Product Description
As a modern excursion into the territory handled by animistic cultures where priests make mandalas in the sand and ritual dancers dance away spirits of illness, Ann Ulanov examines her own illness in the light of modern psychology. Her personal point of view in applying the symbolism of Jung's archetypes to these attacks is refreshing in its individualization of the analysis and serves as an example of psychology in practice. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

important book
Attacked by Poison Ivy is the most important book I have read this year.Ulanov confirms the appropriateness of viewing body symptoms as messages from the unconscious.Her self-analysis of her affliction by poison ivy is a demonstration that analysis relieves suffering. I was especially interested in this book because of my dawning realization earlier this year that respiratory ailments, with fits of coughing, have brought the message that there is something stuck in my throat, metaphorically speaking, something that needs to be said but is unsayable.This book will surely speak to anyone who is learning to hear the messages of the unconscious that come through the body.

Insightful and beautifully written
Jungian analyst Ann Ulanov's latest book springs from a question posed to her by an analysand curious about the author's repetitive bouts of poison ivy. "Himself an analyst," she writes, "he wondered if I had ever asked myself what my attacks of poison ivy meant. His question struck me like a wooden mallet on my forehead. I was stunned." Such disquietude at the question, "the startling realization that the question of the psychological and spiritual meaning of this annual physical suffering had never risen to consciousness," begins this insightful and beautifully written account of the author's decade-long journey to uncover the psychogenic origin of, and find meaning and healing from, fifty years of suffering from chronic poison ivy allergy.

By raising the possibility that poison ivy, a noisome contact allergy,can also be located within psychosomatic phenomena, the author's premis is straightforward: the psyche will often make use of the body in the form of such repetitive poison ivy outbreaks to communicate dissociated emotional experiences that transcend ego awareness. Dialoging with such luminaries as Winnicott, Bion, and Jung, and piecing together a poignant narrative of familial and personal neglect - coupled with growing awareness of her own kinship with the poison ivy plant itself, a plant that "blooms in neglect, that is never cared for except to exterminate it," - Ann Ulanov renders bare her own process of discovering and integrating the dissociated, "unmirrored" experiences of her life that had lived itself over and again through painful bodily paroxysms. This was a process, she explains,of rescuing into thought and feeling "what I did not know I had known,but what had known me." Simply put, "what was entombed in repetitive suffering becomes released into living, and the body is right in the center of it."

Those familiar with Ann Ulanov's other books will immediately recognize and appreciate her clarity and ease of expression, as well as her theological thoughtfulness. There is much to chew on here, especially that which concerns the nature of somatic consciousness and the psychological meaning of physical symptoms. Following her own example, Attacked By Poison Ivy is a call to enter into conversation with the deeper parts of ourselves, "the mute parts, the left-out parts," those parts which, like poison ivy, are often untended and rejected. This is work initiated by analysis, and continued through our own dialoging with dreams and imagination, in a way that is profoundly spiritual. We do this, the author writes, in order to build up a sturdiness to receive in ourselves what has been there from the beginning. This work, writes Ulanov, "lies in learning how to take what is offered, to receive what is given, to correspond with luminous grace."

Brian T. Peterson, New York City

The importance of containment and witnessing
As one might suppose there is more meaning in the title of this book than meets the eye.However, the very real suffering caused by the ever changing ivy plant is not negated or over looked to merely make a psychological point.Ulanov gives careful attention to the physical reality of somatic illnesses while offering up the idea that perhaps it is possible to learn more about our selves and the Ultimate through such illnesses.
Ulanov begins her book by tying together two events in her life.The first is a serious attack of poison ivy at the age of 50.The second is the worst attack of poison ivy she has ever suffered in her life at the age of 10.Making a connection between these two points in time lays the foundation for the book.These two attacks are interwoven throughout the book as Ulanov reveals that both are signals from her body that something needs to be acknowledged and expressed which is being denied.For Ulanov this `unthinkable thought' (to quote both Ulanov and Bion) is the level of sadness, which permeated her family life as a child and the benign neglect that accompanied that sadness.
This book is not a book about blaming one's family of origin but rather one of hope in which Ulanov, at the inquiry of a client, brings into consciousness the body's ability to absorb content from our living environment and then manifest it in such a way that we can learn about ourselves and the Divine.Although Ulanov never clearly states this idea it becomes clear to the reader that the body, much like Kohut's image of the mother or therapist as mother, takes in that which is offered by the environment that the conscious mind is unable to manage, contains it, metabolizes it and offers it back to the conscious mind in another manner so that it can be tolerated and integrated into conscious knowing.This is the lesson of poison ivy.
Ulanov underscores out the importance of witnessing.She refers to, not only the witnessing done within the therapeutic relationship, but also, the witnessing we must each do for our selves.She makes the point that her late husband, Barry, brought a sense of `realness' to her suffering when her pain powerfully moved him.This witness to the condition of physical pain opened up the possibility for Ulanov to explore the emotional pain, which was being manifested in the hard but weeping skin created by poison ivy.Having become her own witness to her personal pain and her family's pain she then realizes that the Self, which mediates the Divine, is also witnessing her.
Ulanov candidly illustrates how a child can grow up and visit on itself the same benign neglect that it experiences as a child. She admits to the reader that she has not always taken the proper precautions when she is about to engage the poison ivy plant even though she is aware of its effects on her body. She argues eloquently that the skin represents the act of containment and protection.Thus, disorders of the skin can point to our feelings about our own ability to contain things or manifest our understanding of the holding/containment we have been offered in our lifetime.She argues that there is much that our bodies try to communicate to us and urges the reader to listen.It is in the listening, she proposes, and the acknowledging that we find liberation not only from the physical symptoms but also our emotional and spiritual wounds.
Ulanov draws heavily on the works of Jung and Bion for understanding of the body-mind connection.She easily integrates the Indian understandings of chakras with various ancient traditions about snakes and the meaning of the shedding of skin.She also weaves in an understanding of bathing as a ritual of purity and returning to the warm, bath-like fluid and containment of the mother's womb.Most importantly, Ulanov offers herself as an example of how healing can occur when that which is negated and denied is finally acknowledged, named, and integrated into our conscious history. Since she began this journey to greater self- knowledge at the age of 50 (she is now in her early 60's) she has had several minor attacks but only one major attack which came shortly after the death of her husband Barry.She attributes this attack to her grief over losing the containment and nurture, which their relationship provided.She claims that the truth of what she has said about her family's sadness and the power of denial was made evident as she was writing this book.She would suffer minor outbreaks of poison ivy as she wrestled with expressing the sadness of unmet dependency needs.She encourages the reader to make the journey personally while warning it will not be an easy one.The reward will be the ability to live life more fully. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (9)

Awesome Multiple Viewpoints
Ivy has been taunted ruthlessly by three popular girls since fourth grade.When the Government class teacher holds a mock trial to teach about our court system and a suit is filed against the bullies, it seems Ivy might finally be left alone.

This outstanding book by author Amy Goldman Koss takes an unflinching look at peer pressure and the fear that drives/propels it.Told in eight believable and memorable points of view, readers glimpse the individual motives and how they all play into the end result.
-- Reviewed by Michelle Delisle

It's alright
Poison Ivy is a decent book. Not great, not bad. Just decent. There were a total of eight narrators; a few too many for my liking. While it was interesting and entertaining to see things from so many different perspectives, many of the narrators didn't add much to the story. They just provided a different way to give information. Some of the characters were kind of stereotyped: there was the mean girl with the two sidekicks, the quiet, smart girl, and the overeager teacher; while some were original: the wannabe lawyer and the goodhearted guy who actually has trouble making up his mind. The book also could've benefited from being longer; it was very short, and the ending, while unexpected, felt like it needed just a little something more. Poison Ivy is one of those books that you should read if you're interested, but otherwise, you don't need to seek it out.

Courtesy of Teens Read Too
Gold Star Award Winner!

Ivy has been teased and bullied every day since the fourth grade by three very popular girls at school.

Ms. Gold wants to have a mock trial in her government class.She decides that Ivy should sue the evil three.

All Ivy wants is an apology and to be left alone.

Told through eight different voices, this book is about the trial.Not only is Ivy a victim, but we also are told the story of Daria, the painfully shy student who ends up representing Ivy in the trial even though she doesn't want to.

What I had a hard time with was the indifference of the bystanders, those who see the abuse every day but decide they can't or won't do anything about it.I also had a hard time with the teacher, who delights in seeing her students squirm.

But I believe that bullies need to be stood up to - and not only by the victim, but by all of society.This illustrates the fact that when kids see bullying done to others they also need to stand up for what is right and not let them get away with it.

POISON IVY, I believe, is an important book which should be read in junior high and discussed in classrooms across the United States.

Reviewed by:Marta Morrison

Verbal abuse on trial
As I read this book, I felt a variety of emotions including anger, frustration, and sadness.The subject of bullying is one that can easily raise all these emotions and Amy Goldman Koss does an outstanding job of bringing them out.
Ms. Gold wants to hold a mock trial in her government class and she convinces Ivy (aka Poison Ivy) to bring suit against the three girls who gave her the nickname and have been bullying her for years.Lawyers and a jury are selected and the case goes to trial.Koss tells the story with first person narratives from eight of the main characters in the story which really helps the reader feel what the characters are feeling.
The idea of a mock trial might have been a good one but how well can it work when Ivy's lawyer is painfully shy, witnesses openly lie and get away with it and the teacher seems oblivious to all that and more! How can justice prevail in a process so flawed?!
This is not a book that I can say I "enjoyed" (it's too serious a topic for that) but I was touched by the story and impressed with the way Koss brought the subjects of bullying, peer pressure, popularity, and fairness to life.Anyone who has been bullied, done the bullying, or witnessed a bully in action can benefit from reading this book.It would make a great tool for class discussions on the subject!

Authentic Look at High School (Unfortunately)
Oh wow!I just finished reading Poison Ivy by Amy Goldman Koss.It tells the story of a teenager, Ivy, who puts her bullies, the Anns,on trial.It isn't a real trial, but a mock trial in their student government class.Through this trial, all the truths of high school life are revealed.The story is comprised of the different points of view of the key players.Through these characters, we come to understand the class system of high school and the cruelties that lie within.



This book was so interesting and it was also very painful to read.I knew the outcome of the book before I read it.I knew the outcome because I have lived through high school.I know how it works.I was thankfully never in Ivy's position but neither was I in Ann's position.I didn't rule the school, not even close.I was content to have a few close friends and just make it through unscathed.This book shines a spotlight on the cruelties that teens have to go through.I have no doubt that there are hundreds of thousands of Ivies living through high school right now.


I was just immediately taken in by this book.It wouldn't have worked as well as a straightforward narrative.I love how each character has his/her say.All were frustrating, even Ivy herself.It just shows that not everything in this world is cut and dry.This is a thinking book, one that I definitely recommend.The voices are authentic.I have known each of those characters in my life.If you are in high school right now, please read this book.It might change your whole perspective and maybe even your life.Thank you Amy Goldman Koss for writing such an important book.


... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Pamela Eisley Rules
One of the best books ever published focusing on Poison Ivy (aka Pamela Eisley), one of the greatest characters in the Batman corner of the DC Universe.Ivy has never been really evil like The Joker or Mr. Zsasz, not even close, but she was at one point a villain, albeit a sympathetic one.This is one of the comics that captures her right at the period of her evolution when she was changing into something more - not a superhero: she'll never be part of The Justice League or anything, nor would she have any interest in it - but she can't be classed as just one of the 'bad guys' anymore.This book shows her passion for her causes and her compassion - for the plant kingdom, for her plant-animal hybrids, even for humanity, as we see in the first few pages with the interaction between Ivy and the young Nicarauguan girl.

Although, ironically, as she becomes less of a villain and more of a crusader herself, this puts her more and more into conflict with human society than she ever was as a 'costumed criminal' robbing Gotham's wealthy elite.She despises the corporate 'slash-and-burn' mentality and the world governments that condone it.She is particularly protective of plants, who seems to feel are sentient and communicate with her.Now, does this make her crazy?Or is she right, or is the truth somewhere in between?I don't think DC's ever definitively said, and hopefully it never will.Some questions are better left to interpretation and ponderings.But one certainly knows where she's coming from.

For double irony, as she's becoming less of a villain but more into conflict with human society as a whole, she's also becoming more of a benefactor of and champion of humanity itself.There's the aforementioned scene with the Nicarauguan girl (which I won't elaborate on to avoid any spoilers); see also her role in the year-long "Batman: No Man's Land" saga - most of which is available in the trade paperbacks here on Amazon, I believe - and her related appearances in "Detective Comics" #s 751 and 752, just for starters.

I don't mean to ignore Batman, who's depicted great in here, as he generally is, but Batman gets a chance to shine in hundreds and hundreds of issues of various titles; it's okay that here he's not even a co-star but a supporting player to Ivy.This is Ivy's spotlight all the way through, and is the story of the actions she takes after the violence-free tropical utopia she's created from dust is annihilated by some of the poorer examples of the human race.

An Incredibly Realistic Work of Fiction
If you're a comic fan, you probably love Batman.If you are a comic-art fan, you probably have heard of Brian Apthorp.But if your a fan of incredibley well written books, I bet you have never heard of this special.It came out to promote the last Batman movie, and was just a marketing gimmik.It turned out to be an extemely human comic book, though.This graphic novel shows the reason why the villianess Poisen Ivy acts upon her love for plants, and it's more simple than you think.Poisen Ivy and Batman seem very alike, and really just want to preserve life. After haveing her private island firebombed, Ivy snaps, and goes looking for who did it.Batman must find her, and finds out that Ivy doesn't want to commit crimes, she just wants to be left alone.But when people don't respect the earth, she doesn't respect people.Truley a powerful book.Recommended to everyone from the casual reader to the biggest fan.At only five dollars, it's a steal. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (2)

fine reading for the family , a moust have book .
i really like the book i got .it showed and told me thing i never will for get . only thing is i was not able too fined any of it any where . every one says bad thing,s about it ? i don,t know if half of what they say is true , but they should ! some folks can really have a bad rash from this .i never did as a child .but now that i,am older and my kids are growen up and away i would like very much to find a smallplant of the poision oak and put it in a planter to look at .i think it,s real neat to look at and is a pretty plant .but then again i like the rattle snake and skunks and even some presidentes but not this one ! well thank you for the news on both plant,s .now i have to go because i,am on a quest to find some ! been looking for months with out luck .sure is a wounder how any one gets it on them , when i been looking every where and not found any ? good by . from wess

Not very useful.
I don't like writing negative reviews of books, but I learned nothing from this book that I could not have discovered in a brief internet search.Other reviewers writing about earlier editions of this book have given more favorable reviews here at amazon.These earlier titles are:

Nature's Revenge: The Secrets of Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, Poison Sumac, and Their Remedies

Outwitting Poison Ivy ... Read more

Product Description

When Nancy picks flowers for Ms. Glass's surprise party, she is overjoyed—until she discovers an unpleasant surprise of her own! How could Nancy, practically a poison ivy expert, come down with something so unfancy?

Customer Reviews (10)

My 4 yr old loves Fancy Nancy
The Fancy Nancy books have great stories, lessons, and "fancy" vocabulary my daughter can't get enough of.

Love the book
We are fancy nancy lovers and this is another cute little book that is a great I can read addition.

Not a bad series
I read the original Fancy Nancy book to my nieces, and, at the time, thought that the effect of Nancy stopping every other word to explain that "That's a fancy word for so-and-so" was a little annoying. Having now read several of the early readers, I can honestly say that it is MUCH less annoying when you're not the one reading the book aloud!

My niece (who is six and entering the first grade in a week!) found this book easy enough to read with only a little help from me. Help largely consisted of asking her to sound out a word a second time, asking her if the sentence "makes sense" the way she read it, or asking if she's SURE she saw a d (or b, or w) in that word. There were a few words I had to read *for* her, but not more than I'd expect from this style of book. However, it should be noted that she was one of the better readers in her kindergarten class.

The "fancy words" in this book range from the useful - fascinating, miserable - to the more unusual - bouquet, merci, conceal.

It is true, as anothe reviewer stated, that these early readers are less "fancy" than the hardcovers. However, I don't see this as a problem for two reason: First, it's really hard to keep drawing plots out of the conflict between fancy and not fancy, and second because it's nice to read about a girl who likes being fancy but who is otherwise just a kid! If all she did was sit around and be fancy, I wouldn't buy any of these books, no matter HOW educational they are.

I will also note that there are an awful lot of sentences on each page. This is a good book for kids in the later stage of "beginning readers", I think, not in the very early stage.

One of My Favorite Fancy Nancy Titles
With a young daughter named Nancy, I never pass up a chance to get the newest Fancy Nancy books.Fortunately, the Ms. O'Connor has produced a series of wonderfully fun books that both my daughter and I enjoy.Of course, even the best books vary in quality.Luckily, this is one of my favorites.

Some of that may come from the fact that I got poison ivy every single year when I was a kid.And it was not because I wasn't knowledgeable about it.I'm just very sensitive to it.So, I can sympathize with what Nancy goes through here.And I do appreciate the lesson it teaches.Especially since I like to take my kids camping.My Nancy will appreciate this one a lot someday, I think.

a favorite
My granddaughter (5) loves the Fancy Nancy books---and they are learning vocabulary as they are entertained ... Read more

Product Description
Nine-year-old Martin has a busy year in the fourth grade as he tries to find his own identity both at school and among his large and busy family. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

This book is a great to read for everyone.
I think Poison Ivy And Eyebrow Wigs is a great book to read for everybody.I got my evidence that this is just a great book for people to read from the Internet and Library.The story is about a boy that tries to make itin the fourth grade.He wants to be with the cool pack of kids.Peopleare always talking about his bushy eyebrows and one day he decided to tremthem.After he cut them they were messed up with bold spots.This storyhas some very funny situations.I love this book because it is funny , ithas a lot of different kids of characters , and I think it is well-pacedbut the story still goes fast.If you read this book you would havetrouble putting it down and to stop laughing.

This book is veryhilarious !!!One of the most funny parts is when the main characterMartin shaves his eyebrows because they are to bushy.He ends up with boldspotted uneven cut eyebrows and he glues some hair on the top of hiseyebrows to patch up his mistake.I couldn't stop laughing.One readercalled this book "hilarious".As you know I relay stand by that idea.

This book has a lot of different kinds of characterization.There are alot of point of views from different characters.One reader said it hasdozens of different people.It has a lot of different personalities in it. They have the kind of kids that want to run around with the cool pack. They have the joker kids that do not relay care about any thing.They alsohave the smart geky kids that don't care to be cool.

I also think thebook is good because it goes at a good pace.The book doesn't rush throwthe story and leave out details.It also doesn't go throw the book slowlyand puts you to sleep.That is why I think this book is well-paced.Onereader said "This well-paced , fast-moving story includes some incidents oftypical sibling rivalry and is told with sympathetic humor."I agree oneverything this reader said.Yes this book has incidents of typicalsibling rivalry.The kid has the same problems of an every day kid.Kidscould really relate to this book.

Some people think the plot is tosuperficial.The kid goes out of his way to be with the cool kids.Ittries to be a deep story and a funny at the same time.One reader said theplot was very superficial.I think the plot was not superficial , I thinkit was a very true plot.It also told a lot about what kids have to gothrow these days.The book was not very original because it has the sameplot as many other books. One reader said this book is not original. Ithink this book doesn't use a new plot but it takes this kind of plot to anew level by adding humor.In this story they have quick deftcharacterization of a dozen of different people.Even though they havethey quick characterizations of different people if the try to focus oneach person in this story we wouldn't have a main character.

These areall my opinions on this book , and I relay think this book is great.Thesewere my reasons for liking this book it was funny , it has a lot ofcharacterization ,and it is very well-paced.I think reading is a big partof life.If we didn't read were would that fun imaginative side of us go. Parents need to influence their kids to read and stop watching all that TV.and listening to music.If they read this book I'm sure they would get into reading because this book will relate to their every day life and a makethem read.This is a great book to get your children reading.If youdidn't read this book your life must be dull. ... Read more

Product Description
Ivy Davidson's life has been filled with opportunities to make choices. When her father was brutally murdered and she was forced to watch, she had a choice. Facing years of abuse at the hands of those she trusted, she had a choice. When she was forced to live apart from the only source of love that she has ever known, she had a choice. Now Ivy stands alone at the crossroads of life staring into the eyes of the man that holds her final choice of life or death in his hands.

Follow Ivy as she walks through life trying to put together the pieces of her broken past. Will a life of drug abuse and prostitution destroy the life of this beautiful black diamond, or will her sordid life only serve to make her stronger? Choices. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

Man
This book was just too much for me. I had to skip some parts cuz it just threw me off.

Good look Travis
This book does not consist of spinning rims, kingpins, or the bling. Its one of the few in the mainstream that goes against industry standards. Travis did not dumb it down. Please have a clear mind and patiences when reading this novel especially towards the end, you will be very amazed if you do. With that said:

Poison Ivy most definitely took me through an emotional rollercoaster, from start to finish. There was never a dull moment in this novel, you dont believe me!? Then see for yourself! "This book is not based around spinning rims, kingpins, or the luxury life." With so much pain this character goes through in the book, you will be questioning yourself is this possible? Travis did a phenomenal job, he went above and beyond...his writing style & perspective is awesom.

Horrible
this book was awful, I hated that I purchased this book, very disappointed. first of all I expected a better ending, second of all half of the time I didn't know what the character ivy/eve was talking about I was completely confused.. Of course I don't want to tell the book because it will ruin it for whoever dear to purchase this book.. the reason why I read it is because I already paid for it so I may as well read it.. to the author travis fox for future references if you are going to write a book like this please have a better ending or moral to the story.. thumbs down to this book, this is my first book I have read by this author I am almost scared to purchase anything else this author wrote.

Finally a change is pace
Poison Ivy is a story about a young girl Ivy Davidson who went through more struggles and abuse than most people would believe. At the young age of ten not only was Ivy burdened to keep a painful secret but she also witnessed her father brutally killed in front her. With only her mom around Ivy clung to her, yearning for her love but her mom had her own demons to deal with. Not only was she left a widow but also now she must become the breadwinner of the house. Tragedy strikes again and Ivy is left alone in the world. Forced into prostitution by a man who becomes a permanent figure in her life. Ivy only has one person she can turn to Black Pearl.
Travis Fox gives writing is a breath of fresh air. This novel is not your normal urban fiction. Its packed with gritty and uncensored scenes that for some will be a hard to swallow but for others this will be a book you will not be able to put down. Ivy's life was a filled with many tragedies but it tales you every ending aint a happily ever after!

A Hard Way to Exist
Ivy Davidson lives with her parents in the Huntington Park of Philadelphia.To onlookers, it may appear that they have a very good life.However, that's the furthest thing from the truth.

Drowning in a sorrowful sea, Ivy was terrorized as early as age five.Frightened of losing God's love, Ivy's sick father used that in order to trick his baby girl out of her innocence.

Unable to feel love and happiness like others, Ivy's only comfort came via heroine.All Ivy ever wanted was love, to live, go to prom and graduate.Instead she was misled, misguided, assaulted, raped and hated.

Continuously defiled, poor little Ivy never really grew up and suffers with trying to pave a way out of nothing.Will there ever be a change in Ivy's circumstance, or is she destined to be a forsaken soul?

Poison Ivy is a very difficult book to read as it deals with molestation.Though I felt like Travis Vp Fox started the book with promise, he completely lost me.Although I was able to complete the book, I am left wondering if Ivy was a schizophrenic, who began to hallucinate, or if she had alter personalities.It's unclear about what was and wasn't real and how much time had honestly passed.While I didn't find Poison Ivy insufferable, I do see room for improvements.

Reviewed by: Crystal
... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A great, ghostly pick
These fun, unobtrusive, not-so-spooky Halloween-type poems in sketchy formats with matching wonderful, humorous illustrations are sure to captivate the interest of any child.Try reading this one around a campfire for shivers of delight. ... Read more

Product Description
Outwitting Poison Ivy is a factual and sometimes humorouslook at some of the most irksome weeds in the woods. It identifiespoison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac, and enables anyone toidentify these plants accurately in the field with detailed drawingsand photographs.

In addition, Hauser addresses: the lore and history of poison ivy,poison oak, and poison sumac; useful and dangerous folk remedies; howto prevent exposure to poisonous plants; how to treat the effects ofpoison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac after exposure; how poisonousplants spread; how they may be eradicated.

Outwitting Poison Ivy concludes with the latest information ontreatment, prevention, and research. It is perfect for parents,gardeners, hikers, bikers, and is a worthy addition to any medicinecabinet. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

bad looking book to start with !
IT,S MOST LIKELY A GOOD BOOK . I,LL NEVER REALLY KNOW BECAUSE AMMZON SENT ME A USED ONE ! I DON,T REMEMBER ASKING THEM FOR OONE ? BUT IF THEY SAID I DID ,THEN SO BE IT .BUT YOU,LL HAVE TO ASK SOME ONE ELSE ABOUT IT .MY BOOK WAS TOR UP .. TAPED UP BIG TIME . PLASTIC WRAP HOLDEN IT TOGETHER ! IT WAS NOT GOOD .I WON,T BE BUYING ANY MORE BOOK REAL SOON FROM THEM BECAUSE OF THIS ! I REALLY DON,T REMEMBER ORDERING TRASH TO READ AND SOME PAGES MISSING I THINK ? SO CAN,T GIVE YOU MY WORD ON THIS ONE .ASK THEM MAYBE THEY HAVE A GOOD ONE THEY MIGHT SELL YA .I JUST DON,T KNOW .OK BY NOW FROM WESS

Itch...........
Ok so I'll admit that what attracted me to this book was the fact that I am a Poison Ivy survivor.Anyone who has lived through the two to three week nightmare of poison ivy will agree that for the rest of your life a certain amount of fear lives in your psyche, of ever becoming infected again.So that was what prompted me to pick the book up.It was an interesting read, including the little personal stories related by other suffers.I will however say that this book had nothing new to offer short of perhaps, that certain toilet seats made in China could give you a case of Ivy rash as they are lacquered with a plant which is similar in make up to Poison Ivy.Good luck if you have the rash, I myself recommend spending a lot of time sitting in a hot tub, or if you can swimming in the ocean, since those are the only two things that seemed to give me any relief.Oh and keep telling yourself it will only last three weeks.

Great book on Poison Ivy
Informative, well written and easy to read book on poison ivy.Includes stories of other's experiences with poison ivy and the treatments they had to endure in the past. It is one of those books that you'll have to read sections out loud to others around you.

Easy To Use, Easy To Understand
If you don't known much about the trio of poisonous plants, this book is a good place to start. It has a satisfying amount of information for identifying poison ivy, oak or sumac, where they are most likely to be found, plus scientific background and history. Then it provides guidelines for classifying your sensitivity and what to expect in a reaction, as well as ideas for remedies and prevention. Also included are stories from other poison ivy sufferers so the book does tend to repeat itself when discussing how the common myths are misleading. But because it has decent photos for quick identification; handy charts for finding desired info fast and basic tips for avoidance, makes this book a good reference to have on hand. Not to mention that it's size makes it an easy one to pack with your gear for extended trips into the backwoods.

Prevention is the best way to outwit the effects of poison ivy and this book will inform you on all you need to know. {After reading, I couldn't help but notice that the cover image is inadequate, because the poisonous plants described have white berries, not red.}

Debunking the myth of Poison Ivy
A concise, informative book debunking the myths of the dreaded poison ivy.While no miracle cures were given, practical information was presented dealing with avoiding, treating,and understanding the plant and its effects on people.I reccomend this book to anyone who enjoys the outdoors! ... Read more

Product Description
Informative guide for children and adults, with history,a bibliography, fine drawings of plants and creatures. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

DISAPPOINTED
NEEDED SOME PHOTOGRAPHS. I STILL COULDN'T DEFINITELY IDENTIFY POISON IVY, OAK OR SUMMAC. BUT I DID KNOW I HAD FOUND IT WHEN I BROKE OUT.

This is NO Field Guide, pictues are poor
I was looking for a book to help identify the different poison ivy, oak,and sumac, against the "lookalikes" like the desciptionindicates.This book was written for a 10 year old with NO color pictures,and the pictures are nothing more than poor hand drawn sketches.Not atall a "Field Guide".

essential guide for children and adults
This is an essential guide to poison ivy, oak and sumac and their lookalikes prevalent from East to West Coast, with cautionary tales which we can relate to, important information on increasing toxicity with each new contact, & illustrations helpful in distinguishing leaf types atall seasons. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Fun reading for second grade transitioning to third grade
Stone Arch Books has put out a lot of these little books featuring familiar comic book superheroes.Like others from this publisher, "Poison Ivy's Deadly Garden" is about 50 pages, about ten of which are full color pictures.Full-text pages have about 125 words in a kid-friendly font size.It's organized into five chapters.If your kid loves the superheroes and is around late second to early third grade reading level (the back cover of the book says "RL: 3.8 Guided Reading Level: M", and the website identifies "M" as late second or transitional third grade), then this book and others in the Stone Arch Batman and Superman series could be just the ticket to propel him happily into better reading skills. ... Read more

Product Description
Legends of the Dark Knight Number 43 (Hot house Part 2 featuring Poison Ivy)ASIN: B002K8UV4KTitle: Legends of the Dark Knight Number 43Binding: ComicPublication date: 1993 ... Read more

Product Description
At 24, Ivy Morris has never lived outside her father's home and in fact sleeps in the same room her mom decorated over a decade ago. Until she gets a letter with the words "your inheritance" offering her a home and a costume shop of her own 3000 miles away.

But when she arrives to assume her new life she is bombarded by a slew of people looking for the perfect dominatrix or disturbingly tight wrestler costume for the upcoming Harvest Ball. Between overpowering biddies and stolen lingerie from the worst-kept secret side business, things get even more complicated when a woman is murdered at the ball--a woman wearing the same costume as Ivy.

With the help of her new friends and a cute guy trying to rev up his journalism career with this mystery, and revving up her heart in the process, she must solve the murder before someone succeeds in their quest to POISON IVY. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Amazed at the prior reviews and......
wonder exactly what promoted such high ratings.Also, I guess I'm annoyed that this was in my recommendations and should have become wary when I was unable to find this author at my local library! I took that as a challenge, looked in the local bookstores to no avail and then played the game of finding the best price---and so ended up with not one but two of Ms. Simon's titles--DUH on me...But I won't let that happen again.

So now I will pass on why I only gave this title one star, besides all of the above.I did not like the main character as she wandered somewhere between a very, very young 24-year old and an older experienced business person. She was totally annoying with her pending lover, her family situation with DAD, and her looks. Although I did giggle a time or two, I was too overwhelmed by the complete lack of mystery (albeit there WAS a murder and yet, there was no excitement) in turning the page as the murder was a miniscule plot line at best.At worst, the reader would have to be rather slow on the uptake not to have known the ending (which I couldn't wait to get to so as to give this away).So sad that I have the next book, which will leave my house unread, but I can laugh at myself for believing reviews...I think I'll have to adjust my thinking and if an author is not allowed thru the library doors, or even bookstore doorways, I'll just leave well enough alone...

WonderfullyLight and Hilarious
Have you ever agonized over what you should have, could have, would have said at those times when your speech just seemed to dry up and disappear?In your mind, have you prepared all the right come backs and congratulated yourself on your witty sarcasm after the fact?Meet Ivy Morris - proprietress and budding sleuth, and definitely not your run-of-the-mill size two heroine. She is a modern, flawed, insecure, funny gal trying to run a business inherited from her great aunt, solve a mystery and get her man all at the same time.

A cross between a train wreak waiting to happen and a plus-size wonder woman, you cannot help but smile at Ivy's antics and adventures.The first in a series of three Ivy Morris mysteries, "Poison Ivy" is perfect for a fun, light read with a heroine who does not take herself too seriously.Readers will find themselves connecting with and laughing at the "every woman" inside of them.If you're looking for a pick-me-up on one of those hum-drum kind of days, author Misty Simon's witty repertoire is sure to delight.

BBW or not you'll love this book
Ivy must move to Marth's Point Virginia to claim her inherited costume shop and the home Aunt Gertie left her in the will. Ivy would be completely surprised to find out that costumes were not the only things sold in The Masked Shoppe.

Along her journey of proprietress, Ivy meets a good friend who pulls her out of her brown fashion stylings, a hunky man that she can't seem to get off of her mind, and an old bitty that is sour because the shoppe was not left to her.

After Ivy's underwear was stolen and a murder was committed at the Halloween Ball. Ivy decided to do a little investigating on her own. Although Ben Fallon would not have her slinking around getting into trouble so they formed a partnership; which by the way would have gotten really steamy if things didn't keep interrupting them.

In the end all seems to have worked out....but who wanted revenge so badly on Ivy that they would go so far as to poison her? You'll just have to pick up a copy for yourself to find out.

Ms. Simon has written a humorous story that will keep you guessing. The characters personalities were very likable, and I thought this book was very smooth to read. I only wished there were more drama; like more threats to Ivy. It seemed like the person wanted her gone but never really did anything to threaten her much besides a robbery and a couple of phone calls. Ms. Simon gets 4 hearts for Poison Ivy, I can't wait to read the next book to see what kind of trouble Ivy gets herself into.

Great new plus size sleuth
Ivy Morris inherits her great aunt's house and business.She is thrilled as she was still living with her father in the room her mother decorated over a decade ago.

She is quite surprised when she arrives at her new business.It's not only a costume shop.Plus the assistant doesn't seem too pleased to have her there.Ivy's not used to being assertive and finds it difficult dealing with her.But with the Harvest Ball looming so close, she needs the help.So, she puts up with her planning to talk to her later.

Ivy decides to try to solve the mystery of the missing lingerie from the side business, but is soon sidetracked when her new friend is found murdered at the ball.Ivy had just given her a matching costume to hers right before the ball.Who could have murdered such a nice woman?

Ivy's new friend Bella, and Ben, a local journalist and probably the hottest single male in town, help Ivy try to uncover the killer without being the next victims.There are some hot scenes with Ivy and Ben that almost distract them from their quest.

I thoroughly loved this book.I can't wait to read the next in the series.Ivy is such a hoot!Misty has such a wonderful way of telling a story through Ivy's eyes.I feel as if I know her.I found myself laughing out loud quite often while reading this book.I also found it difficult to put down and read it in 1 day.

I highly recommend this book.

Love Poison Ivy
Ivy lived in Southern California all her life and had never left her parents home, and when her mother died, she cared for her father.Her sister's Daisy, Rose and Magnolia had long since flown the nest for marriage and a life of their own. She longed to get out into the world herself, but could not afford it, - until one day a letter came from an attorney in Martha's Point Virginia.It seemed that her Aunt Gertie had passed and in her will she left Ivy the two things in the world that she valued the most; her business, a costume shop and her home which just happened to be all the way on the other side of the continent from her parents sunny home in Southern California where she had been raised and never ventured out from to a sleepy little town called Martha's Point in Virginia.

Ivy had no clue that a business that she presumed only made money at Halloween was actually the home to a much frequented erotic lingerie shop where wives, mothers and some fetishist went to reinvent themselves. The back room held attire that unleashed the undercover freak that was so well hidden in these upstanding citizens.

This little store aptly named `The Masked Shoppe' is the catalyst that gave Ivy the courage to step out of her boring brown wardrobe and undertake the quest to solve the quiet town's first murder in over ten years.

While the murder mystery takes a number of twist and turns, our plump heroine becomes involved in a love affair with one of the towns must scrumptious available hunks (Ben), who just happens to be a culinary reporter, moonlighting as a P.I.And boy do they make great partners, despite the fact that Ben feels he must always have the upper hand and must call all the shots.Ben soon realizes that not only in regard to this case but his future, Ivy has the reins, something she has never been able or confident enough to take in her capable hands before.

This story will leave your mouth hanging open for more reasons than one.Misty Simon has a way of making me burst out in laughter one moment and tears in the next.The only complaint that I have about this book is that I was left wanting more.I sincerely hope that Ms. Simon brings Ivy back in a sequel, it is just like chocolate for me; I have got to have more.

Reviewed by Kim Robinson
For BBW Reviews ... Read more

Product Description
Discusses how to identify poison ivy, how to prevent getting a rash, what the rash looks and feels like, and how best to let it heal. ... Read more

Product Description
This is the first book with seasonal color photographs of allfive North American Toxicodendron species: poison ivies, poison oaks,and poison sumac. It discusses more fully than any other the history,botany, pathology, and control of these troublesome shrubs. Full ofoften surprising information, it may also provide a rare chance tohave some fun with them. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Engaging, a much needed handbook *why no longer available?!*
Update:I had ordered several more copies of this book, to share, and while two of them arrived a while ago, the third had been delayed, and I have just (2 Nov 2008) received notice from amazon that they will not be able to acquire it for me.I cannot find the publisher online, yet, and am concerned that this very useful book may become unavailable.It is the sort of book -- an accessible mixture of fact, science, history and anecdotes, with illustrations -- that is both useful to the public and all too rarely seen.

I live in the woodsier part of suburban NY, and while I've always known about poison ivy and its cousins, I'm constantly surprised by how many of my neighbors and acquaintances can't recognize it on sight.It's become a sort of part-time mission to point it out to people, and show them its different guises and seasonal looks.I stumbled across this book in the library, and it's really marvelous.It might be more information than some people need, who just want to be able to get a basic ID of the stuff, and go buy something for the itch -- but once you get interested, it's like any other gory subject, you find yourself wanting to know more.

This book has lots of detailed line illustrations, and a number of interesting photos.The text varies from anecdotal and amusing (did you know that there is a town in California with an annual poison ivy festival?) to challenging and scientific (discussions of the body's immune response to poison ivy -- which may surprise you) and mostly opens with engaging science history (discovery and taxonomy).

Good luck, and if you got anything out of this review please tick the box.(Ticks, now, they are another matter entirely.)

The best book on the subject
I was weed whacking poison ivy and throwing the oil onto myself, mainly my legs. I was out in Kansas City MO at the time and found this book at the Public Library and ordered it as soon as i moved back to Cincinnati, Ohio. This book is the best out of many poison ivy books because it really goes into lots of details and facts about not only poison ivy,oak and sumac but into other plants and trees such as the Cashew Tree and it's effects on the skin. Get this one, you will love it. I learned so much from it. Top Notch work. ... Read more

Product Description
This is an EXACT reproduction of a book published before 1923. This IS NOT an OCR'd book with strange characters, introduced typographical errors, and jumbled words.This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book. ... Read more

Product Description
This econometric study covers the latent demand outlook for poison ivy and oak extracts and other allergenic extracts for human use excluding diagnostic allergens across the states, union territories and cities of India. Latent demand (in millions of U.S. dollars), or potential industry earnings (P.I.E.) estimates are given across over 4,600 cities in India. For each city in question, the percent share the city is of it's state or union territory and of India as a whole is reported. These comparative benchmarks allow the reader to quickly gauge a city vis-a-vis others. This statistical approach can prove very useful to distribution and/or sales force strategies. Using econometric models which project fundamental economic dynamics within each state or union territory and city, latent demand estimates are created for poison ivy and oak extracts and other allergenic extracts for human use excluding diagnostic allergens. This report does not discuss the specific players in the market serving the latent demand, nor specific details at the product level. The study also does not consider short-term cyclicalities that might affect realized sales. The study, therefore, is strategic in nature, taking an aggregate and long-run view, irrespective of the players or products involved.

... Read more

Product Description
This scarce antiquarian book is a selection from Kessinger Publishing's Legacy Reprint Series. Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment to protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature. Kessinger Publishing is the place to find hundreds of thousands of rare and hard-to-find books with something of interest for everyone! ... Read more

Product Description
This econometric study covers the latent demand outlook for poison ivy and oak extracts and other allergenic extracts for human use excluding diagnostic allergens across the regions of Greater China, including provinces, autonomous regions (Guangxi, Nei Mongol, Ningxia, Xinjiang, Xizang - Tibet), municipalities (Beijing, Chongqing, Shanghai, and Tianjin), special administrative regions (Hong Kong and Macau), and Taiwan (all hereafter referred to as "regions"). Latent demand (in millions of U.S. dollars), or potential industry earnings (P.I.E.) estimates are given across some 1,100 cities in Greater China. For each major city in question, the percent share the city is of the region and of Greater China is reported. Each major city is defined as an area of "economic population", as opposed to the demographic population within a legal geographic boundary. For many cities, the economic population is much larger that the population within the city limits; this is especially true for the cities of the Western regions. For the coastal regions, cities which are close to other major cities or which represent, by themselves, a high percent of the regional population, actual city-level population is closer to the economic population (e.g. in Beijing). Based on this "economic" definition of population, comparative benchmarks allow the reader to quickly gauge a city's marketing and distribution value vis-a-vis others. This report does not discuss the specific players in the market serving the latent demand, nor specific details at the product level. The study also does not consider short-term cyclicalities that might affect realized sales. The study, therefore, is strategic in nature, taking an aggregate and long-run view, irrespective of the players or products involved.

... Read more