Review

Review written for ClubReading.com by Mary This book intrigued me from the very first paragraph. I used to think if you fell from grace it was more likely than not the result of one stupendous error, or else an unfortunate accident. I hadn’t learned that it can happen so gradually you don’t lose your stomach or hurt yourself in the landing. You don’t necessarily sense the motion. I’ve found it takes at least two and generally three things to alter the course of a life: You slip around the truth once, and then again, and one more time, and there you are, feeling, for a moment, that it was sudden, your arrival at the bottom of the heap. ...

Review written for ClubReading.com by Bill Tristan Egolfs first book, a wonderful, psychotic romp through the life of John Kaltenbrunner. The story tells us of Johns childhood growing up on a farm in middle America, dealing with the frustrations of never being understood, an only child, and quite possible the un-luckiest person alive. I really enjoyed this book, and will highly recommend it. Tristans writing style is fresh, energetic and daring. His writing style to me was a cross between Norman Mailer and Aldos Huxley on drugs. His terrific use of metaphor kept me laughing. And always at the right times. Tristan seems to have a knack for presenting a very dark, satirical story, but with enough flavor of humor to keep the reader. ...

Review written for ClubReading.com by Mary Cory Mackenson is an 11 year old growing up in a small town. Life is pretty normal until he and his father come upon the aftermath of a murder. Cory watches his father become depressed and suicidal as a result. As Cory searches for the murderer on his own, the tale goes from fun to terror to complete fantasy. Other storylines running through this book include the joy and sadness of friendships, and the loss of his “best friend”, his dog Rebel. ...

Review written for ClubReading.com by Linda Two children run away from home, Claudia who plans it all, and Jamie, the younger, and rich, brother. Claudia plans to stay at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, a wonderful place to ran away to! There is mystery and excitement, and lots of fun adventure in this book. This children’s classic was written in 1967, and is somewhat dated, especially as to the cost of things and as to the security at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Otherwise, this tale holds up very well, and has been a favorite of mine for years. ...

Review written for ClubReading.com by Mary Merrick is the latest in the long line of Mayfair witches from New Orleans. She is the strongest of the witches, easily able to conjure up spirits and spells. She is also a member of the Talamasca, an ancient group whose legend is “Investigators of the paranormal. We watch. And we are always here.” This group over the years has studied and chronicled the information about various witches, vampires, and other strange creatures on the dark side of the world. ...

Review written for ClubReading.com by Bill The Married Man is about Austin, a writer and furniture expert living in Paris. Austin is an aging, not terribly successful man living on the periphery of high society and depression. Very early in the book, we learn that Austin doesn’t really enjoy writing and lives in a small furnished apartment on one of the islands on the Seine. He’s been separated from the love of his life, Peter, for 3 years. Just after returning to New York, Peter falls ill with full blown AIDS. ...

Review written for ClubReading.com by Linda I have the perfect excuse to read the Harry Potter books; I have an eight-year-old niece. I have bought every book to give to her, but, of course, had to read them first, to make sure they were good. They were excellent! And, along with most of the children in America, I’m eagerly awaiting the next installment. The books begin as Harry, an orphan staying with his aunt, uncle and cousin, who all despise him, discovers he is a wizard. There is a special wizard school, and Harry is to attend. The wizard sport, played on broomsticks of course, is fascinating. The interaction between the children, and between the teachers and children, could happen in any school, with the exception of the magical aspects! ...

Review written for ClubReading.com by Barbara The reader identifies with and learns to love one of the forest dwellers, but this is no children’s story; rather, it’s for adults who would be enchanted by spending a dangerous year with a fisher as he grows from a little bit of fluff into a graceful, mature creature. It’s a shame this book is out of print. It’s one of the few books I’ve ever read more than once. ...

Review written for ClubReading.com by Bill Subtitled, ‘A Celebration of Poets and Their Craft’, Bill Moyers’ book, ‘Fooling With Words’ is a journalist celebration of poetry and the art of verse. In an easy to read manner, the author shares glimpses of conversations with contemporary poets. Intermixed with some of the best modern-day poetry is a dialog with the creators, digging into their pasts, their motivations and the skills they use in this special media. ...

Review written for ClubReading.com by Linda Alan Dean Foster always writes a good story, something entertaining and easy to read. Slipt, however, is all that plus something extra. It’s a story of hope, and what ifs that most of us leave behind as teenagers. I first read this book as a teenager, and that may be why it sticks with me so strongly. Jake has lived at the edge of a chemical dump all of his life. He has some extra abilities, probably from the chemicals. And his grand-niece also has some extra abilities. When the chemical company has to clean up and cover up the dump, Jake shows the wrong person his abilities. The remainder of the book is a chase, with Jake trying in every way he can to get away without hurting anyone. The people chasing Jake push him into using his abilities in ways he never did before, with interesting consequences, not the least of which is the way he feels about the abilities, life, and other people. And the grand-niece gets involved as well. ...