Customer Reviews:
Great Story.......2007-08-10
You have to read books,1&2.A nice collection to have. I'm glad that they ended the story with a true ending.
Little Black Girl Lost 1,2,3.......2007-07-31
WOW!!! I can't say this enough WOW. I have never in my wildest dreams thought that I could find a book that is captivating. I truly enjoyed these books from start to finish. I screamed out loud, laughed, cried, and was even shocked by some of the things that were happening in Johnnie's life. I would just like to congradulate Mr. J. on a fantastic journey. He has truly changed my life as a reader. This comment may sound corny, but if you haven't read these books yet you are missing out! PlEASE pick these up.. You won't regret it.
A Perfect Ending To A Wonderful Threequil.......2007-07-19
This novel is a must read. Warning...Reading the first two novels is a must to gather into the lives of Johnnie and Lucas. You will be glued to the pages with anticipation as this threequil unfolds into a dramatic ending. Keith Lee Johnson has definitely won me over as a reader by giving us, as readers, what we desire...a perfect ending. Grab a comfortable spot, because you will not be able to move once you begin reading. Great job Mr. Johnson, I am now a true fan of yours!
Great Finish.......2007-05-17
This books was great, just like the last two. I was a little surprised with some of the twists and turns but never disappointed. Mr. Johnson did a great job in tying up Johnnie's story, that young lady really "lived" her life to the fullest. I loved all three books and have recommended and passed them on to all of my friends. Great story & so different from the norm. These three books are a must have. I will definately read Johnnie's story all over again....
Fantasticcccccccccccccccccccccccc.......2007-04-11
I one word, EXCELLENT. Get 1 and 2 so you can see how this young lady went from rags to riches the hard way. Mr. Johnson has a winner.
Average customer rating:
- difficult to read
- all the books none of the pictures
- Look For Border's Edition
- The books of OZ
- 15 In One 1 The Oz Books
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15 Books in 1: L. Frank Baum's Original "Oz" Series. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, The Marvelous Land of Oz, Ozma of Oz, Dorothy and the Wizard in Oz, The Road to Oz, The Emerald City of Oz, The Patchwork Girl Of Oz, Little Wizard Stories of Oz, Tik-Tok of Oz, The Scarecrow Of Oz, Rinkitink In Oz, The Lost Princess Of Oz, The Tin Woodman Of Oz, The Magic of Oz, and Glinda Of Oz.
L, Frank Baum
Manufacturer: Shoes and Ships and Sealing Wax Ltd
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Similar Items:
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The Annotated Wizard of Oz (Centennial Edition)
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Son of a Witch: A Novel
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The Wonderful Wizard of Oz: 100th Anniversary Edition (Books of Wonder)
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Ozma of Oz (Books of Wonder)
-
Return to Oz
ASIN: 0954840135 |
Book Description
This unique '15 books in 1' edition of L. Frank Baum's original "Oz" series contains the following complete works: "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz", "The Marvelous Land of Oz", "Ozma of Oz", "Dorothy and the Wizard in Oz", "The Road to Oz", "The Emerald City of Oz", "The Patchwork Girl Of Oz", "Little Wizard Stories of Oz", "Tik-Tok of Oz", "The Scarecrow Of Oz", "Rinkitink In Oz", "The Lost Princess Of Oz", "The Tin Woodman Of Oz", "The Magic of Oz", and "Glinda Of Oz". For over a hundred years, L. Frank Baum's classic fairy stories about the land of Oz have been delighting children and parents alike. Now, for the first time, the entire Oz series is available in this single, great-value, edition!
Customer Reviews:
difficult to read.......2007-08-13
This book is condensed, I mean two pages printed on one page so the lettering is very small and none of the original art work is included. I did not realize when I bought it that the letters would be small. I also thought the original art work would be included. It's not bad if you want to read it with a magnifying glass.
all the books none of the pictures.......2007-06-25
I was wondering how they could fit all 15 oz books into 1 volume. the answer is by having no illustrations, two columns per page, and very small print. I felt like I was reading a text book more than a childrens set of books. it still works for a bedtime story for my son (though he really wants pictures), but for something to keep my son occupied while we ride on the bus it's a bit big to tote around. the story's are as I expected, designed for kids with no really scary parts and super simple plots; dull for a grown up but good for younger kids.
Look For Border's Edition.......2007-04-25
I give this book 5 stars because it is "OZ". I purchased something similar, but much much better from Border's , two years ago. Available from Amazon, look for 'The OZ Chronicles'. Volume 1 and Volume 2 contain all of Baum's Oz books. Green Leather Hardcovers, great size print. Volume 3 contains Baum's other books and stories. Incredible find and value.
The books of OZ.......2007-02-07
Great to have all of the stories included in one book. I don't need to worry about finding all the books to read. Great buy!
15 In One 1 The Oz Books.......2007-01-10
Adore these. We had a first edition, autographed set in the family for many years. Now has disappeared. I had been looking for something aaffordable that had all the original books. Next stop, Ruth Plumbly Thompson follow-ons.
Book Description
After his blockbuster success of Little Black Girl Lost, Keith Lee Johnson takes us back to 1950's New Orleans, into the world of betrayal, envy, lust, and murder, where everyone has ulterior motives. Little Girl Lost left you in shock right up to the very end with its revealing truths of the world of Johnnie Wise, a 15-year-old girl, who was being pursued by ruthless crime boss, Napoleon Bentley, who will stop at nothing to have this young beauty.
Little Black Girl Lost II, begins as we find Johnnie in bed, and even though there is a thunderstorm directly over her Ashland Estates home, she is sleeping soundly for the first time since the murder of Richard Goode (her mother's killer), and the subsequent riots. However, during her waking hours, Napoleon Bentley enters her mind more often than she'd care to admit. She wants him to bed her again, but she loves Lucas Matthews, her boyfriend. Or is he?
Customer Reviews:
A Wonderful Sequil.......2007-06-06
Before reading this book, it is important to read Little Black Girl Lost (1). Johhnie Wise has gotten wiser and is making her life hers. Continue the journey with her as Keith Lee Johnson captivates you with the ongoing trials of this young lady. The additional characters are a plus to this book. Caution....don't start without having Little Black Girl Lost 3 at your fingertips.
readaholic .......2007-04-03
Little Black Girl lost 2 was more inspiring and easier to follow after getting to know the characters in the first novel. It was inspiring to know the residents of Ashland Estates, but they too were trapped in a fable.
The novel was very well written and straight to the point. I really enjoyed it. I also like the fact that the author came out of the writing box and just wrote the story. I am not a fan of fluff.
LOVE ITT.....2........2007-03-24
As always i really enjoy this book another job well done i say tell you one thang? MS.Johnnie Wise was a hellva strong young LADY from the N.O.504 what eles can i say.....i'am now reading L.B.G.L3 and again its a good ONE..
Great Follow-up.......2007-03-24
Great follow-up to book 1. This author does not disapoint. Left you anticipating book 3.
O.K........2007-02-02
This one was o.k. I thought the first one was better. Hopefully the next one will be good.
Customer Reviews:
A salute to stay-with-it-ness.......2006-01-18
Drew Barrymore is to be congratulated. Her honesty is painfully refreshing and hasn't been seen lately since the new Star Jones book ... or possibly the Burt Reynolds biography.
She's seen the depths and the heights and knows the difference. She's drank the champagne (even though she was 8 at the time) and sipped the sewer water and prefers the former. She's been on the carpet and also received carpet burns on her knees when she was short rent.
Thank you Drew for being an inspiration to all the preteens with drinking problems ... they don't have to suffer in silence anymore.
Drew Barrymore is an inspiration. Period........2005-07-10
Literally one of the greatest books I've ever read. No, I'm not saying that because I'm a Drew Barrymore fan. I mean, if acting isn't what she wanted to do, she could've been an author! Written when she was still in rehab circa late 1988 and published in 1990, this book gives all of us an insight into her early years, and the hell she went through at such a young age. She tells us about her first taste of alcohol, cigarettes, cocaine, and marijuana. She also tells us about her first kiss, and her first makeout session, and how she was always fighting with her mother. She tells us about living at the rehab. She tells us about her visits with her father as well. She shares all of her stories and adventures, her mishaps and her first achievements. With this book, I've learned how truly strong this woman is, and how no matter what she went through, she didn't ever back down at achieving what she wanted. Drew Barrymore is a true idol for anyone, and this book proves that.
Fasanating.......2005-05-18
I read this book 5 times in High School. (1992-1996)
I LOOOOOOOVED it!!!
entertaining book about glamour, drugs, and lies.......2005-04-08
I was pleasantly surprised after I finished reading this book! It's very entertaining from start to finish, and as you read more and more about this little girl's life, it gets more and more interesting.
When you think Drew has hit the bottom, you turn a page and she goes farther down. It's amazing to see how strong Drew is, and every page is filled with interesting details.
It includes stories about her first drink and more, and you are amazed that such an inasant looking girl was into the worst of drugs. She tells about the terrifying and amazing incidents that came from the drugs. After you are finished, you are interested in knowing more and more about what happened to Drew.
If you want to read a very satisfying book, I highly reccomend this one!
The best book!.......2005-03-19
I used to really dislike Drew Barrymore. ( no offence if u DO read this) i was being forced to read a biography for my lang. arts class so i picked drew cuz she was the only 1 who seemed at least worth reading bout. i dont really want to read bout someone old dead guy. so i started liking her when i started not likeing Adam Sandler as much as i used to cuz thats really the only reason i hated her cuz she was always with adam. i mean now that im not screwed up with adam i c she wasnt always with him @ all. so i started reading it and in so many ways i wanted to b friends with her and help her. but not get high with her. :) its so awesome! now i want to buy it. if i had any advice to give, everyone who thinks their live is bad, read this book. evn if u dont everyone should read this. well i gtg bye this wonderful book bye! Carissa!
Book Description
Johnnie Wise was just fifteen years old when her mother sold her virginity to an unscrupulous white insurance man named Earl Shamus. Stunningly beautiful, with long naturally wavy black hair, she possessed the voluptuous body of a thirty-year-old woman. Her skin was the color of brown sugar. Johnnie had heard about Earl Shamus and his escapades among the poor black women in New Orleans. But what she didn't know was that Shamus had quietly made several of the girls in their neighborhood his reluctant concubines when their youthful bodies ripened—she was next.
Enter 1950's New Orleans, a world of betrayal, envy, lust and murder, where everyone has ulterior motives. Take a peek at Johnnie Wise, a 15-year-old girl, being pursued by ruthless crime boss, Napoleon Bentley, who will stop at nothing to have this young beauty. Little Girl Lost will shock you right up to the very end with its revealing truths.
Customer Reviews:
Interesting .......2007-08-16
This book was very interesting, I finished it in two days! I just have one question, what happened to Earl? After the riot his business had to pay out for all the insurance claims and eventhough his wife paid Johnnie to stay away from her husband; could Earl live without seeing Johnnie? I can't wait to read the sequel!
Captures 1950's New Oreleans.......2007-08-11
This book, which takes place in 1950's New Orleans, is a real page turner. It keeps you wanting to know what happens next. Be warned, however, there is a lot of R-rated situations and descriptions in this book.
Wonderful Start of a Beautiful Series.......2007-06-06
I have to admit this has to be one of the best of the beginning of a series I have ever read. The title has nothing on the actual contents of the book. Take a journey with Johnnie Wise and all the other characters of this touching series. Keith Lee Johnson will keep you captivated on the book until the last word is read. Caution....don't start without having Little Black Girl Lost 2 and Little Black Girl Lost 3 at your fingertips.
Not what I thought...........2007-05-09
101 people before me have already told you "about" this novel so I'll keep mine short. This book was just ok for me, but ok enough for me to want to read #2 to find out what happens. Maybe (I hope) it's better than this one.
readaholic.......2007-04-03
I enjoyed this novel. Although Johnny may have had more opportunities I believe that it was hard for her to find them. It feels like you're doomed when the one person in your life whom you believe you can depend on lets you down when you're an adult. I can only imagine what Johnny felt like when it happened to her. This along with what was going on in those times made it hard for many people to see the truth. Johnny is not out of the ordinary. I have to give her props for doing the best she knew how at such a young age.
Amazon.com
When Babar and Celeste's new baby girl is born, everyone rejoices. What fun it is to watch little Isabelle learn to walk and play trumpet and roller skate... and get lost in the mountains! After the family goes for a walk one day, they discover young Isabelle is missing. Carelessly, Isabelle has forgotten what her papa told her last time she wandered off: never to disappear without telling her family where she is going. Eventually, the little rascal finds herself near the home of old family friends and ends up having a delightful day playing with them, until they see Babar on TV, desperately searching for his daughter. After a thrilling ride on a hang glider, the prodigal daughter returns to the welcoming (if scolding) arms of her family.
Laurent de Brunhoff's exciting Babar adventures, based on his father's original tales and artwork (The Story of Babar, the Little Elephant, Babar the King, etc.), continue to thrill readers, generation after generation. The familiar watercolors of this beloved elephant family are as appealing as ever, even in a contemporary story that includes CD players with earphones and yoga exercises. (Ages 3 to 7) --Emilie Coulter
Book Description
Babar and Celeste have a new little girl! Isabelle is playful, spunky, and curious—maybe a bit too curious. One day she wanders off to look for Boover and Picardee, friends of the family who live nearby. The three have a lovely day, playing, singing, and snacking. But back at home, everyone is in a panic—Isabelle is lost!
A warm and humorous adventure that reminds young children not to run off on their own, Babar's Little Girl is a charming addition to every Babar collection.
Customer Reviews:
Good for daughters who are younger siblings.......2006-03-18
This delightful story is a complete ego trip for little girls who find themselves the youngest in a family of several siblings. It features many adventures, adoring older children, adoring parents, and a little girl who is the apple of everyone's eye. It also -- a bit subtly -- features beloved family friends who are a same-sex couple. This goes over the heads of the little ones.
The stuff you read to your child.......2005-10-19
I loved Babar as a kid. However, I only knew about the first three books. I was happy to see there were more.
This is a sweet little story about the new addition to the family. We get to see Pom, Flora and Alexander have grown and welcome their new sister Isabelle. She is a special child, independent and adventuras much to her families chagrin.
There other the other characters; the old lady, Arthur, Zephir, and Boover and Picardee.
My girl loves this story and I still read it several times a week.
The book is built well and has a good cloth binding that stands well to a 4 year olds use and abuse.
Classic Babar, but be a little careful..........2003-02-22
I just read this story to my four-year old daughter. It's a classic story from this author, nothing "wrong" with it, but you do need to watch out and may want to explain some parts. In the storyline, the girl elephant wanders off by herself and accepts a boatride from a stranger...then she knocks on the door of an unfamiliar house. Two male characters invite her inside and they all play together until they overhear a news alert that Babar is looking for his missing daughter, so they take her home. After reading it, I explained to my daughter that I didn't want her to wander off, accept boat rides from strangers or knock on unfamiliar doors and go inside a stranger's home. This story was written in a simpler era when concerns were a bit different than in today's world.
Classic Babar, but be a little careful..........2003-02-22
I just read this story to my four-year old daughter. It's a classic story from this author, nothing "wrong" with it, but you do need to watch out and may want to explain some parts. In the storyline, the girl elephant wanders off by herself and accepts a boatride from a stranger...then she knocks on the door of an unfamiliar house. Two male characters invite her inside and they all play together until they overhear a news alert that Babar is looking for his missing daughter, so they take her home. After reading it, I explained to my daughter that I didn't want her to wander off, accept boat rides from strangers or knock on unfamiliar doors and go inside a stranger's home. This story was written in a simpler era when concerns were a bit different than in today's world.
Isabella Joins the Babar Family and Has a Great Adventure!.......2001-03-26
If you are a Babar fan, you know Pom, Flora, and Alexander quite well. In this book, Celeste is about to have a baby. Babar is hoping for a girl, so he will have equal numbers of daughters and sons. When Celeste unexpectedly gives birth under a tree, he gets his wish! The remainder of the story describes Isabella's babyhood and her personality. I enjoyed this first Isabella story, and look forward to hearing more about her in future Babar books.
Isabella brings great pleasure to the royal elephant family. Babar is a proud papa. "Celeste loved to show her off at every opportunity. Pom, Flora, and Alexander were enchanted . . . and so was everyone else."
Everyone agreed Isabella was an "amazing baby." She soon stood in her cradle and hurled her toys at her siblings. She had a hearty appetite and was "full of energy." But she could be very quiet, and would sit peacefully watching a grasshopper (her favorite insect) in the grass.
As an independent child, she began to present challenges. At her fifth birthday party, she went off alone and Babar had to scold her.
A few days later the whole family went for a walk. Isabella had already forgotten about the scolding, and went off to play hide-and-seek with herself. Soon, she was nowhere to be found. Then her great adventure began.
When it was over, cousin Arthur didn't believe a word of her story, even though it was all true. Babar scolded her, and she fell asleep on his large lap. "Our little girl is very special," he said.
This book is excellent for introducing the idea of having a new sibling in a family, and that life will be different than anyone can expect. Parents who are about to have a new offspring should get this book as one of many to help ease the transition.
I also liked the idea that children have unique personalities, and will express those personalities as easily as they breathe. I was glad to see that Isabella was made more distinctive than the other Babar children in this way, who often seem to be a little on the uninteresting side.
The other appeal of this book is how a family adapts and becomes different with each new arrival. That message is carried out in a positive and pleasant way, that is totally credible. Nicely done!
The book is good, too, for reinforcing the idea of getting help from family friends. So if you child is accidentally locked out of the house, it will seem natural to go to the friendly parents of a neighbor child to get the key you have left there. This story should make every child feel more wanted, and part of a wide support network of loving adults and family.
After you finish enjoying this story, I suggest that you ask your child to tell you more about what a family is, what each person in your family is like, and what she or he hopes for from being part of the family. You can use the Babar stories as one point of reference. One good connection here is that the Babars have lots of friends who have relationships with the children. Does your child like or not like that feature? In this way, you can help your child begin to visualize what kind of life he or she will want to build as an adult.
Appreciate the specialness of each person, animal, and plant!
Average customer rating:
- What a book!
- Stories Great, Edition Not
- A very dated children's fantasy
- An Magnificient Compilation
- I've never read anything so bad!
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Wizard of Oz, Marvelous Land, Ozma, Dorothy, Road, Emerald City, Patchwork Girl, Tik-Tok, Scarecrow, Rinkitink, Lost Princess, Tin Woodman, Magic, Glinda, Little Wizard Stories
L. Frank Baum
Manufacturer: Kahley House Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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Oz
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Baum, L. Frank
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Queen Zixi Of Ix
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Return to Oz
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Mirror Mirror: A Novel
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Son of a Witch: A Novel
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Road to Oz, The (Books of Wonder)
ASIN: 0978891422 |
Book Description
Although most children today are introduced to the world of Oz through the classic 1939 movie, L. Frank Baum has been captivating the hearts of the young, and not so young, for over a hundred years. This delightful compilation includes all fifteen books written by L. Frank Baum: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, The Marvelous Land of Oz, Ozma of Oz, Dorothy and the Wizard in Oz, The Road to Oz, The Emerald City of Oz, The Patchwork Girl Of Oz, Little Wizard Stories of Oz, Tik-Tok of Oz, The Scarecrow Of Oz, Rinkitink In Oz, The Lost Princess Of Oz, The Tin Woodman Of Oz, The Magic of Oz, and Glinda Of Oz. Perhaps there is no better, or fitting, introduction one could give to this compilation than the author's note that Baum himself writes in his very first book, "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz." Here he reveals the true intention of his work. Folklore, legends, myths and fairy tales have followed childhood through the ages, for every healthy youngster has a wholesome and instinctive love for stories fantastic, marvelous and manifestly unreal. The winged fairies of Grimm and Andersen have brought more happiness to childish hearts than all other human creations. Yet the old time fairy tale, having served for generations, may now be classed as "historical" in the children's library; for the time has come for a series of newer "wonder tales" in which the stereotyped genie, dwarf and fairy are eliminated, together with all the horrible and blood-curdling incidents devised by their authors to point a fearsome moral to each tale. Modern education includes morality; therefore the modern child seeks only entertainment in its wonder tales and gladly dispenses with all disagreeable incident. Having this thought in mind, the story of "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" was written solely to please children of today. It aspires to being a modernized fairy tale, in which the wonderment and joy are retained and the heartaches and nightmares are left out.
Customer Reviews:
What a book!.......2007-05-07
For those who love the Wizard of Oz there's nothing quite like having the complete set of related stories. My kids and I are reading and re-reading, carry the book with us on vacations and keep it on the bedside table at home. Wonderful gift for children (and adults) of all ages!
Stories Great, Edition Not.......2007-04-13
I honestly cannot understand giving any Oz story a rating of one because of the content. These stories are classic. I AM giving this edition a one, though, because this is probably the poorest excuse for a book that I have ever seen.
My first and biggest issue with this edition is the fact that the editor/publisher chose not to have paragraph breaks. Each chapter is a paragraph. It's terrible. Next, as these pages are large (almost as big as a typical textbook), you would expect columns to be used. Not the case. It's just one long line after one long line on the pages. The publisher did not even choose to put the next chapter on a fresh page, merely spacing once and beginning anew. It's extremely frustrating.
The next thing that finally make me close the book was the abundance of errors in the text. I honestly do not think this is L. Frank Baum's fault. I feel these errors are there because the editor and publishers were so intent on putting this on the market that they overlooked important things. Mostly, I am referring to technical and mechanical errors, but a few sentences don't even make sense. And, the thing I just REALLY couldn't get over was the fact that all of the chapter titles are in capital letters, and then randomly there was a title with lowercase letters! Such inattention to a book is unacceptable to me. I AM returning this book and getting a nicer edition!
By the way, I did try to contact the publishing company about this, but its Web site is not properly functioning.
A very dated children's fantasy.......2007-04-08
Nowadays, with the popularity of Harry Potter, there has been something of a re-examination of children's literature, in particular, the idea that it can't also be enjoyable for adults to read. Even older works, such as The Chronicles of Narnia have been reappreciated. It was along these lines that I decided to read L. Frank Baum's Oz books, figuring that, if nothing else, they would be a quick read. In addition, I felt I would get a better understanding of Gregory Maguire's Oz books (Wicked and Son of a Witch), which are much more based on Baum than any movie. After reading all fifteen "books" that comprise The Complete Oz, I have to say, I'm a little disappointed.
Like most people, my exposure to Baum's works was limited to the fantastic adaptation of his first Oz book, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, featuring Judy Garland. The cinematic adaptation only loosely follows the story, and there are many things that do not appear in the movie. Most importantly, while the movie pretty much explains the whole adventure as a dream, the book makes the land of Oz quite real; subsequent stories has Dorothy shifting back-and-forth from Kansas to Oz until several books in when she moves there permanently with her Aunt Em and Uncle Henry (and Toto).
Although the characters change from story to story, the main characters are Dorothy and Ozma, the ruler of Oz. There are a number of other recurring characters, including the familiar Scarecrow, Tin Man, Cowardly Lion, Wizard and Glinda the Good Witch, along with others like Tik Tok, Jack Pumpkinhead and the Shaggy Man. Each story typically has the characters exploring a new and strange land where they must solve some problem. Occasionally, the Emerald City of Oz is threatened by invaders, who are typically repulsed with great ease. Only the Nome King appears as an enemy in several books.
The problem with the Oz books is that, as imaginative as they are, they are not all that well-written. I realize I am applying an adult reader's scrutiny to stories designed for pre-teens, but I think only the youngest of readers would not see through Baum's plot holes and last-minute rescues. A standard Oz story would have certain characters in dire straits only to be rescued by Glinda or Ozma, who happen to be watching everything through a magic mirror. Everything is perfect in Oz...too perfect to create anything but the weakest form of danger. And I think even most young readers nowadays would find Baum's sugary language too cloying to be palatable. I suppose one hundred years ago, this may have fit with contemporary tastes, but there is just a lot out there that's better nowadays.
The Complete Oz is over 700 pages, but each page contains at least twice as much text as the page in a normal book. What the volume contains are only the fifteen stories: no illustrations or background material accompanies the text, which means that this massive volume is unlikely to even appeal to the only readers who might be able to enjoy it. Under some circumstances, I might even give this book two stars; I know, however, that I am not truly the target audience, so I am giving it an extra star to make up for that. Nonetheless, even if you feel that these might be good stories for children you know (and it is certainly G-rated stuff), you are better off buying these stories in a more kid-friendly format.
An Magnificient Compilation.......2007-02-14
I have been searching for a volume that contains all of the Oz stories, and this one is the "keeper". The editor did a great job with his type setting, making the stories more clear, and overall presentation of these classics. It's a great value at an honest price. I continue to recommend it to my friends and family.
I've never read anything so bad!.......2007-02-06
The stories in this book, and most everything I've been forced to read from this author, are extremely bad. They are the most shallow stories Ive ever read! There is no character depth, the landscapes are ill defined and unbelievable, the stories are so repetative there's no point in reading more than one (and why would you want to anyway!) and the story is so underdeveloped that the characters simply state what they are doing and thinking all the time! Besides that, the wonderful imagination I was lead to believe is displayed in these books is missing, as 9/10 of his characters are characters obviously based on the works of other great fiction/fantasy writers and myths/legends of various regions. The only things moderately inventive are the mechanical men, a fascination he takes too far in having at least one such character in all his books!
Average customer rating:
- Enjoyed this a Lot
- this is a very strong debut
- Excellent
- Reminiscent of 1940s noir....
- Make that four and a half
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Little Girl Lost (Hard Case Crime)
Richard Aleas
Manufacturer: Hard Crime Case
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Binding: Mass Market Paperback
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ASIN: 0843953519 |
Customer Reviews:
Enjoyed this a Lot.......2007-09-17
LITTLE GIRL LOST is a really terrific debut by Charles Ardai, who is the publisher of the Hard Case Crime series. This book was nominated for both an Edgar and a Shamus, and it deserved both nominations.
The hero of this novel is John Blake, a private investigator who is investigating the death of his old high school girlfriend, who he hasn't seen in ten years. Much to his surprise, he learns that his old girlfriend had dropped out of college to become a stripper. This forces him to explore New York's seedy underworld to discover the identity of her killer.
LITTLE GIRL LOST is a very well written story. The prose is very clever and well crafted, and the plot and characterization in this novel are both first-rate. My only criticism is that the big final twist in this novel is rather predictable, at least to veteran readers of crime fiction.
Overall, though, this novel is a superb debut and I can't wait to see what Ardai does next. He has recently won an Edgar award for his short story work, and I hope he continues writing crime fiction for a long time. He's one of the bright stars of the genre.
this is a very strong debut.......2007-09-09
Richard Aleas' first novel is very well done. Most of the books you find here in the 'Hard Case Crime' series are set back and written several decades ago. However they do sprinkle in some contemporary fiction by authors such as Stephen King. Mostly these newer books are not worth picking up, however, Aleas' first book, 'Little Girl Lost' fully lives up to the high standards set by the editor/s putting this series together.
This story follows John Blake, a very young private investigator who finds out that his first true love was murdered in a very unexpected manner. The last time he had seen Miranda, she had been heading out to medical school and now ten years later he finds that she has become a stripper and has lived a fairly tough life. What transpires is Blake trying to find the killer of Miranda and bring some justice for her.
Blake travels through a very seedy and un-post-Gulliani New York. This is a New York you might have suspected thriving while Bogart was playing Sam Spade. All the women in Aleas' world are sex objects, the men hard and worn down.
What really brings this book up a notch is Aleas' descriptive powers. He does a very good job of bringing this unique New York to life.
I wouldn't say that this book is perfect or even very very good. But it is worth reading if you are a genre nut like myself.
Excellent.......2007-08-23
As with all the Hard Case Crime books I've read so far, this one was excellent! I highly recommend picking up any and all the Hard Case books if you haven't already. You won't regret it!
Reminiscent of 1940s noir...........2007-07-26
this beautifully written crime novel often startled me with the mention of cell phones and the internet. Imagine what Hammett and Chandler's characters might have done if, like John Blake, they'd had the internet and cells phones. Still, much of the investigation by this reluctant PI is done by walking the streets, riding the subways, tracking people--sometimes bad and dangerous people--and finding out what they know. Just like Hammett and Chandler's people did it.
Although I saw the twist coming about a third into the book, it didn't spoil things for me. The writing alone was enough to let me enjoy the rest of the journey. I did have a problem with Blake's final decision; I don't think anyone deliberately destroys his own dream, and surely not for the motives given. Maybe the author, knowing future Blake outings were ahead, wanted him hardened, but it seemed like too much of a flaw to me. Otherwise, great read.
I was amused by the character's name and that he had studied poetry. I love literary detectives and the writers who create them!
Make that four and a half.......2007-07-22
This is a first-rate book. I cut it a half-star because the plot lacks the punch of his 5-star second novel, SONGS OF INNOCENCE. This is the result of planning, not writing. There are simply not enough characters left on stage to create (first) the mystification and (second) the jaw-dropping surprise. You will see what I mean when you read it (as you very much should).
The strength of the book lies in the fact that Aleas (an alias, as you probably already know) has captured the ethos of noir perfectly and he has updated its language, so that there is no datedness or camp, but rather solid, contemporary noir with a central voice that is wise as well as world-weary at the ripe old age of 29.
This new voice in crime fiction is one that should be heard. Read this book first and then be prepared to be astonished by the second.
Book Description
Boy, is Mick Campbell infuriating! The police detective is only doing his job, looking into the death of the private investigator my sister had hired to find our presumed-dead mother (it's been a very eventful month!), but does he really believe a member of my family is a killer? I've been planning to spend time with Mick to keep tabs on the investigation, but lately I've been wondering, am I drawn to him because he's a single dad or because his faith is strong under fire?
Customer Reviews:
a pleasant read.......2007-03-20
Courtesy of CK2S Kwips and Kritiques
Portia Blanchard's world was turned upside down at the discovery not too long ago that her mother, presumed dead for more than twenty years may very well be alive. Then, the private investigator looking in to the matter was found dead in a questionable accident. (See Fatal Image by Lenora Worth)
Mick Campbell, a widowed father, is the police detective investigating Garrett McGraw's murder and he starts his investigation with the last client McGraw had taken, the Blanchard family. He wasn't expecting the intense attraction he felt for Portia, who insisted on being involved in the investigation. As they dig deeper, they find all kinds of secrets that put their faith to the test and put their lives in jeopardy. But when it becomes evident the villain is targeting the two people most important to Mick - his daughter Katie and Portia - will his faith in God see them through?
Portia is a woman whose strong Christian beliefs play a large role in defining who she is. Mick also turns to the church in times of struggle and it has helped keep him grounded and given him the strength needed to be a single father. This gives them some common ground on which to build their blossoming relationship.
One thing I especially like in Little Girl Lost is that through Portia's eyes, we saw another side of Howard Blanchard. She has deep affection for her grandfather which seems strange considering that he has been painted as a cold unfeeling man who cares more about increasing the profit of Blanchard Fabrics than he does his own family. Yet Portia's dedication to him shows us he has a sensitive side as well, especially when we are made privy to Portia's memories from her girlhood.
To be honest though, I'm afraid Little Girl Lost didn't stand out for me from any other books I've recently read. Only a couple weeks after reading it, I had already forgotten much of the story. It was a pleasant read, but nothing memorable that I have to tell everyone about. I think this is in part due to my own expectations. I thought the primary story arcing through all six books in the Secrets of Stoneley miniseries would be the search for answers in regards to Trudy Blanchard. But that plays such a small part in this story I was left somewhat disappointed. Granted, Garrett McGraw would never have played a role in the story if not for investigating the Trudy mystery, and a few brief mentions are made about the discoveries Trudy is possibly alive, but other than that I felt like hardly any notice was given to that story.
© Kelley A. Hartsell, February 2007. All rights reserved.
Book Description
This story of one little girl's journey through our foster-care system forms an intimate portrait of foster care in America and the children whose lives are forever shaped by it.
Augusten Burroughs called Kathy Harrison's memoir Another Place at the Table a "riveting and profoundly moving story of a hero, disguised as an everyday woman." In One Small Boat, Harrison tells the story of one little girl who arrived on her doorstep, and describes how caring for this child was an experience that challenged everything she thought she knew about foster-care parenting and the needs of the children she shelters.
Daisy was five when she arrived in Harrison's bustling home. Mother of three children by birth and three by adoption, and with a handful of foster kids always coming and going, Harrison had ten children under her roof at any given time. But Daisy was in many ways unique. Daisy's birth mother wasn't poor, uneducated, or drug addicted. She simply couldn't bring herself to take care of her little girl, and the effects on the child were heartrending. Daisy was unwilling to eat-even frightened of it-and seemed to have a severe speech impediment. After two weeks in Kathy's loving home, however, Daisy began to thrive. What had happened to her? And how can a foster-care parent give back all that has been taken from a child like Daisy-knowing that she might leave one day very soon? Harrison had seen many children pass through her doors, but this one touched her in a way she didn't immediately understand.
One Small Boat will be of deep interest to anyone who has nurtured and cared for a child or anyone interested in the intricate web that is our social welfare system.
Customer Reviews:
One Small Boat.......2007-09-07
I love this book!!! It is very easy to read and is well written. The author has fostered hundreds of kids in her lifetime. Daisy is a foster child that is very special for many reasons, she is a challenge, she is from a well respected family and has extended family that loves her. This is the story of one special little girls turbulant begining and her recovery in foster care.
Foster children.......2007-07-04
I love the book. Unfortunately, Amazon cannot always deliver to the correct address - so my order was canceled.
Daily nitty-gritty.......2007-04-24
I read this book because I had loved her previous book, Another Place at the Table. Both are her true memoirs of being a foster mother. She's really loving and kind and also down-to-earth and real and funny.
These are the stories of kids who ended up in foster care because they had been abused, so it's not always a light-hearted subject matter. But the books are far from sad. They're really hopeful and inspiring. It's so wonderful to see how a mother's love (in this case, a foster-mother's love) can make such a difference to a child. They're not sappy, though. She stays away from sap. A lot of it is about the daily nitty-gritty of parenting -- getting supper on the table even though the high-needs toddler is clinging and the older kid needs to go to the doctor, etc. etc. Highly recommended.
Fabulous, poignant read.......2007-02-04
I loved this book. It is a beautifully written tale of the struggles within a modern American family, raising foster children. The book focuses on one foster child in particular. I dare you not to love her.
Unexpectedly compelling.......2006-12-11
Even though the aspects of many of lives of the foster children in the author's care would be drama enough, Harrison provides a simplicity of prose that gives greater depth to the drama. That said, the emotional build-up ny the end of the book is amazing. Not a dry eye.
I also liked how each member of the family is fully fleshed out. Her husband, the social services people, all deserve their own books for their selfless work as well!
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- Our Dumb Century: The Onion Presents 100 Years of Headlines from America's Finest News Source
- Our Hearts Fell to the Ground: Plains Indian Views of How the West Was Lost (The Bedford Series in History and Culture)
- Passing Through Paradise
- Phillips' Book of Great Thoughts & Funny Sayings: A Stupendous Collection of Quotes, Quips, Epigrams, Witticisms, and Humorous Comments. For Personal Enjoyment and Ready Reference.
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