PA

When I first sat down with the book, I thought that I possibly had accidentally picked up the wrong book. It was a little confusing at first because I thought it was going to be just like the movie. (I had already seen the movie.) But then it got easier once I realized that it wasn't at all like the movie. I mean, the story was the same, but the tone was different and you got a better understanding of The Black in the book than in the movie. You could picture the wild, vicious heart of the stallion. When Alec rode the Black, you got a picture of what is was like to be on top of such a horse and you felt like you were right there riding him beside Alec.

Overall, I loved the book and I hope that someone else will read the book. Horselovers, you should read it too! I highly recommend it!

A most intriguing book, The Black Stallion, always kept me glued to each page. It still does when I flip through the pages of my favorite horse story.
When the Drake goes down on the ocean, Alec and the black horse are the only survivors. They both make it to a uninhabited island and are stranded there to fend for themselves. During that time on the island, Alec slowly begins to gain the wild stallion's trust. A friendship grows between the Black and Alec and when they finally are resuced from the island, the two are inseparable.
That is only the beginning of the story. The rest will take Alec, the Black and all readers on an exciting adventure that one will not soon forget.
The Black Stallion is a book that everyone should read. Do not forget the rest of the series, including the Island Stallion series, which are intricately intertwined with the Black Stallion books.
The Black Stallion is a classic and should not be overlooked. A MUST for all horse lovers! And a MUST for all!

I first read THE BLACK STALLION when I was 9 - and I became hooked and read several of the books that followed in the series. None held up to this first book - but they were consistent and I still have them.

With the book first being published in 1941 - I wonder now how much of this story was influenced by the SeaBiscuit story?

Anyway - this is one of those books that I remember wishing with all my heart and soul I could be Alec, alone on the island in the sun with that horse. Just riding. And having no other thoughts in the world.

And sometimes, after a particularly bad week, this book is one of those that I scoop up to smooth my edges.

Ok, after all the GREAT REVIEWS ON "Blink Red Light" it's really hard to top that it is truly an excellent,remarkable,must read, page turner, rollercoster ride, realistic, outstanding and you won't put it down novel. Once I started reading it I took it every where until I finished, it was refreshing. It's even worth reading a second time because if you blink you will miss it (Yeah, sorry to say I dug it so much and got caught up in it, I blinked and missed the ending)
The characters seemed as if they were real because Mr.Frisby had the culture, places and the people in Philadelphia down packed.
I am glad he's from Philadelphia.
He really brought the novel to life. It really gets your juices flowing with each page.
Once you have read "Blinking Red Light" try to find something to read just as exciting, explosive and expertly written as Mr Frisby.
He is truly a great writter and puts the competition out there for writters to come.
I can't wait to read more novels by Mr. Frisby.
Mister you go MANN!

Just a brief note - To me it's really more than a five star book.
I know the review should be about the book but I feel if that if you need a good book just BUY "Blinking Red Light" you will crave more.
I was lucky because I ran into is MOM who I need to say she is wonderful & very supportive. If you get to meet her you will know who she is because she always has Mr. Fribsy novels in her hand.

Now if you are still reading reviews and my review didn't help you decide to buy "Blinking Red Light" then hit me up and
I WILL BUY IT FOR YAH. THAT'S A WRAP!!

Before I go any further, I must say that this book is incredible! I almost never, ever read novels being an avid reader of poetry. I met Mister's mother by chance and got a copy of the book. I let it sit on my coffee table for one day and then decided to read it while I did my laundry. Needless to say, I never took my clothes out of the washer! I hope they're still there! Blinking Red Light had me glued to the pages. I couldn't put the book down except when I had to go to work the next day. The suspense and comedy had me reeling! I just had to know what would happen next. It sort of reminds me of my all time favorite story, "The Man Who Lived Underground" by Richard Wright.

To Mister: Keep on writing. You're on your way to becoming one of the greats!

And to the curious reader of this review: BUY THE BOOK NOW

MISTER MANN FRISBY IS ONE OF THE BEST WRITER OUT OF PHILADEPHIA."BLINKING RED LIGHT" IS A BOOK YOU CAN'T PUT DOWN ONCE YOU START IT,A PAGE TURNER FOR SURE.

This is one of the best legal thrillers I've read - including Grisham, Turrow, R.N. Patterson. Protagonist Victor Carl is so human - flaws and all - I found his character as complelling as the mystery itself. Don't read any synopsis of this book! Get to know the characters and the story one page at a time.

I devoured the book during a recent vacation - and on the 6 hour plane trip home. Couldn't wait to check for additional titles by the author and was glad to learn that Carl's not-so-illustrious legal career continues in Lashner's next novel.

After reading a local review that simply raved about William Lashner, calling him the "best mystery writer in the country," I knew I had to find one of his books and read it. I was not disappointed.

Victor Carl, an attorney with two first names, isn't your ordinary, every day hero. One might call him an anti-hero. Consider that he's a lawyer, first off. And that he's made some really bad decisions in his life, which has put him on the "down and out" list in Philadelphia. In order to save his failing private practice, he agrees to aid Councilman Jimmy Moore to avoid a racketeering and murder rap. Basically, he's sold his soul in order to get a leg up in the world. Not only does his decision turn out to be the most dangerous choice he's ever made...it turns out to be the worst.

While Victor watches as his client is framed--and could it be that he's being duped as well?--he begins to learn a hard lesson about life, and about himself.

An excellent, well-written novel, with deeply flawed and believable characters, Lashner is one author that gets added to my "favorites" list!

This should be considered a new classic among legal thrillers. Incredibly witty, insightful, and entertaining--extremely well-written. For once, a hero who is not Superman. Not that Supermans are unexciting when drawn well, but there are a lot more mere survivors out there, heels even, and Lashner gives us one even more interesting than Sammy Glick. Victor wasn't born with the world's greatest advantages, hasn't gotten what he wants yet, and has experienced a lot of losing--so now what? Life goes on. That's the point here, or at least one of them.

Stars In Their Courses is an excellent book covering the Gettysburg Campaign. Taken completely from Foote's Civil War Trilogy, the book presents a balanced view of the battle. Foote's writing is always easy to read and understand and at times brief in coverage. For a reader looking for great information I would suggest reading a book devoted to a particular day of fighting during the campaign as this book covers the basics and seldom dives into any hour-by-hour detail. For the advanced historian it may seem a bit too brief but for the novice Civil War reader it is an excellent book. Foote likes to present the battle from both sides of the army and explain Lee's and Meade's thoughts or strategies that help explain the how the battle and final outcome evolved. Shelby Foote is probably one of the best authors on the subject and I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking to gain further knowledge and insight into the Battle of Gettysburg.

A student (yes, I'm a history major) of the Civil War, and having grown up believing that the holy land was a certain battlefield in Pennsylvania, I read Shelby Foote's The Stars in Their Courses as part of a research paper. I had gotten the copy for my father that past Christmas. It was well worn by the time I borrowed it in April.
In reading his work on the Gettysburg campaign, as he described the places about the enormous battlefield, I could see myself in those places once again. It was like reading an old journal entry, or seeing a picture of a childhood home; such is the power of Foote's work that it can transport you to the place you are reading about. Both my father and I read this book with great enjoyment, for this was written in a style of prose much more beautiful and approachable than many other writers on the subject.
To this day, Shelby Foote's work remains a staple in the bookcases of the Lacey household, and will remain that way for a long long time.

You may remember Shelby Foote from his sonorous narration in Ken Burns's THE CIVIL WAR. He is also a respectable novelist and the author of an authoritative three-volume history of the Civil War from the point of view of the South.

STARS IN THEIR COURSES is an even-handed look at the three days' battle that some think was the decisive struggle of the long conflict. At least, it would have been had it not been for Lee's rapid, orderly retreat and Meade's disinclination to face him in battle again so soon. If the more decisive Grant were in charge at that early date, the war would have drawn to a quick conclusion.

As a big fan of Ted Turner's GETTYSBURG, I was surprised to see that the movie took at least as much from Foote as from Michael Shaara's THE KILLER ANGELS. Foote produces a more all-encompassing view of the battle than the film, which omits Ewell's actions on the Union right as well as the battle's immediate aftermath.

My only complaint about the Modern Library edition is that the maps scattered throughout the text bear no captions. The reader has to check the List of Maps in the back of the book to find out where (and when) he is on the battlefield. An index would also have been useful.

But these are mere peccadillos considering Foote's high level of scholarship and engaging prose style. This book is a keeper.

I really just enjoyed this book.My heart really went out to Katie as well as her family and close friends.I have learned so much about the"Amish"way of life through reading this book.I checked this book out from my local, public libary and have already purchased "The Confession and The Reckoning."The Shunning" is a fabulous read and I highly recommend it to anyone.Can't wait to read the other 2 books.

I am an avid reader and lover of Amish history. These 2 passions drew me to a display containing "The Shunning" when we were traveling and stopped to eat at a little restaurant-gift shop. I just had to get up from my meal and take a look at the book. I was so interested I had to read it. The characters were exciting people, individual in spite of being identical! Katie especially intrigued me! She was so fiesty, so different, opinionated, yet family oriented. How could she expect to be happy at any one place when the whole world called to her? I felt empathy for Katie's Amish parents because having a daughter like her surely was a test in their community! Yet, I felt Katie's pain...her uncertainty...her desires...what part in her longterm future would Mary play? How could Katie endure without Dan, her soul mate? How could she marry a man she did not love? Why must she be forced to live without the beautiful, soothing music she adored? Was it sin, or simply protocol? It was easy to keep switching my loyalty from one group to the other...they all had some good ideas. I thought I understood Katie and her inquisitive nature, yet I wanted to scold her for being ungrateful and even spiteful to her parents at times. I seemed to have love-hate for one person, then another! I think this author, Bev Lewis, surely must have an interesting life....how else could she think of so many wonderfully surprising events? For a book that led one to think it was going to be about a fairly dull family, living in a fairly dull town, with fairly dull ideals, there certainly was a trememdous amount of excitement nontheless! People DID have feelings, they DID experience emotions, and Katie Lapp was determined to live them in addition to just feeling them! There are issues here that are presented so well, love and marriage, family life, faith, obedience to parents, loyalty, adoption, trust, life and death, grief and mourning, traditions, ways of life...and all of these are wrapped around one tiny, pink satin baby gown! When I saw I was on the last page, I was stricken....NO, THIS CANNOT BE ENDING...there is so much I do not know yet! What will happen to..what if...when will...why didn't....maybe they...if only.... I did not rest a moment until book number 2 was in my hands! I so fully appreciate the author's portrayal of the love of God, His plan of salvation and especially the individuality of each person in spite of their surroundings! Thanks, Bev!

This book was so good that I couldn't put it down! Beverly Lewis has an amazing writing style and I definately endorse this book! The story is about a young girl coming of age in a small Amish community! It details her struggles to find where in the world she truly belongs. It also highlights her choice between the plain Amish lifestyle that she is accustomed to and the rich elegant lifestyle that she so longs for!

I decided to read Green Grass Grace for three reasons; my parents grew up in Philly, I've lived my entire life in NJ a stones throw from the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge and the "Philadelphia Inquirer" gave it rave reviews. How incredible that a first time author should hit a grand slam on his first at bat! And as with any grand slam, Shawn McBride touches all the bases. This book is hilarious, sad, poignant, touching and always refreshing. We quickly fall in love with the hero of this book, Henry Toohey. Henry is a typical 13 year old--he tries to be cool, agonizes over his hair, hangs out with his buddies, loves sports, describes every woman by her cup size, worries about his dysfunctional family and is in love with a neighborhood girl. Henry also possesses a heart of gold and a garbage mouth. We follow Henry through three days of late summer as he hatches a plan to propose marriage to his girlfriend and at the same time, save his sorry family from themselves. He is a naive romantic who believes in "happily ever after." Although Henry's scheme doesn't go as planned, the end results are satisfying and touching nonetheless. The events in these three short days also prove to have a maturing influence on the young Henry and he ends the book much closer to manhood than at the beginning.

Although the book itself was thoroughly enjoyable, it was made even more so for those of us who recognize the neighborhoods, the parks, the churches, the neighborhood games (stickball and freedom), the sports teams and the houses complete with statues of assorted saints. It was also nice that this book was published first in paperback, thus making it more affordable for the average reader. I gave a number of them as gifts for Easter--something I couldn't have done if they were hardbacks.

So, to Mr. McBride, congratulations and here's hoping that this is just the beginning of a long and distinguished literary career. It is truly a delight to read a new, fresh and young voice in the publishing world.

A wonderful first novel by Shawn McBride. The Philly neighborhood comes to life with the tale of Henry Toohey and his plan to help his family and first love in the Summer of 1984. The dialogue and sense of humor in McBride's writing makes this book a delightful and entertaining read. Highly recommended.

The combination is bizarre...and works beautifully. Try not to make any judgements in the first 15 pages; you'll be glad you did.

The author did a great job of making me feel like I was reading a story from a fourteen year old boy from a working class family. It wasn't always comfortable, but I felt like I experienced his life and home. It was frequently funny, several times literally laugh out loud funny, and I came to care about the characters.

The book is a little different and a lot good. If you can get beyond the parents and children regularly swearing (and other things) in front of each other and a boy who has boobs-on-the-brain, you'll find a whole lot more beneath the surface.

The flood that destroyed Johnstown, PA was felt as far downstream as Pittsburgh. The flood (and ensuing fire in the rubble of the town) claimed 2,000 lives, and wiped a town from the face of the earth.

It didn't have to be that way. Deferred maintenance on the dam whose failure spelt doom for Johnstown was, according to McCullough, the deciding factor in the collapse. The storm, which finally put the dam down, was merely the inevitable stimulus; the breeze against a house of cards. McCullough, without hysterical blame-placing--indeed, almost tacitly--places responsibility gently, but no less convincingly, on the appropriate shoulders, and, in doing so, makes a powerful statement about 19th-century class structures

Couple the social commentary with a hair-raising narrative style (the train racing with the wave-front, whistle tied open, still sticks in my mind, many months after reading), and McCullough produces top-notch, exquisitely researched, gripping (though perhaps a bit thin), popular history.

I heartily recommend _The Johnstown Flood_.

Meticulously researched and written, The Johnstown Flood is not only a book about the horrific disaster, but a richly crafted piece of social history. David McCullough delves into the social changes, the newly rich upper class, the immigrants striving to survive and the new middle classes. It also is a story of early modern engineering's hubris and the unwillingness of men to see their mistakes. McCullough weaves these themes and the lives of everyday people into a compelling story of the eventual destruction of Johnstown. The accounts of the flood are gripping, graphic and heartrending. I first read this when I was 10 and it was included in a Reader's Digest Condensed Books. I recently purchased it, after having reread it several times( the last time in preperation for reading a fictionalized account of the people of Johnstown). This is the definitive Johnstown book.

I knew nothing about the Flood, and have never been to Pennsylvania, but it seemed like an interesting story. I was not disappointed. It was a great read. There was just enough detail and there were no boring spots. McCullough did a great job and this is a great read.

I rely on this book, it has been my companion for many years everywhere I go. I have given away dozens of copies, in various printings, to friends and foe.

What makes this 'pocket classic' edition special is the package: it is tiny. It really does fit in a small pocket; it is about the size of a deck of cards (I think - it has been a long time since I have seen a deck of cards!). But despite its minuscule size, it is easy to read, the print is clear and simple.

The content, too, is clear and simple. The Path of the Warrior is a way of being in the worl. It is not a religion, but a path to spirit. It is said to be very old (from well before Buddhism) and it is completely contemporaneous.

If your eyes are not as good as they were or as they should be, you should buy the more normal size book. But, definitely, buy it! It will change your life.

"The Shambhala teachings are founded on the premise that there is basic human wisdom that can help to solve the world's problems. This wisdom does not belong to any one culture or religion, nor does it come only from the West or the East. Rather, it is a tradition of human warriorship that has existed in many cultures at many times throughout history". - Chogyam Trungpa

The book looks at the principles of warriorship, and this is non-aggressive, no swords and daggers here.

I read this book and it was like having spent my whole life walking from place to place. Then one day being given a bicycle to travel around. And one night, whilst asleep, dreaming of the awesome speed I was now able to travel at, someone sneaks into my garage and fits a turbo charged, jet powered, rocket engine.

I would recommend this book to anyone, and have been doing, if you are reading this now then your search is complete, there is no need to go any further. Put it in your shopping basket and get ready for the rollercoaster ride of your life.

"In this practical guide to enlightened living, Chogyam Trungpa offers an inspiring vision for our time, based on the figure of the sacred warrior. In ancient times, the warrior learned to master the challenges of life, both on and off the battlefield. He acquired a sense of personal freedom and power--not through violence or aggression, but through gentleness, courage, and self-knowledge. The Japanese samurai, the warrior-kings of Tibet, the knights of medieval Europe, and the warriors of the Native American tribes are a few examples of this universal tradition of wisdom."+++

As a forewarning to readers who decide to pick up Nicole Bailey-William's A Little Piece of Sky: this is not your average piece of fiction. The 155 page book is centered on the troubled female character named Song Byrd, and the novel is put together in much the same lyrical and poetic way as the character's name. The chapters are short, metaphorically deep, snack-sized morsels that the reader is treated to as they read about Song's struggle to overcome the ghetto of Philadelphia that has made her who she is.

The title of the book comes into play when Song divulges to the reader that her mother, who birthed four children from four different men, used to lock Song into the roach infested bathroom of their apartment when her mother was unable to attain a babysitter. Song would look up to the sky as a symbol of hope and day dream to pass the time away. A tragic event occurs, which rattles Song's foundation and makes her decide to never look up ever again.

Fast forward many years later and Song is a graduate of Spelman College with a great job giving back to the community and a man who adores her, but she's still holding on desperately to her past. Despite her personal uplifting experience of no longer relaxing her hair and the education she has under her belt, there are many old issues of hope and self-esteem that she has to struggle through before she can truly move on with her life.

Works of fiction of this sort are great for those who are looking for a profound, triumphant story. This novel does not skimp on major issues like classism, race, intra-racism, and the power of the human spirit to overcome. This should be required reading for every woman of color before heading off for higher learning.

Anna

R.E.A.L. Reviewers

A Little Piece Of Sky, from the title to the text works. It is the story of Song Byrd from childhood to adulthood. It speaks of Song's tribulations and triumphs in a heartfelt connected way. The story poignantly expresses how the trajedy of our past can still haunt our present and hinder our futures if not for hope. Song's hope came from seeing her life without limits through, A Little Piece of Sky. My only reason for giving 4 stars instead of 5 was because the book had to end. I really wanted more. The author's writing was so good and intriguing that I would have loved to have read this as a full blown novel with more details.

I so look forward to this author's next piece of work.

Mrs Bailey-Williams really out did herslf with this novel. Speaking as a teenager I felt that this story is realistic. Song has been through many trials and tribulation just like many other teenagers,but she made the best out of her situation. This book is a ray of hope for teenagers who are going through hard times in their lives. This was an excellent novel I strongly recommend this novel for people ages 15 and up

This was my first experience with the writings of Travis Hunter. I had read his contribution to Black Silk, but had never read any of his novels. This story was a wonderful literary experience.

It is impressive when an author can uplift and leave you with a message that is honest and truthful. Mr. Hunter does this and more.

Jermaine Banks is an almost 30-year-old hustler. Jermaine has a son, a girlfriend and a baby on the way. Life as a hustler has lost its sparkle and he is caught between the good of what he does and the hypocritical part that he struggles with more now in his life then ever. He must decide what being a man entails and follow the road to better.

Calvin Sharpe is this 50 something father and husband who decides that he no longer wants to be married and makes the necessary arrangements to get out of this seemingly unbearable situation. However, his questionable business ethnics remind us all we reap what we sow. So not only is he running from the law, he is running from himself and the demons that drive him.

Both these African-American men epitomize the stereotypes of our men being hustlers and questionable businessmen. Yet there troubles are of their own makings. Although, they feel they are forced to make the decisions they make to earn money, in the end they must face what their truth really is. Most importantly each of these men wants to do right by their children.

This is an honest portrayal of the dimensions of African-American men. It shows their struggle to do right in a world that encourages them to do wrong. The characters are real and forthright. The female characters are true to form as well. They also show us the strength of our African-American women.

The story is strong just like the character development. The dialogue is realistic and honest. I am still laughing about that darn rat! This is a well-written story of black men who in their own ways want to be true men, accept their responsibilities and be forgiven for the wrongs they have done. We all want to leave our troubles behind. This quick read makes you thirsty for a little more of an ending, but it leaves you with a wonderful strong African-American message. Recommended.

Another great novel by Travis Hunter.

Jermaine Banks (The Hearts of Men & Married But Still Looking) is back with his own story to tell. With a three-year-old son and another child on the way, Jermaine is forced to make some life altering decisions. A drug dealer by trade, he suddenly decides to put and end to his hustling ways.

Join Travis as he weaves a tale filled with drug abuse, interracial relationships, death, sexual promiscuity, child neglect and abandonment, and the many issues that we tend to categorize as drama, drama, and more drama.

A wonderful novel written with a positive message on achieving the impossible by making the right decisions in life.

I would also recommend reading Travis' other novels The Hearts of Men and Married But Still Looking.

Pam Bolden
Sistas' Down South Bookclub
Jackson, MS

Gripping...absolutely stimulating! Trouble Man was my first Travis Hunter novel. I must say he did a fine job with the character development. Jermaine was a perfect example of someone getting caught up in the game. I was thoroughly engrossed in this book, so much that I finished it in one day!