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By the Great Horn Spoon Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)When I was nine, I read this book. At age 40, I read the same copy to my children, ages ten and eight. As much as I enjoyed reading it the first time, reading it out loud was a much richer experience.
The writing flows naturally, and encourages a great variation in expression. The adventure truly comes out in the reader's voice. I am an actor, but I felt that this story would bring out the actor in anybody.
The story was so exciting and surprising that long reading sessions never dragged. At several points, my children threw themselves down on the floor and yelled, "Oh my gosh!"
This experience brought it all together for me, if I may speak personally: books, performing, involvement with my children, a classic story that I relished as a child myself. Those evenings added up to the happiest time of my life.
The plot concerns a boy who runs away during the California gold rush--with his butler!--to try to get his family out of debt. The adventures along the way are episodic, and each episode is an amazing and believable story in itself. Every step in the journey is given full attention: the voyage from Boston to San Francisco, the trip to the gold fields, the experiences among the miners. There are plenty of colorful characters, and plenty of opportunities for the two main characters to grow. There are also several threads that run through the whole story, maintaining suspense. Their resolution is unpredictable and satisfying.
There was very little in the book that could make a parent squirm, and very little that sounded out of date. But there were three moments that made me pause: 1) There is a fist fight, though it is handled in a light-hearted way. 2) There is a reference to corporal punishment when an adult threatens to "take a hairbrush" to a child. 3) There is an expression used once that might be innocent for all I know, but sure doesn't sound that way: "That's mighty white of you."
Minor reservations, I hope you'll agree. So plunge in and have an experience you and your listeners will never forget.

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Moon San Diego: Including Tijuana, Rosarito, and Ensenada (Moon Handbooks) Review

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(More customer reviews)this is a great guide book with lots of good maps, suggestions for dining and accomodations, and transportation. It is highly recommended.

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Seasoned writer and outdoors enthusiast Ericka Chickowski offers an insider's view of San Diego, from surfing at San Onofre State Beach to exploring the expansive San Diego Zoo. Ericka includes great trip ideas such as On a Mission, a tour of the city's historical sights, and Surf and Turf, which covers recreational opportunities in and out of the water. Packed with information on dining, transportation, and accommodations, Moon San Diego has lots of options for a range of travel budgets. Every Moon guidebook includes recommendations for must-see sights and many regional, area, and city-centered maps. With advice on where to grab a cocktail in the Gaslamp Quarter and hike in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, Moon San Diego gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience. With expert writers, first-rate strategic advice, and an essential dose of humor, Moon Handbooks are the cure for the common trip.

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Artificial Imagination (Special Edition): A Humorous Photostory Of A Journey Through Washington, California And Tennessee Review

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(More customer reviews)great book! love it!

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This expanded Second Edition of the book was published on May 27, 2011 and has 12 new chapters.

This humorous photo-book follows one man's journey through United States as he ventures from Silicon Valley to Seattle, San Francisco to San Diego in a quest for his dream job and his search for a place he could call home.

The book starts in 1987, at University of California campus in Davis, where it all began, where Artificial Imagination was conceived.We then fast forward by 15 years to 2002. Our main character, a Executive in the Software industry and working in Silicon Valley. Soon, he is heading to Seattle to work for Amazon.com at a lower level management position.

We read one lively story after another about the life in the Northwest and learn about his lovely wife and two daughters.

Our adventurer then heads to Nashville to work for a software company, and finally returns to California, when he gets caught in the infamous wild fires of 2007. Kudos to the author to be able to find humor in the middle of the Inferno!

A Review by John Lehman,the author of Everything is changingA Review by John Lehman,the author of Everything is changing

I was half way through this book when I realized it is almost poetry in the form of prose. I am not just referring to the short paragraphs, but the imaginative leaps, stunning imagery and most importantly, words which hook us in, make us think this is our story . . . . We see them on the page but live them in the theater of our imagination.

This book reminds us that we share the mysteries of the human mind and soul, no matter what our occupation, no matter where we were born. "Why I am here may appear to be a simple question, but . . . is there a deeper purpose of being where we are?" We know that the question applies not only to the location where we spend our lives, but also to overall existence, and our place in the time continuum.

Just as the author who traveled from New Delhi to Silicon Valley felt he has traveled forty years into the future, so do I, sitting in the agricultural landscape of Wisconsin felt that I have had a glimpse into the vitality of the Hi-Tech worlds of California and Seattle.

I feel I am in the hands of a good guide. Here is what it means to do research in Computers: "Rip apart an electronic system and you see nothing moving, nothing vibrating, it's almost a make-believe world, a child's fantasy, a writer's imagination."

and what it means to yearn for acceptance:"I looked at Seattle's glistening skyline on one side and its beautiful waterfront on the other and asked it the same questions I had asked San Francisco 16 years ago: will it accept me? Or will its people treat me as someone different, not one of the? And will I accept it, call it my home? Right then, she appeared from no where, as if the city had sent her to answer my questions . . ."

I loved the section addressing Seattle's slacker sun, that comes late to work, like at 9 AM and goes back home at 4, the observation that for males, until the age eight, we want every young woman to be our mother, then for the next thirty years our friend and when we have daughters, we feel like bringing every young woman a glass of warm milk and cookies.

His first day in Nashville, the author looks out of his window and sees snow. The conclusion he draws about the snow flakes very fittingly describes his life and the message we can take with us from this hip, funny, poignant, beautiful book: "the snowflakes descend slowly, floating in the air, allowing the current to carry them with it, letting it change their paths. They have chosen not to confront their destiny, choosing instead to enjoy every second of their short lives, their journey to the ground."

Welcome home, Kalpanik!

John Lehman, author of Everything is Changing

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Run to Me Review

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(More customer reviews)I liked "Love on Location" by this author more. But this book was one that will slip effortlessly in among the average quality of lesbian romances, and likely charm those who pick it up.
The writing and editing was a little loose for me to give the book really high marks. Beth flees to San Francisco to train for its half-marathon after the abrupt and painful end of a 3-year relationship in LA. There she spontaneously rents a room from a quirky cast of characters and removed from her old life begins an emotional recovery process. She meets Mary, whom everyone loves and who seems to love everyone, and they strike immediate sparks, but Beth is wary of being cheated on, and Mary has been shying away from serious relationships for years. Determined to keep it casual, they begin to train for the race together, furiously attempting to resist all impulses to take their relationship deeper.
The reader spends the vast majority of the book inside Beth's head and thoughts. I like a rich internal voice, so that was good.
Except Beth had a tendency to think one thing one scene, then think something in direct opposition in the next. She'd make a decision, then ponder contradictory thoughts without referencing that decision. Perhaps the author meant to portray the disorganized jumble of one's thoughts as their mind and body war with one another, but it would have meant more if the tenor of the thoughts and contradictions had changed as Beth recovered. Instead she hashed and rehashed the same thoughts over and over, and they began to manifest in confusing actions, and also to be boring. I kept thinking, "Didn't we already go over this...more than once?" This led to the character repeatedly creating her own drama. Not something I generally enjoy.
Thankfully we also got a bit from Mary's point of view, which was usually clearer, and helped express the confusion this reader was feeling at Beth's mixed signals. There were sweet and hot moments as their relationship stuttered along. And despite Beth's clothes unaccountable disappearing in one such hot scene, it wasn't too hard to overlook the frustrating moments as the author brought her novel to a decent close, wrapping up events in a satisfying manner.
I liked the additional psychology the author brought to this book, compared to "Love on Location." She also shook up her formula a touch, which isn't a bad thing. So far I'm a fan. Hopefully she tightens up the characterizations a bit in her next work, but I'm interested to see what she does next. It's a solid, quick read, and I expect the vast majority of those who take the time to read this book will be entertained enough to consider it time well-spent.

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Cathy's Book: If Found Call (650) 266-8233 Review

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(More customer reviews)This book was.... Wow. I've read a lot of books since I read this one, but this is still my favorite. The ending is definitely impossible to predict.
Also, calling the phone numbers and such was pretty interesting. It made the story feel more believable.

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The publishing phenomenon Cathy's Book redefined the way teens approach novels and set a new standard for interactivity, using the most popular kids' technology to enhance the experience of reading a really good story. As a new chapter is about to unfold with the publication of the sequel, Cathy's Key later this spring, the original novel is available in trade paperback. All of the supplementary items from the "evidence pack" are reproduced on pages in the back of the book, making this edition more accessible and portable. All of the original websites, phone numbers, and secret codes are still operational. Part romance, part thriller, part mystery, Cathy's Book stands on its own beyond the interactive angle and the intense marketing campaign that made it a bestseller. Readers identify with Cathy, they read her story, listen to her phone messages, check out the websites she mentions, and they leave her messages on her MySpace.com page and on a special voicemail. Fans have even created their own videos on YouTube, demonstrating their comfort and familiarity with this level of interactivity and technology. Reviewers and awards committees have also recognized the unique phenomenon that reset the bar for engaging teen novels. Don't miss this opportunity to get caught up in Cathy's world all over again! Included in the paperback edition only is a special, teaser chapter from the sequel (which pubs two months later), to whet the appetite of the thousands of readers who have gotten caught up in the web of Cathy's story! A YALSA Quick Pick

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SoMa Review

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(More customer reviews)It is said that those who relocate to San Francisco start off with a blank slate, and are free to explore their dreams and desires, from the practical to fetishes. The latter is more likely to be explored in an area of the city known as SoMa, for South-of-Market, which is the setting for this novel.
SoMa follows a small group of gay and straight characters through their explorations into the sexual carnival of that area's sex clubs, hookups, underworld connections, personal ads and creative cruising options. Raphe is a young gay man, a would-be writer who lost his job in the dot-com bust, is working under-the-table at a sleazy mail-drop storefront, and is disturbed by his unexpected attractions to other men. Lauren is a spoiled yuppie from an East Bay suburb, who drags her best friend Jessica out to explore SoMa clubs with names like "Bondage a Go Go", looking for excitement and memorable sexual experiences, but getting more than she bargained for. Mark is an Asian-American gay boy who is the head of a successful video game empire, which he has danger of losing if he doesn't rein in his wild sexual compulsions. Their paths intersect at various points, usually in the context of a sexual escapade or two, but the author is skilled at making them more than one-dimensional party boys or girls, and delivers vivid characterizations that tunes into their underlying insecurities and needs.
Not for the squeemish, SoMa is definitely explicit in its depictions of S&M and similar fetishes, but doesn't detract from the underlying development of the progress of the characters. A noteable first novel from an author I will choose again. Four stars out of five.

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Welcome To The NeighborhoodTo outsiders, San Francisco is all one big city. But to those in the know, there is SoMa, South of Market, where sleek eateries are squeezed between bail bonds storefronts and high-priced lofts look out over still rough edges. It's home to a generation of hipsters disillusioned by the dotcom bust, restless and searching for the next thrill, the next high, the next step too far. Sex, drugs, kink--you can find it anywhere in SoMa, if you know where to look. But first, you'll need your tour guides. There's Raphe, a writer torn between two worlds, belonging to neither. Lauren, the poor little rich girl living on the edge and pushing farther out. Mark, beautiful and cruel, who lives for games, the more extreme, the better. Baptiste, hot, smooth, and maybe as real as it gets. And Julie, both an object of desire and a pretty pawn to be played. In a glittering, surreal subculture of private sex clubs and kept boys, identity theft and betrayal, nihilism, redemption, and sometimes love, they're spinning out of control and into each other's orbits, desperately looking for something real--something that will show them who they really are. In this provocative, intense novel, Kemble Scott puts a new neighborhood on the literary map for good, in a tale that is disturbing, gritty, wholly original, and utterly unforgettable.

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Andrea Carter and the San Francisco Smugglers (Circle C Adventures #4) Review

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(More customer reviews)Andrea Carter and the San Francisco Smugglers is part of the Circle C Adventure Series.
I have to admit I haven't read the others in the series, but if I need a good middle grade book, I'd be sure to grab one with no hesitation. As I read this Andrea Carter book, I fell in love with the girl. She reminds me of the girl most girls want to be - adventurous, caring, and willing to do anything to stand up for other people.
I first read about the Circle C Adventures in an issue of Brio earlier this year. My daughters thought it was an interesting article and were intrigued enough to want to check out the series.
At the beginning of the book, Andrea gets into trouble (which seems easy for her) and earns herself a trip to a "school for young ladies." Although she really doesn't want to go, Andrea is wise enough not to fight her mother's wishes that she attend to school far from Andrea's favorite horses.
The school mistress sees the young, rough Carter girl as a challenge. Andrea finds out about the Chinese slaves in the area, including at least one in the school's kitchen. She has a hard time following the school rules and also caring for the little girl. The more she shows her caring, rescuing nature, the more Andrea immerses herself in trouble -- with the head mistress, the kitchen helpers, other girls, the stable tenders -- even the police and human smugglers.
This book is an easy, but great read. It lends itself to studying California history and connecting the story to current human smuggling throughout the world. The series itself would be a great way to get the horse-book lovers to read historical fiction.
I think the reading level and subject matter would be great for a wide variety of ages and children. From third graders who are ready for longer chapter books to eighth graders who like historical fiction (and perhaps need a little easier read than most historical fiction,) I think many kids (especially girls) would enjoy the Circle C Adventure Series.
I did!

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Stowaway: The San Francisco Adventures Of Sara, The Pineapple Cat Review

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(More customer reviews)I'm always looking for new books that I can read to my nieces and nephews - exciting stories that aren't gender specific. Stowaway, The San Francisco Adventures of Sara, The Pineapple Cat is perfect. Sara even looks like their cat. And the fact that her adventure is preposterous made it even better. With a bit of a wink, we were quite willing to suspend reality for the sake of excitement.
The only disappointment was on my niece's part - she wanted to see a picture of Grandma with the spiked red hair. And she wanted to see the babies. But the boys howled with laughter when the cat ended up in the baby bonnet. And I had the delight of sharing some of my own San Francisco adventures during our story time.
The ages of my little group range from 4-8. It held the interest of all three and inspired light-hearted conversation beyond.
My special note: I don't review children's books which aren't requested as a "read it again" from my young audience. "Stowaway" received their approval.

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Starvin' Marvin and Skinny Minnie Shake Up San Francisco Review

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(More customer reviews)I just finished reading this fun story to my kindergartener, and she loved it. We both really enjoyed the suspenseful endings to the chapters... we couldn't stop at just one chapter at bedtime. I could tell, by watching her face, that the words were really painting a picture in her mind. It was fun to watch her expressions change with the adventure.
I gave this book as a gift to my cousin's family recently. She has four kids, ages 6-14, and here is what she wrote in her thank you note to me: "My kids were in hysterics as I read them the book you gave us for Christmas! Great Story! I especially loved when Marvin was on the edge of the bubble bath!"

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The COPPER-HANDLES AFFAIR: The Great San Francisco Earthquake, Fire and Bank Heist Review

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(More customer reviews)A great fast paced read. John's ability to mix historic facts with ficticious adventure makes this a book hard to put down. His characters are fully developed and believable. I liked Copper's narrative being written in the vernacular. It set a certain tone for his character. John's use of the literary style of switching back and forth from Copper's escape to Handles pursuit kept the adventure moving along at a good pace. Many of the "switches" ended in a cliffhanger that compelled the reader to move on. Besides being a good read, this book takes you on a geographical and historical tour of Northern California and the Pacific Northwest.

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THE COPPER-HANDLES AFFAIR: The Great San Francisco Earthquake, Fire and Bank Heist, begins with the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and a simple opportunistic bank robbery, plunging John Law Copper, accidental thief, and Frederick W. Handles, the pursuing policeman, into the greater game of big money power politics and civic corruption on the Ragtime U. S. Pacific Coast.The chase takes them through the vanished garden world of northern California to the dangerous shanghai town of Portland, Oregon.Resonates with common human values that time and evolution have not yet ground out of us.Includes 48 b&w line drawings and two maps.

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National Trust Guide/San Francisco: America's Guide for Architecture and History Travelers (National Trust City Guides) Review

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(More customer reviews)My third day in San Francisco, I left the National Trust Guide to San Francisco in my room. It is not the architectural guide book I expected it to be. Dry and talky, the book is long on background and short on facts about individual buildings. Dozens of intriguing buildings are omitted and there is almost nothing about engineering. Peter Wiley's book may be a decent introduction to the city, but reading it did not heighten my anticipation before flying west, or strengthen my appreciation after arriving.
The weaknesses of this guide stand in contrast to the strengths of the AIA guides to major cities. These architect-written guides are exhaustive. The Boston, Chicago and New York books in particular make excellent travel guides as well as desk references. They mix building descriptions with history, and delightful nuggets of information that deepen your appreciation of the place and its builders. There's nothing dry about these books. When it comes to criticism, the editors can be delightfully bitchy.
Between politics and earthquakes, San Francisco is not an easy place to build. But SF AIA members, please find the time to draft a guide your craft and your city deserve. One that is worth schlepping up and down the hills.

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The San Francisco Earthquake (The American Adventure Series #32) Review

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(More customer reviews)I've been reading several books about the 1906 earthquake. This one was great. The plot was interesting as the time came closer to the earthquake, and I was excited. The only thing con I could mention would be young Mark's attitude regarding the man his mother is marrying, though the events in the book alter his view by the story's end.
I loved being able to "see the sights" and tour San Francisco in 1906. Here is one family's earthquake story. Great for ages 8-12.

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The Earth Dragon Awakes: The San Francisco Earthquake of 1906 Review

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(More customer reviews)This is an excellent young adult book. It is one of our Georgia Book Award Nominees for 2007-2008. It is a great way for kids to learn about what the earthquake was like from a young person's view point. The language of the book was very descriptive. You felt like you were there.

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