Shoes Books

I adored this book as a child. I can't believe it's out of print in the uk. It tells the story of four children training to become professional tennis players. Nicky, the heroine is an interesting character and it gives a real picture of her struggle, as well as the points where she loses motivation. There is also an interesting point where her older sister discovers she is not good enough and has to give up. This is a great read and also has depth.

Do you remember when the Meg Ryan character walked into Tom Hanks' FOX BOOKS store and the customer asked about the "Shoes" books, and a monologue about the wonders of Noel Streatfeild's "Shoes" books ensued, touching on Dancing Shoes, Ballet Shoes, and Skating Shoes, which is absolutely wonderful? That scene made me break down crying, because I had never heard anyone other than myself talk about these terrific books, and the fact that it is tragic that they are mostly out of print and hard to find. This book is a wonderful story of working hard for a goal, and accomplishing it, or at least getting on the road to achieving a reasonable, yet magical, goal. If you want a great book for your favorite elementary school girl, buy this one - then buy the other "Shoes" books (and get a copy of Movie Shoes for your favorite boy too!)

I read most of Noel Streatfeild's children's books that were readily available in the mid 80's and have just recently discovered her excellent adult novels, especially Grass in Picadilly and Sapling as well as her three autobiographical book-- but there is something about this book that always bothered me when I was younger and still strikes me now. I'm not sure how the father is meant to be presented but he seems like such a distant and demanding person that I just felt bad for the children. What kind of father punishes a child for selling the family's umbrellas (to raise money to afford tennis equipment no less) but not giving her birthday or Christmas presents for two years-- but instead gives her four umbrellas over two years. I certainly sympathized with the children and the pressure they were under to be great at something but whether or not it was intentional, this book takes it further than the other "shoe" books.

I really liked this book. It was thought provoking, though scary at first (who REALLY wants to know how hard a new sibling is going to be for #1?). But once I was going through it all myself, it was really steadying and supportive. The big insight I found was that the adjustment period is years, not days or weeks or even months, and continues to change with each new developmental stage. A really down-to earth, good read for a harried mum.

If I had the money I would buy this book for EVERY mother (parent) who has, or is having their second child. Well researched. Easy to read. Humorous. Paints a realistic picture of specific challenges involved in moving from one to two (or more) children. Helpful for many reasons, but most importantly lets you know that you are not alone as you swing from the extremes of joy and terror that are involved in having another child.

Rebecca Abrams really tells it like it is without shame or mincing words. Please note this is not, for the most part, a book of advice on how to handle two children. Neither is it a memoir of her own experiences (though she does mention them). It's a comment on both the practical and the emotional difficulties, and oh, how much better it made me feel to hear someone else talk about how little having one child prepared them for the next. The very different next -- the second child you half-hate for taking you away from the first -- the second child you almost love more than that clumsy, jealous, tantrum-throwing first -- the second child you sometimes think was a terrible mistake -- the second child you feel so guilty towards because you were a better mother when you had only one child. The second child you do, actually, eventually love too. Abrams is honest. Almost no one is honest in writing about what motherhood is really like. I loved this book, and it has made me feel so much better just to hear someone else describe what motherhood second time round has meant for me. Incidentally, for first-time mothers, I would recommend Nina Barrett's ``I Wish Someone Had Told Me'' on similar grounds.

"Walk a Mile in My Shoes" grabbed me from the start! The story was excellent and while you thought you knew what was to come, the author cleverly threw you a curve ball. The theme was realistic and easy to relate to. I definitely recommend this book and look forward to this authors next work. I can't believe this was his first book, very good job!

"Walk A Mile In MY Shoes" was awesome! Not one time did I want to put this book down!! It's a laughing out loud,a tear dropper as well as a suspense book. Waiting for the Author's next book!

I just finished "Walk a Mile in My Shoes" and thoroughly enjoyed this book! i was impressed with the realism of the story and the development of the characters. some of the situations reminded me of my own childhood. i would recommend this book to others and would encourage this author to write more.

Music on a CD, recipes, anecdotes, and most of all, Earl Hebert's vibrantly-colored illustrations convey the tone, energy, and distinctiveness of Louisiana's cajun culture. The full-page illustrations in this oversize book make readers feel that they are practically participating in the scenes of dancing, music playing, and socializing. The book and CD are packaged in an eye-catching, brightly colored slipcase. The different parts combine together for a celebration of this widely-known regional culture.

"Zydeco" for those unfamiliar with Cajun culture is defined as "a combination of traditional Cajun dance music and African blues." Quite obviously, that's a jumpin' kind of music, really snappy. And, this is a really snappy kind of book from the bright red and orange shoes on the eye popping cover to the paintings by Earl Hebert to the 34 recipes from Mulate's Cajun Restaurant and Dance Hall to the CD zestfully played by the Lucky Playboys. If you can't hop a plane to Louisiana, this is the best way to immerse yourself in the Cajun's fun loving way of life.

The editor of this book, Alexandra Hayes, discovered Earl Hebert and his art in New Orleans' Jackson Square. Hebert's first career was in the restaurant business; he began painting solely as a hobby in the 1970s. Without any formal training his works soon generated quite a following, and he has maintained his own gallery in the French Quarter of New Orleans for the past fifteen years.

Hebert's paintings, basically in rich primary colors, recall a less complicated life when happiness was found with a mess of crawfish, beer on ice, and good friends. By using acrylic paints the viewer is treated to a layering effect that is both unique and memorable.

Known throughout the world for his Blue dog paintings, George Rodrigue contributed the foreword for "Zydeco Shoes." A native of Louisiana, he studied art at the University of Louisiana. Today, his paintings are much sought by collectors.
Making their debut on the included compact disk The Lucky Playboys give new meaning to zestful music. You won't be able to keep your toes from tapping.

Popular Cajun recipes featured are from the files of Mulate's, a restaurant founded by Kerry Boutte some twenty years ago in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana. He now has three locations, one in New Orleans.

"Zydeco Shoes" is complete Cajun, and tons of fun.

- Gail Cooke

Enthusiasts of Louisiana and Zydeco art, folk culture, and music will find it all in one gift-appropriate package in Zydeco Shoes: A Sensory Tour Of Cajun Culture, a gorgeous package blending an oversized art book blending Cajun art with recipes and descriptions of Cajun culture to a cd by The Lucky Playboys, Plus D'chance-que D'l Esprit (More Luck Than Sense). The oversized presentation and striking arrangement juxtaposing art works with recipes, cultural insights and music assures recipients receive a full taste of Zydeco culture.

Dorothy Shelly is a board certified chaplain ministering to mostly elderly residents of Phoebe Homes in Eastern Pennsylvania. An ordained minister in the United Church of Christ, she is also an accomplished poet.

In this book she reflects upon her experiences in ministry with the well, the sick, the demented, and the dying. The title piece is the result of a morning prayer service in which she is about to give the benediction when suddenly one person in the congregation says aloud, "Anybody see my shoes?" At that moment Chaplain Shelly realizes the blessing and dismissal have been given...by someone who has uttered words which call to mind Moses at the Burning Bush or even the Risen Christ in a borrowed tomb or an angel saying, "Fear not!" Repeatedly the author and the reader are called 'back to ourselves' by words and events which remind us who we are, where we are and the focus of our lives.

Reverend Shelly's poems gives a voice to those of our elderly whom few of us hear any more or think that the elderly and those with dementia can still contribute to society. To read this little book will enrich your life and make you realize we can still learn about God's Love from those that Jesus says in the book of Matthew are among "...the least of these..."
An adult daughter who is caring for her mother with Alzheimer's disease said Shelly's book was so moving that she could only read one poem at a time. A wise person once said, "A society is judged by how it cares for those who can no longer care for themselves." Those individuals featured in this book are not "throw-away" people. They are our fathers, mothers, grandparents, friends and loved ones who can still continue to teach us much about compassion and caring...if we would only slow down to take some time out of our busy lives to sit awhile and listen to what they have to say.

"Austerlitz" is very interesting book. Nice to read something in English language about this battle. This is so refreshing after the Waterloo Industry's books.

Christopher Duffy's book on Battle of Austerlitz proves to be a short and interesting account. The book is only 170 pages long on narrative and rest of the 24 pages is index, order of battle and other assortive matters. The account of the battle don't start until page 100. The layout is pretty close to what an extended Osprey campaign book would look like without the maps and illustrations.

In less the 170 pages, Duffy does an pretty good job explaining with certain clarity and understanding the vital campaign of 1805 that ended in Napoleon's dominate victory at Austerlitz in December 1805. His comparison between the new French Grande Armee and the old Austro-Russian military machine was like comparing a fresh crisp apple to a rotten spoiled orange. Duffy make a good effort to present both sides of the campaign and battle. Funny how during this campaign and battle, almost everything that the Allied forces did (Austrians and Russians), they almost to helped Napoleon out at every turn. The book can be considered to be very balance in outlook although Duffy probably can't help but to regard the French in a higher light due to their overall superior professionalism. Overall, the book does a good job in retelling the campaign of 1805 in a very summarized details.

If there is a weakness in this book, I would say that the maps were pretty weak. While they were good enough for folks like me who happened to be well read on the subject, they may confused a more introductory reader. There are some black and white illustrations in this book but they are more of a generic nature. I wasn't too impressed but they are better then nothing at all.

I would think that this is an excellent book to introduce anyone trying to learn and understand the famous campaign of 1805. Its geared toward an introductionary level and might be a better choice to read then -- let say, Scott Bowden's very detailed and superbly well written book on this campaign and battle which may overwhelmed a new reader with information overload. Outside of the lousy maps, the narrative of this book is better then the two Osprey campaign books out there which is also along the same introductionary level. However, this book is rather hard to find but its definitely worth getting.

Delilah Sampson knows she suffers from obsessive compulsive behavior; just ask William Shakespeare when you meet him in the after life. She cannot help herself when her mind fixates on something. Her current desire is to buy a pair of Jimmy Choo shoes having first read about them in some chick lit tale. However, she does not have the money or the prospects as window washing pays so much to purchase the expensive name brand at $450 per shoe.

Still never one to throw in the towel or in this case the shoes, Delilah begs her father to teach her the tricks of his trade, professional gambling. Her plan is simple earn enough to buy the shoes and quit gambling as she would never be consumed on something like betting, that's daddy's preoccupation. However, though she believes her plan is a shoe in, nothing goes according to Hoyle or at least by her bible Blackjack Winning Basics by Tony Casino; as she meets someone she likes and her father withdraws his help just when she needs him the most. Still Delilah can taste the shoes on her feet so she keeps playing while obsessing over Chris and wondering if it is all or nothing for her

Delilah makes for a refreshing chick lit tale as readers obtain a deep but humorous look at someone suffering from OCB; once she fixates on something, she cannot let go. The support cast is eccentric as they are her posse ready to rescue her when they cannot save themselves while Chris is a perfect foil to the heroine and her female horde. Fans will applaud Lauren Baratz-Logsted for her intelligent use of the sub-genre to inform readers on a psychological problem while enjoying the insightful character driven "Sin City debacle". Meanwhile the audience will wonder whether Delilah will become addicted to name brand shoes or become "The Old Woman in a Shoe".

Harriet Klausner

I have to say that I love the Red Dress Ink series and this book will definitely qualify as chick lit. I have read Lauren's other books - including her YA. Needless to say, I was dying to read this one.

This hysterical book is a joy to read. Yes, there is a huge amount of shoe talk, but more importantly, there is a tender story of friendship - between women of various ages. Our main character Delilah is a window washer - and although she knows she should be doing more with her life - she just can't seem to get the motivation to do anything. In the meantime, she is living with her school friend Hillary Clinton and she washes windows, along with her friends Conchita and Rivera for her boss Stella. Along the way, she meets up with a fading and elderly movie star who claims to have slept with half the men in Hollywood.

Yes, if this seems to be a rowdy group of main characters, you are absolutely right. The one thing all of these women have in common is their love of shoes - actually Choooooosssss....

On a rare shopping outing, Delilah, Hillary and Elizabeth Hepburn end up at a Jimmy Choos boutique - Delilah is determined to buy her very own pair of shoes - until she sees the price! Desperate and determined, she confers with her dad - who just happens to be a blackjack Pro. Armed with all of his best tips, Delilah hits the casino in order to win enough money for the shoes and although she does win big, its not enough - but she does met the love of her life - or is he?

I loved this story. Nobody in this book takes themselves too seriously, yet, you can feel the love these characters have for each other. There are some tender and sweet moments between Delilah and Hillary and between Delilah and Elizabeth. I also liked the fact that there is no judgment being passed here - Delilah may be under performing, but her friends love her anyway, Elizabeth may be lying about the men she has slept with - but nobody gives her a hard time about it.

As always Lauren writes in a breezy and entertaining way - the humour is a cornerstone of the book and this book made me seriously want to buy a pair of shoes or Choos.....

A great read - I loved it.

I rarely find poetry that is easy to read. Most of it is convoluted in structure, or overly metaphorical. Not this book. Jennifer Fan's poetry reads like sentences, with pauses to call emphasis to certain phrases and images. She unobtrusively explains her metaphors, and discusses her own life and her observations of the world around her.

Among the topics she discusses are feeling different, wondering if she is sheltered, compassion toward animals, God, her close relationships to her mother and family, death, memories, fear about the future, depression, psychosis, American and Taiwanese cultures, and everyday life. There are too many topics to list. Her mother, Autumn Fan, adds a foreword and occasional brief comments after the poems.

The author quietly and unselfconsciously breaks the stereotypes of the uncaring, unfeeling autistic person, but her poetry is good in its own right. It makes everyday images seem unusual and important, which is what good art should do.

Some people will inevitably look at this book as an autism book, and try to dissect the writing for clues as to the nature of the autistic mind. This is what happens when autistic people write books. However, this is not an autism textbook, nor is it a classic memoir or a political book. It is primarily a book of good poetry, and it is enhanced for me by the fact that it is written by a member of my own (autistic) neurological culture.

This is a wonderful and easy to read collection of poems written by a young woman diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome. It includes elegant observations about her life: the people she meets, nature and wildlife, growing pains, depression and illness. Highly recommended for readers who interact with people with autism.

I cannot believe I found this book its awesome!! There is not much out there for young christian moms. This has answer alot of my questions for young motherhood and it has helped me find things for my Young Christian Mommies group to study....

This book I found to be a humorous comfort and encouragement on the trials and reality of being the mother of preschool children. The author uses humorous examples and stories that offers encouragenment, practical ideas, and verses from the Bible on the survival of these first years. Most importantly it is a quick and easy read.

Once again, Erin has done it again! Very interesting read - good to the end. Thanks!!

To save distribution costs, store owner Sally Jasper persuades her two married best friends Dawn Marie Johnson and Anne Obayashi to accompany her when she picks up a load of shoes in a Tucson warehouse. No one is there to meet her as promised until early the next morning. On the drive back across the desert to Fresh Waters, a man runs in front of their truck. Later the illegal immigrant dies in the hospital.

Sally concludes the Juan Doe was seeking freedom. She also learns from Immigration Officer Leigh Surry that some patriots seek out the desperate Mexicans to provide their own brand of justice. Needing to do something and now part of a band called Radio due to a foolish bet by Sally with their adopted teen Jazmyn and her two best friends, she decides to help families cross the border even if it means the vigilantes come after them.

FUGITIVE SHOES is an interesting thriller that takes a close look at border justice with the author making no apologies for defending the basic human rights of illegals trying to sneak into the country against adverse environmental conditions, hostile governments and lethal zealous patriots. The exciting story line seems implausible at times and the flashbacks to the female friends' youths feel disjointed. Still fans of strong caring women risking their lives to do what they feel is right will appreciate the three amigas and their "daughter" as they sing their way to fame and fortune while Sally assists those sneaking into the country.

Harriet Klausner