Boys Books

"Let's Go, Gaels" is an impressive debut and a wonderful coming-of-age story. Set in 1964, the main themes -- love, loss, family and friendships -- are relevant no matter what the timeframe. A tragic event changes the 12-year-old narrator's outlook on life, forcing him to grow up quick. I found myself fighting off tears as the world got bigger for him, as it became about more than just school and weekend basketball games. Mr. LaBate does a wonderful job capturing the difficulties and joys of being a teenager, especially a teenager coping with loss. His narrator is fascinated with the opposite sex, secretely wonders if the tragedy that his impacted his family could somehow be his fault, and is mature enough to put what was once was an all-important basketball game in perspective. "Let's Go, Gaels" made me remember being a teenager and dealing with the death of a family member, trying to make sense of it. Anybody's who's ever been young, who's had to grow up, or who is still growing up, will enjoy and identify with "Let's Go, Gaels".

In the humble opinion of this former English Major, this 57 page book is a literary masterpiece. The prose is spare. So was Lincoln's, referring here to the real Gettysburg Address, not the version "Gail Wells" giggled through. It is poignant, funny, sweet, engaging, charming. If you fail to recognize any of the characters you will nonetheless find yourself laughing and crying on nearly every page.

But knowing the characters makes it ever so much more fun. Nearly every phrase brought back a hundred related memories of that oh-so-innocent era of SMI and Market Hill in 1964; the paper routes, the class assignments, the movie theaters, the smell of the locker room at the Armory, the thrill of victory, the agony of defeat, the intricate plans the guys would make to casually and accidentally bump into a favorite girl, the incredible sentiment attached to a single thread, and the very special memory of an adorable happy little four-year-old girl whose sudden death is at the center of the piece.

Most of all it is a tribute to a wonderful family, made all the more exceptional precisely because the LaBates were not atypical. They were (and are) one of many wonderful families and folks in this town. The book reminded me of so many of them: the Welches, the Borwhats, the Petrucciones, Father Glavin, Doc Cortese and his work among the poor in Central America, the Gormans and Blanchfields and Cushings and Rileys and all those haunts of my youth like Mac and Tom's (and Mac's. And Tom's.) and Fariello's, all of whom and which made Amsterdam such a great place to grow up, and made our decision to raise our family here so easy. ( No offense intended for anyone I left out. Jumbo left me out, too, thank God.)

Finally, and unwittingly, this book is a tribute to the Author, for in its pages Jim LaBate comes through as the sensitive, funny, shy and sweet guy that we always knew. I reveal here for the first time that when the nasty girls in our class were writing their "slam books" rating their classmates, I took a different approach and privately made up a list of all the people of whom I could think of nothing bad to say, putting great stock in the virtue of Nice. Jim LaBate was at the top of the list. In the 34 years that have passed since, no one has come remotely close to knocking him off.

Let's Go, Gaels. Read it. Cherish it. Pass it down to your grandchildren.

Jim LaBate has written a poignant, fully-realized tale of loss and redemption as seen through the eyes of a 12-year-old boy. LaBate eloquently captures the language of youth and the moment-by-moment realities of his young narrator as his world is shattered by an unexpected tragedy. This is that rare coming-of-age story which does not sacrifice innocence. Rather, it reaffirms the values and beliefs that form the foundation of the innocence that is threatened during the one week that is relived in the pages of this book. This gently-told tale is tender but not sentimental and is guaranteed to touch the hearts of readers of all ages. Highly recommended.

Okay, so I wrote the review for one of this guy's other books, "How to get out of debt-and into praise." Like I said then, I'm not a religious person and I was very doubtful. But since the debt book was good, I thought I'd check this one out on my own. IT WAS AMAZING! He is different from any kind of preacher/writer that I've ever experienced in that he actually makes the bible make sense and uses it to confront real life issues that you're dealing with. The book compares different breeds of dogs to different types of men that women date. The book is absolutely hilarious (I laughed so hard in places that it made my stomach hurt), but it's not silly-he balances humor with information so well that your attention is glued and you can't put the book down (I finished it in a weekend). Moreover, it offers biblically based recommendations for single men and women to help us avoid destructive and hurtful relationships, and also good advice on how to choose prospective lovers. While it is religious, the book is real, and not afraid to "go there" and talk about anything, even sex. After I read the book, I was delighted to find out that there was also a video available of the sermon upon which this book is based--and after I viewed it I realized just how unique, animated and charismatic this man is (my image of him was of an old, country Baptist preacher, but it turns out that he is very young and very aware of issues relevant to young people). Any minister who makes the bible something relevant to society and to my age group is all right with me. Definitely worth the ten bucks to buy for yourself and your single friends. Keep 'em coming, Reverend!!

While reading this book my soul was praising God. This book was right on time. (Straight from the thrown of God) It wasn't something just to "tickle our fancys". It wasn't something that was all up in the flesh just to make yourself look good, because no one can interupt you because you're the "pastor". This book ministered to me on a whole new level. I don't feel that my spirit has ever been ministered to so well, I know this book was inspired by God because it fit my situation head on. Many people were trying to tell me things about my relationships, but it was hard for me to receive it because they were looking at things through the natural eye. So when I began to read this book I was like oh my God, how could he know exactly what I've been through, and what I'm going through right now. Always knowing that it was God. It just seemed so impossible. (Yeah I know God can do the IMPOSSIBLE and he can do above all that we can even imagine) I want to thank God for sending his word just for me. I thank God for ministering exactly what I needed and letting me know that he's still with me. I mean it's like I'm here in Bainbridge, Ga and God used you all the way in Seattle, Washington. I just can't thank Him enough. I just really thank you (Revered J.T. Meeks) for allowing God to speak through you.

I got this book through my book club, and loved it. It took me a couple of hours to go through it. Pastor breaks down the type of dogs and women who are out to use you and not necessarily love you. Highly recommended for the ones searching for that special someone.

My nephew and his father spent much quality time reading the bible stories together. This book is a wonderful gift to share God's word and to bring a father and son together.

We purchased this and the Little Boy's Book of Prayers when our son was a toddler. He loved carrying this book around and called it, "My Bible". The stories are short and engaging, perfect for wiggily little ones. Several years later we had a baby girl and right away I sought out the Little Girls Bible Storybook for Daughters and Mothers. She loves hers as well. It has bright pictures that she loves to look at. Hardcover and sturdy.

The wording of the Bible Stories followed by "Becoming a Man of God"- to apply the story is excellent. Both my son, age 4, and daughter, age 2, enjoy this book tremendously. We try to read this to our son every day. We all enjoy reading this book- it is a bit on the humorous side with the illustrations.

We received this as a gift for my 9 month old daughter and she loved it so much I decided to get it for a friend's baby as well. This well-known song has a wonderful rhythm that babies can enjoy and the illustrations are beautiful!

We have quite a large collection of christmas picture books and this one remains one of our very favorites. The pictures are absolutely breathtaking; the artist completely caught the spirit of that which he was painting. We also love the sillhoutes. Can't say enough. Get it!

We selected this book and several others because we want our grandchildren to have classics.

The Little House Collection Box Set (Full Color) (Little House) Everything on this sale went as smooth as silk. The condition was as listed. Thank You, Lisa

I purchased 9 Little House of the Prairie books, they where in very good condition and arrived in my house in a very short period of time, I am very happy with my purchase.

This product came quickly (within the week) and in very good condition, look hardly used. I love the box set and have it set up in our guest bedroom, it is pretty. And, I have already read through half the books, they are exceptional. I would recommend both the seller and the Little House books (box set) to everyone! Thanks for all of your help! Shannon

These little pear stories are just good clean fun. Not many books are written like this one these days.

Little Pear is a young chineese boy. In this chapter book he has many adventures. In these adventures he learns newthings such as ice fishing and baby sitting.

I am so glad to find these books again. I used to check them out at our local library and they looked pretty old back then (I am almost 37!). I cannot wait to share them with my little girl, I hope she enjoys them as much as I did.

The Little Pear stories are fabulous. My four year old daughter loves them and we read them over and over. They are perfect for this age and older.

I bought this book for my little daughter when she was only 20 months old. Now, She is 4.5 yrs old and she still choses it among maybe 50 other books at least 2-3 times a week.
The story is fun with a great imagination and the illustration are so colorful and lovely. If I am to busy to sit down and read it to her, she just goes thru the pages and enjoys the pictures and the details in them.
She told me that she wanted to keep this book for her own children. I think I will get a new copy since this one shows that it was read and enjoyed many times.

My 4 year old and 18 month old daughters absolutely love this book. The images simply jump off the page and there is so much visually to take in that they are captivated. Each night before we go to bed, all three of us pick a book. My 4 year old never tires of the book and picks it each and every time. Her favorite part is when Toby's mother says she looks like a mermaid with all the crawdads, turtles and such in her hair. I'm here looking for more of Kim Fernandez's illustrated books and thought I'd offer my opinion.

Little Toby and the Big Hair is a delightful picture book about the hazards, adventures, and surprises of a girl with very long hair.

The story describes in rhyme how Toby, who wants to grow the longest hair in the world, deals with very real problems encountered by someone with long hair in a world of short haired people.

My favorite part of the book is the wonderful illustrations, which were made out of fimo and then photographed. The illustrations are masterpieces of art, capturing nuances of texture, patterns, and light, in a simple, but elegant style.

I was so very pleased with this book. I started playing war games when I was a small boy, with plastic soldiers. It was wonderful fun. As I grew older, I graduated to Chess, Tactics II, Blitzkrieg, Panzer Blitz, Panzer Leader, Squad Leader, etc. Eventually, I joined the Army National Guard and served proudly for 17 years achieving many awards and decorations. I have the career that I have because of my military training in electronics. To think that it all started with my brother and I playing with little toy soldiers; it is a true wonder. I now have a son, only 6 months old. I can't wait to share this book with him and to enjoy a golden time in his life with him, side by side, playing with little plastic men. Either you understand, or you will think I am nuts. It won't matter to my son and I. The one problem I have discovered from reading the book is; where can I get the little cannons that actually shoot?

Wells provided a means of spending countless enjoyable and educational hours with my son that continue to this day. Now 19, he was introduced to Little Wars at age 9. It is in no small part responsible for his current knowledge of, and interest in, History and Geography (and, by extension, other things as well).

I find it interesting that H.G.Wells and Sir Winston Churchill shared this hobby. Interesting, but, I suppose, not really surprising after seeing first-hand what a child's imagination does with Wells' ideas.

The hard-cover copy I found back in the early 70's is loaded with drawings and pictures.

This is a light read, describing the famous author's system for taking children's toy soldiers and making a "Kriegspiel" (the Prussian General Staff method of wargaming) for the common man, and boy, of whatever age (and, Wells adds, for "girls of the better sort"). Wells' game used the famous Britain's toy soldiers, employed rules for movement and melee, and utilized toy cannon to provide the firepower. This is a delightful book, enriched by HG Wells imagination and skillful writing

Ben Sonnenberg may rue that "in my worst recurring dream I'm cut at a party by Henry James," but James would be the loser. "Lost Property" takes up post-JFK New York City where Dawn Powell had to leave off, and Sonnenberg proves himself a one-man Goncourt Brothers. "Confessions" require transgressions, but being a "bad boy" suggests venial rather than venal sins. "I heard from a friend of my father's that no one is truly a man until his heart has been broken three times," a record easily surpassed in this chronicle of lovers, celebrities, and mismatches, projects, travels, and quiet triumphs, amid a torrent of literature. ("Publishers Weekly," above, neatly reprises the facts.)

Then midway through the journey of this life comes a knock at the door for this "grey-haired youth": MS. Yet his condition eventually let Sonnenberg channel his energies into founding the quarterly "Grand Street" and, between 1981 and 1990, editing 35 classic issues. The roll-call of topics and authors still astonishes: "A Grand Street Reader" (1986) and "Performance and Reality: Essays from Grand Street" (1989) collect 64 exemplary stories, poems, and essays.

Some reviewers of the original edition were upset by a confession which did not include absolution: there are explanations but, refreshingly, no excuses. Those who enjoy it will want to compare accounts with "Strangers in the House: Life Stories" by Dorothy Gallagher, his present wife. To dissuade her from marrying him, Sonnenberg says of MS, "It's pernicious, but not fatal"---an unfussy accuracy of word choice characteristic of a style like Sancerre, the clean, slatey white wine from the Loire. Counterpoint's handsome reissue re-sets the text attractively, and corrects a few errors; name-chasers will admire the useful index. (Check out Glenn Gould, pages 66-69.) "Lost Property" shows how one man trumped the curse of remembering.

I wrote a review for amazon weeks ago and it hasn't appeared. Please let me know why.

This book made me miss my Metro stop and feed my children cold, canned food -- I couldn't get back to it fast enough and went through a minor depression after finishing it. Sonnenberg has a wonderful self-deprecating sense of humor and writes exquisitely. For some unknown reason, this book reminded me of "Of Human Bondage". If only he'd write another.... And without this book, the world would lose small gems such as "short, but very thick, and it smelled of honey."

There are some things the world needs to know.

Loving Boys is a rare and out of print book that will eventually be unavailable so buy it while you can. The late Dutchman, Dr. Edward Brongersma, spent his entire life to the research of man-boy love and the result of his efforts is this book. It is worth buying if you are open-minded and not consumed by the conventional socio-medical-religious perspective that man-boy love is harmful to minors. This book presents the perspective of the other side-the non-conformists, the very people that suffer as a result of social rejection and proscription. Marriage is for everyone but to love a boy is reserved for the sage for it demands greater sacifice than the average citizen is willing to give. (Brongersma, 86) The god of any religion is only a fragment of god. God is woven into reality. (Chopra, 04) If we bear with this notion, it can be suggested that the boy is god because he exists in the physical realm and thus can be felt, heard, and seen. He brings peace and happiness to whose who adore him. What religious god does all that? World religions have caused wars, bloodshed, and division. Boylove is an enlightenment movement because it promotes gentleness-love and like other enlightenment movements (Tibetan Buddhism) it has become an attractive target for aggressive outsiders (the law) who want to kill it.

It's too bad you can't even get this book in the book stores. It's a great read. Although I doubt anyone who isn't attracted to boys will even understand this book. It basically says that boylove (and girllove) is more common than we dare to believe. It's nice to see a book that tells the truth, as boylovers feel towards boys. It's also great to find a book that doesn't mention the words "child molester" in the same sentance with boylover. I think it was Kinsey who said that the only unnatural sex act is "not having sex".

Anti-boylovers and anti-girlovers should read this book, they will see that boylovers and girlovers ar gentle, caring people.
Everyone should consider someday becoming a bl or gl.
Someday this book will be a standard text in school.