Downloads Books

I am a nurse, so of course, I loved this. It has wonderful, uplifting stories. It would be a wonderful gift for any nurse, or for yourself, if you are a nurse or for anyone thinking about becoming one.

As always, very pleased with yet another Chicken Soup book.

Incredibly touching with quotes to remember. A book I will pass along so others can enjoy the soul warming experience as I did.

I was feeling really down until I read this book and now, after 27 years in the profession, I can remember why I love this job!!!

I work as a Director of Nursing and I enjoyed this stories.

Like others reviewers before this, I'm rather surprised how obscure this wonderful, quirky book truly is.

The story revolves around Toseland, a young child who goes to live with Mrs. Oldknow. He goes to live in a big manor in a country estate (think the estate the Pevensies go to live on in Lewis' THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDOBE). He soon realises there's something odd about the house, and is puzzled why Mrs. Oldknow talks about the history and past inhabitents of the place like they were around only yesterday. It turns out the house is inhabited by children of the past, and he learns of an evil gypsey named Green Noah who he ultimately must confront. This final confrontation is rather scary, and Green Noah is one of literature's most memorable villains that I've encountered in a long time.

The book is a rather charming blend of supernatural meets reality, and there is something very delightfully English about the whole affair. The author's Catholocisim is rather apparent n the book, and she fits a lot of different allusions to literature, music, and history.

For those looking for good Children's fiction, this is a powerful story. It's too bad it's not well known.

I found this to be an excellent novel not only for children but also for adults. There is enough intrigue to hold the reader's interest throughout the novel as well as being a lovely, warm family story.

I first read this book when I was a child (in the 60's) and immediately fell in love with it. It has everything I adore in a book; a little magic, a little ghostliness; an English castle; lovely animal companions; characters from times past; people with manners, morals and down to earth values and last but not least--love. I have re-read this book many times and have just finished listening to an audio-version. This is forever a beautiful and enchanting book.

The book I'm going to talk to you about is called; The Children of Green Knowe, by L.M. Boston. I didn't really like this book. It was a little confusing and hard to understand. There just wasn't a clear point. There was not middle, or a climax and resolution. I thought this book was about a mystery or a ghost story, by the cover and the blip from the back. I was very disappointed in the ending, and that it was appoint-less fantasy, that bored me half to death!

The Children of green knowe was about a boy named, Tolly, who was the age of 8-11,whose parents die (they don't say how),so he was sent to live with hisGreat-Grandmother in Penny Soaky. Her house was called Old Knowe.
Three children, Alexander, Toby, and Linnet, died in Tolly's(the boy's name), Great Grandmother's house many centuries ago. They started appearing around the house just days after their death. They played with Tolly, and went on great Adventures. Enjoy one of Granny's stories every 20 pages, and learn about Tolly and Granny's love for the flute andthebirds.

Other reviewers have praised the book. But then, they also liked Harry Potter, and "Series of Unfortunate Events" as well, so that clearly showed me, as a College Prof, now HS dad, that I might not like this book, as the excesses of sardonic humor, death, magic, and evil, are all too prevalent in this day and age, to encourage the reading of fiction to stuff yet MORE garbage into my children's (or my!) head. As it is said, "Sufficient to the day is the evil thereof...".

But Green Knowe is different- perhaps because it was written in a gentler, kinder time. While there is fantasy, and a sense of the blurring of the dimensions (ghosts that are not evil, a world within our world that has connections to the past, and the interpenetration of them all) overall, this work has as much depth as Potter's does for the adult reader, without all the preachiness of 'PC' dogma which has so marred Rowling's later writings, and has influenced all of the film treatments. One really does not need to rehash Shirer's work on WWII in a Children's fantasy novel, which is all Rowling's works have become at the hands of her American editors...

Boston's world is alive- with literature, history, music, and artistry, which Rowling's is not. For adults, the references to the Restoration, Cromwell, Purcell's music, Anglican Church, and British Christmas customs provide a wealth for any HS parent discussing the period 1660-1700. But, as another reviewer noted, she never GOES anywhere- unless just BEING is enough. Her world is one to inhabit, not to holiday through, as if it were an itinerary of sights to check off. The ONE confrontation is scary, and could frighten younger audiences...but a vision of a redeemed world shines through. I was reminded while reading Boston, of Jame's novella, that Britten set to music in the opera, "Turn of the Screw." NOT "cheery" stuff, that!

If I seem ambivalent, it is because, while there is much to recommend in her writing, and the pictures she paints are very vivid, and full of life, the theological issues of the spirit world interacting with the real world, the malevolent curses of a gypsy long dead, and the subtle hints of either a strong genetic lineage, or a nascent reincarnationalism, coupled with clear Christian imagery and pious sentiment (Do ghosts really sing Christmas carols, without malevolent intent?) bothered me.

Is the book magical? oh yes, in many ways. Is it troubling, as say, Wind in the Willows is not? Oh, yes.. in equal measure. Is it a good read? Definitely. But the rest? I'm not sure....

Something has been bothering me about this series. The book is alright... witty and my daughter liked it well enough to read the follow-up The Talented Clementine. What bothered me is that it feels almost designed to prey upon my insecurities about my scenester sensibilities and my lower-middle class no-glory adult lifestyle. Like so many Brainy Baby plastic products, reading the book I can imagine the pitch the author's agent made to the publisher, "We'll tap into the market of every Gen Y poseur who popped out a baby and had to grow up, get a job, and give up their rock-and-roll lifestyle. We need a chapter book series to sell to those buy who used to spend their disposable income on going to shows who shell out for cool. They're still living in the basement apartment and no chance of moving up, but they believe their offspring has a shot at the golden ring. Indie kids with kids."
I guess I'm a bit peeved that they wouldn't know that I already HAVE Ramona and Beezus, and although my husband would like to imagine that he still looks like Clementine's dad, you know, like he looked in his twenties? when he still had hair? before the paunch? I know better. And I'm the one buying the books around here. So you're just going to have to try a little harder next time and give me some substance.

My daughters (ages 8 and 10) and I read this together and laughed aloud. The images are lively and the main character is endearing and quirky.

This book is about a girl named Clementine. Clementine cut off Margaret's hair at art time. In bathroom at Clementine's school Clementine cut off Margaret hair in the bathroom. Margaret had glue in her hair. I like this book because Clementine cuts off Margaret's hair because it had glue in it and she was sitting under the sink because she crying and she was half bald. I would recommend this to a person who likes to get in trouble. by Audrey

This book is about a girl named Clementine. Clementine cut off Margaret's hair at art time. In bathroom at Clementine's school Clementine cut off Margaret hair in the bathroom. Margaret had glue in her hair. I like this book because Clementine cuts off Margaret's hair because it had glue in it and she was sitting under the sink because she crying and she was half bald. I would recommend this to a person who likes to get in trouble.
by Audrey

This book is about a girl named Clementine. Clementine cut off Margaret's hair at art time. In bathroom at Clementine's school Clementine cut off Margaret hair in the bathroom. Margaret had glue in her hair. I like this book because Clementine cuts off Margaret's hair because it had glue in it and she was sitting under the sink because she crying and she was half bald. I would recommend this to a person who likes to get in trouble. by Audrey

Delivery was super speedy! The product was exactly as the seller described! I would definitely do business with them again!

The product was as I expected it to be according to the product description. Very satisfied.

Cuanto me alegra que haya una autora que cuenta parte de la historia dominicana. Me encanta como Julia escribe. Este libro esta muy bien hecho pero ojo: Julia Alvarez escribe en ingles no en español. Aun asi, me parece que la traduccion de esta historia esta estupenda.

Me quedé muy impresionada con la historia y literalmente me lo devoré. Está basado en hecho reales, lo cual fue un factor para que me gustara más. Lo recomiendo.

Es una historia interesante y entretenida, sobretodo para aquellos latinoamericanos que nos interese la historia. Aunque es una novela, tiene mucho de fondo històrico. Los personajes son agradables, bien logrados. Me dejó el interés de conocer màs sobre la historia de Trujillo. No llega a la excelencia de La Fiesta del Chivo de Vargas Llosa, es una buena Historia

I like the opening dream in this excerpt. It is vivid and fast-paced and includes signals to the reader of who this narrator is and what her cultural background is.

Meena's description of her relationship with her sister is nicely done, especially as the details of her appearance are included in this scene, and more details about her culture.

I liked the flashback to Meena discovering the photo album in her parents' closet, and the shocking pictures of her father in his coffin. Her childish curiousity is easy to believe, as is her horror when she sees the pictures.

Meena's desire to be a normal kid, hanging out with friends and talking to boys, was also realistic. I liked the glimpse of her discomfort at her situation and her desire to be out from under her mother's thumb.

The scene of the mourning guests was well described, exhibiting the attitudes of Meena's mother about her long-dead husband and the attitudes of the guests toward a widowed woman unlucky enough to end up with six daughters. Meena's description in the next scene of her school experience was depressing; I was surprised a girl who had been harassed since kindergarten wasn't more beaten down than she was at this point.

I really liked this story's immersion into the Indian culture, and the way it highlighted the thoughts and feelings of a teenager pushed by her family in one direction, while trying to fit in with those her own age at school. I'd like to read more about Meena's search for self.

The story of Meena, a teenage Indo-Canadian growing up in the shadow of her father's untimely death, is that of a young woman suffocating in her prescribed role of perpetual mourning, but finding contemporary North American culture as uncomfortable as her salwar kameez. Whether her heroine is defending ungrateful "ethnics" at her high-school, or chafing under cultural prejudices that alternately confine and ignore her, Basran's prose is lively, beautiful and painfully convincing. But it's not just about the immigrant experience, or the Desi immigrant experience. It's also a story of alienation, self-discovery and loss--in short, a story for anyone who has survived childhood. This glimpse left me wanting more.

Basran's novel poetically weaves together the strands of past and present, modernity and heritage, and two cultures in order to provide an authentic look into the life of Meena, a young Indian immigrant girl. Basran's writing flows seamlessly and never feels forced. All descriptions, and flashbacks to the past have a definite purpose in developing the characters as well as propelling the story forward. The novel seems to promise to be an enchanting read. The end of the excerpt left me wanting to read more and more.

This very descriptive coming of age story immerses us in the life of Meena, her still grieving after 16 years mother, and their traditional Indian culture. I loved learning about some of the Indian tradtions, as I am always fascinated by how other traditional cultures live in a modern society.

Meena seems determined to shake off some of her family's customs and forge her own path in life. This may not be as easy as she may like as it seems she must defy her family, struggle through intolerance, and embrace the future instead of dwelling on the past as she has been taught.

The writing is meticulous, the plot clear, and the characters well developed and authentic.

The only thing I had trouble with was the lack of dialogue. Or maybe not so much lack of dialogue as the over preponderance of narrative. Meena internalizes often, almost to a fault, and I found myself losing interest in spots.

All in all, this is a nice coming of age story, with some interesting and original characters, and I'm interested to find out if Meena's path to self discovery will land her embracing her culture or rejecting it.

Meena's teenage a Sikh girl growing up in Vancouver, Canada. Her father died 16 years ago and her Mom is doing her best to raise the family traditionally. Meena's caught between tradition and making her own life choices.

"The past is the only thing that matters, because it is the only thing we know."

The writing here is beautiful. The voice is spiced with Chai and curry and just exquisite. This is a great coming of age tale and one I think that will work as both womens fiction and young adult.

Best of luck to Gurjinder Basran on her ABNA Top 100 award.

Giving Shelter is a story about the realities of war, as seen through the eyes of a Marine who has been on the front lines. It offers a compelling look at what it means to be a soldier in a much-debated war.

Michael P. Gilbert writes with such authority that the book's details ring absolutely true. His descriptions paint a vivid picture of war-torn Iraq; I felt as if it was me out there sweating in the desert heat, my heart pounding with fear. Gilbert also knows how to write solid action scenes and realistic dialogue. Thus, the story is already gripping, despite the fact that an actual plot has yet to emerge.

Giving Shelter is not for the feint of heart - it's honest and angry, so the language and details are unsparing. For this reason alone, I wouldn't finish reading it, but I'm sure fans of war fiction will devour it completely.

This was a very well written view of the war in Iraq. Disturbing, yet utterly true.

Knowing someone who has been to Iraq twice now, I can say the author does a great job in describing the emotions and experiences faced by our troops.

The writing is clear, crisp, and at times very poetic. The characters are well drawn.

I really enjoyed this piece and look forward to reading the rest when it's published.

I hesitated to read Michael P. Gilbert's Giving Shelter because of this comment in an official review: "It is as one would expect a soldier's journal to be, somewhat vulgar, short sentences, cynical asides, verbal middle finger to the higher-ups. Is that enough for a novel? There is too much of the real soldier's journal here to be a convincing novel."

With respect, I completely disagree with this comment. Gilbert's writing is beautiful! Like the waves he describes in the opening scene the sentences rise and fall with a comforting rhythm. Sometimes they are long and full of intelligent and wonderful words. Then they are short and philosophical. And then suddenly they come at you like bullets - full of curses and exclamation points. This is writing that evokes the action of the scene.

As a fellow top 100 semi-finalist I can say without reservation that if Gilbert's manuscript is consistent with this excerpt it deserves to go even further in this competition.

He says the worst part of war is waiting...waiting packed in a trac like sardines, smelling each other, but grateful for the padding of the other people because it prevented bumping around...

And--what was the war really about? They didn't find the weapons of mass destruction that sent them into Iraq. And he's angry about that--angry because bad intelligence cost soldiers' lives:

"But what really ### me off was that every one of us had to hump extra gear because they got it wrong. Had to wear layers of protective clothing and sweat more, and in that ### desert more than a few of us went down as heat casualties because of it."

What the war was really about--for him, and for others in his platoon was 'giving shelter':

"The men from that village walked into the night for one reason, for shelter. That's right, it's that simple. Shelter. Not their own, they were like you-unselfish-but shelter for the ones they loved...."

He and the Marines in his platoon fought for the Iraqis shelter and for that of the American people as well. A good sound reason and one the whole Marine platoon could call out a healthy "OORAH" when their CO gave them the pep talk.

Yes, this is a fictional account, but Michael P. Gilbert really does have a Marine voice down solid. His guy's a decent person, the kind of person who'd lay his life down to 'give shelter' for strangers and for the people he cared about, too.

The excerpt is well-written and well worth a read. The only nit this reviewer could pick is sound 'bytes'. Congratulations to Mr. Gilbert on his ABNA Top 100 and I wish him much success with his future.

....and sometimes it's just miles and miles of sand.

This excerpt tells the story of a surfer dude who joins the Marines, survives boot camp, and then gets sent to Iraq via Kuwait.

The rather irreverent Marine shares his experiences of wearing ill-advised, ill-fitting, heavy and ugly protective clothing while dodging snipers and making like a sardine in the cast-iron interior of their transport vehicles.

From rousing speeches to invisible weapons of mass destruction, this story, although fictional, feels real enough for the sand to seep through the pages.

I'd be very interested in seeing how this one ends. Rated: 4.5 stars

Note: This review is based on the excerpt submitted for the Amazon
Breakthrough Novel Award, and awarded a place in the Top 100.



Amanda Richards, February 19, 2008

The opening was solid and a pull on the reader to continue into a world the author has created more from experince than imaginations since the details seem more real than not. She has a grip on mixing the advancement of the story with bits and pieces of observations, descriptions that never deter from carrying us along. Unfortunately for me, it's slow very slow but for someone who is inclined toward this type of development, it'll be a good read since the author knows how to write.

For people from the midwest it draws us right in with referrences to towns and city's we live near and somehow Meridith seems very much alive. I am so impressed with the writing skills of this writer and envy her wonderful vocabulary and skilled use of it. I want to call her up and find out what is the resolution in this family. Does the spouse live? Does Leola go into an AFC home or does Meridith sacrifice herself and continue to care for her? And who is Bill anyway.. I look forward to reading the rest of the story! B.

This is the second review that I have sent on this entrant. The first must be lost in space..it was submitted 10 days ago. I wanted my vote to count, so I am sending it again.

I'm an avid reader of a variety of authors and this is definitely one that I would like to read to the end. The author has gotten me interested in Meredith and Jay..what happens with Brian? When can we read the whole novel? I'm ready.

This excerpt is moving and exceptionally powerful; made from all the things that make a reader want to return for more. Angie Mccullagh writes with the lyrical style of a seasoned professional.

An immediate sensory experience. McCullagh quickly pulls you into the story as if you were there! Character depth evokes emotion and in such a short amount of time. They allow you to reflect on your own life, but not for long as you can't wait to turn the page!

I found this excerpt to be not only beautifully written but sincere and personal also. The exploration of a family dealing with terrible loss set against images of war is something that has been done many times before, but rarely with such careful and evocative prose. I am haunted by the pain apparent in Salvatore, his family, and their relationships to one another, and yet I am drawn in to read more.

All in all, I'm very pleased to see that this novel is still in consideration for the ABNA contest--it is a breakthrough like this that they are truly privileged to find. My congratulations to the author; I hope to read the entire novel soon!

The description of Sal's village claiming the statue of Saint Sebastian does a nice job of setting the scene in this excerpt, showing the values and points of pride of the people who live here.

The death of Sal's brothers is abrupt and horrifying, and sets up a situation that is sure to lead to a great deal of grieving and guilt in the main characters. It will be interesting to see the ways in which the characters deal with this terrible tragedy.

The description of the ways life goes on for Sal's family is heartbreaking, as his parents steadily pull away from him and he is left floundering, wanting some reassurance that he is not blamed for his brothers' deaths.

The thought of Sal witnessing his father's suicide made for an emotional and tense moment, and this boy's reaction to what he sees is realistic and believable.

I would have liked to have read more of this story; the introduction to the characters and their situation really drew me in and made me feel connected to them, even in this brief amount of space.

Marco Rafala opens this curious work at a full gallop as his first narrator, Salvatore, moves animatedly through a handful of events that shape the tragic story. I look forward to reading the balance of his life journey and that of the complement of narrators. While the pace of this opening doesn't match the tempo of the setting, I suspect it is a deliberate attempt to catch the reader's attention. Bravo, Marco.

A boy of nine faces the violent deaths of his twin brothers on a day of celebration as his small Sicilian village is liberated from German occupation during World War Two. His family has survived in the village under the protective gaze of a saint for generations. They have lived in caves during the occupation and have lost their home, but they and their orchards of almond trees survive. Now they must face more change as they grieve for the lost twins and the many villagers who emigrate to America. The author of this excerpt uses the voice of Salvatore as he addresses his brother David and recounts the events and emotions of the troubled time in what is perhaps the first time he has spoken of his feelings of guilt and his witnessing the near suicide of their father. The piece is unevenly written, but is so filled with genuine emotion that I found it easy to overlook its obvious shortcomings. I do hope this is chosen as a finalist and finds its way to publication.

I See the Branch of an Almond Tree by M. Rafala enters into a three pronged piece of storytelling, first from Salvatore's perspective. While at first it feels as if Salvatore is speaking to the reader, it becomes clear that he is actually relaying this tale to David (his son). Perhaps they are there in Melilli as the story is recounted.

Telling and tragic is this portion of the book. With happiness and hope rising around the village as the Allies have ousted the Germans and Italian Black Shirts, the unthinkable happens when Salvatore's younger twin brothers wander off only to find an unexploded shell. Salvatore witnesses the horror of his brothers' deaths, and the family's dynamic (especially between the parents) is forever changed.

The author does a marvelous job of giving older Salvatore a voice that so delicately and believably recalls the details of this tragedy and what transpires in the years that follow. With the mention of men going to America, his mother's words about the twins, and finding his father about to commit suicide, we see a real change is needed if any of this family is to survive.

I love being caught off guard at the end of an excerpt, and this one was no exception. I look forward to reading more of this story.

Lee: The Last Years

This is a wonderful book about a wonderful man. Although Robert E. Lee is most remembered as a General, for most of his adult life, he was an engineer and educator (although in the army). Mr. Lee could have become very wealthy after the war by simply allowing his name to be used commercially. However, he wanted to make a contribution and did so by accepting the position as President of Washington College. He seldom spoke of the war and brought no military flavor to the College.

There is an argument that Robert E. Lee is responsible for more American dead than any other single individual. The difficult part of this book is tying to tie that Robert E. Lee to the man he was in his last five (5) years. He played Santa at Christmas, broke up a lynching, stroked the ego of his horse Traveller, was a good family man, looked out for the under dog and took care of his students, even when they were in trouble. How he handled all these situations, often minor by standards of the war, brings out the essence of the man including his character, values, wit and subtle humor.

I have read/studied history and biography for 40 years. I have spent more time on Robert E. Lee than any other individual and this book someway brings all my study of Mr. Lee together and puts it in perspective. I highly recommend this book to anyone with any interest in American History. Thanks Mr. Flood.

Outstanding biography of the man. Much has been written about the general, this book brings the humble father, husband and Christian man to life.

I've long considered myself a student of Southern history and the Civil War. Heck, I've been a historian at museums so I think I have a pretty good knowledge of the Civil War era. Furthermore, I live in Virginia and have been to the campus of Washington and Lee University. However, nearly every page of Charles Bracelen Flood's work on Robert E. Lee's post-war years is full of information I've never heard about. Flood has used many differing sources to pull together a wonderful, highly readable account of Lee's years after the war, how he came to be President of Washington College, and his role in the reconstruction of this country. What jumps out off the pages is that for as much as Lee has been studied and idolized for his exploits on the battlefield, his postwar years as President of the college should get just as much press. While Lee did not think defending his native state was wrong, he did wish for both North and South to reconcile as quickly as possible. After reading the book, I still do not think Lee is the god that some people hold him up to be, but he does stand out as a good man who wanted to bring the nation back together while also helping his fellow Southerners get back on their feet. While Flood's writing can be unimaginative at times and I thought he threw in little stories and vignettes that he didn't need too, the book is excellent overall and should be a must read for anyone interested in Lee. However, the book is such an easy, good read that I think almost anyone should pick it up.

Bracelen Flood clearly does extensive research in order to render this intimate and engrossing portrayal of Lee.

Lee: The Last Years was well worth reading. A must for anyone who wants to know a little more of the Rest of The Story about a fine American, though much misunderstood.

This is the story that got it all started. If you haven't read this book then you are in for a treat, and before you finish this book make sure you have chances, lady boss, dangerous kiss on hand because you are going to need to know what happen next. I assure you.

Readers, please get all of Jackie Collins books, they are sensational. Get the book (Chances) first, then continue on to Lucky. The books will knock your socks off. All of Ms. Collins books are rated 5 stars as far as I'm concerned. Good reading material. You will like all of them.

Jackie Collins' Lucky, is a novel about power, love, lust, sex and crime. Daughter of a powerful man, Lucky Santangelo, an erotic and wild beauty, plans on continuing the family tradition with honor. Hungry for power, success and pleasure Lucky sets out seeking for her desires. Before she knows it, Lucky embarks herself on an adventure full of glory, passion, trouble, sex, vengeance and suspense. From Vegas to New York after her father's unexpected and undesirable wedding. Pregnant by the world's richest man, Dimitri Stanislopoulos, a passionate lover, Lucky lives her life between her East Hampton home in New York and her son's father's private Greek Islands. Off on business in Atlantic City, Lucky hits the road with power, money, glory and love. Her glory is cut short, when her dangerous past catches her back leading her to court.

This novel is extraordinary. This novel kept me reading, I couldn't take my eyes or mind off the book. Jackie Collins gets deep into descriptions making you feel the characters emotions and desires. As you read on and learn more about each one, you feel that you know these people. You can just imagine each scenario in your head, and feel that you are part of the scene but that no one can see you.

In an earlier review, I said Collins wrote trashy reads; I regret that now. "Trash" is sexist as it often only refers to light fiction written by women and there's LOTS of pop fiction by men that is hardly prize-worthy. I also think calling her work "trashy" was a way for me to act as though I was above it and just reading it ironically. The truth is, Collins is great at what she does and that's writing compelling, "can't put them down" novels that can make you turn off the phone so you won't be disturbed.

"Lucky" is Collins at her best. Don't worry if you haven't read "Chances": Collins summarizes the previous book in the opening chapters. Also, don't be turned off because there is a Mob element if that's not your thing because the Mob barely figures into this tale. What we get instead is a sprawling, multi-character tale full of coincidences, surprising developments (at least once a book, Collins springs something on me that I didn't see coming) and the usual doses of sex and money.

"Lucky" is an insanely fun read. Despite the fact that it was published in 1985, the novel is as enjoyable as ever and is my highest recommendation for a fun summer read of 2007.

What more can I say? All of the money in the world could not get me to pry my fingers off of this book. In Collins' sophomore release of the Santangelo saga we get reaquainted with the awe-inspiring, business savy and headstrong Lucky Santangelo, daughter of the notorious Gino "The Ram" Santagelo -- former mob boss.

Not one iota of what Collins' writes in this book comes off as being unrealistic, boring or repeptitive. Writing a book like this takes pure, unadulturated talent!! How she manages to come up with new and exciting characters, keep us thouroughly updated on old ones, intertwine all of their storylines FLAWLESSLY and leave her fans begging for more is harder to comprehend then learning Chinese Arithmatic in Latin!

Lucky comes back geared and ready for a whole new peril. I don't know if there is much I can say about this book without giving too much away... It's just all so JUICY and addictive! I will say that we are introduced to some new characters -- Lennie Golden being the main one. As well as reuniniting with some characters some of us may have thought wouldn't come back -- Olympia and Dimirti Stanislopolous ... These three characters will influenece Lucky's life in a MAJOR way... You will just have to read to find out. This is yet another 10 star read from Ms. Collins.