Product Description

Delayed gratification has its place. This wouldn’t be it.

Customer Reviews (8)

HallePummas
If she writes a Halle Pumas story I WILLbuy it.I have read all the books in this series. VERY enjoyable reads!!!!!!

4 Hearts from TRS!
Only In My Dreams is the fifth book in Dana Marie Bell's Halle Puma series. Though this is the first book in the series that I've read, I was able to follow most of the characters and relationships without too much difficulty, with the few secondary plot situations that remained a mystery to me detracting very little from Gabe and Sarah's story.

Ms. Bell does an excellent job of building sexual tension. I was enraptured by Gabe, who is clearly the dominate in his erotic dreams with Sarah. But Sarah manages to hold her own. Her submissiveness to him has its limits, even in his dreams, which surprises but doesn't disappoint him. He is disappointed, however, by her continued mistrust in him, though he is sensitive enough to recognize he is the one mostly at fault.

I really enjoyed Only In My Dreams and look forward to adding many of Ms. Bell's books to my TBR pile. - Kathryn

Only In My Dreams
Before Gabriel is able to make Sarah his mate, he is called away for months to complete some specialized training as a Hunter.To be a Hunter is a huge honor and Gabe feels that Sarah will be ok waiting, as they always have their dreams.Add to that he is concerned about the sexual demands he dreams of making on her and he thinks the time apart will help them both.In fact, he befriends another shifter, Chloe, before he goes so that she will have someone to talk with about him being gone.What he doesn't count on is that person not sharing the information with Sarah.

Sarah can't believe it the one man who she knows she can love more than life itself deserts her.And, just when she learns an important secret about herself.Now it looks like her high and mighty Hunter has returned, and, by the greeting he gets at the local diner, she is convinced he has been making a fool out of her with another.She takes his friendship with Chloe to be an affair.So she sets out to flirt with a friend of hers to show him that two can play at that game.

Now Gabe wants to claim Sarah but she is far from the loving mate that he left.Even if he straightens things out will she forgive him?Or will they only have their dreams?

I am a HUGE fan of the Halle Pumas series but I have to say that Only in My Dreams is my least favorite in the series thus far.I felt bad for both characters for most of the story, and that was not the feeling I wanted with a romance story.But this might not bother others and things do work out in the end.That being said I was glad that Gabe was able to take us in another direction of the shifter world by becoming a Hunter.Only in My Dreams is a well written story that many will love.

Tanya
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

Skip it
This was my least favorite book in the series. Very disappointed since the entire series has been getting better and better until this really boring story. This story lacks chemistry, characters that hold your interest and basic common sense. The first 99 out of 100 pages the heroine does not trust the hero of the story, then all the sudden on the last page she forgives him entirely and everything is perfect. In the end everyone was forgave each other but I was still mad at her and still hatedhim. To everyone out there, read every other book in this series but this one, and let's just hope the next one is a lot better.

Best in the Series
This book was my favorite in the Halle Puma series.The beginning of the book was frustrating because Gabe and Sara were apart, but once they got back together the story clicked. I think Sara's character was really strong.When Chloe threw herself at Gabe at the airport, Sara decided it was payback time and focused all of her attention on Jim, ignoring Gabe completely. I enjoyed Gabe's groveling and his efforts to win Sara's trust again.I liked that the other couples from the first four books were prominent in this book.My only complaint is that the book was too short.I would love to have read another chapter or two about Gabe & Sara after they returned home. ... Read more

Product Description
The result of nearly twenty-five years of intensive study with two Native American dreaming societies, Dancing the Dream draws our attention to the four directions of the Medicine Wheel (East, South, West, and North) and the three unseen directions – Above, Below, and Within – and explains how each of these seven directions represents a specific path on the spiritual journey. In the East, we encounter the first stirrings of the spirit; in the South, the healing of relationships; in the West, we work to build self-esteem; in the North, we learn wisdom and the opening of the heart; Above represents the world of spirit; Below, the earth; Within, full awareness of the present moment.Most people will walk these paths in sequence. Some will never make it through all seven. Many will continue to move forward but continue to double back on earlier paths until they get things rights. But for those willing to walk all seven paths, there is the great reward of being able to see the world with the soaring vision of an eagle, fully aware and present to meet life’s challenges with vision, wisdom and purpose. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (28)

Changed my way of thinking!!
This book was given to me as a gift from my sister. I have Cherokee family members; I wanted to study and understand the spiritual side of myself. Jamie Sams has written this book with the purist of intentions. It was very helpful to me and I have used a lot of the practices that are talked about in this book. I have a long way to go, but the guidance is wonderful!
Reading this book has given me insight to things that most people take for granted.

native american teaching at its best
Just like having a native american teacher with you. A great opportunity to learn about ourselves and the meaning of our lives. I refer to this book continuously. I would recommend for anyone looking to bring peace and happiness back to their souls.

an articulated roadmap of your evolving consciousness

This book is a true friend.

And for me was best read methodically from begining to end... savoring each page.

I have an extensive library of what I have experienced as meaningful personal reference books; this one is the most used and was and has been the most important one. Ms. Sams articulates the journey through maturity and lights the way. The book is a descriptive breakdown of growth, evolution, illumination and transformation.

If you are looking for a description of the path you have been on all along, if you are hoping to find validation in what can be a lonely and overwhelming journey and if you love wisdom, diligence, humility, true growth and timeless truth... get this book.

If you are looking for fluffy New Age "rah rah" messages of a quicky "name it, claim it, frame it" consistency there are plenty of those books elsewhere. This is not one of them.

If you are looking for a book that feels like a detailed, personal, profound teaching from a beloved friend and fellow traveller; this is the one you haven't read yet. I will be referring back to this book for the rest of my journey here on Earth... it is that rare, profound, meaningful and helpful.

I am deeply grateful to Ms. Sams for all that she endured, persisted in and labored over to freely share her wisdom. I have been honored and blessed by her writing.

Truly a Wonderful Book
Exceptionally well written book. A wonderful tool to help you find your true self and grow with your spirituality. Highly recommend.

Excellent book
a rare find, simply written, from her heart and with great intuition. If you are interested in knowing more about your spiritual journey, understanding more around fundamentals of the power of the medicine wheel then pick this book up, pick up your highlighter pen and enjoy. ... Read more

Product Description

Becoming the Woman ofHis Dreams is for women who want to be more Cinderella than Cruella De Vil,but this book is not just about living happily ever after. It’s a thoughtful lookat the wonderful, unique, and God–ordained role a woman has in her husband’s life.

Author Sharon Jaynes surveyed hundreds of men and asked themmany specific questions, including

• How would you describe the woman of your dreams?
• What does your wife do well that other women could learn from?
• What is one thing you wish women understood about what a man wants in the woman of his dreams?

Pulling it all together, Sharon presents seven key qualitiesthat together unlock the secret to a happy marriage.

Customer Reviews (12)

Becoming the Woman of His Dreams
This is a clearly written book with practical and Biblical suggestions on how to improve a marital relationship. The study guide in back is nice to have included.

Becoming a Man's Personal Servant
My friend and I picked up this book while waiting in a hair salon in North Carolina.We thought it must have been written in the 1930's, but we were shockingly mistaken. According to this book, women of the new millenium should live in oppression and misery if need be, as long as their husbands are happy.Some suggestions are not wholly bad if used in a mutual fashion, such as listening to your partner and showing them you love and appreciate them, but come on...never voicing your own opinion, never asking the question why, keeping the children quiet and out of his way, never being seen alone with another man...this is all ludicrous! Is this America or rules for the Taliban's women?The author even asserts that a woman should never display any attributes that would challenge the masculitity of her husband for fear that he would "take the easy road" and become a homosexual.What does this mean?You can't be smarter than him? Don't dare open a jar in front of him? Or hammer a nail in the wall to hang a picture?

This book seems like more of a "How-To" for an aspiring personal servant than for a happy marriage.Of course any man would be happy with his own personal servant who never challenges him and puts his happiness above all else, but women need to be happy too!Respect yourselves women!

AMAZING. A must read!
AMAZING! I am currently engaged and was really seeking a book that would help me understand the type of wife God calls me to be... this book is it. This book is great for any woman preparing for marriage or currently married! WOW. Everything I have read so far is practical and applicable - I love the way Scripture, advice from other Christian authors/books, honest words/advice from men, and all the other details are woven together to create this masterpiece. Now I know my role as a wife created in God's image and I can work towards fulfilling this blessed calling.

LOVE it!
I'm about to celebrate my 2nd anniversary and I wish I would've read this book before we got married. I learned so much about my husband and how the mind of a man works. This book was such an easy read, I couldn't put it down. I couldn't wait to learn more about my husband and how I could become the woman of his dreams.My husband sees a difference in me and our marriage couldn't be better. He is reading "Becoming a Godly Husband" and I can see the difference in him as well! I recommend reading both of these books to all couples. It inspired me to be the wife that I have always pictured myself as. :)

Great to read on your honeymoon!
I read this book while my husband and I were on our honeymoon on the beach, and I felt SO encouraged.It gave me godly advice (along with scripture and real-life interviews with husbands about their needs) that made me excited to get back home and begin being the woman of my husband's dreams.We had been so busy and distracted with planning the wedding, but this helped me to get my focus and priorities back.A must read for engaged or newly married women!! ... Read more

Product Description
With warmth and humor, Archbishop Desmond Tutu distills his philosophy of unity and forgiveness into a picture book for the very young.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu has a vision of God's dream, which he shares here with the youngest of listeners. It involves people who reach out and hold each other's hands, but sometimes get angry and hurt each other — and say they're sorry and forgive. It's a wish that everyone will see they are brothers and sisters, no matter their way of speaking to God, no matter the size of their nose or the shade of their skin. Aided by vibrant artwork evoking such images as a rainbow and a sharing circle, Tutu offers the essence of his ubuntu philosophy, a wisdom so clear and crystalline that even the smallest child can understand. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

I love this book
This book is so insperational. The colors are wonderful, the story is simple yet is explains sharing caring and loving and it is the perfect size for small hads. I love this book and so do my boys 4 & 2.

Great Children's Book
All children should read this book!This book presents God and faith in a way that children can understand, and it emphasizes the love and grace of God.I am a Christian minister (and former youth minister) and I highly recommend this book!

A must read
I am a Muslim mom and I loved reading this book to my 6 year old. The message of unity, not division is so powerful and the illustrations are absolutely beautiful. These are the kinds of life affirming lessons our children need to hear in the world today. Diversity is strength and our success is dependent on us coming together as one people. That is and will always be God's Dream. Highly, highly recommended.

has a universalist worldview, not Christian
The drawings in this book are beautiful and I certainly agree with the message that we should all get along, forgive one another and treat others equally.That is a WONDERFUL message and if this is the only message you want to send to your child, then the book would be appropriate.

For Christian parents, however, I think it's important to note that there is also an underlying theme - which we see a lot today - in the book that basically it doesn't matter what you believe, we're all worshiping the same God.

On one page, for example, the text reads:

"Even if we speak different languages
or have different ways of talking to God."

The accompanying illustration shows a Buddhist, a Muslim, a Jew, a Hindi, etc.

In the Bible, Jesus says "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6)

I am NOT trying to start a debate here about right or wrong, what you believe, or in any way attack the author.He seems like a very nice man.And again, I do like many parts of the book, but as far as being called a "Christian" book, I would completely disagree.I thought other parents might want to know that the book actually takes a more Universalist approach rather than a Christian approach.

Sonya

esloan
The story and illustrations in this book are appropriate for early elementary-aged children. The authors convey to the readers a solid, nondenominational message of friendship and acceptance without being overly pragmatic or preachy. I would recommend this book for purchase by parents or teachers looking for a story of morality and values with a religious spin, but in a format that is attainable by a younger audience. ... Read more

Product Description
Barry Lopez's National Book Award-winning classic study of the Far North is widely considered his masterpiece.

Lopez offers a thorough examination of this obscure world-its terrain, its wildlife, its history of Eskimo natives and intrepid explorers who have arrived on their icy shores. But what turns this marvelous work of natural history into a breathtaking study of profound originality is his unique meditation on how the landscape can shape our imagination, desires, and dreams. Its prose as hauntingly pure as the land it describes, Arctic Dreams is nothing less than an indelible classic of modern literature.
Amazon.com Review
Based on 15 extended trips to the Canadian far north over afive-year period, Arctic Dreams celebrates the mysteries ofwhat documentarians fondly call "last frontiers." Such places areeverywhere in danger of destruction in the interest of ever-elusiveeconomic progress, but Lopez writes no jeremiads. Instead, he aims tofoster a kind of learned understanding of wild places, in this casethe vast, scarcely knowable northern landscape. Writing of the naturalhistory of the Arctic and its inhabitants--narwhals, polar bears,beluga whales, musk oxen, and caribou among them--Lopez draws powerfullessons from the land and imparts them assuredly andgracefully. Arctic Dreams deservedly won a National Book Awardin 1986 when it was first published. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (35)

unexpected
when i ordered arctic dreams i thought it would include the european arctic.i am going to svalbard this summer.so it doesn't meet my needs.however, i plan to eventually read it as it talks about other arctic adventures.

It's ok as long as you accept.....
Some passages in this book are beautifully written.I will agree there's not much of an arc to the whole thing and if you wanted to you could skip about the middle third and not miss much other than some encyclopedic goings on.

The author also feels the need to mystify "Eskimos."I understand he was truly impressed with some of these people, but his belief that "Eskimos" have some sort of genetic ability to estimate torsion, torque curves and whatever out of a bunch of rocks and bones is laughable at best.By devoting a couple of lines to issues of alcohol and violence in these communities the author neglects a very serious and pressing issue for these Arctic people.

As well, if you're Canadian, you should be prepared for a book-long undertone of pro-American flag waving propaganda.Mr. Lopez adores Peary, but saves more than a few paragraphs for how ignorant and short sighted Canadians are, while most of the time ignoring that it could be a country at all.He finds it rather funny to illegally enter the country along the Yukon border.It was my impression such comedy was not entertained along the southern border of the authors' country.

This book might better be titled "American Dreams of Mystical Eskimos."

As good of a book as ever been written about the modern Arctic
Based on a number of trips to the far north, this is a open-minded book filled with wonderment at the often cruel beauty of the Arctic. There's no doubt the author has a deep connection and commitment to the land.

Reading to Understand the Planet
This is my first book by Barry Lopez, but it won't be my last.Before reading Arctic Dreams I thought I had some sort of a clue about what the Arctic was like:land of the midnight sun, aurora borealis, tundra and permafrost, long dark winters.Over 400 pages later I have a lot more information, and I now understand that I don't really have a clue.The history, archeology, cultures, ecosystems, land and ice forms are all much more complex than most are likely to imagine.

Ice itself is infinitely complex.There are various kinds of sea ice, glacial ice, ice lenses in the soil, frozen soil, land ice, ice that forms shelves between land and sea.The ice changes in physical properties depending on the salt content of the water, how long it has been frozen, and many other factors that all affect the plants, animals, and people that are part of the arctic landscape.The arctic food chain actually depends on ice.Of this food chain Lopez states "The algae at the bottom of this food web are called "epontic" algae, the algae of the sea ice."He goes on to say that, "It is the ice . . . that holds this life together."

While Lopez does not make a strong case for the effects that the arctic food chain has on the entire planet, it does not take a great leap to come to this understanding.Most animals that depend on the arctic are transitory visitors.They spend spring and summer feasting on pollen, insects, algae, or other creatures that live on these seasonal resources.They may depend on this bounty for nesting and raising young, or in other cases they may use the arctic as a feeding station for long migrations.These migrating animals tie the arctic food web to the landscapes and food chains that many of us inhabit and depend on. The nutrients that are produced by the algae living on sea ice make their way around the world in the movements of animals and ocean currents.Lopez doesn't dwell on climate change or the melting of the arctic.However, this seems to be a something we should all be concerned about.

Anyone who is interested in understanding the planet, and our history as social and political creatures, will appreciate this book.I found some of the information I have been introduced to in other books strengthened and deepened with this reading.In "Collapse, How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed" the author, Jared Diamond, discusses our ability to change and adapt as key to our survival. This is also reflected in Arctic Dreams, where Lopez discusses the failure of Arctic explorers to adapt and learn from Native people. The result of this failure to change resulted in repeated large scale tragedies--with hundreds of men lost, frostbitten, suffering from starvation, and sometimes even cannibalism.*

Lopez also explores ground relating to the history of the "discovery" of the Western Hemisphere.I first read about Europeans fishing along Eastern North America's coast line before North America's "discovery" in "Cape Cod," by Henry David Thoreau.Lopez covers this subject, and may even use the same documentation as Thoreau.However, he lingers longer and deepens our understanding.The ice crystals in the northern atmosphere, at times, create reflections of land masses that are below the horizon. During these events, land that is normally beyond our view becomes visible.Northern mariners, of all nationalities, have utilized these phenomena to find "new" land and fishing grounds.Lopez also explains that only the European elite class was considered capable of making "discoveries."Peasant fisherman, wanderers, or early settlers were expected to get out of the way so the elite could have their way--some things just don't seem to change. **

Arctic Dreams is beautiful written.The prose sings, illuminates, and educates. We are treated to first hand stories about musk ox and polar bear, as well as the results of scientific studies that look into these and other arctic creatures.The arctic is reflected back to us from indigenous inhabitants, explorers, and those who plunder resources. The collision between these forces has a huge bearing on the arctic, and perhaps, on all of us.

"Arctic Dreams, Imagination and Desire in a Northern Landscape," by Barry Lopez, Charles Scribner's Sons, 1986

~~~~~~
* When you're ready to change--both for yourself and the planet--see my book "Food Security & Sustainability for the Times Ahead".

**You will find reviews of "Collapse" and "Cape Cod" in my Facebook notes as well as on Amazon.com.

~~~~~
Note to Native readers: Barry Lopez calls all far north indigenous people "Eskimos."I thought this was a little odd, until I read the end notes (after I had read the rest of the text).In these notes he explains that the people do not like to be called Eskimos.I was a little horrified that he knew better, yet chose to promote this term. He knew the people--with whom he camped, ate, and hunted, and that he also called "friend"--would be offended.I do highly recommend this book, just keep in mind that the author considers himself white, and it shows.

~~~~~
For permission to post or publish outside Facebook or Amazon.com please contact me at: harvest95546@yahoo.comAll my reviews are available--with permission--to post or publish on other sites or in print based publications.

A Primer for Personal Arctic Dreams
This is a beautifully written book, which has become my favorite mid-night reader, when I can't sleep. Descriptions of everything Arctic, from Alaska, across Northern Canada, and the huge islands in the Arctic Ocean, to Greenland, covering, so easily, the weather, seasons, animal, bird and fish life, with their migration and breeding, as well as human existence, and stories of Eurpean discovery and disaster, in times gone by. There is also some very interesting comment in relation to the Global Warming debate, which might surprise - or not? You will find that this is a book to read and re-read, and keep close to hand. ... Read more

Product Description
Amanda Bean loves to count everything, from the books in the library to the popcorn in her bowl. If only she could count faster! Her teacher tries to persuade her of the virtues of multiplication, but Amanda remains unconvinced--until she has an amazing dream. Full color. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Not the concept book I was looking for
After I read the reviews for this book, I immediately checked it out of our local library.My son loves anything that has to do with math, and we are always looking for books about the subject.I have to say I was disappointed in the book, and my son was bored with it.It is rare that he is not glued to a math concept book, but this one just did not do it for him.The repetitve verse, "...I am Amanda Bean and I count everything..." started to grate on his nerves to the point he said, "why does she keep saying that?"I am not sure exactly how this introduces children to multiplication because you never actually see Amanda figure out a problem that shows how to compute that type of problem.It would have been nice if the author had shown at least one problem being solved using multiplication so that it tied her "concept" to real world math. Much better books on the subject are Math Curse by Jon Sciezska (I have reviewed that one as well) or books by Greg Teng.My advice is go to your library and get the book before you make the investment in your own copy.I just can't imagine a child wanting to read the story over and over again.

Great Book
This is an excellent book.It is a wonderful way to introduce multiplication to children.As a 1st year teacher I used this book to introduce a lesson on multiplication with my 3rd grade class.They loved it and it was very interactive.We stopped to talk about and solve the various problems throughout the book.Every teacher needs a copy.

Very enjoyable and educational
I try to teach my six year old daugher math through children's literature, and this book rates highly in that area. She loves the story and I love how it introduces multiplication in a fun and easy to understand manner. The explanation of a "fast way to count" really clicked with my daugher. She asks me to read this book over and over again.

Amanda Bean's Amazing Dream: A Mathematical Story
This is one of a genre of books wherein the beauty and elegance of a mathematical concept is revealed to the main character in a dream (others notables inlude MATH CURSE by Jon Scieszka and THE NUMBER DEVIL by Hans Magnus Enzensberger). This book is a marvelous way to integrate literature with mathematics and I have found it useful to aid in the introduction ofmultiplication to students in my 3rd grade. ... Read more

Product Description

What's the difference between a dreamer and someone who achieves a dream? According to best-selling author Dr. John Maxwell, the answer lies in answering ten powerful, yet straightforward, questions. Whether you've lost sight of an old dream or you are searching for a new one within you, Put Your Dream to the Test provides a step-by-step action plan that you can start using today to see, own, and reach your dream. Dr. Maxwell draws on his forty years of mentoring experience to expertly guide you through the ten questions required of every successful dreamer:

• The Ownership Question
• The Clarity Question
• The Reality Question
• The Passion Question
• The Pathway Question
• The People Question
• The Cost Question
• The Tenacity Question
• The Fulfillment Question
• The Significance Question

More importantly, Dr. Maxwell helps you to create the right answers, giving you principles and tips to so you can make good decisions and maximize every moment to achieve your dream.

Don't leave your dream to chance.  This book is a must-have and can make the difference between failure and success.

Customer Reviews (111)

Enjoyable book of quotes.
If you enjoy reading dream-big books, but would like to explore one that helps you dream in a more analytical fashion, I recommend Put Your Drean to the Test: 10 Questions That Will Help You See It and Seize It.

In essence, the author draws from the statements made by many successful people over the years, and helps you analyze your own plans through that lens.

If you feel that you are at a loss as to which way to move in your life, John C. Maxwell's motivational book will encourage you to focus on your dream. With action, your dreams can become reality.

IT MIGHT HAVE BEEN
Put Your Dream to the Test: 10 Questions that Will Help You See It and Seize It





"For all sad words of tongue and pen, the saddest are these, `It might have been.'"If poet John Greenleaf Whittier's famous words remind you of a lost dream, take heart. John Maxwell's "Put your Dream to the Test" can give you wings to move from "might" to "flight".

First stop, the test. Maxwell's Dream Test covers ten areas, Ownership, Clarity, Reality, Passion, Pathway, People, Cost, Tenacity and Fulfillment. If you answer any statement false, you've unveiled an obstacle to your dream.The Pathway statements "I have a written plan for how I intend to accomplish my dream" and "I have made significant changes to my priorities and work habits to put my plan into action" left this reader with no excuses. Talk needs to move to action if I expect my dream to take flight.
"Put Your Dream to the Test" is a book to peruse; it demands active participation. Each chapter covers a question from the Dream Test and includes a call to action. I recommend a journal or notebook to record your answers and chart your progress.

Inspirational quotes and stories of individuals who saw their dreams become reality are sprinkled liberally throughout the book. From the much known likes of Beethoven, to the lesser known Bob Taylor of Taylor Guitars, you'll find a similar flight plan - passion plus perseveranceequals a dream realized.
The chapter on Cost dealt with one of my excuses - being sensible. John Maxwell states, "In the name of being sensible, people ignore their desires".Somewhere in my transition from frockless youth to sensible mother, I forgot that risk can be both positive and necessary. As Maxwell explains, "Because dreams confessed create conflict; dreams begun create crisis".

This empty nester has become more adventuresome of late, and I'm ready to make the changes necessary to see my dream to fruition. The only fear I face is the knowledge that my dream is in my hands and there is no one to blame but me should it not come to pass. I plan on acing this test because as George Eliot aptly stated, "It's never too late to be what you might have been."

Good not great
I like the book, it asks a series of questions to help you figure out what your dream is, and if it is truly what you are committed to.I like the book, but thought Hyrum Smith's "The Ten Laws of Successful Time and Life Management" was a more useful book, though admittedly not as ambitious as this one.

Put Your Dream To The Test And Remember Why You Had It To Begin With
For those that have a dream or like myself, have lost any hope of dreaming, this book puts it back on track. The author does a great job to take all of the components that make up a dream, starting with the key questions onhow to create a dream, and then shares a formula for getting to the dream. The thoughts are acceptable and realistic throughout.

If you have lost your ability to dream, or want to seize the dream, this book could help you get back on track.

CampRyenWater
June 27, 2010

Great book
This book really opened my eyes and heart to what it takes to follow your dreams. ... Read more

Product Description

Zachary Bronson has built an empire of wealth and power -- now he needed a wife to help secure his position in society...and warm his bed in private.But not just any woman will do for a man whom all of London knows is not a gentleman.Then he unexpectedly swept Lady Holly Taylor into his arms for an unasked for -- but very alluring -- kiss, and suddenly he knew he had found a woman whose fierce passions matched his own.

Lady Holly Taylor was beautiful, generous, and, as a widow, destined to spend her life playing by society's rules, even when they went against her bolder instincts.But Zachary's kiss had aroused her, and though the shocking offer he made didn't include marriage, she was compelled to risk everything and follow him to the place where dreams begin. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (90)

Sweet and touching
I love almost everything Lisa Kleypas writes and this book did not dissapoint. I initally was put off by the premise of a widow falling in love again, but this book managed to avoid the typical cliches. I think Kleypas managed to treat her first marriage with respect, yet you do believe that Zach is Holly's true soulmate. While the plot was fairly predictable, their were some surprises in the end and the end result is very satisfying.

Loving her stuff again
Not yet finished with this book, as I have so many TBRs around my library, but I must say, her writing always draws me back to her books.So far I am loving this story. I'll be back later to say more.
Shirley
[...]

A little disappointed
I am a huge Lisa Kleypas fan, but for me this book fell short. I found the book to be boring. Nothing really happened. I also felt that the story just took way too long to progress. I really like the character of Zachary, I think that he would have made a great hero in a better story. As for Holly I thought it was a pleasant change to have her be in love with her desceased husband, but she was just to prim and perfect to be related to. But even at her worst Lisa Kleypas writes a better story than most.

Good romance novel, not so much erotica
I liked this book.I thought the story was rich in detail but weak in erotic situations.It was a better romance novel than a erotic novel.

I think I've just revised my idea of what makes a GREAT writer of romantic fiction.
My title for this review just about says it all but perhaps I should explain my reasoning somewhat.When I read this book I was able to predict exactly what would happen next in the story.Usually that would be reason for total boredom and abandonment of the novel.Not in this case.Lisa Kleypas wrote a completely predictible plot and yet I read every single word and didn't want the book to be finished.

I had read so many historical romances in the past that I had a serious case of over-dose romance fatigue.I happened to see this book on my bookshelf and decided to give the genre one more, one more chance.It was so worth the time I spent reading it.

Lady Holland Taylor is such a warm, earnest, compassionate woman that my heart went out to her.I do understand that three years of mourning her husband was an acceptable length of time for this historical period but most women as young as Lady Holly did not remain in mourning for that total period of time.Her daughter Rose was a wonderful character with just enough complete childish innocence mixed with precocious (and timely) actions to make her appearance in the novel valuable and worthwhile.Too often authors tend to make children either brats or saints and I've never met a child yet who was just one or the other, usually they are a combination of the two.And the idea of Rose having the button string collection was a fabulous idea which had to have been drawn from a real life example.It provided an opportunity for poignant moments throughout the story.I was worried for a while that the presence of David Taylor (Holly's deceased husband) would last too long and come between Holly and Zachary too much, but once again Lisa Kleypas did a wonderful job of mixing in the past lives of these characters to lead them toward their future.The relationship between Lady Holland and David Taylor was written in a different manner than I am used to seeing in romances.I was a little concerned about it, but it really did work well within the story.

Zachary Bronson was a character I enjoyed completely.I don't think I've ever seen a "common man" depicted before who had such a ready assessment of his own shortcomings and who showed so much willingness to seek help with correcting those things.Of course he is the incredibly wealthy man who has come up from the slums and who now has so much money and behind-the-scenes power that members of the ton must accept him on some levels of society, even if they don't want to.Lady Holly is the woman whom he hires to teach him, his mother and his sister the fine arts of how to move in English high society.

As I've said, the plot of the book is completely predictable if you have read many romance novels.But, and here is the good part, I enjoyed it trememdously.Thank goodness for an author who continues to help me regain my enjoyment of novels in this genre.So many others have now let me down. ... Read more

Product Description
The book has no illustrations or index. Purchasers are entitled to a free trial membership in the General Books Club where they can select from more than a million books without charge. Subjects: Science fiction, English; Science fiction, English; Short stories; Fiction / Short Stories; Fiction / Science Fiction / General; Fiction / Science Fiction / Adventure; Fiction / Fantasy / Short Stories; Fiction / Science Fiction / General; Fiction / Science Fiction / Adventure; Fiction / Science Fiction / Space Opera; Fiction / Science Fiction / Short Stories; Fiction / Short Stories; ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Free SF Reader

A collection that has quite a bit of fantasy contained therein, but which again tails off in the latter part as far as interest goes.

Twelve Stories and A Dream : Filmer - H. G. Wells
Twelve Stories and A Dream : The Magic Shop - H. G. Wells
Twelve Stories and A Dream : The Valley of Spiders - H. G. Wells
Twelve Stories and A Dream : The Truth about Pyecraft - H. G. Wells
Twelve Stories and A Dream : Mr. Skelmersdale in Fairyland - H. G. Wells
Twelve Stories and A Dream : The Inexperienced Ghost - H. G. Wells
Twelve Stories and A Dream : Jimmy Goggles the God - H. G. Wells
Twelve Stories and A Dream : The New Accelerator - H. G. Wells
Twelve Stories and A Dream : Mr. Ledbetter's Vacation - H. G. Wells
Twelve Stories and A Dream : The Stolen Body - H. G. Wells
Twelve Stories and A Dream : Mr. Brisher's Treasure - H. G. Wells
Twelve Stories and A Dream : Miss Winchelsea's Heart - H. G. Wells
Twelve Stories and A Dream : A Dream of Armageddon - H. G. Wells


Strange flyer.

3 out of 5


Genuine article here.

3.5 out of 5


Puffballs, too many legs.

3.5 out of 5


A man needs to get his physics straight when asking for supernatural dieting assistance.

4 out of 5


Under Knoll.

3 out of 5


If you ask a spook for membership, he just might say yes.

4 out of 5


Deity impersonation.

3 out of 5


Flash tonic.

3.5 out of 5


Burglar reform.

3 out of 5


Remarkable medium possession save.

3 out of 5


Loot score.

2.5 out of 5


Snooks not for me.

2.5 out of 5


Future war visions.

3 out of 5

An Excellent Collection
Every story in this collection shows why the work of H.G. Wells has lasted this long.These stories show the wide range of his imagination telling tales of baried treasury, magic, other worlds, visons of the future, ghosts, and even a tale of love lost.All thirteen tales are excellently written in Wells' classic style.

My personal favorites were "The Magic Shop" and "A Dream of Armageddon"

I highly recommend this collection to any fan of speculative fiction. ... Read more

Product Description
"My Dream of Heaven...captures Biblical truths with emotional impressions."
- Rev. Billy Graham Facing Death and the Life After

This nineteenth century classic inspires the reader with new confidence and excitement about an eternal home and reunion with loved ones gone on before. It contains two missing chapters that have not appeared in print in over 100 years!

The words of the author, Rebecca Ruter Springer, set the stage for this classic treasure from the original 1898 version. Within the pages of this little volume lies... "the hope that it may comfort and uplift some who read, even as it then did, and as its memory ever will do, for me, I submit this imperfect sketch of a most perfect vision."

This version includes a foreward and afterword from well-known speaker and minister Vicki Jamison-Peterson. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (53)

BEST BOOK ON EARTH
This book is more than awesome!!!I felt like I was taking a tour of Heaven and was actually there. I had a very hard time putting it down.It is well written and keeps you wanting to see what is around the corner.It is easy reading and not a large book, so you are able to read it in a short time. I have read mine going on my 3rd time.It is one book that believe was a real experience - not a book to make money. It follows what the Bible tells us about Heaven - but in a way that us, here on Earth can understand.I have purchased several of these books and given them as gifts. If you have family and friends that are already there, it helps you to understand where they are and what they may be seeing or doing.After I read it for the first time, I sure was full of anticipation about being there myself...and seeing my family again!! The best book in the world other than the Bible...

My Dream of Heaven
Wonderful book. I have purchased several books to give to parents who have lost children. I have a awesome support group called A Place That Warms The Heart. It saved my life and so many others. The book is so easy to read anytime you need to be lifted up. God Bless. ^i^

Let down
All the feedback on this book was great but I found it to be slow and just a made up story. I have read many books on death and this one just didnt do it for me. My mom is terminally ill so any hope from books has helped me. This seemed to be a made up fairy tale book to me. For others they may find it inspiring. I guess Im looking for more facts.

My Dream of Heaven book
In some places this book, My Dream of Heaven was good.But it is full of fallacy that animals are in heaven.If you read a bible you will find out that animals do not go to heaven, only humans who have accepted Jesus Christ as Saviour go to heaven.ALso young children who have reached accountabilty in their lives also do not go to heaven.This is when children know right from wrong and choose to do the wrong, then they are accountable for their souls.Overall, I was disappointed in the book due to the things that are not true in the book,The bible says that when an animals life is over, it is over but for humans this is not the case.If you would like a fictional account of heaven, I guess you would like this book but I needed something more and that is why I was disappointed.

A Favorite Book
This is a wonderfully encouraging account telling the author's visit to heaven. Very comforting and helpful, especially if you have lost a loved one who knew Jesus. ... Read more

Product Description
Notes: This is an OCR reprint. There may be numerous typos or missing text. There are no illustrations or indexes.When you buy the General Books edition of this book you get free trial access to Million-Books.com where you can select from more than a million books for free. You can also preview the book there. ... Read more

Product Description

Product Description
Imagine learning from a nosy classmate that your mother is having yet another baby. To Ralphs classmates, news of one more Fletcher baby is just scuttlebutt. But for Ralph, the oldest of nine, being part of a large family means more kids to join in the funfrom making tripods in the woods and snicking up the rug, to raising chicks and even discovering a meteor (well, maybe). It doesnt feel like theres life beyond Marshfield, Massachusetts. Then one day Dads new job moves the family to Chicago, and theres so much Ralph has to leave behind. In this humorous and captivating memoir, Ralph Fletcher traces the roots of his storytelling. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Good reading for all ages
This book has been a great asset to my students in learning more about writing.Teachers and students alike can benefit from this reading.

Memoir pieces
I like the conversational tone of Ralph Fletcher. Very easy to use as a quick memoir example.

Nostalgic
I grew up about 15 minutes away from the town of Marshfield, MA where Fletcher lived.As I was reading this book I was transported to my own childhood.He has a way of melding his experiences together and creating an overarching story.I miss MA but, with this book I was able to spend a few minutes in my home town.

A great collection of personal memoirs
This book is a collection of personal memoirs from Ralph Fletcher's youth.I love the fact that each of these chapters can stand alone as a story or the book could be read in its entirety.Each story is easy for kids and adults alike to connect to and enjoy.As a teacher, I think the chapters could easily be used as short shared or mentor texts for reading and writing workshop. As an adult reader, I truly loved the stories and found myself revisiting childhood adventures and challenges.

Memorable Moments
As a teacher, I find Fletcher's collection of small moments to be a great teaching resource.Each short story is carefully crafted with great detail.I use this book to model writing small moments.The children in my class ask me to read a story before writing or when they "get stuck."Marshfield Dreams is a must have for teaching small moments or memoirs. ... Read more

Product Description
An Abandoned Baby. A Missing Mother. But Innocence has a Fighting Chance. While on routine patrol, LAPD Officer Cindy Decker rescues a newborn from an alley Dumpster. But she can't call it a night until she sees the infant safe in a hospital, cared for by a professional-in this case a male nurse with soulful eyes and lots of charm. Now the hunt is on for the mother. Armed with advice from her overworked father, Detective Peter Decker, Cindy plunges into her inner-city Hollywood district, a world of helpless people and violent gangs. Pursuing each new lead batters her complex relationships and endangers her life. On one side: Decker and Decker, a brilliant but combative pair. On the other: a vicious killer ready to strike again. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (61)

A mixed review
I've read this series for years.One reason is that like Rina and Peter, I am a religious Jew.Also like Rina, I am a child of survivors.I didn't mind the lack of mystery for the sake of developing the story of Cindy and Koby; I thought that was a strength of the novel.However, I have gotten a bit sick of "saint" Rina, Peter's explosive temper, and now situational religiosity: Koby says he keeps kosher but eats out vegetarian (it doesn't work that way); has nonmarital sex (also doesn't work that way); mostly keeps the Sabbath unless there's a cool party Koby's invited to (oh really)?I can understand (my family lives in LA) living in Silver Lake and not in Los Feliz (the price differential is breath-taking), but Kellerman should know better- she has Rina explaining to Peter in an earlier book what's wrong with eating vegetarian out, etc.

The secondary story of Rina and Peter was just too upsetting.Not just the material, but the premise.Peter needed R&R after the big shoot-out in New York, not let's play Nazi-hunter in Germany. And picking Munich for a vacation spot?Seriously?I found that most incredible of all.When they live a 40 minute plane ride from Lake Tahoe, one of the most beautiful places on earth?
Last peeve:When will Kellerman learn to count?The ages of most of the main characters are all wrong!

2.5, the good and the bad of this novel
I read over several of the other reviewers comments and I agree with some and disagree with others.

Quite a few people remarked that they didn't like Cindy Decker, I actually like the character.I think she's interestingly dynamic, in that she can be quite tough when she needs to be yet vulnerable.Her relationships are interesting and entertaining, her father and Jewish stepmother, those conversations, those glimpses are good.

However, I agree with other reviewers who found the racial tensions to be forced and distracting.I feel this was a blantant attempt by Kellerman to make her heroine seem more noble.A white red-haired beautiful police officer falls in love with an black Ethiopian Jew.That in and of itself is not the problem.It's her constant barrage of racial tensions, the oversexed pairing of the couple, Decker's lengthy "race" speeches.It all lacked nobility.It was an honest ploy by Kellerman to elevate Decker, and it's just bad form.

Secondly, was the fact that Kellerman, who expects the reader to admire Decker, has her give her gun to her boyfriend, whom she's only known a few weeks in a potentially dangerous situation, then directs him to lie about it and THEN, the most unbelievable portion of it all, she takes that gun, rolls down her window and fires aimlessly so that she will had gun residue on her hand in case they check.I absolutely could not believe that this author made her HEROINE do something so blantantly STUPID!She was in the city!She's not in the desert, she's not out in some isolated field, and she discharges her gun randomly out the window!!Are you kidding me??I don't think the most ridiculously stupid police officer in the world could commit that offense.It was unreal.What was Kellerman thinking??

I disagree about several reviewers saying the subplots were distracting, that's real police work, they have to run down every lead and it often branches out and the reality of police work is interviews, interviews, interviews.That part of the novel didn't bother me or distract me.

There you have the good and the bad, in my opinion.

Multi Story Line
Even though I have read several of Kellermans books I could not finish this one . I made it through chapter 6 and tossed the book .

There is just to many useless words to take up space that has nothing to do with current storyline . Like author goes into great detail to tell what a house looks like or what character is wearing , and there is parts in book where police's wifehas a friend read some sort of Jewish writting for her and the useless words just go on and on . WORST BOOK WRITTEN BY KELLERMAN TO DATE .

Lots of suspense
Street Dreams by Faye Kellerman is medium paced solid entertainment.A lot is going on in everybody's life and the stories from the past are woven together with family relationships that aren't part of the crimes, but highlight the tension between all of the characters involved.Everybody has agendas!Everybody has a life, and because Kellerman includes those everyday bits of everyone's lives the story has a lot more meat to it, it feels more real.The book has all the thrills and suspense you would expect from Kellerman, and a lot more.As for guessing whodunit, good luck!

Uninvolving unfortunately...
I've read many of Faye Kellerman's books and have always enjoyed them but this one was really weak. Cindy Decker is not a particularly interesting character and she certainly wasn't helped by a weak plot. I've never been a fan of multiple storylines and this book is no exception. The secondary story involving Rina's missing grandmother was really much more interesting than the primary story featuring Cindy. I would have loved the entire book to focus on the WW2 murder. Unfortunately there was no resolution whatsoever to this secondary plot and the resolution to the main story was very undramatic and appeared to be almost an afterthought as though the author said, "Uh oh, I better tie this up now". Since some of my favorite books have been by Faye Kellerman, I will still read her in the future but I certainly wouldn't recommend this one to start with. ... Read more

Product Description
In this inventive take on the traditional Cinderella tale, Fanny Agnes is a sturdy farm girl with a big dream. Someday, she believes, she will marry a prince. When the town mayor announces he is throwing a grand ball, Fanny is convinced her time has come. She puts on her best calico dress and goes out to the garden so that she'll be ready when her fairy godmother arrives. As the seconds tick by, Fanny waits and waits. Finally, she hears a voice. It isn't her fairy godmother-but it is someone who will change her life forever.

Illustrated by Mark Buehner. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (43)

One of my favorite picture books, ever
I've given this book as a gift numerous times as a gift over the years -- and mainly to adult women. This story resonates with me. How many women dream of a fairy godmother paving the way to their Prince Charming, and then find that a life built together on love, hard work, respect, and living through good and hard times together is actually what matters?

Fanny Agnes is a sturdy farm girl who has big dreams. But when Heber, a simple, equally sturdy farmer asks her to marry him, she says yes. After babies, tragedies, happiness, and many years, the fairy godmother belatedly shows up. Fanny finds out that she actually has what she wants.

The illustrations in this are stunning. Fanny is no fairy tale princess. She looks every bit the sturdy, homely farm girl that she is. I *like* that. There are many details in the illustrations that capture your attention as you read through the book. Finding hidden bits such as animals in the clouds makes reading really interesting even for very little children.

The language is beautiful, as well, and lends itself well to reading aloud. I read this to all my children going up, and they all enjoyed it. But I find this one of the rare picture books that is as satisfying for adults as it is for children.

Cute Story
A girl dreams of being a princess and marrying her prince charming but finds that she is happy with her plain old life later when her fairy god mother shows up to help her get her prince.

Not just for kids
This is not a children's book!While it is very good at appropriate for children, I think the target audience should be young adults who are contemplating marriage, or perhaps, even those who may feel that their spouse is not the "dream" date they once imagined.There is a lesson for everyone in it!
Also, contrary to some reviews, while this does teach young girls not to seek perfection in a mate, the young man in the story is also looking for things that Fanny doesn't have to offer, but he is wise enough to see her real worth.It is not about being "too picky," but about what a person should value, what is wealth and what is worth attaining in this lifetime.
The drawings are wonderful!Well done!!!!

Fanny's Dream
Whatever marriage hands to you...you can always make the best of it and even have a fairy godmother...even if it happens a few years down the road.

to dream or not to dream?
Fanny has a dream. Although she is a sturdy (plain) farm girl, she wants to marry a prince or mayor's son. But she marries a kindly (but short) neighbor, who is a farmer like herself. She has to do much hard work, which is not what she had planned, but ends up with a pleasant, peasant life with Heber. Fanny and Heber have much in common, especially the life and home that they have worked hard to create and three children whom they love.

This is a lovely children's book with absolutely terrific illustrations. I love the one where Fanny sits on a stump in her best dress waiting for her fairy godmother while looking down at the town where the mayor is giving a ball. Fairy godmother doesn't show up, but Heber comes a-courting with a fist full of daisies.

"Fanny's Dream" presents a valuable message that is worthy of thought. Are some dreams so unrealistic that they aren't worth pursuing? Perhaps happiness is just around the corner and not in some far-away exalted realm. Is the dream just a superficial fantasy and not a good and true goal? What will bring real happiness, and what is simply vain dreaming?

Along with the many children who reviewed this book, I ask: Is Fanny throwing away her dream, a chance at a different life? True, she gets no support for her dream--her girlfriends say she is "about as graceful as an elephant". Her brother laughs, "You're as big as an ox!", and even Heber challenges Fanny's dream with "can you twirl and walz and curtsy..."She is made to believe that she is can't be a society lady because of her looks and her lack of knowledge of society culture. Do you have to be beautiful to be a lady? What is beauty?

But attaining a worthy goal requires work,and not a fairy godmother.One can LEARN to waltz and drink from a goblet. Fanny's desire to be a city girl may well be based on some superficial concepts. BUT. I don't think that putting her down for her looks or her lack of learning of the social graces so that she gives up sends a particularly good message to young people.

This book could stimulate interesting discussions. The children can consider how some dreams are not realistic, and won't lead to lasting happiness, whereas others are worthwhile goals. Also to question the idea that one should not be judged by looks, or lack of skill. A child should feel good about herself and not made to feel ugly. She can take courage in the fact that she can learn skills outside of her own realm. A child can learn what is real and what is fanciful, but also she should not just "give up" a true goal because someone says she can't do it. But, also, that true happiness may be right "under your nose". Lovely book; FABULOUS illustrations. good food for thought. ... Read more

Product Description
The award-winning creator of Eberron® infiltrates the magical cities of the feyspires.

Thorn’s latest mission: protect the prince of Cyre, a monarch in name only since his country was destroyed by the Mourning. But in that same cataclysm, seven cities of the Feywild—the feyspires—were trapped on the plain of Eberron, a concurrence the eladrin who rule the feyspires insist is no coincidence. They insist that with the right pieces they can repair the devastation of the Mourning. All they need are a few missing –one in the heart of a mysterious Cyran soldier and one that’s lodged in Thorn’s spine, carrying the soul of the Angel of Flame.

Intense secret agent action with all the magic and mystery of Eberron—the Thorn of Breland series has been a perfect mix of fantasy and adventure. James Bond meets J.R.R. Tolkien. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (78)

Fun to read
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I found the presented ideas creative and bizarre at the same time a combination which had me chuckling most of the time while reading this book.

To avoid spoilers I refrain from listing the ideas here; if you like sci-fi in general and do not look for super deeply intellectual literature then this book is for you. 5 stars for entertainment value! (Very seldom that you find so many cool ideas in one book...)

What an amazing and fun sci-fi novel
It's tough to leave impressions which haven't already been touched upon, but this book was simply engaging and fun to read.I picked this up impulsively after suffering through a couple of dry novels, and this really rejuvenated my interest in sci-fi.

Such a perfect blend of humor, sci-fi, and drama- one of the best I've read in quite some time.

Who knew sheep could be so problematic?
I enjoyed this. It was exciting, adventurous, sarcastic, and fun.I enjoy Scalzi's sense of humor, and the dialogue between his characters is great.If you've read Old Man's War, then I think you'll enjoy this. I took me a bit to get over the fact that this isn't set in the same world as OMW, especially since the main character's name is Harry. If you haven't read Old Man's War, then this is a great introduction to Scalzi's writing style. This is more of a sci-fi thriller, where Old Man's War is definitely military sci-fi. There are some explanations of scientific topics, but not at the "hard sci-fi" level, which is great because that usually goes right over my head. There were some political explanations that went on a little too long for me, but there weren't many so I was okay with that.If you're new to Scalzi, I would suggest starting out with Old Man's War.

brilliant!
Scalzi has that rare ability to be eminently readable - his prose flows.Other authors may put words on paper, but the manner in which Scalzi does it makes his books easy, fun and engrossing to read. Butcher's Dresden Files books are similar - but his other ones - the Codex Alera series - aren't. Maybe it's the humor angle ...?

hiliarious and beautifully intricate
I downloaded a sample of this book because I was looking for something to read.The first chapter made me laugh so hard it hurt!John Scalzi has a gift -- he wrote a book with a beautifully intricate story line and hilariously understated humor.Every time I thought I knew what was going to happen, I was surprised when yet another layer was revealed; every time I thought I would tire of the clever humor, new craziness would appear and it was just as funny.

Terrific character development, clever plot twists, marvelously understated humor, incredible satire -- I highly recommend this book. ... Read more

Product Description
Hans Bacher is acknowledged as one of the greats of production design for animation and he has been given unparalleled access to Disney's archives to uncover eye-popping examples of both his own work and that of his colleagues. With illustrations from Bambi, Mulan, Beauty and the Beast, Brother Bear and many more - it is a visual feast of never-before-seen artwork, complete with insight from the artist on how and why they were designed as they were.

Key features and benefits:

* Sneak a peak behind the scenes! With 400 never-before-seen illustrations from classic films like Bambi, Beauty and the Beast and Lilo & Stitch
* Learn from one of the true industry greats!Hans Bacher is one of the best known production designers in the industry
* Beautiful and insightful - offers inspiration to designers in animation, film and game ... Read more

Customer Reviews (39)

Amazing
The truly inspiring book. All the illustrations and the colors used throughout the book are incredible. Awesome book to learn from or use for reference.

Stunning art, candid commentary, an appreciation of the masters of animation past and present
"Dream Worlds" is like taking a journey through a gallery of outstanding art with the creative force behind most of it (there's a "finale" of sorts at the end with some astonishing background art from Walt Disney's "Bambi"). Bacher explains in clearly his own words a part of animation not always well understood -- the concept art that leads to the way a fine animation feature film looks and makes you feel through these very specific choices.

Bacher, whose career spans the "second golden age" of Disney animation plus a great deal of other work, doesn't mince words about how he sees the various projects and the roads they traveled. So while this is not a massive missive, what there is, as they say, "is cherce."

It stills boggles the mind how these artisans can craft something from such a wide range of sketches and renderings, but that does not mean I can't appreciate and celebrate the depth and creativity inherent in the work.

This is an especially good book for students of animation, as Bacher outlines the process and offers suggestions on how to do "own" projects for the sheer satisfaction of doing it.

I have read once that, when hearing someone referring to Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs as a "cartoon," Walt Disney said, "It's no more a cartoon than a painting by Whistler is a cartoon." I like to think he was defending not so much his own stature, but the talent of his artists. The art in this book bears it out, and can inspire and encourage others to either create some of his/her own, or at least seek out more like it.

(Parent's note: there is some "colorful" language in the gag sketch section.)

Lots of Great Visuals But (VERY) Limited Text ...
The forty-dollar price-tag is a bit daunting, but the potential buyer assumes that the investment will be pay-off ... that this icon of animation (Hans Bacher) will impart invaluable information to his audience. Unfortunately, the actually text is painfully limited and the used-space is almost entirely devoted to the visuals. Now, I am always the first to complain LOUDLY about the dearth of examples in film texts. So, I must admit that this is the first occasion I ever wanted more description of what I was seeing. And, when I have the actual artist explaining his work to me ... I want to hear this voice EVEN MORE than usual.

If forced to speculate, I feel this text may be attempting to appease the "Disney" crowd (as opposed to the folks who usually pick-up a Focal Press text: academics and artists). I suppose I would encourage Focal to remember their audience and leave the "puff-pieces" to a mainstream publisher. Likewise, the inclusion of a dust-jacket reinforces this idea: that the "book" was published for "Disney fans" and not for those working in this discipline. I have never seen a Focal Press text with a dust jacket ... let alone a HARDCOVER text (with the same artwork AS THE DUST-JACKET). The end result is a little sloppy. I much prefer my textbooks without a dust-jacket (even if I were to set this out as a "coffee-table" piece ... which it so obviously is). I suppose, I'll just recycle this jacket. (Weird.)

Still, as always with Focal, the final product is of superior quality. The paper-stock is excellent. Likewise, the colors are rich and as true as possible. Moreover, unlike some, I believe this is the proper size for this text. Any bigger and it would be novelty-piece as opposed to a learning tool. In essence, it IS truly lovely.

For academics and artists, I suggest signing it out from the library. You can page through this (rather lengthy text) in about two hours. It's well worth a look but it's nothing you'll actually "study."

Like a visual design master class... in a coffee table book.
I'm not a film buff, filmmaker, visual designer, graphic artist... I really don't have any visual or film arts skills at all.

However, I can still appreciate the beautiful artwork and well-written discussions that fill this book, which is sitting on my coffee table for guests to enjoy.

The best way I can describe this book is to liken it to the 'master classes' I had as a piano student in high school -- sometimes, our class would be invited to attend lectures in which masters of the instrument discussed their techniques, experiences, opinions, etc. Being able to experience certain pieces through the minds of those masters opened up new possibilities for many of us students...

This book isn't going to do anything to improve my art skills, but it is chock-full of incredible artwork. Some of it's familiar, and some of it's completely new (at least to me). Bacher's commentary throughout ties the images to specific ideas; establishing action, simulating camerawork for live filming, composition, coloring, architecture, etc.

I'm treating this as I would other coffee table books; flipping through for entertainment, so I haven't finished the whole thing... not even close. Still, I'd recommend this to anyone interested in animation, visual art, filmmaking, or even with a general appreciation for cool pictures. Over two hundred pages completely filled with sketches, backgrounds, and (screenshots?) from a master of the craft. Good stuff!

Beautiful for Disney Fans
Although I tend to think this book is aimed more to professionals to learn about doing production design for animation, I also think avid Disney fans like myself will love this gorgeous work of art. I think the history of the Disney Studio over the last 20 years is very well presented. Hans is the master at his craft and it is a good resource it you are learning to do story boards. The book itself has so many gorgeous graphics/pictures that even if you just look at those, it is worth it however the story behind them makes for fascinating reading!

... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (14)

Ok book
The book is ok nothing really special about helping you find your chosen path about what to do, its more general in what to do or helping you find what your true passion is just like a horoscope is in some aspects can be applied to anyone that reads it.It definitely can be a stepping stone in helping someone research new options for the life but in no means something set in stone to follow.

An Inspiring Book! I See Your Dream Job
I also posted this review on my website, [...], just before interviewing Sue Frederick. A post-interview blog is to come:

If you are out of work, out of luck, out of steam, read I See Your Dream Job.Your life will blossom.Sue Frederick, a career intuitive who fought that calling for years, living in a traditional world, settles that age-old debate between destiny and free will.Seems our course is charted; however, when the inner crab takes over, our chances tank; and when we soar with gratitude, life is sweet.
I'll be interviewing Sue Thursday morning, and will blog about that experience.She uses a system of astrology blended with numerology - ancient arts, blended with the talents of a skilled intuitive.
I read I See Your Dream Job after an inner struggle subsided after two things.One, was kickboxing class.The second was recognition of an event Saturday that kept resonating.My subconscious kept kicking the experience back to me, until finally, I got it.I was driving solo to the coast, and, as I drove, I put it out there, a wish, if you will, that I wanted to see a live deer.At that very moment, a young buck wandered onto the car lot where my ex-husband works.He snapped a photo.Moments after I sent my wish out there, wanting to see a live deer, my ex sent the photo of the deer to my phone, and I saw my deer.How random is that.How perfect.How odd that the deer wandered to a place where my ex would see him, shoot the picture, and send a copy to me.I thought if the Universe is that willing to give me what I want - and, yes, next time I will wish to see a live, real deer - then why do I not use that power to draw exactly what I want?
My day began to shift.My vibration, Sue would say, rose.And within a few hours, I saw movement on three career projects!Then, I picked up Sue Frederick's book, and was utterly delighted with what I found.She says our lives are encoded with a road map of numbers, so we can remember our destiny.These numbers each have a distinct vibration - from ones who are independent, to nines who are humanitarian.Better yet, who we are meant to be, was planted in us as talents and challenges before we were even born.You know from reading my blogs, that this is my belief as well - one that just floated in as real and a perfect explanation for the torture I experienced through my entire childhood and teen years.How else would I have developed the compassion and intuitiveness that flows from me in every interview?Search for Truth - another offshoot.The love to communicate via every media.Yes, of course.
If you're wondering what your dream job is, along with the numerology Sue coaches you through in her book, you can think back to your childhood.The answers are always there - what did you love to do?
When your life crashes and burns, it is time to discover your true calling, and go for it.Your crisis is the key to that journey.Bon voyage - you will love it!

This book has added value for people in a mental health crisis
Rossa Forbes is a contributor to Goddess Shift: Women Leading for a Change

As a parent of a young adult in a mental health crisis, you may be doing your relative a real favor by absorbing what the book has to say about possible career paths derived from being yourself. A person in a mental health crisis knows a lot about pain. This book advises you to consider your pain as your career fuel. Choose the right time to open up this career path dialogue, when your relative is well along the road to recovery. Forcing the issue too soon can provoke a crisis, as my husband and I learned the hard way last year.

For most people, further education or training in a field of interest is the key to eventually working at a job in a field that they love. For young people who have lost precious years due to a mental health crisis, their sense of self worth needs a boost, which can actually provide a wonderful window of opportunity to get started or get re-positioned in something they love while still young.

Numerology has been used for thousands of years to tell us who we are and what our life path may look like based on the vibrational energy of the numbers 1 to 9, 11 and 22. Vibrational energy is the basis today of the new field of energy medicine, which offers many exciting healing possibilities.Although the book is not at all about healing, nonetheless it has useful healing possibilities.

In addition to counting physical objects, numbers have a spiritual meaning that resonates with us at an unconscious level, according to sixth century Greek mathematician, Pythagoras. Pythagoras also believed that colors have a spiritual meaning and are aligned with musical notes. Ancient peoples were much more intuitive than modern man. They sought meaning through numbers, symbols, and colors, communed regularly with the gods, and looked for signs from the heavens. It doesn't sound too terribly different than people today who are given a diagnosis of schizophrenia or bipolar or even autism. In my son's reporting of his recent experience with sound therapy, he said "As I heard the colors and shapes......" This is not crazy thinking, this is intuitive thinking.

Numerology is these days considered an esoteric pursuit, but not to Pythagoras or maybe not to anyone on the autism spectrum. Some people on (or even off) the autism spectrum see colors in musical notes or numbers. Numerology strikes me as good a way as any to make your career choice. Rather than tediously wading through the popular book What Color is Your Parachute?, why not make your career choice based on what Pythagoras might have chosen for you?

Sue Fredericks makes an excellent case for why numerology does a better job of helping you to discern your true career path than any other career book I have read. This is not just another horoscope book, where the astrological descriptions often seem so generic that they can apply to just about everyone. Most of us would probably not make that link, figuring that our destiny is not necessarily our career. We should think again if we are looking for fulfillment.

Here's an example of how this works based on the destiny number 3 and the astrological sign Capricorn which is my son's combination. According to career intuitive Sue Frederick, a good career choice for this person would be actor or singer, to name just two possibilities arising from the number three. Though this suggestion might have seemed improbable before the crisis, the crisis revealed some surprising talents. Interestingly, I seized upon acting as a way of breaking through my son's communication barrier when his doctor hinted that he was really good in the clinic's acting class. Since then we have also discovered that my son is a good singer.

Number 3s are creative and possible career paths according to Sue Frederick are acting, music, art, fantasy or science fiction writing and teaching. So far, this doesn't sound exceptionally insightful, but Sue Frederick adds her insight to it. Number 3s are better off teaching in none-traditional settings, she advises, as a large school system would probably feel too restrictive. The negative qualities of number 3s will surface if they are not doing what they love to do. Unlike hardworking number 4s, who often perservere in job drudgery, if number 3s are not having fun at what they do, they will quickly lose interest. She also cautions number 3s not to rely on other people for handouts. (Thank you, Sue!) They are perfectly capable of making a career that pays their way. Actually, most actors, writers and musicians are not a number 3. There are probably many number 3 engineers, doctors or lawyers. On the surface, these are not usually considered creative professions. What this shows is that in order to be fulfilled in your work, you have to bring an aspect of your numerology to bear on your work or you will not be content on the job. If you are a number 3 lawyer or an engineer or an accountant you should find the creative side to the work you do or else look for job fulfillment elsewhere.

I had been pushing my son to consider music and fantasy writing as a career focus, so the book confirmed my hunch. Because people like my son are naturally intuitive, and see meaning and relationships where others fail to see them, numerology makes sense to them. They can appreciate being a number 3. It's becoming an easy sell for me.Now when we sit down to discuss options for taking classes at the university, the discussion goes along the lines: "This particular course may be off path for you. Consider this one instead. If you need to take a certain course, fine, but don't get confused about why you are taking it."

Using your pain as your fuel, is great advice for an aspiring writer or artist. In schizophrenia, there is plenty of pain to fuel an eventual career path. Make that pain work for you.

not such a big deal
For anyone who knows about numerology and astrology, this book is bound to be disappointing.The explanataion of how your numbers and astrological sign affect your career choice and life seemed a little feeble to me.But maybe if you have no previous information, you will find the book illuminating.The writing style was not particularly sparkling either. Maybe one just has to meet the author in person for help in finding the perfect path in life.

I See Your Dream Job
If you are one of those faced with unemployment or you find the need to reinvent a career path, wondering what you are truly meant to accomplish in life, you might need what is called a "Career Intuitive." Literally, it is the job title of someone who can help you "intuit" your career future. Sue Frederick, author of //I See Your Dream Job: A Career Intuitive Shows You How To Discover What You Were Put On Earth To Do//, is one such person; and she and her book may just be what you need to find out your true calling and how to realize it.

So, how can a "Career Intuitive" help you? Frederick combines the ancient system of numerology with her own intuitive skills and current career knowledge to read clues on your destiny in crafting practical plans to achieve it. This method is available to everyone in her book //I See Your Dream Job//. She explains how to calculate your unique path using your birth date, and describes the values, talents and interests inherent in each path, according to the principles of numerology. She then offers practical advice on how to find your life's mission using this information and to make it happen in the real world, including tapping into one's intuition, ending negative thoughts and behavior, taking inspired action, and using the pain of your past to fuel your future.

When everything else you've tried has failed and you are at wits' end, you can always turn to Sue Frederick's //I See Your Dream Job// for perhaps one final shot at hope and career redemption. Indeed, "know thyself" is a good place to start, and there's no harm in trying. As they say, you'll never know if it will work unless you try it.

Reviewed by Dominique James ... Read more