G Books

In my opinion this is a very useful book for parents, but not as complete and exhaustive as a teacher (as myself) would need. That's why I'm giving it 4 stars and not 5. Easy to read, and complete as far as parents are concerned.

The Dummies folks have once again put together a great general resource. It provides a good baseline for understanding autism. Another book I found very helpful--and more specific as to curing this disorder--is He's Not Autistic But...: How We Pulled Our Son From the Mouth of the Abyss.

This book is such a good resource for me as a parent of an Autistic child. This book also helps me explain Autism to others who are not familiar with it. I will be purchasing more of these books for family that want to understand and help my son. This is an easy to read book and has easy answers for the most common questions about Autism. I recommend this to book to anyone who has had a child just diagnosed and doesn't know where to turn or for people who are in contact with anyone with Autism and want to understand it better.

This is a great book with lots of basic information. There are plenty of books on the clinical nature and epidemiology of Autism - I needed something to help me better understand my child now! It's been great to share with family and friends who don't need the level of detail I do on a day to day basis. Lots of tips to try and good web resources.

A welcome book to add to the growing body of autism literature! This masterpiece gives an excellent overview of autism and Asperger's and the wide range of spectrum behaviors these related conditions cover. Readers learn about autism/Asperger's (a/A) from behavior/sensory reactions to resources for adults on the spectrum. A lot of coverage is given to education for people on the spectrum of all ages; discussion about environment and sensory responses is discussed in depth.

This well written book is the ideal reference book and resource tool that will give readers a very good understanding of autism, which is a neurobiological condition and its spectrum partner, Asperger's Syndrome. Be sure to add this gem to your autism library. Parents, educators, medical professionals and lay people alike will get a lot out of this book and will certainly come away with a good understanding of autism. This book's fund of information will also hopefully pave the Road to Tolerance.

Stephen Shore who co-authored this book has written his autobiography and has autism as well. Temple Grandin's foreword endorsing this book will certainly speak to its accuracy and credentials; both Dr. Grandin and Mr. Shore are veterans and experts in matters pertaining to autism. Make this book your best friend and be sure to pass it along to others. It is a veritable treasure chest!

In Durrenmatt's *The Visit* a hideous--and hideously wealthy--old woman returns to the town of her long-ago youth to avenge a past wrong. Unaware of her intentions, everyone in Guellen is excited at the news of her imminent arrival, but none more so than the old lady's old flame--the shabby shopkeeper Alfred Ill who volunteers to be her personal guide during the visit. Expecting that her return, and Alfred's solicitous attention, will mean a revival of the town's fortunes after years of hard times, the inhabitants of Guellen are nonetheless staggered by the generosity of Claire Zachanassian's offer. But their joy turns to dismay when they discover the one condition the old woman has placed on making them all wealthy beyond their wildest dreams. The good folk of Guellen must deliver up one of their own for sacrifice: her old lover, Alfred Ill.

Will the townsfolk murder Alfred for the money--and the "good" of Guellen--or not? Durrenmatt not only sustains the suspense of this situation throughout most of this rather lengthy three-act play, but, even more surprising, he renders it chillingly plausible. One is reminded of Shirley Jackson's classic story *The Lottery*--a similar atmosphere of claustrophobic, predestined dread prevails in *The Visit,* a sense that there is no escape from the judgment of the community of which one is a member. Indeed, it seems if one is properly socialized one internalizes that judgment and delivers oneself up accordingly for there is no life outside of the community. Such a "voluntary" death becomes a sacrifice and one lives on in the benefit bestowed upon the community. So does society sustain itself by eating its own.

What the old lady wants is justice for a wrong done to her in Guellen long ago. But that desire for justice--and the hurt that goes with it--has hardened over time into an implacable thirst for vengeance that nothing but blood will satisfy. Even within the play, as well as in Durenmatt's postscript, Claire Z. is likened to Medea and it's an apt comparison. Claire is older, wealthier, a confidante of princes and presidents, a serial bride, full of wit and dry humor, and her anger is considerably colder than that of the legendary scorned madwoman of classical literature--colder and thus more lethal.

Aside from Claire Z, who has hardened beyond humanity altogether, *The Visit* is primarily a tale about human weakness--about the temptation for the pleasures of this world and the rationalizations we devise to grab them when the opportunity presents itself. For behind the high-sounding principles and moral outrage of the good people of Guellen is the drive to self-aggrandizement that motivates all of us. Or, as *The Visit* memorably points out--all of us but the rare individual who acknowledges the guilt we all share and prefer to locate solely in our neighbors, the rare individual who, when it's time to point out the source of evil in the world, has the astounding courage to point at himself.

This is as close as you will come to a true depiction of the Swiss. It may be a generalisation but isn't that how generalisations are generally derived? Anyway, the author is Swiss who is supposedly not very popular among the Swiss possibly because it is too close to home/truth.

This book, although somewhat disturbing, is a good read for anyone who desires a look at how humans continually put material objects before their own fellow human beings. Layered in "sick" comedy, The Visit brings the ultimate desire for retribution to life, as well as depicting how even normal people can become vicious with revenge, even when they are not the victim. Furthermore, this book depicts how one person can change the lives of other's lives drastically, because of power and money. When read in the context of seeking the reality of life, the desire for riches, the greed of the desperate, and the need to be "someone" and be defined by worldy possessions, this book truly gives insight, with a bizarre but intriguing tale.

"The Visit" is a play I've never seen, only read. I read it first in high school, leaving me with goosebumps then. It still has that power, now. I can think of no other tale that expresses the power of bitter revenge better than this one. I remember reading somewhere that this was done originally on stage here by Lunt and Fontaine--wouldn't that have been something to see!

I wonder, though, why the 1964 movie starring Anthony Quinn and Ingrid Bergman is never mentioned, and has never been released on video or DVD? I saw it 30 years ago and found it chilling in its own way, though not matching exactly the play.

Like Bertholt Brecht, Friedrich Duerrenmatt (1921-1990) was a proponet of "epic theatre," a style of drama in which the audience is not so much asked to identify with the characters and story but to contemplate them in an detached manner and thereby arrive a certain intellectual and moral conclusions. Although he was the author of several notable dramas, he is not well known outside his native Switzerland and German-speaking Europe--with one exception: Der Besuch der alten Dame, known in English as THE VISIT.

First staged in 1956, it became internationally famous in the late 1950s in a production staged by Peter Brook starring Afred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne, which had a successful Broadway run and which toured extensively; it was also filmed, with considerably less success, in 1964 by director Bernhard Wicki and starring Ingrid Bergman and Anthony Quinn. Maurice Valency performed the translation for the Lunt-Fontanne stage version, and for many years his extremely free adaptation was the only English-language version in print. The Patrick Bowles version offered here, however, is much more accurate in translation--and therefore considerably darker in tone.

The story concerns a tiny town which has fallen on very hard times, but which has hopes in the form of a visit from the incredibly wealthy Claire Zachanassian, a woman who was born and raised in the town and who has now decided to make a return visit. Although a distinctly grotesque figure, Claire has a reputation for generosity, and upon her arrival she does indeed announce her intention to endow her hometown with riches beyond imagination. There is, however, one catch: in return, she demands the death of Anton Schill, the lover who wronged her many years ago. The community is outraged and refuses to comply... at least at first. As the play progresses, however, the citizens (including Schill's own family) begin to dream of what they could do with all that money. Is Claire's demand really so unreasonable after all?

Duerrenmatt insisted that his play was a comedy, and it is indeed quite funny, albeit in a distinctly grotesque sort of way. At the same time, however, it is quite obviously a parable on the natures of revenge and greed. Indeed, Claire's revenge is not so much on Schill as it is upon the town itself, as she forces them to faulter through greed by presenting them with a choice between morality and immorality. Although extremely witty, THE VISIT may also be described as deeply cynical, and more than one critic has flatly described it as evil, despicable, and profoundly unsavory. Whatever the case, it is a truly remarkable play, quite unlike the usual fare you'll find haunting either Broadway or the local community theatre. It has also been extremely influential over the years, with perhaps the most obvious example being Arthur Kopit's OH DAD, POOR DAD, MAMA'S HUNG YOU IN THE CLOSET AND I'M FEELING SO SAD. Strongly recommended for fans of far-out theatre.

GFT, Amazon Reviewer

This book contains essential information for any music student. Purchased to address physical discomfort that required a year-long sabbatical and hand therapy, splints, etc. Previous methods researched included the Taubman method, etc. were much too time-consuming and impractical for the average person who practices less than 12 hours a day. The material on the mechanics of playing was very helpful in helping me overcome tendonitis and shoulder pain. As for practicing approaches, he first part of the book (A Reason For Practicing: Why Do You Practice, Why Don't You Practice and Concentration) is motivating and inspiring, something I refer to again and again. Helped me understand why I practice and don't practice. Addresses psychological barriers that may influence one's approach to music. Wonderful section on concentration, memory, Listening, You and the Piano and Choreography. Section on Performance Anxiety was also insightful and provided innovative approaches.

Bernstein's book is full of great lessons on how to improve your piano playing. This book and "The Art of Piano Playing" by Newhaus should be on every piano player's shelf. I gained a great deal of insight from reading this book and plan to read it again and again. This book will help any serious student of the piano no matter what your level. As you improve your skills you will turn more and more to this book because it will help you at each level. A must read.

If you can tolerate all the touchy-feely psychobabble, the boasting, self-promotion and pretentiousness, you will find some genuinely worthwhile and (to me anyway) original ideas on a variety of topics -- how to memorize, how to strike a balance between staying loose and obtaining a "big sound", hmmm, I might be able to come up with one or two more. So basically, you're looking at a high noise-to-signal ratio here. On the other hand, if you hate to practice and you're looking for a motivational book, this may be just the thing.

I got a LOT out of this book. The suggestions helped me flesh out many misunderstandings I have at the piano. My teacher told me it's all about concentration and Seymour Bernstein gives tons of suggestions to helped get me to the level of concentration I needed to achieve. I'm an A.D.D. type, mind wondering practicer who focused way too much on muscle memory even though I consider myself musical and the piano hasn't been my primary instrument. That led me to certain distracting physical challenges that took away from the musicality. This book will help you understand how to listen to yourself better and consider all of the notes when you're playing instead of the bulling though hard parts. Get this book, The Art of Piano Playing by Heinrich Neuahus and Piano Technique by Walter Giesking. These books vary in thier suggestions but you can build a complete point of view out of them to find yourself in your piano playing.

Before reading this, I thought it was a kind of mechanical things. And I treated playing piano carelessly. But this book helped me to be serious about it.The title itself shows his idea on piano playing. In the first part I reflected on my attitude to practicing and my teacher. He suggests various aspects of techniques in the second part. Not all of suggestion worked for me but surely it is worth reading.If you are interested in 'why' and 'how as an intermediate player, I think this book is for you.

I loved this book so much I have decided it is definitely a keeper. I will reread it over many times

Funny, touching, passionate. Make me laugh and then cry. There's no doubt, this book is the best novel i've ever read.
Read it more and more!

WHEW! HOT, STEAMY. he's a hunk but he is mean in the beginning this book will make you cry. It is Diana at her best.

I enjoy all of Diana Palmer's books, but this one is especially good - highly recommended.

Description from the book back cover:

It all started as a joke. Sabina Cane was only pretending to be engaged to her best friend, millionaire Al Thorndon. Al had talked her into this scheme as way to trick his older brother, Thorn. Al had no choice but to lie and make Sabina his accomplice, and she thought it would be for just one night. So when Thorn accused her of being a gold-digger, she just laughed it off. She didn't think of the repercussions - that Thorn would dig up her long-buried secrets. Revealing them now would destroy everything she'd worked so hard to put behind her. But she couldn't let her best friend down, could she?

Diana Palmer is so good! This is another one of her wonderful novels. Why is it that I always get so upset at the male leads and then fall head over heels for him? It must be because she expresses the male character so well, you can't help but understand his conflict and reactions. I became emotionally involved in this book and it satisfied me in every way!

Henry Brinton has been tackling challenging issues for many years. His church, in Northern Virginia, is in the midst of the DC Beltway ethos of compromise and euphemism, however, he maintains a uniquely clear and accessible perspective. He has honed his insight as a frequent contributor to the Washington Post.

Pastor Brinton provides a gyroscope for many of the dividing issues within mainline Protestantism. Following traditions like Jacques Ellul - he uses the tension between issues of Liberty and Obligation as glue instead of as a wedge.

Henry provides a perspective that every lay person needs in order to arrive at a sure foundation in uncertain times.

I want to commend Henry Brinton for his successful effort to define the critical issues the Presbyterian Church (USA) and other "main line" churches face today and into the near future and encouraging us to zero in on these issues in the every day life of the church. John McLellan

I have long enjoyed Henry Brinton's columns in The Washington Post and USA Today. Balancing Acts is another outstanding example of Brinton's understanding of the spiritual crisis in America created by our own diversity and certainty in our own opinions. This is honest, straightforward, and necessary talk about the division so prevalant in Christianity on both theological and social issues. Brinton does not simply offer these topics lip service--he offers practical examples of how to bring about unity in a faith divided. This should be required reading for pastors and lay people alike.

Pastor Brinton does an excellent job of describing Obligation (the individual with God) and Liberation (the individual with the unknown masses). What is missing is the individual with family.
Our God has revealed Himself to us as Father.
Not Hermit-Monk (Obligation) or social-Christian reformer (Liberation).
Our culture minimizes the role of Father and reduces it to a sitcom. Thereby, the clever devil undermines the paradigm of God the Father.
I challenge Pastor Brinton to write a book on "Intentionally Unfruitful". How can we moderns understand God's revelation if we had no father, were abandoned by a father, or choose to flee from responsibilities of fatherhood?

Henry G. Brinton, pastor sequentially of two medium to large mainstream churches in the northern Virginia suburbs, writes with engaging nuance of one of the most complex jobs around.

"What does God require of pastors?" seems to be the underlying question. Brinton's answer: "balancing acts." The image evoked for me was of a high-wire artist, juggling a red-hot pole with a cluster of strongly held beliefs dealing with "obligation"--purity, moral clarity, exclusiveness--on one end, and a cluster of beliefs-in-progress, dubbed "liberation"--diversity, charity, inclusiveness--on the other end.

These theological tensions, as mediated by pastors, are the meat of the book, "a balancing act between the truth of God and the grace of God." (Brinton, quoting Rev. Dr. Susan Andrews, former Moderator of the Presbyterian Church (PC(USA)).

The analytic use of moral categories like Obligation (Abraham, covenant) and Liberation (Moses, exodus) is designed to help us understand a source of conflicting group passions in theologically and demographically diverse congregations, in cultural politics, and ecumenism. In this genre, the Berkeley linguist, George Lakoff's "strict father"/"nurturant parent" come to mind, or Jack Haberer's five types of "God Views."

Brinton opens up (a) mismatches between young pastor expectations and deep-seated ways of doing that involve comfort, maintenance, tradition; (b) the impact of wholesale incorporation of immigrant groups into progressive churches; (c) the ambivalent reception by committees on the preparation for ministry of the flood of women inquirers and candidates; (d) government faith-based involvement; (e) relation with other denominations; (f) gays and lesbians; (g) youth and mission; (h) the unchurched and self-help spirituality; and (i) living in a nation at war.

The text is sprinkled with insights from the Pulpit & Pew research project at Duke (where 46-year-old Brinton did his undergraduate work; his M.Div. is from Yale), and from his wide-ranging reading. Parishioneres and leading lights, academic and ecumenical, serve as quotable resources in Brinton's conversation with the reader.

Things 'get in balance', in Brinton's view, when people work together, learn to respect one another in outreach and church work, and in loving, joyful worship. The chapters are thematic and lend themselves to good small group discussion.

Out of the thousand or so books I have read in my life, if I were to put the Bible aside (since the Bible speaks with a special authority to believers and cannot really be compared to other books), I have read no more than five or six books that I would call truly great. That means there are only five or six books I would rate at five stars. This is one. Yes, it is that good.

I have never read any author who could make the English language sing the way Chesterton does in this poem -- for over a hundred pages. In contrast to contemporary "poets" whose "poems" consist of a bunch of strange words scattered apparently at random on a page, whose meaning, if there is one, is far beyond obscurity, Chesterton had apparently unlimited ability to create rhyme and alliteration, and then he bound it all tightly in the sing-song ballad style that carries it all swiftly along. The words of this poem are glorious to hear, and really, this book should be read aloud, so that one might hear the music of the words.

And few have ever been able to match the way Chesterton paints pictures with words. I will quote one passage, and hope it is not to long, to illustrate this. The scene here is Alfred's army making one final charge against the Danish camp:

Then bursting all and blasting
Came Christendom like death,
Kicked of such catapults of will,
The staves shiver, the barrels spill,
The waggons waver and crash and kill
The waggoners beneath.

Barriers go backward, banners rend,
Great shields groan like a gong,
Horses like horns of nightmare
Neigh horribly and long.

Horses ramp and rock and boil
And break their golden reins,
And slide on carnage clamorously,
Down where the bitter blood doth lie,
Where Ogier went on foot to die
In the old way of the Danes.

It would be hard to imagine anyone anyone describing such a violent scene in so few words any better than Chesterton does in that passage. And this passage is but one of dozens of glorious word-pictures that Chesterton's poetry paints in this book.

Beyond its magnificent use of the English language, this book also contains much philosophical insight -- insight that, although first published in 1911, is directly and clearly applicable today. Chesterton expresses very clearly the way that Christianity has formed the heart of Western culture over the ages, and the way that Christian faith -- which seems all about self-denial and thus sadness -- leads to unconquerable joy.

The book, of course, is not perfect; no work of literature can be. There are places where it gets a bit too preachy for my taste. But the book's flaws are few and minor, while its good points are many and glorious.

How good is this book? I have read it at least 50 times in my life, and I still enjoy reading it. In my opinion it is one of the truly greatest works written in the English language. It is one of the few books I have read that truly deserves five stars.

Anne Perry, the enormously popular writer of historical fiction, just recommended this ballad by G. K. Chesterton as one of five must read tales of historical fiction. (See the Wall Street Journal's online Opinion Page for April 21, 2007 in an article entitled "Past Tense.") Here's part of what she said:

"This is the story of the English King Alfred's desperate stand against invading Danes in 878. England is conquered, and Alfred is a fugitive when he sees a vision of the Virgin Mary that bids him call together the remnants of his people for a final battle. "The Ballad of the White Horse" is an epic poem of courage, passion and unsurpassable beauty."

If you'd like to read other tales and poems by Chesterton, you might want to get "The Ballad of the White Horse" as part of a collection of his poetry that I edited for not much more money. It's called G. K. Chesterton's Early Poetry and has "The Ballad of the White Horse," along with two other books of Chesterton poetry under one cover. That means you'll also get his best humorous poetry, "Greybeards at Play." No less a writer than George Orwell ranked Chesterton as one of the three best writers of funny poetry in twentieth century England. The poems are a riot of the ridiculous and are accompanied with equally funny sketches he did.

And although Anne Perry and I have the same last name, as far as I know we're not related. Her's is a pen name. Mine is a real name. I guess I'm not creative enough to invent a name for myself.

G. K. Chesterton's Early Poetry: Greybeards At Play, The Wild Knight And Other Poems, The Ballad Of The White Horse

Mr. Chesterton has a masterful skill with the pen; _Orthodoxy_ and _The Napoleon of Notting Hill_ are wonderful books--but _The Ballad of the White Horse_ is heartbreaking in its power, beauty, and nobility. With a stunning use of alliteration, rhythm, and imagery, Mr. Chesterton teaches the reader about true hearts, true faith, and true sacrifice. I have bought a few copies of this book to give as gifts to friends, and I eagerly recommend it to anyone who will listen. This book is a must-have for any individual interested in expanding their knowledge of great poetry!

I had read some of Chesterton's fictional books, most of which contain poems which he has written, and I very much enjoyed his poems, so I decided to get a book of his poetry. This too I really enjoyed, so I decided to get another book of his poetry, this time it was The Ballad of the White Horse, and this book simply blew away all of the rest of Chesterton's poems. In fact, it simply blows away most poems by anyone. I have read Dante's Divine Comedy, Milton' Paradise Lost, Eliot's Wasteland, Chaucer's Canturbury Tales, etc., but I can honestly say that I enjoyed this epic far more than any of them. I am not saying that it is a better written poem or that it should be ranked above these classics, but I am saying that it is much more exciting to read than the others. Somehow Chesterton makes his poem involving: you are drawn into it and cannot put the book down until you have finished the chapter. He wrote it in such a way that the verses beg to be read quickly, and as I read I found myself reading faster and faster, until I was stumbling over the words and had to slow down again. Chesterton, like no other poet whom I know of, paints a picture of glory, honor, bravery, and captures the true spirit of an idealized Medieval War. The poem resounds with the drums of doom, the cries of angels, the hordes of invading barbarians and great deeds of heroes of old. If I were to recommend owning one epic poem, this would be the one.

Overall grade: A+

A stirring epic poem with a message important for the future of western civilization...to act on hope when there is no longer any hope... The outcome is always, finally, in God's Providence. "The Ballad of the White Horse" should have great appeal for young men who can dream impossibilities because they are firmly grounded in the eternal verities. The battles scenes will fire the blood!

I love this book because Paula G. incorporates not only some really cool Tarot layouts, but also other techniques and ideas for self-realization and actualization. The tables in the back were the best!

Very cool book. I know very little about tarot cards. This book has many different layouts for all sorts of readings and spells them all out quite clearly. Fun!

I love the variety of layouts and the book is clear and easy to use. It is a creative and useful tool.
I especially like the "four corner foundation layout".

This book is a must have for anyone who is interested in gaining personal insight through the tarot. The abundance of layouts are original and helpful.

Paula G. really understands tarot and presents her illustrations so that the lay person can use this information. I really felt she did a great job laying out the intricacies of tarot, very organized. No tarot card reader should be without it.

I really enjoyed this more classic McDonald book. I had just finished 'Dress Her in Indigo' and was very disturbed by that book. It was too dark for me, too mean, violent and too much senseless descriptive sex and musings thereof. Also, too many characters to keep track of most of them left you wondering at the end what their pertinence was, but I digress, this is a review of 'Bright Orange for the Shroud'. With the name of this book I couldn't imagine what it would be about and was completely surprised with the book and when the meaning of what it meant was revealed. It was all pretty sad.

This book took me back to the days of the "land deal" when you went to Florida in those days you were sure to be sharked by someone hustling you off to some "free" steak dinner to then con you into a purchase of a lot in one of these phony developments. Looking back on it I can't understand why nothing was done about it and why Florida was allowed to be raped by so many con artists. It was in a way a bad place, a taken advantage of place seems to be so to this day. It's all rather depressing which I think is what drove McD to write and muse about it and it colored his whole life and thoughts. To see such destruction so fast, so close up and to be there when poverty, ambivalence, shock, disbelief and naïvety prevented much being done about anything by the locals, was pretty sad indeed.

So anyway, it was a really good book and one this time I could relate more to the characters. One thing about Travis is that he seems attracted to sleazy women, they disappoint him, turn him off in the end and this keeps him free and clear of commitment...clever. One other observation is that Trav claims to have a "Calvinistic" conscience that keeps him from letting himself go too long out of shape physically but doesn't seem to apply to having a steady job with same work ethic. Pretty funny!

A friend of Travis McGee has been fleeced of all his money by a group of con artists. McGee promises to try and recover the pilfered money. Originally his plan is to con the cons, but he soon realizes that one of the gang is capable of murder.

This is a very good entry in the Travis McGee series (the sixth, I believe). In `Bright Orange for the Shroud' McGee faces one of the most brutal and memorable antagonists in Boone Waxwell, a local Floridian who is familiar with all the swampways, and is rumoured to have buried a few bodies there. The result is one of the darker and more violent of the McGee novels I have read.

I've read almost every title in the McGee series, and this is surely one of McGee's more disturbing adventures. As in 'A Fearful Yellow Eye', one of the villains is a rapist, so the reader should be prepared to read about that particular evil. (But it is just one aspect to the story, though.)
I concur with other reviewers -- the plot is straightforward. And the characters -- particularly the protagonists -- are easy to identify with and enjoy.
One thing was missing, however: MacDonald, through the worldview of McGee, usually works in a few mini-essays into the narrative. These insightful asides are usually about people, politics, or life in general. I don't recall any from this particular McGee mystery.

I have read the entire McGee series and am now working my way through the unabridged audiobooks which were published by books on tape.

This is perhaps the simplest plot of the entire series. The fewest characters. No visit from Meyer, the economist.

Just three good guys, some medium bad guys, and one really memorable, but believable, super bad guy.

John MacDonald demonstrates that a uncomplicated and realistic plot with great and convincing characterizations is a much better read than a complicated, hard to believe plot. When you finish, you will muse that this could have been true, and suspect the author heard the germ of this story over a few beers in South Florida 50 years ago.

Bright Orange for the Shroud, the fifth in his Travis McGee series, John D. MacDonald has really hits his stride. I have been reading this series in order, and each book gets better and better.

As always, McGee jumps in to help a friend who was swindled of his $250,000 inheritance (we're talking 1960's here). Arthur Wilkinson was scammed in a land deal by a crooked lawyer, a slick salesman, a brutal hoodlum, and even his own wife. McGee, Wilkinson and Chookie (Wilkinson's former girlfriend) combine forces to discover how the scam operated and to try and recover some of the money. Early on, we learn the identity of the bad guys, so there's no mystery here. But how McGee infiltrates this group to investigate their modus operandi is MacDonald at his best. When the situation suddenly goes out of control, you can't turn the pages fast enough.

Bright Orange for the Shroud doesn't follow the formulae of his previous books in that McGee doesn't develop a love interest. Also, there is less mayhem and murder, and more of the good guys are still alive at the end. In some of MacDonald's books, McGee travels the country, but McGee is best when keeping to his native Florida. His base of operation for this book is his own houseboat, The Busted Flush.

I can't believe this series was never turned into a television series or a movie. With the resurgence of interest in MacDonald, perhaps it's not too late.

The 'Foreword' is dedicated to Lester Adelson, M.D. who was then working with the coroner of Cuyahoga County in Cleveland Ohio. Legal medicine and autopsies help the living. Dr. Adelson believes his allegiance is to the TRUTH, not to the side that hired him. A Medical Examiner should study the dead to help the living. Murder cases are but a small fraction compared to accidental deaths (traffic, industrial, or at home). Suicide is much more frequent than murder. Sudden deaths can appear to be suicide, homicide, or accidental. Unsuspected infectious diseases are one threat to the community. The forensic pathologist is important to the public interest, and should be an impartial fact-finder.

Mervin Selkirk is conversing with Norda Allison when he slaps his seven-year old son Robert for interrupting. Suddenly Norda sees the sadistic streak behind the mask of smiling politeness and affability over the selfish personality. Norda dislikes this discipline but Mervin says she's a "softie". The result is the breaking of their engagement. A few days later Mervin punches Norda's boyfriend, Nate Benedict, in a restaurant. Mervin explains it as self-defense and his friends there back his story. Later Norda gets anonymous letters about suitors who killed former fiancees. The postal authorities couldn't catch the sender. Mervin's previous wife, Lorraine Selkirk Jennings, tells of a toy printing machine; this is enough for a search warrant on Mervin. The toy printing press doesn't match. His first wife tells of Mervin's ruthlessness and cleverness, and the power of his family. Then Lorraine sends a flight ticket to arrange for a meeting in person. The Jennings surprise Norda with their plans; is this some sort of trick? They have an excuse for Robert's absence. [Did you suspect anything?]

Something happens during the night, Norda packs and leaves, then visits Perry Mason to tell of the problems. The investigation does not agree with Norda's claims. Something's wrong here. The mystery deepens when a gun is found in the bed where Norda Allison slept. The police were called and took Norda in for questioning. We soon learn the reason for this activity: Mervin Selkirk was found shot dead in his car, parked at the Country Club. Perry is visited by Nate Benedict, who has a permit to carry the gun he brought on his flight from San Francisco. Nate also owns a gun like the murder weapon. Perry meets Mervin's father Horace Livermore Selkirk, as unscrupulous as he is powerful, and he is very powerful. Perry and Della use a ruse to interview Robert's baby-sitter. By following Barton Jennings they find a clue to where Robert was taken. New facts are discovered to complicate the mystery. Chapter 12 starts to uncover the mystery and the disappearance of Robert. Perry meets the young woman who was placed in charge, and talks to her about the laws and her actions.

The Preliminary Hearing starts in Chapter 14. Perry's cross-examination of Sgt. Holcomb raises questions about the prosecution's theory of the crime. Other facts are brought out in the testimonies to clarify the question of guilt. But there is a new fact that connects Norda to the dead body of Mervin! The judge calls for a conference at the noon recess and there is a new development that could free Perry's client. But a shocking surprise shakes Horace Selkirk. Hamilton Burger brings in his surprise witness who was at the Country Club parking lot (Chapter 17). Perry's cross-examination of Millicent Bailey neutralizes her testimony. Then Barton Jennings appears as a witness, and tells of what he knows. Perry's cross-examination has this witness contradicting his testimony. Then another witness is recalled so Perry can question her. Now there is another material fact that is brought out. Norda is released from custody. The last chapter resolves the outstanding questions and explains the unknown events. Erle Stanley Gardner describes the corrupt and powerful people who run society, albeit in fiction. Like other novels, the courtroom scenes are the dramatic high points.

This Perry Mason book is a suspenseful action thriller and a spectacular page turner. "The Case of The Deadly Toy" is about a woman, Norda Alison who is convicted of murder after her ex-fiancé is found dead and the murder weapon is found hidden under her pillow. This book is very well written and keeps you clueless of the real murderer until the last few pages in the book. Norda Allison is the victim of a conspiracy between her ex-fiancés former wife and her husband. Perry Mason does a great job keeping the reader active and having new suspenseful ideas on every page. Perry, his secretary Debra, his close friend and detective Paul Drake do a great job solving the mystery after all hope is lost. The book is very exciting after Norda's ex-fiancés former wife's son fires a gun shot heard early in the morning and Norda's ex-fiancé is found dead the next morning. I recommend this book to anyone who likes mystery books and I think everyone will love and cherish this book.

Mervin Selkirk is a wealthy man used to getting what he wants. He uses a campaign of terror to intimidate his ex-fiancé Norda Allison. He is in a protracted fight with his ex-wife, Lorraine Jennings, over their seven-year-old son. He also set up an ambush that allowed him to sucker punch a man with a pair of brass knuckles and break his jaw. Yes, Mervin is quite a guy, and it is not much of surprise when he turns up dead. The police decide to point the finger at Norda Allison, but she has Perry Mason on her side. With the help of Paul Drake and Della Street, Perry slowly uncovers the truth of what really happened to Selkirk.

This book is a classic mystery tale with excellent courtroom scenes. The setup is quick and interesting, and the investigation uncovers a terrific maze of clues and red herrings. Perry is obviously the star character and he is highly intelligent, driven to succeed, and quite funny at times. The author was an attorney himself, and that undoubtedly helps make the courtroom scenes so entertaining. The plot moves along briskly, at just over 200 pages there is little room for fat in the story.

Reading a Perry Mason novel is kind of like going to a Holiday Inn. They're all pretty much the same, and if you like one you'll probably like them all. That's no insult, because I happen to enjoy the series. For newcomers, this volume is as good as any for an entry point. If you're a fan, then you'll be perfectly at home with Perry, Della, Paul Drake, and even the ever-ineffectual Hamilton Burger. This book is not likely to help you think deep thoughts, but it's a highly enjoyable read that will entertain for several hours.

This is a wonderful mystery laced with humor. And the solution to the mystery is impossible to figure out...however, when you finish the book, and go back over some passages, you have to admit that all the clues were there.

Whenever I finish a Perry Mason, I want to start another (with the determination that this time I will solve the mystery before Mason.)
I feel the same way about Nero Wolfe mysteries such asBlack Orchids (Nero Wolfe Mysteries).

This Perry Mason book is a suspenseful action thriller and a spectacular page turner. "The Case of The Deadly Toy" is about a woman, Norda Alison who is convicted of murder after her ex-fiancé is found dead and the murder weapon is found hidden under her pillow. This book is very well written and keeps you clueless of the real murderer until the last few pages in the book. Norda Allison is the victim of a conspiracy between her ex-fiancés former wife and her husband. Perry Mason does a great job keeping the reader active and having new suspenseful ideas on every page. Perry, his secretary Debra, his close friend and detective Paul Drake do a great job solving the mystery after all hope is lost. The book is very exciting after Norda's ex-fiancés former wife's son fires a gun shot heard early in the morning and Norda's ex-fiancé is found dead the next morning. I recommend this book to anyone who likes mystery books and I think everyone will love and cherish this book.

This book is an historical fiction readers dream, set in England just prior to the restoration period and during it. Julia Pallister lives with her feisty grandmother, a former lady-in-waiting to Queen Elizabeth I, and her mother Anne, a gentle mild mannered woman who lives only for the day when her husband returns home from exile with Prince Charles. Their home has been saved from sequestration by the Parliamentarians by the old love affair between Julia's grandmother and the neighbouring landowner, a Cromwell supporter, but, upon his death, the order is revoked and their home is taken over by a tyrannical Parliamentarian, Makepeace Walker who was one of the signators of the death warrant of CharlesI. After Julia's father is shot and killed by the Roundheads, Makepeace forces Anne into marriage by threatening to put the entire household out on the street. The story continues and takes in the Great Plague of 1665 and the Great Fire of London in 1666, Julia's youthful adoration of childhood friend, Christopher Wren and her eventual happy marriage to the grandson of her grandmother's old lover. I loved this book which was similar in time and setting to the great Forever Amber.

I believe this book was more romantic fiction than historical fiction however the novel itself was still enjoyable. The characters were vividly described but I would still like to know how things would have worked between Christiopher and Julia besides the perspective given by Katherine in the novel. How would the whole plot change? I would like to see companion book written. If you're a big fan of historical romance, this is a must.

The story begins with Julia, youngest child of Royalists Robert and Anne Pallister, and her older brother Michael as they live in the constant fear of their estate being taken from them by Cromwell's Parliamentarians, as England's civil war rages around them. Michael and Robert both join Charles II's cause and subsequent tragedies strike the family leaving Robert's widow Anne to make a drastic choice to avoid loosing her family home forever to a Cromwell supporter. As Julia matures, the story follows her life and marriage as Charles II returns to rule England and on through the plague and great fire of London.

Unfortunately, what should have been a ripping good story just falls a bit flat to this reader. The author spends way too much time on Julia's childhood experiences, I would have preferred to have the background told in flashbacks and have the story start off as Julia reaches maturity (note to self - never ever complain about an author's backtracking to past history after getting the story going), we didn't see Julia wed and in London as Charles is crowned King until well after the first half of the book. I also would have preferred to have Julia and Adam more involved in Charles' court and its intrigues instead of being side line players in the action. Lastly, as much as I enjoy an author setting the scene and describing the clothes, furnishings, etc. so that I have a good sense of time and place, Laker goes way over the top describing everything in too minute of a detail and I found myself skimming quite a bit through those lengthy descriptions.

All in all, a pleasantly entertaining book to read if you are interested in the period or a fan of the author, but certainly not the best to be read in this period and most definitely doesn't come close to the standard set by Kathleen Winsor's awesome Forever Amber. Three stars.

"Rosalind Laker" is my great aunt and I have read many of her books. Of all of them this has to be the best of them all!

This was the first Laker book I read and, I have to say, it is amazing! The details about the house, the era, the dress, everything is just superb. After reading this I was really into furniture with hidden compartments and, of course, reading more Rosalind Laker novels. Her books will never go out of style!