Nonfiction Books

For beginning writers, this book could be useful. The 'journey' image is sometimes overused, but this is in part because it responds to a deep need in us. Preachers often use the image of a journey; indeed, many stories in the Bible will use the journey as part of the tale (if not the integral part of the tale). Mythological figures often have their lives and exploits told in journey images -- from times as ancient as those of Gilgamesh, through to modern times, the journey is important as a storytelling device. One can think of Gilgamesh, or Odysseus, or Aeneas in the ancient world; one can think of Moses and Martin Luther King, Jr. in search of the promised land; one can even think of Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz, seeking the Emerald City, when in fact she's looking for home.

The characters along the way in the journey also represent key elements in our lives -- dangers, strengths, things to love, to hate, to avoid, to embrace. These are archetypes. As others have noted, there are other guides to these (Campbell being perhaps the best known, and perhaps the best writer of these), but Christopher Vogler's use of these mythic structures and the journey process to help beginning writers puts the framework into an interesting and accessible guide.

This is a work with a journey of its own -- as a third edition, there are stories within the making of it. Vogler relates some of these, which include some major motion pictures experiences (one of the primary storytelling vehicles of the twentieth century) in his introduction. This has developed also in part due to critique and questions Vogler has received over time. One of those is that this is formulaic. Films, television shows, songs, poems, stories -- all of these are susceptible to being formulaic, and there is a fine line between following a form and being a slave to the formula.

This guide is practical. For those with experience writing, it can be a bit of a retreat, and, in truth, a bit simple. But for those looking to break into writing and have little experience with how to craft a story, this can be a good guide. While we are surrounded by stories in our lives, many of us don't quite know how to tell them well. Vogler's book gives insight into a process for making meaning and making sense while doing so.

Based on content alone, I would have considered three stars; however, I have a hard time accepting *writing* advice from a book so badly written. I realize Mr. Vogler is a story analyst, not a writer. Still, the style here is atrocious, often to the point of distraction.

As he describes various films, he frequently jumbles his characters and his actors, creating a rambling, grammatically nightmarish style: "Recurring mentors include 'The Chief' on 'Get Smart', Will Geer and Ellen Corby as the grandparents on 'The Waltons', Alfred in 'Batman', James Earl Jones' CIA official in Patriot Games and The Hunt for Red October, etc." (For the record, I typed this sentence exactly as it appears in the book, other than my inability to italicize the Jack Ryan titles. Yes, those commas are found outside the quotation marks; yes, Mr. Jones's name is made plural possessive.) This utter disregard for parallelism can be found on nearly every page. In addition, Mr. Vogler refers to some characters only by their names ("In the film The Last of the Mohicans, Major Duncan Hayward is the rival of hero Nathaniel Poe..."); he refers to still others as only the names of the actors ("James Stewart forces Kim Novak to change her hair and clothing ..."). I was left with the feeling of a first draft, as if Mr. Vogler hadn't yet looked up the names he couldn't recall.

If you can overlook these stylistic eyesores (obviously, I have a difficult time doing so), you might find something useful in these pages. Or you might not. As demonstrated by the variety of reviews, this book's usefulness really depends on the reader.

Do you have an intermediate grasp of mythology and archetypes? You'll be bored by this. Have you read Joseph Campbell's _The Hero With A Thousand Faces_? You'll probably wonder why anyone bothered to publish this, because Mr. Vogler quotes and paraphrases Mr. Campbell to a worshipful degree. Do you write with characters in your mind first, and let them "tell you what to do" in terms of plot? You'll want to approach this book as a road you can wander from, not a roller coaster track you must stick to or die. Do you have some fully developed characters you'd love to explore, but struggle with plot? This book (as well as any study of archetypes) can help you find some signposts to guide your way. Are you entirely unschooled in archetypes and mythology but would like to learn? This book isn't the best starting place available, but I doubt it's the worst.

Before you start reading, examine your writing goals and your knowledge of archetypes to decide if this one is worthwhile for you. (Oh, and examine yourself for grammatical-OCD tendencies to decide if you can endure it.)

As a teacher my interest in the book was not so much in the hopes I would learn how to write a smashing new hit for Hollywood as how I could better see the patterns in narrative and relate them to my students. Certainly Campbell will remain a first choice in that regard but this suggests some interesting new facets as well. Perhaps a problem with contemporary story telling is the need to shock. Understanding the patterns that have traditionally worked may not help directly in a postmodern world that has seen the death of art though they may still be useful as a via negativa. Congratulations to those who have succeeded in their writing careers despite having read the book.

As someone who applied Joseph Campbell's earlier work to my own 'Virtual Trilogy' of novels ( see Virtually Maria (Virtual Trilogy) and A Matter of Time) I found this book a useful interpretation of Campbell's theories to the modern medium of film and contemporary novels.

However, it is by no means as comprehensive as the original on which it is based and anyone reading it would be well advised (in my view) to read Campbell's work in depth. Nevertheless "The Writer's Journey" is a useful addition to any writer's reference library and fun to think of when you are watching any of the movies to which it refers.

Great book, but I was dismayed by the tiny print in it, the font size of the text. It's smaller than just about any other book I've ever read. I wrote to the publisher and was told that's how it is and that there's no hardcover edition with a larger font.

Another Wonderful book By Wayne Dyer who through his words and cool pictures helps children to remember to hold onto there non limiting thinking. Using his 10 lessons he shows kids how to be all that they are

What a great book for parents to read to their children and for children to read themselves. It continues to affirm their greatness and encourage possibility!

What a blessing to have Dr. Dyer teaching us along with our children and grandchildren. There isn't a book I wouldn't purchase from his collection for myself or my family

this is a great book to read to your children at night. Over and over again to imprint the positivity into their minds. Great parents will appreciate this book

Good work, Mr. Dyer!
We love you and your work! Wonderful books for children!

This is a really cute book about space. Fun and educational. My boys 5 & 6 love it as much as I do.

This is a great book but it's out of date. Pluto is no longer a planet. I would just skip that page but it's hard because there is also a mnemonic device that includes Pluto in it. They need to update this book with a second edition. Otherwise, it's a great book.

The concept of this learning book is fine and it is a good book to introduce young children to space. I read it to my 4 1/2-year-old granddaughter and she enjoyed it. However, about half of the poems could have been much better. They lacked proper poetic cadence. A few seemed very ordinary. The publisher surely should have asked the writer to improve them. The statement that the spinning Earth will never slow down is technically incorrect. That's a fine point, but it would have been easy to present the idea correctly.

Love this book!! It gives nonfiction science content in a Dr. Seuss format. Keeps the kids' interest while they learn science - excellent!

My son sees this book at his doctor's office and begged for his own copy. He's usually a truck guy, so I don't understand his attraction to this book, but he definitely strongly likes it. And, heck, there's no harm in him learning the names of planets and a bit about space! Great book.

Book was in good condition, only thing is that it was shipped very late. I received the book almost after 15 days of placing my order.

This "What to Do" series was very useful to me as a parent. It explains complex psychological ideas at a child's level without condescending to them and then attempts to help them learn how deal with those strong emotions.

I purchased this book and What to Do When You Worry Too Much: A Kid's Guide to Overcoming Anxiety (What to Do Guides for Kids) after my 5-year old was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. It has helped her and her then 8-year old brother work through the many adjustments in our family after the diagnosis. We went through the book together and then talked about the activities that might help them deal with how they felt. The simple, clear explanations were a great starting point for discussion. Not everything "worked" nor did we focus on "solving" these emotions--rather we used the books to help the kids see that they are not alone and that there are things they can do when they feel trapped by strong emotions.

My daughter is now almost 7 and still takes the Grumbling book out to read it over. She knows she does have things to complain about in her life, but also that she doesn't want them to take over her life. I have also just purchased What to Do When Your Temper Flares: A Kid's Guide to Overcoming Problems With Anger (What to Do Guides for Kids)which she is anxious to read! How many books on these tough topics can you say THAT about?

If you have intense, thoughtful, strong-willed kids, this approach to the perpetual problems of grumbling, worrying and (I hope) anger management will help. And even if they won't read it, it will help you know how to talk about those feelings.

P.S. Another good book is Who Moved My Cheese? For Kids I know it sounds corny but change is a big stressor for my kids so that book helped address these emotions too.

This book tackles an unusual and important topic for children- negativity. In a fun and very child-friendly format, the author uses metaphors, stories, and examples to explain to children what negativity is and how they can transform their negative thinking into more positive thinking. The learning is reinforced by fun activities and art experiences. As a mother and social worker, I strongly recommend this book to other parents, social workers, and guidance counselors.

I wasn't so sure about this book at first, the chapters at the beginning were a bit slow but WOW, by chapter 3 the concepts really start to hit home for the kids I work with in therapy. I appreciate another CBT resource that I will use again and again to help my clients.

I wanted this workbook to engage my therapy clients better than it did. They didn't throw the book at me, but it only held their interest for about10 minutes and most do not care too much to color or draw where the workbook calls for it. I agree with them, in that the interactive part of the book (the you-fill-it in part) is not compelling. HOWEVER, the subject matter is not really covered in any other therapeutic workbook that I have seen/reviewed/owned. The main topic is of negativity vs. positivity in a child's daily life. Great for kids with depression, anger problems, anxiety disorders, and ...the average kids!

I am a child clinical psychologist who regularly recommends books to parents to help provide reassuring information and practical tips to assist their children between sessions. My 12 year-old also loved this book and found a lot of good suggestions. Not only is the book easy to read and understand, it provides "homework" activities which allow a personalized approach and encourage active involvement by the child in overcoming a natural tendency toward negativity. I highly recommend this book!

I highly reccomend this item! I am a paper crafter, and I love using these paper fashions to make quick stylish cards. I love this item because unlike some paper fashion books, it offers paper and templates, not precut paper or stickers. This is a great product for scrapbookers and cardmakers, and for all girls big and small. Also, there are miniature hangers included that add an extra touch to my cards, and I even hung ties on them to make a father's day card.

We bought this for our 10 year old granddaughter and she was delighted with the kit. It's simple to use, everything is included and it gave hours of fashion fun for a young girl. These kits as a whole are very appealing to preteen girls.

My 6 year old LOVED this book. it is a great value for the money. the book comes with ideas for uses of the fashion cutouts (making cards, gift bags, paper dolls, etc.) and the outfits themselves are made by tracing stencils onto the patterned paper and then cutting them out and adding "buttons" (beads) or "belts" (ribbon) and various notions and trims. the stencils are sturdy and can be used over and over again.

even when you run out of the supplies included (paper, glue, sequins, ribbons, beads, etc.) they are easy and inexpensive enough to buy from a craft/scrapbooking store. so unlike some of the books like this, it's not useless when you run out of the supplied components.

i've also given my daughter scrap material (like quilting squares you can buy for cheap) and she can make these with real fabrics, which adds an extra touch of fun for making cards and things. it's a fun project for her to take on playdates, everyone seems to enjoy it.

I tell myself I bought this book for my daughter, but I really bought it for me! I am in love with the little hangers! We have enjoyed this book together, and spent HOURS designing wardrobes for ourselves! I recently framed a page of COURTNEY'S FASHIONS (including her prices) for my studio, and will cherish this one-of-a-kind artwork forever! Courtney has even dug into my paper stash for more "designs," although the book comes with a marvelous assortment of paper! We LOVE the clothing stencils... they will last for years. (I can see Courtney using this in clothing/textile classes when she is in high school and college!)
BEST KLUTZ book ever!

Fashion ROCKS! And so does this incredible toy masquerading as a book-it's FABULOUS, darling! For all budding fashion designers, stylists or anyone curious about the fashion world, this book is definitely for you-BUY IT!! And if you're wondering if you should get the sequel, Paper Fashions Fancy along with it, YES-please do-you won't regret it! The first one is 'to infinity', the second is 'and beyond!!'-it's even better!!

That was my short review. If you need more encouragement and/or details, read on, dear reader!
So, I've had this for like a week now, on the first day, I played with it since breakfast-unable to tear myself away from it, and trust me-it only gets better the more time I spend on it-I could do this for a living!! The novelty never wears off because the possiblities are endless!

Okay, so, the book;
*has quotes from famous designers peppered throughout
*it's colorful, beautiful and easy to understand
*it tells you what comes with the book, what you also need (scissors and pencil), and what you might also want
*has 3 pages of plastic stencils (it's a soft plastic, so no sharp edges) and it tells you exactly how to use them
*there are tips for cutting, making the best use of paper, gluing and embellishing instructions
*there are hints about using color and patterns and ideas for design notebooks, greeting cards and other ways you might want to display your finished creations
*you never have to worry about running out of paper because you can use just about anything!-paper bags, tin foil, muffin cups, tissue paper, white paper that you've rubber stamped, used magazines and catalogs, and of course art & craft stores have an abundance of scrapbook/origami paper and thingies! You could also borrow real fabric and photocopy or scan and print it! Phew! AND if you type in Paper Fashions, you'll see that one of the products is a pack of Extra Stuff'-so you're golden!
*with the book, you already get a sheaf of pretty printed and plain papers and even a sheet of vellum for that sheer look! You're spoilt for choice!
*and you get a cute little tube of school glue, 3 packs of beads and sequins-in warm colors, cool colors, and gold and silver (and in resealable baggies no less!) and you also get 3 bundles of ribbon and and 2 cord trims (phew! that's a lot, huh!) and don't forget-20 cute little wire hangers!

Technical stuff: it's labeled suitable for ages 8 & up (if you're a very responsible and mature under 8 though, you would have to Double Super-Dooper Promise your designated adult shopper that you won't put any of the thingies in your mouth, because choking, not a good look people!)
Also, although it's aimed at girls, I'd just like to say Valentino, Isaac Mizrahi, John Galliano, Jean Paul Gaultier, Narciso Rodriguez, Ralph Lauren, Tom Ford and Alexander McQueen-and Dolce & Gabana; just a handful of world famous men who design womenswear! I'm just saying, a little more open-mindedness makes the world a more balanced and happier place-follow your dreams people! (That would be my Carson Kressley impression-also a totally poppin' style guru!)

Final words, grown ups-if this appeals to you-go ahead and get one for yourself! Why should kids have all the fun?! I'm 30 something, I got this for me (and yesterday I ordered the sequel too!) and I LOVE IT!!!
Okay, I'm done!

I bought this for my autistic son when he was small as a way to help engage him. We sang and read together every night for months. It left such an impression on me, that when I discovered that my son had lost the CD, I became a little panicky. I really think Philadelphia Chickens is destined to be a children's classic. If you want to delight and entertain, this is the way to go. The Boyton/Ford collaborations have become my new favorite baby gift. If I know you and like you and you're pregnant, you better make room on your bookshelf 'cause you're getting these CDs. They are just too much fun.

"Cows, we're remarkable cows, and wherever we go it's a Fabulous show, Yes we are Cows - COWS !!!"

We have to here this song ever time we get buckled in the car and start down the driveway, and It never gets Old, great Cd Fun,fun,fun !!

We purchased this along with Blue Moo for our 4 yr old grandaughter and we love them both. Have loads of fun dancing with her to the music.

MY whole family LOVES this CD. There are only about 3 songs that we generally skip over, the rest are all really really great!!!! I would recommend this for anyone with kids who wants to also enjoy music with them. It's not boring at all!!!!

After recently purchasing another copy of this to give as a birthday gift I am reminded of how much our family has enjoyed these songs over the years. As a child, I remember listening to Free to be You and Me and I believe Philadelphia Chickens belongs in the same category-it is creative and fun-it is a classic!

it takes a little imagination because there are no words to the book. but my son (2 years old) and i enjoy flipping through the pages and making up our own story (stories).

This is a great book. It is an illustrated book, with no words, so you can make up the story yourself using your family's names. It goes through a lot of the transitions of pregnancy to having a baby, like getting the room and crib ready and visiting the doctor. Great gender neutral book as well. I am very pleased with this book.

I bought this for my 19 month old to begin to ready her for the arrival of her little sister. When reading past reviews I figured out that the story had no text printed. I decided to purchase anyway thinking it would be easy to make up our own story. The book is cute and pretty easy to compose your own story but would be better with SOME text. The pictures take you through what mom and big brother and dad do to get ready for new baby. Nice concept but could use some text.

I wish I had read the reviews. There are no words, you have to create your own story, just FYI for other people who are browsing.

The fact that there are no words in the book means that one can personalize the story for the older child--and that is awesome. My son loves reading this book, because it is about "him." Interaction with mommy and daddy is emphasized, as is the child's role in helping prepare for the new arrival. There is no gender assigned to the new baby, and the hospital room is generic enough that one could substitute "birthing center," or another alternative. Fantastic and simple.

While it's totally hip to de-mythify things our parents (silly things) thought were good, Ellis's de-mythification of Washington is not satisfying. His basic thesis is that Washington was a nincompoop who happened to be in the right place at the right time his whole life. That's unlikely, and it doesn't explain why Washington was a legend in his own time as well as our own, unlike most "mythical" legends, whose myths grow in time.

Five stars for doing what everyone else does.
Two stars for insight.

I just finished this book and truly enjoyed it. I love history and especially this era. A great overview of Washington's life without being overly tedious in the details as some biographies can be. I finished this book fairly quickly as I was hooked once I began. Loved the photos that were included also.

It is sad. The author has made big bucks on a book that essentially is aimed at bringing George Washington down to the level of today's politicians. There certainly is an audience for this kind of interpretation of our Founding Father and it can only be accomplished by someone who has a perspective and wants to use his skills to slant the reader's view toward his own negativity. I much preferred to read David McCullough's history, "1776," which dwells primarily on Washington as a person and a leader, but without the hidden agenda (whatever it is) of the author of "His Excellency," which is really an attempt to rewrite history and bring Washington down to the level of a Bill Clinton and Richard Nixon in a colonial setting. Shame on you, Mr. Ellis, although you are entitled to your opinion -- which is what this book is all about.

I found this book to be a refreshing look at the life of America's greatest founding father. Ellis does a fantastic job of getting to the meat of a seemingly endless list of resources including numerous pieces of personal correspondence, and provides a more personal look into the mind of the notoriously elusive George Washington. This work does what many other similar books don't, and that is look at Washington in the context of the broader social and historical realities of his time. Without this, many of Washington's actions seem illogical or empty. Some reviewers don't appreciate the more critical aspects of the work, but it is naive to believe that Washington was totally devoid of personal flaws and internal conflicts. In fact, I believe, as Ellis describes, that these flaws are part of what made him a great leader; what he learned from his mistakes helped guide him on his journey through a very uncertain and volatile time in world history. What is more impressive, is that Ellis is able to condense such a rich and interesting life into a relatively short volume that doesn't seem lacking. It provides enough insight for those who are looking for the basics, but gives enough for those looking for more in-depth analysis and provides a foundation for more intense study. Overall, Ellis has created a fantastic biography that I would recommend to anyone interested in early American history.

I was extremely disappointed in this book. This book was purchased as a gift for me, and I looked forward to reading it. From the beginning, I was disappointed by the tone of the book, which casts a negative tone on the father of our country.

As I researched some of Ellis' sources, I found that in several parts of his book, he stated items as facts that were completely false.

Ellis, following a popular trend of today, insinuates that George Washington was in love with his friend's wife, Sally Fairfax, and that he felt passionately in love with her throughout his life.

Ellis admits that all we do know is based primarily on three letters Washington wrote to Sally (Fairfax). The last letter he cites was one Washington wrote near the end of his life. Mr. Ellis states that "in this letter, he confessed to an elderly Sally that she had been the passion of his youth, that he had never been able to forget her, 'nor been able to eradicate from my mind those happy moments, the happiest in my life, which have enjoyed in your company."

I decided to research his references, and look up the text of Washington's letter on the Library of Congress website. They have actual images of all of the original letters of George Washington. What I found relieved me greatly and set my mind at ease. It also made me feel disgusted than an author who claims to accurately represent the life of such a noble man could be so purposely deceptive.

The actual letter was written by Washington in his later years, with his wife. He talked about how he was remembering the times of harmony and friendship that he and his wife spent with Sally and her husband at their home. He describes these times as some of the happiest of his life. At the end of his part of the letter he says "Mrs. Washington is about to give you an account of the changes which have happened in the neighbourhood and in our own family."

Mr. Ellis said that in this letter he confessed that she had been the passion of his youth. That is simply a blatant falsehood.

Ellis also states that there is no evidence to show whether the relationship between Washington and Fairfax ever crossed the sexual threshold or not. Why does he even feel the need to include such a ridiculous statement? It is akin to saying that although someone spends some time at the local bank, we don't have evidence to show whether they were a bank robber or not.

Attempting to insinuate that the framers of our Constitution such as Washington, Jefferson, and Franklin were immoral men, is happening more and more often in our country.

In an excellent book "The Rewriting of America's History", there is an example of how deceitful this influence can be. The book explained how in an earlier edition of a school history textbook it stated that George Washington had a hot temper that he kept masterfully controlled. In a later edition of the same textbook, it simply said: "George Washington had a hot temper." I think that is a powerful example of how a subtle adjustment can completely change our thinking of his character.

I have found that this is happening more and more frequently in our world today as I have studied the founding father's lives including Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and others.

I could continue on with how careful research contradicts the opinions of Mr. Ellis, but I will simply recommend a much better book. "The Real George Washington", published by The National Center for Constitutional Studies.

This book is as wonderful today as it was years ago! I agree about the missing Burpers - I want them back! But still a wonderful and fun way to instill principles of courtesy in the reader. A wonderful reminder of years gone by and if we are lucky a promise of what we can be in the years ahead. Just be nice to one another! Ann Clarke, author of People Are So Different! based on tolerance and understanding.

Two boys, 5 & 7 can often forget the importance of manners. Being tired of preaching and threatening, I saw this book and thought I'd try it. While they sipped hot chocolate, I read this to them. Neither of them said a word, but were paying complete attention! I couldn't believe it! I wasn't sure my kids would be able to enjoy and/or process this. They did, and I am very pleased with this book. Looking forward to buying all the other editions.

I wish this book had been around for my children when they were little. Their great grandmother had told them about it, but it was no longer in print. I bought six copies... so they could read it to their chilren when the time comes AND one for my class of kindergartners. My K kids LOVE it!

I had Munro Leaf books when I was achild (I am 61 now) and loved them. This is a fabulous book. All kindergarten and first grade classrooms should have this book. It explains why manners are important in a way that children will understand that their life will be better if they use good manners.

I picked up my copy of this book at a yard sale. Many of the line drawings have been colored in, and in a few places someone is practicing her letters. It's that sort of ownership this book invites, with its childlike drawings and simple lessons on getting along with others, table manners, sharing, and cleaning up. Halfway through we also meet the Whiny, the Noisie, the Me First, the Bragger, the Sulker, the Bathroom Wrecker and many other undesirables. A great book for 3-7s.