Catch a Wave: The Rise, Fall, and Redemption of the Beach Boys' Brian Wilson

Book Description

Brian Wilson was the visionary behind Americas most successful and influential rock band. And as the leader of the Beach Boys, he sold 100 million records, produced Pet Sounds, and built a catalog of songs that continues to define the sound and feel of American popular music. He also became one of the cultures most mysterious and tragic figures. But after spending years lost in a wilderness of despair, Wilson has fought his way back to productivity. And now with the release of Smilethe masterwork that nearly undid himhe has returned to musics center stage. Now Peter Ames Carlin, who conducted in-depth, exclusive interviews with dozens of sources and listened to hundreds of hours of unreleased studio recordings and live music, tells a uniquely American story of the band, the music, and the culture the Beach Boys both sang about and helped create. Carlin brings a fans passion, a seasoned journalists objectivity, and a cultural critics insight to his subject, and the result is a magisterial and authoritative account of the Beach Boys visionary figure, who has emerged into a new era of creativity.

Customer Reviews:

Beach Boy fan's delight.......2007-07-28

This book adds more information to the saga of the legendary Beach Boys, Brian Wilson's angst and the constant push-pull between his creativity and the economic needs of the band and music industry. There are some surprising insights here that haven't been captured in any of the previous Beach Boys chronicles. Having attended some of the mid-70s Beach Boys comeback concerts, I can say they were just as thrilling as Carlin denotes. I enjoyed this book.

Catch a Wave: The Rise, Fall, and Redemption of the Beach Boys' Brian Wilson.......2007-07-18

I have to note that I am not a Beach Boys fan. I grew up listening to their music. I even know the words to quite a few of their songs. However, before reading this book, I didn't even know the names of the band members or have a clue about any of the band or band member's history.

My lack of intimate knowledge and fanaticism probably greatly reduced the enjoyment of this book for me. During the first few chapters of the book, I felt like I had walked in on a conversation part way through. I had no idea about the significance of the song Smile. By the end of the book, I did understand what the author had been talking about but at the time I was completely lost.

Catch a Wave: The Rise, Fall & Redemption of the Beach Boys' Brian Wilson is extremely detailed. Fans of The Beach Boys and of Brian Wilson will find this aspect extremely appealing. However, I think I probably would have done better with a less extensive biography. All the details were a little overwhelming, and because I didn't understand how these little things tied into the big picture, I found the material rather dry.

Summer Star Worship Fun.......2007-06-28

If you read the name Brian Wilson somewhere, chances are you'll be seeing the word "genius" in the same sentence. And, true enough, Wilson's songwriting and studio production was, at its peak, divinely inspired. But, like the Beatles, Wilson's glory days are long gone. Now its time to write books about him.

For the true believer, Carlin's book confirms the notion that Brian's muse was killed by the lust for lucre, personified by the despotic and very Republican Mike Love. It is a classic tale of purity dying at the feet of the Venal God. For the skeptic, Wilson is yet another young star whose success and attendant loss of self control, ruined his life.

For the reader, Catch a Wave is engaging enough, with new details and perspectives that should keep even the most well-versed Beach Boy fan interested. Carlin's coverage of Wilson's post-70s career, with his tentative return to the stage, and the completion and release of Smile, were particularly welcome highlights.

My only regret is I didn't read it at the beach.

This was well thought out, you will like it........2007-06-05

This was well thought out, you will like it.

Reviewed by Susan Helene Gottfried.......2007-06-01

Peter Ames Carlin has won awards for his media coverage of Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys. He is clearly an unabashed fan of the man and the band. Thus, his examination of Brian in the new Catch a Wave: The Rise, Fall and Redemption of the Beach Boys' Brian Wilson should have been a slam-dunk of a book.

Tracing the band by focusing on Brian from the early days in the 1960s to 2005, Carlin does tread familiar territory. It's impossible not to, given the fame of Wilson and the Beach Boys, not to mention the infamy of Wilson's dad Murry and the years Brian spent in the clutches of the controversial Dr. Eugene E. Landy. These two characters formed Brian's life as surely as his DNA did.

For years, Brian Wilson has been the subject of many a curious eye. Carlin attempts to get behind all of that and show us the truth.

It's a noble effort. However, for all but the most die-hard of Beach Boys fans, I'm afraid it falls short in a number of ways. This doesn't make it a fatal book for the casual fan; rather, it makes it a harder book.

For instance, most nonfiction narratives are written in a linear fashion. This happened, then that, and this was the result. However, Catch a Wave deviates from that pattern every so often. It's not uncommon for references to past events to return, leaving the reader wondering, "Hey, why wasn't this brought up back when the rest of the issue was explained?" It creates a confusion of time, so that readers are left uncertain of when things happen. One of the biggest areas of confusion, in fact, revolves around the release of the Smile album. I closed the book wondering if it had been released twice. Certainly, there being two albums with similar names -- Smile and Smiley Smile -- doesn't help the matter any, although that's obviously not Carlin's fault. He only reports on the band.

Reporting on the band is exactly what Carlin does, in fact. He handles the who, what, where, when, how, and why as deftly as you'd expect, given his resume. His narrative, other than being time-confused, reads quite nicely. Yet there is a distance from the people Carlin is speaking about; this either works for the reader or it doesn't. Me, I'd have preferred a more in-depth character, so that I felt as though I know them, especially given how odd Brian Wilson's behaviors often are.

If there is one area in which Carlin deserves high praise, it is his ability to remain neutral about what transpires among the band and within Wilson's life. Yes, you'd expect that of a seasoned journalist, yet Carlin is an unabashed fan, even going so far as to insert his own meetings with the band into his narrative. This sort of adoration often allows for judgments to be passed, particularly concerning the controversy surrounding so much of Brian Wilson's life. Certainly, as I read, I wanted to know how these people could keep making the same mistakes so many times. Yet Carlin avoids this question because to acknowledge it involves him standing on his opinions.

Overall, this is a worthy companion for a devoted Beach Boys fan. Keeping the focus on Brian Wilson and the way he engages and retreats from the band he made famous makes for a fascinating portrait. Tracing his spirals in and out of musical genius is a compelling subject.

But for a new or merely casual fan who wants to learn about this iconic band, there are better books for dipping your toes into the surf

Average customer rating:

Useful, interesting, well-written, a gem
Waves and Beaches: a thrilling & informative read
A must-have book for beach lovers.
This is the best book in the world on waves & beaches.
Every surfer should own this book

Waves and Beaches
Willard Bascom
Manufacturer: Anchor
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Nature & Ecology | Science | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0385148445
Release Date: 1979-12-18

Customer Reviews:

Useful, interesting, well-written, a gem.......2006-07-11

I just have to concur with the other reviews - as a kayaker and a lover of the oceans I have read and re-read this book many times, and I always learn more. The book is a classic, if they'd re-issue it in hardback I'd buy it in a second!

Although Willard Bascom died in 2000 his work lives on as a testament to him. Get this book, it's a great read.

Waves and Beaches: a thrilling & informative read.......2001-07-04

Waves and Beaches is an informative and even thrilling read for anyone interested in knowing how these things work. It is highly readable and fascinating. Many interesting photos and diagrams. It is a book that should be reissued. A great pleasure to know this book! It's a mainstay of each vacation to the shore and sea.

A must-have book for beach lovers........2000-07-28

I re-read this book every summer for for years, and it still goes with me to the beach for consultation. My enjoyment of being at the shore has been enormously improved by what I learned from Bascom. I see much more: I understand the changing slope of the beach, how to identify the rip tide locations, and why the ocean changes the way it does day by day. A fascinating and worthwhile book. I wish they'd re-release it.

This is the best book in the world on waves & beaches........1999-02-10

Bascom is concise, accurate, humorous, amazing. He knows his subject of waves and beaches. The book clearly depicts how waves work at sea and on beaches. It contains great photos and a funny description of surfer talk. A must get for all surfers, kayakers, and amateur oceanographers.

Every surfer should own this book.......1998-06-02

This book is an essential read for anyone who surfs, or is just an avid beach-goer. The author is an absolute master of the subject,and has included a wealth of information, based on theory, statistics, and anecdotal observation . With regard to surfers specifically, Dr. Bascom provides clear and concise information as to why waves form, and why they act the way they do. Being a surfer for 35 years myself, I find it amazing how many others of my ilk do not understand the physics of waves.This book makes it all clear. I truly lament the fact that is out of print.

Average customer rating:

Seashore
Donald M. Silver , and Patricia Wynne
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Biology | Science, Nature & How It Works | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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Natural History | Nature & Ecology | Science | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0070579288

Book Description

From sandy beaches to rocky cliffs, the place where the land meets the sea is an amazing habitat. While exploring at the shore or reading at home, children ages 7 and up will be astonished by the richness and variety of creatures at the water's edge. Beautifully illustrated, with a picture reference and glossary, Seashore is just one volume from the critically acclaimed One Small Square series of hands-on science books, now available in paperback.

Beach Processes and Sedimentation (2nd Edition)

Average customer rating:

Good classic stuff

Beach Processes and Sedimentation (2nd Edition)
Paul D. Komar
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Science | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0137549385

Book Description

Introduces beach processes within an approach that balances an engineering perspective against a purely geological one. Provides an up-to-date review of the current understanding of beach processes as well as applications to solve coastal problems (erosion, management issues, etc.). Discusses issues related to beach erosion and other processes. The second edition of Beach Processes and Sedimentation has been updated to include information gathered from two decades of science and engineering in the field, reflecting the vast increase in knowledge since the first edition. Discusses the rise of coastal zone management as well as patterns of wave transformations and dissipation within the surf zone, and how these water motions produce cross-shore movements of sediment resulting in beach-profile variations. An essential reference book for many readers: from beach front property owners to politicians contending with beachfront erosion to engineers addressing beachfront reclamation projects.

Customer Reviews:

Good classic stuff.......2001-10-19

Basic for any person interested in coastal processes. No more words.

Heat Wave (Landis, Jill Marie) (Landis, Jill Marie)

Average customer rating:

The "Jan Brady" of the Twilight Cove trilogy...
Great page turner!
An Engrossing Romance and a Great Beach Read
Another Jill Marie Landis Hit
A Great Romance Writer Turns to Mysteries

Heat Wave (Landis, Jill Marie) (Landis, Jill Marie)
Jill Marie Landis
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Romance | Subjects | Books

General | Contemporary | Romance | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0804120072
Release Date: 2004-04-27

Book Description

Throughout her dazzling career, bestselling author Jill Marie Landis has consistently written stories filled with unforgettable sensuality, creating characters whose vibrant emotions instantly sweep you into their lives. Now in Heat Wave, Landis turns up the heat and delivers her most riveting novel yet.

Private investigator Kat Vargas once cared about someone so much it hurt. Once she lived a dream life with her first love and fiancé—until betrayal followed by shattering tragedy ended it all. Kat has sworn never to get too close to anyone again. But now the peace and quiet of Twilight Cove is driving the straight-talking, no-nonsense P.I. crazy. Then a prospective new client shows up at the door. Moved by his stubbornness and sincerity, Kat takes his case, breaking a promise to relax, recoup, and rethink her solitary life.

Ty Chandler is desperate to locate the child he fathered nineteen years ago—a child he never knew existed until now. Although he’s no stranger to heartache, he is irresistibly drawn to the exotic, vibrantly alluring P.I. Their search not only leads them to Ty’s troubled, strong-willed daughter, but into each others’ arms. Though Kat courageously works to help Ty reunite his family, she’s terrified of confronting a painful secret of her own—one that will cost her the love of the only man capable of tearing down the walls she’s built around her heart.

From the tranquil beaches of the central California coast to the fast and furious streets of L.A., Heat Wave is a passionate and heartfelt story of families divided and brought back together, the magic of hope for new beginnings, and the overwhelming power love has to heal even the most battered hearts.

Download Description

“Jill Marie Landis is a master. Her Heat Wave caught me on a swell, gripped me from the very first page, and sent me hurtling into adventure. I highly recommend it!”
—LINDA LAEL MILLER
New York Times bestselling author of The Last Chance Café

“Riveting—a gripping novel that will pull at your heartstrings.”
—JOAN JOHNSTON, author of Colter’s Wife

“Sweet and sexy, warm and wise, Jill Marie Landis’ emotional stories will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading.”
—KRISTIN HANNAH

“Jill Marie Landis creates characters you want to spend time with and a story that will keep you turning the pages.”
—SUSAN ELIZABETH PHILLIPS

“Characters to love [and] emotion that tugs at the heart.”
—DEBBIE MACOMBER

“Jill Marie Landis can really touch the heart.”
—JAYNE ANN KRENTZ

From the Hardcover edition.

Customer Reviews:

The "Jan Brady" of the Twilight Cove trilogy..........2005-09-07

PI Kat Vargas swore off relationships after having her heart ripped out by former fiancé and pro-surfer, Justin Parker. After getting injured during a routine check on a spouse's infidelity, she is shot and recoups in Twilight Cove while house sitting for former partner, Jake.

After a torturous couple days in the fresh air, she is contacted by Ty Chandler, who wants her to locate the daughter he never knew about. Now 19, finding her may prove to be difficult. After a brief search, they not only locate her, but also his granddaughter. Sunny grew up in a commune until her mother was arrested and subsequently died of an overdose. She and the other kids from the commune live together and survive by street racing and stealing cars. Wanting something more for her baby, Sunny visits Ty, with the intention of leaving her daughter to be raised by him. She does not count on actually liking him though (or his best friend).

Meanwhile, Kat is tortured by her past and failed romance, but reluctantly starts seeing Ty. As soon as things heat up, she is at odds with Sunny, who has a weird feeling about her. Ty and Sunny have a blow up when Sunny starts putting the moves on Ty's best friend.

Kat soon runs away from her feelings and decides to try to reconcile Sunny and Ty by getting Sunny away from her "gang." But Ty is hot on her trail, and not willing to give her up. One ting I really liked was the significance of "beach glass."

The story is totally predictable - you can see Kat's dilemma almost from page one. Not Landis' best effort; recommend the other two books from the trilogy - they are better developed and more engaging.

Great page turner!.......2004-07-08

Not only was this a great love story, but it surprised me by being full of suspense. I did not expect to enjoy this book as much as I did. I highly recommend it!

An Engrossing Romance and a Great Beach Read.......2004-05-02

In HEAT WAVE, the second in a trilogy of books by Jill Marie Landis, Kat Vargas is a private investigator who for many years has focused only on her career, to the exclusion of her family and any serious love interests. She's too busy to have a long-term boyfriend and she likes it this way. When her friend and ex-partner Jake needs a housesitter for his beachside home near San Luis Obispo so he can take the family away on a long vacation, Kat is coerced into taking the job. She had just come off of a very dangerous situation, ended up in the hospital and now needed time to recuperate. She leaves her home in Long Beach, California and drives up the coast to a small beach town called Twilight Cove.

Kat isn't there very long when a neighbor comes by Jake's house to see her. Ty Chandler, one of the residents of this small resort town, has heard about her and asks if he can hire her to do a job. He has just found out that he has a daughter, born nineteen years ago to an old girlfriend from high school, but was never told about the daughter until recently, right before his mother passed away. He's angry with his mother for hiding this information from him. She had never liked his girlfriend Amy and wanted to protect him, but his mother and Amy are now both gone, and it was time to make up for the time he had lost. He's ready to find his daughter.

With only a few clues to go by, Kat and Ty work side by side, searching the Internet and making phone calls, following the trail of the missing girl. While this is strictly business for Kat, she senses that Ty is growing fond of her, but Kat does her best to tell him "no." She insists that she does not mix business with pleasure, but she also remembers what Jake has told her --- that she needs to relax and let someone new into her life. It was about time she moved on from her tragic past, a past that she hides from everyone she has met since leaving her home in Hawaii. Her career as a private investigator had come about because of what she endured on Hawaii due to a tragic accident. Only her family and friends back on the island of Kauai know of her tragic loss and the pain she kept buried inside her all these years.

Ty and Kat have enough clues to find Ty's daughter, who they discover is now living in Southern California with a number of other people her age, all of whom seem to be destitute, shady-looking and lacking any financial means to make ends meet. Upon meeting them, Sunny, Ty's daughter, looks upon both of them with distrust and lets them know that she is not interested in going back with Ty to Twilight Cove. But Ty hands over his phone number to her, hoping that she changes her mind.

Sunny does take Ty up on his offer and comes to find him in Twilight Cove. They get to know each other while she tries to make a home for herself and her baby, another surprise for Ty. While Ty is dealing with a new family, Kat is dealing with her own feelings, not sure whether she is falling in love with Ty or wanting to run away again. She's also not sure about Sunny, and decides to investigate Sunny's past to see what kind of trouble she may have gotten herself into.

HEAT WAVE was a surprise to this reviewer. It was a lot more than a romance. The story of Ty and his long-lost daughter was a great story-within-the-story, allowing the reader to get to know Ty's character much better than simply as a love interest. And Sunny's account of her life in Southern California was another interesting side-story that fit in with the rest of the book. Landis does a good job at creating characters that the reader will relate to, although this reviewer was not totally sure she liked Kat Vargas at first. As is the case with any romance, the most important feature should be the reader's ability to relate to the characters, and whether the story is believable or not. Based on that, this reviewer recommends HEAT WAVE to any person looking for an engrossing romance and a great beach read.

--- Reviewed by Marie Hashima Lofton

Another Jill Marie Landis Hit.......2004-05-01

Lots of twists and turns in this one that kept me turning pages into the wee hours. Jill has once again sent her characters on their intricate journey filled with surprises around every corner. Romance, suspense, humor. This like, many of Jill's book, has it all. I'm looking forward to the next Kat Vargus novel!

A Great Romance Writer Turns to Mysteries.......2004-04-30

Jill Marie is one of my favorite writers of historical romances and I'm thrilled she is writing contemporary mysteries. I loved Lover's Lane and was glad to see Kat Vargus back in another book. This is a great read and hard to put down like all of Jill Marie's books. Like the other reviewers, I liked the relationship between Ty and Sunny which is nicely done and more nuanced than most mysteries.

If you like mysteries, try her earlier historical romance Jade. I'm not sure it's still in print but it's great too!

Customer Reviews:

When the waves turn the minutes to hours.......2004-08-06

It's quite common for picture book artists to tell the stories of their families for readers everywhere to enjoy. Sometimes the richest material a person can plumb comes from their own past. Barbara Cooney is widely regarded (which is to say, regarded by myself) to rival only the picture book artist Marcia Brown in terms of awards and talent. Having created fabulous books (if you haven't seen "Ox-Cart Man" then you haven't seen nuthin') it was only with "Hattie and the Wild Waves" that Cooney focused her attention onto a story that was a little closer to home. In this book, the author/illustrator tells the story of her mother growing up in New York in the late 19th/early 20th century. It is the story of a girl coming to terms with herself.

Hattie is a small girl living her Mama and Papa in New York. She is one of three children and the family is very well to do. They have servants and grand huge houses and extravagant dinners where they treat all the relatives in the family to a meal each and every Sunday. Hattie's sister's only goal is to someday be a beautiful bride. Her brother wishes to work with his father in the business. But Hattie has different dreams. She wishes to someday paint, an idea that her family misinterprets (thinking she wants to paint houses) and laughs off the idea. As we go through the book we get glimpses of how the rich of New York once lived. Hattie's family is made up entirely of Germans, each businessman having made his fortune in everything from the lumber business to breweries. The book shows us that Hattie is not keen on such accepted (at the time) female pursuits like piano playing or needlework. Instead, she loves to paint the things she sees. Best of all is the summer, when Hattie listens to the waves at the family's summer home and tries to figure out what they're saying. Years later, Hattie must make an important decision about her own life, and it is only through revisiting the ocean that she can determine what the waves are really trying to tell her.

It's a bit confusing that in this biographical book the main character has a name different from that of Barbara Cooney's actual mother. I can only assume that Cooney did this to allow herself a little artistic license, possibly with chronology or maybe with the facts of the tale. The book is an excellent way of showing kids elements of the past (as well as the expectations of women during time period) while immersing them in beautiful houses, gardens, oceans, and life in general. I suspect there'll be many youngsters flipping through this book sighing that they wish THEIR dad would buy them a tennis ball retrieving macaw. The paintings are lovely as usual and Cooney infuses them with a real pastoral feel.

Unfortunately, the story is a bit vague. Hattie's predicament (what to do with her life) is never really spelled out. In the last picture we see her climbing the front steps of an art institute, but the text doesn't really make it clear that she either applied to one or got in. The family is fairly supportive, which is to say they never say that Hattie CAN'T be an artist. More than anything, this book just reads like a lovely history of a single family. There isn't any real dramatic tension or conflict. And as long as I'm complaining, I might as well mention that on one page Hattie is dressed in an evening gown and appears to be in her late teens while on the next page she's dressed in winter clothes and looks roughly nine years of age. Much of this book will mostly appeal to kids living in New York who are familiar with such sights as Coney Island, Long Island, and the East River.

Though a beautiful product, Cooney's, "Hattie and the Wild Waves", isn't really much more than a pretty package. You can give or take the story. It's the descriptions and the illustrations that are the stars of this particular show. If you'd like to read a relatively wordy picture book to your kids about a girl growing up in the New York area long ago, this book fulfills such a need admirably. Otherwise, it's not really worth going into. Though I appreciated the artwork, the storytelling needed an edit. Just the same, a lovely creation.

Sweet story with a good conclusion.......2002-06-23

Hattie grows up in growing New York City, creating, participating with her wealthy family and occasionally talking about what she will do with her life. She accepts the changes her father goes through that affects her and she does her best with them.

Finally, one day she makes her big announcement that she will become a painter. Thankfully, her family is happy with her choice and compares her to her famous painting grandfather, but Hattie is able to tell that she will be, "a painter like Me." My daughter appreciates the message that this creative, painting girl grows up to do what her heart tells her to do, in the way she plans.

A Must Read for Every Young Girl!.......2001-09-19

We had to finally buy this book, because I had simply borrowed it from the library too many times! Hattie who is from a well to do German immigrant family has a mind of her own. While her sister excels at all the correct things such as needlepoint and piano, Hattie has no interest and is off drawing pictures. She looks to the ocean, her lifelong friend, for reassurance that she is choosing the correct path. From the wonderful German traditions and occasional word to the detailed pictures of life at the turn of the century, Barbara Cooney has written a true joy to read.

too wonderful for words.......2000-03-16

I am a huge fan of Barbara Cooney, whose illustrations and words have made me want to travel like Miss Rumphius, live by the sea like Hattie, and read more biographies because of Eleanor(a role model of mine). Hattie and the Wild Waves tells of a little girlk whose wealthy family moves from seaside house to seaside house, each time with more passion from Hattie on her love for the sea. From her big sister's wedding to the pink card that tells her fortune, Hattie and her ambitious spirit will capture your heart, and the beautiful illustrations will capture your admiration. Read it. You will love it.

Average customer rating:

Nice rhyme, fun drawings
Terrific imagery for little ones
Galloping into your heart
Review: Jennifer LB Leese, Children's Book Review Columnist
Incredible feats and heart-thumping adventure

10,000 White Horses
Betsy B. Lee , and Catharine E. Varnedoe
Manufacturer: Learning Abilities Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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

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ASIN: 0965885364

Book Description

Come catch a wave as a child pretends that 10,000 white horses rise from the sea foam. The child misses the first wave, is dunked by the second one, but catches the third one. Throughout the book, the text reflects the rhythm of the galloping horses and the waves. This "try, try again" tale crescendos with these lines. "I caught you!" I shout.

We're whisking, frisking, thumping, bumping, gliding, sliding in the stampede as ten thousand white horses go bolting to shore - ten thousand white horses and more.

Customer Reviews:

Nice rhyme, fun drawings.......2006-08-30

As a mother and professional working with young kids, I always like to look outside the box for special literature and art for children. And it has paid off over the years in how much more expanded their minds became. I loved the fun rhyme in this small book. The words splashed and played, and made you want to recite them aloud! I look for such books because rhyme, alliteration, and so forth, are very good developers of the whole brain, allowing right and left hemispheres to communicate and strengthen their synchronicity together. I wish major publishers weren't so afraid to do this type of thing more often. I much prefer books like this to books published by major publishers with movie and TV-character tie-ins! The drawings were lovely, and made you want to look closely amidst the ocean to see something no one else sees. A nice relief from a screaming, loud, video game world.

Terrific imagery for little ones.......2006-04-12

This little book packs a wallop: beautifully written lines and elegant pen drawings ebb and flow like the ocean, and perfectly capture the idea that the ocean waves are like thousands of wild horses. The author suggests reading it aloud, then having your child read it out loud as well--when spoken aloud the rhythmic verses really do resemble the sea. Definitely recommended.

Galloping into your heart.......2006-04-06

What a fun, vivid story full of summer fun and memories. Children ask to hear this rhythmic story again and again. The illustrator did a great job of making the images leap off the page while hiding the horses in a unique way that adds to the reading experience by encouraging kids to seek and find the frolicking foals among the ocean foam. The writing style and tempo provide a great educational style that allows children and adults to not only read the words but to also feel the excitement of a day at the ocean. For those who love horses, live near the ocean or visit the ocean, this one is sure to gallop into your heart.
Review by JoAnna Carey, Author of Rat Race Relaxer: Your Potential & The Maze of Life

Review: Jennifer LB Leese, Children's Book Review Columnist.......2004-04-30

In Betsy B. Lee's book, a little girl plays at the shore, imagining that 10,000 WHITE HORSES take her up and over the roaring waves. She giggles as they race up her back, nagging her to play. The girl tries to float on the white horses and doesn't give up as her mother lovingly watches from the shore.
Lee's book teaches children to try, try again using rhyming, playful text. Catharine E. Varnedoe, from Savannah, Georgia, sketched the charming illustrations that add a visual flair to the wonderfully written children's storybook.

10,000 WHITE HORSES would make a wonderful addition to any library, classroom, or day care center, and comes highly recommended by this reviewer.

Incredible feats and heart-thumping adventure.......2004-03-28

Picture a clear blue sky along the coastal beach, miles and miles of the mighty ocean offering up her latest show just for you. A spectacular panoramic view of breathtaking waves of imagination, will give you memories to last a lifetime.

In this poetic story a young girl experiences some of that feeling during her outing at the beach. Having missed the first wave, is dunked by the second one, and then finally catches the third.

While on her floater, from the white caps of the roaring sea waves arise 10,000 White Horses, some unique guest members of the aquatic world. Running along the waves, pushing and shoving, as they playfully race for the shore. For one heart pounding moment upon reaching the sandy beach they jump through darkness and disintegrate back into the sea.

10,000 White Horses is a great adventure and a way to introduce young children to the wonders of nature, gaining a deep appreciation for these cosmically remarkable creatures.

This is an excellent starter book for both English and Spanish speaking children and an instrumental teaching tool for teachers and parents.

Book Description

Andy HughesÂ's work explores the detritus and garbage washed up on the shores where he surfs in surprisingly lush and romantic photographs. Despite their ominous presence, these mass-produced items become aesthetic forms within the open theater of the beach. By photographing everyday products in such an environment, Hughes attempts to draw attention to the small scale, the unseen, and the pollutants of modern industrial consumerist society.

A portion of the proceeds from this book, which was designed by well-known designer David Carson, will be donated to three charities: Surfrider Foundation, Surfers Against Sewage, and the Marine Conservation Society.

Waves and Beaches; the Dynamics of the Ocean Surface

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A study of the science of waves and beaches

Waves and Beaches; the Dynamics of the Ocean Surface
Willard Bascom
Manufacturer: Anchor Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000GRKXV8

Customer Reviews:

A study of the science of waves and beaches.......2007-01-23

When the waves crash against the shore, sand is carried away or replaced.
There are cycles and laws involved that have been recorded and scientifically tested.
Engineering of breakwaters and harbor protection
has benefited from these studies.
Geology and sedimentation are also discussed.
The California coast where surfers ply the waves was also where science
studies in this book took place.

Average customer rating:

Waves and Beaches

Manufacturer: DoubleDay
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 0385027753

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