Christmas Books

One Christmas in Old Tascosa. By Casandra Firman as told by Quintille Speck-Firman Garmany. Foreword by Red Steagall and illustrated by Judy Wise. Lubbock: Texas Tech University Press, 2006. xi, 90 pages. 2 photos, 12 illustrations ISBN 089672588X

Tascosa now includes Cal Farley's Boy's Town. Before that it was the wild and wooly West with Indians, buffaloes, gunfights, cowboys, and dancehalls. Between the two, the town virtually went to the ghosts. But here is a sweet story from the interregnum.

Garmany was a seven-year-old in 1931. The Depression Dust Bowl was on, but few would have realized it given how simple life was in Tascosa. Having more than one pencil was a student's wealth.

At the time Tascosa's lone resident was Frenchie McCormick, an elderly woman with a dancing history and an honored wedding vow to remain in Tascosa. Nearby in a one-room school house Christmas was approaching and the children's Pageant was finally ready. And it was nearly, completely, absolutely wrecked. It wasn't the children, the building, the costumes, or even a too-playful dog. It snowed on the day before the evening's performance, so heavily that the audience could not come. Parents knew their children were okay with the teacher in the schoolhouse, but they could not get through the snow. And without an audience to love and smile over the Pageant's young performers, it would be a failure. Then through the blizzard, Frenchie McCormick was spotted coming through the deep snow. The children warmed Mrs. McCormick. She took her place among the chairs out front. And she loved the youngsters' presentation. And the children loved her for being there - just to see them.

Red Steagall, a Texas poet laureate, and Richard O'Brien appends a song "Frenchie McCormick." Merry Christmas!

There is a great "you are there" quality to this story, and the illustrations are wonderful. These events happened not that long ago, but it seems life another world. Reading this book maked me reflect on the "hardships" of my own life, and on the magic of one night in a young girl's life.

This poignant Christmas memoir will appeal to children and adults. The historical element increases the interest and insures that this will be reread every December.

Having known Quinn Garmany my entire life, I can honestly say that this is a truly amazing story. Worth reading and worth sharing!

Product arrived in expected time, and in excellent condition. Will use this service again if need arises.

Exactly what I wanted and delivered on time.

This book makes a great Christmas gift with a beautiful message and view of all those involved in the birth of our Savior.

This book is a gentle reminder of the true reason that we celebrate Christmas. Lucado writes in warm & inviting manner, he explains the birth of Christ and how its relevant to all people, without coming off as if he is lecturing. The book talks about God's love and why it was necessary for Christ to be here. It's a good book to remind you of what is important this holiday season. The book is filled with beautiful images like the one on the front cover. It's a book worth having. The book can also be used by anyone who wants to know more about Christ and why he came.

Cormier has always written wonderful characters. His books have always been invitations to walk with them through their personal torment. This is not a happy book, his books never are. You get a sense of strength having gone through the same tragedies as the main character. Its a warm embrace into a cold world.

Eleven-year-old Darcy Webster, caught between girlhood and adolescence during World War II, makes her first friend ever when she meets Kathleen Mary O'Hara, and their relationship blossoms until Kathleen Mary mysteriously disappears. At the same time, Darcy's father is reported missing in action. All this, plus Kathleen Mary's "baptizing" Darcy, brings her to a painful spiritual crisis.

Other Bells for Us to Ring is beautifully written but it raises many issues about God, miracles, growing up and alcoholism.

There are some beautiful passages where Cormier has blended words into a lovely picture.

It had wonderful characters. I felt like I was walking with Darcy through her personal tragedy. This is not a happy book, but I got a sense of strength feeling like I had gone through the same tragedies as the main character.

The most moving part in the entire story was when Darcy looked to an old nun, Sister Angela for help and wisdom, who explained the beauty of life and faith to her. I found this part amazing and extremely moving. I really got something out of it. Sister Angela's words were inspirational to me they really explained God to me. I knew who he was and everything. But I have never really understood things until I read what she said to Darcy.

I thought there would be a happy ending. I really did. It was happy at first, when I learned that Darcy's father was safe and sound, but in the next chapter when I learned what happened to Kathleen Mary, all my expectations came down with a great and glorious crash. It was powerful when John Francis showed up and gave Darcy the news. I thought that the giving of the doll gave me closure. It was a sad ending but yet it wasn't. It is quite hard to explain.

Overall this is a powerful book. It is truly exceptional.

As her father moves the family to an army town Darcy makes a new friend in an otherwise strange setting. She and Kathleen Mary become inseparable, best friends forever, and begin a journey of friendship that exposes Darcy to the Catholic faith. One day Kathleen Mary is gone and Darcy's father is missing in action. Darcy seeks out the help and wisdom of an old nun who explains the beauty of life and faith to her. As Darcy struggles with the loss of friend and father her newly discovered knowledge helps her through. This is a beautifully written story, one that is probably best suited for ages 11 and up. There are some beautiful passages where Cormier has blended words and imagery into a lovely picture.

I am not religious and I'd rather stay away from religion. When I read the back of 'Other Bells for Us to Ring' I thought: oh know, a sappy religious novel. But I read it anyway, because I trusted Robert Cormier not to disappoint me with a sappy religious novel. Religious it was, sappy it was not! I've never been particularly interested in Catholicism and never knew much about it, but I learned a lot from this book and feel all the better doing so. Both Darcy and Kathleen Mary O'Hara are exceedingly likeable characters, particularly Kathleen Mary, who was in my eyes a younger version of Amy Hertz from Robert Cormier's novel 'I am the Cheese.' I thought there would be a happy ending. I really did. It was happy at first, when I learned that Darcy's father was safe and sound, but in the next chapter when I learned what happened to Kathleen Mary, all my expectations came down with a great and glorious crash. My father, when he saw me weeping, muttered about an 'adolescent mood swing.' I just kept sobbing. Why do good people have to die? Why?

Spending the holidays in Australia has been a dream of Zach Myers since he learned that Christmas comes at the height of summer there. It's the vacation of a lifetime - sun, sand, snorkeling, outside grilling. His dream has finally come true. The only problem is he'd intended to bring a bride with him on his honeymoon trip. His bride-to-be backed out of the wedding three weeks before it was to have occurred. Her reason is valid but Zach is still struggling to come to grips with it all.

Since the trip to Australia's Gold Coast is already paid for Zach opts to go anyway. Rather than spending his time on the beach though, he spends it in either the hotel bar or his suite - trying to drink himself into forgetfulness. Zach has always believed himself to be straight but he's besieged with urges to stare at men, especially the sexy bartender Mitch Grey.

Unlike Zach, Mitch is openly gay and has no intention of going back into the closet for anyone. He's noticed Zach staring at him and isn't about to pass up the opportunity to be with a man whom he finds attractive. Mitch soon realizes that Zach is confused by his attraction to men. Being gay goes against everything he's ever believed about himself. Will Mitch be able to convince him that coming OUT FOR CHRISTMAS could be the best gift he could give himself?

Amelia Elias's OUT FOR CHRISTMAS allows readers to experience the emotional turmoil that Zach experiences when he realizes that he is in fact gay. Mitch's gentle no pressure introduction to the lifestyle left me in awe. It's too bad straight guys aren't that thoughtful! Zach and Mitch share a whirlwind courtship but eventually Zach does have to return home. I wondered how he'd handle coming out to his family and friends and if they'd accept him or shun him. OUT FOR CHRISTMAS is a sweet tale that had me in tears one moment and smiling the next and left me feeling good about life in general.

Chrissy Dionne (courtesy of Romance Junkies)

Zach Meyers cannot believe he is on his honeymoon by himself! His fiancé broke it off after she saw something she could not believe and could not accept. Zach thought the vacation would do him good, but he has basically stayed in his room and visited the bar where he is strangely drawn to the sexy bartender...who just happens to be a man.

Mitchell Grey is a hotel bartender who has noticed the sad sexy guy who spends the majority of his time at the bar. Mitch feels an attraction to the man, but he is not sure if he would be receptive of Mitch's attentions.

Zach is attempting to deny that he is drawn to the bar because of the gorgeous bartender. When Zach and Mitch meet up in the bar one evening when Mitch is not on duty a tentative friendship is started. Mitch invites Zach to a party and when Zach arrives he realizes that all of Mitch's friends are gay. Zach is totally drawn to Mitch and they start an amazing relationship which quickly turns more intense than either of them expected. Will Mitch and Zach's relationship last once Zach returns to his real world or will he continue to deny who he really is?

Out for Christmas was a lot more than I planned for and I really loved it. I was instantly pulled into Zach and Mitch's world. Zach is not sure that he is really ready to admit that he is gay, but he cannot fight his feelings for Mitch. Mitch knows what Zach is going through, but he cannot go "back into the closet," not even for Zach. Out for Christmas was a tender story about how hard life can be, but that sometimes love can conquer all. Amelia Elias knows how to write!

Gracie
reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

Don't know nothing about this author so I bought this ebook like a closed box. Only thing who appeal to me was the plot, about a guy abandoned to the altar by his bride, who goes to the honey moon alone and meets another guy...

Zach is an american guy alone in Australia: his fiancee left him to the altar cause, three weeks before found him jerking off looking to the gardener. But Zach is not gay... isn't he? And so, why he is looking so intently to the bartender?

Mitch is an aussie gay guy... and happy to not hide it. He has a past of hiding in the closet and doesn't want to return to a similar situation. He is very happy to help Zach to understand his true nature. But after two wonderful weeks, what will happen? Zach will choose to go out of the closet? Out for Christmas?

Zach and Mitch are very similar: not so young and not so naivee. They have had their experiences before, more or less good experiences. They are a balanced couple. The sex between the two is simple, basilar... a boy thing: beers, play and sex. But not like the Sean Michael's Jarheads: here we have a little bitterness, a sadness. And maybe the book would be better with one or two chapter more: I feel like it ended too soon.

Poor Zach had his perfect life planned out--beautiful girlfriend becomes beautiful wife, and their honeymoon is taken on the beautiful Australian Gold Coast. But then the whole thing falls apart...because Zach can't keep his eyes off other men. This of course doesn't bother local bartender Mitch, who can't keep his eyes off Zach. The trick is in persuading this gorgeous American that it's okay to come out of the closet.

Hot sex abounds, but so does a wonderful tenderness between Mitch and Zach. And I don't mind admitting, the ending had me breathless!

It's a book to keep for future reference. I've used it many times with colleagues and subordinates. Its examples are fantastic, it's written in a direct and easy way. All managers should read it to grasp hints on how to manage people and achieve the aimed results. Worth every penny spent on it. I've also read 'Thriving on Chaos' from the same author. Some chapters overlap, but it is an even deeper book on the subject matter. 'A Passion for Excellence' is written in a passionate way. You'll never forget it while working in management.

Many people have written that they like Tom Peters, but do not think that he has much to say that is new or different. Others criticize Peters for being changeable in his views. What these people miss is that Tom Peters is passionate about using passion for customers, employees, and everyone else to create great results for all of us. By awakening our passion, we will do more, we will try more, and we will succeed more often. In many ways, this book is much more important than IN SEARCH OF EXCELLENCE. A PASSION FOR EXCELLENCE clearly shows that passionate leadership about the right things sets a good example and the right tone for the organization. This book is helpful in that each section is meant to be read as a stand-alone, so you can go to the places that you did not feel very passionate about when you read IN SEARCH OF EXCELLENCE and get some good reinforcement about the value of passion in that area. A good companion piece if you need more passion and self-direction is Tony Robbins' AWAKEN THE GIANT WITHIN.

One of the best practical business texts around. Tom Peters is easily one of the most charismatic of the business preachers today, and the book fits right in line with his style

Having read and enjoyed "In Search for Excellence", I decided to also read "A Passion for Excellence". This book proposes that it is unnecessary to go through the traditional data-based doctrine of management. Instead the book advocates championing an innovative, customer and people oriented spirit. The authors give hundreds of actual, real-world examples, focusing on the key areas of competence that add up to excellence, offering scores of anecdotes and practical insights to help all business people on their road to leadership, success, and more importantly, excellence.

The book provides imaginative management practices and techniques that should help organization stay competitive and profitable. It is instructive and inspirational with useful reminders to managers. It is an important handbook to a brave, new way to manage people and companies.

A Passion for Excellence examines some of the most successful organizations and offers a thoughtful analysis of what makes them distinctive. Readers should benefit from gaining an insight about the critical elements of success namely constant innovation, staying in touch with customers, encouraging the contributions of everyone in the company, and maintaining the integrity that is basic to leadership.

I read this book as a kid and I still remember how much I loved it. It really is not a typical childrens book. Its a great way for a parent to spend some quality time with their kids reading the book aloud. It is filled with fantastic characters like Hopper T. McGrass and Perigrine. The adventures that Peregrine stumbles into are hilarious. The book would keep any kid occupied and asking for more. I thought it was interesting that there was a specific way to read the book. You are meant to begin it at a certain point before christmas and then read a specific amount each evening until the story finishes on Christmas Eve. An awesome book that definately reguires a read.

What a wonderful story !!! Written with both child and parent in mind, it provides many hours of happy, family-oriented entertainment. Parents will appreciate the tongue-in-cheek humour, the similarity to everyday life and the vivid imagination of the author. Children will listen spellbound to the magically detailed experiences of Peregrine and his friends. Peregrine himself is absolutely adorable, facing the world with innocence and trust and love - and we find ourselves feeling that same innocence and trust and love - rekindled in our hearts from our own childhood. The companion colouring book is a great idea and the idea of "practice pages" is awesome !!! I await, with eager anticipation, Keith Broad's next book. Where in the world will Peregrine go next, and what wonderful adventures are in store?

What a wonderful story !!! Written with both child and parent in mind, it provides many hours of happy, family-oriented entertainment. Parents will appreciate the tongue-in-cheek humour, the similarity to everyday life and the vivid imagination of the author. Children will listen spellbound to the magically detailed experiences of Peregrine and his friends. Peregrine himself is absolutely adorable, facing the world with innocence and trust and love - and we find ourselves feeling that same innocence and trust and love - rekindled in our hearts from our own childhood. The companion colouring book is a great idea and the idea of "practice pages" is awesome!!! I await, with eager anticipation, Keith Broad's next book. Where in the world will Peregrine go next, and what wonderful adventures are in store?

When I first read this book to my children, we read the first 4 chapters. My children where both so intrigued that they would try to guess what would happen next. My six-year old son feels that when he looks at the illustrations that he is a part of the story. My three-year old daughter loves the book so much that we have been reading it over and over again since December. I had to buy her a book for herself. The storyline makes you feel like you are actually right there with Peregrine. Now my son is attempting to read the book to us at night before bedtime. This book is a wonderful read for children and adults. The three of us are awaiting the next Pottontot Chronicles.

With a happily contorted version of the Santa Claus mythos, Mr. David has made a delightful story with a great outlook on human nature. This book is a perfect antidote for those who run screaming when being force-fed the mantra that 'Polar Express' is a modern Christmas classic. It avoids cliche, makes one laugh, and has the admirable quality of having likeable characters, including the independently-minded hero.

What do I love best about this book? Is it the whimisical illustrations? The wonderful story? The infusion of myth and merriment into a charming tale that will please both young and old? All of the above!

This story is deliciously naughty and nice with Santa Claus' boy going to help the naughty children of the world explain their bad deeds, but along the way, he discovers something about his own naughty antics.

This should be heralded as a classic, right along with Rudolph and Frosty.

This story about Santa's little boy, Peter, teaches readers a lesson about giving. Peter tries to help the naughty children of the world and helps himself as well. This Christmas story is entertaining while it teaches an important lesson about the true meaning of Christmas. It also teaches "naughty" children everywhere that there is hope for them if they do something nice for someone!

It was the part of the Claus family job, son Peter hated most, separating the naughty kids from the nice. He knew first hand what it was like to be on the naughty list, since he was on it last year. No presents under the tree. "Does it have to be that way? Can't naughty kids get gifts too?" Santa was firm. "I didn't make the rules. More nices than naughties and you go on the nice list and get lots of presents. More naughties than nices and you go on the naughty list and get nothing. That's the way my father taught me to do it when he was Santa, and the way his dad taught him." But to Peter, it just didn't seem fair. Santa didn't even know what those poor "naughty" kids did to get themselves on the list, in the first place. So late that night, he hitched the reindeer to the big sleigh, and set off on a mission to help those naughty children before it was too late..... Lawrence David has written a delightful holiday story with a gentle message about fairness, forgiveness and saying you're sorry, that won't be lost on young readers. His simple and straightforward text is beautifully complemented by Delphine Durand's charming and humorous childlike, geometric illustrations that are bold, bright, and wonderfully expressive. Youngsters will enjoy poring over the artwork and finding all the special little details in each picture. Perfect for youngsters 4-8, Peter Claus And The Naughty List is creative and original, a nice addition to your holiday picture book shelf, and a wonderful read-aloud story the entire family can share, discuss and enjoy together.

We recently stumbled across this book at the library and checked it out since it involves both pink pigs AND Christmas! You can't get any better than that! Our daughter, who will be 3 in March, LOVES this book so much! No other book has got her laughing so hard as this one! My husband and I like this book's comic book layout and funny illustrations. This book teaches children about teamwork, cause and effect, fixing things that break, and the big payoff of being patient.

This book is chock full of the cutest pictures, and has a great tale of the pig family's adventures in getting ready for christmas!

Will Santa bring me what I want for Christmas? He will if you ask for this delightful book! The creative pictures and wonderful story will brighten any child's day. (Believe me, I know, I'm a kid!)

Indeed, this book has something for everyone. No matter what your age or outlook, this delightful book is a favorite. From the vivid drawings to the hilarious text, it's perfect. Parents won't get tired of reading this one over and over because you laugh at something everytime. My three children are in their twenties and still insist that I put this book out each Christmas. I think all children can relate to "burned blueberry binkies" and if Santa will get their letter on time. Unless you're a Scrooge, you'll love this book!

Mary Bozeman Hodges has crafted a refreshing collection of stories which explore how human connections frame our understanding of the Christmas season. Read this charming volume and you will make your stomach ache with laughter, draw your breath in sharp surprise, blink your eyes to clear their tears, and thoroughly enjoy the time you spend with a compelling storyteller.

I recieved my paperback a few days ago and have just finished it. I enjoyed this collection of stories very much and will be seeking out Mrs. Hodges' other works now - as I believe she has won over another fan. As an author myself I can appreciate her craft and definitely her sharing of these personal, poignant, and powerful stories. I laughed out loud on some of these, which is rare for me to do. Nice work. And if you find yourself in the Tri-Cities Mrs. Hodges, look me up - I'll treat you to a cheeseburger at L.E. Clarks Grocery Store and we'll share a tale or two.

Firmly grounded in the Appalachian region, Hodges' writing reflects the speech patterns and colloquialisms of its residents in much the same way that Eudora Welty wrote of her native Mississippi. She has mastered the unwitting, self-revealing, first person narrator whose monologues often produce side-splitting humor. The themes of her stories, however, are much larger than just our region: they probe the human condition, often with the aforementioned humor, but always with respect and insight. The often quirky humor of some of her characters and her ability to present her stories in dramatic form have made her very sought after to present readings of her work.

Mary Hodges' PLASTIC SANTA is a collection of stories for reading aloud and for savoring in a quiet place. I enjoyed the wit and humor in these stories and appreciate the talents of a storyteller who can stir up the range of feelings that Mary Hodges taps. She clearly knows the emotional and geographical territory she writes about. What's wonderful about her writing is that it often seems deceptively simple and familiar--but then we realize she is showing us what we haven't really seen until she has shown it to us.

I absolutely love this book. I have never been one to journal my thoughts, but this book makes it so easy. I love how the devotion stories lead right into the questions that you answer. At first I didn't write too much, but the more days I read it, the more I wrote. The questions really get you to thinking deeper than you would just reading the Bible verses and the stories. It has totally changed my quiet time with God. I look forward to getting up every morning and sharing my thoughts with Him. Another thing that is so wonderful about it is that it will be a wonderful keepsake for my children.
It is a beautiful book inside and out, and it is the best of a devotion book and a journal.

I love this book! I actually read it every night before I go to bed to help calm the day down and settle down for sleep. I also use this book in accordance with prayer to talk with God. I pray then I normally write the date and a small note on what is going on if something major is going on in the back of the book. Then I randomly open the pages neatly print the date and read the devotion. I have been doing my devotions this way for about the past 9 months or so and everytime I open the page I am faced with something that is completely fitting to my situation. I love it. I feel that God talks to me threw this book and I enjoy my nightly time with him and "our" book.
I also enjoy going back threw the little notes and then searching for the pages that have that date or vice versa. It has lots of wonderful sayings and verses and stories that can be enjoyed over & over again.

I love the simple, yet lovely and heart-warming manner in which this story is told. Every page speaks volumes to me, and is a reminder to look more closely at those around us and realize what a special treasure they are. Also, the illustrations by C. Michael Dudash are exquisitely beautiful, full of rich detail and emotion. I love to sit and slowly soak up the rich delights of each page.

I did notice when looking at the book review of the volume that includes two other Christmas tales, that the wording was a bit different. That one contained a few more sentences here and there, but the extra wording seemed to detract from the flow of the story. I much prefer the wording in this single volume.

I highly recommend this book! I keep this treasured book out all year long!

This little book has been a great inspiration. It has often given me an answer to a situation that I face during the day after reading the daily passage.
I love mine so much that I have purchase this book as a gift and my friends have love it as well.