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Author : Workman Publishing Company
Edition : Pag
Number of Pages : 160
Publisher : Workman Publishing Company
Company : 2009 Calendars
List Price : $15.99
Amazon Price : $10.19
Used Price : $14.59 |
Product Description Pierre Cardin and Robert Clergerie. Manolo Blahnik and Balenciaga. Fornarina, Ferragamo, Maud Frizon's iridescent pump, and Christian Dior's Olympic-inspired shoe--with a miniature globe for the heel. With sales surging 46% in 2008, "Shoes" is an irresistible parade of pumps, mules, and flats, boots, spikes, sling-backs, and platforms. Even if they don't all fit in your closet, they will fit on your desktop. Inspired by Linda O'Keefe's international bestseller "Shoes", with 535,000 copies sold in the U.S. alone. Customer reviews 2009 Shoe Calendar by .. Anri (NJ)
This is my third year as a proud owner of the Shoe Calendar. No only do I find it to be a great way to start each new day at work, but co-workers look forward to seeing the "shoe of the day". I recommend it to anyone lucky enough to realize the enjoyment of looking at shoes from all different generations, countries, and styles.
Shoe lovers be amazed by .. DLo (Northbrook, IL)
If you're a shoe lover like I am your truly going to appreciate this calendar.
Several years ago my co-worker gave this to me as a gift because he knew just how much I love shoes. Although he's no longer employed at my company his gift will always be remembered as I turn the page and brace myself on what type of shoe I will see and how creative each shoe maker is and sometimes ask myself where can I fine these shoe.
I enjoyed the calendar so much because of its one of a kind shoe that's displayed in an upright clear stand throughout the year. I especially enjoyed that it's never repeated, a little history on the maker, year and designer. This year I order my own and it felt good to see what shoes will appear on the next page and the next and so on. Try not to peek and turn the page until that day has arrived - it just keeps you wondering what's next. Keep it a surprise and be amazed. Its fun!.
Terrific daily calendar by .. Marcia R. Olson (Knoxville, TN)
I've purchased this calendar for a couple of years now, and hope to get one for 2009. Most of the shoes are gorgeous, some are very bizarre and definitely qualify as "art".
Steppin out each day by .. Lenore Kerl (Brooklyn, NYC)
I purchased this calendar for my daughter as a sort of "gag" gift...Well she loved it and asked if i could order another for a friend's birthday...so i think this qualifies as a great purchase for any occasion...
Perfect for shoe-aholics by .. Traveler (State of Washington)
This daily calendar feeds your shoe-soul. Each day has a great photo of some very interesting shoe designs.
Related Search : shoes gallery , calendar 2009 , gallery calendar  |
Author : Donna VanLiere
Edition : Center Point Large Print
Number of Pages : 140
Publisher : Center Point Publishers
List Price : $28.95
Amazon Price : $28.95
Used Price : $27.28 |
Product Description Sometimes, the things that can change your life will cross your path in one instant-and then, in a fleeting moment, they're gone. But if you open your eyes, and watch carefully, you will believe…. Robert is a successful attorney who has everything in life-and nothing at all. Focused on professional achievement and material rewards, Robert is on the brink of losing his marriage. He has lost sight of his wife, Kate, their two daughters, and ultimately himself. Eight year old Nathan has a beloved mother, Maggie, whom he is losing to cancer. But Nathan and his family are building a simple yet full life, and struggling to hold onto every moment they have together. A chance meeting on Christmas Even brings Robert and Nathan together-he is shopping for a family he hardly knows and Nathan is shopping for a mother he is soon to lose. In this one encounter, their lives are forever altered as Robert learns an important lesson: sometimes the smallest things can make all the difference. The Christmas Shoes is a universal story of the deeper meaning of serendipity, a tale of our shared humanity, and of how a power greater than ourselves can shape, and even save, our lives. Customer reviews The Best by .. Patty (California)
This book and the rest of the series are easy reads and heart-felt stories of lessons we should all learn, not just at Christmas but every day.
The stories are simple but completely inspiring of how we should live and treat people every day. Miracles can happen even in moments of sadness.
I totally recommend this books and the others in this series.
I cry every time by .. Christina Glass (Michigan)
I am not real weepy as a rule but every time I read this book I sob through the end. Yet, even though I hate to cry I come back to it year after year to read as I get ready for Christmas. It is an awesome story that is incredibly well written. Not to mention if you have ever heard the song you know what happens.
WOW! by .. P. Woods (Hemet, CA)
This book is one that you won't want to put down once you start. Every year I look forward to my Christmas shopping because I know I will be able to buy the next in the series of the Christmas Hope and the Christmas Shoes is how it all began. These books are hopeful, encouraging and inspiring all in one. You can laugh, cry & be happy through out a single book & not be ashamed of what your reading! I highly recommend the series to anyone looking for a book either as a gift or for themselves.
The Christmas Shoes by .. Christmas ()
The Christmas Shoes is a well written lovely book. I enjoyed it so very much, and I hope you do too. Donna VanLiere does a great job writing. She really brings out the characters, and makes them truly alive.
Grab a box of kleenex! by .. Tonya Russo (Goldendale WA)
Watch out this book is very touching. What a wonderful Christmas story though. Two families lives are touched forever, but they don't even know it.
I am sure other reviewers covered everything about the book, so I won't go into details but this book touched my heart and I will carry its message with me for a long time.
This author def knows her writing!
Related Search : christmas hope , series #1 , christmas shoes  |
Author : Noel Streatfeild
Number of Pages : 256
Release Date : 1993-11-23
Publisher : Yearling
List Price : $6.50
Amazon Price : $2.89
Used Price : $0.01 |
Product Description In the tradition of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s The Little Princess come Noel Streatfeild’s tales of triumph. In this story, three orphan girls vow to make a name for themselves and find their own special talents. With hard work, fame just may be in the stars! Originally published in 1937. Customer reviews Ballet shoes review.  by .. Danna H. Grabowy ()
My grandaughter and I are reading it together. It has some substance, great for a change!
the worst book I've ever read in my life!  by .. ()
This book is very confusing and mis leading. The author first went wrong with charicters with names like underware or perfume brands enough said. Please consider this reveiw and buy a different book please the last thing this book needs is five stars. :( ;( 8(
Differences are beautiful by .. Honu ()
What I love the most about this book is that it reminds all of us, especially young girls, that being different is beautiful and special. Some of us may be actors, others dancers, etc. In the end the most important thing is to follow our hearts. This is a great book for girls today- growing up in a time when the media continues to suggest that we should all "follow the crowd".
Favorite Childhood Book by .. Molly I. Tinker (Louisiana)
This was my favorite book growing up; I read it over and over and over again. Whether it was because I was one of three sisters, or because I loved dancing, or simply because of the incredible world Streatfeild created, I don't know. I wanted to have the magical life that Pauline, Petrova, and Posy shared. This is a great read for any young girl, and might even be appreciated by not-so-young girls as well. I'm sure I'll keep rereading it throughout my life. I loved that it got the recognition it deserved in "You've Got Mail."
Also good: Children on the Top Floor. Not strictly a "shoe" book like the others, but just as good.
A wonderful and charming story! by .. Kind Bean (New England, USA)
I loved this book! It is the story of three orphans, Pauline, Petrova, and Posy, who are adopted by an older man who is gone during most of the book. After going through most of the money that he has left for their care until his return, the three sisters attend a special school of the arts. There they can learn to act, dance, and sing; then they can get jobs in different performances making money. Pauline falls in love with acting, Posy is a natural dancer, and poor Petrova would rather fix cars and learn to fly planes than be on stage. All the characters are wonderful and a joy to read about, the story is unique and charming. I simply didn't want it to end. The sisters are fun characters that children will love to read about. Adults will enjoy this story just as much.
Related Search : ballet shoes  |
Author : Workman Publishing Company
Edition : Wal
Number of Pages : 28
Publisher : Workman Publishing Company
Company : 2009 Calendars
List Price : $12.99
Amazon Price : $10.38
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Product Description Shoe lovers (you know who you are), try this calendar on for size. The sexy, sky-high heels of Christian Louboutin. The witty designs of Andrea Pfister. Plus Bally's legendary dancing shoes, Jan Jansen's avant-garde creations, and the impeccably elegant silhouettes of Yves Saint Laurent. A year-long parade of to-die-for sandals, spikes, sling-backs, boots, platforms, and pumps, 365 Days of Shoes is the next best thing to a closet filled with Charles Jourdans and Stuart Weitzmans. Each month's spread celebrates one iconic designer with a large full-color image at the top of the page and dozens of smaller photos in the grid below. Adapted from the bestselling book Shoes: A Celebration of Pumps, Sandals, Slippers & More by Linda O’Keeffe. Related Search : day wall , shoes calendar , calendars  |
Author : Caroline Cox
Number of Pages : 224
Release Date : 2008-10-28
Publisher : Collins Design
List Price : $39.95
Amazon Price : $22.38
Used Price : $24.48 |
Product Description Vintage Shoes: Collecting and Wearing Twentieth-Century Designer Footwear is the ultimate guide to the most exemplary women's shoes from the turn of the twentieth century through the present day. Accompanied by detailed text, this beautiful book offers breathtaking images, stunning fashion photography, and exquisite period footwear designs from the most collectable and fabulous designers. Each chapter focuses on a specific decade and is a rich survey of each era, revealing how footwear has been influenced by fashion, society, and world events. The most important designers and signature looks are examined in great detail and are accompanied by myriad examples of each type of shoe style. Finally, each chapter ends with a Key Looks feature showcasing all the important shapes, materials, and iconic designs that defined the era. Vintage Shoes concludes with a shopping and collecting guide, offering advice on sourcing and caring for vintage shoes, along with a glossary of the most influential shoemakers of the last century. This book is an invaluable resource for lovers of fashion and shoes, as well as a visual delight revealing exquisite and groundbreaking work from the most talented and innovative designers of the twentieth century. Customer reviews An excellent book visually and informatively by .. Rose Jones ()
As a shoe designer I own just about every book on shoes there is out there and I think this could be the best one yet. It is written by a real expert and the photos are excellent. It is a true comprehensive guide to the history of footwear fashion and also like a gorgeous glossy magazine with amazing fashion photography and historical references. I highly recommend this book to not just those in the industry but also as an attractive coffee table book.
Related Search : twentieth century , designer footwear , vintage shoes  |
Edition : 1
Number of Pages : 336
Release Date : 2008-06-24
Publisher : Delacorte Press
List Price : $22.00
Amazon Price : $10.99
Used Price : $14.00 |
Product Description A moray eel diagnosed with anorexia…A herd of bison whose only hope is a crusading female doctor from Paris…A vet desperately trying to save an orphaned whale by unraveling the mystery of her mother’s death…This fascinating book offers a rare glimpse into the world of exotic animals and the doctors who care for them. Here pioneering zoological veterinarians—men and women on the cutting edge of a new medical frontier—tell real-life tales of daring procedures for patients weighing tons or ounces, treating symptoms ranging from broken bones to a broken heart, and life-and-death dramas that will forever change the way you think about wild animals and the bonds we share with them.
From a root canal on a three-thousand pound hippo to one doctor’s heartbreaking effort to save a critically ill lemur, here are acts of rescue, kindness, and cross-disciplinary cooperation between zoo vets and other top scientists. We meet highly trained specialists racing against time and circumstance to save the lives of some of the most exotic animals in the world. Shoes designed for racehorses help a rhinoceros with a debilitating foot disease. A kangaroo survives spinal surgery performed by a leading human doctor. These unforgettable stories capture the bonds that develop between vets and their animal patients, the ingenious measures many vets have tried, and the remarkable new insights modern medical technology is giving us into the physiology and behaviors of wild animals. At once heart-quickening and clinically fascinating, the stories in this remarkable collection represent some of the most moving and unusual cases ever taken on by zoological vets. A chronicle of discovery, compassion, and cutting-edge medicine, The Rhino with Glue-on Shoes is must reading for animal lovers, science buffs, and anyone who loves a well-told tale. Customer reviews An Eel Walks into a Bar... by .. Christine Cichetti (Gaithersburg, MD)
An eel walks into a bar...
Debugging a bug...
Healthcare for dragons...
Although these may sound like lead-ins for some silly animal jokes, they are actually just a few of the topics described in'The Rhino with Glue-On Shoes.' 'Rhino,' captures the stories of 29 wildlife vets and their remarkable, and sometimes strange patients. Whether you have a genuine interest in veterinary medicine, or just wild and exotic animals in general, this is an absolute must read. The stories are funny, poignant, miraculous,and yes, on occasion, sad. But no other book I know of does a better job of making both humans and animals come to life as does this small volume of vignettes. By the end of the book one is not only left with the hope that a sequel is already in the making, but with a renewed passion for the four-legged, two legged, and yes, even no-legged neighbors we share this planet with.
Now, where does one get shoes for a rhino?
Fabulous leisure reading by .. Dr. Nancy Kay, author of Speaking for Spot - www.speakingforspot.com (Rohnert Park, California)
I thoroughly enjoyed this book from top to bottom. I loved reading about how caring, resourceful, and innovative these zoo veterinarians are. In many cases, they are doing something for the very first time in recorded history, and they manage to do it in most cases successfully and with a wonderful sense of humor. And it's clear they care deeply for their patients, even though they are not "pets". Kudos to Drs. Spelman and Mashima for sharing these charming stories.
Fascinating Book for all Ages by .. N. Cooke (Cleveland Hts, OH USA)
Rhino has special appeal because of its various points of view and authors; because of its short essay-length articles; because of the variety of animals and ailments; because of the connections between animal health and human health. In short, it's a terrific book and an easy read, and I've had rave reviews from ages 11 to 76. It would make a great Christmas list book, as its appeal is to a wide audience.
A must for animal lovers by .. Mary Longorio (Eagle Mountain, UT)
From the rhino with reoccurring foot fungus, to the transport of a whale shark, rescuing dolphins left homeless by Hurricane Katrina, black bears with disappearing bones and eels starving for the love of a former owner, The Rhino With the Glue-On Shoes is an assortment of true stories featuring these and other unusual patients. Ever wonder how diagnostic tests are performed on giant Pacific octopus? How does one go about capturing and relocating a herd of destructive bison that are terrorizing the French countryside? Can an orphaned baby beluga survive to adulthood? Who do you call when a giraffe in your care needs a special orthotic (you get a lot of hang-ups)? The common thread pulling this diverse collection of stories together is the caring of the medical providers and the lengths they will travel to comfort and heal the animals in their care. Stories from all over the world and all types of animals, captive and wild will keep you engaged. Any animal lover will appreciate this
Cute Title, Cute Book!! by .. Stephanie Adams (Houston, TX)
This is a wonderful book with some very inspiring stories in it! If you love animals, you will love this book!! Not only are there great stories in it, but I am also particularly fond of it because it has one of my photos in it! :o) You won't regret buying this book!
Related Search : surprising true , rhino with , glue shoes  |
Author : Noel Streatfeild
Edition : 1
Number of Pages : 224
Release Date : 1994-04-05
Publisher : Yearling
List Price : $5.99
Amazon Price : $1.00
Used Price : $0.01 |
Product Description Aunt Cora is determined to turn two orphans, perky Hilary and sullen Rachel, into members of her dance troupe. But Rachel wants to keep Hilary from being one of Wintle’s Little Wonders–is it selfishness or something else? Misunderstandings and a spoiled cousin combine for a tale full of high drama. Originally published in 1957. Customer reviews Dancing Shoes  by .. Starla Hale ()
The books are fun for young girls to read. I tough they were a little high for the size of the book.
old favorite by .. C. Person ()
I never wanted to 'get into' dancing or acting as a child, but this book makes the
world of a child theatrical performer (70 years ago) come alive. I read this so many times. It was just so entertaining. Great book!
Worth Reading by .. *Lyra Brown* ()
"Ballet Shoes" is probably the most popular book in the "Shoes" series, but "Dancing Shoes" is also very good. It tells the story of two girls, Hilary and Rachel, who are training to become dancers on the stage. It is similar to "Ballet Shoes," but for anyone who enjoyed any of the other of the "Shoes" books it is worth reading.
Good Book by .. stephanie benjamin (dallas)
I've been wanting these books for years now. I'm glad I finally got 2 of them. They came very fast and I love them. Thanks.
More charm and fun in this installment of the Shoes books by .. Kind Bean (New England, USA)
Dancing Shoes is a similar formula compared to Streatfeild's other books. After Rachel and Hilary's father dies, they are sent to live with their Aunt Cora, who owns a talent school and troupe. While Hilary is a very talented dancer, she wants nothing more than to have fun. Her sister, Rachel wants nothing to do with dancing, but she does want Hilary to go to the Royal Ballet School to study proper ballet, as her family and old dance teacher wished for, even though Hilary doesn't want to. So everyone, including their mean and selfish Aunt Cora, believe that Rachel is jealous of Hilary. Meanwhile, Aunt Cora's talented, and conceited, daughter now has competition with Hilary.
The book is full of the same charm as her others. While not as endearing as Ballet Shoes and Theater Shoes, maybe only due to the nastiness of Aunt Cora and how mean she is to Rachel, it is still a wonderful read. Any fans of Streatfeild's other books will surely love this book as well.
Related Search : dancing shoes  |
Format : Audiobook, CD, Unabridged
Author : Samuel Jones
Edition : Unabridged
Release Date : 2008-09-20
Publisher : Brilliance Audio on CD Unabridged
List Price : $14.95
Amazon Price : $8.42
Used Price : $9.00 |
Product Description Seventy years ago the musical fable “Peter and the Wolf” unexpectedly took the world by storm. Written and composed by the Russian Serge Prokofiev, this droll story for narrator and orchestra has sold millions of recordings in countless versions, narrated by great performers from Sir John Gielgud to Sting. The only problem up until now has been that “Peter and the Wolf” – composed specifically for children, and featuring a narrator with orchestra - is practically the only piece of its kind. The vast audience that loves “Peter” has not been able to find a similarly enchanting musical story. But now all that will change! The Shoe Bird has arrived! In The Shoe Bird multi-Grammy-award-winning performer and Guinness World Records™ holder Jim Dale brings to life a flock of unforgettable bird characters – Arturo the parrot, Gloria the goose, Minerva the owl, even the extinct Dodo! This is Eudora Welty’s fantastical story of how some feathered friends made a fateful switch from flying to wearing shoes, little knowing that they would soon become the prey of Freddy the Cat! Masterfully scored for full symphony orchestra and children’s choirs by Welty’s fellow Mississippian Samuel Jones, The Shoe Bird appeals immediately to children and adults, just like the classic Peter and the Wolf. The Shoe Bird is a new work that reinvigorates a great tradition of storytelling fun for the whole family. It can be heard again and again, always rewarding the listener with the wit and wisdom of Eudora Welty, the delightful animal characters impersonated by Jim Dale, and the rich musical background of full symphony orchestra and chorus. Jim Dale is very enthusiastic and ready to promote The Shoe Bird which he considers one of his favorite recording projects. Customer reviews Fabulously narrated story and wonderful music by .. VT (Sparks, NV)
This is wonderful for all ages! The story is terrific and the narration and music really bring the book to life. The children's choir adds to the depth of the recording (and is terrific). Our whole family has enjoyed this! I'd have given it 5 stars but there are some sound level/volume challenges during the recording (which means you have to adjust the volume a tad so you can hear or so it's not too loud). Despite that, it is still WONDERFUL! The story is captivating and is packed with teachable moments/morals. Highly, highly recommended!
A fable for ALL ages! by .. BAS (Seattle, WA USA)
This is a beautiful audio book that all ages will enjoy. The story is rich and carries so much meaning we all can apply to life
Nominated for a Grammy! by .. Tamara I. Rivera (Seattle, WA)
This is such a delightful story. The music is delightful and is enticing for everyone! You just simply must hear this magnificent work!
Magnum Opus! by .. Cynthia DiCola (Cincinnati, OH United States)
Samuel Jones' adaptation of Eudora Welty's book, Jim Dale's narration, The Seattle Symphony conducted by Gerard Schwarz, and pitch-perfect Seattle Boychoir & Girls of Vocalpoint, Seattle conducted by Joseph Crnko have joined forces creating a timeless classic sure to appeal to adults and children. Mr.Jones has skillfully interwoven his music and story, using the instruments of the orchestra to give voices to the birds. The nuances of Jim Dale's narration give each bird their own personality, bringing them most vividly to life. Filled with wit and wisdom it is a piece that begs to be listened to time and again, each listen providing something new. Dare say the next time you hear a bird singing in the wild both lessons learned, and the songs of the birds from The Shoe Bird: A Musical Fable will come to mind.
Related Search : based story , samuel jones , musical fable  |
Author : Beth Harbison
Number of Pages : 352
Release Date : 2008-06-10
Publisher : St. Martin's Press
List Price : $22.95
Amazon Price : $5.75
Used Price : $5.51 |
Product Description Every woman has a secret. The question is: How far will she go to make sure it stays secret? Abbey Walsh never wanted anyone to find out about her shady past. After all, she’s the wife of a minister now, living an exemplary life. That is, until someone shows up from her past with blackmail in mind . . . Tiffany Vanderslice Dreyer never dreamed that she’d find herself up to her new designer sunglasses in credit card debt from one mad moment of a shopping spree. She’s an upstanding wife and mother with the perfect marriage . . . right? Loreen Murphy hadn’t meant to hire a male prostitute in Las Vegas. It was all just a big, stupid, and expensive misunderstanding. . . . Abbey, Tiffany, and Loreen are each in need of thousands of dollars and fast. Tiffany’s sister, Sandra, has the perfect idea. It’s fast, it’s easy, it’s legal, and it’s the secret that kept her shoe addiction alive. It’s the perfect plan. . . . In this deliciously sassy novel, three very different women bond when they find themselves in more than one kind of trouble. It’s the story of how sometimes you have a secret that can get you in---and out---of dire straits. It’s about romance, friendship, kids, revenge, affairs, and, most of all, a love of the well-heeled things in life. Customer reviews Loved it by .. Stephanie A. Nelson (florida)
I loved this one just as much as the first one. At first, with it not really being the same women I was unsure, but it was a quick read.
love shoes? by .. Rebecca Ailes-fine (Phoenix, AZ USA)
If you love shoes, and buying a new pair always makes you feel better..... you've got to read this book.
Different from the first book, every bit as good! by .. Jersey Reader (Heaven!)
I was puzzled by the disparity of reviews here and, after reading Secrets of a Shoe Addict, I think maybe for some people it depends which book they read first. True, this book has little to do with shoes. I think the point is that one of teh shoe addicts from the last book is revealing her "secrets" to help a new group of women. So if you're looking for a big shoe book, this might not fit the bill. But if you're looking for a really fun read, and some slightly deeper characters, Secrets of a Shoe Addict is really satisfying. Some of the subject matter is darker (one of the characters had a terrible accident when she was young and has been trying to atone for her sins ever since) butthe laughs are better too.
In my other life, I review women's fiction and "chick lit" and I would say this book delves deeper into women's issues, and, for me, that raises it above the easily-dismissed "chick lit" level.
So disappointing! by .. Paige Laine ()
Like many reviewers here, I got this shortly after having been thoroughly entertained by the author's first book. I had the audio version, and during just the first CD, I picked up the box three times to make sure it really was the same author, and the same (albeit loosely) continued story line. Not only were the characters' predicaments much more ludicrous, the writing style was quite different and pretty risque, too...no way I'd call this a "spiritual" novel. (Seriously, Midwest Book Review, what were you thinking? True, it's not Sex in the City, but it's not a "spiritual offshoot" if it can't be sold in a Christian bookstore.) Even if the characters end up as better, happier people, (I wouldn't know, as I gave up halfway through) this is not a book I can recommend to my friends, whereas the first one I felt was a fun, entertaining read which had some worthy messages to impart, as a bonus. I agree with another reviewer who stated that if you're trying to choose, pick the first book, and don't waste your time with this. Not a sequel at all!! This review is no reflection on Orlagh Cassidy...she just reads (superbly) what she's given, after all.
An Okay read, not as good as the 1st one by .. AJ1840SFCA (SF Bay Area, California USA)
I was excited to get this, but it was a really watered down version of the first. A quick read, but nothing grabbed me- the first one had a lot more substance.
Related Search : addict , secrets shoe  |
Author : Alexander Mccall Smith
Number of Pages : 256
Release Date : 2007-03-13
Publisher : Anchor
List Price : $12.95
Amazon Price : $5.00
Used Price : $3.95 |
Product Description From universally beloved author Alexander McCall Smith, comes this seventh installment in the bestselling No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series featuring Botswana’s best-loved detective. Life is good for Mma Ramotswe as she sets out with her usual resolve to solve people’s problems, heal their misfortunes, and untangle the mysteries that make life interesting. And life is never dull on Tlokweng Road. A new and rather too brusque advice columnist is appearing in the local paper. Then, a cobra is found in the offices of the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency. Recently, the Mokolodi Game Preserve manager feels an infectious fear spreading among his workers, and a local doctor may be falsifying blood pressure readings. To further complicate matters, Grace Makutsi may have scared off her own fiancé. Mma Ramotswe, however, is always up to the challenge. And Blue Shoes and Happiness will not fail to entertain Alexander McCall Smith’s oldest fans and newest converts with its great wit, charm, and great good will. Customer reviews "To feel happiness and then to remember it" by .. Linda Bulger (Avon, Maine)
Title notwithstanding, this series from Alexander McCall Smith doesn't make its living in the detective genre. Precious Ramotswe does indeed run the only ladies' detective agency in Botswana, but her investigations are incidental to the easy-going interactions of her daily life.
We find Mma Ramotswe musing over letters to a newspaper agony aunt and considering how wrongdoings affect those around us. Oh yes, she does investigate, armed with common sense and a copy of Clive Anderson's "Principles of Private Detection" and assisted by Grace Makutsi, star graduate of the Botswana Secretarial College. The ladies investigate blackmail, medical fraud, and a vague "something wrong" at a game preserve. The resolution of these cases further highlights the human foibles of greed and superstition.
The real charm of these books is in the gentle good nature they display. Grace is afraid of scaring her fiance away with feminist opinions; Precious worries about being "traditionally built" and considers the utility of dieting; new employee Mr. Polopetsi deals with prejudice due to his prison record; and Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni craves comfort and buys an expensive chair without mentioning it to his wife, Precious. These everyday concerns invite the reader into the story.
Mma Makutsi's impractical "blue shoes," along with Mma Ramotswe's poorly considered diet, do not in the end contribute to the enjoyment of life and so they are hastily retired. Friendship, bush tea and fruit cake, kindness, family and tradition, the lush countryside after a refreshing rain -- these are the currency of Blue Shoes and Happiness (No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency, Book 7). If you like thoughtful books and don't require a lot of action, this one's for you.
This review is based on the unabridged CD presentation, beautifully read by native South African Lisette Lecat.
Linda Bulger, 2008
Why hasn't Alexander Mccall Smith won awards for these books? by .. Queen_Anne_Drizzle (Seattle, WA)
A reader, who is unfamiliar with the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series, to his own detriment, may pick up one of these books and dismiss it based on its marketing or cover. After all, it is natural to judge books by their covers. It is sold as a mystery book but I am not sure if that is the best categorization for these delightful books. Blue Shoes and Happiness, like the rest of the books in the series, will not disappoint readers. It is simple, yet filled with wisdom and author's wit and humor.
Blue Shoes deals with many issues from black mail to dieting and shopping. I am amazed how much is packed in this fairly short book that can be read in one day. Blue Shoes, like the rest, is delightful. If you are new to this series, you could certainly start with any of these books since the author fills the readers with important events that happened to the main characters. However, I recommend starting in the beginning. What is amazing is that despite the setting of the book in Botswana, a country that few in the US are familiar with, the issues are incredibly familiar and are universal.
Whether you are interested in philosophy, psychology, traveling or are merely looking for an entertaining read, you will not be disappointed with Blue Shoes or any of the other books in this series (I have not read the "Husband" one yet). Having raved about this book, I must admit that the series is getting repetitive and perhaps it is time for Smith to move on. I understand he needs to refresh readers' memories by repeating what happened in the past but as the books keep getting added on (he has written 8 so far), this gets more and more tedious. Smith is such an outstanding author that he appears to do this effortlessly but still I wish he would get done with the series.
Warm, witty, and wise by .. D. Williams (Wisconsin USA)
The seventh book in the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series.
The main mystery is a potentially dangerous blackmail plot, but the real meat of the book, once again, is the ebb and flow of life in Botswana and the relationships of Mma Ramotswe and Mma Makutsi. Grace Makutsi's weakness for faashionable (and impractical, uncomfortable) shoes is something I can so relate to!
A wonderful addition to the series.
No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency by .. Audrey Battiste (Atlanta, Georgia)
This entire set of books was a delight to read. They showed that people are the same, regardless of ethnicity or culture. During the course of reading these books, I learned a great deal about Botswana and its culture, history and people. The books were well written, interesting, and easy reading. Once I got started, I read the entire set in a few days. I can hardly wait for the movie to be released. I would certainly recommend the entire set to anyone wanting to learn about people in general, Botswana in particular, and African culture.
great series - lousy book by .. jeanette (napa valley CA USA)
i absolutely love the "No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency" series, up to this dreadful book. launch yourself without pause or hesitation into the series with The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency 5-Book Boxed Set which contains in order:
"The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency"
"Tears of the Giraffe"
"Morality for Beautiful Girls"
"The Kalahari Typing School for Men"
"The Full Cupboard of Life"
as to "Blue Shoes and Happiness": don't start here, don't end here, don't pause here. the other books were leisurely in a good way, this one is just lame. it spends a lot of time contemplating the heroine's relationship with her figure. it got so i was thinking, if the author writes "traditional figure" or even just "traditional" one more time, i will scream. i was perpetually looking forward to the latest installment in this series & this one now has me worried that the author is all out of ideas for our detective.
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