Boys Books

The subject of this book is fascinating. While I was reading this well written book, I kept thinking, 'this would make a great movie bio'.

This was a good book and easy and fast to read. It mainly focuses on the very early film making of Jackie, and then goes into his later years. The only thing that makes me wonder about authors of these biographies (of which I read MANY), is when their information is not correct, and then I wonder a bit what else might be not quite the truth. In this respect, I refer to a couple of references which the average reader might say "who even cares", but what I am saying here is that if this information is incorrect, then what else hasn't been researched thoroughly or completely and happens to be wrong? Are we getting the real truth? My questions here refers to when Jack Coogan died, and the author says that he was buried at Calvary Cemetery in Culver City. Calvary is in East L.A. (where Jack is), and Culver City is where another Catholic cemetery is located. So we have not good research here. Then, after Jackie died, the book says he was "laid to rest at Holy Cross Mausoleum, near the crypt that held the remains of Jack Coogan Sr." But before it says he's at Calvary, now it's Holy Cross. And I do happen to know the truth. Jack is at Calvary, but Jackie is at Holy Cross. So, maybe trivial to some, but like I say, whatother information may not be the real truth. Another bit of the book that disturbed me was when the auto accident happened that killed Jack and injured Jackie. She says that after the accident the mother was notified at 5 PM, and that immediately his stepfather chartered a plane in Los Angeles, which consisted of his mother, their doctor and 4 other people and when they arrived in San Diego they were led by police escort the 59 miles to the acident area. She makes it sounds like this was accomplished in a very brief time period, but honestly, chartering a plane and getting 6 or more people to the airport and flying to San Diego and then driving 59 miles of rugged road would take an awfully long time, many hours I would think. They would have arrived at 2 in the morning or something. This isn't very believable. But it's a good book and I liked it. Jackie was fortunate to live out his life and die a natural, as he lived some pretty fast years.

Diana Serra Cary was once know as Baby Peggy in the 1920's. Mrs. Cary must have done exhaustive research into the life of fellow child star Jackie Coogan. She also reveals a crime that was committed during Coogan's college years. Jackie Coogan: The World's Boy King is aptly titled. Coogan's parents were Vaudeville actors. Charles Chaplin was searching for a child to work in one of his pictures. Adorable 6 year old Jackie got the part. Until he hit the awkward age, Jackie was making millions of dollars. There were no laws during that era about child labor or whether the child would benefit in adulthood from a working childhood. Jackie was mobbed all over the world. Since the pictures he made were silent, the subtitles could be changed for every country. Naturally, this greatly effected the child. During his teenage years he was in an automobile crash with 3 other people. Jackie was the only survivor. His father had died.
When it came time for Jackie to inherit his trust fund he discovered that he had no right to it under the law. His Mother, now remarried met Jackie in court to fight over his childhood earnings. The public was horrified to learn that Jackie under old fashioned laws was not entitled to one red cent. This is how the famous Coogan law was brought into effect. At this time Jackie was married to Betty Grable. He was terribly cruel to Betty. Continuously drunk one night he urinated all over his wife. Unable to find work because of being black listed by Mayor, Coogan enlisted in the military. Later in life he would become known as Uncle Fester on the Adam's Family.

Young readers will follow Jasper along as he conducts several experiments that lead him to the conclusion that his blanket is magic! There are a lot of surprises in store for Jasper when he reveals his discovery to classmates, and how the classmates go about uncovering the secret to Jasper's magic blanket. Danny Gorden's illustrations are a key to young readers finding the clues to what Jasper's magic blanket is really all about. Debbie Atwood is a skilled and clever storyteller. It is strongly hoped that Jasper's Magic Blanket will only be the first of many more unique and charming children's books to come!

We purchased this book after our children began an art class with the talented illustrator, Danny Gordon. The illustrations in this book are beautiful! They're colorful, contemporary, and uplifting. My children loved the story. We especially liked the way he "sneaked" Bible verses into each illustration. It gave the book even more meaning. My children enjoyed finding the hidden verse references, and looking them up in their Bibles.

Many children can relate to having a special "lovey," whether it's a blanket or toy. What I really liked about this story was that it's not just the blanket that's special -- it's the love within the family. Read it and see for yourself. :)

We eagerly look forward to more books illustrated by Mr. Gordon.

"Jasper's Magic Blanket" is an absolutely delightful children's book. It tells the story of a mystery of epic proportions - How is it that Jasper is always tucked in under his blanket in the morning? He kicks it off, tries sleeping on the floor and a variety of other ways to see if he will always wake up all tucked in snugly. Jasper eventually solves the mystery and in the process finds out about how special it is to be loved.

An exceptional picture book with a beautifully written story that promotes positive family and self concepts, what more could you possibly ask for from a children's book.

I found myself to be on a rollercoaster of emotions while reading about Jim Limber Davis. I was angered by his abuse; I found myself smiling as I read about his adventures with the Davis family and was saddened when he was abducted. The illustrations are incredible and bring the story to life. I look forward to hearing my grandchildrens reviews about the mysterious story of Jim Limber.

Award-winning author Rickey Pittman presents Jim Limber Davis: A Black Orphan in the Confederate White House, a children's picturebook revealing the amazing true story of a young black boy rescued from his cruel guardian by Varina Davis, wife of Confederate President Jefferson Davis. Jefferson Davis registered Jim as a free black child and became his guardian; Jim was treated well and enjoyed happy times in the Confederate white house during the civil war. Yet when the Union won, Jefferson Davis was imprisoned and Jim Limber was taken away by Union soldiers. Jim Limber was displayed as a "slave" of Jefferson Davis, though he tried to protest that the scars inflicted upon him were from his first master, not from the former Confederate President. By the time Jefferson Davis was freed from prison, Jim Limber had disappeared, never to be heard from again - what happened to him remains a mystery to this day. Earthy illustrations by arts teacher Judith Hierstein add a complementary touch to this glimpse of a largely unknown and unseen side of the Confederate White House.

It is about time someone wrote about this tragic little boy. I have told this story to incredulous listeners for years. I am overjoyed to think that now more people will know this little boy's name and probable fate. A great Christmas gift with excellent art work and lively, readable text.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who has children or work with children dealing with mental illness. It is fun, colorful and inspiring

As a pediatric OT, I look for resources to help families. I have found an invaluable one. Ms. Rose has written from her heart, as the family searched to find what would help her son, who ultimately receives a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. The struggles, challenges, hopes and dreams she shares could just as easily be experienced by families dealing with all mental health issues.

While the book is written and illustrated in a light-hearted style for children, it addresses a difficult, serious subject and can be just as helpful for adults to read or read with their child and discuss what happens to Josh.

Life can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with a mental illness; we all need a red cape to provide strength in times of stress. This book can be a red cape for families.

This is a true story and one that has been shared many times verbally. Each time it was told, the impact on the listener was so remarkable, I decided I wanted to share this with anyone I could. It tells about how my son, and how bipolar disorder affected him and his life. It also deals with the possibility of recovery from mental illness and how the support system of your loved ones plays a part in a total recovery process.

It is written for all ages, starting as young as 2 or 3 and the drawings are much like the ones Joshua used to draw himself.

You can also see part of Josh's story in the book, Chicken Soup for the Soul - Children with Special Needs on page 26. I hope you are touched as others have been. Thank you.

This book provides a bit more cultural background to the autobiographical "Kampung Boy". Although some of the games portrayed in the book are more common in rural areas, even city kids like me will be reminded of childhood games like the bird-water-rock thing (Malaysian version of rock-paper-scissors) and batu seremban (five-stones, similar to jacks but played with pebbles).

Actually, this book would be a great present for a bored child. Aside from the fun of just reading it, it offers dozens of suggestions for games.

I really hope that the generation of Malaysian kids born from mine will still find something recognizable in this book and not be all taken up by electronic games. Lat's last page offers some hope for the continued existence of the ability of children to improvise fun from anything.

We picked up this book at the Kuala Lumpur hotel at which we stayed, and feel immediately in love with it. Very humorous; and gives you a look into a unique, native culture, from the eyes of a very mischievous boy -- the author himself! Quite a unique way to learn more about the Malaysian culture.

LAT's cartoons provide a thoroughly believeable view of Malysian life and politics. To me, as a 'Mat Saleh', LAT provides an invaluable guide to Malaysian culture, expressed in a way mere words never could. Ever since my wife first read to me 'Budak Kampung' as a way of learning about her culture I have been hooked, and we've been avid collectors ever since.

I blasted through the "traditional" 400 plus book in just a few days, so I got the electronic edition to reread while I travel. The author successfully and artfully used the sometimes tired "journal" device to describe the main character's story and while I ususally run screaming from those kinds of books I'm glad I stayed with this one. The first few chapters are long with a lot of Northern California area description and history, but the pace changes as the mystery/adventure unfolds. It's so well written it's hard to remember that it is historical fiction -- and be ready to laugh and remember your own childhood and even shed a few tears as you read this book. While the e-edition is a little choppy and paged oddly now and then (like a lot of the Kindle editions I have purchased) it was easy to look past since the story was so good.

I was a bit surprised how fast I read the 400-plus page book, but I was concerned about the main character and the adventure that was unfolding in front of him. The author successfully and artfully used the sometimes tired "journal" device to describe the main character's story and while I ususally run screaming from those kinds of books I'm glad I stayed with this one. The first few chapters are long with a lot of Northern California area description and history, but the pace changes as the mystery/adventure unfolds. It's so well written it's hard to remember that it is historical fiction -- and be ready to laugh and remember your own childhood and even shed a few tears as you read this book.

I just finished the book last night and it was WONDERFUL. Extremely well written. I can't say enough good things about it and will recommend it to everyone I know! I bought 2 copies and am so glad I did! It brought back lots of wonderful memories, and of course a few tears along the way for the fictional hero whom I fell in love with! Anyone 8-80 would enjoy this book.

Duff Brenna, who has won numerous awards for his fiction, including the AWP Best Novel Award and a New York Times notable book mention, brings us his sixth novel The Law of Falling Bodies, and it is simply wonderful. The range of narrative tactics includes free indirect discourse, epistolary sections, and good ol' traditional psychological realism. And what's more impressive is how seamlessly and naturally these various tactics work together to make for a page-turning read.

Duff Brenna has been writing some of the best fiction in America for decades. Hopefully this excellent new novel will bring him more the readership he greatly deserves.

Nothing Duff Brenna does in literature will surprise me any more. Long underrated, one can only hope that this amazing new novel, "The Law of Falling Bodies," finally gets Brenna the full recognition he deserves. You can virtually taste Brenna's settings, along with the hopelessness inherent in every fallen leaf or the draining soul of each character -- no matter how insignificant. And yet I'd be leading you astray to portray this as a bleak or depressing novel. The immutable spirit found in the most forlorn of characters soars under Brenna's hand and his humor is as unflinching as anything found by Harry Crews, high praise from me. And war, which seems to be the common denominator of each American generation, is given the fitting importance it deserves - all in the trenches of the minds of the Foggy family. Duff Brenna is as fine a fiction writer that we have working today and "The Law of Falling Bodies" is a high entry in the canon of American fiction. Bravo!

Award-winning author Duff Brenna presents The Law of Falling Bodies, a novel examining the cyclical nature of wars between men, women, and countries. Fifteen-year-old Virgil Foggy is trying to eke out a living on a failing dairy farm in Minnesota. Virgil's mother is pregnant, with a potential sibling the family cannot afford to raise; Virgil's brother has joined the army and departed abroad, yet war for Virgil is a daily reality with his stepfather at home. At times grim bordering on gruesome, The Law of Falling Bodies is punctuated with stark emotional coldness, even slaughter as reflected upon the merciless killing of farm animals for food. An unforgettable reading experience.

In "Leaving Maggie Hope", David, the young protagonist, witnesses a fight between his mother and stepfather that changes the course of his life. Instead of growing up in the bosom of his comforting, albeit troubled family, David is sent to boarding school while his mother, stepfather, and sister disperse separately to New York City.

He is troubled by a slight physical disability from his youth and "coping strategies" that set him apart from the other boys. As David negotiates through life in the rarefied environment of an East Coast boys' school, he learns that his is not the only family that is unraveling, and how to cultivate the assets that truly make him valuable as a friend and student. Under the surface of all his adjustments at school runs the distress caused by his mother's descent into alcoholism.

David is a character that almost everyone can relate to. He is the butt of pranks as well as the perpetrator of them. He is very smart, but has to learn to strive for the real value of education, rather than for the purpose of accumulating accolades. This story is so beautifully written (the author is a poet) that experiencing the language is as rewarding as the culmination of David's story. Enjoy!

I really wish the whole world could know Dr. Abbott, the author of this book. He is this adorably handsome man with eyes that twinkle when he speaks and a laugh that can leave you smiling all afternoon. In his classes in college, I often had difficulty taking notes because I was so swept away by his expression of the English language. He is poetic in everything that he does, and this book is a great example of that.

David Lear, the protagonist of this tale, who reminds me a great deal of what Dr. Abbott might have been like as a boy, is a fantastic character filled with so many demons yet able to conquer them all. Almost like a Harry-Potter-for-adults, Leaving Maggie Hope takes us through David's adolesence and leaves us warm with the hope of what will come for this extraodinary boy.

What's even greater than the story, though, is the language that Dr. Abbott uses to tell his tale. It's simply breathtaking in places. I absolutely recommend this book to anyone who marvels in the magic of putting words together in beautiful ways.

The story of this young man, and how he comes to terms with some unique circumstances, as well as those challenges univeral to us all, will pull you in from the very beginning. This is one of those "read the 1st chapter, and you're hooked" books. I wanted to curl up with a quilt and a good cup of coffee and just not put it down. You'll find your own favorite teacher, your own best friend, your own worst enemy and your own heart at the heart of this story. I want to cast the movie version, and have high hopes for a sequel!

"Ledfeather" represents a breakthrough for author Stephen Graham Jones. It is his most perfect novel to date, exceeding even the brilliant "All the Beautiful Sinners." An overreaction? Perhaps. My strong reaction to this novel may have more to do with my growing understanding and appreciation of SGJ's prose in general rather than the story told in "Ledfeather." Most likely it's a combination of both.

Reading SGJ is challenging. His books do not make for easy reading. And thank you, Stephen, for that. Casual readers who gravitate to the bestseller list would probably not get past the first few pages of "Ledfeather" (or "All The Beautiful Sinners" and particularly not "Bird Is Gone: A Manifesto"). And what a shame, for the rewards to the reader who takes on the challenge are many.

I forgot who said it, though I suspect it was not just one individual, but reading is an active (as opposed to passive) activity. Reading someone like Dan Brown is akin to watching Zoolander (a movie I admit I like more than I should). Reading Stephen is more like watching a film by Bergman or Lynch or Tarkovsky, for example. And these three directors are typically not grouped together. The point I'm trying to make is that, like all great literature and film, the experience affects everyone differently, but it does affect them, not just entertain them. Meanings and linkages that are not readily apparent upon initial reading creep into the reader's minds later -- sometimes days, weeks or months later.

"Ledfeather." The novel opens with a blank page save a single sentence: "I remember you." Perfect for so many reasons, which, again, man not resonate until well after the last page is read. The main character -- Doby Saxon -- is SGJ's most memorable character to date. When he sits in the snow by the side of the road and begins to read Dalimpere's letters, written ages ago, the author begins a narrative-transition device that seems so simple at first. But the transition that SGJ pulls of is so subtle and effective that you almost forget about Doby altogether after the first few letters. Claire. Claire. God how he (Dalimpere) must have hurt. His torment is almost tangible. The slow slide into madness (or is it just uncaringness?) is breathtaking. And then the eventual return to Doby's world and THAT NIGHT. Again, perfect.

I admit I didn't "get" SGJ's earlier novels. But that's a poor way of expressing what I'm trying to say. Sure, "Bird Is Gone: A Manifesto" confused the heck out of me, and "All the Beautiful Sinners" remains the most complex "thriller" I have ever read. But when I finished both of those books, I didn't know exactly how I felt. Certainly not dissatisfied, and not necessarily confused, but... something else that I hadn't felt after concluding any other novel.

As I've stated elsewhere, SGJ's language or voice or whatever you want to call it -- it takes time to appreciate, like a fine wine. At least it did for me. But now I feel I've broken through partially, and the connections are slowly revealing themselves. This makes me want to to revisit those novels again (and "Demon Theory" and "Bleed Into Me: Stories," too). And also to finally take "The Fast Red Road: A Plainsong" off the shelf and give it the reading it deserves (the sole novel of this author that I have yet to tackle).

"Ledfeather" deserves wide recognition, and should be a contender for one of the many literary awards. It's that good. Unfortunately I think the majority of mainstream readers will never know about this magical book. But that is their loss, and should not be yours.

Thank you, Mr. Jones, for sharing these words with us. I don't know how autobiographical any the story was, but I can't help but feel I understand you a tiny bit more now. I also realize this is patently false, as I firmly believe that it is impossible to truly understand anyone except yourself (and even that is exceedingly difficult), particularly through a work of fiction. But still, I like to kid myself that maybe it is possible if the stars are aligned. And maybe that's what "Ledfeather" does for me.

Highly recommended.

In what is either his latest or second-latest novel (see 'The Long Trial of Nolan Dugatti), Stephen Graham Jones' 'Ledfeather' is a powerful piece of prose, a work that burns into your mind. Concerning the young and luckless Doby Saxon, his suicide attempts and the whole of the Blackfeet people, Jones weaves a connection from the past right to Doby's pitiful existence, to the redemption he seeks. Beautifully written, 'Ledfeather' is Stephen Graham Jones most poignant work to date, and is highly recommended. Transcending genre, culture, this is a work about guilt and redemption.

I've thought this for some time now, - verily, whenever I inhale, skim or touch one of his works - but it must be written somewhere, anywhere, so why not here: existing now, alongside Jones, and reading his copious literary releases just as they're released, is to run alongside a literary master as he elbows the profligacy of independent authors and literary experimentalists away, galloping toward some wide, critically lauded level where he so rightly belongs. If it never happens, it is to be considered a crime against the reading public.

Ledfeather is astounding.

To see the features of the narrative face eventually figured into some logical, natural, glorious countenance bespeaking significance, utter significance, is an event with the wherewithal to rend me from that place where I'm a reader, reading, and lay me gently unto where the experience is inextricable from me. Astounding, just astounding.

The narrative sprawls through time and viewpoints, all of them congealing into a markedly succinct tale, one with the narrative that simply reaches in order to encapsulate the emotional quality, the characterization, the poetry in the vernacular and in the mundane, packing its cheeks with threading that, at times charmingly matted and lackadaisical, forms a consummate and beautiful tapestry.

Ledfeather is a dormant beast that, from the first page, rises toward full volume, length, glory.

For a man in no want of potency in his work, this is his most potent book.

What an easy read and reminder of all the practical things your mother taught you to always remember but somehow you may have seemed to put aside in your busy day to day life. What you already know gets a "dusting off" and a new spin as Scott teaches you or reminds you to use the courtesy that your Mom gave to you as a gift. You will laugh and nod your head numerous times as you recall how true the Swedenburg recipe for success rings. I have given it to my whole family to read in hope that we can all learn again the sage advise of "Miss Shirley".

I have read this book twice and learned something new each time! It is fun and quick to read and the information is easy to put into action immediately! I keep it on my desk as a reference and also to put a smile on my face as I'm working away!
Scott takes the life lessons that Mom taught us and how they are so important and practical to build and reach a very successful and happy life both in business and personally!
It is excellent--do yourself a favor and buy a copy for yourself and for that matter all your clients and employees!

Lesson's From a Mama's Boy is an enjoyable QUICK read full of no nonsense practical advice that we have all heard before, but much of which we have simply forgotten over the years to apply to our busy lives. This insightful advice is delivered in an amusing fun manner and is good advice for EVERYONE, not just businessmen and women! A simple smile and/or genuine compliment truly do go a LONG way. Shortly after lending this book to a friend, she called me laughing, saying she had only read a small portion of the book, but had already successfully put some of the advice to work. She was traveling abroad and going through customs, faced with yet another surly customs agent. The customs lady was already unzipping the first suitcase, but instead of bracing herself for the ensuing search of her belongings, my friend chose to simply smile at the agent. She wasn't sure, but thought this had a `softening' effect. At that point she happened to notice a lovely ring the agent was wearing, so she complimented her on it. This simply delighted the agent, who excitedly told my friend all about the ring. The agent, beaming from ear to ear, never did search her belongings - she simply welcomed her to the country and waved her on through - a very pleasant surprise for my travel weary friend! A definite 'Success', just as the title implies! This is a book you will want to read more than once and keep handy - it is a great reminder of some very simple concepts many of us have become just too busy to remember to apply!