Shoes Books

If you have ever thought you would like to "get away from it all" and hit the road - this book is for you. As a travel junkie and travel book author, I especially enjoyed Doreen's story. Although there were times when I thought her husband should have kicked her out the door that kept coming open, in the end she became a loving companion and truly "Queen of the Road". A fun read and will bring back memories of places you have visited in the US or make plans to visit.

Is this book funny? Yeah, I guess. Is this book entertaining? Yeah, I guess. Is this book the funniest, most hilarious, entertaining book I have read in many, many years? Absolutely!

Queen of the Road could be my life's story - except that I am not as brave as Doreen Orion. I'm a die-hard hermit and live vicariously through others. When I began reading this book, I started laughing out loud almost immediately...I couldn't put the book down...I had to find out how she got rooked into this cross-country trip, and what happened on it.

Humor is a tricky effect to put into writing - but Doreen captures the hilarity, the weirdness, the unexpectedness, and more in her description of this cross-country trip in a refurbished bus. What fun! What adventure! And, what insight. The hilarity is matched equally by Doreen's realization that there is far more to life than reading insurance claims in the comfort of her bedroom, where her only venture outdoors is to slip out to the mailbox (in her PJs) to get the mail. (OMG! I know she has to be a long-lost, twin sister!)

I'm willing to be patient, waiting for the movie. Julia Roberts, are you listening? The role is perfect for you!

What a great story written with such wit and humor! Doreen and Tim along with Miles, Morty and Shula will steal your hearts from the very first page. I bought this book one afternoon late and started reading it during a flight. I could not put it down and when I got home stayed up until almost 2:00AM to finish it. They should make a movie (and) since Doreen also dabbles in screenwriting, she would be the perfect one to adapt it to the big screen. Can't wait for the next adventure!

R. Vaughn

I found this book hysterical. I love Doreen. This chick can tell a story. I love her attitude, the fact that she makes no apologies for who she is, her wit and her relationship with her husband.

Anyone whose nickname for their husband is "Project Nerd" while wearing her Manolo's and eating bonbons, while sipping a martini has to be a character. I would love her as a friend.

Doreen and Tim's relationship is based on mutual respect for each other and accepting and loving each other for the differences as much as their similarities which as far as I can tell is just their profession (the are both psychiatrists).

Her recount of the bus door flying open while Tim was driving made me laugh out loud.

Each chapter begins with a martini recipe and instructions, such as the:

Love Me Bender
2 parts passion fruit liqueur
2 parts champagne
1 part raspberry liqueur

Rest shaker on hip, gyrate, drink. If you can still recall that the love of your life is making
you live on a bus, repeat.

I love her description of Mardi Gras. She writes: Why would I want to scream and beg funny looking people to throw me some gaudy plastic doodads that wouldn't (Thank God) go with a single outfit I own?

And how she goes on to write how cows become steak, deer becomes venison and pigs turn into pork but chicken, rabbit and turkey stay the same. Funny, never thought about it but now I do.

I love how she also goes to her first open coffin wake and compares the body to waxed fruit. This chick is Fun-knee!!

Honestly, there are too many good things to point out in this book. Doreen is a great storyteller I mean really who else could take the story of 2 people traveling cross-country by bus and make it entertaining?

Check out her website for more information on the book, her podcasts, interviews, merchandise and more.

I highly recommend this book and will be passing it to a friend to enjoy.

This is a great stocking stuffer for any reader in your life.

Honestly I loved this book. I really enjoyed Orion's writing style which is packed full of sarcasm and wit. I found the storyline fun and easy to engage in. The descriptions of the couple's adventures are wonderful and make it easy to imagine. There were a few swear words but nothing too horrendous. I felt a certain kinship to the main character who so loved lounging in her pj's and staying home but found herself completely out of her comfort zone! I often found myself smiling and giggling while reading Queen of the Road.

This is a great book that I would recommend to anyone!

I love this book!! It was read to me by my first grade teacher, and I bought a copy to read to my class 40 years later. I have bought several copies to give as gifts.

Fast delivery, good quality, nice transaction, and product as advertised.
This book is a classic and the values inherent in the book are timeless.

I have loved this book for many years and have looked forward to reading it to my children, its full of adventure, curage, love, faith and trust.
What a wouderful way to teach our children. That you don't have to be big or a "A" student to go far in life.

I first read this book as a little girl. I was swept away by the wonder and (dare I say it) majesty of this story about the Easter Bunny. I loved it so much that I wore it out. I found another copy as an adult, and fell in love all over again.

Apart from the sheer magic of the story, there is a positive message here that is even more powerful when one considers that it was written in the 1930's by the author of the famous book "Porgy" - for this is metaphoric the story of a plucky little dark girl-bunny living on a plantation in the distant past, and she bravely barges ahead in spite of many obstacles, to deliver a special gift to a special baby.

Of course the metaphor was not so apparent when I was a child in the 1950's. On face value, it is the story of a little rabbit who desperately wants to be an Easter Bunny, and is willing to work hard, have faith, and be the wisest, kindest, bravest of bunnies. The story is precious, sweet and moving, the illustrations are charming. This is a must-read story for grown-ups as well as children. You will treasure it.

The Country Bunny and the Little Gold Shoes by DuBose Heyward and illustrated by Marjorie Hack has been around for yours. In fact, it made its first appearance in 1939 and has gone through several printings since that time. The latest one I could find was 1974, which is far too long ago, as this is one that we had better not loose.

Briefly, this is the story of a little brown country bunny that happens to be a female bunny. In this mythological story, as told by the author, there are actually five Easter Bunnies. These five bunnies are selected for being the kindest, swiftest and wisest bunnies in the whole wide world. Our little brown country girl bunny states that when she grows up, she wants to be one of the five chosen bunnies. The Big White Rich City Bunnies who live in the fine houses laugh at her, as do the male Jack Rabbits with their long legs.

When our little brown country bunny, whose name is Cottontail, grows up she finds herself the mother of twenty-one baby bunnies and responsible not only for their care, but the care of the house and all that goes with it. Cottontail trains her children to be very responsible. They help her with her house work, gardening, washing, sewing, cooking and other skills useful in living a full life. Word goes out that one of the five Easter Bunnies has grown too old to do his job (thus far, all the Easter Bunnies have all been males), and that a new Easter Bunny must be chosen by the Old Grandfather Bunny. This old rabbit, being rather wise above all others, of course, chooses our Mother Cottontail. The story goes on in a sweet way, almost a quest adventure and in the end we find that Mother Cottontail is not only the wisest, kindest and fastest bunny in the world, but also the bravest. Don't want any spoilers here, so will stop with the plot over view.

First, the art work. The artist, Marjorie Hack, has her bunnies dressed in late Victorian or possibly early Edwardian garb. It is quite detailed and quite fitting for the story. She has used very mellow colors and each picture is simple, while at the same time being extremely detailed. In many ways it is typical of the art work featured in children's literature, of that time, but then she throws in surprises, such as in the winter sequence where Cottontail climbs the mountain. The art here jumps way beyond its years. Actually, I cannot see why this art work would not appeal to everyone, young and old alike.

As to the message of the story; if you do a search or some advanced research on this particular book, you will find that it has had a profound influence on at least two, possibly three, generations of small children, following them all the way into adult life. This influence has been extremely positive. You must remember that this book was written in 1939 and you must remember what the world was like at that time.

This is the story of a little girl rabbit that overcame economic, racial, social and sexual biasness and fulfilled her dreams. This is simply an overall good message. I read this particular work to a group of seven year old children, and every single one of them was able to pick up on this theme. I was so proud of them. Now this book has been accused of having a strong feminist message (as if this were some sort of dirty word...how sad.) I suppose it does, indeed, deal quite well with this subject. Again, this is good. I would suggest that, in my humble opinion, if anyone has a problem with any of the messages this work projects, then they probably should move back into the cave they came out of.

This is a work we do not was to lose. Highly recommend this one.

So this is pretty much a classic among LDS kids' literature. Heimerdinger's voice is fun and observant and makes sure to get inside his characters' heads. It's also just a great little adventure into Book of Mormon times. The rest of the series has its understandable ups and downs, but this one can stand on its own with power and respectability for doing what all novels should do: tell a a great story.

VERSION ON TAPES.
I listened to this because one of my companions on my mission had it (I don't think it was against the rules of our mission) and he really liked it, none of his other companions wanted to give it a chance, so when he asked if I'd listen to it with him I decided to be the nice one, he said if I didn't like it we never had to listen to it, I agreed and...wow!! For 3 days all we did during lunch and after the day was over was listen to his tapes.

What an enveloping story, exciting and suspenseful, it is very well written and intertwined with the actual stories. It is very enjoyable, it makes you wish you could have been there, the way he describes things is mind wrapping. I definately recommend it. I am giving it for Christmas.

I really liked this book. I thought it was very good because it has a lot of action and adventure. I also like it because it realates to a lot of theings I know and care about. I would recommend this to a friend because it is very exiting and fun filled. If you like fantsy history youll like this book. it has a lot of people from the book of mormon. There is also 9 more books in this series. I am going to read them all and I'd recommend this book to any who asked.

I am personally acquainted with Chris and he is an amazing person as well as an amazing author. He truly researches each and everyone of the books that he writes. He travelled to Mexico while researching for the Gadianton novel and went through several of the experiences that he wrote his characters into. He really brings the ancient characters to life in wonderful adventures while exploring true gospe principles. His awesome testimony and love for the LDS church, the Book of Mormon, and the Bible makes him the perfect person to write these stories. Whenever a new ook would come out me and my brothers and sister would fight over who got to read first. We would have 2 or 3 bookmarks in it marking where each member in the family was reading. I am now out of the house and am working on bying my own copies of all ten books.

Tennis Shoes Among the Nephites
A book by Chris Heimerdinger
The Tennis Shoes series is originally about a boy who travels back in time to an ancient civilization called the Nephites (a people whose writings make the "Book of Mormon", which is a book the religious people called "Mormons" or the "L.D.S." people base their beliefs). Armed with modern gadgets, the boy, named Jim, his sister Jenny, and their enemy-turned-friend, Garth, are out for the adventure of their lives.
When Garth finds an ancient cave, which he believes holds hieroglyphs made by the Nephites, he begs Jim and Jenny to come along. When they reluctantly agree, they find themselves sucked into a whirlpool of a lake, which they are manipulated by and finally spewed out on a waterfall. Where they are, they have no idea.
The three-some suddenly realize they are in a world where there is no electricity, no cars, no boats, not anything! Jim finds out that they are in the world of the Nephites. How can they get home? How can they make friends with these nomadic people? How can they make sure that they don't get eaten by wild beasts? Read this book and you will be hooked until the very end!
"Tennis Shoes Among the Nephites" is only the first of ten books! In the next nine, Jim's family and friends also find this historic cave, but it doesn't only take them to the land of the Nephites! Read these books to find adventures in Mexico, ancient Rome, the Mayan empire, ancient Babylon, and much, much more!

Reviewed by:
Megan

In My Sister's Shoes was such a joy to read! I found it inspirational, amusing and with each turn of the page, I could relate to what was being said. I find myself going back and re-reading sections that touched me and made me think about my life and what I am doing with it. I have passed this book on to both my daughters and have recommended it to many women friends. I highly recommend it!

There are so many wonderful things about this book. It is a great easy Saturday or Sunday Afternoon read. I picked it up one Saturday afternoon when I was in a mood for some "alone" time and I just could not put it down. This book takes you through a wide range of emotions, sometimes you'll laugh because you remember doing or saying exactly what the character in the story did. You'll find yourself saying "oh yes I rememebr doing or saying that." I loved the bible readings and songs after each story. Other times you see things your friends did and you wondered why you had not thought of responding to them in the same manner as the character in the story did. Nothing too heavy, just a nice "think about this" or "remember this" book.

I read this book while on vacation and really enjoyed it. Jetola's essays made me take an inventory of myself. Looking forward to reading more of her books.

I started reading this book this morning on the train. I could not put it down.

I was sitting in the train reading when the conductor came and told me we were at our final destination. The train was empty!! I did not realize we had stopped and everyone had left.

The Author had me reminiscing, relating, realizing, releasing and rejoicing!!

Mrs. Anderson-Blair has stories that we all can relate too. Mrs. Anderson-Blair relates every day situations with a life experience. How do you think a pair of designer gold shoes can be related to your life? Mrs. Anderson-Blair is an amazingly talented author. This book is well written, and an enjoyable easy read. You will not want to put this book down.

I will keep this book with me so when I go to a place I don't want to be, I know this book will bring me back to the here and now.

I loved this book. This book is a keeper.

In My Sister's Shoes is not just another self-help book. It touches on real life situations that every woman has experienced in one way or another. The selections let you know that someone else has walked in your shoes; it gives another way of looking at your situation; most of all it lets you know that there is always hope. The recommended songs, reading passages, and scriptures add life to the content of each selection. This book is a worthy addition to anyone's collection--women and men!

This is another great book by Donna VanLiere. She does a great job bringing two stories together into one book. The endings are fantastic. I hope you enjoy this book like I did. It is truly a heart warming book.

Donna always a good writer. I enjoy her books thoroughly. This is another to add to your collection.

I really enjoyed The Christmas Shoes. So, of course I wanted to read the sequel. It is somewhat predictable but there are a few twists and turns in the story, here and there, that I didn't see coming. Although a romantic story, it does involve some sadness regarding some of the hospital patients. Therefore, it's not all "perfect." It does resemble everyday life for someone who works in a hospital, in my opinion, and I would read it again. And I continue to recommend it and the other books in the series to friends.

This book was amazing. The Christmas Shoes was wonderful and had me teary eyed but the The Christmas Blessing had me weeping. I truly feel this book is worth recommended to anyone and everyone. It is truly a magnificent work by the author. Please read this book! It will change your life!!!

Some sequels go over and over what had happened in the previous book. We had a bit of this, but just enough so if you didn't read the first one you weren't lost. Maybe you missed out, but not lost. I had no idea this was a sequel until I picked it up yesterday. How awesome! Nathan is back, grown and in his third year of med school. He is under a doctor at the hospital right now that he really feels doesn't like him and is really tough. He struggles with whether to even finish med school. In the meantime, he meets Meghan. A young lady with heart problems. Meghan is a blessing for Nathan, but Nathan turns out to be a blessing to Meghan as well.

This is a wonderful story to read during the Christmas season. A real blessing!

The books are fun for young girls to read. I tough they were a little high for the size of the book.

"Ballet Shoes" is probably the most popular book in the "Shoes" series, but "Dancing Shoes" is also very good. It tells the story of two girls, Hilary and Rachel, who are training to become dancers on the stage. It is similar to "Ballet Shoes," but for anyone who enjoyed any of the other of the "Shoes" books it is worth reading.

I've been wanting these books for years now. I'm glad I finally got 2 of them. They came very fast and I love them. Thanks.

I never wanted to 'get into' dancing or acting as a child, but this book makes the
world of a child theatrical performer (70 years ago) come alive. I read this so many times. It was just so entertaining. Great book!

Dancing Shoes is a similar formula compared to Streatfeild's other books. After Rachel and Hilary's father dies, they are sent to live with their Aunt Cora, who owns a talent school and troupe. While Hilary is a very talented dancer, she wants nothing more than to have fun. Her sister, Rachel wants nothing to do with dancing, but she does want Hilary to go to the Royal Ballet School to study proper ballet, as her family and old dance teacher wished for, even though Hilary doesn't want to. So everyone, including their mean and selfish Aunt Cora, believe that Rachel is jealous of Hilary. Meanwhile, Aunt Cora's talented, and conceited, daughter now has competition with Hilary.

The book is full of the same charm as her others. While not as endearing as Ballet Shoes and Theater Shoes, maybe only due to the nastiness of Aunt Cora and how mean she is to Rachel, it is still a wonderful read. Any fans of Streatfeild's other books will surely love this book as well.

I liked ballet shoes so since this was the sequil I wanted to read it and was disapointed. It's not as funny and there's not as many crazy adventures as the first. It also has lots of flaws that the first didn't have. But read the third shoe book called dancing shoes way better than even the first one!

I think Theater Shoes is a great book fo kids intrested in acting,dancing or singing.This book had three strong charcters intrested in diffrent areas of theater so it was easy to find a charcter I could relate to.I would suggest this book for girls ages 9 to 14.

Theater Shoes is a wonderful story with an attention grabbing plot, a lovely setting, and a well thought out conflict and resolution. This is, now, one of my favorite books and I really enjoyed it.
Throughout this story, there is a great plot. In this book, Sorrel, Mark, and Holly's parents die. They are forced to live with their grandmother, a bitter, but famous, english actress. She puts the children through a Childrens Academy of Dancing and Stage Training. Almost everyone in their family, before the children, had been a famous in the arts. Their grandmother was determined to keep the family tradition. At first all three children hated the academy. They thought that all of the teachers were too harsh and too serious. Then, after getting used to it, the academy "grew" on to them. Each of the three children discover something about themself at the academy. Sorrel, the eldest, discovers that she is a real actress. She can be very dramatic and play roles quite well. Mark finds out that he is a really fabulous singer. Little Holly can do a lot. She charms almost everyone at the academy with her adorable ways of doing things.
There is a lovely setting in this book. It takes place in England! I have always wanted to go to England, and by the way Noel Streatfeild, the author, describes it in the book, it seems so beautiful. It is in such detail and it is so easy to put an image in your mind.
The conflict / resolution in the story, almost stated in the second paragraph, is the children are forced to go to an academy, by their bitter grandmother, that they have no interest in. But in the end, it all pans out. Each child learns something different about themselves and are now striving to learn more. They end up loving the academy and treating it like their home. It means more to them now, than just pleasing their grandmother. Do you think that all of the hard work the children put into learning will result to something? Read this wonderful book and you will find out quickly.
In conclusion, this book was really great! I think that one reason why I liked it so much was because I can really relate to it. I love to do musical theater, and I think that reading about something that I really enjoy helped me understand the text better than it was already described. You don't have to love musical theatre to enjoy this book, but I think that it really helped. This book was enchanting and I hope that you enjoy it as much as I did!

I started the Shoe books a few years ago. The first one was absolutley stupendous and cute. This one is amazing too.

Although each book is its own story, they are all linked with an amazing writing quality and performance.

This one is the story of Holly, Sorrel and Mark, whose grandfather, who supports them, just died -- so they go and live with their grandmother who puts them in an Academy for Stage Training and Dancing. It starts out rough but they learn to like, and even love it.

The overall story is really sweet a precious, which still warms my heart to this day.

This book is about three children named Sorrel, Mark and Holly. When their grandfather dies and they are sent to live with their maternal grandmother, and former famous actress. They are sent to the Children's Academy of Dancing and Stage Training so that they can carry the family's stage tradition. Holly is very good at dancing, Mark at singing and Sorrel at acting. The grandmother is very distant and cold, yet the children find love in their nanny and other family members. Meanwhile, they must put up with their talented, bratty cousin.
The story is wonderfully told and once again, the characters are completely lovable. Kids and adults will love this story, especially Shoes fans.

This book has made the rounds of all our friends, crisscrossing the globe in the process -and for good reason, it's hilarious! A friend was given an early copy on a plane somewhere between Japan and Ireland during the last World Cup. Back in the US, my Irish husband (a once-bartender at McDaid's), laughed so hard tears rolled down his cheeks. Not wanting to miss out, I grabbed the book as soon as he put it down, then promptly ordered 5 copies for friends.

There is definitley some Dublin slang in this book, and being American, I had to ask translations for a few of the words - but that's part of the fun. The characters are vivid, and anyone who's worked in IT or for a big consulting firm can relate to the main character. It's a quick, funny read.

A great read. Related well to the characters - very funny - had to know what was going to happen next.

One of the funniest books on the planet.
Read it in a single sitting and laughed out loud for the duration. I'll never look at my bath in the same way again.
Very resilient indeed!

A truly excellent read. It has been some time since I enjoyed a book so much. Having lived in Japan for a few years I can certainly relate to many of the scenes and characters depicted in it. Brilliantly funny with a story line that keeps you guessing right up till the end. I couldn't put the book down and like many others who have reviewed the book here, I am eagerly awaiting Superchick 2.

Comparisons with Nick Hornby are apt, with a bit of Roddy Doyle on the side! The conversational back and forth is the highlight for me, it reminds of some of the great pub conversations you get into in Ireland. The reality of it all is what makes it so funny, you can just picture it - seems destined for a film adaptation...?

I like it because it's the first time a picture of a pair of my boots has been published. This is a beautifully researched account of a great genre in American culture.

I just finished reading this book and Jennifer June educates as well as entertains. Being new to the boot phenomena I am grateful for her ability to open my eyes to the art that is boot making; it's astounding what these artisans can do with leather. The photography is breathtaking as it captures the colors, stitching and tooling that goes into a pair of boots. I guess you can tell by now that I highly recommend this boot - allow your senses to open up to the art of boot making!

This book is pure enjoyment. It doesn't matter if you are new to cowboy boots or have worn them forever, the images and the thoughts this book provokes will delight you. Cowboy Boots: The Art & Sole will captivate your attention. It made me remember wearing cowboy boots and playing in the neighborhood with my friends during a time that our parents weren't so concerned for our safety and well-being. We had play gun fights and used our bikes as horses. We were the modern day cowboys in our little town in Indiana. Cowboy boots are a part of the American culture and one of the many things that makes us unique in today's small world. Ms. June's book will take you back to those memories that you forgot but are warm and pleasant to recall...especially with all that is going on in our lives today. You will also be awed by the craftsmanship in boot-makers. Many people may not realize there are men and women that hold to the traditional ways of making a boot by hand. After reading this book, you will never forget a new artist is out there and their canvas is on someone's feet.

What struck me most about this book was the author's enthusiasm for her subject. It is hard not to get caught up in cowboy boot lore when Jennifer June so clearly loves what she is writing about. The liveliness of her text is a tribute to the original cowboys.

I really appreciated the small, quirky details, such as the origin of different western icons.This book is great way for a novice to learn all about cowboy boots, as well as for boot lovers, who want some new ideas for designing their next pair of custom boots.The pictures are stellar as well, with lots of great close-ups

Though they may have had a utilitarian start, cowboy boots have almost always been a canvas on which to display the skill of the bootmaker and the personality of the owner. "Cowboy Boots: The Art & Sole" by Jennifer June captures this spirit wonderfully, with rich photos and knowledgeable writing. Like many of the bootmakers and boot-wearers quoted in her text, June is a devotee of the boot and her passion for her subject comes through in these pages.

As diverse as the people who wear them, the boots featured here are not easily classified. Some are classic designs while others are quite modern. Some are understated designs of exceptional craftsmanship, while others are over-the-top in colors and stitching ... but equally fine handiwork. Many of these boots (again, like the people who wear them?) have never been near ranch or range in their lives, but actual workin' cowboy boots worn by actual workin' cowboys show up as well. In all, it makes for entertaining browsing as well as informative reading.

Perhaps best of all, though, June includes a section of "Resources" that allow the reader to investigate owning some quality boots of her own. Maybe we can't all afford the exotic leathers or extremes of design, but a solidly-constructed boot from a good designer is still within reach. I can attest to the satisfaction that comes from owning a good pair of cowboy boots, and it was a joy to discover many other people who share that feeling, and the artists who make it possible, in this spirited and entertaining book.

Why buy Sasparilla? Well, the wording is lyrical and fun to read aloud, the pictures are clear, colorful and creative, and its fun to see what the Fink is doing! Both my girls giggle at every page, and even my 9 year old stops by to listen when this one comes out!
This was "our favourite book" in my review of it in 2001, and it still is! I started reading it to each of my daughters at 10 months. Now they are 9 and 4 and the little one still asks for it all the time. Both of them absolutely adored it.
This is the ONLY book they were both wild about from the start. And they are really different kids. If you have little girls, get it!

This was SUCH a cute book - really refreshing and fun to read. Great illustrations and a very catchy style. I bought it for my one-year-old neice and her mother put it on the mantle because the cover is so charming. Compliments to the twin authors and illustators!

Sassparilla is girl of my heart, a young dreamer who knows where to begin, at a very basic level, need; when I was a kid I had a shoe collection, glass, copper, bronze, ceramic, wood, even...the old woman who lived in a shoe.

Shoes are metaphors for dreams, and because Sassparilla dreams from the heart she not only transforms her present reality but starts a path, a path of life dreaming, attracting along the way, other magic, friends--in this case, a cool green one--laughter and joy personified.

Shirley Mozelle, Author: Zack's Alligator; Zack's Alligator Goes To School; and, The Pig is in the Pantry, The Cat is on the Shelf.

I'm a barefooter myself, but if Sassy made me some shoes, I'd wear them all the time. I hope my niece follows her (the authors' and Sassparilla's) imaginative lead in life.

I gave this book to my friend's growing daughter who adores SHOES! I've been told it's been read everyday for 3 weeks straight now! Ironically, the Fink is her favorite. Look out Teletubbies, and hang on to your red purse, Tinkie Winkie...here comes the Fink!