Average customer rating:
- Not great
- Essential reading for young teens
- Suprisingly Realistic, Diappointingly Short
- a pleasant novel to read
- Courtesy of Teens Read Too
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The Boys and the Bees
Joe Babcock
Manufacturer: Carroll & Graf
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 Contemporary
| General
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
Gay
| Fiction
| Literature & Fiction
| Gay & Lesbian
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Fiction
| Literature & Fiction
| Gay & Lesbian
| Subjects
| Books
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ASIN: 0786716479 |
Book Description
A gay 12 year old boy begins his first year of junior high with the vow that this will be the year that he kisses a boy. Like The Tragedy of Miss Geneva Flowers—only lighter, brighter and more youthful—The Boys and the Bees is set in Minneapolis and involves a confused but sweet adolescent kid coming to grips with growing up gay and feeling completely lost about it.
Customer Reviews:
Not great.......2007-09-17
Really a young adult book. Overly simple and predictable coming of age coming out story. Not badly written it just doesn't compare to so many others so much better. Perhaps if you are a teenager it would speak more to you than a mature adult.
Essential reading for young teens.......2007-04-26
Publisher's Weekly made a good observation, one that I'll borrow and expand on. This "account of adolescent same-sex stirrings" is unlike many entries in the same genre because it focuses on exactly what's going on in kid's heads: sex. For some kids (especially boys), that's all they think about at this age. They're lucky to leave the house with their underwear on straight most days.
So many other stories that tell "account[s] of adolescent same-sex stirrings" center around an often over-manufactured melodrama, forget about the hormones, and focus on a romance, or a bland friendship, and by doing so, leave a huge void for teenaged readers who are still asking if it's normal for them to have to walk around with their Trapper Keepers in front of them all day. And, by the way, is it normal - or OK - for me to have sleepovers with my friends? (Add some weight to the word sleepover, and realize that they're not about watching movies and eating popcorn until the wee hours of the morning.)
I can imagine someone, say, my age reading this and thinking, "Wouldn't it have been GREAT if there was a book like this around when I was 11 or 12?" I would imagine that the answer would be yes. Or perhaps YES! And the reason isn't just the subject matter; it's how perfectly the author captures the mind of an eleven year old, with all of the expected frustrations and elations intact. One moment James is Andy's (the narrator) best friend, and the next he is a "f**got". Andy goes back and forth with this through the book, and one can't help but feel immense sympathy for the softer, feminine James who receives such rough treatment at the hands of someone whose friendship he is never confused about. But at the same time, Andy himself is a sympathetic figure because we see that these are confused actions, not real, and hurting James isn't anything he's proud of, or happy to do. And never, at any time, does he waver from his a significant part of his core identity: a boy who is attracted to other boys, and who is currently obsessing over Mark, the star basketball player.
It should be understood that this is *not* a book with hormones bursting out of the pages. (The cover is a little misleading in that department.) The hormones that do exist receive an artistic, tasteful rendering. The characters are freshly drawn. Indeed, I feel like I could sit down right now and have a conversation with Andy or James, so vivid are their characterizations, and the reality of their expressed emotions. I have tremendous respect for the author for addressing such potentially inflammatory issues, and for the publisher for the same reasons.
One note: basketball players don't "check" each other. That's a hockey term. Although, since this book references the first season of Beverly Hills 90210, I assume the year is 1990 (when the author himself would have been 11), and flagrant fouls didn't exist yet in basketball terms. Still, it's "unnecessary contact". Also - the cover of the book depicts a boy dressed in today's traditional baggy jeans with boxers protruding. Because this was set in 1990, that image doesn't really fit the time of the story, but that's of little concern.
Suprisingly Realistic, Diappointingly Short.......2007-04-02
This book was surprisingly realistic in the way the characters reacted. There were many points where I myself could relate and honestly say that "I've been there and done that!"
This is the story of a young boy, Andy, who enters junior high in the hopes that it will be his best year ever. He soon finds that it is possibly his worst year ever and he will soon find out where his loyalties lie.
I thought that the book could have been longer, and more detailed. At times it felt like the author just wasn't giving enough details or information. Also at times it felt like you could tell it really was written by an adult,and although the author did a good job, I believe it is the hardest challenge for authors to portray teenagers in a story, especially in the given plot.
Overall, 4 stars. Well written.
Good for Readers in Junior High and up. (12+)
a pleasant novel to read.......2007-03-22
cute and charming, and anybody who's lived in minnesota will know the places mentioned. it's a very nice little book to read.
Courtesy of Teens Read Too.......2007-01-11
Andy knows he is gay, but he cannot admit it, lest he condemn himself to life as a "faggot," making life at his Catholic school unbearable. "Please, God," he begs, "don't make me be a faggot. Fix me" (p. 20).
Babcock follows the trials and tribulations of three young gay boys--Andy, James, and Mark--as seen through the eyes of Andy. The confusion that the boys feel, the pressure to conform, and the fear of being labeled a "faggot" for life, all of these extremely valid points of understanding are tackled by Babcock. And, as an added plus, the prejudice against homosexuals is confronted. When Andy is sent to the principal's office for calling James a "faggot," Mr. Preston informs him that "it's not a very nice word for homosexuals, and I refuse to tolerate it being used in this school. It's the same as using a racist slur" (p. 70). Later, when the kids are gathered for sex education and are allowed to pose questions anonymously, someone asks, "Is it a sin to be gay?" (p. 97). Mr. Preston is once again the voice of authority in the matter, answering, "It's not a sin to be gay. People are most likely born that way. They shouldn't be punished for it, even if we happen to disagree with their lifestyle" (p. 97). So, tolerance for diversity is preached. But Mr. Preston also illustrates the absurdity of many people's reasoning when he continues: "However, it is a sin to have sex with another man, because sex is a holy union permitted only within the confines of marriage between a man and a woman" (p. 97). Babcock confronts each of these important issues skillfully.
The problem I encountered while reading this book was not in the content, but with the ages of the kids involved. When the story begins, Andy is an eleven-year-old--old enough, yes, to be curious and questioning, but the reader cannot help but ask: Is eleven old enough for sex? One minute, Babcock writes about the boys giving each other's genitals a "tongue twisty" (p. 39) and the next minute the kids are attending their first boy-girl party. Yes, of course, the author intends to illustrate the irony of the parents' naivete when James's mom and dad declare him too young for such parties, but the fact of the matter is, eleven years old is just too young for, "All I could see was Mark's white briefs as he straddled James" (p. 134) and "A good frame, raw talent--Mark was really turning me on" (p. 74).
If the characters in this book were just a bit older--at least thirteen--I could have sank into the story and not questioned it a bit; everything would have came together seamlessly. But these characters are just beginning middle school, and are having all-out sexual experiences before they even receive their first kiss. The extreme youth of the characters, ultimately, detracts from Babcock's otherwise interesting and powerful message.
Overall, Babcock makes an important statement with THE BOYS AND THE BEES, as far as ideas regarding homosexuality and the treatment of homosexuals within today's society are concerned and, for this reason, I have given the book four stars. However, I strongly suggest that this is a book for older readers; ironically, the sexual content of THE BOYS AND THE BEES is entirely too strong for kids Andy's age.
Reviewed by: Mechele R. Dillard
Average customer rating:
- Reminds me of things that I thought I had forgot.
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Credo: Essays on Grace, Altar Boys, Bees, Kneeling, Saints, the Mass, Priests, Strong Women, Epiphanies, a Wake, and the Haunting Thin Energetic Dusty figure
Brian Doyle
Manufacturer: Saint Mary's Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Inspirational
| Catholicism
| Christianity
| Religion & Spirituality
| Subjects
| Books
Roman Catholicism
| Catholicism
| Christianity
| Religion & Spirituality
| Subjects
| Books
Faith
| Christian Living
| Christianity
| Religion & Spirituality
| Subjects
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General
| Christian Living
| Christianity
| Religion & Spirituality
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Devotionals
| Worship & Devotion
| Christianity
| Religion & Spirituality
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General
| Religion & Spirituality
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Devotionals
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ASIN: 0884896226 |
Customer Reviews:
Reminds me of things that I thought I had forgot........2000-07-05
This wonderful and thought provoking book shows a great view of the little things of life that all of us take for granted. The simple recitation of grace (the Catholic version) often gets lost in the motions. Brian Doyle makes you think about the little things that makes up your everyday beliefs and rituals that are taken for granted and not examined. The simple act of the sign of the cross, I had forgotten the symbolism. Every Catholic boy that served his rookie year on the altar has similar rememberances. I too had to learn all the prayers only to be told that Latin was no longer necessary. The experiences that he relates make you think about things long forgotten. Doyle's writing style is simple and to the point. He is stingy with words in much the way Hemmingway was. The book is broken up into nice small sections that are easilly read and re read. A great Vacation book!
Product Description
Legendary guitarists such as Jimi Hendrix, B.B. King, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Eric Clapton, Mike Bloomfield, Hubert Sumlin, T-Bone Walker, Johnnie Winter, Albert King, Freddie King, and Chuck Berry are known to all blues fans for their remarkable soloing abilities.
But the complete blues guitarist must do more than shine in the solo spotlight. And that is why every great soloist is also a great fill-in player.
Tasteful fill-in licks support and inspire the singer while adding fire and drive to the performance. For example, Blind Lemon Jeffersons string-snapping fill-ins provided the perfect complement for his rough-hewn blues songs. Both Louis Armstrong and Lester Young seemed to talk to the singer with their finely-crafted, jazzy fill-ins. And Henry Sunflower Vestines stinging, buzzsaw fill-ins never failed to drive his Canned Heat bandmates into a psychedelic frenzy.
This book is accompanied by a user-friendly split-track CD allows you to sit in with a professional blues band while you learn to play blues fills behind a great singer, Charles Adkins. The Heat-Seeking Missile Blues Band is heard on the left channel; the fill-in licks are isolated on the right channel.
This is not just another book of abstract how do I use these licks in real life? licks, but a collection of solid musical ideas that can be applied to thousands of real songs. Another fine contribution from Red Dog Music Books, designed for the early intermediate-to intermediate guitarist. Some of the licks are accessible to highly motivated near-beginners, and the book is an excellent resource for teachers.
Product Description
This superb Red Dog Music Book and CD allows you to learn/play slide guitar fill-ins while sitting in with a crisply recorded blues band and singer. The licks are clearly written in standard notation and tablature, and the companion CD contains all 101 licks, which are applicable to countless blues songs. A guide to symbols and several helpful fretboard diagrams are included. The licks are recorded on electric guitar but can also be played on acoustic. Overall, a very fine book that will provide unlimited learning and enjoyment. Many slide guitar books are confusing because they try to cover too many tunings. Everything here is in open E. Songs include standards such as Joe Turner Blues, St. Louis Blues, Sportin Life Blues, House of the Rising Sun, Midnight Special, along with several new songs written to standard blues changes. Like Hound Dog Taylor, J.B. Hutton, and Elmore James? Then you will like this book.
Product Description
Blues guitar teachers, serious students, and blues band guitarists will all enjoy his large collection of 100% pure blues and boogie solos for guitar. Twenty-five exciting solos are presented here, each played over its own rhythm progression.
Every solo is transcribed in both standard notation and tablature, and played note for-note with a full band on the professionally recorded companion CD.
This book is for the intermediate, or better, guitarist whose interests include authentic, non-commercial blues musicthe good stuff that is seldom heard via mass-market channels such as radio and television.
Guitar teachers might use the book to introduce new hand positions, fingerings, chords, and theoretical concepts.
Each solo is made up of many interesting phrases (licks) that can be adapted and incorporated into your own style.
The solos are relatively challenging, and can be used in blues jams and on stage.
Another SUPER COOL and USEFUL music book by Larry McCabe.
Average customer rating:
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Bee Keeping
Boy Scouts of America
Manufacturer: Boy Scouts Of America
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Boy Scouts
| Sports & Activities
| Children's Books
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: B000K3OKTO |
Average customer rating:
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Beekeeping (Merit Badge Series)
Boy Scouts of America
Manufacturer: Boy Scouts of America
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Insects & Spiders
| Animals
| Biological Sciences
| Science
| Subjects
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Boy Scouts
| Sports & Activities
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ASIN: 0839533624 |
Book Description
Gilbert de Rideford is a Knight of the Temple of Solomon, and an old acquaintance from Crowner John's crusading days. He claims to have come into possession of a secret that could shake Christendom to its foundations - and he desperately needs John's help to escape from the secretive order of warrior monks. Suddenly swept into a world of religious intrigue and dangerous politics, Crowner John finds himself undertaking a life-threatening mission to the Island of Lundy - inhabited solely by notorious pirates - until finally the awful secret itself is revealed.
Customer Reviews:
Transported back to 12th century England.......2007-09-30
Fourth in the Crowner John medieval mystery series set in 1190's Devon, UK. When a Templar Knight--or rather, an ex-Templar who has now left the order--who fought with John in Outremer seeks his assistance while he waits for a cohort to arrive, the coroner reluctantly agrees. When he finds out that Gilbert is now considered a heretic who has an `awful secret' about the Church that the Templars are suppressing, and is being pursued not only by three higher-ups in the Templar Order, but by a papal nuncio who is part of the Inquisition, John curses the moment he pledged his help, but stands by his word. When the ex-Templar turns up dead, obviously murdered, John must then investigate even though his suspicions lie with the Church, whom he has no authority to question. A secondary plot deals with piracy off the coast of Devon and brings the Crowner to Ilfracombe and Barnstaple, which provided a bit of personal interest for me as my husband's sister lives in that area.
I did guess the bad guy way ahead of time in this one and didn't think the story was quite as good as some of the others in this series--or maybe I've just been "DaVinci Coded" to death--but I still enjoyed it as I like the setting and the characters in this series. Knight doesn't sugar-coat the realities of living in medieval times, nor does he glorify his protagonist--Crowner John is a very real man, with very obvious faults and foibles as well as a few virtues that make him an excellent sleuth. The supporting characters are also well-fleshed out, diverse and interesting. This is a series I'll continue reading til the end!
Enjoyable Reading.......2007-02-12
One can picture life in the late 12th century with considerable accuracy while reading a good "who done it."
Much like Michael Jecks in that you don't know the whole story by page 3 as you find in all too many books. Knight and Jecks are great reading especially when you need a break from the purely academic, etc. You may not like the behavior of some, but that's life. Some things never change.
12rh Century Reality.......2003-05-17
Bernard Knight has a way with words, to put it simply, as he takes the reader back to the twelfth century. With Crowner John de Wolfe as a most human protagonist, one becomes intimately involved in the life of the times. For those who wish to gain knowledge of this period and at the same time enjoy an intriguing mystery, The Awful Secret is the book to read.
Customer Reviews:
Fourth Book in an Excellent Series.......2006-12-17
Bernard Knight, or to give him his correct title, Professor Bernard Knight, CBE, was a pathologist to the Home office until 1980 when he was appointed Professor of Forensic Pathology at the University of Wales College of medicine, 1980. He has written the extremely successful Crowner John series of medieval mysteries, of which there are now ten or eleven books, His character Crowner John is certainly among my favourite characters in medieval mysteries.
A Knight of the Temple of Solomon claims to have in his possession a secret that could shake Christendom to its very foundations. It so happens that he is also an old acquaintance of Crowner John (Sir John de Wolfe) from their crusading days together. The Knight's name is Sir Gilbert de Rideford and he is desperate to escape from the secretive order of warrior monks. He prays that Sir John may be able to help him.
Sir John find himself embroiled in a world of religious intrigue, and dangerous politics. Although Sir John's wife is never away from church, as a fighting man Sir John has never had the time or the inclination to become involved in religion and he does not like what he finds. He finally finds himself on a mission to Lundy Island, a place inhabited by pirates, until finally the secret itself is revealed.
Average customer rating:
- Better than "what to expect"
- Wonderful book
- A great book
- Perfect
- Best Overall Pregnancy Resource
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Planning Your Pregnancy and Birth, Third Edition
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Manufacturer: American College of Obstetricians & Gynecolog
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
| Pregnancy & Childbirth
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ASIN: 0915473569 |
Book Description
Now in it's Third Edition, Planning Your Pregnancy and Birth has become a classic, guiding almost 2 million women through their pregnancies. It is written with the collective knowledge of 40,000 experts in the field of obstetrics, but with the pregnant woman's concerns and interests in mind. From planning for a baby, through pregnancy and birth, to those important first weeks of a new life, advice is offered to educate, to inoform, to relieve, and to prepare pregnant women for one of the most thrilling and fulfilling times in their lives. Features include: Checklists and questionnaires to guide your pregnancy; Charts for tracking the growth of your baby; An all new chapter on breastfeeding; Glossary of terms.
Customer Reviews:
Better than "what to expect".......2006-04-26
I got this book and "what to expect..." and the other one was so negative and discouraging that i almost always put it down and it literally drove me to tears a few times. =I found this book to be more useful. This book covers all the essentials and doesn't dwell on all the catastrophes that can strike. It is encouraging, very educational and covered just about every question or concern i had. I don't know why "what to expect" is such a hit but i'm so glad my doctor's office gave out this one instead.
Wonderful book.......2006-01-10
I received this book from my ob-gyn at my first pregnancy appointment. I had been reading the What to expect book and wasn't that fond of it. This book is so easy to read and understand. I have learned so much from it and would highly recommend it to other expectant moms.
A great book.......2005-09-23
By a friend's recommendation, I bought "what to expect when you are expecting". As she said, this is a "pregnancy bible". But I actually like this book -- "planning your pregnancy and birth" much better.
This book is clear, well-organized, and practical. I have a busy schedule. Also my reading speed is fairly slow since English is not my native language. So I appreciate the conciseness and yet still completeness of "planning ...". On the other hand, "What to expect ..." book has 130 more pages with smaller prints. It's also hard for me to find related topics in "what to expect" book, which according to my very personal opinion, has too much information and has too much useless talk.
Perfect.......2004-04-30
This book is perfect for expecting moms. It is free of the ideology of the books by Sears and the "what to expect" crowd. Instead, it is a simple, "just the facts" look at pregnancy, birth, and newborn infancy. If you get only one pregnancy book, this is absolutely the one I recommend. It will put your mind at ease.
Best Overall Pregnancy Resource.......2000-09-06
A one-stop goldmine for new parents! After an extensive survey of pregnancy resources, I was very pleased with the most recent edition of Planning Your Pregnancy & Birth. Coming from one of the nation's top authoritaties on OB/GYN care(ACOG), this handbook is ideal for expectant parents, students, healthcare professionals, or anyone wanting to get solid, current pregnancy details. Easy-to-read, comprehensive - with info. ranging from preconception to postpartum to pregnancy loss - and chocked full of clear illustrations and graphs, this resource contains loads of helpful tips in every section (including checklists) and includes a section on new father issues. Terms with easy-to-understand definitions, more charts, and a fill-in section for you to keep track of your pregnancy, are all included in the back of this book. I also found the smaller size and paperback version (fits easily in most purses & briefcases) to be a handy alternative to many of the larger, bulkier options on the market today. Get this book and you won't need any others!
Books:
- The Candlestone (Dragons in Our Midst, Vol. 2) (Dragons in Our Midst)
- The Dew Breaker
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- The Hot Kid: A Novel
- The House of Thunder
- The Hundred Secret Senses
- The Illustrated Alchemist: A Fable About Following Your Dream
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- The Lady and the Unicorn
Books Index
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