Drums of Autumn

Amazon.com

Set in pre-Revolutionary War America, readers finally have the much awaited fourth book in what will probably become a six book series (The Outlander series). The talented Diana Gabaldon continues Claire and Jamie's romantic love affair, and introduces Brianna and Roger's story. Eight hundred pages, and several wonderful new characters later, we wonder why we were waiting for a conclusion. It'll be a long wait for book five, so I recommend you go back and reread Outlander, Dragonfly in Amber, and Voyager to keep yourself sane.

Book Description

In this breathtaking novel—rich in history and adventure—The New York Times bestselling author Diana Gabaldon continues the story of Claire Randall and Jamie Fraser that began with the now-classic novel Outlander and continued in Dragonfly in Amber and Voyager. Once again spanning continents and centuries, Diana Gabaldon has created a work of sheer passion and brilliance....

It began at an ancient Scottish stone circle. There, a doorway, open to a select few, leads into the past—or the grave. Dr. Claire Randall survived the extraordinary passage, not once but twice.

Her first trip swept her into the arms of Jamie Fraser, an eighteenth-century Scot whose love for her became a legend—a tale of tragic passion that ended with her return to the present to bear his child. Her second journey, two decades later, brought them together again in the American colonies. But Claire had left someone behind in the twentieth century—their daughter, Brianna....

Now Brianna has made a disturbing discovery that sends her to the circle of stones and a terrifying leap into the unknown. In search of her mother and the father she has never met, she is risking her own future to try to change history ... and to save their lives. But as Brianna plunges into an uncharted wilderness, a heartbreaking encounter may strand her forever in the past ... or root her in the place she should be, where her heart and soul belong....

Download Description

Diana Gabaldon holds a bachelor¿s degree in zoology, a master¿s degree in marine biology, and a Ph.D. in ecology, none of which has anything whatever to do with her novels. She spent a dozen years as a university professor before turning to writing full-time. Diana Gabaldon lives in Scottsdale, Arizona, with her family.

From the Trade Paperback edition.

Customer Reviews:

Book #4 in this series.......2007-08-21

This series must be read in order!!!

This book kinda bombed out for me. Jamie and Claire are not the primary characters here. Brianna (daughter) and Roger (boyfriend later married) are.

I didn't care for Brianna and Roger. They seemed to be lacking in their brains cells a time or two....

They are in present time and find a news article that tells of a housefire killing Jamie and Claire. They plot to go back to that time period to prevent it.

I WAS SO dissappointed in the way Jamie meets his daughter for the first time--standing in the alley urinating off all things.

I didn't think this one was very well written or edited. But, if you really like this series (like I did) you will want to read it.

The next book (#5), "Fiery Cross," was...uh....emmmmmm...it was awful. Sorry. But, that's another review.

A Fantastic Story!.......2007-08-07

Diana Gabaldon takes us back in time into the lives of Jamie and Claire. The author as usual does her research on the topics and settings and when the story unfolds you can feel the detail descriptions she portrays to the scenes, the attire, and characters. I thought Drums of Autumn was a wonderful book and I look forward (I'm a little late to this author) to her next book in the series. I highly recommend this romantic and adventurous story.

The necessary link.......2007-07-28

As promised in previous reviews, I will also keep this one short, sweet and to the point.

Firstly, I must state that this volume HAS to exist.

Bree and Roger have appeared in the previous books, but their links to this tale have not been forged as strongly, simply because the story had not yet required it to do so.

Well .... in this one they bring it home and finally become important players in the Outlander series.

I adore Roger - and personally, without him, Bree would be too big'a chunk to swallow sometimes. (Another itty-bitty reason this volume needed)

Again, as I have said in previous reviews - this one cannot be missed if you are intending to follow the tale to the end.

Get into it people - there is plenty more to follow.

Cheers - Jo

What a letdown!.......2007-07-23

Once I started this series, I literally could not put these books down. I was telling all my friends about these books, staying up too late and going to work with circles under my eyes, but loving the characters, the period detail and the twists and turns of the plot.

Then I came to Drums of Autumn. This is the first book of Gabaldon's series that I thought was unconvincing and could have used more attention from her editor. And that's saying something, considering each previous book is 800-1000 pages at least.

Generally I've enjoyed the anticipation leading up to a major plot point (i.e. the first 350 pages of Voyager) because what's been in those pages has been well-paced, exciting and led to a deeper appreciation of the characters. But in this book, when I got to the part where Brianna has left to find her parents, I said aloud "It's about d**n time!" and by the end of the book I was skipping pages and pages just to find out what happened. And the characters started doing things that made no sense. Eventually between the absurd plot twists and the descriptive passages that just went on and on and on, I got to the point where found myself talking back to the book ("Arggh" and "You've gotta be kidding!" are prime, printable examples) and, alas, losing interest.

Don't get me wrong - there are very riveting and entertaining parts to the book but overall I thought that Gabaldon wasted too much prose on things that didn't further the plot or enhance the characters, only to gloss over areas rife with potential. What about Brianna's memories of Frank (we only learned that he taught her to shoot - what else did they share?), her time living alone since her mother's departure, her arrival/stay at Lallybroch, her observations of her mother's relationship with Jaime and how she finally resolves her issues regarding her mother's betrayal of Frank? We hear at the end of the book that she's seen one marriage with love and one marriage without, and would choose love instead of settling. Really!?! And what were her observations and thoughts that brought her to this conclusion, anyway??

My other gripe with this book is that that Gabaldon obviously thought up the scenario concerning Roger/Jamie/Steven Bonnet simply find a mechanism by which Brianna and Roger get stranded in the 18th century. Come on!! These ploys (mistaken identity, misinterpretation of overheard conversations) are shockingly unoriginal, used in TV sitcoms and by lazy writers who can't think of any other way to get the characters do what they want them to. I know by her previous examples that she's not lazy and has created characters and stories that while they require a little suspension of disbelief, still worked because they at least seemed plausible and in alignment with what we understood about the characters. It would have been much more interesting if Gabaldon had developed Brianna into a person whose decisions and actions actually made sense. Instead of taking stock of her situation and making a well thought out decision, Brianna instead had the decision forced upon her, so to speak, and was turned into a victim. I suppose my disappointment in this book is so much greater because the author had set the bar so high with her previous entries in the series.

I'll keep plowing ahead and read the remaining two books in the series, but seeing that The Fiery Cross has only a 3-star average rating, I'll continue with much less excitement, afraid that I'll be disappointed again.

Drums of Autumn.......2007-06-16

Loved it!!! These characters reach out and invite you into their lives, loves, hurts. I can get enough of this series!!!

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photojournalism master
A Great Book by a Great Photographer
learned so much in one day
Note to Amazon.com from Gordon Park's assistant:
Superb account of the world he's experienced!

Half Past Autumn: A Retrospective
Gordon Parks
Manufacturer: Bulfinch
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0821222988

Amazon.com

Gordon Parks is one of the 20th century's greatest multitalented cultural treasures: a writer, poet, musician, composer, filmmaker, and photographer. In this book--the companion volume to a traveling retrospective--the full flower of Parks's genius is both awe-inspiring in its depth and thorough in its demolition of the era's social-science fictions about African American potential.

Born in Kansas, Parks wandered as a homeless teen, and through wit, smarts, and improvisation--and no experience--landed a job as a photographer for the Farm Security Administration, then with his new skill took pictures for Life magazine. "Tyrants, dictators, dethroned kings," he writes, "all stared into my camera with eyes that were unveiled. The camera revealed them as they were--human beings imprisoned inside themselves." Highlights among his photographic work include the haunting shot of domestic Ella Watson, the starkness of a 1940s teenaged gang leader named Red Jackson lying eternally young in his coffin, and the elegant, life-and-death ballet of the Spanish bullfight. Parks's depiction of Duke Ellington's towering music in motion reflects the importance of jazz and blues in Parks's artistry. From the films Shaft and The Learning Tree (the latter adapted from his own novel) to his impressionistic ballet honoring Martin Luther King Jr., his work swings with an American rhythm that continues to inspire him. "A musical theme vibrates in my sleep," he writes. "I get up, go to the piano, and jot it down. A blustery sky, a crescent moon, or the blazing sun can hurry me to poetry, or to the camera. When the doors of promise open, the trick is to quickly walk through them." --Eugene Holley Jr.

Customer Reviews:

photojournalism master.......2004-01-18

mr. parks' book is autobiographical in photo and text. the book reveals his journey to becoming a documentor of turbulent times during his career. this is a must purchase.

A Great Book by a Great Photographer.......2000-12-08

Buy this book and see the wonderful and varied career of Gordon Parks. See the world through this stunning photographer's eyes, and you will never see the world the same again. Then buy *A Choice of Weapons* and find out how this man came to create these masterworks. Everyone knows his genius as a photographer, filmmaker, and composer, but people may not know that he is a master memoirist as well. Put this book and *A Choice of Weapons* on your Christmas list!

learned so much in one day.......1999-05-20

Seeing the exhibit was the most wonderful day of my life. Getting the book was the next best day. I am not sure if another photographer so talented in all fields will ever appear again. Raad A Choice of Weapons also by Gordon Parks, it will help reinforce the Retrospective.

Note to Amazon.com from Gordon Park's assistant:.......1999-05-09

Please note that the cover that you show on the internet is incorrect. I am the photgrapher and what you show is the photograph that was used for the dummy book shown at the book fair. The photograph shown is an unpublished photgraph. Please look at the book for the actual cover.

Superb account of the world he's experienced!.......1998-08-25

Through his poetry and photographs, Parks does an excellent job of allowing the reader to some into the world he has experienced over the years. You feel like you've gone off on assignment with him and like you've have expericned the bigotry first hand. The messages he conveys through his work were way ahead of his time, but right on time in today's world. His intelligence brightly shines through both his photographs and poetry. The narratives, photographs and poetry all make for an outstanding compilation of his feelings and views on the world. Marvelous!

It Happened One Autumn (Wallflower Quartet, Bk. 2)

Average customer rating:

...a thin line between love and hate
American Girl takes on British Nobility
Don't be a wallflower- jump in and read this series!
Positively spectacular!
The Best of the Wallflower Series

It Happened One Autumn (Wallflower Quartet, Bk. 2)
Lisa Kleypas
Manufacturer: Avon
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0060562498
Release Date: 2005-09-27

Book Description

Four young ladies enter London society with one necessary goal: they must use their feminine wit and wiles to find a husband. So they band together, and a daring husband-hunting scheme is born.

It Happened at the Ball...

Where beautiful but bold Lillian Bowman quickly learned that her independent American ways weren't entirely "the thing." And the most disapproving of all was insufferable, snobbish, and impossible Marcus, Lord Westcliff, London's most eligible aristocrat.

It Happened in the Garden…

When Marcus shockingly -- and dangerously-swept her into his arms. Lillian was overcome with a consuming passion for a man she didn't even like. Time stood still; it was as if no one else existed…thank goodness they weren't caught very nearly in the act!

It Happened One Autumn...

Marcus was a man in charge of his own emotions, a bedrock of stability. But with Lillian, every touch was exquisite torture, every kiss an enticement for more. Yet how could he consider taking a woman so blatantly unsuitable…as his bride?

Customer Reviews:

...a thin line between love and hate.......2007-09-24

This is the second in the Wallflower quartet and in my opinion is much better than the first (Summer).

This is Lillian and Marcus's story. I was intriqued to see what their story would be like after meeting them in Secrets of a Summer Night. Let me tell you, I wasn't disappointed. Lillan is a real treat of a heroine. She swears, plays "baseball" with the boys, and has a temper on her. I loved it!

Marcus is a straight-laced, serious, by the book hero. Lillian storms in to his life and literally "rocks" his world. He does his very best to reason around why the two of them would never work, but is really is futile! Throughout the book we come to understand why Marcus is the way he is, and after meeting his hateful mother we only love Marcus even more.

The love scenes are scorching so be prepared!!! The end of the book features the Viscount St. Vincent and my only question is how I'll ever be able to buy into him as the hero in the next book. He really does despicable things....I hope that the saying "Reformed rakes make the best husbands" rings true.

Enjoy It Happened One Autumn..it's worth the read.

American Girl takes on British Nobility.......2007-09-11

Lillian Bowman, an American heiress, is one of the four young women who call themselves the wallflowers. In this second installment of the series, headstrong, spirited Lillian, her sister Daisy and her parents are attending a month long party held at Lord Westman's estate. Marcus, Lord Westman, is the ultimate in uptight, superior English snobbiness and Lillian cannot stand him. Lillian and her sister need a sponsor to help them gain a husband from the English nobility and that sponsor comes in the form of Marcus's mother, a cold hearted woman who thinks preserving their bloodline is the most important thing her family can do. After sneaking out to cause some mischief, Lillian runs into Marcus who loses his head and kisses her passionately. Believing Marcus is bewitched by a secret ingredient in a perfume made just for her, Lillian enlists the other wallflowers to help in an experiment to see if the perfume has the same effect on all women. Soon Lillian discovers there is more to Marcus than the facade he presents to the public and she wishes more than anything that she can have him, but she knows he will never marry an American no matter how rich. Marcus is stunned to find himself so strongly affected by Miss Lillian Bowman, even in his affairs he has always been able to maintain a dignified presence but everytime he sees Lillian he loses all control....maybe even considering marriage.

This was an amusing, fast paced sweet romance and I have hopes that the last two stories will compare to the first two in the series. Marcus mother is the ultimate in cold hearted witches, and St. Vincent sufficiently wicked in his competition for Lillian. St. Vincent will be featured in Evie's story which is the third and next book in this series.

Don't be a wallflower- jump in and read this series!.......2007-08-08

You could see it coming in Secrets Of A Summer Night when Marcus found Lillian playing rounders in her underwear (shocking!)... The lovely, lively American Lillian Bowman up against the stiff English formality of Marcus, Lord Westcliff! Poor Marcus was taught never to show emotion. His parents were uncaring, stiff and cruel. Every time Marcus became fond of a nanny or another staff member, his father dismissed them. He had limited time with his sisters. He was scared of his father's huge dogs, so he was locked into a room with them when he was five, for three long terrified hours - to `get over it'. Poor little kid. He was beaten and bullied and abused until he was a stiff aristocrat who thought emotions were unwanted and stupid, especially something like (shudder) love! Independent, bold American heiress Lillian Bowman comes into his life like a gale-force wind, blowing all his rigid, stuffy morals and manners to hell. She challenges him on every decision, probably the only woman in England to do so. The shaken Marcus topples from his lofty perch like a ninepin, totally unhinged and mad with lust - and love - for this passionate free spirit. Gosh, the scene where he kicks his mother's door down and nearly strangles her with her pearls is - thrillingly primal. (He has a reason for it, rest assured. He is our hero, after all.) Go, Marcus! We can only look forward to the rest of this stunning `Wallflower' series. Big sigh!

Positively spectacular!.......2007-07-28

Most definitely the best romance novel I've ever read! I think I loved this one so much more than the first because I was able to identify with the main character, Lillian Bowman, much more than any of the other wallflowers. I found myself laughing out loud hyserically at some of her antics...she was such a well developed character! I loved the chemistry between Lillian and Marcus...it was most definitely a fabulous read. It was passionate, but not too smutty, and I was never bored with this book! And I loved meeting Lord St. Vincent (one the main characters for the next novel to this quartet), he was absolutely a riot and even though I didn't get to see an image of him, I still found myself with a little crush.

This is a must read...I have never laughed so hard from a book and been so absorbed by one book... one word to describe it is....SPECTACTULAR! Thank you Lisa Kleypas!

The Best of the Wallflower Series.......2007-07-27

With the exception of her more modern placed romance novels, I've read all of Lisa Kleypas' books. I've also read all of Ms. Julia Quinn, Ms. Suzanne Enoch, Ms. Eloisa James, Ms. Nicole Jordan, Ms. Kathleen Woodiwiss (RIP and God Bless Ms. Woodiwiss...your novels are awesome), most of Ms. Jude Devereux and Ms. Samantha James. For me, this book ranks number 2 overall after Dreaming of You (Sara and Derek's love story), but number 1 in the Wallflower series.

Lily and Marcus remained to true to themselves and each other. When does that happen in a romance novel? They weren't "dumbed down" and they didn't do the "180" to fit the author's predetermined story line.

It seemed that Marcus and Lilian's characters were so out of character in this novel yet that was best part! Two strong people of opposite attitudes and upbringing, whose seemingly out of character behavior only revealed their true characters to each other!

Some examples: 1) staid, proper, straightlaced Marcus getting caught by Simon Hunt (as in Anabelle's hubby of "Secrets of a Summer Night" fame, book 1 of Wallflowers series) making out and rolling about the floor in his study with Lilian, and 2) emotionally controlled, posed, unruffled Marcus breaking down the door of his mother's suite and practically throttling her 'cause of her involvement with Lilian's disappearance!

And Lilian who is usually making a point to be scandalous almost for the sake of being so and she is not one to lose her wits, is nervous and tongue tied while being coached by Marcus in a game of rounders and bemused when Marcus kisses her senseless while they hid in a hedge. She later gets her finger stuck in a bottle of booze when she drunkenly insists on eating the peach inside...and this is the same women who picks her way out of handcuffs and a locked room after spending most of the day knocked out in a coach!

Its a book filled with character contradictions that only seemed to strengthed and reveal more of the characters. This is a great and fun read.

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Blowback!
Top Secret -- Need To Know
Excellent spy novel
Who shot JFK? It's obvious!
Best in depth look at Vietnamese culture

Tears of Autumn
Charles McCarry
Manufacturer: Overlook Hardcover
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1585676616

Book Description

Paul Christopher, at the height of his powers as a secret agent, believes he knows who arranged the assassination and why. His theory is so destructive of the legend of the dead president, though, and so dangerous to the survival of foreign policy that he is ordered to desist from investigating. But Christopher is a man who lives by and for the truth, and his internal compunctions force him to the heart of the matter. He resigns from the Agency and embarks on a tour of investigation that takes him from Paris to Rome, Zurich, the Congo, and Saigon. Threatened by Kennedy's assassins and by his own government, Christopher follows the scent of his suspicion - one breath behind the truth, one step ahead of discovery and death.

Customer Reviews:

Blowback!.......2007-08-20

Reading the synopsis of this novel I nearly skipped it because I didn't want to read another crackpot Kennedy assassination theory. However, I have recently become a fan of Charles McCarry's Paul Christopher novels so I gave it a go anyway. I have to say I didn't read this as quickly as is my wont, and it is a dense novel with many characters. However, the end result is a very credible story of who might have been behind the murder; but more than that, it read true as to the background of characters and settings from Italy to Viet Nam to the Congo in that period.

I only recently became aware of some of the revisionist history being written concerning the assassinations of the Ngo brothers in Viet Nam and how that was a real turning point in the war, with everything downhill from that point on. McCarry was writing a lot of this as fiction 30 odd years ago. Interesting. He presents an understanding of Vietnamese culture I had never encountered before, and it was very enlightening.

Filled with nefarious characters, a "rendition" kidnapping, revolutionaries, double agents and intrigue aplenty, there is also a nicely detailed love story of Paul Christopher and his Molly that fills out a tale that has the feel of real people and places and real history being made. I am working my way through the series, and although what was recent history when written in 1975 is now almost ancient history, it is a good starting place to enter the world of Paul Christopher and Charles McCarry. Well worthwhile.

Top Secret -- Need To Know.......2007-06-26

I first read this in 1975. I started reading in the early evening, read it straight through to the end. Stunned by the breathtaking authenticity, I read it through again, immediately, entirely.

When I looked up, the sun was shining through my window. I had been at it for over 16 hours.

This book became my benchmark for its genre.

I am a student of the CIA, especially the 1960s evolution of the Agency. Today the head of the Clandestine Service (also then euphemistically called the Deputy Director of Plans, and today called the Deputy Director for Operations) would never dream of meeting a CIA officer in the street, but in the 1960s it was a practice. The episodes in the Congo were authentic. The tradecraft was authentic. The rivalry between the Agency and the military Special Forces continues to this day.

The book is probably authentic to a fault. One reviewer complains that the reader is kept in suspense because the author keeps secrets already know to his characters from the reader.

But isn't that what secrecy is all about? Even the reader, after all, is not entitled to know everything. Need to know. I found that an outstanding literary device, given the genre of the book.

There's more on this theme. McCarry's next book, The Secret Lovers, actually takes place before The Tears of Autumn. But the two stories dovetail together, and this second (but chronologically earlier) book deliciously dovetails with The Tears of Autumn, and even innocuously explains secrets that were left hanging in the Tears of Autumn.

McCarry was actually a field officer of the CIA, operating covertly in Europe, Africa and Asia. He knew of what he wrote. His description of Feung Shui, the powerful concept of Chinese geomancy, is absolutely spot on. Ask any Asian.

Finally, McCarry's style of leaving all emotion out of his principal character, and his overall writing style, strengthens the overall proposition of the tale. This is an intelligence report. Delivered by an intelligence operative. Take it or leave it. Yes, it reads like a Haiku should -- all the emotion is provided by the reader. The truth itself needs no embellishment.

-- Tonet

Excellent spy novel.......2006-08-01

Thankfully this author's books are coming back into print and I have yet to be disappointed with any of them. Without sounding condescending, (or elitist), McCarry's books are "intellectual" thrillers in the best sense - i.e. much like Littell, Furst or early LeCarre - in that they make the reader think and the books are also almost impossible to put down. McCarry's books track Paul Christopher, covert agent in the "The Outfit", who is a multi-lingual, globe-trotting ladies' man, rarely carrys a gun, doesn't drive fast expensive cars and doesn't blow stuff up. On the other hand he knows a lot of people who do all the above (and more), and be them friend or foe, Paul is usually very busy staying at least one step ahead of them. In this volume we find our hero searching for the truth behind the tragic events, both in Vietnam and the U.S., of November 1963, bouncing from continent to continent. (As an aside the view into Vietnamese culture in this book is fascinating). The answer(s) he finds are troubling, creative and seemingly involve everyone but the journey in ascertaining them is what makes this book a great read. Highly recommended.

Who shot JFK? It's obvious!.......2006-05-28

McCarry crafts a more plausible Kennedy assassination theory than most conspiracy devotees. Kennedy countenances (at a minimum) the assassinations of Ngo Dinh Diem and his brother on 1 November 1963 (so says the book; in reality the date was 2 November). Three weeks later, JFK is assassinated in Dallas. US agent Paul Christopher concludes that the Vietnamese did it. He quits the agency and sets out to prove it. The tale sprawls across 4 continents with rapid pacing as he chases down the truth.

The book's interesting characters are mostly believable, at once familiar yet not completely typecast. Christopher is the expert and honest US agent. David Patchens is the honest-broker spy chief. Foley is the JFK worshipper and political operator. The Truong toc is the ancestral head of Diem's family (OK, not so familiar, but intriguing). Luong plays Christopher's trusted agent (guess what happens to him!). And there's a Cuban agent, a Mafia don, a Vietnamese fortune-teller, and more. Molly, Christopher's obligatory love interest, provides important motivation, but is otherwise uninspired.

The book gives readers a peek into Vietnamese culture that is quite interesting. The book also suggests that if the American people had been told the connection between the assassinations that support for the war, not yet fully under way, would have dried up overnight.

Highly recommended for fans of the spy genre.

Best in depth look at Vietnamese culture.......2006-05-08

This is one of the best and most believable Kennedy assassination theory novels that I have read. McCarry takes the reader through the fascinating rituals and cultural idiosyncracies of the ancient Vietnamese people. The story unfolds at a brisk pace with no wasted passages. Paul Christopher is a classic protagonist somewhat similar to Bill Granger's Deveroux in the later November Man series. With diverse characters and various plot lines all coming together in the end, Christopher's startling discoveries are not enough to overcome the fanatical protections of Kennedy's loyal sycophants.

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The Stranger
The Stranger
WHAT A FASCINATING WORK!
can you figure out who the stranger is?
The Three Little wolves and the Big Bad Pig

The Stranger
Chris Van Allsburg
Manufacturer: Houghton Mifflin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0395423317

Book Description

The enigmatic origins of the stranger that Farmer Bailey hits with his truck and brings home to recuperate seem to have a mysterious relation to the weather. Could he be Jack Frost?

Customer Reviews:

The Stranger.......2007-03-07

This book is about a man who suddenly appeared on a road. He was invited by a family. They lived on a quiet farm. He was so awkward.
I don't think this book is a very good book. Wild animals came to him and they didn't care what he did to them. When I read this book, I thought he was an unknown alien. In autumn, the pumpkins grew very huge!
One day, when he climbed the highest hill on the Bailey farm, he looked to the north. The trees there were yellow and orange. But the Baileys' trees were green.
This book made me feel confused. He couldn't talk, or dress himself. He is one weird person.
If you think you like this book, read it, I rather say don't. Read this book if you think it is good. This book is easy to read. It might have difficult words in it. I would say that anybody can read this.

The Stranger.......2007-01-14

Chris VanAllsburg has created another literary masterpiece. He gives his reader the opportunity to think about the implications of fall never occurring. This is an excellent tool for teachers to use when teaching the concept of anthropomorphism. As always, the illustrations are magnificent!

WHAT A FASCINATING WORK!.......2006-10-12

Other reviewers have used the word "strange" to discribe this work. I think the words "haunting" and "mysterious," probably hit closer to the mark. At least they do for me. This is one of those works that will certainly make you think. More importantly, it will make, or should make, the young reader think. That is the key to the fascination of the text of this work. Beyond doubt, the illustrations are quite wonderful, even beautiful. I did note that some of the youth reviews here were not overly enthusiastic. I have found that many young people do indeed "get" the story, while others do not. Some simply do not have the capacity to wonder, to imagine. This is sort of sad in a way, but on the other hand, it is works such as this, that if read with an adult who does have that spark of wonder in them, might allow some of that wonder to rub off. I like a good fantasy and a good mystery, ergo, I liked this book and do recommend it. The art work and stark writing alone are worth it.

can you figure out who the stranger is?.......2006-07-20

some criticize the tale because it leaves much open to speculation/imagination; that is part of the appeal of this Van Allsburg work; I had to read it 2 or 3 times before I figured out the ID of the stranger; then I wanted to read it again to see all the clues I had missed; it is so clever; I agree that it is not a book for small children, but not because of adult themes or unrealistic elements (driver hitting pedestrian, no injury to pedestrian, driver not punished for crime, stranger going home to family, risk of child abuse when stranger alone w/daughter, etc); it is not a book for small children because they would not understand the complexity of the symbolism; about a 1st grader would understand it for sure; beyond that, any age can enjoy; I can see how teachers like to read it w/classes to spur thinking & discussion

The Three Little wolves and the Big Bad Pig.......2006-05-23

This book was hilarious! This book was outstanding because it told the original story from a whole different point of view. It has some extra details here and there. The originals story had the houses made up of bricks, straw, and sticks. This story has the houses made up of completely different things.This book is suitable especially for little kids because it has parts that are histerical!

Average customer rating:

A Great Spenser Novel
Favorite Spenser Story
Spenser is just a big ol' softie . . .
Oh, yeah!
early autumn

Early Autumn
Robert Parker
Manufacturer: Dell
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0440122147
Release Date: 1992-04-05

Book Description

A bitter divorce is only the beginning. First the father hires thugs to kidnap his son. Then the mother hires Spenser to get the boy back. But as soon as Spenser senses the lay of the land, he decides to do some kidnapping of his own.

With a contract out on his life, he heads for the Maine woods, determined to give a puny 15 year old a crash course in survival and to beat his dangerous opponents at their own brutal game.

Customer Reviews:

A Great Spenser Novel.......2007-09-15

EARLY AUTUMN is the seventh Spenser novel, and it's definitely one of the best ones. In this story, Spenser first meets 15-year old Paul Giacomin, who will become something of a surrogate son to him. This novel is mainly about their relationship with each other, and how Spenser teaches him how to grow up and deal with life in a self-respecting way.

I love this novel because Spenser teaches Paul about his moral code, which I pretty much fully agree with. I really enjoyed the life lessons in this book. There is a crime plot in this book, but it definitely takes a back seat to the Spenser-Paul relationship.

I've read most of the Spenser books, and EARLY AUTUMN is one of the best ones. Maybe not the best entry to start with (I would suggest GOD SAVES THE CHILD or PROMISED LAND or LOOKING FOR RACHEL WALLACE), but definitely a novel that shows how Spenser has matured as a character.

Highly recommended.

Favorite Spenser Story.......2007-07-07

I started reading Robert B. Parker on a whim a couple of years ago, and I have not been able to put his books down...I even reread the favorites often because they are so enjoyable. The one I pick up the most is Early Autumn, because it truly shows Spenser as a man, not just a literate PI, not just as Susan Silverman's subject and object of affection. Not only is he a true man in this story, but he also shows a young, lost-to-the-world boy how he needs to become a man fast to survive.

In this book, we have some of our old favorites back, like Spenser, of course, Susan, and Hawk. Susan is out-of-sorts in this book, consistently in a bad mood. Interestingly enough, I believe this book came out before A Savage Place, where she had good reason to be angry with our hero (no spoilers on that one). However, I believe that Spenser's ans Susan's relationship came to a true form after A Catskill Eagle, where their love was truly understood as eternal. Hawk is Hawk here, but we see his growing devotion toward Spenser. Not only does he refuse a contract on Spenser, but he kills the man who puts it out on him, after Spenser decides not to kill the man himself. He has Spenser's back, and will for the unforseeable future.

Spenser is hired to find young Paul Giacomin, an awkward teenager who's answer to everything is an indifferent shrug. Once Spenser returns him to his mother, he is left to watch TV. After figuring out the indifference toward Paul by both of the parents, and some underworld bozos try to get at Spenser, he decides he needs to make a man of Paul through some outdoors bodybuilding, and cabinbuilding, along with daily structure. It doesn't happen right away, but Spenser makes Paul see where he will go if he stays with his parents and out of their way (the parent's perfect world, in fact), and lectures him about "the rules", and society's categories of behavior. The troubled teenager slowly comes out of his shell. He still has a long way to go, and will face his demons again years later (I believe Pastime deals with this), but by the end of Early Autumn, Paul is not the same.

Spenser sees to it at the end that the parents will let their boy grow without their influence. We see Paul many times in later books, and he has a better sense of himself. Therefore, not only does Sepnser have a love and a best friend, but he now has a surrogate son in his life.

Spenser is just a big ol' softie . . ........2007-06-06

We see Spenser's softer side in this book, where what starts as what seems a fairly straight-forward attempt to retrieve a boy (Paul) from a non-custodial father turns deadly when the father doesn't want to give up his rights and turns to some unsavory elements to get his way. When mother and father continue fighting dirty and Spenser notes that neither truly want Paul - they just want what he represents (a triumph over the other), Spenser takes matters into his own hands and takes on Paul himself, to teach the boy to be autonomous. Over a summer, he teaches Paul how to be a man and learns that what Paul really wants to learn is how to dance. Spenser manages to dig up dirt on both Paul's parents, so that they will pay support for Paul and at the same time stay out of his life and Spenser will be there for Paul as needed.

This was not really your traditional gumshoe novel, but it did have its elements of violence (Hawk even showed up for a show-down toward the end with the very dangerous Harry Cotton). Written in 1981, this book didn't have quite as many references to modern culture outside of clothing (narrow ties and so forth), which I missed - I did like the culture references from his books in the 1970s and I hope they are back in later books. I enjoyed this book a great deal - the characters are continuing to grow, some in unexpected ways (Hawk, for instance, is a most interesting character and I'm enjoying watching where his character goes). A must-have for Spenser fans!

Oh, yeah!.......2007-05-18

This is my third (i.e. the third one I have read, NOT the third one in the series!) Spenser novel. I did read the first two in the series, Godwulf Manuscript and God Save the Child. Now at last I see what all the hullaballoo over Spenser is about. He's not just a good detective, not just courageous, and not just outrageously smart-mouthed. Spenser also possesses the wisdom of Solomon and all of the goodness and decency we would all like to possess. He wants always to do what is right, and there is nothing harder in life than doing right. If you don't believe me, next time you're in a tight situation just ask yourself what is the right thing to do; betcha even money that of all your options, the right thing will be the hardest thing to do. And Spenser makes himself do the right thing, no matter who has to pay for it. So now I have all these other Spenser novels to look forward to reading. How cool is that?

early autumn.......2007-02-14

Interesting story plot about a teenage boy with two uncaring parents. Spenser, the lead character, decides to do something to improve the boy's life. The author gives us some interesting tidbits about P.I. work. In addition, readers are given insight into his philosophy on living life. It is a fast-paced and entertaining read. Recommended for anyone who likes a detective story that is funny and thoughtful at the same time. The only reason I gave it a 3 star instead of a 4 or 5 is because it is not the type of book I would normally read.

Average customer rating:

As much as I wanted to like it as much as Cloud of Sparrows, I just couldn't.
Superb
What a gem of a book!
Sublime
A Passionate Story of Japan

Autumn Bridge
Takashi Matsuoka
Manufacturer: Delta
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0385339119
Release Date: 2005-07-26

Book Description

In the year 1311, in the highest tower of Cloud of Sparrows Castle, a beautiful woman sits by the window, watching as enemies gather below and fires spread through the night. As she calmly awaits her fate, she begins to write, carefully setting down on a scroll the secret history of the Okumichi clan…of the gift of prophecy they share and the extraordinary destiny that awaits them.

For six centuries, these remarkable writings lay hidden—until they are uncovered by an American woman, a missionary named Emily Gibson, who arrived in Edo harbor in 1861, in flight from a tragic past. Soon an extraordinary man would enter her life: Lord Genji of the Okumichi clan, a nobleman with a gift of prophecy who must defend his embattled family—and confront forbidden feelings for an outsider in his midst. Emily, too, soon finds herself at a turning point; courted by two westerners, she knows her heart belongs to the one man she cannot have. But Emily has found a mission of her own: translating Genji’s ancestral history, losing herself in an epic tale of heroism and forbidden love.

For here is the story of Lady Shizuka, the beautiful witch-princess who has enchanted Okumichi men for generations…of Genji’s ancestors, Lord Hironobu and Lord Kiyori, and of the terrible betrayals that befell them…and of Genji’s parents: a wastrel father and his child bride whose tragic love has shaped Genji as a leader and as a man. As Emily sifts through the fragile scrolls, she begins to see threads of her own life woven into the ancient writings. And as past and present collide, a hidden history comes to life, and with it a secret prophecy that has been shrouded for centuries, and may now finally be revealed. Takashi Matsuoka’s spellbinding novel is infused with spectacle, intricately woven, magically told. Autumn Bridge is a feast for the senses, a work of truly dazzling storytelling.

From the Hardcover edition.

Download Description

Takashi Matsuoka grew up in Hawaii. He lives in Honolulu, where he was employed at a Zen Buddhist temple before becoming a full-time writer. He is the author of the acclaimed novel Cloud of Sparrows, which is available in paperback from Dell.

From the Hardcover edition.

Customer Reviews:

As much as I wanted to like it as much as Cloud of Sparrows, I just couldn't........2007-08-09

No spoilers

I tried hard to like this book as much as I did Cloud of Sparrows, but it was just too hard. I easily gave Cloud of Sparrows four stars because it was such a delightful read that was as much an easy read as it was a complex story, which is a rarity. Unfortunately, Autumn Bridge doesn't live up to its predecessor.

I didn't like this novel not because of its story, but because of the style in which it is written. The plot is just as good as Cloud of Sparrows and is the only reason I was able to give it three stars. As one of the critic reviews on Amazon alludes to, the entire story is told from multi-generational perspectives, and these perspectives switch, on average, every several pages. Many times in the beginning of the story I had to go back a few pages to see if I was reading in the early 1300s, lat 1700, mid 1800s, or late 1800s. As the story went on, I started to pick up on this writing style, but because it's always switching (every paragraph in a few parts), there is little to no flow. When I was finished the novel I sort of felt like I had read several fragments of a book instead of one whole book.

My advice is that you read Cloud of Sparrows and stop there. I enjoyed just about everything in that book and was sad to see it come to an end, but with Autumn Bridge, I almost shed a tear of joy.

Superb.......2007-07-25

Having read clouds of sparrows first I had high expectations from this book and was afraid to be not a little disappointed. Although I have enjoyed Clouds of sparrows I couldn't help but feeling that something was missing. Both the story and the quality of writing were delightful and yet it seemed to be lacking that final touch that would've put it on par with Clavell; From Autumn Bridge I could expect nothing less and I was not disappointed to say the least. The story is magnificent, the way Matsuoka chose to unravel it, jumping between different time points across several centuries is captivating and adds a thriller's quality to it. I was expecting a Clavell, but got something different altogether.
Now I just can't wait for the author's next book.

Having said all that I do share some of the sentiment raised by other reviewers regarding the apparent [over] zealousness with which western culture's `superiority' (over pretty much any other cultures) is heralded in the book. I really doubt that's what the author had in mind and perchance a second read shall dispel that notion.

What a gem of a book!.......2007-01-29

Most of the reviewers here have covered the beauty, passion, tragedy and romance that transcend time in Autumn Bridge. I liked it even better than Cloud of Sparrows. It's literarily and spriritually more expansive. Matsuoka takes literary risks with the mysticism. But it works. I first purchased the audio version. Listening to it prompted my purchase of the hardcover. Reading it in print is a little different experience. Even deeper. Recommend both experiences to get the richness out of it.

Frankly, I'm surprised that this book didn't launch Matsuoka into superstar status. It's that good.

Sublime.......2007-01-21

This is what I call "Adventure Reading," when I pick a book by an author unknown to me. This time, my literary curiosity was well rewarded by a story written by a very gifted writer, Takashi Matsuoka.

The story takes place in the 1860's, when the Tokugawa shogunate is about to be overthrown and creating chaos all over the former empire. While some lords support the Tokugawa rule in the name of tradition, the truth is clearer to other lords who see Japan as a backward empire where tradition have obstructed progress for far too long.

Lord Genji is one of these lords, who admires the "barbarian" foreigners, but because he has the gift of prophesy which runs in his family, he cherishes the future instead of the past. He values the living instead of the dead.

In the midst of it all, Emily, an American missionary translates some ancient scrolls which are, in fact, the story of the Okumichi clan. That's how we know Lady Shizuka, a ghost from the past who appears to Lord Kiyori and guides the former Okumichi leader trough these difficult times, until he's poisoned by his son Shigueru, as an act of piety, to end Lord Kiyori's "madness" for once and for all.

This book goes far beyond a simple narrative. This book has to be the product of several careful revisions. The characters dynamics are so complex, that far than just simple dialogues, we explore the characters motivations, their inner feelings, and perceptions. We see the way they act, based in the options allowed to them according to the norms of their times.

The scholarly tone of this book especially that of the clan leaders reflects a deep knowledge of Japanese culture and history. To me, this book was so well written it was painful to read, because I know I will never be able to write anything like it, and would find very few people who would appreciate such sophistication in terms of style and narrative flair.

5 stars, only. I wish I could rate it higher.

A Passionate Story of Japan.......2006-12-04

Regardless of all the chaos she experienced in Autumn Bridge's predecessor, Cloud of Sparrows, American missionary Emily Gibson has remained in Japan for another six years. It is now the year 1867. During the six year interval, Emily has been working on translating the Cloud of Sparrows scrolls, which contain the history of the Okumichi clan as written by the male ancestors of this bloodline.

However, the discovery of a set of very old scrolls written in an informal manner and so obviously voiced by a woman sets Emily's mind awhirl; the scrolls address Emily directly, or seem to do so. But Emily's devout loyalty to Christianity forbid her from believing anyone other than Jesus could have prophesied the future; thus, she denies what is right before her eyes.

Yet it is these Aki-no-hashi (Autumn Bridge) scrolls that guide us back into the past, to the very beginnings of the Okumichi clan's rise and its association with Cloud of Sparrows Castle. Here, Lady Shizuka--a long-dead ancestress of the Okumichi clan--portrays with haunting beauty the arc of her life, from her preternatural conception to her betrayal and murder, an atrocity committed by her own father. It is from Shizuka's blood that the Okumichi inherited their ability for prophetic visions, or insanity at this particular talent's worst.

Lord Genji Okumichi, a man farsighted even without his prophetic ability, has seen that Japan must change, must modernize or be lost to its own people. The long isolation Japan put upon itself has only served to place it behind much of the world's military advancement, a most frightening predicament as the way of the samurai and feudalism have long dominated Japan. Yet swords can't stop bullets, or cannons.

Unrest grows as foreigners pour through Japan, changing so swiftly what has been for many centuries. Anti-foreigner sentiment, thus, endangers Emily and anyone who befriends her. Hanako, Emily's best friend, eventually becomes the victim of this sentiment, dying a death comprised of valor in Emily's defense.

It is Lord Genji's utmost hope that Emily will leave Japan, as two American men vie for her hand in marriage. Without Hanako, it seems inevitable Emily will choose a husband and depart for America. If Emily does not leave Japan, one of Genji's prophetic visions will unravel with finality: Emily will soon die.

But Emily will not leave. She has convinced herself she must stay to save Lord Genji's pagan soul. Yet this excuse is shallow at best. Truth be told, Emily loves Genji with her entire being. One sign of reciprocal affection from him is all Emily needs to make the decision to stay in Japan.

As with Cloud of Sparrows, Autumn Bridge kept me bleary-eyed and teary-eyed, especially Lady Shizuka's part of the story; this part was told with a delicate grace, much befitting this lady's character. As a whole, Autumn Bridge is told with a haunting beauty, which will keep it on my favorites list for many years to come, or perhaps for my forever.

Autumn Bridge is, however, more than the story of the Okumichi clan, or the love story between Genji and Emily; it is also an adept and passionate story of Japan and its many peoples, of all the changes these people endured during the 19th century.

A stirring triumph that bridges all barriers.

Dragons of Autumn Twilight (Dragonlance: Dragonlance Chronicles)

Average customer rating:

Disappointed
Out of the Darkness of Dragons
The First Adventure
High on Character, low on depth and plot...
A Gathering Of Races - A Clash Of Uneven Forces

Dragons of Autumn Twilight (Dragonlance: Dragonlance Chronicles)
Margaret Weis , and Tracy Hickman
Manufacturer: Wizards of the Coast
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0786915749
Release Date: 2000-02-01

Amazon.com

Think of it as A New Hope for the world of Dragonlance: Sure, maybe it's a little rough around the edges, maybe it's got one cliché too many, but this baby is pure magic. The first volume in the Dragonlance Chronicles series, this classic from Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman started it all for Krynn, eventually spawning a bestselling 90-plus book series. (And, frankly, you'd do well to stick to the Weis-Hickman titles.) All the heroes that you've likely heard of already--the creepy, hourglass-eyed Raistlin, the noble half-elf Tanis, the comic relief Tasselhoff Burrfoot, the curmudgeonly dwarf Flint Fireforge--they're all here, starting the good fight against the Dark Queen Takhisis as the War of the Lance begins. Pick up Dragons of Winter Night when you're done. --Paul Hughes

Book Description

Lifelong friends, they went their separate ways. Now they are together again, though each holds secrets from the others in his heart. They speak of a world shadowed with rumors of war. They speak of tales of strange monsters, creatures of myth, creatures of legend. They do not speak of their secrets. Not then. Not until a chance encounter with a beautiful, sorrowful woman, who bears a magical crystal staff, draws the companions deeper into the shadows, forever changing their lives and shaping the fate of the world.

No one expected them to be heroes.

Least of all, them.

Customer Reviews:

Disappointed.......2007-09-21

I will keep this short.

In style and use of the English language I would have to call this one of the worst books I've read in years.

The characters were intriguing and somewhat endearing but the plot rambled on like a bad road trip. Its simplistic writing kept me wondering if I'd picked the book out of the juvenile section. Compared to the work of Martin or Bakker, which I consider astounding, it is extraordinarily transparent. The punctuation, especially the overuse of of exclamation marks in narrative no less, along with inconsistencies and awkward analogies kept reminding me that I was reading a book rather than being allowed to be carried away by the story.

In short, don't waste your time.

Out of the Darkness of Dragons.......2007-06-21

They never expected to become heroes, never desired the war that brought them together, only to shape their lives forevermore, destroying some, elevating others, but nevertheless, mercilessly changing all. It is autumn in the city of Solace. A time when old friends seek to reunite, a time for love and joy, tenderness and care, a time to celebrate the future and ignore the regrets of the past. Only, these typical pleasantries are remiss from the formerly cheerful town of Solace for war is in the air. There is talk of strong and dangerous armies amassing in the north, talk of monsters and ancient beasts arising from their centuries long sleep ready for destruction and vengeance. And, trapped within these turbulent times, are our confused heroes striving to the very last moment to save their beleaguered realm from the evil that is to come; the evil that will usher in the legendary War of the Lance. Strum, a noble Solamnic Knight; Tanis, a dejected half-elf; Tasslehoff, a happy go lucky kender; Flint, a grumpy old dwarf; Caramon, a strong and valiant warrior; Raistlin, a frail yet powerful mage with hidden depths that will one day erupt; Goldmoon, bearer of a healing staff, daughter of Chieftain; Riverwind, Goldmoon's devoted paramour: this is our band of unlikely heroes. Together, these valiant warriors must struggle in a world gone awry, must fight not only the ensuing mayhem but their all too human frailties as well. This then is there story.

Easily acclaimed as one of the greatest modern fantasy epics, Dragon's of Autumn Twilight is well worth the title. Few books there are that can rival it in style, eloquence, depth of characters, and good old fashioned story telling. This is the kind of tale to share with friends and family around the cozy glow of a camp fire, the kind of drama suitable to pass on to one's children and one's children's children. Indeed, the realm of Krynn itself seems to truly exist as if for no other reason than the reader's devoted belief. Whether you, the avid bibliophile, are drawn to fantasy literature or not, Dragon's of Autumn Twilight cannot but captivate and enthrall leading the reader on an adventure that not only spans the narrow gulf of reality, but that of time and space as well taking the reader on delightful adventures filled with lovable characters that soon initiate themselves as one of the family.

Complimented with an imaginative setting filled with myriad fantasy creatures both expected and original, the tale starts as it means to go on allowing the action to take place almost immediately. The reader is never once bored or distracted rather the story works like one of Raistlin's elusive spells, enthralling and captivating the reader to the exclusion of all else. So addictive is the tale, so unique is the drama, and so effecting are the characters that the reader soon forgets all other aspects of life and fully enters into the realm of Krynn battling beside the valiant warriors, suffering when they suffer, rejoicing when they rejoice, and never once forgetting the stakes of the battle for all Krynn hangs in the balance. Will evil triumph or will good conquer?

Provided with a likable cast, the reader soon finds it amazing that half elves, kender, and dwarves, are equally sympathetic as the human characters. Also, the "good" protagonists are never burdened with that sickeningly perfect aura usually subscribed to fantasy warriors. Rather, each character is fleshed out as it they were real allowing that with their strengths weakness also follow making a cast of un-human characters bear the burdens of human emotions. Likewise, the villains are also fulfilled with realistic personalities effectively imbuing them with a more chilling aura. Classic characterization at its finest.

As with all truly good tales, the writing style employed also boasts of perfection. Each sentence is erudite yet easy to understand neither speaking down to the reader nor becoming burdened with unnecessary simplicity but instead choosing to fall in the middle where perfection lies.

The conclusion was shocking, dramatic and intriguing instantly leading the addicted reader onto the second Dragonlance drama, Dragons of Winter Night where the Chronicles series continues to build in suspense and complexity leading the reader on a wondrous journey into the fantastic realm of Krynn where anything is possible.

Final Thoughts: Dragons of Autumn Twilight is a novel not to be missed. Filled with fantastic wonders, epic battles, shattering sorrow and insurmountable joy, it contains everything that makes a novel truly perfect. And, when finished, the joy is further enhanced by even more epic dramas from the realm of Krynn. Highly recommended!

- Crysania

The Dragonlance Chronicles Series:

(1.) Dragons of Autumn Twilight
(2.) Dragons of Winter Night
(3.) Dragons of Spring Dawning
(4.) Dragons of Summer Flame

The Raistlin Chronicles:

(1.) The Soulforge
(2.) Brothers in Arms

The Legends Series:

(1.) Time of the Twins
(2.) War of the Twins
(3.) Test of the Twins

The Lost Chronicles:

(1.) Dragons of Dwarven Depths
(2.) Dragons of a Highlord Sky

The Preludes:

(1.) Darkness and Light
(2.) Kendermore
(3.) Brothers Majere
(4.) Riverwind the Plainsman
(5.) Flint the King
(6.) Tanis the Shadow Years

The First Adventure.......2007-05-28

I recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy. It keeps you reading, because you need to find out if the Companions get out of Xak Tsaroth alive or if they defeat Lord Verminaard. I have read many other books by these authors, and they are all as exciting as this.

High on Character, low on depth and plot..........2007-04-27

This is the first dragonlance book I have read though I do read a fair amount of fantasy. Having finished the book last night I have to say that while the book was entertaining, I don't really anticipate that I'll continue this series to its subsequent novels. I did want to give it a fair chance though so I finished book one. Here are my pros and cons:

Pro: Good characterization - The personality traits of each of the main characters were well-developed and consistent throughout the book, making at least the characters believable as individuals. I tend to favor character-centric stories so this resonated with me. Tas the kender and Fizban the mage were particularly amusing and added to the book's entertainment value.

Simple prose - This one is a two-edged sword. On the one hand I wasn't having to go back and re-read sentences that threw me or included details that were difficult to understand on a first pass, but on the other hand it was often too simplistic, having the feeling of a children's story or at best, young adult.

Cons: Not a lot of plot - It did just seem as though the companions travelled from place to place and encountered different people and things, both good and bad. There wasn't really a sense of growing action and the climax, while there was one was, well, fairly anti-climactic.

Lack of Tension - I never got the feeling that any of the companions were in any real danger. You always knew that whatever it was, they'd get out of it somehow, even if quite ubelievably. The lack of tension made the book play out softly.

Lack of Grit/realism - The book was entertaining but on a different level from those that I generally consider really good reads. This book was to books like GRRM's "A Song of Ice and Fire" series what Teenage mutant ninja turtles cartoons are to the Sopranos. It's entertaining, but you won't get lost in it. You'll never feel like you "know" the characters or take part in their lives and you certainly never vest yourself into "feeling" what they feel. It just doesn't engage on that level. It just wasn't believable.

In conclusion, the book is more of a fairy tale than a fantasy and almost seems geared to a younger audience than one may be led to believe. On the other hand, it's rated very highly and has been a bestselling series for a long time now, so take from this what you will. It's entertaining, but I've certainly read much much better.

A Gathering Of Races - A Clash Of Uneven Forces.......2007-04-24

When friends, companions and warriors return to the predetermined meeting point after several years all is not well in the land. Half-elf Tanis, Tas the jolly Kender, Sturm the chivalrous knight, Flint the dwarf and the twins Caramon and Raistlin are back home, yet they have come by neither answers nor been met with peace.

The land of Krynn is overrun by mysterious creatures called Draconians who serve dark masters and worship darker gods. Where this malevolence comes from is not yet clear. Armed with magic and abetted by the appearance of dragons no race is safe from the menace.

Dragons Of Autumn Twilight is fast-paced, colourful and seeks to establish the characters involved. The early work of frequent co-authors Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman is rough around the edges and endures several coincidences too cosy with the story such as imprisonment behind bars of bamboo, dragons who fail to kill or wicker dragons which fool the troops, but not our heroes. The story also bears the occasional close resemblance to the famed Lord Of The Rings saga given its races, quest, travels and even a fortress full of evil troops surging out in the reverse direction of our protagonists. There is even a nod to the authors' future books, The Death Gate Cycle Of Reincarnation series, when an absent-minded yet powerful aging mage becomes the companions' road-fellow.

The Chronicles, Volume 1 is fun, swift and packed with the fundamentals of the genre, yet could also be considered imperfect and obvious.

Once Upon a Summer/The Winds of Autumn/Winter is Not Forever/Spring's Gentle Promise (Seasons of the Heart 1-4)

Average customer rating:

good series...
One of my favorites growing up.
All right overall
Seasons Series
A book full of help

Once Upon a Summer/The Winds of Autumn/Winter is Not Forever/Spring's Gentle Promise (Seasons of the Heart 1-4)
Janette Oke
Manufacturer: Bristol Park Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

ASIN: 0884860884

Customer Reviews:

good series..........2007-03-06

This was a good series from Janette Oke. It isn't one of her best, but I still really enjoyed reading it. I would recommend it to anyone who is already a Janette Oke fan. For new readers I would suggest starting with her other series such as Love Comes Softly or the Canadian West series.

One of my favorites growing up........2005-12-01

Originally my mom introduced me to this series because she thought I would enjoy it because it was from a guys perspective. Well she was right. I cant even count how many times I read through each of the books. I could always imagine being right there with him as he told his story. Eventually I was given this book collecting all four novels and again read through it over and over again. This being the only Janette Oke series I have read I cant really base it off of the other ones. But for me it was a great way to spend a rainy day or just any other time I felt like picking up a book.

All right overall.......2002-05-14

Personally, I don't care for the way Janette Oke used the first-person style of writing, with a man as her main character. Her man just doesn't seem like a real man, mainly because he acts and thinks along the same lines as Janette's women do in her other books. Overall, it was a mistake for her to use a guy to tell the story- I think the books would have been vastly better if Janette had used a girl's perspective.
Aside from that complaint-
This story begins with the childhood of the "narrator", and goes through the boy's growing-up years on the farm. Everything is peaceful and happy. Little incidents occur here and there- his grandfather comes to live with them, he gets his first dog, etc. Finally, he becomes a man. One night he overhears the men downstairs discussing the fact that he needs to get married. He decides that yes, he should get married, so bang! he goes out and does it. Then the books tell about his married life (I liked his wife, by the way.) During his married life they go through the Depression and he winds up on a road crew far from home. All of a sudden, at the very end, everything is resolved and he gets to go home.
Generally this story is pretty good, but I've read many books by Janette Oke that are much better. Like I said, I think what messed up this series was trying to use the guy's perspective. It just isn't quite right.

Seasons Series.......2001-08-04

I am an avid fan of Janette Oke, and have read every thing she has published. This is indeed a wonderful series, with descriptive scenes and true romance. If you haven't tried this one--give it a chance-it is a beautiful story.

A book full of help.......2001-07-27

Ilove all of mrs okes books she has given me a new perception of life through her books and i would like to thank her for having such an amazing gift and sharing it with the world

Average customer rating:

Very Realistic Fiction

Autumn Journey
Priscilla Cummings
Manufacturer: Dutton Juvenile
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Family | Social Issues | Teens | Subjects | Books

Being a Teen | Social Issues | Teens | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0525652388

Customer Reviews:

Very Realistic Fiction.......2003-03-10

I first read this book as I read it to my fifth grade class, because Priscilla Cummings was visiting our school. I had no idea how touching this book would be. When I would stop reading for the day, my fifth graders would beg me to give them just 5 more minutes. At the end of the book, several of my students and I got teary-eyed during the reading. There was no end to the great discussion topics we had over Will, the sixth grader who is unexpectedly landed in the middle of a family struggle, and a struggle with a Canada Goose named Gray Feather. This a great book for independent reading, or for sharing! We all loved it.

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