Birthdays Books

Heidi is a personal friend of mine, and when she gave me her book, she was so modest about it that I didn't think it would be that good. In fact, I thought from her description that it would be boring. Boy, was I wrong!

This novel totally amazed me. I read it when I was on a trip, and it was so immersed in it, that I looked up and was actually startled to realize I was on a plane. Heidi's characterization is amazing. It's like they are real people!

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys general fiction and "a weekend in the life of a family" type books.

I loved this. Got to say Ms Pitlor has real talent and depicts a setting so believable I thought I too had been in that Maine house. I felt like I knew the characters, as if they were my own family, and with the amount of supposedly good fiction I read that is quite a feat. I can't wait to read more from Heidi Pitlor, she's a rising star.

Sorry, but more than 80 pages into this book, nothing was happening. I could not get past the wooden dialogue that nobody would actually speak in real life! The dialogue, by turns, was laughable and thoroughly groan-inducing. I kept checking the spine of this book to see if it was designated "junior fiction" by my local library, but no, it was considered to be adult fiction, despite vocabularly and sentence structure suited for most grade-schoolers. I found this book too simplistic and dull to continue.

This book tells the story of how a family really is. Nothing is glossed over, there is no hidden meaning. For the time it took me to read this book, I was engulfed in the Miller family. I was saddened by all that they had to deal with, happy with the promise of a bright future and proud of thier love for one another even if they, at times, did not want to admit it to themselves. Heidi Pitlor has written one hell of a good first novel. She's obviously a talented writer and I look forward to more from her

and I truly loved this book! I felt like I took a weekend vacation with the Millers, and I enjoyed every minute of it. Even though the characters made unlikeable choices at times, it was these moments that made it all the more relatable and real to me- their struggles and flaws are what sucked me in and made me believe in them and this story. I am always looking for a book to grab me and keep me interested until the end, and Ms. Pitlor does this with ease in The Birthdays. Well done!

I bought this book for a friend who has adopted a little girl. Both she and her 3 year old daughter love this book and read it over and over (not just on her birthday). Really sweet and true to life.

We bought this for our dauther's 4th birthday and she LOVES it. I thought it could be too advanced compared to one of our other favorites, "Crazy Cakes." This is a different kind of story, but one well worth sharing. Our girls, 4 & 7, enjoy all of the connections to Chinese culture and traditions, as well as watching the baby grow into a young girl as they have. They easily see themselves and their "story" in the main character. Parents likewise will not be disappointed with this story. Lewis came up with another that pulls at the heartstrings, especially for the lucky parents of Chinese daughters.

In Rose Lewis's follow-up to I Love You Like Crazy Cakes, readers watch as her real life daughter, Alexandra Mae-Ming Lewis, celebrates her first birthdays.

After being adopted from China, Alexandra comes home with her new mother to America. There are a number of relatives who come to visit, bringing presents and wanting to catch a glimpse of the new arrival.

From her first birthday surrounded by friends and family, to her fifth birthday spent watching the dragon boat festival, we watch as Alexandra explores the world around her, and even becomes a US citizen.

And each year, on her birthday, her mother thinks about the place that her daughter left behind, and even the mother who gave birth to her -- and gives thanks for the joy and love that she has been blessed with.

Once again, Jane Dyer's beautiful illustrations perfectly illustrate Rose and Alexandra's story, which is sure to delight both children and parents alike.

Reviewed by: Jennifer Wardrip, aka "The Genius"

Reviewed by Olivia Alejandre (age 4) for Reader Views (1/08)

Mom's review / summary:

A must for all families who adopted from China, and probably for other adopted kids, too. This book beautifully presents the wonders of adoption and respect of the culture and background of the child's birthplace. The clothes, the artwork, and the story all seem to be in tune with Chinese culture.

For other families, it's a wonderful way to explain the joys of adoption. We want to make sure our daughter has a respect for various backgrounds and family structures, so this helped us talk about an important topic with a cute story. But, since she can't directly relate to it (with friends or family), it's not a book that she wants to read over and over again. I can imagine, though, that a family who has adopted would love reading this on a regular basis.

She did ask about the six girls in the orphanage and why there weren't any boys, so I had a tough time explaining that without saying anything that a four-year-old couldn't handle. It's a good discussion to have with an older child, but I'm not comfortable going into all the reasons with someone of Olivia's age.



Some quotes from Olivia's discussion with Mommy about the book, "Every Year on Your Birthday"

"That's the pretend moon on the water."

[Mom]: "I was waiting for you to come out of my tummy."
"And, you hoped that I was a girl. And, I was a girl."

"She's two!"

"When babies have just been born, they look very small. Every part of their body looks very small."

"The baby and bear are the same size. And, the baby is way bigger than the bear."

"The face on the girl is pretty, and so is the dress, and the white shoes."

"Those babies look the same age."

"Some puppies are small and some puppies are really big, like that white dog that lives near Grandpa's house."

"That's the prettiest boat. I thought it was a big floatie but it was a boat."

"Look, she's way bigger now."

[Mom]: "What do you think about adopting babies?"
"Nice. If someone adopts a baby, that daddy and mommy have to find another baby so they can have their own baby."

This book is o.k., but the story gets a little too personal at times. It seems to be more of a story for the author's friends and relatives than the general public. My daughter also seems to lose interest pretty quickly in the story.

The book I purchased was in excellent condition upon arrival. Special care was taken in the shipping as well.
The seller really came through. I was and am very happy with my purchasing experience!

Written in 1970 or so, I think this one is a good example of how opinionated people really need to disguise their personal opinions better in order to keep a story interesting. That doesn't mean you can't express your opinion; you just have to be subtle about it. Vonnegut is better at this in some of his other writing.

One of the characters is a one-dimensional brute (possibly based on Ernest Hemingway) who treats his wife and son as things and has filled his house with taxedermised animals he has killed. The other characters are similarly simplistic, and the plot is even weaker. In fact, it's difficult to believe that the same person who wrote this play is also the author of such classic literature as Cat's Cradle.

Ya know what I really hate about The Von? (Besides everything.) It's his constant harping on his midwestern innocence. Or on Marsha Mason's midwestern innocence. *What* innocence? It doesn't exist outside of his own head. But The Von is too smugly solipsistic to realize it. He & Marsha are almost as insufferable as Holden Caulfield and his precious baby sister.

Don't get me wrong. I'm glad The Von survived Dresden. (SOMEBODY had to.) But his boring bleeding-heart Jesus-mongering really drives me up the wall when it's coming from a goddam atheist. (Either believe or get off the pot, Kurt. You remind me too much of that atheist nun at the end of WHITE NOISE.)

Where the hell was I. Oh yeah. Have you ever wondered why the Germans constantly put verbs at the end of sentences instead of in the middle of sentences where they belong? It's an expression of German machismo. Germans think that it's macho to do everything the hard way. This trait gets mentioned in WANDA JUNE.

Major Siegfried von Konigswald says: "Harold Ryan said he killed maybe 200 guys. I killed a hundred times that many, I bet. That's still peanuts, of course, compared to what that crazy Looseleaf did. Harold and me---we was doing it the hard way. I hope the record books will show that. There should be a little star or something by the names of the guys who did it the hard way."

Happy Birthday, Wanda June is an anti-b.s. play. Anti-macho nonsense, anti-abuse, anti-syncophant, anti-war mongering, anti-violence, anti-abandonment. All the "living" characters in it are trying to be someone else....except Harold, who is so much himself (or forgone) that his personality is deadly against the others.

This is a very funny, bizarre, timely play. Now, as America is back in a questionable war, as we were when this was written in 1970, and blatant aggression is somehow acceptable here is Vonnegut standing up to show us all how ridiculous we are, and ridiculous just about everyone in the play is.

Harold is single-minded and aggressive enough to not see its effect on others. Penelope, who is lost throughout most of it, is stuck and needs the borishness of Harold to see the error of her ways. Woodly is patently lost in a field of peace, joy and positivity full of rage, but smitten by the myth of manliness. Shuttle is an idol worshiper and caught in an Americana sport/brotherhood fetish. Looseleaf is in a haze of wonder and awe at his past, shocked by his own inhumanity. Paul is angry, needy for a father, but protective like a fatherless child is of his mother. The three "ghosts" are ironic and a hope for us all. Since this world is ridiculous and stupid, belief that the next one is anything but remains a peaceful possibility.

A good play, full of social commentary, Vonnegut's wit and black humor. Recommended, especially in this day in age, and for Vonnegut fans.

I read Vonnegut's first play "Happy Birthday, Wanda June," and thought it was really good. The basic plot of the book is a man who used to be considered a hero, but after an eight year absence from society, comes back and sees that he is no longer seen as he used to be. In this play Vonnegut expresses his protest of the Vietnam War. Vonnegut does this with the character of Harold Ryan and his family. Harold Ryan symbolizes a Vietnam veteran who comes back to the States after fighting. Just like the Vietnam veterans, Harold is seen as a warmongering brute by his wife. She now is interested in a man who doesn't believe in violence and is an intellectual. Vonnegut uses this to represent the protests of the war and the honor draft dodgers received by some Americans. The symbolism of the protagonist reveals Vonnegut's theme of the play: Times changes along with political viewpoints of society and the portrayals of heroes. Vonnegut is able to strengthen the theme by structuring the play in a linear fashion like a timeline. This is a great play that withstands time and can be seen now with the war in Iraq. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Vonnegut's style of writing and viewpoints.

A Grandfather tells a story of love for his Grandchild. From her first birthday to other memorable events is a time he says he would never miss.

The book comes with a CD with the story narrated by Billy Crystal.

A heartwarming story told from the Grandfather's point of view.

The pictures and the idea of this book are great, but it totally falls short in the writing. Mr. Crystal needs to head back to high school for a course in rhyme scheme and rhythm. A lot of the lines are forced and awkward to read - mediocre, at best. Case in point:

"I have the feeling that you understand everything I say,
like granpa boo boo lee doo, la la la la la lay."

Uhm, yeah. Lines like that make me wonder if Mr. Crystal just scribbled out some half thought-out lines just to see if his book would sell based on his name alone.

The only redeeming quality that this book has is the beautiful collection of illustrations by Guy Porfirio. I make up my own words and just show the pictures to my little one.

This book is beautiful. Billy Crystal has created a funny, sweet, and endearing story to read to your child again and again.

Few events capture the interest of children as much as birthday parties. The author celebrates this special event with beautiful illustrations that capture the interest of the reader (both child and adult) with the same energy that is portrayed in Norman Rockwell's art--important family events and milestones. My grandaughter laughs out loud looking at the funny illustrations portrayed in the book, e.g., both grandad and grandchild kissing the mirror as if it was another world. The author excels in portraying the funny things grandads and daddies do to make children laugh.

My small grandchildren LOVE rhyming verses. For example, my 2-year-old memorizes short stories, and then reads the book back to me. She is so excited and proud that she can do this. Although teachers may not consider this true reading, I feel it increases a child's self esteem.

When choosing a book, I consider what the child would like first and make that my priority. The captivating action-packed illustrations, and rhyming verses make this book nothing short of a treasure.

AS a first-time grandfather to a granddaughter, when I saw this book three months after my granddaughter was born, I knew I had to have it come her first birthday. Luckily, Amazon had it, while local booksellers didn't. I don't care how well it's written. I don't teach English. What I love is that it captures much of our first year together, it's from me (unlike Grandma usually buying stuff for her), the pictures are great, and she can snuggle up on my lap while I read it to her, changing the words to personalize it even more to fit just the two of us. Billy Crystal did a great job capturing in words and pictures what I can't. I hope this special gift for my beautiful granddaughter will help her know in the years to come just how special she is to her grandpa! I'm betting she'll focus on that and not if the rhyme is forced (per another reviewer). Grandpa DR

This is also a very entertaining book. I put it on my coffee table and everyone who walked in just HAD to pick it up to see what the book had to say about the day they were born. You will have lots of fun with this book.

I received Turner's book "The Hidden World of Birthdays" and Gary Goldschneider's book, "The Secret Langugage of Birthdays" as Christmas presents. I became fascinated with the subject after reading Goldschneider's book years ago in a library, which seemed accurate to me.

I had similar high hopes for Turner's book. I thought it would be an in depth study of astrology and birthdays. Her study is advice that, in my opinion, could be found online or in any book about astrology. The personality profiles she gives for each birthday is general, unhelpful and sometimes stupid. For example, on one birthday she gives the advice, of "Health Scent: Lavender--This scent might lead others to trust you and make you patient." Excuse me, but how can a specific scent lead others to trust you more? Or, on another she gives the Possessions and Desires, "Crocus: You may spend too much time stewing over those who have innocently harmed you." Turner doesn't give an explanation for why each of these flowers, charms, or colors are right for each birthday.

Turner doesn't give any historical background for why certain stones, numbers, etc; would be good for one birthday as opposed to another. Nor does she explain how she develops the numerological numbers for each birthday. Another thing noticeably absent from Turner's book is that she doesn't have any descriptions about each one of the astrological signs or their "element" (i.e. fire, water, earth, air) and how they relate to one another.

In fact, Turner's book was so bad, the person who gave me the gift initially told me to trash it.


One might ask why I'm being so harsh on Turner? It's because I believe she's borrowed the "personology" premise from Gary Goldschneider and Joost Elffers in "The Secret Language of Birthdays" who do a much better job than she does. Each profile is more in depth, and they include names of famous people born on your birthday, as well as meditations, numerological and tarot cards related to your birthday profile, as well as specific explanations of how they developed them. At the beginning of Goldschneider's book there are definitions/personality traits of each specific astrological sign. Each sign is then divided into four groups (which includes the "cusp" group) and with personality traits and advice for each group. For example, Virgo is divided into Virgo I, Virgo II, Virgo III and the Virgo-Libra Cusp. It includes information about colors, plants, foods,composers,etc; attractions, and life path "themes" for each sign and the stage of human life that every sign represents. There's also an astrological chart included and an index to look up famous people and their birthdays. Turner's book has a few of these features, along with angels for each birth date, but no explanatory notes about why they're used for each day.

If you're looking for a great astrological study, there is no comparison: skip Turner's book altogether and go with Goldschneider and Elffers's "The Secret Language of Birthdays."

I bought this book a couple of years ago and I still consult it. My birthday is May 12th and I read my page over and over for entertainment when I'm bored. It says that I'll be married at an early age. Yikes lol I'm 17 at the moment. Everything Judith says is true about my personality though. It's indescribable. The reason I gave it four stars was because I would have liked more than one page on my birthday.

What a disappointment! There is no documentation whatsoever.

For example, astronomers and astrologers agree that there are fixed stars assigned to every day of the year (and used for birthdays), but none appear here. This author cites stars, but gives no hint of where/how she arrived at them (and, no, they're not the same as fixed stars).

Likewise, she cites guardian angels for each day of birth, but, again, her's differ from those in other books, but give no hint of where/how she arrived at them.

She assigns everything from trees to composers to each DOB, but gives no hint of whether these are well-researched, or figments of her imagination.

Moreover, padding is used to make the book look much fatter than it really is ... If there are only eleven guardian angels, there is no need to repeat the definition of each one on every page -- and this is done for all subjects and topics.

In short, this book was a huge disappointment, and is being returned. I don't understand why the author couldn't cite any sources or give any clues to how she arrived at her information.
A bibliography would have been ideal, but if she'd at least briefly referenced this, it would have been okay. Without it, the book was garbage.

This book is an interesting look at your birthday and how it seems to affect personality and character. I did not think my birthday description was correct, but it did seem accurate for some of my friends. (it is hard to be objective on one's own personality)

I first read this book while waiting for an intuitive reading, and decided to buy it. It is fun to share with friends, and I have used it as an ice breaker for a get-together.

The book gives colors, gems, flowers and fragrances for your birthday. As well, your lucky numbers, charms, best day of the week. etc. Judith then gives a description of your personality and it is fun to read about those close to you to see if the description fits. Entertaining, and detailed.

I've enjoyed many of this series & look forward to the next one....this is a "page-turner"...like, "I'll just read one more chapter" ...and you keep on reading ! I'd recommend it to anyone for a light mystery read.

This book had me all the way through and then the ending was so...dissapointing. It ended way too neatly, with the conclusion falling into her lap. Having said that, it was mostly an enjoyable read and the character of Desiree Shapiro is entertaining and funny. Still worth reading!

Great book. Light, enjoyable reading that is difficult to put down. It is so nice to read about a PI who seems like a real person. She is not a kick boxing, skull crashing, superwoman but rather someone that reminds you of real people that you know. A wonderful book and I look forward to reading more and more of Selma Eichler's books.

This installment of the series had my interest up until the end...and then it just fell apart. It was too pat and convenient, without Desiree having to do any legwork or dig for the truth. Add that to the fact that we never found out the resolution to the "sub-mystery," and I finished this book feeling really disappointed, which doesn't usually happen with Desiree.

Ten-years-ago, on Vicky Pirrelli's sixth-birthday, her Father was accused of murdering his eighteen-year-old mistress. Now, at the age of sixteen-years-old, Vicky has decided to enlist the help of a Private Investigator to clear her Father's name. The only problem, her Father was recently murdered in a jail fight, and there isn't much to go on. That's where Desiree Shapiro, the plus-sized private eye steps in. Desiree doesn't have much to go on at all, and the fact that her client can only pay her with saved-up baby-sitting money makes her quiver at the thought of not being able to pay her bills on time. But, alas, she takes the case, and comes up with a mere four suspects. Unfortunately, one of these suspects is her client's Mother. And, as if the case weren't enough to make someone blow a gasket, Desiree's love interest, Nick, is finally giving her some attention, but now his vicious nine-year-old son has decided that he wants his Father back with his Mother, and will do anything to deter Desiree from pursuing his Father any longer.

I have read two previous Desiree Shapiro novels in the past, and had enjoyed them both. Hence, I decided to purchase the latest installment in the series, MURDER CAN BOTCH UP YOUR BIRTHDAY, and I can honestly say that it was quite the birthday treat. Desiree's wit and humor is at an all-time high. As a teenager myself, I adored the role of Vicky Pirrelli, and would love to see her pop-up in another Desiree Shapiro mystery in the future, as far-fetched as that sounds. Overall, this was a fabulous addition to the mystery genre that will be loved by all.

Erika Sorocco
Book Review Columnist for The Community Bugle Newspaper

I loved this book!! I liked the part where Elizabeth and Jessica take the presents they got for each other!! They must have loved there birthday presents!

I never received it. I will never order from Amazon again. Basically: Perish.

This book is really great I love this book I think that this book is clever and fun i read it like two or three times!

The Sweet Valley: Surprise! Surprise! is a really good book. It teaches how two twin sisters care about each other and how friendship works. It also teaches that friends are always there for you. I really enjoyed reading this book and I read it all in one day because it was very hard to stop. I recommend this book to the people that like to read books about friendship because this book all it talks about is friendship. So what are you waiting for? Start reading it!!!

The Wakefield twins, Elizabeth and Jessica, will be turning seven-years-old in six days. During that time, they have to plan the activities and food for their birthday party, shop for their party dresses, and find the perfect present for each other. That last task proves to be the hardest of all because, although they're twins, neither Elizabeth or Jessica have a clue what the other wants. Jessica buys her sister a blue velvet bow because it looks great on herself, and Elizabeth gets Jess a toy car because it's what she would like to receive herself. But will either girl be happy with their presents?

Ironically, I had given this book to my younger sister on her birthday years ago, but it was actually what I wanted for myself. Not being a Sweet Valley fan, she gave it back to me a few years later. :)

"Surprise! Surprise!" is the first book in the Sweet Valley Kids series. It's ideal for 5 to 8-year-old girls and/or fans of the previous Sweet Valley books, such as Sweet Valley Twins.

Book is ok - my 21 month old daughter doesnt pick it up as much as her other books. I think its for older kids.

I think this was a good book for all little kids. It was funny when they showed how they grew up and then how he got all of his presents. Then the ending was good becouse he got to se his family.

I work with a student who has Autism and he LOVES this book so much that he has picked out his favorite pages and those are the only pages he wants to here. I have also fallen in love with this book after reading it again and again. This is an excellent book for kids. Just ask my student he will the say the same.

Monique

There is a review below that says that the book shows "how they grew up" - that is inaccurate. The book is about one day, Clifford's birthday, and the party his family has for him.

For parents who worry about the messages in the books their kids read, there is a potentially bothersome message here. Clifford's friends don't bother to show up for the party because they couldn't find gifts good enough for Clifford. If you, like me, just want books to entertain your kids and hook them on reading, Clifford's Birthday Party is worth picking up.

What I don't like about this book is the story line. Clifford and Emily Elizabeth don't seem to appreciate the gifts that his friends give him for his birthday.

This is such a novel gift to give to someone on his/her birthday. Everyone of all ages should keep a journal; I know that Mark does. And so have I for many years. The first one I wrote in 1999 was "Riding the Buses in Knoxville."

Chrissandra will be eleven on June 24. Last year I sent her some of my old jewelry, thinking she was almost grown up. This year it will be clothes with accessories to knock those Athens, Alabama, boys off their feet. A journal such as this is much better than a birthday card. Bill did not get a card on his January birthday, nor did I in May. E-cards are not as effective as the real thing, but nowadays folks won't tell you their physical addresses. What's wrong with this world?

This journal is great for keeping the memories of my grandchild's birthdays each year. I'm sure she will treasure it when she is older.

Finally-a great solution to organize the little scraps of lists and other items (themed napkins!) that I would keep for the kids to be able to look back on. I also really like the one for school so that I have one, organized place to keep all their past class pictures, report cards...I'm so glad I'll be able to give these books to my kids to keep. The birthday book only goes up to age 10-I wish it included a few more years, even though, hopefully, the size of the parties will be smaller. The school book goes through grade 12.

I bought this for my nearly one-year old son to begin marking his Birthday celebrations. Everyone I've shown it to thinks it's a great idea and the perfect way to keep track of Ryan's first 12 Birthdays. Although it won't hold much, I just wanted it to hold invites, thank you cards and a few photos, and it will definitely do that and more. I've been thinking of buying it for all of my friends' kids, too.

This was a great book to purchase for birthday keepsakes. I gave it to my daughter for our grandaughter's first birthday. It was appreciated because it gave her a place to keep the invitation, pictures, etc.

This book was awesome! But there were so many problems. First, Madison and Aimee are planning a surprise party for their BFF ( Fiona) and her twin brother. And it takes so much work. Also Madison's friend, Egg, is going to log off as her friend forever. And Madison and her Dad get in their first big fight. And Madison and Fiona enter a web page contest. And they compete aganist Egg and Fiona's brother (Chet). There was just so many things going on! But it was a great book! If you love Madison Finn then you should read this book. You should even read it if you aren't a Madison Finn fan.

I can't believe blew her off like that. I know that he might be better friends with Chet, but he could have at least talked to him and her about it. I did feel better when Fiona became her partner, even though that's all they thought about. But the way Aimee and her threw that party was awesome! Especially since Ivy dressed in a mini and almost let everyone see England and France!

"Double Dare" is one of my least favorite Madison Finn books. The story follows Madison as she and Egg together decide to work on a webpage for a contest. Egg backs out at the last minute to work with Chet Waters. Now Madison is mad, and decides to work with Fiona Waters, Chet's twin, in an effort to beat Egg and Chet. But Madison's double dare backfires and Egg says he's ready to quit being her best guy friend. Can Madison fix their friendship? The plot from this book was a little lackluster, in my opinion.

i have read all the madison finn books,and this is not one of my favorites.its basically just about how madison and fiona r competing against egg and chet in this webpage contest.oh and then madison and her friends r planning a surprise b-day party 4 fiona and chet.it was kinda boring 2 me,but thats just my opion.i would reccomend # 9 and the super editon,those r my favs!

This book is about when Madison Finn hears about a web contest. They have to create a web page that would be helpfull to others(w/school/ subjects). Maddie thinks this will be fun until Chet (Fiona's twin) and Egg( Maddie's Best Guy Friend) Double Dare her and Fiona to see who will win! Just some friendly competition, right? Wrong. 'Cuz when Madison's frienship w/Egg starts to get weird, is the contest really that important that she'll lose her BGF (best guy friend)? And Is Egg logging off as a friend forever? He wouldn't dare... would he? Read the book to find out!!!
Fiona and Chet's birthday is coming up(The Twins)! Maddie and Aimee plan a surprise party for them! But it starts turning into double trouble. Can they keep the secret? They sneak around and go in private chats to plan the party. Hope Fiona doesn't find out! Then the surprise will be ruined!! This is a cool book!! Can't wait for the 16th one, Three's A Crowd, and the Super Edition, To Have And To Hold!!! >^,,^<