I Capture the Castle
by Dodie Smith
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (May, 1999)
list price: $13.95 -- our price: $11.16
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Seventeen-year-old Cassandra Mortmain wants to become a writer. Trouble is, she's the daughter of a once-famous author with a severe case of writer's block. Her family--beautiful sister Rose, brooding father James, ethereal stepmother Topaz--is barely scraping by in a crumbling English castle they leased when times were good. Now there's very little furniture, hardly any food, and just a few pages of notebook paper left to write on. Bravely making the best of things, Cassandra gets hold of a journal and begins her literary apprenticeship by refusing to face the facts. She writes, "I have just remarked to Rose that our situation is really rather romantic, two girls in this strange and lonely house. She replied that she saw nothing romantic about being shut up in a crumbling ruin surrounded by a sea of mud."

Rose longs for suitors and new tea dresses while Cassandra scorns romance: "I know all about the facts of life. And I don't think much of them." But romantic isolation comes to an end both for the family and for Cassandra's heart when the wealthy, adventurous Cotton family takes over the nearby estate. Cassandra is a witty, pensive, observant heroine, just the right voice for chronicling the perilous cusp of adulthood. Some people have compared I Capture the Castle to the novels of Jane Austen, and it's just as well-plotted and witty. But the Mortmains are more bohemian--as much like the Addams Family as like any of Austen's characters. Dodie Smith, author of 101 Dalmations, wrote this novel in 1948. And though the story is set in the 1930s, it still feels fresh, and well deserves its reputation as a modern classic. --Maria Dolan ... Read more

Reviews (187)

One of my all time favorites!
I absolutely love this book!I say it a lot, and it's always true.My mom gave me her copy when I was twelve, she'd found a first printing copy in a box of books her father recieved from the book of the month club, read it, and fell in love.So she passed it on to me and I adore it every bit as much as she does.This is beautiful story, it sucks you in.You care about the people and it is definatly not a brick wall happy ending.I still wonder what happened...how Cassandra's life turned out, not to mention her sister rose's.This is the story of a young girl and her family living in an old castle in rural england.Her sister detests poverty (unfortunate, since they are extremely poor), her father is a has been writer who's work is still studied in colleges in england and america, but brings in little to no income (he hasn't written a word in years) and her step mother is an eccentric (to say the least) painters model who communes naked with nature and finds the castle wonderfully romantic.Everyone in this book is human.they have flaws...selfishness, lazyness...insecurities, and their flaws only make them more endearing.When Cassandra's sister Rose meets an American millionair come to stay at a neighboring estate (actually, he's their landlord) she determines immediately that she will marry this man, Simon Cotton, whether she loves him or not.I wont say too much about the plot, because I don't want to ruin it, but suffice to say that this story is above all real.I can relate, just as my mother could, and anyone who has ever been in (unrequited) love will be able to relate.It's touching without being mushy, and trust me, you don't know how it's going to turn out, even if 2/3rds of the way through you think you do.On top of that, it's funny!you will be laughing out loud.Green hands, naked step moms, and ackward situations abound (there's a scene involving rose and a bearskin coat that is a classic) so don't expect it to be preachy.Just entertaining, touching, and fun.

A gift to yourself
I loved this novel.It seemed less like a novel than a real journal, where I could explore the life of a very interesting, astutue young girl on the cusp of first love.Cassandra and her family are funny, sad and infinitely real.I love the dialogue and also the descriptions of English country life. The first scenes of being down-and-out in a huge castle are beautiful and comic.But the novel moved me most in its moments where Cassandra finds herself desolate and heartbroken, asking God for comfort.This is an exquisite, gentle book.I will pick it up again soon.

Extremely Enchanting
When I first found this book I was on vacation, looking for something to read. I was drawn to the book, maybe by its interesting cover, or the fact that it has been praised by the author of my favorite book series, Harry Potter. After picking up the book and reading the back cover I thought, why not, sounds good enough.

I started reading the book and yes, it was a little slow at first. But usually once I start a book, even a seemingly boring one, I try to finish it. I can't be exactly sure when I really started getting into the book, perhaps it was the introduction of the Cottons, but soon after I couldn't stop. After I finished, I recommended it to everyone I knew.

Cassandra is a character, in my opinion, many girls can relate to; mainly being in the shadow of an older sibling, and living in a castle was a fantasy of everyone at some point or anotherI highly recommend this book to teens and old alike. It's an enchanting coming-of-age book and I give it my highest praise. ... Read more

Isbn: 0312201656
Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - General    3. General    4. Fiction / General    5. Reading Group Guide   

Sloppy Firsts : A Novel
by Megan McCafferty
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (28 August, 2001)
list price: $12.95 -- our price: $10.36
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Reviews (369)

Add this to YOUR summer book list!!
Sloppy Firsts By: Megan McCafferty was a very good book.It is about a girl, named Jessica Darling, who is keeping a journal during her sophomore and junior years of high school.Jessica's best friend, Hope, moves away and she has to deal with the new changes in her life.She doesn't know whether to be friends with anyone else, or what to do. Jessica goes on to tell about all of her troubles, whether it was guys, family issues, prom, or anything else that comes up in her action packed life.Jessica also really likes a guy named, Paul, and she learns the awful truth of him. Jessica handles her troubles very well, and she should be the role model for everyone to follow.
I would recommend this book to teenage girls who like to read books about reality.It talks about all of the troubles that we have as teens and I think it does a good job of handling how she does things, and she sets a good example for the rest of us.
I really, really liked this book.I feel like it can relate to everything that I do.I do not really think that there was anything in the book that I did not like.The only confusing part of the book was at the very beginning.I had no idea that the numbers were the dates.I thought that it was the chapters, but then I noticed that it skipped a few, but that was when I finally realized that it was the date.
This book is similar to others that I have read, because now a day, there seems to be many books for teens that are in journal form.For example, "The Diary of a Teenage Girl Series" is also written in journal form.In addition, many other books for young adults are written to be like some things tat we go through in life.In these books, they talk about troubles that the characters face in their lives, and we can relate to them.

Sloppy First a Great book and it has a sequel !

Sloppy firsts is about a teenager going through troubling times just like any ordinary teenage girl would be. Jessica Darling best friend just moved so she is like a fish out of water at school and a stranger at home. She doesn't now how she is suppose to deal with the boy- and shopping crazy girls at school also known as the Clueless Crew, her dad's obsession with her track meets, her mother salivating over her big sister Bethany's lavish wedding, and her nonexistent love life. I enjoyed this book very much I think it describes a teenage girls life in high school, also me and Jessica had a lot in come due to the fact that she liked track too. This book made it seem like Jessica wasn't just a character she felt like a real person.

I recommend this book to 8-12 graders. This book is very mature and I think that this should be taken seriously it is very interesting. If you read it in 7th grade me may not understand what something she says. There is a few curses, and inappropriate descriptions. If you want to read a book about a high school going through problems this is an excellent book!

Sloppy Firsts star Jessica Darling get 5 Stars
Sloppy Firsts, by Megan McCafferty, is a story of Jessica Darling, a junior in high school whose best friend, Hope, has just moved away. Now Jessica is stuck with the Clueless crew, whom are supposed to be her best friends and she doesn't like them very much. Her parents don't understand her and all she is stuck hearing about is how they are so happy that her older sister Bethany is marrying this rich guy who she refers to as, G-Money.Even though Jessica is going through a tough time there is nothing that will stop her from crushing on this total hottie on the track team, Paul Parlipiano, until Marcus Flutie steps into her life.I enjoyed reading this book because it related a lot to what teenage girls go through, especially ones like Jessica Darling. She is in with the so called "in crowd", but she doesn't want to be there. She wants to be a typical teenager and do typical teenage things and not live up to other people's standards.

I recommend this book to teenagers ages 13-17. It is a book of high maturity and should be taken seriously. Immature teenagers or any years under 13 would not understand some stuff that is in this book. If you like a good story about a life of a teenager girl and what she goes through, then Sloppy Firsts is the book for you.
... Read more

Isbn: 0609807900
Sales Rank: 2559
Subjects:  1. American First Novelists    2. Bildungsromans    3. Fiction    4. Fiction - General    5. General    6. High school students    7. New Jersey    8. Teenage girls    9. Fiction / General    10. Reading Group Guide   

Brave New Girl
by Louisa Luna
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (01 February, 2001)
list price: $11.95 -- our price: $9.56
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Reviews (56)

profound truth
I was not a big reader at all, not until I found this stunning book by Louisa Luna. I am a 21 year old University student, and thought I might be too old for this book. Turns out I was wrong, I think I became so personally attached to this book because I was ALOT like Doreen when I was her age. She is sarcastic, has only one close male friend, has nothing in common with her older popular sister, is a tom boy who acts so tough on the outside, but it is evident that she longs for more, she longs to be desired and she feels that she needs to make it her mission to save her long-lost brother (so to say, I don't want to give much away). She finds compfort in her favorite band, The Pixies.

The most interesting thing about this novel is the way that Doreen reacts to a certain circumstance that occurs in the story; like most young girls her insecurities take over and she blames herself for what has happened, when really she was only an innocent, young girl trying to find her place in this world, thinking she was following her heart.The ending of this story is outstanding, it definatly pulled the whole thing together.

Although this novel is small, I gave it 5 stars because the emotion was so true, and something I could relate to, and i found myself thinking about Doreen even when I put the book down. I imagine its not for everyone, but if you enjoy coming of age stories about young females trying to find a place for themeselves, I would highly recommened Brave New Girl.

Not the best, but some quite good things come out of it
This book is rife with cliches - the stupid parents, the clueless popular girls, the angsty-cool-dorky potty-mouth protagonist, the sad friend.I thought the best part of the book was the bonding the main character did with her dad at the end.That made swimming through the cliches worth it.

A Fresh, Entertaining Book
When I first picked up Brave New Girl, I thought it would be another dreadfully identical teenage angst book with a girl who hates her parents and hates her friends. But no, Brave New Girl never failed to amaze me. Following Doreen throughout her life is new and exciting, as she goes through the perils of childhood. It surprized me that Brave New Girl was actually laugh aloud funny, on numerous occasions because it doesn't look like it would be. The book is fun to read, and despite the fact that it isn't extremely long, the story is so captivating it's hard to put it down without wanting more. ... Read more

Isbn: 0743407865
Sales Rank: 52602
Subjects:  1. Adolescence    2. Family problems    3. Fiction    4. Fiction - General    5. General    6. High schools    7. Fiction / General   

Memoirs of a Geisha : A Novel
by ARTHUR GOLDEN
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (10 January, 1999)
list price: $14.95 -- our price: $10.17
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

According to Arthur Golden's absorbing first novel, the word "geisha" does not mean "prostitute," as Westerners ignorantly assume--it means "artisan" or "artist." To capture the geisha experience in the art of fiction, Golden trained as long and hard as any geisha who must master the arts of music, dance, clever conversation, crafty battle with rival beauties, and cunning seduction of wealthy patrons. After earning degrees in Japanese art and history from Harvard and Columbia--and an M.A. in English--he met a man in Tokyo who was the illegitimate offspring of a renowned businessman and a geisha. This meeting inspired Golden to spend 10 years researching every detail of geisha culture, chiefly relying on the geisha Mineko Iwasaki, who spent years charming the very rich and famous.

The result is a novel with the broad social canvas (and love of coincidence) of Charles Dickens and Jane Austen's intense attention to the nuances of erotic maneuvering. Readers experience the entire life of a geisha, from her origins as an orphaned fishing-village girl in 1929 to her triumphant auction of her mizuage (virginity) for a record price as a teenager to her reminiscent old age as the distinguished mistress of the powerful patron of her dreams. We discover that a geisha is more analogous to a Western "trophy wife" than to a prostitute--and, as in Austen, flat-out prostitution and early death is a woman's alternative to the repressive, arcane system of courtship. In simple, elegant prose, Golden puts us right in the tearoom with the geisha; we are there as she gracefully fights for her life in a social situation where careers are made or destroyed by a witticism, a too-revealing (or not revealing enough) glimpse of flesh under the kimono, or a vicious rumor spread by a rival "as cruel as a spider."

Golden's web is finely woven, but his book has a serious flaw: the geisha's true romance rings hollow--the love of her life is a symbol, not a character. Her villainous geisha nemesis is sharply drawn, but she would be more so if we got a deeper peek into the cause of her motiveless malignity--the plight all geisha share. Still, Golden has won the triple crown of fiction: he has created a plausible female protagonist in a vivid, now-vanished world, and he gloriously captures Japanese culture by expressing his thoughts in authentic Eastern metaphors. ... Read more

Reviews (2015)

read this with a sceptical eye
I first read this book 5 years ago when I knew very little about Japan, its cultures and geiko themsleves. On first read, it is an appealing book because it allows you into a foreign, unknown world, through the eyes of a geiko.

HOWEVER - some of the language Golden uses is ridiculous, with many americanisms thrown in for good measure. The ridiculous metaphors and similies used made me feel irritated at some points. I even saw some spelling mistakes!

If you're looking for a truthful, entertaining read, get Minkeo Iwasaki's book instead - written by a japanese woman, who was a geisha!

A mildly entertaining book, until you realise that most of what is written is some middle aged, american man's fantasy!

One of my favorite!
The three elements of the novel, which impressed me the most, are the detailed descriptions of objects, deep understanding of the culture, and the delicate psychological interpretation of women.
The words which the author used to describe the objects such as Kimono and paintings were not huge as SAT vocabularies, but were enough to deliver the message with impact.
"...an orange silk with a silver waterfall pouring from the knee into a slate blue ocean. The waterfall was split by brown cliffs, with knotted driftwood at the base embroidered in lacquered threads."
This quote was one of my favorite descriptions of a Kimono; it gave me a very clear mental image.
It was certain that the author of the book is more than an amateur about the Japanese Culture. The way he described the dressing of Kimono and the polite traditional Japanese way of dialogues impressed me. He also seemed to know the etiquettes and the manners as a Geisha, such as how to open the door when they are entering the Tea houses.
I was very surprised to find out that Arthur Golden is actually an extremely normal man because of the feminine details he used in the novel. Especially in the part where Sayuri was about give up her "mizuage," because of the way he described her emotion of fear and hidden curiosity, I felt as if I was at the room with her. Also Arthur seemed to understand the psychology of woman as a secret admirer as well. The description about the Sayuri's feeling toward Chairman was very understandable and imaginable.
Overall, the novel was very satisfying and I am very certain that this was one of my favorite novels I ever read. However, I found the characteristics of some characters such as Hatsumomo and the Chairman in the novel are not fully developed. As one of the reviewers mentioned before (Shannon "elfaas") the reason for Hatsumomo's unconditional jealousy and the reason why the Chairman was so obsessed with Sayuri would remain as questions.

Best book ever!!
This is my favorite novel of all time. I could read this book over and over and not get tired of it.It is a must read and I recommend it to anyone and everyone!!! Arthur Golden is a genuis; truly incredible writer. ... Read more

Isbn: 0679781587
Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Fiction    3. Fiction - General    4. Geishas    5. Historical - General    6. History    7. Japan    8. Literary    9. Women    10. Fiction / Literary   

The Tale of Murasaki : A Novel
by LIZA DALBY
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (21 August, 2001)
list price: $14.00 -- our price: $11.20
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Liza Dalby's novel is a brilliantly imagined chronicle of the11th-century Japanese writer Murasaki Shikibu. As we soon discover, our narrator has a good many doubts about the writing life. "As I pondered this question of how to be a success at court," she muses, "I came to the conclusion that literary ambition was more likely than not to bring a woman to a bad end." Happily, the real-life Murasaki persisted, and went on to become the author of the world's first novel, The Tale of Genji. For The Tale of Murasaki, Dalby draws on this groundbreaking masterpiece and on the surviving fragments of Murasaki's own diary and poetry, along with another masterpiece of the Heian period, The Pillow Book of Sei Shonagon. The result is a vivid and emotionally detailed portrait of an intelligent, sensitive, and complex woman.

In Dalby's novel, Murasaki writes her first stories about Prince Genji's amorous encounters in order to entertain her friends, and to express her own creative temperament. As the stories gain a wider public, however, they are transformed into a conduit for observations on the mores and intrigues of court life. And in the end, as the narrator struggles to stay true to her literary vision, her tales are inflected by Buddhist thought and become parables on the transience and beauty of the world:

I have always felt compelled to set down a vision of things I have heard and seen. Life itself has never been enough. It only became real for me when I fashioned it into stories. Yet, somehow, despite all I've written, the true nature of things I've tried to grasp in my fiction still manages to drift through the words and sit, like little piles of dust, between the lines.

Dalby is an anthropologist by trade, who has produced two previous nonfiction studies: Kimono and Geisha. And given that her research for Geisha gained her the distinction of being the only Westerner ever to have trained in that much misunderstood profession, it's no surprise that she is able to reconstruct 11th-century Japan with meticulous fidelity. It's all there--the political and sexual machinations, the preoccupations with clothing and custom, the difficult and tenuous position of courtiers, the intensity of female friendships in a male-dominated society--and the author shows us precisely how Murasaki's sensibilities were shaped by the culture in which she lived. This is a rich and convincing debut, and another chapter in the current resurrection of the historical novel. --Burhan Tufail ... Read more

Reviews (41)

Good Premise Sputters Out Half-Way
Being someone who has lived in Japan, studied Japanese culture, and for whom the Heian period - in which this book takes place - holds a particular fascination, I must nevertheless reveal that this book dies half-way when the author's gender-bending agenda takes over and crushes the thrust of the story.Murasaki was indeed a remarkable character, and the first half of the novel does a wonderful job in constructing what her early life may have been like, but the author's creation of her character's romantic preference for women denies the historical hetero orientation of "The Tale of Genji".To paraphrase Virgina Woolf, authors should write from the perspective of all people, WITHOUT AGENDAS.

Rich, visual novel
Wow, I learned so much from this rich, visual novel. Historical fiction about the 11th century Japanese woman who wrote the WORLD'S FIRST NOVEL!! I hadn't even heard of her before. Liza Dalby (author) is an anthropologist and the only westerner to have become a geisha. This book was a magical find. Whether due to the small print or lyrical, sometimes dreamy, prose I found myself reading much SLOWER than I normally do, but that's not a bad thing. Very lush, i really felt transported. The translations of the poetry were quite good. I now feel very well-schooled in 11th century Japan (an era I knew little about before reading this novel). Very nice.

A peek into the past
This novel about Lady Murasaki and her world is a well-written story providing both a glimpse of Heian court life as well as the role of a female in said society. The focus on the aesthetic pleasures of life shows the sensitivity of this culture of the past, though at times the frivolity of the lavish lifestyle of the ruling class seems excessive to the modern mind.

At the outset Murasaki is likeable because she displays a sense of individuality, intellectualism, a hint of stubbornness, and rebellion against the role of subserviant, compliant female; her somewhat taboo relationship with the Chinese visitor Ming Gwok reveals an uncompromising element to her personality as she pursues that to which her own interests guide her, versus bowing to the strictures of her society (though she is aided by the fact that her fairly enlightened father looks the other way). She also fights the societal insistence of marriage for much longer than most women would have had the staying power to do.

As the book progresses it becomes somewhat frustrating to see her buckle to fit the role of court lady, though this is likely a historically accurate portrayal of what would have become of her at the time. Because of this, the latter part of the book seems somewhat vapid at times and loses its sense of substance, even if it is accurate.

Still, this is a worthwhile read from Liza Dalby, a tried and true scholar and analyzer of Japanese culture.
... Read more

Isbn: 0385497954
Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - Historical    3. Historical - General    4. Literary    5. Murasaki Shikibu,    6. b. 978?    7. Fiction / Literary    8. Reading Group Guide   

The Princess Bride: S Morgenstern's Classic Tale of True Love and High Adventure
by William Goldman
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (12 September, 1987)
list price: $7.99 -- our price: $7.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

The Princess Bride is a true fantasy classic.William Goldman describes it as a "good parts version" of "S. Morgenstern's Classic Tale of True Love and High Adventure."Morgenstern's original was filled with details of Florinese history, court etiquette, and Mrs. Morgenstern's mostly complimentary views of the text.Much admired by academics, the "Classic Tale" nonetheless obscured what Mr. Goldman feels is a story that has everything: "Fencing.Fighting. Torture.Poison.True love.Hate.Revenge.Giants.Hunters.Bad men.Good men.Beautifulest ladies.Snakes.Spiders.Beasts of all natures and descriptions.Pain.Death.Brave men.Coward men. Strongest men.Chases.Escapes.Lies.Truths.Passion. Miracles."

Goldman frames the fairy tale with an "autobiographical" story: his father, who came from Florin, abridged the book as he read it to his son.Now, Goldman is publishing an abridged version, interspersed with comments on the parts he cut out.

Is The Princess Bride a critique of classics like Ivanhoe and The Three Musketeers, that smother a ripping yarn under elaborate prose?A wry look at the differences between fairy tales and real life?Simply a funny, frenetic adventure?No matter how you read it, you'll put it on your "keeper" shelf. --Nona Vero ... Read more

Reviews (559)

Will make you smile until it hurts
I bought this book a day ago, and read it from cover to cover without stopping. This is probably the most charming book that I have read. Get a copy, and read it to someone you love.

The perfect book which gave birth to the perfect movie.
I have no problem admiting that "The Princess Bride" is my favorite movie of all time. I was a little skepticle about reading the book because I didn't want to ruin my love for the movie. Boy, was I ever wrong.
This book is just what the doctor ordered for any fan of the movie. It has all of the character background information that the movie lacks, not to mention continuing past the end of the movie....until the birth of Buttercup's Baby. It is true that the book is much darker than the movie (i.e. Pit of Dispare = Zoo of Death), but it's not distasteful. After finishing the book, I put it away with a new love for the story, but I did not loose any love for the movie since it is so different in mood and detail that the book.
I have read the book a few times now and every time I do, I then immediately watch the movie with equal zest. The book is a fabulous read for anyone with a passion for a great story.

Witty and charming
This is one of those other little gems that slipped under the radar when I was growing up.Once again, I remember the movie, but never knew that it had come from a book first.I must have seen the film a hundred times (thanks to USA network, TNT and the like).However, it wasn't until a few weeks ago, that I actually seeked it out in its true form, almost 15 years later.

What I was amazed with, was the faithfulness of the film to the text.They were almost dead on, with all the scenes, and especially the dialogue.Some things, as normal, were altered a bit or changed, but for the most part, what you see in the film (minus extra exposition and some character development) is what you read in the book.

It is a good read, filled with great dialogue and wittiness.Yet at the same time, some of the authors "intrusion" into the text can be a little distracting at times.And at others, it is neat to hear him talk about how certain ideas came about, that directly affected the "film" version. Now that i've read it, when I view the film, I can honestly say they were dead-on with the casting.The personalities they picked, were excellent.

If you are interested in going a bit beyond the movie, and seeing some extra info about Buttercup and Wesley, its a great little read (depending on what edition you get).And you can really see, just how honest/faithful they were, and careful, when bringing it to the big sreen. . .years ago. ... Read more

Isbn: 0345348036
Subjects:  1. Fantasy    2. Fantasy - Historical    3. Fiction    4. Fiction - Fantasy    5. Fiction / Fantasy / General   

Pure
by Rebbecca Ray
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (01 July, 2000)
list price: $13.00 -- our price: $10.40
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Reviews (105)

Cheer up, angry teen!!
You'll be an adult before too long, and you'll learn to write about adult relationships and adult feelings in a less trite, one-dimensional way!!You will see that people have more emotions than GLOOMY, PISSED OFF or HOPELESS!It's true!! Hang in there another 5 years or so, and you'll be grown up enough to feel a feeling besides cliched despair!!!

What just happened here?
I borrowed this book from a friend who was more than happy to turn it over, and basically when i was finished she told me i could keep it because it was just that bad. i thought that maybe it would take me back to when i was 14, but uhm, when i was 14 (im 20 now) i didnt go to school and let boys feel me up. i was disgusted by half of the book, confused by the rest, and overall i was bored. i read the whole thing waiting and waiting for some sort of point or resolution, but there wasnt one. rebbecca ray, as a fellow high school drop out i want to ask you why you had to drop out to write this dribble. dont read this book, read something that you'll actually get something out of.

Oliver & _______?

Crazy. Thats one word to describe the book. Personally, I didn't enjoy this book at all, but of course I finished it hoping to get a good ending (which I didn't get).

Anyway, this story is about a 13/14 year old girl going through her life in a family that is so unloving, that she gets a boyfriend to make her feel loved or important. She thinks (and we never do get to know her name) that if she makes him, her boyfriend, happy in some ways, then she will become happy too. This boyfriend doesn't last, but she gets another one named Oliver. Now, Oliver is "28" years old (we soon find out that he is, in fact, 31), and she's 14. Wrong! Rebbacca Ray also leavs the ending very questioning. We didn't learn if she was going to stay with Oliver, or if she was pregnant (just an example!).

Anyway, I didn't like the book because the author, Rebbecca Ray, never described these charcters. All through out this book I had no idea what these people looked like. All she really described was the charcters actions and how they delt with their life situations. I mean, I didn't know wiether this girl, whatever her name was, was tall, short, fat, or skiny. All the author did was play on the charcters actions. I would have like a better visual.

Overall, I thank Ray for trying to make a book with meaning and depth, but Ray was only 16 when she dropped out of school to write the book. Good job, but it needed more. ... Read more

Isbn: 0802137008
Sales Rank: 222873
Subjects:  1. Bildungsromane    2. Erotic stories    3. Fiction    4. Fiction - General    5. General    6. Popular English Fiction    7. Teenage girls   

Firestarter (Signet)
by Stephen King
Average Customer Review:
Mass Market Paperback (02 December, 2003)
list price: $7.99 -- our price: $7.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Reviews (123)

Maybe I Can Write Carrie Again And Get It Right This Time???
This book has often been described by 'Carrie Revisited' which seems like a pretty good summation . The story concerns a 7 year old girl named Charlie who has the power of "Pyrokenesis" which means she can light fires at well. Gee. Any 7 year old kid playing with matches can light fires at will too!!! Pyrokenesis sounds like a much more Scientific term than just "Pyrotic" which is the true term for this condition. So Charlie and her father are on the run from the bad guys who want to investigate her powers. Why on Earth George C. Scott ever agreed to appear in this movie is a total mystery to me because he was such a good actor who usually chose his roles very carefully. I give this movie 5 stars because King did make an effort to write Carrie 2 in this book but sadly did not succeed.

A well-written thought-provoking page turner
A really enjoyable book.This fast-paced draws you right in and is very hard to put down.King has created a plausible and thought-provoking story about the potential misuse of secret government power - a very timely subject.

Wow!
I found this book to be so intriguing. I found that I had difficultly putting it down. Every page brought more excitement and more detail then the last. Although I was slightly disappointed with the ending, I still found it to be an awesome read. Some might harp on the fact that they don't like Steven King's work, I was not a fan until I read this book. Now I'm actually considering going back and re-reading the books I've read before. Like I said, the detail was so incredible, I could easily picture every scene. And every character for that matter.

I would suggest this book to a wide variety audience, meaning ages 12-45 would find this book enjoyable. Maybe even older! Pick up a copy when you get a chance! You won't regret it! ... Read more

Isbn: 0451167805
Sales Rank: 56075
Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - Horror    3. Horror    4. Horror - General    5. Horror & ghost stories   

Summer Sisters
by Judy Blume
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (04 May, 1999)
list price: $7.99 -- our price: $7.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Judy Blume first won legions of fans with such young adult classics as Are You ThereGod? It's Me, Margaret and Forever, in which she tackles the cultural hot button ofteenage sexuality. In Summer Sisters, her third novel for adults, the author again exploresthe ramifications of love--and lust--on two friends. Initially, the differences between Caitlin Somersand Victoria Leonard (or "Vix," as Caitlin christens her) draw them together: privilegedCaitlin is wild and outspoken, beautiful but emotionally fragile, while working-class Vix is shy,reserved, and plain in comparison. After Caitlin selects Vix to accompany her to her father's homein Martha's Vineyard for the summer, the two become inextricably connected as "summersisters."

On the Vineyard, Vix and Caitlin first find love, then sex--and lots of it. Yet Blume soon movesbeyond hot fun in the summer sun, tracing the romantic and familial travails of the two frompre-adolescence to adulthood. Solid Vix evolves into Victoria, an equally solid, Harvard-educated,Manhattan public-relations exec. Unpredictable Caitlin opts out of college and travels to Europe,where she has a string of short-lived affairs with a series of intriguing (in every sense of the word)foreigners. It is only after she returns to the Vineyard that Caitlin does the unthinkable, foreverchanging both her friendship with Vix and their lives. Blume once again proves herself a master ofthe female psyche, and Summer Sisters is likely to entertain both her postadolescent andmore mature readers. ... Read more

Reviews (1089)

Eh..
Well, she wrote a very interesting tale. I couldn't put it down, read it until 4am. But when I got to the end, I realized that I wished I had spent that time sleeping instead. As sometimes happens, the end of this book made the rest of it not worth it; it bathed the novel in the light of it's own flaws. You realize that you've gotten to the end of the novel only slightly caring about any of the characters, even though the thing that kept you turning the pages in the first place was the sense that these people might develop into something more interesting. They don't, and in fact Caitlin becomes someone you wish you could have drowned yourself. I get the subtext; Caitlin is in love with Vix and realizes finally that Vix will never swing her way. Don't care.
The characters are all so vaguely drawn at so many points, even the main characters, that all you're left with is the feeling that you may have spent the summer at a beach somewhere with neighbors like these one time back when you were a kid.
A good beach read, but not good literature.

are you serious?
This is a formulaic romance book, the term novel should certainly not be applied without a heavy dose of irony. It bothers me that there are 1100 rave reviews of this book, probably more than there are for classics like Gatsby, Brothers K, Portrait. My advice to prospective Blume readers is this: bring your TV out to the beach and watch soap operas while you tan. Don't buy trash like Summer Sisters, or you will ruin literature--publishers run from real literature now, since garbage like this is so profitable--and cripple Western Civilization.

Judy Blume Never Fails
I am a junior in High School.In my English Class we were assigned to read a novel of our choice, I chose Summer Sisters, written by an all time favorite author, Judy Blume.
This novel was excellent from the beginning page until the end.Caitlin, a wild child, invites Vix, who is more conservative and quiet, to Martha's Vineyard for the summer.Summer after summer the girls return to the vineyard and as a reader, you literally are apart of their growth into woman hood.They experience new things together, first love, development of their bodies, and even "The Power" which they use on one another.
The story opens in the present day, with a phone call from Caitlin asking, more like telling, Vix if she will be the Maid of Honor at her Wedding. Then the story goes back to Vix and Caitlin's summer days, and all the events leading up to Caitlin's Marriage.
As the two girls mature to woman hood their differences tear them apart, especially when it comes to dating boys.Caitlin knows she is intimidating, and she uses that to her advantage.Vix; however, is the complete opposite.
Caitlin becomes too wrapped up in herself, and selfishly ruins Vix's sixteenth birthday party.Vix, devastated and hear-broken, leaves to live on her own, breaking off her friendship with Caitlin.Or so she wishes.

Summer Sisters was a hard book to put down.The characters were so real and I associated with a lot of the story.I felt apart of the characters lives as they grew up together, experiencing all the new things life brought them.The plot kept me interested throughout the entire book.
It's a story numerous teenage girls, and older women can relate too.It leaves a reader crying and laughing all at the same time.
... Read more

Isbn: 0440226430
Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - General    3. General    4. Fiction / General   

Practical Magic
by Alice Hoffman
Average Customer Review:
Mass Market Paperback (01 October, 1998)
list price: $7.99 -- our price: $7.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

For most adults, fairy tales are among the childish things we've putaway. Alice Hoffman, however, feels differently. Practical Magic starts out as a tale of Gillian and Sally Owens, two orphaned girls whose aunts are witches--of a mild sort. For the past two centuries, Owens women have been blamed for all that has gone wrong in their Massachusetts town, ever since their ancestor arrived, rich, independent, and soon accused of theft: "And then one day, a farmer winged a crow in his cornfield, a creature who'd been stealing from him shamelessly for months. When Maria Owens appeared the very next morning with her arm in a sling and her white hand wound up in a white bandage, people felt certain they knew the reason why." The aunts are daily ostracized by the same upstanding citizens who sneak to their house at night for magical love cures. To the sisters they are for the most part benevolently absent, though their bell, book, and candle routine makes life a torment for Gillian, beautiful and blonde and lazy, and Sally, who's all too responsible. But when one of the aunts' cures works too well, ending as a curse, the dangers of real love become all too clear. In Hoffman's world being bewitched, bothered, and bewildered is no mere metaphor--and neither is desire. The elbows of one enamored man pucker a linoleum counter, another walks around with singed cuffs. It's difficult to catch the author's power in brief quotes. She needs space and increment to build her exquisite variations of vision and reality, her matter-of-fact announcements of the preternatural. Practical Magic again and again makes one recall the thrill of hearing at bedtime, "Now will I a tale unfold..." --Kerry Fried ... Read more

Reviews (148)

Beautiful, just beautiful
I, too, watched the movie first. Normally once I have watched a movie, I won't read the book on a dare, it is always a disappointment, until now.
There is a real relationship between book and movie but this book can stand alone. The relationships between the characters alone made me not want to put this book down ever. Alice Hoffman does an incredible job with this story , which ends up being less about witchy magic and more about the magic that exists in all of us. I will have to read more of Hoffman because if the rest of her book are this good, I don't want to miss out.

Good but Not Great
Practical Magic is a difficult book to forget.It has numerous ups and downs,which also makes it difficult to review.It is definitely unusual,with a very unique style of writing that gives it a hazy,dreamy atmosphere that's carefully woven into the plot.This usually works,but gets stale at the end,making the book's theme overly repetitive and sappy.The conclusion is the only problem I had with the book.It's too well thought-out to be ruined by such a predictable mess.I would recommend the book to people who are looking for an interesting read.If you are especially interested in magic or romance,it's bound to have an effect.

Fall in love whenever you can
How the words of this book will stick with me all my life. Alice Hoffman has used such descriptive language and imagry that you just cant put it down. Looking for a book to get caught up in, you have found it. ... Read more

Isbn: 0425168468
Subjects:  1. Fantasy - General    2. Fiction    3. Fiction - General    4. Movie-TV Tie-In - General    5. Movie/Tv Tie-Ins   

Harry Potter Hardcover Boxed Set (Books 1-4)
by J. K. Rowling, Mary GrandPré
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (01 November, 2001)
list price: $85.80
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Young wizard-in-training Harry Potter has had his hands full during hisfirst four years at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. As if excellingon and off the Quidditch field isn't enough, Harry has heard evil voices in thewalls, saved lives, and fended off convicts. Only time will tell how Harry willmanage the certain dangers in store for him over the next few years. The firstfour titles of J.K. Rowling's magical, witty, exciting adventures are nowavailable in a gift set, perfect for the legions of children whose big brothersand sisters (and parents) have made off with their copies. These grippingfantasy novels are on the road to becoming classics--don't wait to collect theselovely hardcover editions, illustrated by the talented Mary GrandPré.Each boxed set includes Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, HarryPotter and the Chamber of Secrets, Harry Potter and the Prisoner ofAzkaban, and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. (Ages 8 and older)--Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Features

• Box set

Reviews (421)

simply the best...
cant help but to give two thumbs up...it's nice to read a story about a mother's love, great friendship, story with atwist and humor and most especially with a plot and setting that definitely would take your imaginations to the highest level in one package...so hold on to your seats and be ready for the stories that this extraordinaire would leave you spellbound!!!

What can I say?
It's Harry Potter, what can I say?It's the series that got kids reading again.Everyone knows the plot.A boy wizard named Harry grew up with his cruel muggle (non-magic) aunt and uncle after his parents were killed in a car crash. At the age of 11 he's informed that he's a wizard, and that an evil wizard named Lord Voldemort murdered his parents and very nearly killed him.His aunt and uncle dissaproved of the world of magic and tried to keep everything a secret from Harry.He's taken away to live at a castle called Hogwarts, a school for young witches and wizards where he befriends the studious, proper Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasly, a poor boy who lives in the shadow of his brothers Charlie, Percy, Bill, and Fred and George.In book 1, Harry arrives at Hogwarts and finds that someone there is secretly trying to destroy him and is hiding a VERY big secret from the rest of the school.

In book 2, an unknown assailant is attacking students and everyone thinks Harry's doing it.We learn that no less than THREE characters are not what they seem.We are also introduced to Ron's younger sister Ginny, who has a crush on Harry.

In book 3, a murderous madman is on the loose and seems to be coming after Harry. But who, exactly is he?And the very LAST character you'd ever suspect of being evil reveals his true self.

In book 4, Harry is enrolled in the Triwizard Tournament, where three different magical schools select students to compete in daring, dangerous tests of school.Harry also attends the Quidditch world cup with the Weasleys and has a frightening run in with Voldemort and his servant in a graveyard.One character is tragically killed (I actually cried) at Voldemort's hand.

Book 4 is probably my favorite, along with 1, but there's really no such thing as a bad Harry Potter book.The movies are fantastic as well, and the sixth book is due out in a few months.

works of art
These books are the best I've ever read.I'm 25 years old and I find myself anxiously awaiting the next book in the series.After each book you really feel as though you've spent a school year with these characters.They are a must read for any fantasy fan.Surely these books will go down in history as classic works of great fiction.The author truly understands how to develop characters, you will find yourself genuinely caring about what happens to them.Congratulations to the author for creating a series that has been, and I'm sure will continue to be enjoyed by millions around the world. ... Read more

Isbn: 0439249546
Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure    2. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - Fantasy    3. Children: Grades 2-3    4. Humorous Stories    5. Juvenile Fiction    6. School & Education    7. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic