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A great book, in my estimation, is one that touches your heart and causes you to change for the better. Ivan Turgenev's novel, Fathers and Sons is, in my view, such a book. Turgenev was not well liked in Russia in his lifetime and is not now, even, regarded as among the foremost of Russian novelists and for good reason. Turgenev scorned his mother country, spending much of this life in France living with the woman he loved and her husband. In the novel he also has a son (Arcady) gently remove from his father a book by Puskin he was reading, substituting for it a book by a German writer no less--high sacrilege even in 19th century Russia. More to the point, in the two young men who are the focal point of the story, Turgenev created characters who display a negative and even hostile view of Russia.

The novel has three settings. The first is at the country estate of Nicholas Petrovich Kusimov whose son, Arcady has just graduated from the university and is returning home accompanied by his fellow graduate and mentor, Eugene Vassilich Bazarov. It is Bazarov who becomes the lighting rod and center of the plot. He instantly quarrels with Nicholas' brother, Paul, an aristocratic defender of the status quo. Arcady shares Eugene's nilistic view of life, but is clearly softer and less critical than his intense friend.

After a time the pair go to town where they meet Madame Anna Sergeyevna Odinizov, a youngish (29) widow living in relative luxury with her younger sister, Katya. Both young men fall in love with the widow, Arcady with the sort of hopeless puppy love attraction for an older woman and Eugene without admitting it, in a more mature manner. Madame Odinizov is drawn to Eugene's mental acuities and intensity, but it is not clear that she loves him. Arcady, for his part, finds solace with the younger and more submissive Katya. Finally Bazarov blurts out his love for Madame Odinizov which she seemingly rejects and the two young men leave to visit Bazarov's parents.

Vassily Ivanich Bazarov is a retired army doctor who now lives with his kind-hearted wife, Arina, on a farm. Both parents, especially, Arina, are thrilled that their son has returned home, but Eugene scorns them as he has all others. Finally after some days he says he is bored and wants to leave. The parents are heartbroken, but understand that their son has greatness in him and cannot be confined to living in obscurity. Arcady then returns to Madame Odinizov's and develops his relationship with Katya, while Eugene returns to the Kusimov estate to resume his biological experiments.

The greatness of the book, where it leaves an indelible impression, comes in the last 50 pages. The tragedy that occurs comes suddenly and unexpectedly and touches the lives of all the characters. It will touch your life too and leave you with a greater appreciation for life in all its wonders and futility.

Fathers and Sons
First off, I love Russian literature. There is an exception and that being, "War and Peace,". This is a fat book with alot of words and one can veer off course in a hurry.
"Fathers and Sons" is not only written well, but hits home. Two old parents,each with a son and each son a different value system and outlook on life. This book, written in the true Turgenev style is an easy read and a marvelous one that is applicable to today. To say more would spoil the suspense and delight that is in store for you. Buy it and read it, put it on the shelf for a few months, read it again. You will find out more and be amazed at what you did not read the first time.Karl Olson

I read this for fun, and it wasn't a waste of time. It was a little a slow, but the passion for life Trugenev has is clear and beautiful. This is a classic as good as anything I've ever read.

It does have slow points, and some of the plot may seem cliché. But, at the time it was original, and even now the dialogue is never (NEVER) cliché.

I was shocked by how much I loved this book.
Read it. Use a library if you can't afford it.

I took a Russian Literature course a year ago, and out of all the assigned readings, Ivan Turgenev's "Fathers and Sons" was the only one I read all the way through. The story kept me reading, but although it was probably the easiest read out of the list, it is not as simple as one would think. The story isn't actually as important as the message/opinion Turgenev was trying to send out, through the interactions of his characters. If at all interested in Russian historical/cultural issues, this book offers a nifty way to think about it as it might have affected individuals living it.

Isn't it so true! -- and it always will be so, as it has in the past. Perhaps Baby Boomers reading this review will recall what their parents thought of The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, etc. ... and what many of us, at the same time thought about the Nixonian "Establishment" *.* Who was right? I'll encourage you to answer this one.

But, as to this book, it's one of the finest Russian Classics I've ever read (and I've read many -- see my listmania lists on Russian works). It's a MYTH that all Russian novels are dreary -- you can even find humor stowed away here and there in Dostoyevsky if you actually read him. You'll find this book especially upbeat, for the most part. It has its serious moments but it also conveys notable hilarity and absurdity as well, ergo, "the duel"!

Two young educated men: 1) come into philosophical conflict with their respective elders, and, 2) fall in love with their respective female fancies. "It's as simple as that," as Tolstoy would say!

The ending is one of the most compelling closings I've ever encountered. It's quite moving and the Hallmark of a shrewd novelist. I think that the ending, in particular, makes this work as savoury for women as it is for men, perhaps even moreso. At 157 pages, it's a pretty fast read.

Michael Katz, (Professor of Slavic Languages, University of Texas), did a fine job on this particular translation -- very fluid and smooth reading. There are also some very informative, but brief, footnotes in this edition which are imperative for the reader who is not much apprised of Russian culture of this period (it takes place just prior to the elimination of Russian serfdom which happened in the early 1860s).

This work is also a good warm up prequel, as some have mentioned, to the Russian Mother of All Novels: "War and Peace" (Tolstoy). However, I will point out one chief difference between the writing styles of Tolstoy and Turgenev... Tolstoy is DEEP, psychologically speaking and exudes tons of sub-plots. Turgenev is straightforward and he writes directly that to which he has witnessed in life... nothing more. It's infinitely readable to all.

This is a fine novel for anyone who enjoys peeking into the daily inner-workings and inevitable peccadillos of the average family. If I have a complaint with this edition, I confess to finding myself squinting at the notably small fonts.

But then, I am getting on in life and I can't see as good as I used to *.*

This dose of English culture was recommended to me as one of the finest in classic literature. Mysteriously the story moves along quite well, even with the aggravating English dialect, the multitude of characters, and the uninteresting, almost banal style.

We return to the simple life when the word gay meant joyous, not the corrupted word it is now. Written in first and third person, this drawn out, hard to follow telling of a lawsuit over an estate inheritance was a struggle to get through (contradicts "moves along quite well"?..................no). Any climactic moments are few and slowed, with subtle impact. Of course it would not be what it is if it was shortened----all 900 pages.

What brings such praise for this book over the years?: the eloquent and sometimes quotable passages are spotty; the only power I see is the improvement it may give to our writing, and that may be its only praise. There are a plethora of outstanding authors with more interesting stories without going through the pain of the "intellectual classics". I am not to say we are to rid them; it is more likely that Bleak House just left much to be desired. Who knows, maybe it has effected me in ways I will only discover later, for that is probably its mystique.

I expected the afterward to summarize my ineptness of understanding this difficult read. Instead it concentrated on the authors greatness and the resources used.

Wish you well
Scott

I, too, leave it to better reviewers to describe it in detail... but I feel that something must be said about these characters. They are ideal, yet complex enough to be real, all of them, in their kindness and intensity, their darkness and meanness, alike. They are absolutely more interesting than any people today... it makes you wonder if people were ever so thoughtful and contemplative - if we have lost something, or rather if Dickens was imaginative and wonderful beyond his experiences could have ever shown! A wonderful book told with care and modesty by two of the best narrators I've ever read.

There are several subplots rummaging throughout Dickens' lengthy Victorian novel Bleak House: 1) the mystery behind Esther Summerson's disgraceful birth and her subsequent arrival at Bleak House, 2) John Jarndyce's fatherly influence over Esther, Ada and Richard, and its eventual effects on the three, 3) Lady Dedlock's mysterious persona, and the secrets she keeps within herself and 4) the general seemingly never-ending process of the Jarndyce suit in the High Court of Chancery, its ill-effects on those who have an interminable will to prosper off of it, and the general dreary feeling it casts over the whole of society.





One of the interesting and yet sometimes tedious aspect of this work, and something to get used to while reading, is the various narrative voices used by Dickens. This can make the work a challenge to read, but helps to give the story a "series" or "drama" feel to it. Esther Summerson, the protagonist, narrates throughout the book at various times, and comes across fairly enough as a reliable narrator. The other two points of view are a bit more anonymous. One type has an element of stream of consciousness, where the narrator takes you quickly through random thoughts, observances and lists of various characters. In this point of view where Dickens attains the greatest amount of satire to this work, and usually makes the entire Jarndyce and Jarndyce case the butt of his joke, as well as the general scenes of the eccentric characters (and there are plenty). The final narrative type is clearly 3rd person, who simply tells the story looking down upon it without any bias or angle, almost a "fly on the wall" kind of perspective, and this voice seems to be used most throughout the novel.





Dickens employs many memorable and eccentric characters as usual. There is Tulkinghorn, a malicious, unmoved, and unsentimental lawyer, the antagonist who holds key secrets and has no pity for individuals. There is Guppy, who is awkward, a bit "slimy", and has a fascination with Esther that lasts throughout the novel. Allan Woodcourt and Captain George are both noble characters who help others in times of need, Woodcourt having ties to saving people's lives during a shipwreck and also is Richard's friend in his time of financial difficulties, and George aiding in the help of the sick child, Jo. Mr. Bucket is the quick-witted detective, who solves many of the mysteries late in the novel.





The neat aspect of Dickens' book is his ability to introduce many characters, many plot lines, symbols and then weave them together into a tight fit, and intertwine and solve them at the end. Esther learns more and more about her past, and the history of her mother, as the novel progresses, and this seemingly brings into the forefront other scenes which at first may have seemed unimportant. Over all this is a novel which essentially depicts one journey, but uses many characters to arrive there; Esther's journey is one in which she learns who she is, and becomes a stronger character by novel's end.





You can definitely say that in Dickens work, the sum is much greater than its parts. This is a book that adds up to much in its finality, and it is clear that Dickens was writing this in a series format, ending chapters right where we are getting to important information or something that is pertinent to the over all story, leaving the mystery to be carried over to the next chapter.





Although this book is a beast (over 800 pages), if you enjoy Victorian novels, and enjoy Dickens use of satire and eccentric characters, this is one well-worth checking out. While this novel sometimes gets cumbersome with details, it really is a tribute to Dickens ability to illustrate this story and weave everything finely together. Like a painting, Bleak House must be viewed at several different angles before one can truly appreciate it.





4 1/2 stars





(This review refers to the Bantum Classic version of the novel)

I purchased Bleak House after watching the PBS series recently. Having familiarity with only A Christmas Carol, I was eager to read such an engrossing, complex, but very entertaining story. Dickens' characters are gems, and the atmosphere of mid-19th century London are captured so beautifully. I recommend this title to anyone with the patience to savor the language, characters, and social criticism found in Bleak House.

The Introduction by Bradbury in the Penguin version, which I would suggest not looking at until you read the novel, agrees with my point: the novel lacks focus and wanders with too many sub-plots. Bradbury calls it "competing plots." So, that point of view is not my imagination nor a unique perspective on Bleak House. This is a very slow moving 1000 page novel which is unlike any of Dickens's other works, i.e.: most of his novels are more entertaining than Bleak House. In fact, it takes 500 pages to get some direction in the story, and there is little in the way of action or suspense until beyond page 600.

Part of the problem is the protagonist, Esther Summerson, who has the potential to be an important character in the book, but (mostly) she is detached from the primary action, and is one of the narrators.

In Bleak House, Dickens tries to weave two or three social issues with a series of plots or sub-plots. Overall, it is a bit of a disappointment and is not his best effort. Clearly the writing is good, but the characters are not as interesting as some of his other novels and there is not much action. Some critics hail the work as his best, but I found it a bit dull: the plot is too diffuse, the story wanders, the characters lack colour and intensity, and the level of the suspense and mystery is low. The second half of the book is better than the first, which is almost a disaster, and the last 300 pages or so is the best part of the book and tends to save the book.

Bleak House falls short in entertaining the reader compared to Oliver Twist, Nicholas Nickleby, David Copperfield, and Great Expectations. Those novels are compelling reads, and Bleak House is not. However, Bleak House is a complicated and well written 5 star novel.

I bought the Penguin Classic version and recommend that purchase highly. As background information, I am in the process of reading most of Dickens's 22 novels and longer short stories, and set up a Listmania list. As a suggestion, avoid the Penguin Popular Classics with the plain green covers (I bought two). They fall apart and do not stand up to a read, especially books over 500 pages in length. The Regular Penguin Classics with the photo or painting on the front are excellent and some have maps and illustrations (drawings). The Wordsworth Classics are not as good, and some are illustrated.

Having read many of Dickens's novels I still rate David Copperfield and Nicholas Nickleby as the best two and rate Oliver Twist and Great Expectations as close seconds behind Copperfield - and these four books are must reads. Bleak House is optional and does not follow the basic Dickens formula - where the protagonist is central to the plot.

Since the appearance of the movie version of Deliverance in 1972 the story of four "city boy" weekend warriors who tangle with a couple mountain men in north Georgia has become a part of modern cultural mythology. Phrases like "Now, let's you just drop them pants," and "I'm gonna make you squeal like a pig," are, for better or worse, instantly recognizable. However for everyone who has seen the movie fewer probably know about or have much interest in the original novel by James Dickey published in 1970. The old saying about the book being better than movie is not the case here, not because the movie is better - the movie in fact is such a faithful adaptation of the book most of the dialog remains intact and no major scenes are cut - rather the movie plays to its strengths of excellent actors and cinematography, while the book plays its strengths as literature with depth of meaning. Both the movie and book are excellent and for anyone who has seen the movie reading the book will add new nuances, themes and insights that take it beyond just a good thriller and into the realm of classic literature. The Modern Library lists it at #42 in its list of 100 Best Novels of the 20th century.

At its core the story is about a clash of cultures, between the "city boys" and the "mountain men". What are these cultures? Southern Appalachia is an "Honor Culture", carried over from places like the border regions of Scotland and Ireland by their immigrant ancestors. Honor cultures often arise in regions of isolated geography because of weak or non-existent law enforcement, everyone is sort of the sheriff taking justice into their own hands (Hatfield and McCoys). In such an environment a persons honor is the currency of the realm - insult that honor and revenge is required leading to cycles of violence, aka "blood feuds". Similar dynamics can be seen still in places like Afghanistan, Chechnya or wherever law enforcement is weak or non-existent.

Lewis Medlock (Burt Renyolds) represents modern mans rebellion against the confines and constraints of the rule of the law, he laments the loss of the culture of honor where a man can stand up for himself on his own turf with his own hands. However in the end he gets more than he bargained for discovers how fragile and brief life can be in the untamed wilderness of mens hearts. Lewis changes in the end, becoming less reckless and more content to live a peaceful and quiet life in the civilized lawns of suburbia. The other characters go through similar transformations of which I will let the reader ponder. Even the river itself is tamed in the end, becoming a placid resort lake.

I have actually never seen the movie based on this novel but after reading this 1970 written classic, definitely plan to do so. This very simple storyline is just as much a thriller as anything else out there. Even though the story is told as a narration by Ed so you obviously know he survives you have no idea how many or if any of the others will as you turn the pages on this tranquil adventure which halfway through turns into a terrifying read and one that ponders the question of what would you do in order to survive. The descriptions of them canoeing down the river and rapids really make you believe you are in the canoes with these guys. A great classic read, glad I picked it up.

Deliverance is the story of a trip into the wilderness by four middle aged city guys, Ed, Lewis, Drew and Bobby. While some of the party are a bit reluctant to make the journey they are all eventually convinced by the fact that not too far in the future this river and surrounding area will be underwater when the new dam is complete and no one will ever have the chance to do a canoe trip like this again. They take a guitar and an archers bow to do a bit of illegal deer hunting along the way. The first day and night doesn't go smoothly but there's nothing they hadn't anticipated except an owl roosting and puncturing their tent with its talons as it constantly returns from hunting. On their second day however they will encounter true evil. Their stamina, friendship and every other trait will be tested to its extreme if they are going to make it back to civilisation alive.

Note: I made some immature Mormon angry because of my negative reviews of books that attempted to prove the Book of Mormon, and that person has been slamming my reviews almost as fast as they are posted.

So, your "helpful" votes are appreciated. Thanks, and note that a short review is not necessarily a bad review if it leads you to a great book.

Don't miss this shattering, reading-into-the-night novel. A group of set off on a raft trip down a wild river in the south, and everything goes wrong. I won't tell anymore, except to say that this is one of the best adventure novels I ever read.

The "New Yorker" said, "A novelist of power and skill. A marvel of description that will make your muscles ache. A brilliant and breathtaking adventure that is also a comment on American life."

The movie was great, but also treat yourself to reading the novel.

Here are a couple other highly recommended novels:
"Cry Wolf" (set in Ethiopia in the 1930s), by Wilbur Smith.


"Memoirs of an Invisible Man" (a man become invisible when there is an explosion at a research facility and everyone is out to get him), by De Saint.

"The Far Arena" (a Roman gladiator is dug out of the ice in the North sea and revived), Ben Sapir. A super novel!

No need to repeat a plot summary of Dickey's modern classic. The story is well-known due to the popular 1972 film adaptation. What truly makes this book a powerful and shattering read is Dickey's command of the language - a poetic narrative concerning four naive city dwellers confronted with the harsh realities of unforgiving wilderness and the sadism of evil men.

Dickey, using simple yet evocative prose, finds meaning, beauty, and emotional resonance in some of the most banal details of the journey. His protagonist, Ed Gentry, provides us with the thoughts and feelings of a man way over his head in a dire situation: chaotic, confused, but often transcendent. It is said that having a life-threatening experience can bring forth clarity, heightened awareness, and a greater appreciation of the beauty in the world. Ed's ordeal brings out much of this as well as the cold unforgiving side of his survival instinct.

The scene where Ed methodically prepares to kill their assailant with a hunting bow is one of the most harrowing and emotionally conflicted passages that I have read in recent memory. What would it be like to plan the death of another human - not out of rage or malice, but out of necessity because one's own survival depended on it. I have to imagine that Dickey got fairly close to reality.

As one who has hiked and paddled the area that was the novel's inspiration, I do have one bone to pick with Mr. Dickey. His portrayal of the people who live in the Appalachian foothills, amplified in John Boorman's film, is a hurtful slander. To this day, mentioning the book or the film while in the company of those who live in and around the Chattooga River will provoke looks of scorn and ill will. I have no doubt that ignorant and violent people have lived there. But anyone residing in a major metropolitan area need not drive very far from their home to find the same. In general, the people residing in the Southern Appalachians are, like those residing in most places, good, decent folk. Dickey would have done better not playing into, or even creating, negative stereotypes.

Just because I think it's funny, I'll tell my experience reading this book.

I grew up in the New York City area, and when my parents suddenly moved to Vermont during my junior year of high school, I stayed in New York alone to finish at my school but moved up there the following summer and spent my senior year at Burr and Burton Seminary (a high school which used to be a seminary). This was a very pretty, and badly run school where if you weren't taking an AP class you were really studying at about a sixth grade level with the notable exception of Biology. I could have showed up drunk for class every day and still maintained a 'High Honors' average.

As far as the teachers and even Headmaster knew for lack of checking my record of perfect attendance and high grades, I was a slacker because I hung out with the kids who didn't fit in--who tended to also be 'flatlanders' like myself.

Anyway, the one saving grace besides the excellent Biology class was that English class was not bad at all, and my AP English teacher was from Westchester, which is where I moved from. At least I could understand what the hell he was saying--since I couldn't yet comprehend 'Vermonter.' Knowing my situation and how I felt about it, he assigned me the perfect book to compliment my dread--Deliverance.

I don't remember what I wrote for the book report, but it was a great read. I often took breaks from the intensity of this book, but couldn't help continuing to the end. It's a real page-turner, and much better than the movie. It's like I was a juror being required to watch kiddie porn to decide a case--I was repulsed and intrigued at the same time.

I felt the broken bones, the cuts, wet and tired, abused, and hunted. It's a very effectively written book.

This is not at all the sort of book I would pick out for myself, but I'm glad I read it--especially at the time I read it. It's purely for entertainment. You will learn absolutely nothing from this book, but for me, as someone who is highly selective about what he reads, I have to say it was a great break from the type of reading I normally do.

This book is very intensive. I agree with other reviewer that the car chase description is really difficult to follow, but that only happens at the beginning of the book. If you read "Lord of the Rings" you'll agree with me that the first 100 pages are the most boring thing ever written, but the other 900 pages are really, really good. It's the same here. The rest of the book flows nicely. There are a number of unexpected turnarounds that make it worth reading. And the plus side, this time Hoag hasn't included those really boring "I hate you/I love you" couples. It's just a straight story.

I hope to see a movie adapted from this novel. The plot was excellent, and I enjoyed reading it. Whenever I put the book down, I would rush to get whatever I had to get done so that I could hurry back and continue with the book. Tami Hoag did an excellent job. She made me forget I was reading a novel. I felt so close to these characters...like there were my next door neighbors or something. Great job, Tami Hoag!

I couldn't put this down! Recently given Dark Horse, which I loved, I picked up Kill the Messenger and never put it down! A great read, very suspenseful and interesting characters, you really don't know the outcome until the final chapter. a MUST Tami Hoag read!

Everytime a Tam Hoag novel comes out, one wonders if she can possibly do better than the last novel. She never disappoints. This book is no exception.

Kev Parker, LAPD homicide detective, is on the trail of a young messenger boy who has become the number one suspect of the murder of a bottom-feeding attorney. But, things don't seem quite right. The messenger himself seems to be running for his life from others who are interested in silencing him.
Parker doesn't buy any of it and tries to unravel what has really occurred. In the process he ends up trying to save the life of the suspect.

On a romp throughout some of the seamier sides of LA, Parker finally stumbles upon the solution.

You simply cannot put this novel down. Pure excitement from page to page. Tami Hoag once again outdoes herself. She is, without a doubt, one of the most exciting writers of suspense.

Densel Myers
Yukon, Oklahoma

This is a spine-tingling, action-packed mystery with characters you cannot help but fall in love with starting with Jace, the bike messenger on his last delivery of the day. He's a great guy who just wants to provide a good home for his 10-year-old brother while hiding from the watchful eyes of society and the people who would take his little brother away.

But the real hero of this story is Kev Parker, an unconventional police detective, who becomes intrigued by and later protective of young Jace and his sibling, while trying to solve a dark mystery and a series of crimes surrounding the elusive bike messenger. Jace is the main target and the bad guys will do anything to get to him, including brutally murdering everyone he knows and cares about.

There is a reason critics call Tami Hoag the "Queen of Suspense," and once you read this book, you will understand why. As are all of her books, this one will make you laugh out loud, while simultaneously mesmerizing you with breath-sucking suspense. This was the first one of Hoag's books my husband read and he is now also a big fan of hers. Enjoy!

Interesting plot and riveting writing style. A great quick read for all ages. I've read this book at least three times now. There is a great mix of dialogue, combat, and humor to keep things interesting. Plus, if you liked this story check out Paul Zindel's other books (Reef of Death, Raptor, Rats, the Doom Stone, etc.), they are all quite good.

I read `Loch' when I was eleven years old and I'll be quick to say that I loved every minute of it. It was fast paced, entertaining and adult enough to make me feel as though I was reading a meaty novel as apposed to a youth related beginner book. Paul Zindel is able to spin a web for the younger crowd that strays away from the corny overtones of too many young reader novels and gives them a taste of the more grown up science fiction ala Michael Crichton while numbing down the gore and language and providing a wholesomely entertaining ride that the your young reader can enjoy. That's not to say there is no action and or even violence here, for quite a few deaths ensue, but it's no where near the gore-factor of say `Jurassic Park'.

`Loch' follows young Loch and his sister Zaidee as they accompany their father on yet another expedition, this time to find descendents of `Nessie' who have been sighted in a Vermont lake. Along with they find a boat load of trouble, mostly found in the form of their father's boss, Anthony Cavenger who is so intent on capturing or even killing these prehistoric beasts just to make a name for himself that he places everyone around him in harms way.

Loch and his sister, as well as Cavenger's daughter Sarah decide to foil these plans when they stumble upon a baby Plesiosaurus they name Wee Beastie. Their plan ends up getting quite a few people killed, but its all in the name of justice right? `Loch' remains a splendidly written science fiction novel for the younger crowd that is sure to entertain and occupy and even encourage reading at a young age. All to often a novel is either too boring and or uninspiring or too graphic and complicated for the pre-teen crowd, but `Loch' is a perfect balance of suspense and censorship that it provides a wonderful stepping stone to even better reading.

Loch, by Paul Zindel, an award-winning author is an incredible adventure with an interesting plot and storyline. The plot of this amazing book involves the main characters: Loch(a fifteen-year-old boy, given the nickname because he claimed he saw a Loch Ness monster as a small kid), Zaidee (his younger sister), and Sarah (Cavenger's daughter and Loch's want-to-be girlfriend). Loch's father, Dr.Sam, works for this ruthless, merciless, bossy man, Cavenger. Cavenger wants to finally prove he's not an idiot and that carrying out all these unsuccessful expeditions was not pointless and capture one of the beasts trapped in a Vermont lake. His specifications, however, on how he will actually intend to "capture" these monsters are not to the best happinesses of Loch, Zaidee, and Sarah after the three youngings find, through a juvenile plesiosaur, that the sea beasts believed to be prehistoric that are called plesiosaurs only attack if they have to, to stay alive. Loch, Zaidee, and Sarah now have to solve this conflict because Cavenger doesn't care how he seizes the poor rare creatures -- whether they die or live -- both get him a lot of money. The resolution to this problem comes in the form of close calls to being eaten, people being devoured from these horrors of the depths, and Loch coming up with a plan. Loch, Zaidee, Sarah, and Dr.Sam work together to get the whole family of plesiosaurs into the open water, beyond the grid that once cooped up the plesiosaurs, without them being blown to bits or captured. But Cavenger's cold-hearted soul and wrathful crew (with the exception of Dr.Sam) try to divert this rebellion and blast away the poor creatures with urban warfare in an action-packed ending. Read this astounding adventure, Loch, to uncover the suspenseful end. I recommend this book to people who enjoy a lot of, at a few times hard to follow action, blood and gore, heroes, science, and if you are a kid, you can relate to the book pretty well.

Loch, by Paul Zindel, an award-winning author is an incredible adventure with an interesting plot and storyline. The plot of this amazing book involves the main characters: Loch(a fifteen-year-old boy, given the nickname because he claimed he saw a Loch Ness monster as a small kid), Zaidee (his younger sister), and Sarah (Cavenger's daughter and Loch's want-to-be girlfriend). Loch's father, Dr.Sam, works for this ruthless, merciless, bossy man, Cavenger. Cavenger wants to finally prove he's not an idiot and that carrying out all these unsuccessful expeditions was not pointless and capture one of the beasts trapped in a Vermont lake. His specifications, however, on how he will actually intend to "capture" these monsters are not to the best happinesses of Loch, Zaidee, and Sarah after the three youngings find, through a juvenile plesiosaur, that the sea beasts believed to be prehistoric that are called plesiosaurs only attack if they have to, to stay alive. Loch, Zaidee, and Sarah now have to solve this conflict because Cavenger doesn't care how he seizes the poor rare creatures -- whether they die or live -- both get him a lot of money. The resolution to this problem comes in the form of close calls to being eaten, people being devoured from these horrors of the depths, and Loch coming up with a plan. Loch, Zaidee, Sarah, and Dr.Sam work together to get the whole family of plesiosaurs into the open water, beyond the grid that once cooped up the plesiosaurs, without them being blown to bits or captured. But Cavenger's cold-hearted soul and wrathful crew (with the exception of Dr.Sam) try to divert this rebellion and blast away the poor creatures with urban warfare in a action-packed ending. Read this astounding adventure, Loch, to uncover the suspenseful end. I recommend this book to people who enjoy a lot of, at a few times hard to follow action, blood and gore, heroes, science, and if you are a kid, you can relate to the book pretty well.

Thank you for sending the book in a timely manner - also the book was in better condition than I expected.

Thank you again.

We are 6 years old and 4 years old. We think this book is funny because Stanley goes through the mail in an enevelope. We also think it is funny because Stanley is used as a surfboard. People should buy this book.

Absolutely adorable book. Ready to purchase the rest since none of our libraries seem to have them. Cute, cute, cute book!!!

I have taken pictures and bought souvenirs for three different grandchildren. Two of the Flat Stanleys went to China, and one visited Dawsonville, Georgia. Flat Stanley is more than a book, it's a lifestyle! One of my Chinese friends wanted to do a Flat Stanley unit for MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS! Every child should have a Flat Stanley experience.

I was never aware of "Flat Stanley" while growing up. My wife recently purchased this book for our second grade daughter through her school book program. It has quickly become a favorite of my daughter. She reads it and both my wife and I have read it to her at night as a bedtime story. The tale is very engaging and Stanley Lambchop's adventures in flatness are funny, even for adults.

Stanley tackles being flat with a positive outlook. He takes on criminals, saves a ring for his mother, helps his brother fly a kite and has a few more hilarious flat experiences.

For anybody with a young child in grades K-3, this is an excellent storybook. The illustrations are excellent and funny and the story is simply wonderful. Highly recommended.

My son was reading well, but Junie B, Horrible Harry etc didn't capture his imagination and have him clamoring for more -- but this one, just totally captured his imagination and got to the top of his Christmas wishlist. In fact they got read before all of his toys got opened.
I think, those series(at least the few we did read) have such mundane classroom settings, but flattening Stanley set him free on such fabulous adventures, and the framework of setting it in a normal family with a brother who fights with him and is jealous of him, just totally engaged him. All of the books in the series are really cute.

The boxed set is a great value and includes this 40th anniversary edition which has a cute little flat stanley that you can cut out and mail away on his adventure

Shy, overweight, and obsessed about pimples, Marcy Lewis is a typically insecure middle-schooler. When the teacher she adores is fired for refusing to say the Pledge of Allegiance, Marcy comes out of her shell to lead a protest to get Ms. Finney reinstated. Although much of the language is dated, the story of a young girl--and her repressed mother--coming out of her shell and learning to stand up for what she believes in remains very compelling for today's tweens. Young girls will identify with Marcy's insecurities about boys and pimples and trying to cope with her overbearing father.

I remember reading this as a teenager, and bought it for my 10-year-old. It's very well written and really speaks to the pre-teen audience.

Gave the book to my 12 year old granddaughter. She loves cats. Really enjoyed the book!

THIS BOOK IS A VERY LIFE RELATING STORY. IT IS ABOUT A GIRL WHO THINKS SHE'S A BLIMP WITH WIRED FRAMED GLASSES, SHE HAS TWO FRIENDS, AND LIKE ANY OTHER GIRL, HAS A CRUSH ON A GUY AT SCHOOL. I ENJOYED THIS BOOK A LITTLE, BUT I DO NOT AGREE WITH THE TITLE. THIS BOOK MIGHT HAVE A WEIRD TITLE, BUT IT HAS GOOD DESCRIBTIONS THAT PAINT PICTURES IN YOUR HEAD. I WOULD RECAMEND THIS BOOK TO SOME ONE WHO LIKES HUMOR AND REALITY RELATING STORIES.

I decided to read this book along with my third grader (it was on her list of reading material rated for third grade reading). She and i both liked the book ok. I felt that the material was too advanced for a third grader to grasp. There were so many life lessons in this book. It will be better understood perhaps by middle school students or perhaps high school students. I had no appreciation for the lead character (Marcy) always putting herself down. She was way too introspective of her shortcomings. And because her Mother was weak in character, she could not help Marcy see the beauty in herself. It seemed morbid at times the way that this storyline keyed in on Marcy's insecurities. I understand the time that this book was penned (1978). Things were different for some women. I remember women being strong and working towards their independence. In 2006, this book would be counterproductive for young and older women.

Hemingway said all American writing comes from one book, Huck Finn. Wrong! He also believed himself a better writer than Fitzgerald. Wrong! I'm no literary expert, I haven't gone to Harvard or Yale or any of those overpriced universities for spoiled rich kids but in my expert opinion all American literature: rhythm, length, flow, syntax, form, etc., came from one book & this is it. Henry Miller was spot-on when he said America has only produced one great writer & that is Walt Whitman. Hemingway's style wasn't jacked from Stein or Anderson, well, maybe a bit from Anderson, so much as Whitman. Yeah, I know Bloom has drawn a connection between Hemingway & Whitman before, the repetition-ploy & all that, but what I'm telling you, if you'll forgive the trite cliché, there was poetry before Whitman & its wasn't the same after.
If you're short on time, forget Wordsworth or Keats or all those other `lazing the daisy breeze' 19th century knuckleheads, read this book & memorize some quotes (to impress people at office holiday parties).
Yes, I do believe this is the same book Clinton gave Lewinsky for her birthday. Wonder if there were any stains on it?

4 1/2 stars, really, but we can't do that. This is the original 1855 version. Whitman added to the collection throughout his life, ending up with an overstuffed and very uneven "deathbed" version, which is better known. There are some good poems in it which aren't in the original, such as When Lilacs Last in the Door-yard Bloom'd, but there's a lot of pretty weak stuff, too. The 1855 has a small number of pretty consistently excellent poems which are highly original and loosely but definitely connected. Reading it is a very different experience from wading through the bloated, inconsistent final version - there's something Whitmanesque (i.e., at it's best) about the original collection as a unit. Malcolm Cowley's introduction is also a bit wild and wooly (written in the late 60s or early 70s), but interesting and enlightening.

Choosing the fullest, most complete version of Whitman's text, before the final editing of the deathbed edition, but following the additions made after the Civil War, the Norton Critical is a must have for students of poetry, or literature, and of nature. The wild, ecstatic hunger for the world, the ravishment of the senses, as Norman Mailer put it (though not about Whitman), the mysticism of the flesh, Whitman is, arguably, the most accomplished poet of American letters.

A must read for poets, students, and pagans (Whitman as spirit of the Green Man himself!).

I bought this and returned it. There must be someone out there with the right voice and reading skills to bring us Whitman's words and rhythms. Ms. Gibson's soprano sing-song doesn't make it.

At least as available for the Kindle, this is not the 1855 edition. It seems to be the final edition, which is of course great, but not what I intended to get based on the product description posted. Also, the foreward and afterward mentioned in the description are missing. I don't expect the moon for a low price, but I do expect to get what I pay for.

This book was a very good book which my son read. He liked it alot so he started telling me the story and it was very interesting. It had alot of action but may not be suitable for little kids. Overall a great story line and he liked it from the beggining. I would reccomend this book. In case you want to know what yours sons reading about here it is erick is a boy who is in the russian war. Almost his whole troop gets killed and he ends up behind enemy lines. he changes into a german uniform in order to not be killed. The rest of the story is about him trying to hide his real identity and living as a german without being caught.

This is an amazing book about a boy in World War II. Well actuly he is retelling it. If you like adventure books, or war books this is the book for you! I loved it!

This is an amazing book about a boy in World War II. Well actuly he is retelling it. If you like adventure books, or war books this is the book for you! I loved it!

Soldier X

By: Don L. Wulffson
Erik Brandt is in trouble. The young boy is drafted into the relentless German army under Hitler's command. Being half Russian and knowing the Russian language he is sent to the Eastern Front to fight the Russians. Getting attacked by Russian air assaults almost daily, the young soldier is getting tired of seeing his men die. So he comes up with a plan to get away from all that.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes war novels and loves adventure stories. The author does a great job at keeping the story real, not "Hollywood" if you know what I mean. The thing ten out of ten because it was to short. I was really into the book and then it ended I was sad when I had to put the book down.
I'm not a big reader, but this story really got to me reading wise.( This book is very powerful, exiting, and adventures compared to other stories, it will keep you on the edge of your seat. This story is very unique if you ask me; I really enjoyed this novel and so will you.)

-Tony P.

In his native Germany, he's 16-year-old Erik Brandt, but when he's sent to the eastern front in the desperate waning days of WWII, Erik's bilingual upringing (one set of grandparents is Russian) allows him to become Aleksandr Dukhanov. The problem? With the front shifting weekly due to offenses and counteroffenses, Erik/Aleksandr finds himself confronted one moment with one side, one moment with another, as he is torn loose as a refuge after graphically-described attacks.

Interesting? You bet. As a war writer, Wulffson has done his homework. The tale of a boy forced to be a man is common enough in this genre, but this particular boy (who adopts X as a nickname) is an especially compelling case, and Wulfsson's afterword tells us it was based on a real case. Certainly the history he cites is accurate, and the descriptions of trench warfare are eerily realistic as well.

Eventually this war story morphs into a war/love story with the introduction of Tamara, whom X works beside in a makeshift Russian hospital. But the spirit of the book remains with the war, and the theme is deeply entrenched in the ironies of a soldier who can not only fight equally and reasonably for BOTH sides, but can befriend citizens and fighters for both sides as well. The enemy, then, is war itself -- war and the hell it unleashes.

This book has little profanity but much violence. Still, it is well-written, and reluctant readers (especially boys) who are interested in history and war will quickly become spellbound by the narrative. The novel can be enjoyed by adults as well as teens. A real winner, X marks the spot -- and if you had any misconceptions about war being a romantic and exciting thing, SOLDIER X will strike it out of you forever.

My husband has LOVED the Worst/Best Christmas pageant ever! I actually bought this book for him and the Worst/Best Halloween ever! He absolutely loves them! He actually laughed outloud at some of the Antics of this "crew". Unique and Fun!

In The Best School Year Ever 6th-grader Beth Bradley tells the story of the Herdman family, whose six children--one enrolled per year--terrorize Woodrow Wilson Elementary School, as well as the small town in which it's set. There's a new story of Herdman-related mischief in each chapter of the book, from the time the Herdman kids kidnapped a baby, drew on his bald head in permanent marker, and sold tickets to the viewing, to Leroy Herdman's various snake-related pranks, to the Herdmans' theft of a tableful of refreshments on talent show night. The Herdmans, in short, cause the sort of chaos that the author's target readers will find appealing. The Herdman stories are bracketed by Beth's discussion of the class project her teacher set on the first day of the year: everyone in the sixth grade was required to think of something nice to say about everyone else in the class--not an easy task if the student you're trying to compliment is a Herdman. Obviously the problem of complimenting a Herdman classmate is addressed and resolved at the book's end, and I like in particular the author's not-too-preachy, just right conclusion.

Robinson's book is written in a charming, folksy style, as this threat from one of the Herdmans illustrates: "You leave that blanket alone and you leave that kid alone or I'll wrap your whole head in chewing gum so tight they'll have to peel it off along with all your hair and your eyebrows and your lip skin and everything!" The problem with this particular patch of prose, though, is that I rather doubt that any sixth grader ever talked like this in real life. There are a number of other problems with credibility in the book as well. It's amusing, for example, (when you get over the real-life scariness of the kidnapping) to imagine the Herdmans displaying a "tattooed" baby for profit (if you also forget that the kid would surely be unhappy and uncomfortable if this were really happening to him)--but it's not the sort of thing that would happen outside of the Our Gang comedies or Ed, Edd n Eddy's cul-de-sac. This credibility gap may not bother a lot of kids, but it will distract at least some of Robinson's readers.

Debra Hamel -- author of Trying Neaira: The True Story of a Courtesan's Scandalous Life in ancient Greece (Yale University Press, 2003)

This is a book that I would recommend for everyone to read.It was very exiting from the begining.There's this girl who hates the school she goes to because the HERDMANS go there.The Herdmans are the worst kids in the world.They do everything they can to destroy other people.One time, one of the Herdmans had gotten one of the 6th graders and stuck there head in the bike racket and the poor kid couldn't get his head out.Once you start reading this book you can't STOP!I would really recommend you to read it.

The Best School Year Ever written by Barbra Robinson is a wonderful story about a family of children noun as the Heardmans who do what they wont when they wont such as smoke and set firecrackers in the school, ditch class and disrespect adults in authority .Almost all children are scared of the Heardmans because theyre bullies and they steal lunch money from weak little children.The Heardmans are fearless except when a particular bus came to pick them up for a fieldtrip and were scared because they were kicked off it.

This follows THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER, again told by Beth and focusing on the Herdman clan. Beth is now in the 6th grade at Woodrow Wilson Elementary and of course, once again Imogene Herdman is a classmate. There is a Herdman for each grade, 6 in all, and even though they never do assignments or seem to learn anything they are always promoted to the next grade. Beth's father offers a theory that the faculty at Woodrow Wilson have a clause in their contracts assuring that there will be only one Herdman per class.

There Herdmans hold the school and perhaps even the community in terror with their misdeeds. Beth relates their adventures for the year including kidnapping someone's little brother, 'tattoing' his bald head with magic marker, destroying a school assembly, taking over a school bus, and probably causing an epidemic of chicken pox to name but a few. Hanging over Beth's head is the year long assignment given the first day of school - to find a compliment for each classmate and several for one classmate in particular. Beth's special assignment is Imogene. As Beth struggles to find honest nice things to say about Imogene she begins to see new qualities in her classmate and by the end of the year has begun to develop insights far beyond her years.

This book is hysterically funny. Not funny in the sense that it causes the reader to smile or chuckle but rather funny as in laughing out loud to the point of tears. Beth's matter-of-fact descriptions of the Herdman capers are delivered with a delightfully wry sense of humor.

The reading level for this book is listed as 3-6 but the interest level is much greater. A younger child would be able to follow and enjoy being read this short novel and an adult (like this one) would find this hilarious. Buy this to encourage a reluctant read, buy this to become somebody's favorite aunt or uncle, buy this distract a sick child or - well whatever excuse you can come up with buy this book but remember to get it far enough in advance to allow yourself time to read it first.