the sexes over the barbecue grill and it's directions for use. The ensuing clash between male and female wit proves that some things never change.

A pocket size book just right for toting to appointments.


Lucia in London part 2 Make Way for Lucia
Lucia in London part 2 Make Way for Lucia
Author: e.f. benson
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 5/5 Stars.
 2
Review Date: 11/29/2010


Let's just say Lucia gets around! Funny, laugh-to-yourself, read-in-bed kind of writing. With emphasis on timeless appeal! This author knows just how to transport you to another era while maintaining modern credibility. These characters do exist...You'll find yourself recognizing a few of their qualities in people you know! And, while you couldn't actually call Lucia mean-spirited, you could say that our proper British heroine gets her way nine times out of ten! Her loony town and country exploits involve not only her satellite of friends, but her endearing, devoted, slightly hen-pecked husband as well.


Sara Crew: Or, What Happened at Miss Minchin's
Sara Crew: Or, What Happened at Miss Minchin's
Author: Frances Hodgson Burnett
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 3.5/5 Stars.
 1
Review Date: 11/29/2010


"But there were a great many hungry days" said the Indian Gentleman, (speaking to Sara) with a rather sad tone in his voice. "Which hungry day was it?"....So (almost) ends this fictional account of orphaned heroine Sara Crewe. At eight, she is left at Miss Minchin's Seminary for Young Ladies. At twelve, she recounts her story, dressed for a time in the finery afforded to her courtesy of her Papa's seagoing exploits. There is a Dickens' kind of dread within the beginning sentences...Especially when you read:

"The instant she (Sara) had entered the house, she had begun promptly to hate Miss Minchin..." So sets the stage for a tale of inspiring fortitude from a little, French speaking Brit whose family has seen better days.

This is a genuine drama and thriller for young ones and older fans of
Frances Hodgson Burnett with suitably somber color and black and white illustrations by Margot Tomes. I think this would make great play-acting material for older readers.


Sleepy Village
Sleepy Village
Author: Vickie Hiley
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 4.5/5 Stars.
 1
Review Date: 12/1/2010


"There is a sleepy village nestled deep among the trees...",

So begins master storyteller Vickie Hiley, in her large format storybook. Everything about this book is appealing and engaging for all ages. With whimsical illustrations by her son, Matthew Hiley, delivered in soft yet color-saturated pastels. Sleepy Village itself is populated by a woodland cast of lovable characters including the Mayor, Mr. Toad, illustrious Miss Spider, rebuilding her web when the wind tumbles it down; adorable raccoon babes and ducklings on their way to class; and a host of bugs and beetles and other things that fly.

And, after nightfall, "The morning shall come and ring fragrant and true."..."What a joy in just being alive!" The author presents in word and concept, an appreciation for nature and various small living things which inspires curiosity and opens communication.

I think of this picture book as the ideal lullaby to read aloud at bedtime, with it's flowing cadence, soothing sounds and imaginative type!


Superimmunity for Kids : What to Feed Your Children to Keep Them Healthy Now, and Prevent Disease in Their Future
Review Date: 8/27/2014


Dr. Galland is a renowned author-doc with an active practice in New York City. Here, Dr. Galland details the building blocks of nutrition for each age group, with a special consideration for dietary allergies, Autism and ADD. At the time of publication, Autism was in its infancy in the U.S. and not the proportional giant it is today. Still, Dr. Galland offers hope and direction for harried parents of picky eaters.


Too Many Babas (An I Can Read Book)
Too Many Babas (An I Can Read Book)
Author: Carolyn Croll
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 4.3/5 Stars.
 2
Review Date: 12/1/2010


Appealing to junior readers, luckily this is not a Baba Yaga story. The Babas are actually four (4) grandmothers who, as the story builds, discover within themselves a spirit of co-operation and understanding. Baba Edis wakes to a cold morning, needing a good soup to warm her. The softly-neutral color illustrations flow with simple outlines-no harsh comic book style here. Outfitted in folksy costumes, the other Babas arrive, one by one, to take charge in the kitchen. Humorous conflict arises before the Babas accept the notion that good soup is created through teamwork, and a little less pepper!

I liked Baba Molka best with her kerchief babushka, grocery basket and ribbon trimmed smock.


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