Simon Says (SBC Fighters, Book 2)

Book Description

Sexy ex-fighter Simon Evans has the perfect life-until he catches his girlfriend cheating. To work off his rage, he goes back into the ring full-force. But a gutsy and gorgeous P.I. is about to send him reeling with a secret about his family-and one about her heart.

Customer Reviews:

Next topic, please!.......2007-10-06

I held out on buying Simon Says for a long time, because I'd been so unimpressed with Causing Havoc, and obviously I should have held out altogether.

Lori Foster is my regular guilty pleasure - I buy her books the moment they come out, and enjoy them as a quick, relaxing read. Havoc left me cold, however, largely because of the SBC. I just can't respect or find interesting a hero who makes his living off of any professional sport, especially one that's just about beating the daylights out of someone else. That's not manly, it's Cro-Magnon. Hence my resistance to Simon, and in this case, I found even less to admire, probably because Foster eased off her arguments for what she finds admirable about the "sport" and left me to draw my own conclusions.

I also, like a couple of other reviewers, wasn't much for Dakota. She's 23, for starters, which is a little too young for any of her supposed self-confidence. I also found her annoyingly weak under her bravado, or maybe that was just the thin plot line that was tying her to Simon.

In any case, I can't recommend this particular Lori Foster book, and I'm going to be steering clear of this series until it's over, no matter how much I want a little escapism.

Maybe it's just me, but I'm not feeling it ..........2007-09-11

Unlike many reviewers here, I love "Causing Havoc". So I thought this one will be just as good.

However, I feel like the story is all over the place. I just can't feel "it": the chemistry, the thrill, even the "danger" that surrounds Dakota. Plus I am tired for reading young woman with man, like 10 years older than her. I'd like to see much more mature story. It's kind of a downer because I do like Simon when I first read "Causing Havoc".

Lori Foster is back!.......2007-09-02

Now this is the kind of writing you expect from a book which has the name Lori Foster on it! I was a little disappointed in her last book called Causing Havoc but Simon says made up for all that was missing in it. This book was fun, sexy and had loads of romance and sizzle to make it a keeper. I loved both Simon and Dakota; they were a perfect pair with amazing chemistry. Loved, loved, loved it and can't wait for her next one!

Foster Fans Won't Be Disappointed!.......2007-08-28

Alpha males, sassy dialogue, and an intriguing plot...what more could you ask for? Lori Foster delivers another sexy story sure to leave her fans satisfied and wanting more.

Simon's character is just the Alpha male I like to read! Foster never disappoints me and Simon Says is no different. I'm counting down the days to her next sexy, sassy romance!

Simon Says.......2007-08-23

As with all of Lori Foster books, I enjoy just jumping into the story and feel as if I get comedy, romance and suspense all together. When I pick up a book from Lori Foster I usually can't put the book down until I'm finished and then I can't wait to start the next one. I also enjoy the books where I have already been exposed to characters in reading one of her previous books. I like to read within the family and friends I've met in previous books.
I enjoyed Simon Says because even tough guys have personality and can get flustered too. I have added Simon Says in order after Havoc to my collection of books to re-read and enjoy through out the years.

The Worst Is Over: What to Say When Every Moment Counts--Verbal First Aid to Calm, Relieve Pain, Promote Healing, and Save Lives

Average customer rating:

The Worst Is Over: What to Say When Every Moment Counts
Good basics - not in much depth
Outstanding
The Worst Is Over: What to Say When Every Moment Counts

The Worst Is Over: What to Say When Every Moment Counts--Verbal First Aid to Calm, Relieve Pain, Promote Healing, and Save Lives
Judith Acosta , and Judith Simon Prager
Manufacturer: Jodere Group
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Personal Health | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Alternative Medicine | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Healing | Alternative Medicine | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | New Age | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Meditation | New Age | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Self-Help | New Age | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Personal Transformation | Spirituality | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Religion & Spirituality Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Accessories:

ASIN: 1588720241
Release Date: 2002-03-01

Book Description

Your child has a bike riding accident. A friend undergoes surgery. Your father has a chronic pain condition. One day, maybe sooner, maybe later, someone close to you will experience a medical emergency. Health issues escape no one. Knowing CPR and other “techniques” is great - but not enough. What do you say when you've done all you can?

The Worst Is Over is Verbal First Aid to calm, relieve pain, promote healing, and save lives. It will give you the words to say to let the healing begin. We all know that the words we chose can raise our blood pressure, make us smile, or bring tears to our eyes. It only makes sense that the power of works can also positively affect a person's heart rate, temperature, breathing, cardiovascular, limbic, endocrine, circulatory and respiratory systems during an emergency situation.

This groundbreaking work, substantiated by medical science, and already being used by emergency care professionals across the country, will become a standard in every home. Endorsed by professionals across the country, it is already in demand by the media.

Customer Reviews:

The Worst Is Over: What to Say When Every Moment Counts.......2007-06-18

The book is a fantastic primer for first responder or any other person who may be involved in an emergency. Best I have ever read; well written and with sensitivity.

Good basics - not in much depth.......2007-05-15

The idea of "verbal first aid" fascinates me. How much can we do with words alone in a crisis? Judith Acosta's book says we can do quite a lot -calm people down, make them feel safe, even promote healing.

Most of her techniques are drawn from guided imagery and hypnosis - stuff I was already very familiar with. I describe some of this experience in my book "The Art of Getting Well: Maximizing Health when You Have a Chronic Illness" (available on Amazon). But if you don't know much about imagery, some of this might be a revelation to you.

I wish there had been more specific examples and ideas - a lot of it is too general for me. It was a worthwhile read, but I didn't learn as much as I had hoped.

Outstanding.......2006-12-11

I am a professional hypnotist, also firefighter and completing paramedic training at this writing. I'm surprised to see only one reader review of this fine piece of work, so I'd like to second exactly what Dr. Levenson wrote above. Definitely an extremely valuable piece of work.

The Worst Is Over: What to Say When Every Moment Counts.......2002-03-20

Beautifully written - eloquent, thoughtful, sensitive and, at the same time, scholarly and professional - this book is a "must read" for physicians, psychologists, social workers, police, fire, emergency personnel - in short, anyone who responds to crises and knows that the right words can soothe, promote healing, and initiate psychological recovery. The Worst Is Over takes the reader through a discovery of how Verbal First Aid is used to ease physical pain, conquer traumatic events, and work through emotional dysfunction. The book provides a "new language" to be employed in a vast variety of stressful, traumatic, and life-changing events. It excels as a training manual for interpersonal interaction. In view of the events of September 11, 2001, The Worst Is Over is mandatory reading for anyone with a colleague, friend, or family member suffering the effects of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. A chapter for Caregivers is also provided. The Worst Is Over is sure to become a classic and serve as a reference point for how to deal with the uncertainties in our lives in this time.

Average customer rating:

Simon Says
Shen Roddie
Manufacturer: Frances Lincoln
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Humorous | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Picture Books | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0711215294

Book Description

Simon Pig has the perfect plan to make Sally Goose do all his work: "Let's play Simon Says!" Soon poor Sally is rushing around planting carrots, making a scarecrow, and even clipping Simon's nails, but Sally thinks of a great way to get her own back!

Simon Says Dream: Live a Passionate Life (Simon Says, 1)

Average customer rating:

This book is life changing
this book is fantastic
Eye Opening
Read it... then read it AGAIN!
What Are You Passion About

Simon Says Dream: Live a Passionate Life (Simon Says, 1)
Simon T. Bailey
Manufacturer: Infinite Possibilities Pub Group
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Personal Transformation | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Release Your Brilliance

ASIN: 0972991204

Book Description

L.I.F.E. Living it From Example and Exploring

Are you tired of being connected to life's negative forces (mediocrity, worry, fear, feeling unimportant, feeling unappreciated, unable to be what you want to become, etc.)? Being Yourself Matters is an inspiring, motivating, and thought provoking confessional, the purpose of this book is to cause you, the reader, to become excited about being yourself and to encourage you to take action NOW in exploring life without negative boundaries. It will stir-up your hunger to discover and connect with your authentic-self.

Being Yourself Matters is the answer to life's peace of mind, real success and true fulfillment it will enable you to explore examples of…

~ Confidence ~ Precepts ~ Truth ~ Triumphs ~ Positiveness ~ Freedom

Customer Reviews:

This book is life changing.......2005-03-10

I loved this book. I read it in one evening because each page was so inspiring. Simon is empowering, energetic and thought provoking. He is spiritual without being preachy and knows how to push you to dig deep to find what it is that truly makes you happy. I will no longer live each day being passionless, I will find within myself those things that are at my true core of happiness and follow them to find my career and life dreams. This book changed my life in one evening and I know when I go back and read it again and again I will find new inspiration each time.

this book is fantastic.......2004-07-27

I've read tons of self help and improvement books. It was so refreshing to pick up Simon's book and read it cover to cover in one setting. This book goes way beyond a self help/improvement book. It actually give you the tools to make significant changes in your life and provides you with how to, step-by-step. I've seen Simon speak in person, and wow what an experience! His book just continues the Simon exprence for me. I've read it three times already and will continue to refer back to it when i need a refresher.

Eye Opening.......2003-10-13

Everyone comes to a point in their life when they ask themselves, is this the life I want to be leading? Even though my career isn't within the corporate world this book helped me identify and address certain aspects and issues that can be improved upon, changed or eliminated from my life. If you have reached this cross-road in your life this book is a must read!

Read it... then read it AGAIN!.......2003-10-07

Reading this book is almost like having Simon in the room with you, cheering you along. His personality and energy jumps off the pages. His encouragement is sincere and his passion is infectious. I have seen him speak, and was amazed that so much enthusiasm can come from one person!! If you have not seen him speak... DO! If you can book him to speak for your organization... DO IT! If you have not read this book yet... READ IT!

I recommend reading the book once, but skip the journal exercises. Then go back and spend a whole day going through the book again and doing the exercises. If you can devote one day to working through them, and truly focus on your passion, I think you will find this book to be an invaluable guide to finding what you are looking for in your life. As Simon says, "DREAM BIG!" Who better to learn from than someone who just did it!?

What Are You Passion About.......2003-08-26

Many people spend most of their lives in unfulfilled professions, working twelve hour days and limited time spent with loved ones, to remain in a position they no longer enjoy. Job security is almost non-existent after September 11 and the American Dream no longer seems obtainable. Motivational Speaker and founder of the Imagination Institute, Simon T. Bailey, offers insight of transforming your dreams and aspirations into reality. Simon Says Dream: Live a Passionate Life is an inspiring and practical guide to reaching your fullest potential whether professional, personal or spiritual.

Simon shares the testimony of Auke Hempenius, co-owner and creative director of a men's fashion boutique in Winter Park, Florida as a prime example of finding your passion regardless of how much money you will make. This story was the most inspiring for this reviewer, in that Simon reminds us when you tap into your spiritual wealth, resources will materialize as needed. Another story worth mentioning is that of Marian Luna Bremsha. After battling breast and cervical cancer, this mother of two strived and questioned the status quo by choosing a career in the male dominated car sales industry. In one year Marian became Salesperson of the year and five years later owned her own dealership with an impressive portfolio. And lastly, Simon shares his personal testimony when early in his hospitality career he declined a favorable offer from Ritz Carlton Hotels. What may have seemed like a foolish move, empowered Simon to negotiate with his then present employer, upward mobility from front desk clerk into management. This same tenaciousness resulted in several employment opportunities and Simon's latest venture as creative financial officer of the Imagination Institute.

At the end of each chapter Simon reviews the vital steps to living more passionately and a journal to record your thoughts. Whether you are a CEO at a major corporation, on the brink of entrepreneurship or have a hobby you'd like to turn into a career, Simon Says Dream will inspire you to unleash your hidden potential. I recommend Simon Says Dream for your personal library and to ask yourself are you living a passionate life?

Customer Reviews:

Dear Abby meets Murder, She Wrote.......2007-09-21

Syndicated advice columnist Shelby Simon is targeted by a bomber; letter bombs addressed to her have arrived simultaneously at several papers that carry her column. Chicago police dismantle the one in her office and arrange to put her in protective custody until the culprit is apprehended. Reluctantly, widowed Mick Callahan is assigned to hide her at her parent's home in northern Michigan, but before they leave, a letter is received at her apartment, and the mail carrier is killed. Mick immediately takes control and gets her out of harm's way. As he comes to grips with his feelings about the loss of his deceased wife, sparks ignite between he and Shelby, forcing them to confront their feelings for each other, while a mad bomber is still out for vengeance.

McBride has created a charismatic and tortured hero in Mick. Shelby at first comes off kind of petulant, but soon readers will warm to her just as Mick does. The mystery surrounding Mick's dead wife is very intriguing, though the identity of the bomber is pretty easy to ascertain. While the story requires you to suspend belief in light of mail terrorists like the "Unabomber," her story is engaging, and the couple's romance sizzles. Followed up by "Say it Again, Sam," featuring Shelby's kid sister, Beth.

3.5 stars..........2004-05-20

Not a bad book... Not great, but not bad. Definitely farfetched. As if the cops would really let the target of some bomb threats CHOOSE where to go, as long as she got away. And her meddling was pretty annoying. Okay, so I didn't really like the heroine, Shelby. I did like Mick - his background made the story somewhat more interesting. I'm not usually very into romantic suspense, but this book wasn't bad. Still, I'll probably pass on the sequel, "Say it Again, Sam".

Loads of fun....4 and half stars.......2004-03-05

After reading MS. SIMON SAYS, I've added Mary McBride's backlist to my "must have" list.

Wow! Ms. McBride takes a fairly standard 'bodyguard' storyline and gives it a totally fresh face with engaging characters, clever dialogue and heavy dollops of humor. The main setting of this story - a small lake town in Michigan - and the author's knack for adding some nice little touches to her character's lives, only added to its appeal.

Ms. McBride definitely has a flair for creating warm, believable characters. Shelby Simon, is a quirky, meddlesome and fun heroine in contrast to the dour, wounded-hero type, Mick Callahan. But this duo balance each other beautifully and are electrifying together. This pair is dynamic, intelligent, inspired, with just loads of sexual chemistry. And its refreshing to read a hero, particularly one as gruff as Mick, admit - at least to himself - that he's wild about the heroine. MS. SIMON SAYS is also peppered with well-written secondary characters, particularly Shelby's parents.

The suspense storyline in MS. SIMON SAYS is equally well done, but Ms. McBride wisely chose, I think, to distance the death and mayhem from her characters. The result is a story that sparkles with warmth and has a lots of appeal - a real gem.

Debbie Jett
...

Exciting romantic suspense.......2004-03-03

The letter bombs hit Helm-Harris syndicate newspaper offices in several cities. At the flagship paper, the Chicago Daily Mirror, the bomb squad dismantles the deadly letter. The common thread is that each letter was addressed to advice columnist Shelby Simon. The Chicago police, in agreement with Shelby's editor, decide to take her out of harm's way and thus protect others.

Chicago PD Lieutenant Mick Callahan is assigned to take Shelby to a safe spot, her family home in Heart Lake, Michigan. Before they leave Chicago, a letter bomb explodes at her apartment building killing the mail carrier. In Michigan, Mick sticks around to keep Shelby safe though he insists it is not because she is the first person to make him laugh since his wife died a few years ago. As they become acquainted while he tries to keep her safe from a maniac, they fall in love, but Mick knows a hot shot columnist like Shelby would only be embarrassed to introduce her friends to a cop.

Though there is way too much angst amongst secondary characters (her parents are separated and her California based sister's love of a lifetime is in town hating Shelby), fans will enjoy this tense romantic suspense. Since Mick has relationship demons, the only one to have it together is Shelby, the target of the bomber. Though why no one in her family asks about the bombings and the killer's motive is a stretch, readers will appreciate the fast-paced MS. SIMON SAYS and look forward to the sequel PLAY IT AGAIN SAM.

Book Description

Meet Simon, a little boy with big dreams. His imagination leads him to all kinds of wonderful adventures. With the help of his friend, Marlene, and with his own special spirit, Simon makes each season a memorable one.

Simon welcomes spring — As the snow begins to melt, Simon decides he will hurry spring’s arrival. When his drum fails to call it forth, he tries fantastic but charmingly imaginative ways to pull flowers from the earth, tempt birds to return, and encourage bears to awaken — only to discover that spring will come in its own time, despite what we try to do to make it come any sooner.

Simon in summer — Simon loves summer so much that he never wants it to end. When he sees the first signs of fall, he seeks advice from a heron and a cow, who tell him how to make summer last. Simon tries by making the frogs sing, pleasing the butterflies with paper flowers, and keeping the sun high in the sky.

Simon and the wind — Simon tries to use the wind to fly. As he blows bubbles into the breeze, he thinks he can make one large enough to carry him. His friend Marlene brings him a cardboard box, and Simon asks the birds to carry it like a plane across the sky. Finally, Simon learns he cannot fly, but discovers a game he and his friends can play with the wind.

Simon and the snowflakes — Simon is curious. He wants to know how many snowflakes fall in a snowstorm, but they come down too fast to count. When he learns that there are as many snowflakes as stars in the sky, he tries to count them too, but they race across the night sky. Simon decides to visit his friends in the forest and finds something much better to count there.

Customer Reviews:

Highly recommended........2007-02-04

Simon Says: Seasons is a simple picturebook following a young boy who follows the magic and wonder of changing seasons. Each season has its own medley of unique activities, perfectly captured by evocative and exuberant color illustrations. Highly recommended. "I love winter when the first snow begins to fall. / I try to count the flakes, but they fall too fast. / If I count the flakes that fall on a bird and then count all the birds... / How many flakes are in a snowman?"

Simon Says: A True Story of Boys and Murder in the Rocky Mountain West

Average customer rating:

Simon Says: A True Story of Boys and Murder in the Rocky Mountain West
Kathryn Eastburn
Manufacturer: Da Capo Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Criminology | Crime & Criminals | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Murder & Mayhem | True Accounts | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

True Crime | True Accounts | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0306815524

Book Description

A chilling tale of murder and teenage lives gone astray, in a place where guns and Bibles hold powerful sway.

On a frigid New Year's Eve, just twenty months after the Columbine massacre, three teenage boys carefully plotted the murder of a schoolmate and his grandparents at their mountain hideaway outside of Colorado Springs. The boys' leader, Simon Sue, was responsible for strong-arming the others into believing they were members of a secret paramilitary organization--and that their very lives depended on successfully executing the organization's "mission."

Simon Says tells the page-turning story of how these boys' lives could have gone so horribly astray, how their parents assumed all was right in their sons' lives, and what the fallout of the grisly murders was on all the families. Through painstaking research, journalist Kathryn Eastburn gets into the minds of these boys to reveal a place where the rites of passage to young manhood, to acceptance, come at an exorbitant price.

Average customer rating:

Outstanding

You Don't Have to Say You Love Me
Simon Napier-Bell
Manufacturer: EBURY PRESS (RAND)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Entertainers | Arts & Literature | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
General | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
Rock | Musical Genres | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
General | Performing Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

I'm Coming To Take You To Lunch: A Fantastic Tale of Boys, Booze and how Wham! Were sold to China

White Bicycles: Making Music in the 1960s

ASIN: 009190272X

Book Description

Simon Napier-Bell was the manager of the Yardbirds, Marc Bolan, Japan and Wham! And co-wrote ‘You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me’ for Dusty Springfield which is one of the funniest books you will read.

Customer Reviews:

Outstanding.......2005-09-13

Quick, funny and dirty book about swinging London. It made me laugh out loud. Worth every dime.

Average customer rating:

Insight into the Outcast Adolescent Mind
Excruciating, unrelenting angst
Pretty Good
The themes of this book are desperately thought-provoking.
Life Lesson

Simon Says
Elaine Marie Alphin
Manufacturer: Harcourt Children's Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

General | Literature & Fiction | Teens | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Teen Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Are We There Yet?

ASIN: 0152163557

Book Description

Charles Weston won't play games. Even as a child he refused to play the schoolroom game of Simon Says. Not for fun, and not in life. Now an aspiring young artist, Charles enrolls in a private arts high school, not because he thinks he can learn anything from the teachers but because he wants to meet the "famous" Graeme Brandt, a student whose recently published novel touches a chord deep within him. Perhaps at last Charles will share his art with someone.
But Graeme Brandt is not at all what Charles expected, and soon the talented artist and the published author are drawn into a clash of wills that threatens to destroy them both.
Edgar Award-winning author Elaine Marie Alphin is back with a stunning story about life, art, and the pursuit of true self-expression.

Customer Reviews:

Insight into the Outcast Adolescent Mind.......2007-02-12

Charles learned early on to hide his artwork. He is incredibly talented; his ability is far above anyone else he knows, but his art makes people uncomfortable. It makes them feel like they have something to live up to, and that feeling alienates them from Charles. So Charles keeps his artwork hidden. He tries to learn how to be normal, how to fit in with the crowd, how to play the games of Simon Says he seems to see going on all around him, where one person tells everyone else how to behave.

Then Charles reads a book, an exceptional book that seems to expose the games people play. This book shows him exactly what he has been thinking for so long, and he is shocked that someone would dare to share this piece of writing with the world. Even more shocking is that the person sharing the writing was an adolescent--a freshman at Whitman, a specialized boarding school for the arts. Charles needs to meet the author, Graeme Brandt, and find out from him the secret to taking something so personal and being able to share it with so many people without fear. Maybe Graeme will tell Charles the secret that will allow him to share his artwork with the world.

When Charles finally does meet Graeme, though, he is not the person Charles expected he would be. Could someone like Graeme really have written this book that changed Charles' whole life? Could he have written it without even realizing what he was doing?

The characters in this book were very vivid. I felt like I knew Charles and Adrian and Graeme, and I liked the relationships that formed among them. I also liked that homosexuality was a pretty big aspect of this book, but it wasn't treated like it was anything shocking; it was just accepted as no big deal.

I thought the teachers at this school were far too clueless to be believed, though. As guardians of high school students at a boarding school, they should have been much more aware than they were.

Excruciating, unrelenting angst.......2006-09-14

I was very excited when I bought this book. I love young adult literature and have always related to the themes of social alienation and conformity. But the unrelenting angst was just too much to bear. Through the whole novel the protagonist was nothing but "oh woe is me, no one will ever understand me, why do I even try." I understand feeling this way at times, especially in one's youth, but I kept waiting for him to learn something, toughen up a bit, SOMETHING. I kept reading because the introduction and foreshadowing piqued my interest and I wanted to see how it ended, but it was a nauseating read. The frequent italicized comments in the parantheses were unnecessary, and kept hindering my reading; I felt like the author was pounding me over the head with the extra meanings and deeper insights into the characters. I didn't even feel for any of these characters; in fact, as I read I thought, "Is THIS how I sounded in high school? No wonder so few people wanted to be around me!" I do give the book two stars instead of one, however, because of it's important reflections on conformity and doing what others expect of you. I think teens will be able to relate to that, and it's something that's true of a lot of adults, too. Overall, though, I thought the book laid on the angst way too thick.

Pretty Good.......2005-01-09

This book is pretty good. It delves deep into metaphores and life according to a somewhat depressed and jaded teen. It explores the psycology of someone who is tired of faking their way through life and it's a very "heavy" book to read. I wouldn't recommend it for light readers.

Over all it sparked my interest and kept me drawn to it. The main character has a dark quality that seems a little too adult for a teen book but comes to a cosmic understanding by the end. The last third of the book might scare you, but the ending will surprise you and make you feel better about the main character.

The themes of this book are desperately thought-provoking........2004-07-29

Even in kindergarten, Charles knew that he didn't want to play Simon Says. He didn't want to do what somebody named Simon said. He wanted to be himself. If it was a choice of playing Simon Says or standing in the corner, he stood in the corner. Charles is a sophomore in high school now, and he is still determined that he will not play Simon Says.

But people have always been dissatisfied with who Charles is. His life is full of Simons telling him to be different. Don't use his left hand; don't paint pictures that make them feel uncomfortable; make them proud of him; study for the right kind of job. The more he uses his paintings to show people how he feels, the more they hate him. They make fun of him, tear up his class assignments, and call him names. Teachers harass him, and his parents are ashamed of him.

That's why Charles wants to meet Graeme. When Graeme was a freshman at Whitman High School for the Arts, he wrote a book, The Eye of the Storm, that was published and made people sit up and blink. Charles knew as soon as he read it that he had to go to Whitman, too, and meet Graeme. Here was somebody who knew all about the Simon Says games people play, and yet he obviously never played them himself. Charles knows that he can learn from Graeme how to be himself without playing the game, either.

But Graeme is not what Charles expected him to be. Graeme is a senior at Whitman now, and he hasn't written another book since his first one. Graeme himself doesn't know why. Nor does he know why he's a disappointment to Charles. What does Charles want from him? The relationship between the two boys becomes more and more complicated, until it erupts in a storm that will change them both forever.

The themes of this book are desperately thought-provoking --- Always be yourself, because the alternative can be deadly. But to be yourself, you have to know who you are. And what we are in any given moment is not the whole truth of us. It can be more terrible to live than to die, but death takes away everything. And Simon Says might be a game we all play, even when we don't want to.

--- Reviewed by Tamara Penny

Life Lesson.......2004-07-13

This is my favorite book. Period. I couldn't take my eyes off the pages once I started reading. I would stay awake all night during the summer reading it until I could no longer keep my eyes open. The deepness of every word Charles said amazed me. It made me consider things in way I've never even thought of. The book made me think, "Is my life this way? Do I do this?"

This is also one of the only books that I've ever been able to feel like I was in. I cried when Charles was hurtful to Adrian and I was angered when Rachel kissed Charles back. And at the end of the book, I was sad that it was over. So much so that I mailed the author to talk to her about the book. Her nice replied contented me, but I still continue to read the book all the time.

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to challenge the 'traditional' ways of thinking. But I would also recommend that you read this book word by word, so soak up everything the book has to offer.

Squirrel Says Thank You (First Virtues for Toddlers)

Average customer rating:

Squirrel Says Thank You (First Virtues for Toddlers)
Mary Manz Simon
Manufacturer: Standard Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0784714150

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books