Product Description
One moonlit night, thirteen-year-old Miles O+Malley slips out of his house, packs up his kayak and goes exploring on the flats of Puget Sound. But what begins as an ordinary hunt for starfish, snails, and clams is soon transformed by an astonishing sight: a beached giant squid. As the first person to ever see a giant squid alive, the speed-reading Rachel Carson-obsessed insomniac instantly becomes a local curiosity. When he later finds a rare deepwater fish in the tidal waters near his home, and saves a dog from drowning, he is hailed as a prophet. The media hovers and everyone wants to hear what Miles has to say. But Miles is really just a teenager on the verge of growing up, infatuated with the girl next door, worried that his bickering parents will divorce, and fearful that everything, even the bay he loves, is shifting from him. While the sea continues to offer up discoveries from its mysterious depths, Miles struggles to deal with the difficulties that attend the equally mysterious process of growing up. In this unforgettable, beguiling novel, we witness the dramatic sea change for both Miles and the coastline that he adores over the course of a summer-one that will culminate with the highest tide in fifty years.Amazon.com Review
Miles O'Malley, 13-year-old insomniac, naturalist, worshipper of Rachel Carson, and dweller on the mud flats of Skookumchuck Bay, at the South end of Puget Sound near Olympia, Washington, is the irresistible center of The Highest Tide.He says, "I learned early on that if you tell people what you see at low tide they'll think you're exaggerating or lying when you're actually just explaining strange and wonderful things as clearly as you can" and "People usually take decades to sort out their view of the universe, if they bother to sort at all. I did my sorting during one freakish summer in which I was ambushed by science, fame and suggestions of the divine."

And what a summer he has!Miles, who is licensed to collect marine specimens for money, slips into his kayak late one night when he can't sleep and begins his exploratory rounds.What he sees is not the usual collectibles.He hears a deep exhale, a sound of release, and comes eye to eye with a giant squid.But, there are no giant squid in Puget Sound or anywhere around it--and when they are seen by humans, they are always dead.His discovery is confirmed by Professor Kramer, a local biologist and Miles's friend.Television cameras arrive, everyone wants to interview this small-for-his-age but very smart boy and the events of the summer begin to unfold.

Jim Lynch has an ability to tell a tale that glows on every page.He knows everything that lives in or near the water by name and habit.This knowledge and his sense of wonder at the natural world brings the reader very close to his story, both in its setting and its characters.One early morning Miles says, "...the water was so clear I could see coon-stripe shrimp ... and the bottomless bed of white clam shells ... Those shells, as unique and timeless as bones, helped me realize that we all die young, that in the life of the earth, we are houseflies, here for one flash of light."Such insights are perfectly natural coming from Miles, whose interests are not garden-variety.He has a mad crush on the mixed-up 18-year-old girl next door, a randy age-mate named Phelps, and a deep friendship with Florence, the elderly woman his mother refers to as "a crazy witch."Florence is a psychic of sorts and her powers come into play when she predicts an extremely high tide on a certain day.

All of these relationships and what is happening between Miles's parents are part of this event-filled, life-changing summer. Early on, Miles says off the top of his head, when asked by a TV reporter why a deep-sea creature has found its way to his front yard, "Maybe the earth is trying to tell us something."What the earth and the sea and the people in Miles's life are all trying to tell him is what he susses out in the days that follow--before that high tide.

This absolutely luminous first novel has all the earmarks of a classic.The Highest Tide is destined to be read, re-read, and to remain on bookshelves for the enjoyment of generations to come.--Valerie Ryan ... Read more

Customer Reviews (71)

wonderful coming of age story
Beautifully written, sensitive tale of a boy whose every day life involves seaching for marine life on the beaches and in the tides of an area in Olympia, Washington, His knowledge of star fishes, octopi, etc. astonishes his older mentors and he is soon, unfortunately, made famous with his discoveries of fish life never before found in the area of his small neighboring bay.

so worthwhile to get inside his mind where his parents have almost abandoned him and his only friends are a former baby sitter druggy and a semi/bully friend.

fabulous
lovely insight into the dawning of self appreciation as well as love of the world-and funny!

A1
This is the story of a thirteen year old boy caught in the middle of a publicity event.It is aquick read that is humorous and insightful.There are strong human interest messages that are informative for everyone.I highly recommend this book for anyone.

Delightful reading.
An appealing but gawky 13 year-old boy and his own "Hero Journey".The plot threads through a generous amount of information about sea creatures and the ocean so there is never a dull moment.I wish there were more satisfying books like this on the market.

You must read this one!
I originally bought this at a thrift store and loved it so much I wanted a hard back copy and bought this one signed. It is the best book I have read out of hundreds read in five years. ... Read more

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The birth of Jesus has been well chronicled, as have his glorious teachings, acts, and divine sacrifice after his thirtieth birthday. But no one knows about the early life of the Son of God, the missing years—except Biff, the Messiah’s best bud, who has been resurrected to tell the story in this divinely hilarious, yet heartfelt work "reminiscent of Vonnegut and Douglas Adams" (Philadelphia Inquirer).

One small problem with the narrative is that Biff and Joshua often do not have distinct voices. A larger difficulty is that as the tone becomes more somber with Joshua's life drawing to its inevitable close, the one-liners, though not as numerous, seem forced. True to form, Lamb keeps the story of Joshua light, even after its darkest moments. --Michael Ferch ... Read more

Customer Reviews (651)

Crap
This book is crap.I've never read a book I haven't finished until this one. The only reason I got as far into the book as I did, which was about 3/4 of the way, is because I'm in a book club and felt I should finish it but just couldn't. If you believe in Jesus Christ at all, don't waste your time, it's offensive.

Another hysterical novel!
Christopher Moore does something here that I was positive I didn't think could happen.He made me want to read more of the bible.His novel was actually researched very well and made me wish I was a little more knowledgeable about the Gospels.Here, Moore's humor is spot on but not as overpowering as some of his other work.Its the main (I guess) character, Biff, who is sarcastically hilarious.I'd love to read this character more, no pun intended.Overall, another fantastic book by one of the best.

Irreverant but respectful
Upon reading the title, one would think that Christopher Moore is asking for reprisal from any number of fundamentalist groups.However, besides laughing out loud throughout, I found his premise deeply thought-provoking and his devotion to the craft of writing utterly apparent throughout.This is one of my favorite books of all time ... knocking John Kennedy Toole's "Confederacy of Dunces"(sorry, no italics available)down a notch after 25 years in the top 3.I have since read several of Moore's other books and am amazed to find that I love "Fool" even more than "Lamb."How could that be?

The sound a mother's hand makes . . .
I'm starting seminary in just a couple of months and a couple other seminarians suggested this as a good light read before delving heavily into systematic theology, Greek and Hebrew.I'm so glad they did.

Biff is the lighthearted (for the most part), sacrilegious best friend of Joshua bar God, and he tells the story of Joshua's childhood and young adulthood at the prompting of an empty-headed, free will-lacking angel.Biff gets into all sorts of trouble, and Joshua takes care of him.While this is certainly fiction, and definitely tongue in cheek, it sheds some interesting light on the more traditional Gospels.It also never messes with God-hood of Joshua.

If you are seriously religious and easily offended, you may want to steer clear of Biff, as he might upset your sense of morality, but if you believe our Savior has a sense of humor, and enjoy a bit of revelation from unexpected sources, this may be a book you'll enjoy.

By the way, "Biff" is the sound a mother's hand makes when it hits her child upside the head.

Imaginative, original and funny!
This is a book I'd never pick on my own but it came with a strong recommendation from a friend. It's tough to categorize this story, certainly it is humorous but there is more to it than that.
The story features Biff (aka Levi) a young Jewish boy who is Joshua's (aka Jesus H. Christ) best friend. It covers the years of Joshua's life from birth to the age 30 and since there is little in the gospels about these years the author has free reign to tell a story. It's a pretty good story! Biff and Joshua meet and fall in love with Mary Magdalene (aka Maggie), travel extensively in Asia and the Indian sub continent, and after an absence of 17 years arrive back in Israel to begin Joshua's work as the Messiah. While the pretext of the story might sound offensive to some, it really isn't. Moore handles the formative years of Joshua in an irreverent but ultimately reverential way. The story moves quickly and is in many places laugh out loud funny - no really it is! Some of the humor is witty, some really witty and some sophomoric but still witty. But under all of the humor the author has taken care to show through the travels of Biff and Joshua the connections between Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism and Christianity. He also puts a really human face on Joshua in describing him as a young Hebrew boy coming to terms with his destiny as the Messiah. While the humor is constantly there the messages about friendship, love and duty are also strong. Because the humor can be nonstop I think this book is best read and savored in small segments.
The first three quarters of the book are imaginative and original but the story weakens when Joshua returns to Israel and the gospel story rules the narrative.This book is great humor in the best traditions of Catch 22 and all of the P. G. Wodehouse stories. I'd strongly recommend it, I found it to be a nice change of pace from my usual read. ... Read more

Product Description

Charlie Asher is a pretty normal guy, the kind of fellow who makes his way through life by being careful and constant. And Charlie's been lucky. He's married to a bright and pretty woman who actually loves him for his normalcy, and who is about to have their first child.

Customer Reviews (276)

Crazy and funny.
As a long time resident of San Francisco this book really spoke to me.It helped me reconcile a lot strange things I've seen in the City over the years.I mean, I used to think I was imagining all the little demons, now it turns out they were part of the resurgence of the Underworld.Of course!..why didn't I think of that before?

Of course Moore does take off on a couple of pretty wild tangents that stretch his credibility. One huge plot hole occurs at a crucial juncture when his protagonist finds a parking place in the Haight: No San Franciscan is going to believe that he found a parking place in the Haight in the middle of the day, even if it was only 20 minute parking!

But if you're willing to suspend belief in some of the things you've learned about reality you'll love this book.Moore's hero is a nerdy paranoid who, while looking for love and single-parenting his daughter, tries to save the world from the forces of darkness.He's no John Wayne, more of a Charlie Chaplin/Buster Keaton type, and in a wild, crazy, and extremely funny way he gets the job done.

I have to recommend any book that made me scream out loud with laughter as often as this one did!

Loved it
I really loved this book. It was like a slightly naughty version of Good Omens (by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman.) I would definitely recommend it if you are a fan of that genre! However, be aware that there are swear words and bawdy scenes within, should you be purchasing it for someone who might not like that (like a six-year old or a very seriously nun.) If you, or the person you're buying this for, can take that then it might be a perfect fit.

Prepare to be tickled!
If you've walked around any bookstore in the US of A, you would've seen Moore's crazy book covers and titles just as I did, yet I never picked one up until recently when my good friend let me borrow A Dirty Job.. and now I can't thank her enough! For this reader's twisted sense of humor, A Dirty Job was not only a great pleasure to behold but is now one of my top 5 faves of all time (and I do some readin). If you enjoy the likes of Douglas Adams, David Sedaris, Gaiman's Good Omens... or even if you've never heard of these folks but enjoy the quirky irony that is Life, Death and all between and happen to Guffaw at the complications, do yourself a favor and pick up this book. It will tickle your humor bubble and give you warm fuzzies in embarrassing places. I am now collecting the rest of Moore's delights much to my pocketbook's dismay, but my excitement easily overruns my guilt. Thanks Mr Moore for adding to my reading enjoyment!

It's A Killer
The author must be channeling the soles of Timothy Leary, Kurt Vonnegut and Jim Henson. We're talking about, yet another, weird, funny adventure from the warped mind of Mr. Moore. He doesn't have a knack for creating individuals who seem uniquely their own. All of them are quick-witted and two steps away from acting like vaudeville characters. John Updike or Alice Munro he certainly is not. No matter. I read Mr. Moore for the laughs and wacky scenarios. He's a great choice when I need to decompress. You got to hand it to the author, he successfully pulls off a funny adventure pertaining to death. Unlike Mr. Moore's book, Lamb, religion is not the major item holding this book together. If anything, reincarnation is front and center. It would be quite the overly sensitive person to find the story offensive. If you've never read Mr. Moore, this is as good a place to start as any. Very fun.

Eh
This book was too silly.Not to mention that because everyone has the exact same sense of humor..a dry obvious wit I was always aware that I was reading a book written by one person rather than engaging in all the characters.I found the humor annoying and eye-rolling rather than smart and funny.Not to mention that the lead character is more neurotic that Woody Allen.b-o-r-i-n-g

I could see this being a cartoon. ... Read more

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Religion. Carl Hiasson deserves the crdeit fr this frji ... Read more

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The early life of the son of GodkJesus. Rveing ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Read too many times to count
I so loved this book as a young girl.I read it over and over and over.Sal was such a normal girl going through so many of the things a young girl does.She felt homesick, she made friends, she didn't pass her swimming test the first time, she loved camping out under the stars, she was initially afraid of bats but learned they were okay.A fascinating look at what it means to be a young girl growing up, learning, and making friends.I would have loved to have been a friend of Sal's.

Only the BEST kids book ever written!
I wasn't a Girl Scout and I never camped, but I LOVED this book since I purchased it in 5th grade many moons ago. I still have my copy and still read it every summer. It brings me back to those days of sitting on my back patio reading a book and nothaving a care in the world. GREAT BOOK!!

Girl Scouting in days gone by
As a collector of children's serials written from the 1900's on I love this book, as a Girl Scout for most of my life (and a current leader) this book is a fun look into scouting in the 50's. It's interesting to see what has and has not changed about scouting and this book might be an excellent tool to help your Junior Scouts explore the history of scouting! ... Read more

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The Art of Empowered Parenting provides a unique look at the impact parents have on their children's behavior by challenging them to first understand themselves. Information and advice blend with practical tips and exercises to both educate and help parents apply new techniques. Dr. Fisher's well-known perspectives on power and emotion, as well as discussions on temperament, attachment, and their strategic interaction, provide the basis for a new look on empowered parenting that can make raising any child an easier journey. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A great parenting book full of information and advice
This is a great parenting book for anyone who would love to know more about the impact we have on our children. Power and emotion are two subjects that play an immense role in our parent-child relationships. Most of the times we don't even realize it. The Art of Empowered Parenting helps you look at your parenting style from a different perspective, more analytical and less emotional. It helps you recognize patterns and gives you valuable advice if needed. A great book for every parent.

Martine Groeneveld, Author Mommy, Draw Stars on My Tummy; Rhymes, Songs and Touch-Play Activities to Stay Connected

Wonderful How To Parent Guide
THE ART OF EMPOWERED PARENTING BY ERIK FISHER, STEVEN WAYNE SHARP, AND DIANE FIVAZ WICHMAN is an excellent guide for new parents to start off in the right way helping their child to grown into the full development of his or her strengths and to steer away from personal weaknesses.The many styles of parenting are discussed with emphasis on equity parenting, in which the parents and children are considerate of each other's feelings and learn to listen and discuss clearly, as parents model the behavior they want their children to follow.There is an interesting discussion of control type situations in a family in which "It's my way or the highway is exhibited," and this can be done by the adults or by the children, each controlling the family in less than positive ways. With easy to recognize examples of family situations, the authors, who are well trained experts in the field as well as being parents themselves, give alternate ways of handling situations that promote respect, harmony, love and trust among family members and help the child develop healthy self-confidence.The book guides any parent, but especially new parents, into quality parenting amidst the dire pitfalls of our modern civilization. This book is a MUST and would be a perfect new baby gift.

A Help For Parents and Children
know what you are thinking that this is just another book on what you should and should not do with your own children, well think again.Inside the pages of this work you will be pleasantly surprised as you are shown strategies to overcome so many areas of difficulty in raising your children.
However, before you can be a victor you have to understand the how's and why's of these problems and this book does an exceptional job in doing just that. From troubled child to timid child, you will gain insight into the inner working of your offspring, and be more sensitive to what needs to be done for them.
The authors want you to succeed in parenting and explain the truemeaning of an equity-based parenting approach.Sounds weird and not for you?Believe me, once you understand the benefits of this approach you will sing a different tune. I certainly could not begin to explain this to you in such a short review but believe meI was impressed and wished I had used this years ago when my children were young. The authors have penned a great book and one that all parents will find invaluable in raising their children to be self-productive and strong adults.
... Read more

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Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation is popularly regarded as a heroic act by a great American president. Widely remembered as the document that ended slavery, the proclamation in fact freed slaves only in the rebellious South (and not in the Border States, where slavery remained legal) and, effectively, only in the parts of the South occupied by the Union. Questions persist regarding Lincoln's moral conviction and the extent to which the proclamation truly represented a radical stance on the issue of freedom.



The eight essays in this volume enrich our understanding of the proclamation by considering not only aspects of the president's decision making, but also events beyond Washington. The proclamation provides a launching point for new insights on the consequences and legacies of freedom, the engagement of black Americans in their liberation, and the issues of citizenship and rights that were not decided by Lincoln's document. Together the essays portray emancipation as a product of many hands, best understood when considering all the various actors, the place, and the time.

Contributors:

William Blair, The Pennsylvania State University
Richard Carwardine, University of Oxford
Paul Finkelman, Albany Law School
Louis Gerteis, University of Missouri-St. Louis
Steven Hahn, University of Pennsylvania
Stephanie McCurry, University of Pennsylvania
Mark E. Neely Jr., The Pennsylvania State University,
Michael Vorenberg, Brown University
Karen Fisher Younger, The Pennsylvania State University ... Read more

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THIS volume owes its origin to the thought which once suddenly
occurred to the uiind of Dr. Parker (see page 339), that the story
of his life-work, if published, might prove an inspiration to other
Christian workers. It was with this hope in mind that he provided in his will for the preparation of his biography and requested that the Faculty of his Alma Mater, Yale College, should designate his biographer and determine the manner in which his Memoir should be published. The matter was accordingly committed to the charge of the late President Porter, who appointed Mr. William L. Kiugsley, Litt. D., as biographer. Dr. Kingsley devoted much time and labor to the examination of the documents which required to be used in the work, but had scarcely more than begun the composition of the volume when failing health compelled him so relinquish the task. At his request, and with the approval of President D wight, I undertook the work.

It would have been quite impossible for me to publish the
Memoir already too long delayed during the present winter
but for the competent assistance of my colaborer, Kev. Dr. Markwick, who put into available form the documents to be used in the biography and prepared the index.

I offer this work to the public in the conviction that it contains
the portraiture of a very interesting and remarkable career, and
in the hope that it may prove, as its subject desired, an incentive
to Christian, and especially to missionary, service.
... Read more

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The medical liability crisis continues to grow at an alarming rate and has particularly impacted perinatal and neonatal practice. This book focuses on issues which have a high vulnerability to claims of medical negligence. Its objective is the recognition of high-risk situations and the appropriate means to diagnose, treat, and document the response to such situations. Emphasis on record keeping, communication, and anticipatory behaviour is stressed. Chapters are accompanied by commentaries aimed at presenting alternative strategies. Authors have been chosen for their expertise in the subject and their abilities to communicate their points of view.

This unique text focuses on an aspect of medical and nursing practice which has become a major area of importance in the medico-legal arena. The editors have made a special effort to aid both the medical and legal sectors in understanding the important issues involved in medical negligence cases. This book will help remedy this situation by examining the "red flags" in several high risk situations to enable the development of a prospective approach to risk management. The contributors are internationally recognised experts from the field of obstetrics, neonatology, nursing and hospital administration, as well as the legal profession.

The editors believe that this book will serve to bring about changes in the behaviour of health care professionals which will ultimately improve the quality of care that they give to their patients. This text should be on the bookshelf of any individual involved in the medical care of the pregnant woman and her newborn. ... Read more

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The Father Of Medical Missions And Founder Of The Ophthalmic Hospital In Canton. ... Read more

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Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Dallas TX. Reference providing discussions of cardiovascular abnormalities and developments. For clinicians. Previous threevolume edition: c1990. 179 contributors, 170 U.S. DNLM: Heart Diseases--in infancy & childhood. ... Read more

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Learning about the body just got more exciting!Young children will discover how their bodies work when they read and sing along with fun and fact-filled songs.How many bones are in each of your feet?What are the five senses? Where is the gluteus maximus?Why do we pass gas?Find out in this engaging book and 12-song CD set with its diverse array of musical styles that promises to get the whole family rocking. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (29)

my bodyworks
This is a wonderful cd. The music and songs are artfully composed in a manner that both children and adults can appreciate. The song lyrics are a mix of being informative, instructional (i.e., how to look after your teeth, body, etc.) and often whimsical. I guess my only complaint is that there is not a song about blood and circulation but I can live with that.

Recommend!
This was very useful when doing the body unit with my preschoolers.Some great pictures and very enjoyable songs!From brushing the teeth, to brain, to the senses, this book is very educational!

my bodyworks
so perfect i gave it to all my very young neices who love it [so do their parents!!]

Great Music & Great Teaching
My almost 6 yr. old received this book and CD as a gift from my parents, and we are all loving it! We listen to it in the car and sing along to its upbeat and catchy tunes. The music is much more sophisticated than any other "kids music" I've listened to (and I have 3 little ones). What's more, my daughter has been spewing forth trivia about how long her hair can grow if never cut, how her lungs work, and how many bones are in her body! I think this is a great purhcase, and I highly recommend it.

It's About Time!...Thanks Steve and Jane!
MY BODYWORKS: All the "stuff" that us 50 plussers were'nt supposed to talk about when we were kids...and here it all is in plain english and real and funny to boot!
I had purchased this as a gift for my 5 year old niece last Christmas, and since it wasn't opened until christmas eve, Guess who was howling and dancing while trimming the tree?...yes, all the grown up kids!
I never thought of learning as being fun...but The Schoenbergs are changing that with text and music like this....Keep writing! ... Read more