G Books

Sorry, but the glut of coincidences and melodramatic writing was just too much. I'm going back to my nonfiction now.

I just read this book and what can I say except that it was amazing. I actually prefer Neil to David. David was never very consistent in his faith he was good talker but he had no understanding. I recomend this book to anyone who already has faith or is struggling to find theirs. Read this book! You won't be sorry!

I really enjoyed this book. I also enjoyed the fact that many of the events in the book are in the series released on DVD. I would have preferred if certain subjects had not been discussed in this book so that it would be more appropriate for younger ages. Other than that it was a really enjoyable read.

This is one of my very favorite books! I've read it over so many times and never get tired of it. It's just so interesting, captivating and touching.

By no means am I a Christian but instead a certified Wiccan. So to those who know me actually found it surprising that I had this book in my library. Christy is a heroine that you can't help but fall in love with and her story. The young woman has spunk, ambition, intelligence, and above all a good heart. It was hard not to get caught up in Christy's story and as you move through the book and meet the characters it's hard not to care for them as well. From the aged wisdom of Miss Alice, the determination of Mr. Pentland, and of course to the handsome but stubborn country doctor Mr. McNeil. The book promotes wholesomeness and a goodness we rarely see. So please don't hesitate to pick up this book. I'd hate for anyone to miss out.

Mr. James Herriot is an uncommon writer, possessed of extraordinary skill and a mastery of the English language. When speaking of works of fiction, he is my favorite writer. His ability to choose perfectly appropriate and descriptive words, phrases, and metaphors to verbally illustrate unique characteristics, landscapes, feelings, and situations still has me mesmerized.

"All Creatures Great and Small" is autobiographical in that Mr. Herriot is the central character of the book, though James Herriot is the pen name of the real author, Jim Wight. However, since the work is defined as a novel, then one may assume that Mr. Herriot took certain liberties in relating many of the tales he unfolds. Mr. Herriot is a veterinary surgeon, and much of his novel specifically involves dealing with particular cases of sick livestock and ailing house pets. One should not quickly conclude, however, that this story is merely about the ramblings of a country animal doctor who at times finds himself in interesting situations, as some reviewers would suggest.

Instead, my feeling is that Mr. Herriot utilized his visits to multiple and varied farms and residences in the British countryside to highlight the individual conditions, attitudes, and distinctive persons he discovered at each location. The book becomes absolutely delightful and poignant, for instance, when Mr. Herriot kindly sits at an aging woman's bedside and tenderly comforts her with his voiced belief that her devoted, loving dogs and cats are indeed possessed of souls and that she need not fear that they will again be her companions in the afterlife.

And I do not believe I have laughed out loud so frequently while reading one book. Some of my personal favorites are when his brakes go out on his car and he must navigate a steep and winding descent to the bottom of a low valley, where his next veterinary visit is scheduled, and when he finds himself on his first date with the woman he is destined to marry and the only respectable dress suit he owns is several years out of fashion and far too tight-fitting, which is partly why he becomes far too nervous and a bout of awkward conversation and actions follow. Additionally, much might be said here about the quirky relationship Mr. Herriot has with his unpredictable and explosive yet perfectly harmless and generous employer, a Mr. Siegfried Farnon, and Siegfried's younger brother, Tristan. Farnon's demanding attitude regarding his veterinary business affairs, especially in the face of Tristan's irresponsibility in mishandling assignments and responsibilities, is often the basis for much of the hilarity in the book.

In speaking of his relationships with those to whom he is closest on a personal level and the frequently visited owners of his animal patients, Mr. Herriot has an especially profound gift when it comes to praising the best characteristics that are found in the human race. He speaks with eloquent fondness when describing the beautiful traits he sees in his lovely Helen, his soon-to-be wife. And when he stumbles upon a man or woman who he feels is in ownership of certain admirable exceptionality, such as industry or thrift or honesty or discipline or gentleness, his written accolades of such persons is heartwarming and deeply inspiring.

Thus I would say that this book has everything. It touches upon the topics of death, faith, humor, love, devotion, stewardship, human strengths and frailties, prosperity and poverty, work and idleness, occupation, and the list goes on. Given that these interesting topics are handled so capably by Mr. Herriot's writing talent, I doubt that any sensitive reader would find this book to be anything but delightful and praiseworthy.

One of the best books I've read in my life. A must read. Very well written. Makes you want to write like him.

I remember seeing my high school biology teacher reading this book at her desk while she had some time to herself, while we did our thing with dissections, etc. It seemed that she couldn't get her hands off this book. And I'd wonder what the book was about. Something about creatures. Maybe it was about GOD and church and religion.

Now that I've had a chance to read this book, twenty years later, I can say that it is a wonderful book! You don't want this book to end. And now I understand why my biology teacher was so hooked on it.

This is a nonfictional book about an English veterinarian writing about his funny and sometimes dramatic profession. From how he started, to his everyday events in a small town (away from the big city such as London) to how he meets his future wife, and his gradual establishment of his veterinary life. This book is filled with funny moments that makes you pause with a smile on your face. And has its poignant moments that makes you realize its wonderful writing.

This book gives you a glimpse of what the veterinary world is like on his side, on the countryside of life, with real people and real stories, and of course, with real animals. Animals and people and veterinary work that you will come to love.

I bought this edition as a gift for a graduating vet student (every vet needs a copy in his or her office). The book is a classic, and the hardcover is suitable for gifting.

I can't add much more than the previous reviews. How many books on Amazon have a 5 star rating with 100+ reviews? Missed this one during school and read all three of Herriot's books in my 40's. Truly lovely, wise, and transporting. I will make sure my children don't wait as long as I did to discover these classics.

Wonderful and inspiring stories of a country vet are humorously written but also deliver a good amount of practical veterinary insight. It's nice to read from the point of view of a kind-hearted yet practical country animal lover.

This is a very touching book and it brings up many feelings that I needed to get in touch with. I would highly recommend it.

Eventhough this book was written almost sixty years ago, it speaks to women today. Anne Morrow Lindburgh writes as though she is visiting with the reader. It is so easy to hear the sea, see the sea shell she is describing and feel as though you truly know this author. This is a book I will read again and again, as well as give as a gift.

This is a must read for anyone & especially for women (of all ages). I
re-read it every few years just to be rejuvinated again. I've been giving
it ,for yrs., as gifts to special friends. The last time I gave it to my
friend ( a Presby. lay pastor)who took it with her from the WV mts. to
her family home in Fla....she read it while on the beach & upon returning used it as the basis for her sermon for Women's Sunday.Each time I find
something "new/eye-opening & worthy" in the examination of the shells to
our individual lives.

Everyone should read "A Gift From the Sea". This is a book filled with wisdom. Unfortunately I read it later in my life. I wish I would have had this book in my twenties. Anne Morrow Lindbergh was a woman who understood life.

There are a gazillion books out there on how to find yourself, follow your bliss, and cope with midlife crisis, but none more succinct or more profound than this slim and elegant volume. Each chapter is lovingly structured according to a particular species of shell, and the result is a beautifully observed prose poem about the evolution of the female psyche. With its compact size and attractive cover art, it makes a particularly charming gift.

I have been reading nutrition books for over a decade. This book relates back to studies that are proven. It really boils down what the best foods are and why. The book recommends how to cook and eat these foods.

Best book I have read to date on nutrition for the lay person.

SuperFoods is a great leap in the right direction for anyone looking to improve his or her diet.

Positives: the format and suggestions are some of the best in the diet class. It's easy to follow, the suggestions are not too expensive, and the book includes a great deal of scientific explanations and references.

Negatives: the author suggests consuming beans, oats, soy, and dairy. These foods are generally beneficial for one's health, however after reading The Paleo Diet: Lose Weight and Get Healthy by Eating the Food You Were Designed to Eat by Dr. Cordain, I learned that human bodies are not properly engineered to consume such foods.

Conclusion: this book is a tremendous foundational guide to proper nutrition. For those who want to take it to the next level, I would recommend The Paleo Diet instead.

I've been a vegetarian for 21 years and thought that I followed a balanced diet... well, this book opened my eyes. I loved it because it explains how each of the superfoods contributes to your health, the recipes are very easy to make and since I started putting it in practice, I feel a lot better and more energized :-) Great purchase !

This is an excellent book to help learn more about making beneficial food choices as part of a healthy lifestyle. It is not a fad diet or gimmick to lose weight fast. In addition to the 14 suggested "Super Foods," the author identifies "sidekicks" for each, which offer similar benefits. The author also provides recipes, offering guidance on how to prepare these foods using healthy cooking choices, too. (I've already tried a few and they're fabulous!) Finally, throughout the entire book the author supports his information with research-based evidence, with references, from peer-reviewed journals.

Although the focus is not on losing weight, when you take the advice of the author and begin to eat all of the foods necessary for a long, healthy life, you have little room left to eat the garbage that keeps on the extra pounds!

This is not just a book I recommend to friends and family - this is one I've already purchased several copies of for friends and family!

My doctor recently diagnosed me with diabetes in addition to my longstanding problem of high cholesterol and high triglycerides, which was also affecting my liver. I was quite overweight but didn't really care until that point - there's always tomorrow to lose it, right? He put me on a cholesterol and triglyceride lowering medicine and told me I needed to lose weight. This time I took him seriously, and I also read SuperFoods Rx and SuperFoods Healthstyle. I started exercising (walking) and eating healthy by following these two books' recommendations. So far I've lost 31 pounds without feeling deprived or going on some weird diet. I feel great, my diabetes is well controlled, and my cholesterol, triglycerides and liver function are in terrific shape now. The Super Foods have found a permanent place in my diet, and exercise a permanent place in my lifestyle. Thanks to these two books I believe I've saved my life and will enjoy better health over the long term. I've sent them to my brother to help him make the changes he needs for the same reasons. I highly recommend SuperFoods Rx and SuperFoods Healthstyle!

I discovered this book on a dusty HS library shelf and as in Ms. Hanff's words, devoured it "all at once" not coming up for air or cigarettes. I also bought the VHS many years ago as soon as it came available. Since then, I've gone on to go out of head for Donne, Quiller-Couch, Austen, and Blake (though not anywhere near Donne!).

What a great movie this story made. I have watched the movie many, many times and have loved it every time. Now, I just had to read the book. The strange thing is that since I know what is going to occur at the end, my eyes become teared which makes the book difficult to read. Of course, that happens at certain moments in the movie as well. What a powerful story!

Interesting book that proves friendship can be created and sustained by people that haven't met.

In less than one hundred pages, Helene Hanff has given her readers a rare and special gift. Here in this delightful little book are the notes she exchanged with the employees of Marks & Co., a used-book store in England. Being fond of the old-fashioned yet still highly personal act of letter writing, and being equally fond of old books and used-book stores, Hanff seemed to have compiled these letters just for me. I doubt there is anyone who can read this book without experiencing a wide range of emotions complete with laughter and tears.

A lifelong letter writer, Helene Hanff studied playwriting at the Theatre Guild. She has written scripts for "The Hallmark Hall of Fame" and for "Ellery Queen." Her other writings include several children's books as well as articles for Harpers and New Yorker magazines.

Living and writing in New York City, Hanff finds herself unsuccessful in finding certain rare or out-of-print editions of books.

"Gentlemen:
Your ad in the Saturday Review of Literature says that you specialize in out-of-print books. The phrase 'antiquarian booksellers' scares me somewhat, as I equate 'antique' with expensive. I am a poor writer with an antiquarian taste in books and all the things I want are impossible to get over here except in very expensive rare editions, or in Barnes & Noble's grimy, marked-up schoolboy copies."

So begins the opening letter dated October 5, 1949, and addressed to Marks & Co. at 84, Charing Cross Road in London. What follows on the pages of this book are the letters Hanff wrote to Marks & Co., and specifically to Frank P. Dole. Also included are the responses to her requests, mostly from Frank P. Dole. Through their twenty-year relationship, the two strangers become in some ways like family. Frank introduces his family to Helene in letters. She corresponds with the family as if they are her own. Knowing that in a time of rationing, certain items are not readily available to the residents of London, she takes great care to ship Christmas and Easter gifts to the store with plenty of eggs and meat for everyone there.

The final entry, dated 1969, brings the relationship between the bookstore, Frank Dole and Hanff full circle. The twenty years between the first and last notes are fondly recalled on the pages of this book.

These short notes, her requests for specific books, the monetary transactions that took place, and the solid relationships that developed allow the present day reader to glimpse a bit of the nostalgic... a gentler time when costs were lower, trust was higher, and people were more willing to be compassionate to complete strangers.

This is a truly delightful little book that has captured my heart. And, by the way, the fact that I discovered it while browsing through my own favorite little used-book store lends a special sort of appeal to it. I treasure the gifts within these pages--the gifts of self, of the written word, and the appreciation for the simpler things in life.

by Lee Ambrose
for Story Circle Book Reviews
reviewing books by, for, and about women

I just read this amazing collection of correspondence between the author and the employees of a small bookshop in London in one sitting. It was entertaining, culturally enlightening and it had a quaintness about it due to the letters being written in the years immediately following WWII.

The friendship that develops between Helene Hanff as a result of her generosity toward the staff of the bookshop is really endearing and the reader feels like he or she really knows these people after enjoying this short read.
A very unusual and highly enjoyable glimpse into the lives of others through their correspondence. Highly recommended for booklovers , anglophiles and others.

What a sweet book. Nothing spectacular here except Gracie. If you love dogs, you'll love this story.

This is an extremely well written true story of a man needing some new direction in his life and the adorable dog who brought it to him. This book is full of humor but doesn't sway away from the real emotions of life. As I neared the end of the book, I really felt left down. If this would have turned into an online journal, I would read it every time something new was posted. This is a must read even if you don't own a dog (I don't but love them just the same).

This was a wonderful book to read and will be a great one to re-read in the years ahead.

The relationship between Gracie and her people is touching, and such a good example of how treating each other, including our canine friends, with respect and genuine love, is the very best way to live. I am so thankful that Dan empathized with Gracie and that he worked to learn how he could help her live life to her fullest. His willingness to change and do what was needed to provide the best environment he could provide for Gracie is an example of selfless love. And look at the overflowing benefits that came to her, him and the rest of their household from that love!

I have told all of my friends to buy this book. It is superb. Thanks Dan and Mark!

It definitely is a wonderful, beautiful and incredibly moving book. But, it also is a really, really funny book. I laughed out loud. The author is extremely funny. His love story about Gracie is absolutely a delight. It's a wonderful tribute and a very funny book despite the fact you know that it's going to be sad at the end. When I was done reading it, I just felt blessed to have shared in this experience.

Add a box of kleenx to your shopping cart before buying this book. You'll fall in love with Gracie. You'll laugh with her, cheer her on, and even cry, but they will be tears of joy that will touch your soul.

these books are so wonderful, and makes you feel like you are in the book itself.

The movies of these books are good; however, these books are better and wroth of your time to read. If you like reading books, you should concider reading these series.

I loved this series of books! Janette has such a magnificent way of drawing her readers into the past! Love it!

I may be a bit biased, as I grew up reading Janette Oke books with my mom as a young teenage girl and they hold special meaning to me because of that. But I'd never read this series of books before. I purchased the first two books in the series at a local (offline) store, and was immediately hooked. Within hours of beginning the first book, I found myself on Amazon eagerly searching out the rest of the series.

That was just a couple of weeks ago, and I'm now halfway through book six (of eight). I can hardly put them down! Janette Oke is a fantastic writer that keeps the story going without leaving the reader feeling overwhelmed or confused. Never a chance to get bored! It's easy to get lost in these books and forget that, while historically based, they ARE just fiction.

While there are multiple references to prayer, church, faith and God, I didn't find the religious theme to be too overpowering. It weaves itself quite nicely within the characters' personalities.

Overall I give this series two thumbs up. I'm actually dreading finishinng off the series! I guess I'll be searching out another Janette Oke series very soon!

Because the set qualified for no shipping, the cost of the 4-book set was less than buying all 4 used books. In addition, I received the books much sooner than I anticipated. This was an excellent deal!

This is a fantastic book for encouragement that will spur you on in amping up your prayer life. This little collection is a powerful incentive to reexamine the content and character of your prayer life. We are, as frail humans, inclined to offer up self-absorbed prayers that reflect very little concern, or awareness, of God's glory and purposes as we treat Him like a genie in a bottle pressing Him to grant our wishes.

The prayers contained in this powerful little book are organized by theme. They are Christ-centered (which is to say God centered), humble and sometimes poetic "little offerings" to a Giant God, who does all things well. While modern culture seems content to paint cartoon-like portrayals of the Puritans, these prayers grant us insight into the deeply spiritual and personable people who suffered from the same trials and temptations as we.

The candor and child like transparency with which they approach the one true God is touching, revealing, and encouraging---and entirely biblical. If you want to bless your soul, gain insight into a mature and maturing prayer life and perhaps find good examples of how to pray, then buy this book. Obviously, our prayers must be from the heart (as these are). You may wish to begin your prayer time by reading one of these prayers and using them to jump start your prayer time. Of course these prayers are not Scripture but they are a reminder that a deeper, richer, and more God-honoring prayer life is ours for the taking, if we but try. Buy this book.

I highly recommend this book to those who want to expand their prayer life. This book really encouraged me and helped me to see how weak my prayer life really was! But at the same time, gave me a great vision for what my prayer life could be and IS BECOMING, thanks to this little book!

Bishop JC Ryle once wrote, "Tell me what a man's prayers are, and I will soon tell you the state of his soul. Prayer is the spiritual pulse. By this the spiritual health may always be tested." What he is getting at is that one's piety is proportional to the fervency, faithfulness, and diligence of his or her prayer habit. Though we have no access to how frequently the Puritans prayed, but in "The Valley of Vision"; which is a selected collection of their devotions and prayers, we have the evidence and vision of their souls in their relationship to God, that I believe explains their zeal for the Lord, holding on to the worldly concerns loosely, earnestness and discipline to live a life pleasing to him as pilgrims travelling to the heavenly Canaan. If I were to describe the characteristics of them, I would use the words reverence, awe, self-abasement, Triune God-centeredness, child-like love to God, and heavenly-mindedness. While they are examples to follow in piety and there is plenty to learn from their prayers, I would be careful not to be so infatuated by them, and use this book as some sort of a prayer book. It is still important to pray from the heart though it may not be as eloquent as their prayers, and in some cases they seem to resonate to the particular situation you are going through.

These are gut wrenching prayers. Personally, I use them for a "devotional thought" prior to going to bed at night. Also available in a paperback.

This is a wonderful book to take us deeped into a life of prayer, considering the aspects of God and His nature which are not preached from the pulpit very much anymore. Every seeker should read.

DRAGONSINGER shows off sci-fi/fantasy writer Anne McCaffrey at her best and most accessible. Of the three books which make up the Harper Hall trilogy, this one is my favorite and a book to which I've returned a bunchful of times. Only thing is, whenever I dust this off (or, come to think of it, any of the early Pern novels), I tend to go ahead and re-read the whole friggin' series. The Harper Hall trilogy, more so than any of the Dragonriders of Pern novels, is targeted towards a young adult audience, but it'll certainly charm a reader of whatever age. And if one is looking for a capable, extremely engaging role model, then look no further than Menolly of Half-Circle Sea Hold.

DRAGONSINGER picks up almost immediately from where Dragonsong left off, with Menolly arriving at the Harper Craft Hall to begin her harper's apprenticeship. A gifted songwriter/singer/musician and the young accidental mistress of nine gluttonous but ever loyal fire lizards, the shy and vulnerable Menolly finds herself near overwhelmed by her new circumstances. She's very conscious of her horribly scarred hand (which prevents her from playing her music) and her still woefully tender feet (from having outran Thread, deadly silver spores which periodically rain on Pern). At Harper Hall, Menolly meets and is intimidated by an array of stern and skeptical teachers. She faces the scorn of her fellow female students, with whom she must share room and board. Her unconventionality and her rare fire lizards mark her as a target of curiousity and envy. For Menolly, all this is almost too hard to bear. But she loves music and loves her fire lizards. And, it turns out, she has more friends than she thinks...

DRAGONSINGER, first published in 1977, is the second book in the Harper Hall trilogy, and, in my opinion, is the best of the three. It continues Menolly's coming-of-age tale and introduces the readers to a gang of winning characters, such as the quiet journeyman Sebell, the majestic, offbeat Master Shonagar, and the impish and ingratiating Piemur (who would take center stage in Dragondrums). Of course, the awesome and perceptive Masterharper Robinton figures in most of the Pern novels, and he makes his presence vigorously felt here. Who wouldn't want to work for someone like him?

Another neat thing about the Harper Hall trilogy is that it allows the reader to relive events in McCaffrey's other novels. Specifically, the timeline of DRAGONSONG and DRAGONSINGER coincides with that of Dragonquest (Dragonriders of Pern), so that, just as we revisited Jaxom's impressing of Ruth thru Menolly's eyes in DRAGONSONG, here, we get Menolly and Harper Hall's horrified reactions to F'nor's disastrous foray to the inhospitable Red Star. Later, the third Harper Hall entry, DRAGONDRUMS, would touch on events occuring in The White Dragon (Dragonriders of Pern Vol 3).

McCaffrey warmly covers a span of seven eventful days in Menolly's life, chronicling her transitioning from an uncertain, bashful young girl to a confident one with the world opened up before her. Menolly is tall and gangly and unsure, and so appealing. It's a joy reading of her overcoming her challenges, making new friends, and impressing just near everyone with her musical talents. My favorite moments would have to be the ones in which she's engaged in her music or spending time with her fair of fire lizards (and, believe me, both activities take up huge, huge chunks of the book). Scenes to look out for: the first time Menolly feeds her fire lizards at Harper Hall, the impromptu Hall concert during Threadfall, all the moments with Shonagar, and Gather Day. As ever, McCaffrey peppers her book with sightings of benevolent dragons, who constantly guard Pern against Thread, and their miniature and inquisitive cousins, the fire lizards. Actually, in this Harper Hall series, the focus is more on the fire lizards than on the dragons. McCaffrey lends Menolly's fire lizards their own distinct personalities, from the imperious Beauty to the nagging Aunties One and Two, to the beleaguered Uncle, to the aptly named Lazybones.

Compared to the other, more adult-oriented novels about Pern, DRAGONSINGER is a lighter, more intimate read, and not as intricately plotted. The stakes here don't shape the world, just Menolly's personal universe. But, I'll tell you what, you'll get caught up in it. DRAGONSINGER (and a whole mess of McCaffrey's novels, come to think of it) fits cozily on my shelf of comfort books. I normally have two copies of books which I particularly love. With DRAGONSINGER, I have three, two of which are pretty threadbare. Such a good read.

The harper Hall Trilogy is my favorite set by McCaffrey and interestingly the first books I read by her. I love dragons and there for dragon stories, particularly ones were dragons are not mindless monsters of destruction, so it would be odd for me not to like these books. The story is very original and the characters well written. If your not sure of getting into the Pern books, this is the series to read! Dragonsinger is a really strong book, despite being in the middle of a set. The story keeps going strong and the characters stay true to themselves.

I know I wasn't supposed to read this book first, but it was on the free book cart at the library. And I've wanted to read McCaffery for some time now. I'd give this book four a half stars. I'd like to have given it five. But I'll get to that in a minute. Her prose is elegant. Each of her characters is clearly defined. The main, Menolly, is strong and modest, but often bleek and insecure because of her background. Thus her behavior makes sense at times when she is overly passive when she shouldn't be. As well as apologizing for every little thing. However, her giving a shiner to Benis was priceless. I love the tiny info on the Fort Sea Hold, and look I look forward to getting clear description when I read DragonSong. The only problem I had with this book was there was no real action, besides the brawl at the Gather. Though I must say, the book was not boringt any time. But I did have to put it down from time to time because its lack of action.

Can't wait to read more McCaffery. I see why she's one of the leading authors in the SciFi/Fantasy genre.

Menolly is now at the Harper Hall. However, she is a geek/nerd and doesn't fit in with all the girls who like doing the standard chick things. Plus there just happens to be a bunch of fire lizards following her around.

She also has to deal with the problem of choosing or being asked to choose a specialisation and someone to be a mentor.

Menolly has achieved her dream of living in Harper Hall, despite the disadvantage of being born female. But she does not know how she will fit in and the fact that she accidentally Impressed nine fire lizards causes disruptions in class and jealousies from the other students. That she comes to realize her full talent as a musician, singer and songwriter and revel in the company of other musicians is the delight of this perfect fantasy novel.

This gem of a story is appropriate for creative girls and women of all ages, all creative endeavors because it says that the barriers the world puts in your way won't stand up to friendship, hard work and talent. I wore out two paperback copies before breaking down and buying it in hardback. Highly recommended.

I've lived in Pennsylvania all of my life but I never knew too much about the Johnstown flood. Now that I've read McCullough's book, I'm hooked on the story and I'm getting to the flood museum as soon as I can.

This is an incredible story set in another time, yet I couldn't help be reminded what Katrina did to the New Orleans area and how similar these stories are. Man, in all of his wisdom, relies on those around him to ensure that their great works are safely monitored. The Johnstown flood provides historical proof that we shouldn't be quite so trusting.

I love ordering stuff off Amazon. It is so easy and affordable. I'm in the middle of this book right now but so far so good. Lots of great history.

David McCullough tells a compelling story of this tragic event. As always, he does a thorough job and gets behind just the basics of the story he is telling. It is a wonderful presentation of history.

McCullough once again proves his talent for making history enjoyable with the Johnstown Flood. His book is very readable, but does not skimp out on the details. The aftermath portion of the book gets a little long, but the build-up and actual flood descriptions more than make up for it. I was entertained and taught at the same time.

My husband is the history buff in our family & I bought this book as a Christmas stocking stuffer. I began reading it because, well, just because. I'm glad I did. David McCullough's writing put you on a floating roof and carried you down the Little Conemaugh. His development of many of the minor characters was astounding, considering the fact there was not much anecdotal history to go on. Extremely informative, the evidence and roles played around the re-building of the South Fork dam & the rapid growth of Johnstown was eye-opening. An exciting ride.