Product Description
Have you noticed that things aren't as civil as they once were? Or that rudeness is no longer an exception but a lifestyle? Sure you have. All you need to do is set foot outside your door to see that bad manners are taking over everywhere. People are yakking on cell phones in restaurants, even at church. Folks in carpools wear enough cologne to make our eyes bleed. Complete strangers think it's OK to rub a pregnant lady's belly. Passengers abuse flight attendants, family outings to the ball park are ruined by rowdy drunks . . . a congressman heckled the President of the United States.

Well, Whoopi Goldberg has noticed all this and more and asked herself, "Is it just me?" Unleashing her trademark irreverence and humor, her new book of observations takes a funny and excruciatingly honest look at how a loss of civility is messing with the quality of life for all of us.

So if your pet peeve is folks who talk in movie theaters like it was their living room, or if you get bugged by people clipping their nails and performing other personal hygiene next to you on the bus, or if you cringe when "please" and "thank you" get replaced by "gimme" and "huh?" . . . you have found a kindred spirit. Because Whoopi has witnessed the growing disrespect and rudeness in our lives and realized she is not alone. And, as you'll discover in these pages, neither are you.

Customer Reviews (23)

Is it just Me? Or is this a bit hypocritical
I agree - could not get past a small bit of this long harangue on the current state of society. I do admit I started it because I do believe society is uncivil and uses too many personal insults but at the same time - believe that Goldberg herself is one of those types - sadly hiding behind 'humor' to do it. So I was hoping that perhaps she was going to address that, but once again it is always someone else being wrong.

Don't waste your time or money.

My address of Whoopi's point on teaching kids the F-Word
I recently started reading Whoopi's book and I want to address a stigma that I think has been taken a bit out of context; her chapter on teaching kids the "F" word.

I've heard several people complaining about Whoopi's book, saying things like, "Good Lord, what's wrong with her, she wants to teach kids the F-Word? What kind of monster is she?" Well, no, that's not actually true. The way I read it, it's more like she'd rather kids learn to say the F-Word versus learning to call people stupid or idiot. Granted, I think it'd be favorable that kids learn a value system that doesn't require either.

But regarding kids learning to call people Idiot or Stupid, I agree with her point. She expresses this differently than I do, but calling someone "Stupid" is a blatant personal attack that really does hurt most people, usually secretly, but hurtful nonetheless. Granted, the F-word is really quite versatile in its conventional usages and it's often thought of as somehow "bad". But in and of itself, the F-word has not yet become a word that, in itself, attacks another person's character.

I don't think Whoopi really wants to teach kids to say the F-Word. I simply think she's trying to express the toxicity associated with kids learning to all other people stupid or idiot. But Whoopi is a comedian, not a psychologist, or sociologist, or a seasoned book-writer; it's not really her place to explain `why' name-calling is toxic. But then, as adults, if we need that point explained, then we're hurting far worse then we can imagine!

Anywho, wishing everyone a beautiful day!

Peace, Love and Harmony,,, Shawn

With All Due Respect....
This is the name of the last chapter of this book.This chapter consists of three lines.I'm going to quote them.You can read them without ruining the rest of the book for you if you haven't read the chapters that come before.They say:

"These were just things on my mind and some ideas of ways I could be better.Maybe it helps you too.If not, pass this book on!"

This book is Whoopi's opinion on a whole range of what she perceives to be irritations.She knows that she isn't alone in her irritation.She doesn't say that you're wrong if you disagree.She does use humor, she is irreverent, and she is also serious in ALL of it.She doesn't come across as perfect in her own conduct, in fact, she states more than once that she most definitely isn't.She finds those things irritating in other people and in herself.She does not deny that she is guilty of the same things that she is complaining about.

I am a big Whoopi fan, and I could hear her saying these things in my head while I was reading them.The language that she writes is the language that you hear coming out of her mouth every day on TV etc.Whoopi addresses issues that happen and that we don't seem to notice anymore because they have become so commonplace, they've become a habit.She talks about things like cutting your toenails or picking your nose on the bus or train on the way to work.She doesn't like the word 'stupid' and yet doesn't have a problem with people using certain swear words, and why.How you can swear at someone without actually using the words aloud, just thinking them can have an effect.Things you could consider saying when you've been put on the spot and don't want to hurt someone other people's feelings.

I really enjoyed reading this book.I did find myself chuckling at what she says, how she phrases things, and the irony in some of her statements.This book uses events in her life as examples, and it is not her memoirs.If you are buying this book expecting to read only her comedy, expecting to laugh aloud, you'll be disappointed.If you asked me to describe this book in two words, I would say "humorous" and "thoughtful".

I thought it would be funnier
I like Whoopi so I was looking forward to reading about the things we all can't stand (i.e. sharing cell phone conversations) with a dose of Whoopi humor. As one other reviewer wrote "I wanted to laugh".This book could have been so much better with some humor.In my opinion, she's preaching to the choir here.The people that read this book are those who probably have noticed the same things and the people who don't read it are the ones we are talking about so they'll never get it nor read her suggestions.It just could have been so much better.

Unreadable
Though I am admittedly not a "fan" of Whoopie Goldberg (never found her that funny), I was looking forward to reading this book, regardless of who wrote it. I happen to love talking about pet peeves (in a usually-humorous and light-hearted way), so I was excited to see a book full of them. The excitement ended after word one.

The book is horrid. It's terribly written in a conversational style that I assume is supposed to mimic Goldberg's live personality and spoken demeanor. I felt as if her editor (was there one?) might have said "hey, Whoopi, why don't we change this paragraph to read..." and was shut down ("don't *touch* the way I wrote it, the people want to hear ME.") It comes off as narcissistic, rambling and repetitive, and without flow or organization. As some others have said, it's also ironically very rude and curmudgeonly.

But most importantly, it's not funny. I mean not even so much as a giggle. And I *wanted* to giggle... I was receptive to giggling. But I couldn't even force a quiet chuckle. It just got worse and worse, almost to the point of being incoherent. It also is full of factual errors, outdated socio/cultural/technological references and gross exaggerations used just to make a peeve sound more valid (people don't talk on cell phones during flights... they don't work at 35,000 feet). Overall tone is that of a grumpy person who is just "not with it."

Many of the premises are good and true and could have been used to great effect, but everything just falls on its face, chapter after chapter (and yes, I still read all of it, just hoping it would get better). With the right author, tone of voice and good editing, it could have been hilarious and relatable. Instead this book is now one of my pet peeves. Save your money. ... Read more

Product Description
Alexandrea Petrakova Johnson does not want to be a beautiful ballerina, and she does not want to leave her friends in Apple Creek.Unfortunately, that doesn't stop her ballet-crazy mother from moving them to Harlem, or from enrolling Al at the Nutcracker School of Ballet.

Life is hard when you're the new ballerina on the block, and it's even harder when you're chosen to be the Sugar Plum Fairy in the school recital!Not only is Al a terrible dancer, but she's also got a rotten case of stage fright!Al's ballet classmates are going to have to use all the plum power they've got to coach this scary fairy! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (27)

Super Series for a young girl
My 8yo daughter is in love with this series.It was suggested by our librarian and she has read the first two in only 10 days.She has a nice sense of accomplishment and loves the mystery in book two. To bad that there are only 3 books.She adores each character and reports back to me on their antics.I would recommend this book to a bored reader (like my daughter) who has read Harry Potter and is looking for a light, funny, fun, quick and quirky read.

I absolutely enjoyed this book.
I am teaching 2nd grade this year.I bought this book because I saw it at our book fair. I was a great read. My students now want to read it.

Dazed and confused
while the illustrations are wonderful, and the text is amusing, they simply don't match up for me.the lovely drawings are of little girls, so i assumed this book would work for youngsters of similar size.the wording, however, and subjects discussed, are way too sophisticated for little ones; and the drawings are too "babyish" for older girls.I found myself stuck with two Whoopi books that don't seem to work for my granddaughters young OR older.Confused about age appropriateness, and very disappointed.Cannot recommend.

Fun
I read this book with my 5 year old daughter. It was a fun easy read, her first chapter book. It had just enough pictures to keep her interested while at the same time introducing her to the way chapter books work. The characters were all very relatable, they even brought me back to younger days and all the struggles and feelings girls feel when growing up. We can't wait for the next installment to come out!

Pleasantly surprised
Finally a grammatically correct book for children!I love it.Well there are a few "gottas" but for the most part the writing is standard.I am always looking for books that use proper grammar.It is easier to teach that way!Oh and I loved the story too.It was a delight to read and the characters were fully developed and quite believable.Thanks! ... Read more

Product Description

 In her enthusiastically irreverent style, Whoopi schools kids on a bevy of oh-so-important manners like...courtesy words, cleaning up after oneself, covering one’s mouth, knocking, how (and how not) to interrupt, apologizing, table manners, cell phone use, rudeness at the movies, how to be a good sport, respectful things to do when visiting another country, and the all-too-crucial... When and when not to stick anything up one’s nose!

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TAGLINE: Terrel vs. Tiara

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Customer Reviews (5)

My little sugar plum is not ready for this one yet.
My daughter is not showing interest as one of her favorite books for me to read.I'll need to put this one on the bookshelf until further notice.

love these books
my daughter is ten she will be 11 soon.this is the 3rd book in the series and we think this is going to be her last, not because she doesn't like it but she's getting to old for the characters.these books are very well written and have story line the kids can relate to.my daughter looked sad when she said she thinks she's getting to old for it. Whoopi Goldberg only puts these out once or twice a year.so she has a while before the next comes out.we love these books.

Sugar Plum Ballerinas #3: Perfectly Prima
I really enjoyed this book.All three of the Sugar Plum Ballerina books are great!

Great Book
My daughter loves this book. She has the other books also, and loves them. She cannot wait for #4. Ms. Goldberg keep it coming..

Keep 'em coming!!!
Whoopy for Whoopie! Another winner! This series is so cute! Eack book focuses on one member in a tightly knit group of young girls who attend the same ballet school. This book's focus is Jerzey Mae, one of the triplets. I knew it was gonna be a fun book when her parents said Jerzey Mae's little brother (Mason) would have to go to ballet school with the triplets because they (their parents) had to work. There's alway a problem to solve, a little lesson in each book. This one shows help can come from the least expected places. I highly recommend this book as well as the others in the series. I can't wait for the next one!!

P.S. The kids loved it, too! ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (10)

Whoopy for Whoopie!!
Another winner in the series! I like the fact that some of the words are a little more challenging than some other children's books. My granddaughter had no trouble reading and understanding them (she was in first grade when she read first one). There may have been 2 words in each book she actually had to ask help for (didn't know meaning of word). I also love the fact that each book has a little moral in it and in this one it's the consequences of jealousy and lieing. Kudos to Miss Goldberg on creating a series kids and parents will love!!

Well written book, excellent plot, great for girls of all ages!
My 10-y-o daughter reads just about anything on her own but still enjoys being read to at night. Being an inquisitive girl, a ballerina, etc, this book appealed - to me as well! We were rapt a few chapters in, and stayed up to finish. Wish the authors would write more! The story was not only realistic, it offered a wonderful solution to the problem, discussed socialization issues (such as 'we all make mistakes') as well as just the fun things friends share. Thank you!

happy
was packaged well and came in time for my granddaughter to read and enjoy while we were traveling

WHOOPI'S NEW BOOK
Sugar Plum Ballerinas #2: Toeshoe Trouble
Granddaughter loves this book as much as the first.

Sugar Plum Ballerinas Part 2: Toeshoe Trouble
My 10 year old grandniece read it in one day because she was so interested.the same thing happened with sugar Plum Ballerinas #1.In my opinion, these books provide, not only good entertainment for kids, particularly girls, but also a good example.Honesty and a strong self-esteem permeates the two books. ... Read more

Product Description
Whoopi Goldberg speaks...'Here's where I'm supposed to say all kinds of hip, Whoopi-esque stuff to get you to buy the book...So this is when we seal the deal, when I tell you in my own inimitable way, how uproarious and provocative this book is, how OUT THERE, and cutting edge, and whatever else I can think of to throw into the mix. Or, I could say things like, 'Not since War and Peace...' or 'Move over Alice Walker...' Well come on now, if a book were all those things it would be a novel, and I wouldn't resort to such low tactics...So I'll give it you straight.' As befits the sassy, original entertainer, this is no ordinary autobiography filled with the boring details. Instead, Whoopi delivers twenty-five monologues with titles such as Fate, Trust, Home, Self, Cost, Race, Choice, Dick, Death and Dream. Under the chapter 'Wind' she reveals: 'A lot of people don't know this about me...but that's how I got my name, from my frequent farting. When I was in my 20s and diagnosed with ulcers, I was encouraged to fart up a storm, and my friends started calling me Whoopi. I was like a walking whoopee cushion, they said. It was an easy tag and the name stuck.' ... Read more

Customer Reviews (51)

classic Whoopi
A small book you can pick up and put down when ever you want. I thought it reminded me of her comedy tour routines.

Big Whoop
I enjoyed this "Book" very much, because like its author, it is original, clever, thought-out and at times even very funny. But it's not a joke book nor is it a biography. The best way to describe Whoop's book is "the wit, wisdom, whimsy and wizardry of the one and only Whoopi." (That's a lot of w's.) Although the book is very short (you'll probably finish it within 1 or 2 sittings) this reader got a definite impression of who Whoopi is and was and wants to be. "The Book" is always honest and always blatant and that's probably why so many love Whoopi. Sprinkled throughout the text are stories, anecdotes and other subtle attention grabbers. Over the last 3 decades Whoopi has been a great many things to a great many people. She has been a movie star, a stage actress, a radio DJ, a comedienne, a songstress, a humanitarian, a talk show host, a television star, an emcee, a catalyst, a lightening rod and a woman. Now she can add author to her never-ending list of hat-wearing responsibilities.

Got sick of it
Ok, I was into this book, I really was! Whoopi has a humorous point of view on a lot of different topics. I had to keep in mind that the book was written in 1998, but besides that it started out pretty good...then I kept reading, and reading, and reading the same thing over and over and over again.

I got a bit more than halfway through before getting really sick of her whining and complaining and just put the book down. If I want to hear whining I'll go tease my dog.

Whenever I need a laugh
I pick up this book and re- read the first chapter! I have never actually lol (laUGHED OUT LOUD) WHEN READING TO MYSELF UNTILL THIS BOOK CAME ALONG. wHOOP IS A FAVORITE OF MINE AND book IS A GREAT EXAMPLE OF WHY THIS COMEDIAN IS STILL POPULAR AFTER ALL THESE YEARS

I still havent made it all the way through this book- not a good sign- but that first chapter is worth the entire price of the book!

Great performer.
"THE IDEA OF eliminating the National Endowment for the Arts in this country sends a chill down my spine and a bug up my butt.As I write this, there's a proposal kicking around to cut the NEA budget down from an already-slashed $[...] million all the way down to $[...] million...."

I reeally love Whoopi Goldberg.

I was delighted to hear more from Whoopi and this book did not disappoint me.I loved hearing about her family experiences and Christmas was really great too, heart-warming and how she duplicates their own family's idiosyncrasies to the T each year. ... Read more

Product Description
This insightful biography traces the life and career of Whoopi Goldberg, exploring what makes her tick, how her irreverent and impressible persona gets her into trouble, why she is is such a workaholic, and how this unconventional actress has earned an unexpected reputation as a femme fatale photos, many in color. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

ok
Not too short and not too long. detailed and specific. it makes sense, informative, and entertaining.

I'd like to see another one.
I found Whoopi Goldberg's life to be interesting (dare I say even inspiring?).I commend this biography because it provides plenty of details and Parish backs up his factual account of her life with lots of quotes from Whoopi.But I was really annoyed by how often he mentioned he doesn't think she's good-looking.Also, he sometimes offers long descriptions of movies she herself didn't think much of, but then shorts others like The Long Walk Home.Passable, but there's room for another book or more about this remarkable woman we seem to know so much and so little about all at the same time. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (2)

NORTH SOUTH EAST AND WEST
MY GRANDDAUGHTER SAID IT WAS THE BEST BOOK SHE EVER READ SHE LOVED IT YOU GAVE NE A GREAT PRICE AND GOT IT HERE IN A GOOD TIME WILL USE YOU AGAIN THX

From the cover:
A fairy tale from Nepal, a creation story from Brazil, fables from Africa and Indonesia, and folktales from Greece and Cyprus -- these are just a few of the selections from this bountiful collection of stories drawn from the cultural heritage of more than twenty-five regions around the world.

Beautifully illustrated by Nicola Bayley with an introduction by Whoopi Goldberg. ... Read more

Product Description
Awakening on an empty bus with a mysterious key around her neck and a rabbit companion, urban girl Alice embarks on a fantastical adventure involving a magician, a live stone lion, and a witch. 75,000 first printing. $75,000 ad/promo. All ages. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

childhood memories
I enjoyed thisbook as a child.To me it encomposed my dreams:of being rich and having friends.I enjoyed Ms. Goldberg's spin on Alice in Wonderland. ... Read more

Product Description

Hey.Hey, you.Yeah, you.The one looking at the computer screen.I'm so glad you're reading about this.I wrote it and read it so you'd listen to it.

Now, here's where I'm supposed to say all kinds of hip, Whoopi-esque stuff to get you to buy this.Reading about this is just the first step.Buying it--that's a whole other contract.So this is when we seal the deal, when I tell you, in my own inimitable way, how uproarious and provocative this audiobook is, how out there, uncensored, cutting edge and whatever else I can think to throw into the mix.

Or, I could say things like, "Not since War and Peace. . . " or "Move over, Alice Walker. . . " or "This audiobook does for the spoken word what Pat Boone did for heavy metal. . . "Well, come on now.Let's face it, if this audiobook were all those things it'd be a novel, and I wouldn't resort to such low tactics.You'd just buy it and go home, or wait for someone to turn it into a movie.So I'll give it to you straight.This audiobook doesn't suck.

It'll make you laugh--maybe not out loud, but in that place deep down where you know a good joke when you hear one.It'll make you think--also not out loud, because, you know, that'd be a little strange.It may shock you.Hell, it might even get you to reconsider a few things, and consider a few others for the first time.

You can take this audiobook to bed, or to the beach, and it won't ask you to swallow, or rub lotion on its back.It doesn't cost a whole lot of money.And (best of all!) it's collectible.Buy a few--one to listen to and a couple more to set aside for your retirement, 'cause these suckers are gonna go up in value like nobody's business.Trust me on this.One to listen to, and a couple more to set aside.You won't be sorry.

And neither will I. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Mildly funny, but shockingly unfocused...
Whoopi Goldberg in her usual standup and movie routines is absolutely wonderful, so I was expecting big things from this audiobook.Perhaps my expectations were set a bit high.

Instead of the string of jokes I'd been expecting, a full 2/3rds of the book was devoted to Whoopi expounding on her political viewpoints.Despite the fact I usually agreed with her political views, her soapbox-ranting style left me wanting a more eloquent spokesperson for her position.Much of the time, she simply comes off as a less thoughtful Dennis Miller.

All of this would be bearable if she had some tiny shred of humility, but about the fourth time she assured me that she is, in fact, "a funny person," I was ready to toss the tape out the window.

One Great Book and Audio Tape By Whoopi Goldberg
I bought this because Whoopi is great , her ideas are great herjokes EVERY THING. I dont usally shop from the internet but hey! I thought this was worth it and it was. This tape got me laughin' it got me to think about stuff. Yeah there is language but who doesnt use the "F" word every now and then?This is a collectable and a definatly a MUST HAVE. So WHY ARE u still reading this? GO AND BUY IT!

An example of someone who "thinks too much."
Much like George Carlin, in "Audiobook," Goldberg manages to obsess -- sometimes to the point of shrieking -- over such issues as picky eating, men's grooming habits, favorite popes, Christmas, drivers from a certain Eastern state and politically correct language.If you don't like authors or comedians who can't let something drop, don't purchase either "Book" or "Audiobook."However, if you love a good, sustained rant -- that isn't directed towards you -- that seems to end in catharsis, do yourself a favor and get it.I'd definitely lean towards "Audiobook," because Goldberg gets her point across as perfectly as if she was onstage.

Yes, Whoopi does use "language," as she warns people at the beginning of the tape.If you didn't get the implication, it means that she uses profanity from time to time, saying the "s" word, the "f" word and a few others, too.She doesn't hold back, but says what she wants and expresses exasperation however she wants.If you want polite commentary on some of the same issues, there's always etiquette books.(Hey, Miss Manners is always amusing.)

Goldberg addresses her relationship with Ted Danson (mainly the minstrel decible), her premature status of grandmother, Clinton's extra-carricular activities as well as those of a few other recent presidents, discloses how she got her name and some stories from her childhood."Audiobook" is basically a series of essays about why she sees the world the way she does.

I don't always agree with her opinions.Some of her essays are more serious than funny.However, I did find this glimpse into her mind fascinating and engaging.It feels a little like hanging out in the back booth of a diner while an outspoken friend holds court, which is probably one of the best statements I can make about what is essentially an autobiography.

Whoopi G. was never an easy artist to experience.If you're not prepared to be uncomfortable or take issue with what she has to say, don't bother.She claimed to want this project to spark conversation between people and, like it or hate it, chances are you'll be talking about it for a while.

Don't listen while driving!
I bought this to listen to on my daily commute. I had to listen to it at home because I kept driving off the road from laughing so hard. Whoopi Goldberg is honest, funny and real. Book was hilarious, but this is so much better from her reading and adlibs. Find a copy and share!

not for kids
Whoopi is normally hilarious. But the language in this book really turned me off. People who use language (swearing) like that sound like common street trash. ... Read more

Product Description
Examines the life and career of the versatile actress and comedian who overcame a drug addiction and became the first black female Academy Award winner since 1939. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

an inspiring biographie
I read this book for a report for school last spring, and I really enjoyed it! This book gave me all the info I needed for the whole report! I was really inspired by this book beacuse of it's choice of words and how it helped me better understand Whoopi's life story. I did not find this book hard in any way, so it would be a good book for anyone from 9 years old up. ... Read more

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A biography of the single mother, former welfare recipient, and one-time drug addict whose determination helped her become a successful actress and television personality. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Whoopi!!
I read this book for my book report. I enjoy learning about famous people and their lives. This book told about Whoopi's life as a child and her struggle before becoming a star. ... Read more

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Profiles the life and career of the versatile Academy Award-winning actress and comedian. ... Read more

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The rise to fame and fortune of the former welfare mother is traced from her Oscar-winning performance in "Ghost" to the numerous "Comic Relief" specials and the impact of celebrity on her personal life. ... Read more

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Farewell Welfare is an example of how each of us cancontribute to the enpowerment of others.The description of myjourney, along with my two children, from domestic violence towelfare, welfare to school, from school to work, and finally tobusiness owner, public speaker, trainer and author,providesinformation and inspiration to other people who are on their way fromwelfare to self sufficiency.This book offers clarity about welfarerelated issues for people who also want to contribute but don't knowhow.It is a valuable tool for welfare recipients and for staffmembers working at organizations and agencies that serve welfareclients. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

very usefull tool
The story of Mary Waterhouse is one that many others can share and learn from. This book sheds light in many aspects of welfare, fromgovernment reform to personal tools on how to get off of welfare altogether. Istrongly recommend this book for anyone recieving welfare, or strugglingwith poverty on any level. It's also great info for people working ingoverment-welfare agencies.The empowering perspectives on life and guidencewithin this book can help anyone. I have already given away copies tofriends who have also highly complimented Mary's story. For the price thisstuff was given away.GREAT WORK Mary Waterhouse!Robert Crawford ... Read more