Christmas Books

I was nearly finished writing DOGGED PURSUIT when I got an e-mail from my editor at Avon. Was the book I was currently working on set at Christmas? Could it be a Yuletide-themed story?

Hardly, I told her. It's set in October and features a serial killer. Not much Christmas cheer there.

Still, the idea of writing a story with Christmas themes built into it was very appealing to me. Years ago I'd written and sold a spec screenplay called THE LEGEND OF CHARLEY MAINE that was never produced. I had a great deal of affection for the characters in that script and wondered if I could artfully weave them into Jack and Jamie's world.

Off the top of my head I pitched a story idea for what became TWAS THE BITE BEFORE CHRISTMAS to Erin, my editor. It involved a rich, elderly couple, living in a mansion on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. They come home from a Christmas concert to find their housemaid has been murdered. They suspect her ex-boyfriend, who's done time for murder, and even plant evidence to implicate him. But their grown, playboy son was having an affair with the victim. Then there's the chauffeur, Karl, who has ties to the Russian mafia in Brooklyn, not to mention a mysterious professor who occasionally comes to visit the mansion from New York. When he stays with them strange lights appear at night on the third floor. I told Erin the story would also tie-in to remnants of the Underground Railroad (for escaped slaves), and that there would be a chase scene at the skating rink at Rockefeller Center.

She loved it, agreed to let me put DOGGED PURSUIT on the back-burner for the time being (it'll be out in July of 2006), and we were off to the races.

I had a lot of fun writing this book. I hope you enjoy reading it.

Jack and Jamie are back, thank goodness, and in this latest offering from Lee Charles Kelley they take readers on another fun ride with, of course, all of their canine companions. While this book can certainly be read as a stand alone, readers would be well-served to grab up all the prior Jack and Jamie books first, because they're fun to read, and second, to get to know the characters. I don't think anyone that enjoys this genre would be disappointed. And speaking of which, what a breath of fresh air Mr. Kelley brings to the world of dog mysteries! I devour books; they are my preferred form of entertainment and relaxation. When I want a fun read, I choose a dog mystery. Quite honestly, it seemed the field had rather dried up recently. Even one of the authors I read regularly abandoned us and wrote about....ee gads...cats! Enter Mr. Kelley.

As with his prior books, in "Twas The Bite Before Christmas", Mr. Kelley gives us a fun mystery with two main protagonists that you will like immediately; well, if, like me, you like a smart-aleck know-it-all pain in the butt guy like Jack ( but hey, he loves dogs, has a great sense of justice, does volunteer work for sick children, and beats up tough mafia hoods,and doesn't give up till he solves the crime...what's not to like? ),and Jamie, well, everyone loves Jamie. ( Even if Mr. Kelley does attribute her occasional moodiness to certain 28 day cycles....what's Jack's excuse?? )But you get the drift; these two have fun together, even through ups and downs, and the reader has fun right along with them. The quirky supporting cast is a bit out there, but somehow Mr. Kelley brings it all together and makes it work. After all, it is supposed to be a fun read, and from the rich,eccentric,devious Brights whose housemaid is found murdered at the beginning of the book, to their mafia connected chauffeur Karl, to their mysterious visiting "professor", to tales of elves and strange lights in the Bright mansion, and most importantly, to the dogs that Mr. Kelley cleverly weaves into his stories, it IS a fun read, and it works.

One last note from someone who is an absolutely committed, passionate, nutso, over the top, fanatical dog lover. Most people that enjoy this genre are dog people. I would venture a guess that readers would be happy to see their breed represented in a book they're reading. Until now, there wasn't much chance of that happening. Most dog mystery writers write from their limited experiences and stick to the breed they know. Mr. Kelley is a trainer and has vast experience with many breeds; he also obviously knows that readers will want to see their breed(s) represented in his books. This is not just a smart marketing idea; it makes for more interesting reading. Mr. Kelley also finds ways of smoothly educating readers on his training philosophies and methods. As someone who trains dogs, I love this. I have gone from thinking "interesting", to "YES!!" to bookmarking Mr. Kelley's web site. THIS trainer is always open to learning how to do things a better way. In closing, although I primarily read for entertainment, yes, I have always most enjoyed books from which I can learn something. I never expected to learn anything from a dog mystery. Thank you, Mr. Kelley. Silvija Vecrumba

Ex-cop Jack Field and his fiancée Dr Jamie Cutter, state medical examiner, are enjoying a quiet evening in front of the fireplace when they get a call about a murder. Amy Frost, The Bright's housemaid, has been murdered with blunt force trauma. The Brights believe her ex-boyfriend Thomas Huckabee killed her.

Jack begins investigating. After Karl, the Bright's chauffeur, tells him about the professor and some strange happenings on the third floor of the Bright's mansion, Karl disappears. Thomas Huckabee has gone into hiding. Jack is desperate to find him, not to pin this murder on, but to get him to give a kidney to his son who is dying. He is most probably the best match.

To help find the professor's role in all this, Jack sets up a good con to get him out of hiding. He finds Karl in New York trying to square things with the Russian mafia. Can Jack put the pieces of the puzzle together in time to solve the murder and help Thomas' son?

I really enjoy the mysteries in this series. Jack and Jamie are a great couple and Jack's dog training tips are very educational. Jack is a wonderful character. He has his flaws, but he's a great guy inside and his work with the dogs and sick kids really lets this shine. Jamie puts up with a lot from Jack. She is a wonderful lady and Jack knows that.

You don't have to read this series in order, but it does help as Jack and Jamie's relationship grows and builds in each book. I highly recommend this book and the whole series.

So what is it that is so very appealing about this series? Maybe for me it is the setting- my own adopted state of Maine. Or could it be the characters? Jack Field, ex New York detective, is the owner of a dog kennel/ training business. He is usually in the company of or thinking about Jamie Cutter, the Medical Examiner. Living with Jack is his foster son, 'Duke" a crime victim from NYC. A steady, well written cast of characters traveling from one book to another to make this a cohesive, fun group of books to read. The starring roles though are assigned to the various dogs that populate the scenes. Much space is also given to dog training tips- a system based on play and praise.
Kelley writes with his tongue firmly planted in his cheek. He seems to understand that Jack makes Sherlock Holmes seem dense and plots are more interesting when they appear impossible. The asides and comments to the reader draw the casual reader into his world. He cleverly admits that these are just good mystery stories that are enjoyable to read- and what more can we ask from a cozy?
(Next step would be a top rated tv show! Anyone out there know any producers..but remember it was my idea first!)

Three Hints for reading this series:
1. It is not neccesary to read them in the order written but would be more enjoyable to follow the continuing plot lines in order.
2. Just remember- the dog is always innocent ! (oops- is that a spoiler?)
3. If you do not have a dog when you start the series you probably will by the end!

'Twas the Bite Before Christmas
Jack has never been big on Christmas spirit. When he and Jamie get embroiled in the murder of a maid
in a near by mansion, his cold will not get better and he is shot at, hit in the head, it only seems to
reinforce his feelings about the holiday. Add some elvin magic, lots of dogs and the Russian mob and
Jack may be done with holidays forever.

Ex-NYPD Police Officer Jack Field now lives in Maine where he owns and operates a kennel and is a consultant to his fiancée state medical examiner Jamie Cutter. They are enjoying themselves one night when a phone call summons them to the Bright mansion where the corpse of the housemaid Amy Frost is found d lying on the steps. Tests show that she suffered blunt force trauma to her head by an unknown object and the Brights believe her abusive ex-boyfriend Thomas Huckabee did the deed.

They go so far as to plant false evidence so the police will focus their investigation on Huckabee. Karl, the family chauffeur, disappears after telling Jack about a mysterious professor who visits the Brights quite often and where he is in residence. Strange things happen in the newly contracted third floor of the mansion. Karl is in New York trying to resolve a misunderstanding with a Russian mafiosa who winds up helping Jack in his quest to find the mysterious professor. Jack wants Huckabee found so he can give a kidney to his son who has weeks left to live and his father is a good match. Jack also wants to discover what role the professor played in the Bight problems and develops a brilliant con to bring him out of hiding.

Readers who like Laurien Berenson and Susan Conant will love `TWAS THE BITE BEFORE CHRISTMAS. The secondary cast makes the tale including Doberman pinchers who look fierce but are putty in Jack's hands. The hero's own two dogs will bring a smile to the reader's face with their actions and antics. Though a bit too many ornaments, Lee Charles Kelly has written a clever crime caper.

Harriet Klausner

Love this little book! I have given several copies as gifts to friends. It is satisfying both visually and in content.

What a fabulous book to have at the holidays and all year long. It reminds us of all the treasures there are in life. There are things big and small that happen and everything that happens is to be treasured.

This book is one of my absolute favorites for the Christmas seasons. Not only does it have beautiful poems, and sayings, but it also has special recipes for the family, and wonderful crafts and memory making ideas. I will never go another Christmas without this wonderful book.

This is a must have book, and a perfect stocking stuffer for anyone.

This is one of the best Christmas gifts I received last year. This book is sweet, has great ideas, and is full of warm, happy sentiments. I liked it so much that I could not stand to put it away with our other Christmas things, so it will be out on the bookshelf year-round!

If you want to be truly blessed during the Christmas season then this is the place you want to find those blessings. All the ways to share in wonderful memories and to make new ones are suggested here. You'll want to go straight to the kitchen to try out the old fashioned recipes that remind us of the Christmases long ago. What a wonderful way to preserve all those loving foods and customs for future generations. You won't be able to stop reading untill you are at the last page.

So the Ghost of Christmas Past came to visit me this year. He came through a porthole in the ethers otherwise known as Google, after I entered my name. There he showed me "Under a Christmas Star," a book published by an apparently Mormon outfit called Cedar Fort. This was a collection of new Christmas tales by various writers.
Here is how the Cedar Fort website touts it:
Under a Christmas Star is a collection of Christmas stories---not sappy or sentimental ones, not dark or hard to understand ones, but stories that uplift and inspire---tellable tales. These are the brightest and most prized Christmas Stories. Most are true stories about people touched by the light of the Christmas star.
One writer was singled out for praise in an Amazon.com review by a teacher who said she was going to read the stories to her third-graders. That writer, by the way, was. . .
Me.
Not since I walked into the living room at age 11 and saw a gleaming lime-green ten-speed Schwinn Varsity under (well, beside) the Christmas tree have I had such a Christmas shock. You see, Cedar Fort didn't bother to mention to me that they were publishing my story that is not dark or hard to understand and uplifts and inspires tellable (sic) tales, and paying me a whole lot of Christmas nothing for it. Nor did they mention to me that my story was so compelling that they used it as the inspiration for the cover illustration of the book: Santa Claus pumping gas into a taxi cab.
Merrrrrrrry Christmas, Rip!
Now, when I say Ghost of Christmas past, here is what I mean: the story that Cedar Fort---a Utah-based outfit that publishes religious tracts and Mormon-themed stuff under Latter Day Saints Books---published without consulting me concerns one of my oldest, most personal and cherished Christmas memories. And I don't have many! Allow me to summarize:
When I was ten, I was sent on a Greyhound bus to visit my mother on Christmas Eve. My father and jealous stepmother had fought about it for days, but my father prevailed and I was dispatched to Newport Beach, California, with a paper-bag suitcase and a whole lot of ambivalence. I was to call a cab upon arrival, in order to be taken to the hotel where my mom worked as a cashier.
One problem: the old man had forgotten to give me cab fare---which I discovered just as the taxi arrived around 7 p.m.. To make a wonderful story short and less than artful, here's the punchline: Santa Claus was at the wheel. Really. His halls were fully decked. Red suit, black gloves, nylon beard. I didn't tell him I didn't have any money, figuring I could just bolt when I got to the hotel.
In the end, I confessed, and Santa explained that in all the Yellow Cabs on Xmas Eve in the area, only one had a Claus, and if you got him, you rode for free. See? Great story, eh? It sure as hell thrilled me as a kid, let me tell you. Father Christmas was watching over me that night, if not my father. There is more to the tale, but I don't want to get into that here. You can read it in full detail in my forthcoming novel, which should be available in late January, if you want.
Or you can read it in the Cedar Fort book, which I ardently, fervently, and otherwise enthusiastically hope you. . .do not.
Here's why:
I wrote the story used in "A Christmas Star" for the L.A. Times in the early 90's, and they slapped the cheesey headline on it: "How Santa Spread Cheer Without Eight Tiny Reindeer." At the time, I was writing regular essays/columns for what was called the "Life and Style" section, more affectionately known as "Strife and Bile" for its pandering to political correctness and touchy-feely sentimentality. I wrote about a hundred columns for L&S before being offered a regular gig there---only to have said offer rescinded because, as one enlightened editor ruled, "we have too many white male columnists here." (See 10/11/06 Riposte.)
(Merrrrrrrry Christmas, Rip!)
Well, the Times paid me for that article, about $350 or $400, I guess, which enabled me to buy a few extra ginger snaps to go with my eggnog that Yule. But the Times also did something that would make Santy frown, that would take the rosy red glow right out of his cheeks, something very, very un-Christmasy---something you would expect from Scrooge and Marley, Ltd.
Some might call it extortion. The Times called it "business."
This noble newspaper changed its freelance contracts to claim total rights to whatever it purchased---as opposed to traditional first-publication-only. And if freelancers didn't sign such a contract, the Times would not buy their work.
At least they didn't send someone to your home to break your knuckles.
At that time, I was what was termed a "regular contributor" to the Times. This meant I was a full-time employee without any of regular rights or regular benefits of full-time regular employees. This is also called "business." What's more, because I was angling for that full-time column which was later withdrawn due to my gender and race, I cut back all other freelance work. The Times, at that moment, comprised about 90 percent of my regular income.
Then there was the little complicating fact that I could just barely manage to get up and walk to the store every day to buy groceries, courtesy of a paralyzing three-year bout with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. My Times paychecks, after rent, were going to doctors and supplements. Typing was a workout.
Did I want to sign that contract? Every bit as much as I would like to congratulate George W. Bush for a job well done in Iraq.
Did I sign that contract? You betcha.
Did I think that someday my Santa-in-the-taxi column might be licensed to a proselytizing Mormon publisher for profit? And used for the cover illustration?
You betcha I didn't.
And there are more presents under this tree:
The "author" of "Under a Christmas Star" is one Carol Jean Coombs. That's correct. Author. My name and story are in this book, but Carol Jean Coombs is on cover as the author, apparently because she compiled the contents. Gee, I'd sure like to be considered an "author" for compiling a bunch of stuff written by other people!
You're welcome, Carol, baby! Glad to oblige!
Of course, it just fills me with the Christmas spirit that Carol liked my story enough to want to compile it. And whew, that compiling is hard author work! Here's what Carol said to a little newspaper: "Getting permission from the copyright holders was time-consuming and because some of the stories are 20 to 40 years old, a real challenge." Right! Almost as hard as writing! I wonder how much of an author challenge it was to secure my column from the fine people at the L.A. Times.
Yes, of course I looked into suing. I know that's just so humbug of me, but gee, it's the season. So I spoke with an excellent attorney who specializes in theft of one's work. Well, it turns out that I have every bit as strong a case as Saddam Hussein had in that Iraq courtroom. Even if I wanted to sue, there is the little matter of the Times extortion---er, contract. And another little matter called a statute of limitations which gives me three years after publication to file (it's been five.) And another little matter called settlement not covering lawyer fees.
Ho ho ho.
It's just another example of legalized crime that defines our world, of course. I mean, you wonder why criminals bother to break any laws, when you can steal legally. No---no one here has broken any laws---not the Times, not Cedar Fort, not author Carol Jean Coombs. Moral and ethical laws are another matter, but anyone who believes in such things can go fly a reindeer.
Still, I can't help but say this is all not very. . .Christian.
So there you have it. My writing has helped enable some Mormons to make some money. Of course, I do not like or approve of the Church of the Latter Day Saints---I think their members are painting without a brush, buttoning without a shirt---and I suspect the Church would not like or approve of me. The closest I've ever come to a Mormon Church was stumbling around on codeine outside the Tabernacle one morning about 5 o' clock (long story.)
In the meantime, I hear that "Under a Christmas Star" is quite popular. A friend in Atlanta told me that when it was given away as a gift at a recent book club party, there were "ooo's and ahhh's."
I'm a commercial success at last.
Why, you might even call me a Christmas Star!
---RIP RENSE

This is a great Christmas Book to add to your Christmas book collection. The stories in this book are inspirational and full of the Christmas spirit. This is a book that the entire family will enjoy!!

I couldn't put it down. The stories are without exception warm and meaningful. I am giving this book to my grandchildren. Sharing these stories is sharing the best of Christmas with them.

This gem includes 25 stories that will appeal to readers of all ages. Most are true. Each story tells of the warmth and love of others--the real light of Christmas. They uplifted and inspired me. The author selected her best stories, most unavailable elsewhere, from a collection gathered over more than 40 years. Authors vary from famous writers and newspaper reporters to people who just wanted to share a personal Christmas experience. The 25 stories are short-- perfect for the whole family to read together each night throughout December. This is a book I will read over and over again--at Christmas time or whenever I want to remember the goodness we all have inside us.

Most collections of stories, Christmas or otherwise, have a bunch of mediocre selections, a few good ones, and one or two great ones--but this book manages to have ALL great ones. Plus, they're not those sappy ones that make you roll your eyes; they're touching without being obnoxious. Maybe it's because almost all of the stories are true experiences, told in a straightforward way. My personal favorites are "The Gold and Ivory Tablecloth" by Howard Schade, "A Christmas Gift I'll Never Forget" by L.D. Hummel, and "My Christmas Miracle" by Taylor Caldwell. Okay, also "How Santa Spread Cheer Without Eight Tiny Reindeer," by Rip Rense. (I'm a school teacher, and I'm going to read some of these to my third graders in December.) Enjoy the joy!

This is quite simply the most charming Christmas book ever written about New York. "A Very New York Christmas" is the perfect holiday gift for New Yorkers and those who love New York. Each page reveals a vignette of people and places that reflect the vibrant and colorful neighborhoods of the world's greatest city.

I was totally surprised at all the detail in the illustrations in this book. This is remarkable art work that should be shared with anyone. I have never been to New York City at Christmas time, but I will definitely want to go and see it now after seeing it through the eyes of Michael. The details are in everything in this book from the illustrations to the history. A wonderful gift for yourself or anyone. Kudos to Michael on creating a chance for anyone around the world to "visit NYC" anytime!

When I saw first Michael's book, I was immediately drawn to its cover. As I turned each page, I was whisked away to different parts of the city, some of which I've never seen in the light that Michael portrayed. His work completely encapsulated what I have always envisioned Christmas in New York would be. He has done an amazing job re-creating his memories and encapsulating them in a vivid display of color and vision. Michael's book brings Christmas in New York to your home, wherever that might be.

I have Michael's holiday ornaments and have enjoyed them through the years. His book, A Very New York Christmas, is a great compliment and makes for a wonderful gift for the season. As I've read this book, it brought memories of the New York City that I know and experienced for many Christmases; having lived in the scenes that he depicted with minute detail (love your pugs Michael).

A watercolour treatment to a great city makes this book a definite conversation piece and a must have for your coffee table. This book and Michael's New York holiday ornaments make a perfect pair.

When I saw Michael Storrings' new book, A Very New York Christmas, I was both surprised and delighted to see how he captured New York at Christmastime in some of the same hues and colors and visions as I have always experienced. Having lived in New York City for many years, I know how beautiful the city is. I love New York -- the museums, Rockefeller Center, Central Park, Santa in the stores -- and it is all here in this book.

There are other Christmas books of photos and still others of stories, but I have never seen one with watercolors that capture the magical vibrancy and joy of the holiday season through art and poetry and historical tales. I know all these scenes, and have been hoping that somebody would try to capture them in painting and gather them together into a charming gift book that I can share with friends and colleagues who have never seen these sites at this time of the year. To know that Michael has produced this book of his art, as well as the references to how these paintings have inspired his line of stately Christmas ornaments, is to know where I can find gifts for my Christmas list this year.

Definately one of the best regency's I've read. I couldn't put it down! Definately recommend this one!

Ms. Blair has always delighted me with her characters' vulnerability and wit. She manages to keep them within the constraints of their very repressed society and yet they are always extremely accessible and modern feeling in their sentiments. This book has some of her best character work yet, and lots of great humor, as well as definite tension. Even knowing they must get together, she sets up enough foils that you are turning the page, eager to find out HOW. I easily identify with her characters and feel their pulse racing thanks to her very filmic style of writing. More please!

I've been a fan of Catherine Blair's work for a while now and, as this latest book proves, she just keeps getting better. Ms. Blair has a good feel for character and dialogue, and this latest venture is full of humour and warmth. The story flows effortlessly, and despite the fact that you know it will end happily--otherwise why are you reading it--Blair keeps the suspense of "will they or won't they" right up to the last page. Blair's writing in "A Viscount" shows a welcome loosening of formality--the Regency stuff is all there, but not as dense as with her first few novels--the phrase "doing the pretty" only pops up about once or twice here.
Bottom line: loved it! Can't wait for her next offering

Handsome Jack Harrow has just become Lord Harrow, a viscount with a wealth of responsibilities. His first instinct is to hire a new estate manager, as the current one had grown senile.

The estate manager's daughter, Olivia Faraday, is less than excited about the viscount's arrival. Two years ago, she met him during her Season--very briefly. He represents success and privelege, everything Olivia resents. She herself is destitute. Though her sisters seem smitten with the viscount, Olivia thinks he's pompous. And he thinks Olivia is a prickly gorgon.

But the more they banter with each other, the more they like each other... though neither of them are willing to own up to the unlikely attraction.

This book is very, very good. VERY good. The dialogue crackles with life, and the author managed to breathe a lot of personality into her characters. There was never a dull moment. The story is full of wit and charm, and leads up to a wonderful, heart-warming ending. If you don't smile when you read this, I'll be very surprised. The characters were very young, but the book is very enjoyable. I definitely recommend it, especially for the holidays.

While "A Viscount For Christmas" is a little more somber and angst-ridden than is the usual Zebra Christmas fare, it still proved to be an interesting and compelling read -- even if things became a tad too complicated towards the end.

Miss Olivia Faraday is near the end of her tether: her father's mental health seems to be slipping faster than ever, they practically have no money left, and now her widowed elder sister, Susanna, and her two sons are about to turn up. How is Olivia to stretch the budget in order to house and feed three extra people, especially when Christmas is around the corner? But the crowning worry comes in the shape of Lord Jack Harrow. Olivia's father used to be the consulting agriculturist for Lord Harrow's now deceased uncle. Now Lord Harrow has inherited Littleton Park, and Olivia cannot help but fear that Lord Harrow will retire her father. What would the practically penniless Faradays do then? And where would they go? The very thought that the fate of her family lies in the hands of a care-for-naught fribble like Lord Harrow is enough to make even the most optimistic of women feel bilious! But Olivia has a plan. She will make the useless man see that her father still has a lot to contribute and that he is on the road to recovery. So what if it will mean that she will have to spend an inordinate amount of time with the man? But when Lord Harrow proves to be kind, generous, intelligent and self-effacing, Olivia cannot but fear that in her zeal to prove her father's worth, she has left herself open to a different kind of threat...

What makes this novel good is the manner in which the authour allows us to see the changes in Lord Harrow -- from the careless fellow in the first few chapters, to the more responsible landlord at the end of the book. Ms Blair also does a wonderful job of depicting all the worries and angst that Olivia feels and experiences. It is true that Olivia is a bit sour and harsh for most of the book, but factor in all that she's coping with and going through, and I do think that most readers will forgive her her less than sunny nature. The subplot involving Olivia's sister, Susanna, was rather interesting too. And if I had one complaint, it was that things got a little too complicated towards the end of the book, with Lord Harrow and Olivia talking at cross purposes and the whole missing money bit. On the whole though, "A Viscount for Christmas" was a thoroughly satisfying and enjoyable read, with believable and engaging characters facing real problems. Definitely recommended reading.

Here's a stunning collection of dramatic and magical quilts teaching about winter holidays of various cultures and describing winter sights such as a million-colored aurora borealis and a glowing wash of sunset against darkening snow. Swirling lights and crackling flames flicker bright against deep darkness, and there is a clever depiction of reading by flashlight. An extra treat for adults is the brief explanations of how the quilts were made. "Winter Lights" will warm the senses of young and old. See the author's first quilt book Pieces: A Year in Poems & Quilts

This is a poem book about things that happen in the winter. Each poem is pair with a quilt that was made by the author. The poems are about the quilt that is pictured such as snow themes and holidays that are celebrated in winter time.

All sorts of holidays are featured such as Kwanza and Hanukkah. Christmas was mentioned in one poem but Jesus was not.



This would be great for kids and grandmothers who enjoy quilting to enjoy together.

The poems are lovely, the quilts are spectacular. Yes, the book is great for four and five and ten year olds (I am mother of the latter two ages!) and, pleasing too for 43 and 45 year olds, as well! (the parents of said five and ten year olds) Poetry comes in many forms: letters and words, yes, but also in these fabulous textiles. What a wonderful antidote to a cold, dark grey winter. Check this out; you can't possibly be disappointed, esp. if you notice the figure who looks like he is out of E.J. Keats "The Snowy Day".

i bought this book to read to my daughter who is four. it instantly became her favorite bedtime book. i love the illustrations and the poems -- we savor each page, taking it slowly. The page with the faralitos is incredible. I've never quilted, but this book makes my fingers itch!

This book is absolutely SPECTACULAR! It's hard to believe the immaculate art and intricacies that went into the making of these breathtaking quilts. Coupled with the well-crafted and delightful poetry, this is a great book for kids and adults alike. No wonder it's received so many starred reviews.

Whenever we are treated to a book written by Daisetz Teitaro Suzuki, the late Japanese academic scholar and Zen practitioner, we can count ourselves as being in the capable hands of a master expositor of the original Zen tradition of Buddhism. With this book, _The Zen Doctrine of No-Mind, The Significance of the Sutra of Hui-neng (Wei-lang)_, we are taken into the inner sanctuary of the Zen teachings as they were expressed by one of its greatest early propounders, Hui-neng, the Sixth -- and last -- Patriarch of Zen. As Suzuki tells us, Hui-neng was somewhat of an unlikely hero of early Chinese Chan/Zen as he was an illiterate day-worker in the rice mill at the monastery of his master Hung-jen, the Fifth Patriarch of Chan/Zen. Hui-neng had overheard someone reciting the Diamond Sutra one day and had an awakening. He immediately decided to seek the way of Buddhahood, and eventually spent a month travelling on foot to reach the Patriarch's monastery in the mountains.

In the opening paragraph of the book, Suzuki pays the highest tribute he can to Hui-neng by comparing the effect that his legacy had on the tradition of Zen as second only to that of its founder, Bodhidharma: "Without Hui-neng and his immediate disciples, Zen might never have developed as it did in the early T'ang period of Chinese history." He then goes on to praise the work attributed to Hui-neng, the Platform Sermons of the Sixth Patriarch, as an important addition to the Zen tradition overall, saying that: "It was through this work that Bodhi-Dharma's office as the first proclaimer of Zen thought in China came to be properly defined." It is interesting to note that this work that has been attributed to Hui-neng has been, as far as scholars are concerned, under suspicion as it may have been written by his disciples, and the fact that there is little evidence to link its composition directly to him. Although it is generally accepted that its contents were expounded (or at least recalled by those who compiled them) by Hui-neng.

Be this controversy as it may, there is no doubt in the history of contemplative literature of the authenticity of this message. And by the time the attentive reader finishes reading _The Zen Doctrine of No-Mind_ there is equally no doubt in his mind either. What we find here on many occasions is corroboration and parity with the teachings of the original Buddha, Siddhattha Gotama, thus validating, at least in part, Chan/Zen's link to the authentic Dharma as taught by Gotama. In modern times, Zen has been generally noted as having a slightly eccentric and different way of approaching its training and explanation of the meaning of its teachings. But here, we come across passages that could conceivably have come from the mouth of the Originator of the Dharma. We can see this similarity in a passage from the author such as the following:

"So long as the seeing is something to see, it is not the real one; only when the seeing is no-seeing -- that is, when the seeing is not a specific act of seeing into a definitely circumscribed state of consciousness -- is it the 'seeing into one's self nature.' Paradoxically stated, when seeing is no-seeing there is real seeing; when hearing is no-hearing there is real hearing. This is the intuition of the Prajnaparamita." Suzuki goes on to clarify: "When thus the seeing of self nature has no reference to a specific state of consciousness, which can be logically or relatively defined as a something, the Zen masters designate it in negative terms and call it 'no-thought' or 'no-mind', 'wu-nien' or 'wu-hsin'. As it is 'no-thought' or 'no-mind', the seeing is really the seeing."

What he is referring to here is a seemingly complex and paradoxical idea of perception and cognition which is relatively simply expressed by the Buddha in the following passage: "Herein, Bahiya, you should train yourself thus: 'In the seen will be merely what is seen; in the heard will be merely what is heard; in the sensed will be merely what is sensed; in the cognized will be merely what is cognized.'. . .When, Bahiya, for you in the seen is merely what is seen . . . in the cognized is merely what is cognized, then, Bahiya, you will not be 'with that'. When you are not 'with that', then you will not be 'in that'. When you are not 'in that', then you will be neither here nor beyond nor in between the two. Just this is the end of suffering."

What both of these passages are pointing toward is the cessation of extraneous mental proliferation while attending to the phenomena of existential experience. When one can look and see only the bare experience of seeing the object of sight without bringing in associative ideas and abstractions to color and flavor what is being seen, one sees merely what is there in front of the eye and nothing more, which is akin to the Buddha's famous statement of "seeing things as really they are." When the mentally proliferating mind can be restrained and quieted such that only seeing takes place, the mind is then able to comprehend the bare object without the added highlight of imagined phenomena (in the form of ideas and thoughts about the object) to muddy the field of vision. "Just this," Gotama says, "is the end of suffering."

Compare these with a quote on this same subject taken in the book from Hui-neng: "Dhyana (tso-ch'an) is not to get attached to the mind, is not to get attached to purity, nor is it to concern itself with immovability. . . . What is Dhyana, then? It is not to be obstructed in all things. Not to have any thought stirred up by the outside conditions of life, good and bad -- this is tso (dhyana). To see inwardly the immovability of one's self-nature -- this is ch'an (dhyana). . . . Outwardly, to be free from the notion of form -- this is ch'an. Inwardly, not to be disturbed -- this is ting (dhyana). When, outwardly, a man is attached to form, his inner mind is disturbed. But when outwardly he is not attached to form, his mind is not disturbed. His original nature is pure and quiet as it is in itself; only when it recognizes an objective world, and thinks of it as something, is it disturbed. Those who recognize an objective world, and yet find their mind undisturbed, are in true Dhyana. . ."

Wherever in Dharma study there is found a discussion of the Three Characteristics (Anicca or impermanence, Dukkha or dissatisfaction, and Anatta or selflessness) and their continual awareness during mindfulness practice, there one will find the authentic teaching as handed down by the Buddha. And wherever there is found the importance of the development and cultivation of the threefold summary of the Eightfold Path (Sila or ethics and morality, Samadhi or concentration-meditation, and Panna or wisdom-insight) there too one will find the authentic teaching of Gotama. And of course, the Noble Eightfold Path itself is an indispensible element of any practice intent on replicating the authentic teachings.

For those interested in Chan/Zen it is in the early years of its history where most of the authentic teaching of the original thesis of Zen can still be found in its pristine form, untouched by modern interpretation and undiminished of its original grandeur. This would include the teaching of such Zen luminaries as Bodhidharma and Hui-neng as well as such other ancient Zen masters as Seng-T'san, Hui-hai, Ma-tsu, Huang Po, Lin-chi, and Dogen, who came a bit later but was nonetheless quite influential and effective in the writings he left. In the present book one finds these teachings on the mind as seen through a Zen lens gathered together in unparalleled fashion. Suzuki has wrought a masterpiece of Zen wisdom with examples from many of the ancient sources all tied together with his exquisite commentary. If one were forced to find one source in order to learn about the inner workings of Chan/Zen, one would be hard pressed to find a better representation than _The Zen Doctrine of No-Mind_ .

I have read about fifteen books on Zen. This one book helped me more than any other book on Zen. The big advantage of this book is the author's own realization of Satori, combined with his excellent understanding of English. Whatever may have been lost in the translation of the original Buddhist scriptures has been restored by this author. This is the only author that has both a deep realization, and an excellent command of the English language.

Of all the modern works on Zen, this book is unique. Through careful pacing, D.T. Suzuki generates the state of No Mind in the reader. To read this book is to not only understand it, but to directly contact the Zen Mind. This is not a hip or facile text, but one that stands on its own next to the great Sutras of earlier ages. Read as meditation, and meditating as one reads, this book is a mighty sword. Read for information alone, it will perhaps arouse the desire to meditate and attend to the art of mindfulfness

This book, edited and published after the death of D. T. Suzuki, may be said to be as much a book of analysis of Zen as of Zen itself. It combines quotations from the Zen tradition with much comment on them and the subject in general. These comments include references to western psychology and Christianity. It is a good source of material for thinking about Zen.

D.T. Suzuki writes very clearly what many who preceded him have stated, "the zen doctrine states there is no enlightenment to attain" ... The reader then is left to ponder, why buy the book? The answer is deceptively simple, maybe it is too simple ... perhaps to get insight into one's own mind and how it works.

The classic conundrum for human beings is -- seeing and understanding "the simple things". We create meandering pathways in our minds and attach emotions to these thoughts -- then we attach feelings to those thoughts -- we follow the thoughts and feelings believing that what we think is reality itself. Thinking is not the same as reality!

Three sentences from this extraordinairy book illustrate my point. "As the attainment of the Tao does not involve a continuous movement from error to truth, from ignorance to enlightenment, from 'mayori' to 'satori', the Zen masters all proclaim there is no enlightenment whatsoever, which you can claim to have attained." [p.53] "The doctrine of the Unconcsious as expounded here is, psychologically translated, that of absolute passivity or absolute obedience. It may also be translated as the teaching of humility." [p.67] This should serve to whet the appetite of those who are on the road to self-discovery ... for anyone else the book is useless. Erika Borsos (erikab93)(revised)

I read Litak's first Christmas book, about his experiences as a Small Town Santa; it was smooth and gentle, but with a real catcher at the end.It was a delight to read, yet it really made you think.

I expected 101 Questions to be similar; the only similarity turned out to be Santa Claus.

This was a smooth and quick read, loaded with humor, but also loaded with insight. That insight and humor make it my choice for that gift for the "hard-to-buy-for" on my list.

The author does not talk down to kids. But the kids love the puns and clever ideas. This will be a great book for all ages this Christmas.

My younger brother (age 10) really loved this book, and I (age 15) got a kick out of it as well. It includes the answers to all the questions that anybody has ever asked or idly wondered about Santa Claus.

Some questions are quite general, and I'm sure every reader thought about them as a kid, for instance, "How can the reindeer fly?" Others are quite specific: "What does Santa eat?"

What makes this book special is that it puts both children and adults in the Christmas spirit: Although the answers to the 101 questions are filled with jokes, they make it seem that Santa really does exist, and gives explanations why. The answers will be too charming to make anybody but a Grinch want to rebut them.

Your favorite answer will most certainly be the one to question #101: It is a short, poignant essay on the nature of Santa. It points out that he will exist as long as children keep on believing and looking forward to his visits.

The questions are answered so children no matter how old 3 to 99 could understand the answer from Santa himself. It's a quick read book that can be picked up and read a page or two at a time. Many answers are funny others make one stop and really think about it. Good book for a gift for all ages I loved the answer to "Do elves have to go to school?"

This is a nice little book young children can enjoy during the holidays. The illustrations did not have quite the variety, color and detail I expected but the printing of the poem along with the
pictures makes for an interesting visual experience and is a good
way to contain grandchildren and keep them quiet for awhile!
Thank you, Martha Morrise

The whole family spends time together looking at them. It's amazing to see the pictures pop out at you and to figure out what they are.

These 3-D things really irked me until I finally got it. I don't have a clue as to how it works but all of a sudden I saw a snowman on the bookcover! Nice stocking stuffer kind of book.

My daughter loves the, "...'Twas the night before Christmas..." poem. We pass the book around so everyone can see the 3-D pictures (which drives my husband crazy!...he can't see 'em!) Very clever.

I discovered this book while on my daily commute. Several students ride the same bus as me and I often see them with it, thumbing through the pages and writing in the margins. I asked one of them about it and he said his teacher brought it to class one day and recommended it as a great way to start an independent reading program. I bought it because I use my commute time for reading. I couldn't be happier. Now, I find myself making notes in the margins and planning my next read just like the students. I even found a book in 360 Reading that I was able to read online for free--Narrative of My Captivity Among the Sioux Indians, by Fanny Kelly (fascinating story; I could easily see Angelina Jolie in the starring role if it were made into a movie). Right now, I'm reading Weep Not, Child by Ngugi wa Thiong'o, and next I hope to read The Poetry of Arab Women by Nathalie Handal and then Holocaust Poetry by Hilda Schiff. I doubt that I would have found any of those books without 360 Reading.

This book has been really helpful to me. I have my daughter list the next ten books she wants to read by filling out the log at the end of the book. Whenever she finishes reading a book I take the list with me to the library and check out one of the ten. 360 Reading has a great range of book titles from which to choose--novels, short stories, drama, narrative poetry, history, biography, science, philosophy, religion and more. The indices are a nice touch; there are six of them, including a keyword index.

This is a wonderful book! I have had it for only a short time and it already has led me to books I never would find on my own--books like The Prisoner of Zenda, Darkness at Noon, You Know Me Al, Introduction to the Devout Life, and The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down. The preface was great and helped me put together my own independent reading program and the indices were very useful. However, what I like best is the great diversity of literature it covers.

I originally bought this book looking for a few solid books to read. However, this book goes far beyond a few books worthy of reading. Several quality novels ranging in a variety of topics have expanded my horizon. A definite must buy either for yourself if you love reading or if you're trying to give your high school student great reading material.