2 comments about Purry Logic (Furry Logic Book).

1. I used to hate cats. I always thought they were feisty, aloof, and I'm allergic to them to boot. However, once a little furball entered my life for good, I'm oddly become one of those people with an irrational soft spot for cats. If you or someone you know owns a cat, then you'll probably get a kick out of this book. The illustrations are fantastic, truly capturing the oh-so-common yet still adorable positions and expressions of our feline friends. The rhetoric is also rather clever and compliments the illustrations marvelously. I read most of it at a Tattered Cover in Denver in just a few minutes. While it's a nice novelty item, I think the price is a little steep for it to be showing up on my coffee table anytime soon, but it'd be a great gift.



2. It's a wonderful book, especially for cat lovers. Guaranteed to produce chuckles and a nod of the head.

No comments about Chococat 2009 Wall Calendar: (includes stickers).

5 comments about Hiss and Tell: True Stories from the Files of a Cat Shrink.

1. I had the best experience while reading this book - a purring cat curled up in my lap. I laughed at some of these stories, cried at others (especially the one about Angel). The book also reinforced for me how important it is to have interactive play sessions with your cat each day.



2. Excellent book, throughly enjoyed. The stories presented by Johnson-Bennett will make you laugh, even cry, and definately THINK! Reading these stories can give you insight in providing a more enriching homelife for your feline companion, maybe even tell you how your cat can tell you if your spouse cheating. This book is a page turner.



3. My husband got this book for me for Christmas and the next day I sat down and read the whole thing in one sitting. It is very engaging, and it gave me some insight into the zany behavior of my own two cats. Some of the stories were funny, some were sad but all were touching. I would highly reccomend this book for any cat lover.



4. I am the proud mother of three cats and two kids. Sometimes we all have problems living in sync with each other. This book let me know that there are many cat owners worse off than I am. All of the chapters were hilarious except for one. I wont say which one, but I cried for ten minutes after I read it. Everyone will really enjoy this treasure and it may tell you things about your kitties you never knew. According to the book, there are no such things as bad kitties, just miscommunications between kitties/owners.



5. This book was extremely interesting to me because I love cats and it explained some of the puzzling behaviors that can arise. I found it fascinating that this woman was able to actually think like a cat to figure out what was causing the strange behaviors. It is both humorous and educational. It gives great insight into explaining various cat behaviors. I highly recommend it to any cat owner.

5 comments about Fever (Leopard).

1. the book is amazing and extremely intruiging .. but then again all of Feehans books are .. she is an amazing writer .. i cant wait for the release of her other books..f it was a dish, my mouth would be watering by now



2. I enjoyed these wonderful short stories by Christine Feehan, and would have even loved if the first one "The Awakening" had been longer.
   
   The first short story "The Awakening" was about a young woman, Maggie Odessa, who always loved wild animals, especially large cats, and could not resist the urge to visit the rain forest once she was told that she had inherited a jungle home. Once in the rain forest, she finds it alluring and irresistable. Apparently someone has lured her there because they realize that she will soon experience the "Han Vol Dan"...(and you must read to find out what that is). As Maggie unlocks the mystery of who she is and what she is fast becoming, will she fall in love with the man who already knows, loves and accepts her?
   
   The second story "Wild Rain" is about Rachel Lospostros who is on the run from a dangerous assassin. After having several attempts made on her life, she decides to escape to a jungle hideaway where she is mauled by a leopard belonging to the very reclusive Rio Santana. Rio, an outcast amongst his people, realizes that he is drawn to Rachel and doesn't understand why. As she recovers from her injuries,and attempts to hide from her past (among them a wayward brother, Elijah, who I would love to read more about), she finds herself being drawn to Rio and his odd ways. What she doesn't realize is that she too is experiencing the "Han Vol Dan". As both women navigate there troubled pasts, they find love with men who are both captivating and adventurous.
   
   I suggest that anyone who likes to read about romance and shape shifting read this novel. It was extremely entertaining and difficult to put down. I am now searching to see if there are any other novels by Feehan concerning these characters. I would love to find out how all of their lives progressed. And as you all know, this is the sign of a good writer, one who leaves you wanting more.



3. Both of these stories really made you believe you were in the rain forest. I did enjoy "Wild Rain" a little more since it seemed to have more story to it. I do hope Christine continues this series, and soon! The love scenes were very descriptive but realistic, which is romantic.
   You do end up really visualizing the scene and feeling she didn't leave anything out. I will read more of her books.



4. FEVER IS THE TITLE GIVEN TO A BOOK WITH 2 OF CHRISTINE FEEHAN'S BEST BOOKS ABOUT THE LEOPARD PEOPLE.HOW THEY CHANGE INTO A LEOPARD FOR THE FIRST TIME AND MEET THEIR MATES AND HOW THEY PROTECT THE RAIN FORRESTS. IT IS FILLED WITH EXCITMENT AS WELL AS ROMANTIC PARTS. IT IS A VERY GOOD BOOK, WELL WORTH THE MONEY,TIME AND TROUBLE TO HAVE.



5. Another in Feehan's Series about Carpathian's; this book seemed rushed. While the story line was good, the characters were just not there. I can usually re-read one of her books a couple of years later and enjoy them, but not this one. Isn't worth a second read.

5 comments about Peace, Love and Healing: Bodymind Communication & the Path to Self-Healing: An Exploration.

1. Bernie Siegel writes in a very conversational-easy-to-read style in a book packed with information, facts, and understanding which is helpful for everyone regarding the connection between mind-body healing. Bernie Siegel helps us to take responsibility for our own health and to work as a team member with medical professionals in a co-operative style of relating.
   Having fairly recently been diagnosed with an advanced cancer this book helped me to see cancer in a new light.
   Everyone would bemnefit from reading this book for their health in general.



2. I just love Bernie Siegal, and admire his openness and willingness to speak out and risk the ridicule of the traditional medical community. It seems his ideas really are important in healing!



3. I've submitted essentially the same review for Love, Medicine and Miracles as for Peace, Love and Healing. I read Love, Medicine and Miracles first and then Peace, Love and Healing and also recommend that others read them in that sequence: Peace, Love, and Healing is very much a continuation of the earlier book. Having said that, the most important thing is for anyone facing a health crisis to read them both. The sequence in which they're read is less important than that they be read--and absorbed.
   
   I was introduced to these books shortly after having been diagnosed with cancer by another person who was (and still is, unfortunately) dealing with some major health issues. Although I've read tons of stuff relating to cancer and, especially, treatments of various types and stripes, I can't think of anything that provided greater value and (even) guidance to me during those challenging days, mainly because getting the "head" right is half the battle--and the half of the battle that far too many completely neglect. One of the things that Bernie makes imminently clear to the reader is that he/she, the reader, has a great deal of influence over the course of his/her illness. That's an important message to someone feeling powerless. Plenty of powerful examples, thought exercises, etc. The messages are uplifting, hopeful, life-affirming, empowering, and above all, realistic.
   
   Although I was vaguely aware of the mind-body connection before reading these books, I now understand that psychoneuroimmunology (if that is an unfamiliar term, you will become familiar with it by the time you've read Peace, Love and Healing) is real and can potentially be harnessed to the patient's great benefit: change the mind, change the body.
   
   Naturally, I can't do justice to these books with a few short sentences here. But here's the bottom line: these books should be read by anyone facing a health crisis who sincerely wants to get well. But they should also be read by anyone who has a friend or loved one facing a health crisis. Read them yourself before you send them on to the friend/loved one. You'll find them valuable both for yourself and also for helping your friend/loved one deal with it. The books should be read by anyone facing a life-threatening illness, but their value transcends cancer (or other serious illness) self-help by a long shot, valuable as that is. Even if your present health seems to be good, you should still read these books. They will help you live more effectively even if you never get sick. And they will surely equip you to deal with a major illness if you ever have to face one.



4. This is a great book for anybody but especially for cancer patients like myself. The book was very inspirational and uplifting. I highly recommend this book.



5. Peace, Love and Healing: Bodymind Communication & the Path to Self-Healing: An Exploration was a book for myself when I was battling Lymphoma. It was a great deal of help and support for me. Since then I have given it to others diagnosed with cancer.

5 comments about Angus and the Ducks.

1. I think this (or Make Way for Ducklings) was my first library book. At any rate, it starated me on a lifelong love of reading--and dogs! The illustrations capture every nuance of a dog's body language--you can practically feel Angus' warm little tummy as he stands up to reach something high. The story is not babyfied, but, as another reviewer indicates, is told with an intelligent vocabulary. Build vocab early!
   I treasured my Angus book and each time my mom took me to the library (years and years and years ago), I confounded her by ALWAYS adding the same old Angus book to my pile of borrowings. I hope I will OWN them all one day!



2. This is a wonderful book for children or for any age. Subtle and beautifully written, and perfect artwork.



3. My 1.5 year old is already a fan of this book. We bought it because she's fascinated with ducks. The realistic illustrations and complex sentences are a nice change of pace from most of her more recently published children's' books. The story has a bit of intrigue, a quick pace, and a humorous ending. It's just perfect.



4. I love all the Angus books. Having owned a Scottie dog, I am particularly thrilled with the illustrations - they are so accurate. I used to read these to my daughter when she was a child & am now buying them for all my friends' little kids. I'll keep my set forever. The stories are so endearing.



5. I am an art teacher in an elementary school. Each year I read the series of three Angus books (in the order they were written) to my first graders when we are folding an origami puppy. They love each book. I introduce the Scottish Terrier by showing the encyclopedia entry about dogs. This gets them excited about dogs AND the encyclopedia. By the third book, Angus Lost the children can hardly stand it - they are so excited. They cheer at the end. We look at the dog entry again in the encyclopedia to find the collie that Angus meets on the wide road. (These children don't know Lassie!) We compare the sizes of the dogs, etc. The books offer a view into the past: suspenders, hedges, and the milk man, but the story is current, the illustrations lovely. In Angus and the Cat the children whoop with delight over the illustration of Angus looking out the second story window looking for the cat. All three books are great read-alouds!

5 comments about Garfield Fat Cat 3-Pack: A triple helping of classic Garfield humor.

1. This book is really funny. In fact, all Garfield books are. You should really read them!



2. Got this for a 76 year old Garfield fan for Christmas...he really likes it and gets some good laughs.



3. Well at least that's what my son said. He said it was great on every level.



4. Garfield has always been the best of the comic strips and will continue to be for me at least.



5. If you like this series, I think you will like the color ones better. One of my sons is a huge fan and loves it with laughs, & prefers it over some without color.

5 comments about McKettrick's Luck (McKettrick Men Series #1).

1. This was my first Linda Lael Miller book, and all I can say is it won't be my last! I picked up this book in a bookstore while looking for a good contemporary western romance. I had definitely heard of this author and thought I would give her a try. WOW! I read this book in one day and can't wait to read the two follow-up books.
   Linda Lael Miller has a wonderful way of creating believable, likeable characters that are not completely perfect. Isn't that what people are really like?? The two lead characters of Jesse McKettrick and Cheyenne have a sexual chemistry that is absolutely palpable from chapter one until the end of the book. This is a couple that you will really love and want to see together. There are only two love scenes in this book, but they are Hot! This book is very strong on plot-line and character development. I can't say enough great things about this book! Read it!!!



2. I thought this was a good book. I read it pretty fast, although I skipped some parts. I thought the plot was interesting. I normally read Christian fiction, so the only complaint I have is that there are some pretty raunchy sex scenes. I bought the book in a grocery store, there wasn't much to choose from. During the sex scenes, I felt like some kind of pervert, like I was standing in someones bedroom! I think some things are better left to the imagination than soooooo spelled out! I like Christian fiction better because you still get all the great romance just without all the junk. It's like comparing Pride and Prejudice to Nine 1/2 Weeks. If you would like to read some really good romance with some things left to the imagination then you should try reading: Secrets of the Wind by Stephanie Whitson, A Bride Most Begrudging by Deeanne Gist, Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers, Treasures of the North by Tracie Peterson, Tomorrow's Treasures by Linda Chaikin, or Leather and Lace by DiAnn Mills. Give them a try, you will not be disappointed!



3. I actually read McKettrick's Heart first, not really realizing this was a trilogy. McKettrick's Luck is a well written, light read that was hard to put down. Jesse and Cheyenne were wonderful together and I particularly liked Jesse's relationship with her brother, Mitch. All in all, a great read.



4. Mckettricks luck, pride and heart all three Great books. Was worried the three books would be too similar. They were not and all three very enjoyable.



5. Very good romance novel about Cheyenne going back to her hometown and falling in love with the guy she had a crush on in school (Jesse) who became a multi-millionaire and owned the land her company wanted to purchase for condominiums. This was a good book that delved into Cheyenne's family, work and love life. I enjoyed the poker and the subplot involving her brother's life, who was only 19 and in a wheelchair because of an accident.
   
   I also found Jesse's family interesting and the fact he wasn't interested in his family's company so didn't even have a job, but instead played poker and rode the range. This book had both a good plot and good character development. It was a fast read and I look forward to reading the others in this McKettrick series.
   
   --Karen Arlettaz Zemek, author of "My Funny Dad, Harry"

4 comments about A Kitten Tale.

1. Caldecott Medal Winner (My Friend Rabbit), Eric Rohmann, has created another charming picture book that shows respect for a child's fear of the unknown, while also illustrating the power of a positive attitude.
   
   There are four little kittens who have never seen snow. Three of them spend Spring, Summer and Fall worrying about how cold and wet snow will make everything. The fourth kitten just keeps saying, "I can't wait." The fourth kitten's attitude is so wonderful...
   
   Read the rest of this and other reviews on my site.



2. 
   It isn't often that I find a children's book through the "Wall Street Journal". Last January, this delightful book was described amidst the stock prices and financial news.
   
   "Once there were four kittens who had never heard of snow." Eric Rohmann's lovely illustration shows three kittens looking at a fourth deep in a mailbox. Only his butt is showing, and the mail is falling like snow.
   
   One kitten is an adventurer who embraces the new; the other three are cautious and apprehensive.
   
   Falling postcards show winter scenes:
   
   "Snow scares me!"
   "When winter comes, the snow will fall and fall and we'll be cold!"
   "Cold to the tips of our tails!"
   The contrarian kitten says: "I can't wait."
   
   The seasons pass, three kittens fret about snow. The fourth lives in happy anticipation.
   
   Snow arrives. Three kittens hide beneath carpets and furniture; one kitten frolics. The story ends happily for all four: "I can't wait!"
   
   The pictures enhance this charmer; kids between three and five will be enchanted. I suspect a few hard headed traders will be too. I sure was.
   
   Robert C. Ross 2008



3. This is a great story about a little kitten who can't wait for it to snow, even though its siblings all worry about getting cold and wet... Eric Rohmann celebrates the value of curiosity and adventuresome, positive thinking... and plus, it has lots of pictures of cute little kittens. Graphically strong, with a nice, positive message. Recommended! (ReadThatAgain children's book reviews)



4. As with his previous books, the author/illustrator has put a strong visual signature on this work, which is simple without being simplistic.
   
   I had the pleasure of meeting him before this was published during a workshop, and he shared his sketches and the storyline...He was very gracious, and has a genuine appreciation for the worldview of children.
   
   My 3 year-old, by the way, loved reading this book...she especially enjoyed finding all the kittens on each page.

5 comments about A Mango-Shaped Space.

1. Wendy Mass's A Mango Shaped Space is an enlightening book about a girl with a condition called synesthesia which heightens the senses and "crosses" them, allowing people to taste sounds, see noises, give colors to letters and words, etc. The book is very informational, in fact, it gives the readers several pages of factual information about the condition through the voice of a university researcher. In addition to promoting understanding of a condition that the book says impacts 1 in 500 people, it also deals with the theme of coping with death, the theme of the importance of friendship, and the theme of first love/romance. The ending of the book is satisfactory, and it ends on a positive message. There is little in the book that would be terribly controversial, so it could be used as a classroom accompaniment of a book of similar theme without too much concern.
   The information in the book about synesthesia occurs during the main character Mia's first trip to the neurology department at the University of Chicago's medical center. Mia has been to her pediatrician, who referred her to a psychiatrist, who finally referred her to the University. She has kept the secret of her synesthesia for 13 years, until just recently, and is dealing with her peers and family not understanding it. The information that the neurologist, Dr. Jerry Weiss, gives Mia is in depth but easy to understand. It is a good resource for a student with synesthesia, or friends of the student because it not only gives scientific facts about the condition, but also gives a first person account of how it manifests, and what to expect when talking to people about it.
   The saddest part of the book deals with the death of Mia's beloved cat, Mango. In the excitement of flirting with a boy, Mia forgets to give Mango a pill that allows him to breathe properly, and accidentally leaves him outside on a rainy night. She deals with the guilt of the thought that her actions caused the death of her pet (who she believes is a reincarnation of her deceased grandfather), but it is later revealed that Mango's health was failing before Mia's forgetfulness was even factored in. The theme is also touched on in the life of Mia's best friend, Jenna, an only child who lost her mother to a terminal illness. Jenna's father is starting to date again, and Jenna is still coping with the death of her mother, a few years prior.
   The themes of first romance and importance of friendship are pretty common themes of coming-of-age stories, and are thoughtfully incorporated into the thread of the story. Of two love interests, Mia picks the kind, caring boy, Roger, who helps her deal with the death of Mango, after recently dealing with the death of his own dog.
   The writing itself flows nicely through most of the book. Most characters have believable ideas and dialogue, and Mia's family, though quirky, is believable. One character, however, Mia's younger brother Zack, speaks in sarcastic, overly "cool" comebacks. He is written as an eleven-year-old, but his dialogue is reminiscent the overly sophisticated banter of the characters on Dawson's Creek. When Mia asks Zack about his teaching their sister, Beth, about superstitious beliefs, Zack snaps, "Hey, the Voodoo Vixen came to me, not the other way around"(75). The dialogue of Dr. Jerry Weiss is also obviously used to inform the reader. The information, though, isn't tiring or unnecessary, but it does seem pretty obvious to the reader that it is there for a reason.
   The book was an entertaining read, and it was easy to feel sympathetic for Mia's character, especially at the death of her cat. I'd recommend this book to 9th grade readers, possibly a lower tier 10th grade reader, or anyone interested in learning about synesthesia. Thematically, it could pair with a classic book with the theme of coping with the death of a loved one.



2. The bizarre condition Mia has called synesthesia is pretty interesting. She sees colors when she hears sounds and looks at letters and numbers. Once you learn what it is the story itself is kind of boring. The characters are cardboard and the writing style is drab. One blessing is it is rather short. I do not recommend it.



3. I absolutely LOVE Wendy Mass's books. So after reading Heaven Looks a Lot Like the Mall, and Leap Day, I decided that this book must be fantastic, too. I was very wrong.
   The plot sounds great, and Mia's synesthesia seems very interesting. But the book wasn't all that great. It wasn't funny and realistic, like Wendy's other books. Maybe if I had a cat and synesthesia I would have enjoyed the book better, but I thought it was just bland. Very boring. This is very dissappointing, I suggest that you read Ms. Mass's other books before picking this one up.



4. I am a 12 year-old boy and saw one of my friends reading this book so asked her about it. After her brief explanation I concluded that "A Mango Shaped Space" was a girl's book. (if you know what I mean) A few months later, I saw the book in my local library and was short of books at the time, so I checked it out. Almost immediately I was laughing hysterically. I was quite pleased and finished "A Mango Shaped Space" in nearly three days. If I had to pick one word to describe it I would pick: SAD. It starts out funny but near the end becomes darn near unbearably sad. The whole story was like a black cloud looming it the sky; I saw exactly what was going to happen but could do nothing about it (well duh, it's a book). I just had to sit there while Mia's life heads into the perfect, destructive storm. This book was really about was not a girl who could hear colors. Rather, it is about loss, consequences, and perseverance in hard times. I loved the character development and was mystified by the way Wendy Mass made me feel perfect empathy with the character of Mia. If your looking for a happy book full of sunshine and ponies go away, but if you want a sad and perfect masterpiece about death, life and mistakes you just found it. Note: This review was written by Iain Espey not Molly Espey. I am her son.



5. Mia has always seen colors; she See's them for Letters, sounds, and numbers. She hasn't told anyone since the 3rd grade "Freeeek" incident.
   She tell her parents and they take her to the Doctor she finds out that she isn't the only person like that. It's a great self-discovery book.
   Bitter-sweet, with humor and reality all wrapped into one.
   
   I can't wait to read Wendy Mass' other books.
   
   Mia is lovable and so is Zack. The story has a magical reality to it, in the sense that it embraces the magic of everyday life. Wonderful!