Nectar from a Stone: A Novel

Average customer rating:

Recommended for lovers of this particular era...1350's Wales

A Mixed Bag

Such a great story!

Intelligent, Satisying Story

Interesting but not compelling

Nectar from a Stone: A Novel
Jane Guill
Manufacturer: Touchstone
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
General | Romance | Subjects | Books
General | Historical | Romance | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0743264797

Book Description

It is 1351 in Wales, a country subjugated by England, beaten down by superstition, war, and illness. Elise, prone to strange visions and the sole survivor of a plague-ravaged family, has fled her village for distant Conwy with her servant Annora, running from a murder she was forced to commit in self-defense.

On the road, they cross paths with Gwydion, a moody Welshman seeking to avenge his murdered family and reclaim his estate, and are drawn into a bloody confrontation with another traveler. In its aftermath, Elise and Gwydion find themselves shocked by their developing feelings for each other, and they part.

As the women ultimately reach Conwy, a menacing shadow from Elise's past creeps toward her, and she must face it to find the peace she longs for, and help Gwydion recapture his home, and her heart, in the process.

In a dazzling narrative where mysterious visions, powerful desire, and dark secrets from the past converge, Jane Guill spins a masterful tale of romance, revelation, and breathtaking suspense.

Download Description

"It is 1351 in Wales, a country subjugated by England, beaten down by superstition, war, and illness. Elise, prone to strange visions and the sole survivor of a plague-ravaged family, has fled her village for distant Conwy with her servant Annora, running from a murder she was forced to commit in self-defense. On the road, they cross paths with Gwydion, a moody Welshman seeking to avenge his murdered family and reclaim his estate, and are drawn into a bloody confrontation with another traveler. In its aftermath, Elise and Gwydion find themselves shocked by their developing feelings for each other, and they part. As the women ultimately reach Conwy, a menacing shadow from Elise's past creeps toward her, and she must face it to find the peace she longs for, and help Gwydion recapture his home, and her heart, in the process. In a dazzling narrative where mysterious visions, powerful desire, and dark secrets from the past converge, Jane Guill spins a masterful tale of romance, revelation, and breathtaking suspense. "

Customer Reviews:

Recommended for lovers of this particular era...1350's Wales.......2007-09-30

I am lover of historical fiction and while the Medieval Period certainly interests me, this book isn't a favorite by any means. I found it rather boring and slow and I had to force myself to continue reading it, as opposed to having my friends/husband dragging me away from a book that I love to do other things.

I will recommend the novel, but only to those people who have particular interest in this time period and location- 1350's Wales. I do not think all lovers of historical fiction will enjoy this book, although I'm sure those interested in the particular era will find it interesting.

A Mixed Bag.......2006-08-01

This is kind of a medieval "road trip" story. Our brutalized heroine and her faithful companion set off on a perilous journey in flight from the murder of the fair lady's depraved husband who had been intent on spousal rape or worse. Said husband may or may not actually be dead, an uncertainty which dogs their steps as they flee across strange and hostile territory with danger lurking behind every ruined castle. Further complicating the situation is the fact of our damsel's propensity for having terrifying visions accompanied by the sound of beating wings. So far so good? Of course, a champion has to be thrown into the mix - in this case a nobleman of questionable pedigree who has his own axe to grind as the result of his own mistreatment at the hands of despicable bad guys. So the scene is set and the novel moves through episodes wherein the principal players' paths cross, sinister villains abound, hospitable peasant women offer shelter and a few rubes provide comic relief. Granted, the plot is pretty hackneyed, but the writing itself helps the reader overlook the commonplaces behind the narrative. I actually enjoyed reading the book, and found the author's descriptions of the time and place to be quite original despite the threadbare plot line. Unfortunately, the author stumbled in the closing chapters, resulting in a tedious and predictable saving of the day. I was hoping for a more exciting - perhaps even unexpected - conclusion, but it was not to be. The final chapter is dreadful and resorts to the worst sort of trite conclusion. This book is more along the lines of a conventional fairy tale than anything resembling the excellent and inventive historical fiction currently being written (despite some reviewers' attempts to discern nascent feminism in the author's subtext). The story goes along trippingly most of the way, then falls in the end with a thud. Light and entertaining reading, but ultimately forgettable.

Such a great story!.......2006-03-27

I cannot reccomend this book any higher because 5 stars is the highest this rating will go... but it's really more than that! This was such a great story of a woman's oppression by her husband through religion and rape. I feel that this book's message still rings true today and is a great read. It takes place after the plauge. Such a good book, with action, love and terror! You'll love it!

Intelligent, Satisying Story.......2006-03-15

This book is packed with odd and wonderful glimpses into the Middle Ages in Britain. From the first paragraph the people and their stories kept me turning the pages at a rapid clip. It all seemed real. I especially liked the parts that dealt with how women were treated or perceived and how they coped with their lot in life. Specific everyday details added authentic flavor. As a research technician (cardiothrombosis), I appreciate good research, and I value my reading time.
A sequel would be a welcome thing.

Interesting but not compelling.......2006-03-15

This book was interesting and insightful, as near as I can tell, about what it was like in Wales in the 14th century, but like Heather Keanum, I found it "strangely unsatisfying."

Book Description

From the biggest, bestselling author writing today, queen of suspense and riveting terror, three bone-chilling novels. Includes The Cradle Will Fall, A Stranger is Watching, and Where are the Children? She's the world's leading mystery writer, and her millions of fans will be eagerly awaiting this new collection. 608 pages.

Customer Reviews:

Stillwatch.......2002-02-19

If you enjoy these suspenseful books, then this is the book for you. It's a book about a woman named Pat, who is a reporter for a local cable news station that is doing a segment on Senator Abbigal Jennings and how she may become the first female Vice President. Along the way she comes into problems. Pat is starting to get threats about the airing of the segment. What could the Senator be hiding that could put herself at danger to not get elected the first female Vice President?

Where are the children.......2002-01-03

I have to say that the book started out pretty slow, but it got more and more interesting as you read it.
I have read several suspense books by this author, but I have to say that I believe that this is the best ever.

Mysteriously interesting.......2001-06-26

Being an ardent Agatha Christie fan, Mary Higgins Clark was recommended to me and this was the first volume of her books that I read.

There aren't any detectives like Hercules Poirot or Miss Marple still the stories keep you glued to the book till you reach the end.

'Weep no more, my lady' has a certain Christie's touch. The story is about a young woman Elizabeth. Her sister, Leila is murdered and Ted, her sister's fiance is convicted, with Elizebeth being the only witness. There are other charachters like Leila's friend the Baron and Baroness, her agent, another rival actress. The interesting thing is that each charachter has some motive for the murder. And finally the real murderer turns out to be... (You have to read the book to find out).

'Stillwatch' is about a young reporter who is making a television documentary. But what she does NOT know is that this documentary is linked to her past and will affect her present life. Not much of a mystery here but still an interesting read.

'A cry in the night' reminded me of Alfred Hitchcock's movie Psycho and hence the reason for 4 stars.

A good selection for those who have a preference for mysteries (minus politics, violence and sex).

mary higgins clark.......2001-01-07

i find her books so engrosing that i can not put them down until i find out who did it. her method of delivery always leaves you guessing. i would recommend these books highly to anyone.

Better selections....2 out of 3.......2000-09-25

I read all stories & enjoyed most of them. I would say, this is a 4 1/2 starrer. The only thing keeping me from giving it a 5 is that I didn't like the "Cry in the Night" so much. Had it been "Where are the Children", I would have given it a 10 star rate, if there is such a thing :-)Moreover, I like the compilation here better than the other MHC trilogy.

After reading 6 MHC stories in a row, I am becoming familiar with her style & events albeit characters taking on different forms. Nevertheless, her books are interesting & will make you lose track of time.

Average customer rating:
Where Are The Children?; A Stranger Is Watching; The Cradle Will Fall - Three Complete Novels
Mary Higgins Clark
Manufacturer: Wings Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000K04C7W

Amazon.com

Jack Whyte continues his long, thoughtful exploration of one of our most resonant myths, the legend of Camelot. The Sorcerer: Metamorphosis is the sixth book in his Camulod Chronicles, and it takes up the story just as Arthur makes the transition from boy to man. Whyte's focus, however, is on Caius Merlyn Britannicus. Merlyn, descended from Britain's Roman rulers, is one of the co-rulers of Camulod, a stronghold of civilization under perpetual threat from invading Saxons and Danes. Merlyn leads an eventful yet happy life: he has a loving fiancjée, Tressa; a fine ward, Arthur; a magnificent black horse, Germanicus; many allies; and grand plans for Camulod's expansion and Britain's safety. Merlyn's reflections on one campaign sum up his easy victories throughout the first half of the book: "It was slaughter--nothing less. One pass we made, from west to east, and scarce a living man was left to face us."

But even the mightiest ship must one day be tested on the shoals. The suspense gains momentum when Whyte breaks Merlyn free of his brooding, reactive role and propels him and his companions into danger. In despair, Merlyn takes a new, subtler tack against his archenemies Ironhair and Carthac ("And then I truly saw the size of him. He towered over everyone about him, hulking and huge, his shoulders leviathan and his great, deep, hairless chest unarmoured").

Whyte shines at interpreting the mythos of Camelot in a surprising yet believable way. He can squeeze a sword out of a stone without opting for the glib explanations of fantasy-land magic. The Camulod Chronicles, and The Sorcerer: Metamorphosis in particular, provide an engaging take on the chivalric world of knights and High Kings. --Blaise Selby

Book Description

Throughout the widely praised Camulod Chronicles, Merlyn Britannicus has been driven by one sacred dream--to see Britain united under one just, powerful king. In The Sorcerer: Metamorphosis, it is time for the Sorcerer to fulfill his promise--to present the battle-proven Arthur as the Riothamus, the High King of Britain. When Arthur miraculously withdraws the Sword of Kingship from the stone in which it is set, he proves himself the true and deserving king--sworn to defend the Christian faith against invaders, and to preserve Britain as a powerful, united force.

The Sorcerer has fulfilled his promise. The King is crowned, Britain is united--and the face of history and legend is forever changed.

The Saxon Shore (The Camulod Chronicles, Book 4)

Average customer rating:

The Saxon Shore: Arthur's Beginnings
Review
Even worse than Whyte's previous efforts
Superb writing
Very ordinary

The Saxon Shore (The Camulod Chronicles, Book 4)
Jack Whyte
Manufacturer: Forge Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Historical | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Arthurian | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Historical | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0765306506

Book Description

Merlyn Britannicus and Uther Pendragon---the Silver Bear and the Red Dragon---are the leaders of the Colony, lifeblood to the community from which will come the fabled Camulod.
But soon their tranquillity is in ruins, Uther lies dead from treachery, and all that is left of the dream is the orphaned babe Arthur. Heir to the Colony of Camulod, born with Roman heritage as well as the blood of the Hibernians and the Celts, Arthur is the living incarnation of the sacred dream of his ancestors: independent survival in Britain amidst the ruins of the Roman Empire.
When Arthur is adopted by Merlyn Britannicus, an enormous responsibility is placed on Merlyn's shoulders. Now he must prepare young Arthur to unify the clans of Britain and guard the mighty sword Excalibur.
And, above all, Merlyn must see that Arthur survives to achieve the rest of his ancestors' dreams, in spite of the deadly threats rumbling from the Saxon Shore.

Customer Reviews:

The Saxon Shore: Arthur's Beginnings.......2006-01-16

The Camulod series, ably written by Jack Whyte, covers the 5th century in Britain. His research into the relatively unknown aspects of life in early Britain is evident in many ways.

This is the 4th book in the series of 6-so far:), and finally meshes all the elements together that bring Arthur into his place in history. Here Whyte excels in a manner few can, without being redundant, or edging towards fantasy. For these books are not of that genre, but an honest attempt at creating a plausible background for the legend of Arthur of Camulod.

In the Eagles Brood, the last book, we found Merlyn riding towards Uther with the intent to kill him. Merlyn had long suspected Uther of one other heinous crime and now believed him responsible for the murder of his beloved wife Dierdre, and his unborn child.

As he pauses on a high bluff overlooking a beach, he sees what he believes is Uther, raping and ultimately killing a woman, before he can reach him. What he finds is quite shocking, and ends with Merlyn hearing a new born baby nearby. Hoping to escape any further danger, he hears the crying infant floating away in the coracle, and in a desperate attempt to save him ,swims frantically to the coracle and heaves himself over the side, and beholds Arthur, future High King of Britain.. The Saxon Shore finds both of them drifting helplessly out to sea. By now, he is already fully realizing just who and what this baby is-Arthur, the future High King of Britain. He makes a vow to dedicate his life to the rearing of this tiny babe into adulthood. But the secret of the boys lineage must be closely held, for in the wrong hands, murder would ensue.

Rescue, though very dicey at first, comes from unknown Gaelic hands. Without giving away major plotlines here, it can only have been fate that brought them together. For far from being strangers, these are some of Arthurs own.

Whyte's knowledge of smithing in those times, and the ancient craft of swordmaking is awesome. Through the first books, we see the origins of the sword Excalibur, and why it must be kept secret and in trust for the right man. Whyte creates a beautiful scenario for the Sword In The Stone of legends here.

The extensive scholarship into the existing tribes who inhabited early Britain, along with the hand drawn maps, show just how much research Whyte put into creating these books. Yet they are never dull, and the characters are all crisply individual and very believable.

Camulod itself, created by Merlyn's grandfather Caius Brittannicus, his father Picus Brittanicus, and his uncle Publius Varrus is modelled on the old Roman republic, where all worked together and fought only for the good of one another. Having sustained a massive head wound, Merlyn for two years has had no memory of any of the Colony's beginnings. When he recovers it, in the Eagle's Brood, he has yet to discover how badly things are slipping in his beloved home.

After being released by his Gaelic captors, who are holding the "babby" hostage, until Merlyn brings Doneuil, King Athol's son home, he heads for Camulod. Donueil, captured 4 or 5 years prior, during a raid upon Camulod, has become a close friend and ally of Merlyn. It is Donueil's sister, thought long dead, whom Merlyn had married. And it is Donueil's other sister Ygraine whom Lot of Cornwall had married.

In the savage and long wars against Lot, many lives have been lost, and Ygraine fleeing Lot, runs straight into Uther and his bed. Out of this joining comes Arthur.

Though this is a long book, it rarely lacks interest. The military actions are all expertly depicted, holding the readers interest, due to the colorful and lively dialogue.

The constant incursions by roaming invaders, some, like the Saxons, simply seeking land to settle on peacefully, others simply to destroy, show Whyte's understanding of the duality of need vs greed. There is treachery, envy and intrigue enough in The Saxon Shore to keep you turning pages well into the night.

The seeds of Merlyn the Wizard, built so carefully through the earlier books, are fully realized in this one. Much of the legend was founded simply on Merlyn's ability to think quickly on his feet. But now we see that the prophetic dreams, along with Merlyn's acquistion of some assassins tools build his reputation to the point, that even those that know him well, by the end of the book, fear him.

This is one of the most intelligent interpretations of the Arthurian legend I have had the pleasure to read. It coheres without resorting to trickery or magic, but instead by utilizing historical fact, a much more human solution is found.

To really get maximum enjoyment from this book, I recommend starting with the first book: The Skystone, and reading them all before picking this one up. They are so readable, and entertaining, I promise you won't regret one moment spent in reading them.

Review.......2005-05-05

Jack WHyte has done it again. Another adventures addition to the Camulod Chronicals. Whyte's style of writting has made every page interesting to read. With ongoing adventures for the young Arthur, a leave from the colony is a must. This story of Arthur keeps getting better with each book.

Even worse than Whyte's previous efforts.......2003-09-15

If you liked Whyte's previous sophomoric efforts, you'll love this. In addition to being the same dumb, hackneyed story lines and stock characters we are used to from the previous books, this one has the additional feeling of being pure filler: in no real way does the story get advanced. Arthur begins as a baby, and ends as a small boy. There are adventures, but nothing important happens. As usual, in Whyte's books, the bad guys are left alive so they can sneak up and do new evil, and as usual the bad guys are pure plot devices and in no way characters. With all the (totally ahistorical) democratic rhetoric, Merlin's brother shows up out of nowhere and they immediately hand him half the power in Camelot. Anyone who would read this, I guess, has already read the previous lame offerings in this series and doesn't object to laughably boring plots which rely heavily on coincidence, caricatures who never grow or change, and historical detail that sounds like it comes from a museum brochure rather than any real scholarship. So go for it. But please, if you want something exciting that will also make you think, look at the really good Arthurian efforts out there--Gillian Brandshaw, A.A. Attanasio, or Barbara Taylor Bradford to name just a very few...

Superb writing.......2003-03-26

To get the full power of the Camaloud Cronicles, you must start from the beginning (The Skystone) and read them all in sequence. Wonderfull tale!

Very ordinary.......2002-07-25

I'm astounded by those who rate this book five stars. Whyte has created an interesting approach to the Arthurian legend in placing it within a remnant of Roman Britain but the writing is at best ordinary and, at least this particular book, needs significant editing. (At over 700 pages this one just drags on and on.)

Book Description

Merlyn Britannicus, leader of the Colony known as Camulod, is faced with the task of educating his young charge, Arthur, future King of the Britons. Fearing for the life of his nephew when an assassination attempt goes awry, Merlyn takes Arthur and his boyhood companions Gwin, Ghilleadh, and Bedwyr, on a journey that will take them to the ruins of a long-abandoned Roman fort--far from Camulod and the only place where Merlyn feels they will be safe. It is there that Merlyn will enlist the help of this close-knit group of friends to help Arthur learn the skills of a warrior and the tough lessons of justice, honor, and the responsibilities of leadership. Arthur is just a boy...but the day is not far off when he will have to claim the sword that is his birthright: Excalibur.

Beyond their idyllic retreat, forces are coming together to threaten the tenuous peace of Camulod. In Cambria, the death of Arthur's father, Uther, has left his people leaderless and vulnerable. And in Cornwall, Merlyn faces the greatest threat yet from the gathering forces of his enemy, Peter Ironhair, and his monstrous friend, Carthac--men who have sworn to destroy Merlyn and all he holds dear.

How can Merlyn prepare young Arthur to be a ruler of men if he continues to train him in isolation? Does the advantage of taking him back to the world outweigh the threat to his life from those who would stop at nothing to see him dead? The life of young Arthur Pendragon is at a crossroads. In the end Merlyn must decide to risk the dream--and the life of his young charge--if a united Britain is ever to be made real.

The Fort at River's Bend is the first part of The Sorcerer, the fifth novel in Jack Whyte's compelling Arthurian cycle.

Customer Reviews:

This is only the first half.......2007-04-08

It's worth knowing that this is only the first half of the novel called The Sorcerer as it was written by Jack Whyte. It was split into two parts (this one and Metamorphosis) and renamed by marketers. So, if the book doesn't seem to have a satisfying resolution for some, that should explain it. I got this information from an FAQ on the author's website.

what a great series! .......2007-02-16

What a wonderful series! Finally a series about the fabled king arthur that takes the legend and makes it real - so real you can really believe it - steeped in real history, this author takes the legends we've all heard and makes them plausible, makes them breathe with a new life. I'm so impressed and I'll never think of "Camelot" again without thinking of Mr. Whyte's take on the situation. a fascinating series of books... start at the beginning and read all six. you won't be sorry you did!

...........................................................2005-10-21

If you took out all the useless parts, this book would be about 15 pages long.

The Fort at River's Bend.......2005-07-22

Another of Jack Whyte's masterpieces! You'll fall in love with the characters, and be on the edge of your seat through the entire book. Lucky for us, there are already more in the series!

deep historical piece within Arthurian saga.......2004-07-31

Caius Merlyn Brittanicus fears that the next assassin sent by his family's enemy Ironhair might prove successful and kill his nephew, eight-year-old Arthur Pendragon. He decides the future leader of his beloved Camulod must be kept safe until he is ready to rule. Merlyn takes Arthur north to Ravenglass, a haven across the sea from Eire where he can expect sanctuary from King Derek and several friends. Still even with Merlyn ready for seemingly any contingency in what should be a haven, another attack is averted by the sorceress Shelagh.

Derek provides the Camulodians an abandoned Roman fort that they can easily defend from assault. Inside the fort over the next few years, Arthur learns how to be a warrior- soldier using a blade made from the Skystone with an Excalibur symbol etched on it, a military strategist and tactician, and a nurturing but firm ruler of all the people.

The trade paperback version of the fifth Camulod Chronicles, THE FORT AT RIVER'S BEND, is a deep historical piece that showcases in incredible layers the post Roman ancient world of British Cambria. The story line has plenty of intrigue, but the action is on a smaller scale as there is no epic battle, but more a coming of age tale. The secondary cast is an interesting group though Arthur seems a bit too perfect during the years in training for a preadolescent teen. Still fans of the series will appreciate Jack Whyte's intense look at a bygone era.

Harriet Klausner

The Death of Merlin in The Chronicle of Elis Gruffydd

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The Death of Merlin in The Chronicle of Elis Gruffydd
Patrick K.ford
Manufacturer: Viator Medieval and Renaissance Studies 7
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000UHP8XC

The farm in Nekimi Township: A chronicle of Wisconsin farm life in the mid-1930's through the mid 1950's period : a period of profound change on Wisconsin farms

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The farm in Nekimi Township: A chronicle of Wisconsin farm life in the mid-1930's through the mid 1950's period : a period of profound change on Wisconsin farms
Merlin Edwin Horn
Manufacturer: Horn Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Average customer rating:

The Merlin Chronicles

Manufacturer: Carroll & Graf Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Short Stories | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0786702753

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Chronicles of Albion Volume 1-Merlin
John and Robertson Matthews
Manufacturer: Rider
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Nick Merlin Chronicles
Alvin Vogel
Manufacturer: Publishers Circulation Corp.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1552370593

Average customer rating:

Helpful Resources, but Poorly Organized

Great resource

Reading Resources Galore!

A complete book on how to assess and help students

Complete Reading Disabilities Handbook: Ready-To-Use Techniques for Teaching Reading Disabled Students
Wilma H. Miller
Manufacturer: Center for Applied Research in Education
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Spiral-bound

Literacy | Books & Reading | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
General | Education | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
General | Special Education | Education | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
Learning Disabled | Special Education | Education | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
Pedagogy | Education | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
Reading | Education | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
Literacy | Education | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Complete Learning Disabilities Handbook: Ready-to-Use Strategies & Activities for Teaching Students with Learning Disabilities, New Second Edition

Alternative Assessment Techniques for Reading & Writing

Teaching Learning Strategies and Study Skills To Students with Learning Disbilities, Attention Deficit Disorders, or Special Needs (3rd Edition)

The Reading Teacher's Survival Kit: Ready-to-Use Checklists, Activities and Materials to Help All Students Become Successful Readers (J-B Ed:Survival Guides)

The Special Educator's Survival Guide

ASIN: 0876282494

Book Description

This unique handbook gives reading and learning disability teachers one of the most comprehensive and practical resources available today for diagnosing and remediating all types of reading disabilities in elementary and middle school students.

Included are easy-to-follow explanations of the various courses of reading disabilities and over 100 reproducible assessment devices, corrective activity sheets, and other aids. And all of this material is printed in a big 8 1/4" x 11" format for easy photocopying of test and activity pages as many times as needed for use with individual students, small groups, or an entire class!

Here are just a few of the special features you'll find in the Handbook:

case studies of actual children showing how reading problems are caused by different kinds of factors
scores of ready-to-use assessment devices to help you accurately identify a child's specific reading weaknesses
a complete Individual Reading Inventory for determining a student's independent, instructional, and frustration reading levels
step-by-step directions for using oral reading miscue analysis effectively
reproducible activity sheets for improving students' ability in visual perception, letter identification, sight word recognition, graphophonic analysis, structural analysis, semantic analysis, and reading comprehension
a description of the contemporary Reading Recovery Program which is being used with at-risk children
specific strategies for use with learning handicapped children
appendices listing publishers/distributors of actual computer software and materials for improving competency in word identification and comprehension skills.

In short, Complete Reading Disabilities Handbook is brimming with ready-to-use, classroom-tested strategies and materials for working with reading disabled children. It will be an invaluable, time-saving resource for all teachers in the effort to help each child achieve his/her optimal potential in reading.

Customer Reviews:

Helpful Resources, but Poorly Organized.......2005-07-28

This handbook has mounds of helpful information and reproducible activity sheets, but can be overwhelming to sift through as there are no clear chapters or boundaries. Speaking as a dyslexic occupational therapist who works with children who are dyslexic, this book's format is slightly overwhelming at times. Additionally, the activities have "grade levels" written at the top of them which may cause esteem or confidence issues with the children who are likely reading below their grade levels.

Great resource.......2004-05-02

Although this is a great resource it is a bit bulky. Even so, I wouldn't want less material. I appreciate the reproducible sheets so much. I don't have a lot to say that others haven't already said. I do want to recommend another set of books to use directly with the children. It is four Dolch sight word books by Betsy B. Lee. These don't look that much like little kid books and they are even used in middle school and the lower grades. Look up the author's name at amazon.

Reading Resources Galore!.......2000-08-14

This book may be large; still, it is filled with resources galore! The chapters speak for themselves and are entitled; What are Reading Disabilities?, General Guidelines and Materials for Diagnosing Reading Disabilities, Ready-To-Use Materials for Diagnosing Disabilities in the Word-Identification Techniques, Ready-To-Use Materials for Diagnosing Disabilities in Comprehension and basic Study Skills, Ready-To-Use Strategies and Activities for Correcting Disabilities in Word-Identification Techniques, and Ready-To-Use Strategies and Activities for Correcting Disabilities in Comprehension and Basic Study Skills.

Each of the above chapters are filled with wonderful ready to use assessments and remediations. Some of my favorite goodies in the book include; Emergent Literacy Behavioral Checklist, Primary Checklist For Teacher Observation of a Child's Reading Skills, the explanation of Running Records, the Graded Word Lists, the tests for Assessing Sight-Word Recognition in Context, and the games included for teaching different reading skills.

I use a variety of the many tests in this book as a pre-assessment at the start of the year and a post assessment at the end of the year. The book was well worth the money for me and is used often in my K-3 Resource Room.

A complete book on how to assess and help students.......1998-08-03

An excellent book, especially for a beginning special educator or elem. teacher. A main weakness is that it is voluminous and spiral bound -- heavy but easily ripped! I chose it one semester as required text for a reading methods class I teach to sp. ed. teacher candidates and it is so huge that I told them to bring it to class only on identified weeks. For a professional library, it contains a wealth of all kinds of information on the reading process, assessment & remediation.

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