Kakaku：478 saved$4.78
Alyson Books
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (How "Drama Queen" Helped This Man!) 『I initially intended to read this book as the "significant other" to a drama queen. And I found many useful tips and tools on how to make my relationship better with my spouse. What really surprised me, however, was that I saw myself reflected in the pages as well. What an eye-opener! Not only does she convey sensitivity and compassion, but Dr. Debra does a wonderful job of getting rid of useless stereotypes about drama queens and she provides hands-on tools and solutions to the problem. I only wish I could have been enlightened by the information in this book twenty years ago. I might have avoided a lot of unnecessary stress and "drama" and had more successful intimate relationships. But oh well! At least I have the information now! Thanks Dr. Debra for your sincere help! Five stars』
(Thank you Dr. Mandel!!!) 『Wow, where has this book been all my life. Dr. Mandel really provides excellent information about being a Drama Queen. As a wife, mother,&friend I gained useful knowledge that made me a better wife, role model,&helpful ways to not drain my friends&keep them in my life!! I grew up with low self esteem stemming from a bad childhood which carried into my adulthood. I took every situation to the highest level&loss such energy. Dr. Mandel helped me to distinguish between being a vampire drama queen&a lovable drama queen. This fantastic book helped me to be a more productive worker&to not be overly dramatic with small issues that occur at the workplace everyday. I can't believe I much time wasted throughout my day being a Drama Queen. I have already noticed the change in my marriage&with my children...my home is happy&calm, something I have never had. Thank you Dr. Mandel, you saved my sanity!!!!』
(Get Over It) 『Mandel, Dr. Debra. "Don't Call Me a Drama Queen!: A Guide for the Overly Sensitive and their Significant Others Who Need to Learn How to Lighten Up and Go With the Flow", Alyson, 2008.
Get Over It
Amos Lassen
All of us know drama queens and they are everywhere. Many times they do not realize that they are drama queens but let me say that race, gender, sexual orientation or socio-economic standing have nothing to do with being a drama queen. Drama queens have the unique ability to sense danger when there is none to sense and they take to heart things that do not concern them. They attempt to control that which is beyond control and they seem to have a sense of fear about everything. They are the kinds of people that no one wants around but somehow they are always there. Debra Mandel has several ideas on how to avoid being a drama queen. If you follow what she says, you can unload unhappiness from your life and anger, resentment, stress and disappointment will slowly evaporate from your life. Her ideas will also help you understand those drama queens that you know. Prevention is the way to get around the drama of life. Get a copy and live drama free. 』 『
Drama queens come from all walks of life, regardless of age, gender, race, or socioeconomic status. As a drama queen, you perceive danger when there is none. You personalize things that aren't personal. You spend hours a day trying to control things you have no control over. You may fear you won't receive your fair share of things, often feeling mistreated or put upon by others.
Sounds grim, doesn't it? But despair no longer! Finally there is a solution. With this book, you will learn how to say good-bye to unnecessary response styles that cause you to feel unhappy, angry, resentful, disappointed, and stressed out by daily life. It also will help those who either know or are intimately involved with drama queens to cope with and understand the highly sensitive.
Certainly there are countless resources available that can assist those who are in need of stress management and anger reduction in order to lead happier lives. But these tools are either Band-Aids or fail entirely if you're a drama queen. This book takes a huge leap beyond the other resources by teaching prevention. With tests and personal stories from drama queens and those that love and care for them, this book will help drama queens take control of their happiness and live in the moment!
Dr. Debra Mandelis a psychologist and relationship expert, author, columnist, and speaker. She was the host of her own radio show,Shrink Rap, and is the author of several self-help books, includingDump That Chump!.
Kakaku：848 saved$8.48
Crown
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (Recommended to anyone interested in historical novels) 『The Heretic Queen is a fictionalized historical novel about the young princess Nefertari, and her struggles in the court of Ramesses II to become his queen and Chief Wife. The struggle for power is always at the heart of political intrigue, and so, it is at the heart of this tale.
Michelle Moran has researched and written a most entertaining and informative novel about ancient Egypt. There's romance, religion, warfare, and palace intrigue. The novel is well written with an educated style. I enjoyed reading it and can recommend it to anyone interested in historical novels.
Kaye Trout Reviewer 』
(Nefertari's story comes to life) 『Moran did it again, bringing to life the people, places and events that accure around Nefertari.
Nefertari's story starts as a child growing up with prince's and harem daughters. As she gets older she refuses to accept life as one might but strives to become Queen like her aunt Nefertiti. Through cunning wits and strategy she gains the upper hand to become Queen of Egypt while finding out about her family whom had been erased from history.
I highly reccommend this book to anyoen who enjoys Eygptian history at it's finest. Moran proves she can tell a great story full of suspense and facts.』
(My Favorite) 『Michelle Moran Become one of my favorite after reading her first novel. Both novels were so touching, real, amazing, wonderful and so great. I haven't read but am eager to start soon. Can't take my breath off it the first night when the book arrive by courier. Thanks Moran. Love You! Wow!!!』
(Truly Fascinating!) 『I read Nerfertiti and loved it. I couldn't wait for the Heretic Queen to come out. It was worth the wait. Michelle Moran takes you to a time in history that is intriguing and makes you hope that what you are reading actually occurred. I can't wait for her 3rd book and I hope that in the near she brings us back to Egypt!』
(I wish there were six stars!) 『For me, The Heretic Queen was that good. I have to admit, my favorite periods in history are the Tudor era and ancient Egypt, so when Michelle Moran's first book came out it was a given that I would buy it. I was a little nervous about whether it would live up to all the reviews, but it absolutely did. Now with her second book, Moran has outdone herself. The character of Nefertari is lovable, Ramesses is a hero you want to root for, even if he does have a harem of other women, and the Priestess of Isis is someone you'd like to see torn apart by dogs. The adventures that Ramesses and Nefertari have keep you turning the pages, and the historical note at the end shouldn't be skipped. I'm just dying to read Cleopatra's Daughter, and I think Moran is the perfect author to bring Cleopatra Selene to life.』 『In ancient Egypt, a forgotten princess must overcome her family’s past and remake history.
The winds of change are blowing through Thebes. A devastating palace fire has killed the Eighteenth Dynasty’s royal family—all with the exception of Nefertari, the niece of the reviled former queen, Nefertiti. The girl’s deceased family has been branded as heretical, and no one in Egypt will speak their names. A relic of a previous reign, Nefertari is pushed aside, an unimportant princess left to run wild in the palace. But this changes when she is taken under the wing of the Pharaoh’s aunt, then brought to the Temple of Hathor, where she is educated in a manner befitting a future queen.
Soon Nefertari catches the eye of the Crown Prince, and despite her family’s history, they fall in love and wish to marry. Yet all of Egypt opposes this union between the rising star of a new dynasty and the fading star of an old, heretical one. While political adversity sets the country on edge, Nefertari becomes the wife of Ramesses the Great. Destined to be the mostpowerful Pharaoh in Egypt, he is also the man who must confront the most famous exodus in history.
Sweeping in scope and meticulous in detail,The Heretic Queenis a novel of passion and power, heartbreak and redemption.』
Kakaku：250 saved$2.50
A King Production
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review ('Mini-me...NOT...Wannabe...MOS DEF!!!') 『Once again, Precious Cummings is fighting like hell to emerge as the Queen Bitch, but her luck seems to have run its course as she finds herself on the ragged end of the bitch stick! If she's blessed to escape the clutches of her adversaries, there's mos def gonna be trouble. Cause ole girl is praying for one more chance to tilt her crown gangsta style as she embarks on her quest to redeem her position as matriarch of her family. There's only room for one queen in her castle, and she's getting ready to evict the impostor who doesn't have the slightest inkling of the heat she's about to bring!!!
Deja delivers us Precious kidnapped, bound, and in disbelief that she got caught slipping. A prisoner of her rapist, Mike and Maya, a snake in disguise basking in their victory as they plan the demise of Precious. A frantic Supreme clings to their love with baby Aaliyah, and the hope for Precious' return, all the while Maya plants doubts while plotting her way into his bed and eventually his life permanently. Queen Bitch paints a very bleak picture for Precious, will she be granted another earth-shattering save or will there indeed be a younger, more malicious Queen?
Queen Bitch is a very well crafted continuation of The Bitch series that Deja has masterfully resurrected to again captivate as well as mesmerize her dedicated fan base with a fast paced, eventful and very unpredictable Precious Cummings storyline. Deja is definitely changing up her style and designing her own path mark in the literary world!! I thoroughly enjoyed another sample of this saga as she introduces yet another venue with an extraordinary spin in Queen Bitch!! Enquiring minds wanna know, that's why we have nothing but love for Deja and her exemplary legends in the making!!! It is what it is and Deja is mos def doing the damn thang! Kudo's lil mama, keep on keeping on!!! Like the Pied Piper, we're grooving to your fantabulous beat!!!! 』
(Once Again Deja Has Done It Again!) 『This book was off the hook, I loved it. Queen Bitch (Part 4) was a page turner, I finished this book in a day. This is the type of book you can't put down, Part 5 can't come out soon enough. Deja always leaves you in suspense. I would recommend this book to everyone..Girl keep doing your thing...』
(Queen Bitch) 『This is an EXCELLENT read... Ms. King did not disappoint with one. I HIGHLY recommend this and can't wait for the last installment....』
(Deja King Is dat Deal) 『This book is off da chain, Its so good, shewd all her books be good its a must read, Can't wait to part five get here, I'll be waiting.......』
(She did it again) 『I agree with all of the other readers. The book arrived to me last week and I wasn't able to put it down once I read the first line. I am anxious for part 5 to come out next year. I was angry at first because she left me hanging, but that is what makes a better than good author. Please read the Bitch Series if you haven't already done so. You won't be disappointed.』 『InQueen Bitch, Precious has lost it all, her daughter, Aaliyah, the love of her life, Supreme, and the luxurious lifestyle she s grown accustomed to. The perpetrator of her demise is the very person she called family Maya. Precious learns the hard way, it s true what they say, blood is thicker than water, as Maya aligns herself with her brother, Pretty Boy Mike.
As Precious fights to escape the death sentence that awaits her, Maya is plotting to steal the life she believes is rightfully hers. But Precious has no plans of relinquishing her crown. She is willing to do anything, to make sure Maya pays for the deceit and devastation she has caused her family.
Kakaku：734 saved$7.34
William Morrow
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (Great fun, but slightly out of character for the series) 『The final book of the QoB series finds Lizzie finally getting her proposal from Luke, but unfortunately she has just one small problem. She's already spent the night (without sex) with Chaz, and was planning on dating him. Rushing headfirst into the proposal, Lizzie finds that things aren't as easy as she thought they would be, whether it's at work or at love. Between trying to get over her panic attacks over the idea of marrying Luke or trying to play "My Fair Lady" with a Paris Hilton/Britney Spears-esque heiress, she also has to figure out how to keep the business running.
I've loved the Queen of Babble series ever since I picked up the first book, and from the beginning I knew that Chaz liked Lizzie. It was clear from the get-go, so I was more than willing to embrace the idea of them getting together. I could even see why she would have reasons to pick him over Luke, who is charming... but devoid of any true personality. However, rather than play off the plot idea that Lizzie is with a man who doesn't know her (and whom she in return doesn't really trust enough to reveal herself to him), Cabot decides to (as one reviewer put it) assasinate his character. While I still enjoyed the book immensely (openly giggling at many parts), everyone just seemed incredibly out of character for the majority of the book. Poor Luke got the worst of it, I'm afraid. In fact, the most interesting characters are the ones in the sidelines, such as the socialite heiress Ava&Lizzie's incorrigeable Granny.
Overall? I liked the book, but it just didn't seem to click with the rest of the series. It's good enough to where most people will enjoy it, but many will be scratching their heads wondering what happened to everyone.
4/5』
(Loved it - Great way to end the trilogy!) 『I felt this was the best book in the trilogy. Why? Because there was more depth to it. The secondary characters were great, especially with the addition of Ava Geck, the Paris Hilton prototype who soon becomes one of Lizzie's friends and clients. I loved the other two books, but I felt this one actually had Lizzie faced with some tough decisions, rather than just floating around with her life and just accepting what comes her way. She really had to find out who she was and what she wanted in her life, like what direction she wanted to take her bridal gown business, as well as what to do about her love life. Should she marry Luke because he gives her a huge rock of a ring, has tons of money, and because she's always wanted to get married whether or not she truly loves him? Or should she go with a guy that loves her immensely but doesn't believe in the notion of marriage, that all it is to him is a piece of paper? I understand what one reader said, about assassinating Luke's character. I slightly felt the same way. I felt that Meg Cabot did some twisting to his character to make him not as likeable in the the third book, which didn't fit so much with the decisions Luke had made in the first book. However, she was able to make it work, making Luke more of a guy with no real direction in his life who is not willing to settle down, someone that Lizzie didn't deserve or fit with. Meg Cabot then brings Chaz to the forefront who, in the previous book, is spurned by Lizzie's best friend Shari (who turns out to be interested in girls). You can't help but feel sorry for Chaz, but this paves the way for Chaz and Lizzie in realizing their true feelings for each other. Meg Cabot does a great job at making sparks fly. Chaz knows a great deal about who Lizzie is and loves her for her. He's there for her. And Lizzie has these same realizations about Chaz. She's known him forever and loves his quirks. When comparing Luke to Chaz, Luke only loves the idea of Lizzie, but doesn't really know her and only wants to be with her so he doesn't end up alone. You soon feel yourself rooting for Chaz and Lizzie, even though the past two books have centered on Luke and Lizzie. The chemistry of Chaz and Lizzie was intriguing and sweet, a reason I couldn't put this book down. This is a book where Lizzie is forced to grow up and fight for what she wants. It's not easy, but in the end, she's rewarded for following her dreams and her heart.』
(very cute) 『After listen to the first two Queen of Babble books on audio, I couldn't wait to read the third installment. I wasn't disappointed.』
(Couldn't put it down) 『Very light, fun, "summer" reading - I couldn't put it down! I like happy endings!』
(From S. Krishna's Books) 『Lizzie Nichols is finally getting her life back together. The wedding gown restoration shop she works in is finally doing well - thanks mostly to her own hard work. Though she has recently broken up with her boyfriend, Luke, she is finding that being available isn't the worst thing imaginable - especially considering that she is starting to see her good friend Chaz in a completely different light. After spending a wonderful night together (in which they just slept - no funny business), their friendship begins to turn into love when someone throws a kink into their newfound happiness. Luke shows up and deposits a three-carat engagement ring on Lizzie's finger. Lizzie convinces herself that Chaz was a mistake and that Luke is the one that she's meant to be with, even as Chaz (ironically, also Luke's best friend) warns her that Luke isn't serious about the engagement; he's just afraid of being alone. And Chaz is convinced that Lizzie isn't happy with Luke, either. Lizzie insists that isn't the case...but then why does she break out in hives every time she thinks about planning her wedding to Luke?
Queen of Babble Gets Hitched is the third and final book in Meg Cabot's hit "Queen of Babble" series. Though it doesn't quite hit the level of the previous two books, it provides a satisfying resolution to the trilogy. The reader leaves confident that Lizzie's story has been told, though a peek into her life after marriage would be more than welcome!
One element that has always been enjoyable about the Queen of Babble series is the quality of secondary characters. From Lizzie's Grandma, forever obsessed with Sully from Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman, to Ava Geck, a Paris Hilton-type character whose father owns a major department store, the characters in this book are just as humorous as they have ever been. Cabot's ability to write unique and funny characters who are still relatable is exemplary - most likely, one of the main reasons she is such a phenomenally successful author.
Also, the Lizzie/Chaz relationship seems to come out of left field. Upon consideration, they work well together, but until the suggestions of the previous book and seeing them fleshed out in this one, it really didn't seem viable. Of course, once it was demonstrated how well they work together, this reader was completely on board. One thing that missing from this book is Shari, Lizzie's best friend and Chaz's ex-girlfriend. The absence of her perspective is noticeable, especially since she was such a major player in the first two books.
As always, Lizzie is a wonderful character. Though not always relatable, she is a strong, independent woman who is a great role model. (And let's face it - she's also loads of fun to read about, especially when she talks about her Spanx!) Her indecisiveness is sometimes difficult, but at the same time, it is part of the character's internal debate of what she wants out of her life. In the end, it is a bittersweet finale to the series; the book provides a satisfying conclusion, but readers will be sad to say goodbye to such an appealing character.』 『
Big mouth. Big heart.
Big wedding. Big problems.
It's the wedding of the century!
Things are looking up at last for Lizzie Nichols. She has a career she loves in the field of her choice (wedding gown restoration), and the love of her life, Jean-Luc, has finally proposed. Life's become a dizzying whirl of wedding gown fittings—not necessarily her own—as Lizzie prepares for her dream wedding at her fiancé's château in the south of France.
But the dream soon becomes a nightmare as the best man—whom Lizzie might once have accidentally slept with . . . no, really, just slept—announces his total lack of support for the couple, a sentiment the maid of honor happens to second; Lizzie's Midwestern family can't understand why she doesn't want to have her wedding in the family backyard; herfuture, oh-so-proper French in-laws seem to be slowly trying to lure the groom away from medical school and back into investment banking; and Lizzie finds herself wondering if her Prince Charming really is as charming as she once believed.
Is Lizzie really ready to embrace her new role as wife and mistress of Château Mirac? Or is she destined to fall into another man's arms . . . and into the trap of becoming a Bad Girl instead?
Kakaku：510 saved$5.10
Anchor Books
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (Response to Paul Donovan) 『In response to your comments on Janet Wallach's writing in "Desert Queen": Her wriing made a colorful biography and her sources fill pages at the back of the book. You noted there were no footnotes: Who wants to read footnote after footnote like in a textbook? This is a story of a very vibrant woman and why not have the author envision what Gertrude Bell might have been thinking or seeing at different times e.g., "...his dark eyes were flashing..." You could not understand why she was against women's sufferage: She was a traditionalist; she might also have thought women were not well informed enough to vote or because she thought more like a man and was so involved with men she might not have given women much weight in her world. Must everything have to be explained and analyzed in a book? Exercise your mind. This discussion from my good friend Jane Kosut, Atlantic Beach, FL>Harvard '77』
(exceptional woman) 『I enjoyed learning about the fascinating life and accomplishments of Gertrude Bell and the delicate and complex Arab culture and political history. I sadly realize that the knowledge and lessons that the history provided for us so abundantly are not being applied by our current government. Should we make presidential candidates take mandatory history tests in order to qualify for their candidacy? I am not much of a history reader, but this book certainly inspired me to learn more. Also it is a shame that a person as influential as Gertrude Bell has not been well known to us as much as she deserves. The writing of this book was complex but coherent, very easy to follow and enjoyable.』
(good concept but hard going) 『This was my book group's pick and I could hardly wait to get it and read it; it sounded timely and fascinating. Unfortunately, it was like reading a textbook, interesting but WAY too dry. No one in our group finished it and even the brilliant woman who loves a book best if no one else understands it, didn't want to read it. I only stuck with it to page 50. Maybe it gets better as you get the author's rhythm, like Dickens. As much as I would like, I can't recommend it.』
(Illuminating and timely) 『It's remarkable that a book written about events that took place 100 years ago has direct relevance to today, but that's just one of the many strengths of "Desert Queen." When you read about Gertrude Bell's political savvy about Iraq and the stubborness of the male politicians who ignored her advice, well, the parallels are obvious.
The biggest takeaway for me was imagining Bell's life traveling through the desert to meet sheiks who were truly living in a different world. The Middle East of the 19th century still had huge populations of nomadic tribes that measured their wealth in camels. They were not a part of the Western world -- though they were highly intrigued by it. With incredible bravery and an astounding ability to overcome exhaustion and discomfort, she worked her way into the tents of sheiks who would not let another woman sit in their presence. And then after a few months of visiting and gossip, she'd take a several-week journey back to the luxury surroundings of her family's home in England. There was probably only about a 50-year window in which a person could do what she did -- the heyday of British wealth, might, and arrogance -- and she took advantage of that period perfectly.
Overall, I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to learn about how Europeans thought about and influenced the Middle East. And, in fact, that's also the source of my only criticism of the book. If you don't know a lot about Middle East geography and history, the names and places mentioned in this book can sometimes be a blur. The maps and photos are very helpful, but for someone like me who has only a superficial knowledge, it's still hard to figure out at times.
』
(Does not do a fascinating subject justice) 『Janet Wallach's history of Gertrude Bell (1868-1926), Desert Queen, was read by my book club at least twice over the years, and several members have remarked that this was one of the best books the group has ever read. Hmmm. I guess they forgave the author her writing style...
Without question, Bell is a fascinating subject; a woman who played a major role in Middle Eastern politics, and yet whose story has rarely been told. A brilliant, curious female, she was the first woman to earn a first-class degree in modern history at Oxford, she wrote seven influential books on the Middle East and, following WWI, was named oriental secretary to the British High Commission in Iraq. She spoke several languages fluently, including Persian and Arabic and was an expert on Arab affairs and Middle Eastern politics. She created detailed maps of the country that would become Iraq, wrote travel books, served as an intelligence agent, was instrumental in creating present-day Iraq, maneuvered to put King Faisal on the throne of the new kingdom of Iraq, became an accomplished historian and archaeologist, and founded the first museum for antiquities in Baghdad.
All this she achieved while facing the obstacles and prejudices of being a woman in a man's world. She enjoyed a challenge and defied all social customs for women of her day. Being a woman was both her greatest asset and her biggest barrier in a lifetime of unusual ambition. She found women insufferably dull, and at parties she would head straight for where the men were gathered discussing important topics. Needless to say, she offended the wives and annoyed the men wherever she went. Yet she had a unique ability to endear herself or make herself indispensable to all levels of male Arab society. As a woman, she understood the subtleties of the culture, which were crucial to political success. This ability enabled her to build relationships with the people, helped her reach her goals, and gave her an important advantage over her team members.
Unfortunately, what should be a lively and exciting account of one woman's incredible achievements is impeded by Wallach's dry, tedious, academic prose. Though the book's academic tone might seem to lend credibility, Wallach's level of research itself seems questionable and not as thorough as her subject deserves. While Desert Queen offers biographical information on a praiseworthy woman and an important perspective on the situation in the Middle East, it should not be considered a definitive work for either or an afternoon's light reading. Put on your hip boots, Myrtle. The slogging is heavy. 』 『Turning away from the privileged world of the "eminent Victorians," Gertrude Bell (1868—1926) explored, mapped, and excavated the world of the Arabs. Recruited by British intelligence during World War I, she played a crucial role in obtaining the loyalty of Arab leaders, and her connections and information provided the brains to match T. E. Lawrence's brawn. After the war, she played a major role in creating the modern Middle East and was, at the time, considered the most powerful woman in the British Empire.
In this masterful biography, Janet Wallach shows us the woman behind these achievements–a woman whose passion and defiant independence were at odds wit the confined and custom-bound England she left behind. Too long eclipsed by Lawrence, Gertrude Bell emerges at last in her own right as a vital player on the stage of modern history, and as a woman whose life was both a heartbreakingstory and a grand adventure.』 『A biography of the woman who, indirectly, was the catalyst for many of the troubles in the Middle East, including the Gulf War. In 1918, Gertrude Bell drew the region's proposed boundaries on a piece of tracing paper. Her qualifications for doing so were her extensive travel, her fluency in both Persian and Arabic, and her relationships with sheiks and tribal and religious leaders. She also possessed an ability to understand the subtle and indirect politeness of the culture, something many of her colonialist comrades were oblivious to. As a self-made statesman her sex was an asset, enabling her to bypass the ladder of protocol and dive into the business of building an Empire.』
Kakaku：899 saved$8.99
Graphia
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (From J. Kaye's Book Blog) 『"Dairy Queen" is about a 15 year old farm girl called D.J. Ever since her brothers moved away, she does all the work on her parent's farm. Jimmy Ott (a friend of her dad) tells Brian Nelson (the biggest jerk you will ever meet) to work on their farm. When Jimmy Ott asked D.J. to work with Brian social skills as well as football, D.J. realizes that she likes football. D.J. decides to try out for the boy's football team. After she joins, D.J. will have to overcome her greatest task yet, winning at football, Red Bend against Hawley.
My daughter had problems with the main character not being able to stand up for herself. I think she was a bit too tender-hearted for this book. 』
(A refreshing read) 『A your-not-so-typical teenage girl named DJ, tends to her family's farm while her dad is recovering from a hip injury. All is well- well, as well as it used to be anyways- until a QB , Brian Nelson, of a rival high school is sent to help DJ out with the farm. What DJ wasn't expecting from this particular jock was to start encouraging her to talk; about her dreams, her flunking in English class and her strikingly odd family.
I somewhat knew that this book would be good, because I've read encouraging reviews before purchasing it. What struck me the most about this particular books was its authenticity. I wouldn't wonder at it if I learned that DJ was somewhere in Wisconsin painting the barn with Brian Nelson. That's how real the characters were. I also loved the writing style, DJ has flunked English, and that fact is strongly established in "her" writing style. A refreshing read, as refreshing as a glass of cold fresh milk.』
(Loved this) 『I seem to be working my way through the YA section of the bookstore of late and this one stood apart from the pack. I started page one and didn't look around me until I'd finished. Then, missing the book, I picked it back up and started reading it again. I loved it. I am here to poke around in the hopes she's written more books.』
(A thousand times better than the food chain.) 『This book series is my new obsession. Picking up Dairy Queen at the library on a passing recommendation, I began the first chapter right before bed. After literally howling with laughter, I had to sneak out to the other room to finish (so I wouldn't bother my husband), and ended up staying up until 2:00 am. Then, I spent most of the rest of the night thinking about it. The next morning, I woke up exhausted, but managed to read it again. Since then, I've read it two more times. WHY? WHY? WHY? What is the power this book has on me?
I adore D.J. even though she is nothing like me. Her situation is so compelling. All the crazy things that happen to her, all the hardships, all the life-learning...her voice makes going through them with her incredibly moving and satisfying, not to mention she's hilarious.
This is a beautiful story written with a very skilled hand. I recommend it to everyone as an entertaining and quality book.』
(Enjoyable read) 『I found this book to be a quick and easy read as well as enjoyable. D.J. is a likable girl who deals with her troubles in a very honest way. She comes across as "what you see is what you get" and seems to be comfortable with herself. And you really appreciate her sense of humor. I really enjoyed the message regarding character.』 『When you don't talk, there's a lot of stuff that ends up not getting said.
Harsh words indeed, from Brian Nelson of all people. But, D. J. can't help admitting, maybe he's right.
When you don't talk, there's a lot of stuff that ends up not getting said.
Stuff like why her best friend, Amber, isn't so friendly anymore. Or why her little brother, Curtis, never opens his mouth. Why her mom has two jobs and a big secret. Why her college-football-star brothers won't even call home. Why her dad would go ballistic if she tried out for the high school football team herself. And why Brian is so, so out of her league.
When you don't talk, there's a lot of stuff that ends up not getting said.
Welcome to the summer that fifteen-year-old D. J. Schwenk of Red Bend, Wisconsin, learns to talk, and ends up having an awful lot of stuff to say.』
IPhone 3G used's review (Absorbing) 『This marvellous book chronicles a year in the life of the British Royal family and accompanies the brilliant BBC series. It encompasses the work and leisure time of the major figures in the family and quite a bit of the works of the more junior members also. The reader is privy to meetings with heads of state, the British Prime Minister and delegations from overseas countries, and may enjoy many photographs which have never before been seen. I especially enjoyed it as a coffee table book, picking it up and delving into it at the odd moment and loved it so much that I'd recommend it to anyone who likes to keep up with what's happening to the Queen and her family.』
(Great read!) 『Great book! From the colorful photography to the amusing, easy-to-read text, this book is a delight to read. It takes the mundane routine of the monarch and makes it interesting, all while providing an up-close, behind-the-scenes account of the life of this extraordinary woman whose life and reign span more than 80 years of modern history.』
(Informative for Americans) 『I suppose I can understand why a prior poster would label the life of the Queen and her family as 'small talk'. It is difficult for those of us who are American to understand the significance of the continuity of the British royal family, even in this year of elections over here. Unlike the house of Orange in the Netherlands, the Queen is sworn to work for her country until she dies. Not a burden many of us would choose, regardless of all the finery.
Most of us will live our lives in anonymity, and the ability to do what we want, when we want, without much public scrutiny. That this woman hasn't had a day of privacy since childhood is indeed an amazing concept in this day where any obligation, even marriage, is taken lightly.
This is an excellent insight into the amount of work the Queen and family perform, certainly not just 'small talk'. Would only that our politicians could turn out the same amount!』
(THE QUEEN OF CANADA RULES, OK?) 『This is a pleasing adjunct to what is being broadcast now on our national broadcasting network - the CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) with the last 2-hour instalment being aired on February 24th.
The cover photograph by Annie Liebovitz is STUNNING and the tale behind that photographic session is quite amusing. Annie really got to like HM's feistiness and frankness - after all she is a Taurus - and even stood up to that sometimes bossy woman - Leibovitz I mean, NOT HM. But Ms. Leibovitz got the results she wanted except for having The Queen being mounted on a horse in Garter robes in one of Buckingham Palace's drawing rooms. What WAS she thinking?
THe State Visit to Washington was intriguing to see and the preparations were exhaustive. Even President Bush's comments showed him to be almost human and he appears to have really like and actually admired our Queen of Canada (by law). Laura Bush got her white-tie dinner with the Queen of England and more power to her, even if President Bush looked a bit uncomfortable at times.
Some of the photos reproduced are a bit fuzzy as if improperly scanned or from secondary or tertiary sources but, for the most part, the photos are crystal clear.
Having been to Garden Parties at Buckingham Palace and the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Scotland they really do put on a show and serve a nice tea. The lemon tarts are to die for.
This is the perfect book to accompany the television series and you can rest assured that when the DVD of it comes out I will buy it posthaste.
An enjoyable read, if not overly scholarly, but then it was designed for a mass audience and for that it does RObert Hardman much credit. The appendices are helpful and will explain much to the American reader.
Much recommended and an enjoyable read.
Timothy Wingate Ottawa CANADA 』
(Good book, but the author got a few facts wrong.) 『It was a great book, and I really enjoyed what goes on behind the scenes to get the Queen or other members of the Royal Family for engagements, cermonies, etc.
However, the author got a few facts wrong when he wrote about the recent state visit to the U.S. To begin with, (1) Virgina Tech is a university, not a college. (2) The Queen's bedroom in the White House was called that after the Queen Mother stayed in that room,at the White House, with her husband (George VI) in the late 1930's. (3) The calbarias (is that how you spell it?) that the Queen gave when she was Princess Elizabeth, they have been on that mantle since the TRUMAN era, not the Kennedy era.
Also, I would have loved seen how the people at the Kentucky Derby got things ready for the Queen's visit.』 『What really happens when the most powerful man in the world invites the most famous woman in the world to dinner? What is life really like in the 650 rooms beyond the gates of Buckingham Palace? Who are the 50 people in the line of succession to the throne? What does a Lady-in-Waiting do? What do you actually say when it's your turn to meet royalty?
A Year with the Queentells the story from the inside. No Monarch in history has travelled as far and met as many people as Queen Elizabeth II. And no book has revealed the workings of the Monarchy like this -- with members of the Royal Family and world leaders telling their own stories, too.
Like the brilliant television series it accompanies,A Year with the Queenshows the extraordinary world of the Monarch and her family -- from sacred constitutional talks with the Prime Minister to the razzmatazz of a stay at the White House and from a seaside stroll with the Prince of Wales to a weekend in Iraq with Prince Philip. Equally extraordinary is the work of the Royal Household team -- the man who carries the Crown around in a box, the team who counts out the medals, the chef who paints the chocolates, the in-house royal agony aunt....
The result is a book packed with fabulous photographs, important insights, wonderful anecdotes -- and plenty of advice, too. Ever wondered how to reply to a royal invitation? Or how to get one...?』
