On-the-tape

I loved this book! I would recommend it to anyone who wants to spend an afternoon curled up in a comfortable chair with a good book. The sailing scenes are exciting, and the story of Jens and Lorna's love and separation touching. I loved the character of Jens for his values of honesty and hard work. Ms. Spencer does a wonderful job of describing what the rich ate, wore and the activities they enjoyed, and contrasts those to the far more simple pleasures of boatracing and boatbuilding loved by Jens. I also enjoyed her descriptions of the typical behavior of the aunts and other members of Lorna's family. Aunt Agnes always fondly remembers her Captain Dearsley but Aunt Henrietta, who is so sour on men, merely warns Lorna to wear a sharp hatpin when she is alone with Taylor. Little does anyone know, Taylor is not the man Lorna is spending time with. The story of Jens and Lorna's relationship, from the first meeting in the kitchen of the Rose Point cottage to her disgrace and banishment when her parents learn she is pregnant, is funny, touching and sad by turns. The scenes I enjoyed most were near the end. I was touched when Lorna sees her son for the first time since he is born, and felt great admiration for Lorna when she risked the censure of her rich social circle by bringing her son to the regatta. LaVyrle combines plot, description and character development to make a great story. --Wynne Lewis

I thought this was Lavyrle Spencer's best book yet. The very first scene is very descriptive and amusing, and sets the tone for the rest of the story. This book pulled me in. I could identify with the characters, truly a sign of great writing. Most of all, I fell in love with Jens, the leading man of the story, based on his drive, confidence and personality. His character was so well-thought out that I believed that he could easily be a real person. I would recommend this book to anyone

I love this author. This is by far her best work. I get emotional sometimes when reading books, but NEVER do I cry outright. But I did while reading this book, and it wasn't pleasant. I felt so bad for Jens and Lorna during their rough times. But I also rejoiced over their happiness. Lorna was lovely and sweet (from the heart), and Jens was an honorable, handsome man worthy of a happy life. This book was so good, I still can't believe how it affected me. L.S. has the ability to put into words very strong feelings like no other author.

I just recently re-read this book for the umpteenth time only to confirm my suspicions -- that it is, in fact, just as funny as all of the other times I've read it. Dave Barry is a true guy. He's more than a guy, in fact, he is a guy so secure in his guyitude that he can point out everything it means to be a guy and divulge all of our secrets to members of the extreme opposite gender. From the truth about urinal etiquitte to our tendency to try to repair everything even remotely mechanical despite our utter lack of skill or talent, Barry nails all members of our gender down perfectly. This is easily his best book -- just as sharp, funny, and most importantly, TRUE, as it was the day it was first published.

Dave Barry's Complete Guide To Guys is, quite possibly, the most hilarious book I have ever read. Basically, Barry sums up all the stereotypes involving guys, not men, guys. Every page made me laugh out loud. I never got tired of it. I found myself nodding in recognition at almost everything written while I laughed until I cried. One of my personal favorite things that Dave Barry does in this book is his spectacular use of footnotes. He will have a sentence followed by a number corresponding to a footnote at the bottom of the page. It is always something hilariously random with very funny shock value. Dave Barry also includes many wonderful anecdotes on actual experiences with guy behavior, such as a bizarrely idiotic club initiation and an organization known as the Chicagoland Corvair Enthusiasts just to list a few. Anybody who is a fan of gender-related humor, either a guy or a gal, is sure to get a kick out of this fantastically entertaining work of literature.

For pure funniness, it's hard to beat Dave Barry and this book is not exception. Open to any page and you'll find something silly, hilarious and often offbeat on the subject of relationships with women, sports, do-it-yourselfing, public rest rooms, driving and the testosterone theory. In-short, any guy thing at all.

Guys, it appears (as opposed to men) have never grasped the "Basic Human Moral Code, which I believe was invented by women millions of years ago when all the guys were out engaging in some other activity, such as seeing who could burp the loudest." A book that can be enjoyed equally by guys and gals.

Jess Oppenheimer, who was a producer of I Love Lucy and wrote many classic episodes, has produced a very enjoyable and engaging behind the scenes look at one of the greatest television shows ever. He provides a lot of insider tidbits on the production of the show and working with the cast. This book would be enjoyed by any fan of the series or of television's golden age. Very entertaining.

"Laughs, Luck...and Lucy" is written by Jess Oppenheimer andhis son, Gregg Oppenheimer. Jess Oppenheimer worked formany of the legends of old time radio, including Fanny Brice, Fred Astaire, and Edgar Bergan and Charlie McCarthy. This book tells of Mr. Oppenheimer's career in writing radio scripts, and specifically deals with his writing for Lucille Ball. He wrote first for her when she performed in "My Favorite Husband," and then he tells about his creation of "I Love Lucy," the television series starring Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. Mr. Oppenheimer not only created the idea for the series, he was also the head writer and producer of the program. Because of his unique inside perspective, Mr. Oppenheimer is able to provide information about Lucy and Desi that no one else could. There are a few things that make this book absolutely unique... Several appendices are included in the book which are very interesting. The first appendix shows an actual script (complete with hand-written changes) that was used during the production of "My Favorite Husband." But, what makes this book fascinating is the fact that a 65-minute audio CD is included, composed of twelve different tracks. The first track is a recording of the presentation of the script for "My Favorite Husband" included in Appendix A of the book. Another real plus for this book is the number of photographs that are included. The photos provide another dimension to this richly-composed book. This book is not only informative, it is very entertaining! Anyone who has ever seen an episode of "I Love Lucy" will want to own this book. It now occupies a prominent place in our family library. "Laughs, Luck...and Lucy" will be read and re-read many times in our home.

The best "Lucy" book yet. Aside from providing amazing insight into the "I Love Lucy" show and behind the scenes, this book also makes the reader feel as if he has been right along side Jess Oppenheimer throughout all of his fascinating experiences in San Francisco and early Hollywood. By the time I finished the book, I felt like I was saying good-bye to an old friend. Laugh out loud funny and impossible to put down, the book is brilliantly written and feels like a hilarious conversation with a genious.

when you first start reading this book it is sort of confusing but once you get to the second or third chapter you start to understand what's happening and you get hooked!
this is a great book to read if your interested in mystery/fantasy novels
the setting takes place at the rhysbridge estate
it's about a girl trying to find out who she really is and why certain things are happening to her: like why her hair grows 2" a night and why is she attracted to the sea
when she finds out why she has to choose between the land and the water. which will she choose?
you have to read the book to find out!!!
i recommend this book to all who enjoy a great book!

I was completely absorbed in Corinna's terrifying adventures as "folk keeper" and in figuring out the mystery of her background. What an unusual heroine! What a great setting! What an intriguing premise! What an astounding PLOT! I don't want to spoil the twists and turns for you, but trust me: this book is a flat-out great read.

If you like action, adventure, mysterious people and a little romance on the side you will love this novel. It is so exciting you can't put it down.
Corinna is a young girl who pretends to be a boy so she can be a Folk Keeper. Corinna (a.k.a Corin) doesn't like other people. She mostly stays down in her deep, dark cellar keeping all her secrets to herself. Soon a dying old man asks her to be his Folk Keeper and move away from the orphanage. She decides to go to Marblehaugh Park and watch these ravenous Folk. Here we see her vengence, soft side, weaknesses, and loves.
This book is a must read and will keep you wondering until the very end.

This is an utterly charming work. It has been retold myriad times, but nobody else has done it as well as the original teller, J. M. Barrie.

It's difficult to know what to say about a book like this... everybody knows the story. But I guess that unless you've read this book (not just seen a movie or read a retelling), you don't really know the character Peter Pan, and without knowing the character, you don't really know the story. So read it.

By the way, if you enjoy this, you probably would also like "Sentimental Tommy" and its sequel "Tommy and Grizel", both by Barrie. There are differences (for one thing they're not fantasy), but there are also compelling similarities. Anybody who found Peter Pan a deep and slightly bittersweet book would be sure to enjoy them.

-Stephen

The book 'Peter Pan' by J. M. Barrie is a truly beautiful work. It is never too cloyingly sweet or too harsh, and the child's perspective of the world is beautifully crafted. It does, however, bring you along on a journey to the Neverlands, and perhaps for a little while we can be reunited with our dreams.

Although Wendy seems a little prim, she is sweet and motherly. John was offhand and brave, Michael was tiny and believing. My favourite character was, however, Peter. The author really outdid himself on this one. Peter's innocent cockiness and love for dangerous adventures endeared him to me at once. He still has all his first teeth, and his first laugh - what more could we ask of him? His frightful happiness in danger reminds me of my seven-year-old self.

The book retains a magical quality right up to the last page. The midnight scene where Peter coaxes them out of the window has always stood out in my mind; there is a kind of magic in an ever-young boy, small and innocently cocky and always up to some mischief. The ending of the book is very sad, for only those who are gay and young and light-hearted can fly.

Definitely a book worth reading. Adults, trust me on this one: you might think you're too old to read this book, but once you do you'll find that a piece of Neverland still resides in your heart.

In almost a hundred years 'Peter Pan' has become a universal kiddie literature classic. Mostly basing on his personal experiences and people he knew, J.M. Barrie created a work full of subtle undertones that have been subject of deep controversies.

Rather than the story of a boy who refuses to grow up, a new approach on 'Peter Pan' has been developed. One of the most interesting is the one which is based on the analysis of the three primal female characters: Wendy --and Mrs. Darling, as well--, Tinker Bell and Tiger Lily. According to experts, they represent aspect in women that Barrie found intolerable. It is largely known that Barrie had serious problems with his mother, which may have led him to use such bipolarity on motherhood in the book. While on the one hand Mrs. Darling is a loving and concerned mother, on the other, Peter's --and the lost boy's as well-- mother abandoned him -- leading him to an eternal search of a mother figure, however unconscious it is.

The sexual aspect of the novel is so subtle that for many people it may be unnoticed. However, it is clear that the book deals with several taboos, being incest the most recurrent. Peter and Wendy have both a mother/son relationship, and also there is the wish of being 'lovers' --recurring to Oedipal myth. This is one of the most interesting aspect for the books --at least when it comes to an adult approach on 'Peter Pan'. According to Jacqueline Rose's 'The Case of Peter Pan, or, The Impossibility of Children's Fiction', "The sexuality which matters is both more and less explicit than this. It is sexuality in the form of its repeated disavowal, a relentless return to the question of origins and sexual difference which is focused time and again on the child". This is what makes the novel so intriguing: it is possible to read 'Peter Pan' is more than one way --and all of them are more and more interesting.

When it comes to kids themselves, this book is part a fairy tale, part an adventure and a familiar ode. These aspects make 'Peter Pan' appealing to both boys and girls. The characters while archetypical --this is unnoticeable to children-- are very vivid and it is not hard for young readers become their 'friends'. At the same time, all the 'sexual' aspect of the book is so subtle that parents can't be afraid of allowing their children to read the novel.

However, the unabridged 'Peter Pan' is not advisable to very young readers due to its fanciful language. When it was written in the early XX Century, that was the current language, but, nowadays some words like 'ofttimes' and 'diffidently' are not very common in a 10 year-old lexical. The narrative is told in first person, and the narrator used a lot of 'I''s which only bring the children closer to the story making it easy to feel part of the adventure --it was very smart of Barrie, because with that he makes friend with the child, and the story flows as if they were exchaging confidences.

All in all, J.M. Barrie's 'Peter Pan' will always be a children's fave and it deserves its place in the Fantasy Literature canon and will amuse young --and not-so-young-- readers forever.

I had planned to read this book for a while, and I was looking forward to it a lot, since the kids' one was way to short and boring even when I was ten years old. So, as you can probably guess my expectations were rather high, too high perhaps, but even so I was not disapointed. George Lucas has proved himself not only an excellent filmmaker, but also a great author as well. This book, while a bit dry at times, illustrates the movie in a spectacular fashion, and breathes new life into it, so that it seems interesting all over again. I read it one day when I was stuck in a hotel room, but this book was so interesting I litterally could not put it down. Every true Star Wars fan should read this, since it completly tells the story with a bunch of added stuff, that truly flesh out the story and that were completly missing from the movie. One thing that surprised me was the occasional small details that were changed. Such as Threepio being described as bronze instead of gold, and Luke being Blue 5 instead of Red 5. Another thing that struck me as odd was the slight differences in characters, Luke and Ben most noticably. Ben is less wise, more mischevious, and at times even funny, a previously unheard of thing! Luke also is slightly different. He seems, well, less innocent, more stupid, and even acts like somewhat of a jerk at times, and is all around more heroic and self centered, and generaly less cute. This was both interesting and annoying, since Luke was always my favorite character and to be honest I liked him better the other way. Leia is also noticably different, she being somewhat less strong, which annoyed me somewhat. Anyway, this was an excellent book, that deserved an honest four stars.

This storybook was given to me as a birthday gift a couple years ago. I must say, it doesn't quite compare to some other storybook adaptations that I have read. It includes a lot of pictures from the movie and a few blue-printed drawings of various characters and vehicles. However, the storytelling is choppy and for the book's length (48 pages), it cuts out a lot of good material and fails to tie various scenes together. Granted, this book was written for ten-year-old kids and I also recognize that Lucas' moviemaking makes a lot of quick cuts from scene to scenes. However, this book still could have been written a little better. Anyway, a book, even a children's book, is a total different medium from a movie.

I LOVE this book. I have always been a reader, but it usually takes me a long time. This book was easily finished in 2 days, just about a record. The detail just engulfs the reader. You can see everything. It's about 20 times better than the movie. Even if you are not a Star Wars fan, this book can easily make you one. The only downfall is that the famous "Help Me, Obi-Wan Kenobi" speech by Princess Leia has been altered. Even though, this book is an absolute must for any age. (I know, being only 16.) What else can I say? AMAZING!!!!

When was the last time that you heard about a boy who never, ever gave up? I don't know about you, but it's not very often that I hear about that. Well, guess what? In Og Mandino's terrific novel, The Twelfth Angel, that's exactly the type of boy you meet.
Mandino exquisitely describes the story of a billionaire computer company's president, John Harding. He is the new and very occupied president of Millennium who is thinking about ending his life after the death of his adored wife Sally and his beloved son Rick in a car crash. As John Harding is thinking about committing suicide, his old kinder-garden friend shows up. After talking for a while, he asks John a question; one that mysteriously, yet extraordinarily changes his life forever. John accepts to be the coach of the Angels, a Little League Baseball team in which he had played thirty years earlier.
As Mandino makes the story move quickly, he draws for all his readers an adorable petit twelve-year old that plays for the Angels. His name is Timothy Noble. Timothy is uncoordinated and can't catch, bat, throw or even play baseball. In spit of all this, he never gives up! John Harding helps him after practice, but he can't get it right. Still, he never gives up and doesn't bother to keep on trying. Little by little he teaches his coach and teammates to be perseverant. He even got them to worry about when he was going to finally make his good throw.
I loved the book, which was pleasant, warm and heart touching. The story reaches all aspects of life including love, friendship, death, emotional strength, self-confidence and perseverance.
I recommend The Twelfth Angel to everyone because I think that no one should miss such an amazing, wonderful, extraordinary and enjoyable book, which was created so realistically. I think that it leaves us with a better view about life and leaves a magical lesson.

Word Count: 326

I loved this book. I started on Tuesday evening and finished Wednesday evening. It's one of those "just can't put it down types". I found myself totally immersed in John Harding's insufferable grieve, and his compassioned interaction with little Timmy Noble. The ending made one wish there were more people like John in this rough old world. I will be buying several copies for my friends and family to read, along with a Kleenex or two. I've read several of Mandino's book, and think this is by far his best. My niece, Laurie, let me read her copy while we were on vacation. Thanks, Laurie. Love, Aunt Peggy

The Twelfth Angel, by Og Mandigo, is truly an inspiring and heartfelt story. This story left such an unforgettable impact on me that I know I'm likely to ponder it for years. Everyone should absolutely read this book, especially those in need of inspiration and hope. This book leaves you with tears, with hope you never knew you had, and with the wanting to never give up.

I don't want to give away too much, but this book is about a young, diligent, succesful, loving man who moves back to his small hometown of Boland, NH, with his wife Sally and their young boy Rick. When tradegy strikes, John has to struggle to cope. His life is shattered and he ultimately looks to suicide as an answer. Fortunately, his old friend, Bill helps him out of the gutter, which is where his life now lies, by asking him to help coach the boys little league. Uncertain, John finally accepts.

The day of tryouts John notices a boy who is smaller than any of the other kids, whose baseball hat and clothes look about two sizes too big on him. This little boy isn't very good at baseball, but he kept on trying, the whole time with determination and a big smile on his face. Although some of the older and better kids laughed and smirked at his constant mistakes and misses, this little boy was never put down and never stopped. And to John's surprise, this boy was amazingly the splitting image of his boy Rick! At first John had even thought he could have been Rick. This little boy, Timothy Noble, was by far the worst player of all the kids who tried out, and who had managed, almost as if by destiny, to end up on John's baseball team, receiving a jersey with number twelve on it.

Early on in the baseball season, John noticed that there was something very genuine and original about Timothy. What John and Timothy both don't know, is that their relationship will become very close, as they both need each other more than they can imagine.

I absolutely loved this heartfelt story. I even had tears gushing down my cheeks as I neared the end of the book. I think that this book is truly inspiring and comforting. I loved how caring and concerned John was of Timothy, and I especially loved little Timothy Noble and how happy he was. I was truly touched by this story and will always cherish everything I learned from this book. The lesson I think that Mandigo was in a way trying to get across is that you must be positive and have at least a good-maybe even a great-outlook on life, no matter what comes your way. If you are positive, you have a positive feedback, making your life richer everyday and in many different ways.

I really enjoyed Og Mandigo's writing style, as he was very, very vivid with his descriptions. I definitely plan to read more of his books in the future, and I would recommend this book to anyone who can read!

This must be Segal's best book till date. Segal's strengths are his intimate knowledge of Harvard, and his excellent command over the English language. You can find these reflected in almost every piece of fiction he has written so far, and Class is no exception. But the main difference is that Segal seems to have put LIFE into this novel. In The Class, Segal traces the life and times of four people who attends college together. From the Vietnam War to Israel's victory over the Arabs, its all there. The book keeps you riveted in place, till a very much surprising ending. A must buy, and a really good read.

'The Class' is an unputdownable book that tells the story of five people who are classmates at Harvard. Each of these five characters is crafted with expertise, and they are so fleshed out, so real, that you almost feel as if you know them in real life. Indeed, any college student who reads this book will find one Dany Rossi, one Jason Gilbert, one Ted Lambros and one one George Keller. And every college student will dream of being Andrew Eliot himself. In Andrew Eliot, Erich Segal has created his greatest character yet, one he hasn't been able to match so far. The guy is so real, so well underplayed, so *human*, that he will not fail to touch us. When I read this in my senior year in college, I could feel every moment of this book. To call it a masterpiece would put it beyond reach -the book's primary attraction is that it reaches out and embraces us and tells our story through its characters.

This is the best book I have ever read and the only book I have read more than once.

A very powerful novel that completely touches the reader where it really feels !! No words can say anything about the book. You got to read it.

Better than tape!

Once you log on the Net...anyone can find you! April 19, 2001 My father handed me this book becasue I was a "computer guy" and he thought I might enjoy it. (He would have given it 3 stars at most); but being as I am in computers...and you can do everything that is done in this book....I enjoyed it. Anyone who uses a computer, a chat room and a bulletin board will really appreciated it. The deaths are a little more gruesome than is required...but once you get pass that, the book keeps your attention.

It starts slow and picks up with every page. I could not put it down. I finished it on one day! This book is a thriller even up to the last page. A must read.... this is a thoroughly entertaining novel.

Note: I now turn off my computer at night.

My father handed me this book becasue I was a "computer guy" and he thought I might enjoy it. (He would have given it 3 stars at most); but being as I am in computers...and you can do everything that is done in this book....I enjoyed it. Anyone who uses a computer, a chat room and a bulletin board will really appreciated it. The deaths are a little more gruesome than is required...but once you get pass that, the book keeps your attention.

It starts slow and picks up with every page. I could not put it down. I finished it on one day! This book is a thriller even up to the last page. A must read.... this is a thoroughly entertaining novel.

Note: I now turn off my computer at night.

Hello, Folks this is a great audiobook. Excellent, thrilling, gripping story. Wonderful sound effects. Jason Culp did a fantastic job as narrator. I will listen to F2F many more times. I am going to try and obtain some of Phil Finch's other audiobooks if available. Get this audiobook, now !

This is a good example of "You can't tell a book by its cover". My wife and I ride Harleys, and enjoy reading books on many different subjects. We also think we have some spiritual sensitivity. Anyway, my Harley lady saw this book while Christmas shopping, and picked it up for me as a stocking-stuffer. When I opened it, I jokingly asked her if she found it in the motorcycle section or the religion section of the bookstore. After reading the first couple of chapters, I was about to consign it to the trashbin, but continued to read it, in part piqued by curiosity as to how such lightweight drivel makes it into print, in part hoping to find something redeeming in it. To sum up, all this book has taught me is that as a writer, you'll never go broke underestimating people's intellect, and as long as you use a few easily-applied formulas (the aging single woman in search of fulfillment; the hot brand ----in the title, of course; God ---it also helps to put Him in the title; banal self-help platitudes, etc.) you'll be laughing all the way to the bank. A total waste of money.

I was told to read this book by a very mysterious person months ago. It took me nine months to actually purchase the book. I still do not know why I waited so long. From the moment I received the book I couldn't put it down. The cover says it all "IF YOU'VE EVER HAD A BROKEN HEART...." read this wonderful book. It really helps you understand yourself and makes you realize that you can learn to love by learning & loving yourself first.

This book is amazingly written. It gives you (especially women) so much enlightenments to life.. and it addresses many difficulties that women go through everyday. It's a GREAT fable!!