Non-fiction Books

This isn't a shabby cover piece, but the 70s paperbacks were a lot more original. On this book we really aren't given much to work with, just a very simple painting with very simple, non-detailed artwork. The gentlemen in the cover is either Fallon, or it depicts a stranger in the town of Fallon. I can't be sure because I didn't read the book. But based on the cover art, I probably don't want to.

"Fallon", by Louis L'Amour, was entertaining, fast reading, and lightly sprinkled with philosophical statements as are all the westerns I have read by him. Although there is romance in the novel, it is very light and occurs almost unexpectedly.

Macon Fallon is a card player on the run, but seeing a sign for an old abandoned town and finding two families with a broken wagon wheel, he schemes to re-establish the town with a new name. Ultimately, he hopes to sell the claim to a mine nearby the town, and then flee with the profits. But Fallon grows to like the town and its people, which makes the choice for him to leave more difficult. A final gunfight seals Fallon's fate in several ways.

This western from Louis L'Amour was released in February, 1963, remaining in print every since. The locale of this western novel is Nevada pretty much in the center of the state. The fictional town of Red Horse is very close to Iron Mountain, sandwiched in between the Desatoya mountains and the Toiyabe mountain range to the east. With Red Horse about 100 miles east of both Carson City and Virginia City. The town, whose elevation is a little over 10,000 feet, also lays north of the Great Basin.

As stated in the story, it takes place after a time that the wagon trains have pretty much played out, as true with many gold mines. The wagon trains coming through now are generally ones of merchandise and equipment to resupply the gold camps, rather than carrying settlers.

The new name of the town that Macon helps establish is Red Horse, previously know as Buell's Bluff, a gold camp town that went bust and became deserted. The theme of this novel is much involved with town building explaining in simple terms just what it took to establish a western town of the mid to late 1800's, and the components of a typical mining town on the plains. Mr. L'Amour, in fact, had actually built a replica western town only a short time prior to his death.

This town is directly situated in an area that the Ute Indians still claim, so there is a possiblity of Indian attack, and at one point in the story, Fallon comes under attack by a party of at least 6 Utes. Readers of Mr. L'Amour's books such as Bendigo Shafter, Passin Through, or Milo Talon, among others, will be reminded that he had great interest in western towns: what it took to build them and just what components comprised them. And though Fallon is a fictional treatment, the story offers great factual insight into both the elements of a western town and the various peoples who lived in them and made them survive.

The story moves along very well and is humorous at certain spots, and while I don't rank this story with Shalako, Hondo, or some others, it is enjoyable.

So if you are interested in Louis L'Amour and his work this one will offer a few hours reading. He spent his life writing these books and the enjoyment and practical knowledge he held readily comes through.

So saddle a good horse, check the bullet loads in your pistol, and get a good supply of water before we hit the trail. Remember, those water holes can be very far apart. With bandit gangs and predatory Indians sprinkled along the trails.

Semper Fi.

I can't believe this was the first western I ever read, I'll defintely search out more. This is good fun right from the first paragraphs "Macon Fallon was a stranger to Seven Pines, and fortunately he was a stranger with a fast horse" - from the opening lines I was carried along.

The story follows Macon Fallon, as you know from the above, a stranger to Seven Pines who manages to upset some gamblers and escapes from the lynching - but gets himself in a bad way travelling in the dry areas without water. Just in time he sees a small wagon train and hatches a plan. There is a deserted town up behind the trail, he realises if he can get the wagoners to set up the town again he can make a pile and start a new life out west. It is kind of a scam, but he feels some guilt, they are decent people and he doesn't swindle decent people.

The hero is good fun, at once self-deprecating good humour, and next strong and able hero to the wagoners and against the local unsavoury and highly violent gang. One of the Wagoners, Ginia, an attractive young woman, smart and brave.

the story bounded along, its a short and punchy novel, the only thing I found I disliked was the long discussion of poker hands. The hero and the writing reminded me strongly of Lee Child and I wondered if Child was a L'amour fan - maybe I need to read more of this sort of stuff.

Loved it, will read more of Louis L'amour's books.

With Fallon Louis L'Amour comes up with a very different main character. Fallon isn't a gunfighter or cattleman; he's a gambler and a complicated individual. I've read a great many excellent books by Louis L'Amour, and have enjoyed all of them but to be honest, they are uneven. By this I mean that some of them are much better than others.
Fallon is one that I flat out loved; one that I remember well, and of all of L'Amour's always fun to read Westerns, I think Fallon is one of the best.

Father's Arcane Daughter was one of my favorite books when I was little, and it still holds that spot now. The characters are realistic and interesting, the story moving and gripping, and the ending heart-warming and rewarding.
Winstong Carmichael is a seventh-grader with a priveleged upbringing and an impressive intelligence and maturity. Unfortunately, his undisciplined, overindulged, ten-year-old sister Heidi (short for Hilary) is a heavy weight on his shoulders. She requires constant entertainment from others, as she is not able to entertain herself, and has horrible manners and no consideration for others. Her hearing and coordination problems make her a bit dependant, but her behavior is what makes her a burden, one that Winston resents (he is actually unable to bring friends over because Heidi ruins the visits). Then,when he meets a woman claiming to be his long-lost half sister, Caroline, from his dad's previous marriage, Winston's life is turned around.
Caroline Carmichael was presumed dead years ago after a kidnapping, so many are suspicious of the new arrival's claims that she is Caroline, despite her physical resemblence to Caroline and extensive knowledge of Caroline's old friends and relatives. Is she really the person she claims to be, or is she trying to get her hands on the family fortune?
While the process of examination goes on, Winston gets to know a person who may or may not be his half sister, but is, without a doubt, a beacon of light in his life. The possible Caroline knows that Winston will be forever imprisoned by his sister's dependance if something is not done to help Heidi become as independant as she is able to be, so she starts down the road to teach Heidi proper, polite behavior, as well as teaching her how to best work with her hearing and coordination handicaps.
Through Winston's perspective, the reader will learn many hidden, sometimes ugly, truths about a seemingly normal rich family and about the woman who helps free the children from their gilded cage.

Father's Arcane Daughter was a childhood favorite that retains its appeal though I'm now in my 30s. As with all of Konigsburg's works, this book is a masterful tale that keeps you guessing until the very end. The central question of the book (is she or isn't she Caroline) becomes increasingly less important as her role in the family becomes increasingly more so. The unexpected ending is nevertheless satisfying, though I agree it comes all to soon. This excellent children's book is definitely on my must read list!

ISBN 0440424968 - For ages 10-14, Father's Arcane Daughter seems a little more adult than even that age group. It's a pity the book wasn't written as the full, grown-up novel that it should have been, but since it wasn't... read this one!

Twice upon a time, Winston got a new sister. The first time it happened, his parents brought home from the hospital a "creature". Heidi is handicapped and Winston, made to be responsible for her, builds a vocabulary just to describe her - none of the words are particularly nice. The second time, his half sister returned home sixteen years after she was kidnapped. At first unhappy at Caroline's arrival, Winston slowly comes to appreciate her presence in their lives, just as he really begins to question whether or not she is really Caroline.

An interesting story, told in Winston's words as he speaks to his sister (which sister is not identified for some time) about what happened twenty years ago, when Caroline came home. Well told, the reader gets the feeling, eventually, that either answer to the mystery of Caroline would be fine. It is far less important WHO she is than THAT she is.

This was a truly wonderful book. The characters' actions conveyed their emotions accurately, and the story was suspenseful. I would recommend this to everyone looking for a good book.

This is a truly riveting book, told masterfully by one of my favorite childrens' authors. The characters are multi dimensional and well-developed and the plot is unusual and insightful. I found myself unable to put it down, and when I finished it left a hauntingly beautiful echo that lasted for days.

This is childrens' book of true quality.

I have been teaching music to young children for 22 years and this book has changed the way I teach. I read it through twice and will read it again. The combination of technique and experience with warmth and humor is unbeatable.

Roger Mason, Ph.D.
Miami, Florida

This book is so easy to read, clear, and helpful to music teachers and students alike. It has step-by-step guidelines, reviews often, and is written as a story that can read in an hour. I found it very insightful and helpful in my teaching.

I bought this book on sale a couple of years ago and just got around to reading it this summer. I'm an elementary school music teacher. This book has helped me organize my approach to teaching note reading not just sight singing. Mr. Bertalot explains that his approach works best with 2 to 4 students at a time. Nonetheless, in the past 12 weeks of school, I've been using his approach with my regular classes (25 kids in each class with 2nd through 5th grades targeted). Much success already. There is a video that also goes along with this. I'm looking for a resource so that I can order it. If you teach kids or adults, this is a VERY helpful book. The appoach is fresh (yet, traditional) and well laid out. If you would like to e-mail me regarding the book feel free

This is the best approach to teaching sight-singing I've seen. The five wheels are an analogy to a car - four wheels plus the steering wheel. Each wheel represents a point that a choir director or music teacher should use to guide the student quickly to learn how to pick up a piece of music and sing it successfully. You can memorize the five wheels if you assign one to each finger of your hand.

But the author - wonderfully patient, experienced, and something of a genius among choir directors - doesn't leave you there. He then gives you 12 easy steps he has found will bring students to look at, think about, and thoroughly enjoy the sheet music they have in front of them.

Oh, how many hours have I wasted getting my choir to learn songs by getting them to repeat unthinkingly what I play or sing to them? The author of "5 Wheels to Successful Sight-Singing" makes every rehearsal a lesson in improving the student's ability to read music. For choir directors this saves enormous time - you just hand the music to the choir and they sing it, even if they've never seen the music before.

If you want to teach choirs or small groups of students to sight-sing quickly and thoroughly, I don't think you will find a better way to do it than by following the simple method in this book.

This short book was highly recommended to me, and as a choir director, I enjoyed reading it.

I have also read John Bertalot's Immediately Practical Tips for Choral Directors, and found that to espouse some of the same helpful ideas.

Bertalot's short book is a quick and easy read as it takes the shape of a fictional dialogue between a music student and a master teacher. Bertalot does not support the idea that sight-singing should be taught for a few minutes at the beginning of each rehearsal and put away. His main thesis is that children should instead to learn to read music while they are learning the very same music. Bertalot then provides instruction as to how to best go about doing that.

Some of his ideas may at first seem counterproductive. For instance, Bertalot thinks the accompaniment should be played as lightly and/or as seldom as possible. In addition, students should practice more often in small groups than in larger sections. While they may not pick up their part in rehearsal as quickly, singers will develop their inner hearing and ability to read the notes. Bertalot provides twelve very basic steps to sight singing, starting with the singing of one note and moving on from there.

This book is clear and concise, and Bertalot's ideas are well explained. Some may not like the dialogue-style of writing, as Bertalot's ideal "choirmaster" seems to have everything go perfectly for him. This book is geared for those who teach children. There is a short section at the end which covers different approaches for adults, but overall the book is less helpful for them.

I strongly recommend this book to any music teacher who works with children and singing. They will appreciate it.

Although P.G. Wodehouse's non-Bertie and Jeeves novels aren't as well-known to the casual reader, they're in many ways, even better than their more popular counterparts. FRENCH LEAVE is an ingeniously constructed farce that, unlike so many attempts in the genre, doesn't feel excessively dependent on random coincidence and implausible events. I will say, however, that I found the denouement slightly disappointing.

I highly recommend this book. It's one of my favorites by P.G. Wodehouse. It's very entertaining and funny!

Why, in Heavens name, should a modern reader take the time to read the novels of P.G. Wodehouse?? Is it because he was the funniest writer of the 20th century? He was. Is it because you will marvel at his complete mastery of the English language? You will. Is it because his heroes and villians are equally likable persons?? They are. The star of every Wodehouse novel is not Bertie or Jeeves or Lord Emsworth or Psmith or even Mr. Mulliner; the star, of course, is Wodehouse himself. And when he speaks, you should listen!

French Leave is a non-saga novel (meaning no Jeeves or Uncle Fred) with very appealing characters and wonderous and hilarious misunderstandings. It is the story of three American girls and their adventures in France: a story of love at first sight, of mineral-water millionaires, of rascally French policemen, and of a breach of promise suit that never happens. And like all Wodehouse settings, France seems like Heaven on earth. Warm sunshine seems to glow from each and every page. It is almost as if Wodehouse is speaking directly to his audience saying: Wouldn't you like to be here and spend time with my friends? I think all readers of French Leave would transport themselves there in a minute.

If you've never read Wodehouse before, I cannot but strongly encourage you to join the millions who have discovered this wonderful writer. French Leave is just as good a place as any to start. Because it is a later novel (written in the mid-fifties), it will prime you for some of the even wackier masterpieces of the 20s and 30s. Read on, ladies and gentlemen, and even you may find that song lurks in the depths of your heart.

I've read over 100 Wodehouse stories and this one is one of my favorites. The harmless phrase "Where is the dossier Quibolle?" had me rolling off the floor (you have to read the book to find out more...). Wodehouse also weaves in French pronounciations and hilarious interactions between the French and non-French characters in the novel. This book makes you laugh right from the Preface to the last page.

French Leave is the epitome of Wodehouse writing. Everyone gets into more scrapes than any other author could pack into 250 odd pages. I enjoy reading all Wodehouse books and this is an especial favorite. Mr. Wodehouse has a command of the English language we could all do well to emulate. You will enjoy this light look at love and foriegn countries!

I read "Swept Away" years ago, and when I went to the library to check it out again, it was gone. Disappeared. I cried. If any kind soul reads this and knows where I can get a copy of ANY of the "Unicorn Queen" books, I would be eternally greatfull if you would write to me and tell me where. Thank You!

I read this series in third grade and I can still sit down and read it over and over. The six books are one of my treasured series that I will never get rid of, and it fueled many stories of my own!

I'm launching a letter campaign to get these books back. It is ridiculous what people are spending for a book that should be available to young girls and old alike. Libraries can't keep these books in stock! If you want to help me this is what I'm doing: I will mail a letter a day to the Ballantine/Fawcet press asking that they publish The Secret of the Unicorn Queen Series. I will say that there is a genuine need for these books and that they will sell. In order to prove the high demand for these books it would be great to have other people send in letters too. Anyone who is interested can e-mail me (it's a hotmail account with my name) or just write and mail a letter. This shouldn't be a herculean labor, these books are marketable and will sell, the publisher can't go wrong. (I love the cover art too-Rowena is brilliant!)

I got the series from a friend and just keep readng them over and over! I love them! I just can't put them down! I woiuld recommend this series to ANY lover of fantasy! And the cover work is beautiful!

I read these books over and over until I was in middle school. They're great! I was a dummy and donated them to my school library of the time and they're long gone. That was over 10 years ago and I'm still kicking myself.

Got to agree with the guys above- I read this first in my early teens and it has travelled with me since. How many times have I read it? Ten? Twenty? It's comforting, in the way that a favourite novel is; disturbing; it's dystopic vision is still unnervingly true to life. Maybe not everyone would take to this book, but I for one will always want to ride a bke like Mitzi!

This book is the first that I have ever read cover-to-cover, in one sitting. Perhaps that enhanced its impact. Westall has put together a fine story, well before its time, which is an excellent read as well as informative and perceptive in its comments on technology and society. If you can get a copy, its well worth reading. If you've already read it, take another look. Time hasn't dulled its message.

I couldnt agree more with the guy from Ireland.. I read the book when i was the same age as he was, and REALLY loved it. Robert Westall had a keen eye as to what the future held. And it`s still good!

Like, I daresay, a lot of people, I first read this book when I was about 11-12. I've kept coming back to it ever since (I'm now in my mid-twenties) and it reveals new layers every time I read it.
It's superbly written, darkly funny, fast-paced, and thought provoking. The characters are facinating and the way Westall gradually reveals the Big Picture is just masterful. A classic.

Robert Westall is one of this century's greatest writers for young adults, and this, in my opinion, is his very best book (although "Devil on the Road" comes a close second - they're very similar in style). An SF classic which eschews the normal spacecraft and explosions for complex political and social ideas. There have been genuinely few adult SF novels published in the last thirty years which compare to this novel's intelligence and dark humour. I read this first when I was 13 and have re-read it more times than I can remember... Simply put, my battered yellowing copy of this is very dear to me, and I suspect, will always stay that way.

Readers versed in the Wodehouse canon will recall a delightful episode titled "Extricating Young Gussie." This installment in the Blandings Castle saga could be titled "Gally extricates everyone." It's not much about Lord Emsworth, and the perennially prize winning pig, Empress of Blandings, features only in a bit part. The usual bevy of imperious aunts cause the usual sackfuls of trouble for numerous tangled hearts. But the plot, such as it is, turns on Lord Emsworth's resourceful brother, the loveable rogue, Galahad Threepwood, and his Jeeves- like power to make things come right. While some of Lord Emsworth's behavior seems uncharacteristic, this later novel from 1965 is nevertheless prime Wodehouse and a ripping good read.

This story by P.G. Wodehouse is very entertaining and a really good read. A great escape into the magical world of Wodehouse.

Galahad at Blandings is a book part of the Blandings Castle series, but I wouldn't call it Wodehouse's best book. It is a about a couple, Sam and Sandy, and how they come together. They have a fight, and Sam comes to Blandings Castle as an imposter, to resolve the fight, as Sandy won't talk to him at all. Then in the end, money is given, fights are resolved, and everyone is happy. It is a tremendously funny book, as many of the main character are quite eccentric, so I suggest you pick up a copy quickly. Enjoy!!! Cheers!!!!!!!!! : )

The Hon. Galahad Threepwood is back. This time he has assigned himself the dubious task of bringing three different couples together. The setting is England, Blandings Castle, of course, complete with the amiable dunce Lord Emsworth and his prize-winning porker, the Empress, infamous for her role in `PIG-HOO-EY'.

On his way to London to pick up his brother Clarence (Lord Emsworth), Galahad, a dapper middle-aged man eyes the name on a sinister package that Lord Emsworth's secretary Sandy Callendar has asked him to post. The parcel is addressed to a chap named Bagshott. This detail excites Galahad's curiosity because he used to be bosom with a fellow named Bagshott. But the Bagshott that the Hon. Galahad knew (Boko) had long since retired from the earth. Discovering that the contents of said package are a pile of letters that will effectively sunder Sandy Callendar's relationship with Boko's son, Samuel Galahad Bagshott, Gally becomes determined to keep the sparring couple afloat. Having been staunchly opposed to sundered hearts since he was a boy, Galahad Threepwood is resolved to put matters right.

Sam and Sandy's dispute happens to be related to gambling and, well, naturally, the Drones Club. You see Sam stands to gain a sackful in a sweep if Tipton Plimsoll (fellow Drones Club member) weds the pretty dolt Veronica Wedge, Lord Emsworth's niece. But Sandy is diametrically opposed to the whole enterprise, urging Sam to part with the debatably generous syndicate offer. And she still hasn't forgiven Sam for telling her that she looks like a "horror from outer space" with a particular pair of glasses on. Plus, Sandy is a redhead, making the task for Gally that much more difficult - as we all know, redheaded women have short and irrational tempers. Enter the "pint-sized bozo," Wilfred Allsop, cousin of Veronica Wedge. On a bender one night in New York with his new friend Tipton Plimsoll, Willie, who somewhat "resembles the poet Shelley," reveals his affections for Lord Emsworth's pig lady, Monica Simmons. Tipton Plimsoll endorses the arrangement despite his belief that Ms. Simmons has the appearance of an "all-in wrestler."

As it is, all three of these impending alliances are dependent upon each other and the Hon. Galahad Threepwood knows it. You'll have to read the story to find out whether or not Gally is successful with his scheme to reunite the warring couples. Just know that he is a skilled raconteur and "teller of the tale." Gally will never miss a beat and he stays on top of it all, undoubtedly aided by his fondness for cocktails at all hours.

Galahad has many passions in life. One is to protect the reputation of one of his oldest and greatest friends, whiskey. Disgusted and offended by "coloured slides" and "temperance lectures" Gally goes on an anti-Tea tirade, accusing "the muck" as he calls it, of being responsible for the death of his poor, dear old friend Buffy Struggles, who "got run over by a hansom cab as he was crossing Piccadilly." Evidently, tea had sapped Buffy's strength.

Recalling another seemingly outrageous send-up, the Hon. Galahad exclaims, "The only safe way to get through life is to pickle your system thoroughly in alcohol." The story to prove the aforementioned theory involved two brothers, Freddie and Eustace Potts. Their French chef once served them a hedgehog while pretending that it was a chicken just to save some money. Well, Eustace, who was a "teetotaler" nearly died, but Freddie, who "had lived mostly on whiskey since early boyhood" showed no ill effects at all after consuming the carcass.

A large part of Gally wishes he could go back to his days at the Pelican Club. There, he would fascinate the members with his inimitable wit, and tireless devotion to mopping the sauce up like a vacuum cleaner in London pubs. Galahad happily recalls his days of getting pinched by the gendarmerie for being drunken and disorderly, vaunting that it would always take three of them to drag him away to the jug.

I recommend this book, especially as a device for teaching English. As the plot thickens, and it does thicken, especially when the Empress gets pie-eyed, and Gally is stretched not quite to his limits, the reader becomes aware that the Hon. Galahad could have been the Prime Minister if he had wanted to. Threepwood is a leader of the first rank - truly a man that we can all look up to. What Ho, Gally?

P.G. Wodehouse once said that you could write about life as it is or as musical comedy. He chose to do the latter. As a result, I strongly prefer to listen to audio recordings of Mr. Wodehouse's novels. The dramatic portrayals add a great deal to the humor of the stories. This is the first one that I have heard by Jeremy Sinden. He is very talented and flexible in his characterizations, moving easily from men to women, from one English class to another, and even to including Americans.

If you are familiar with the stories about Jeeves and the gentleman he serves, Bertram (Bertie) Wooster, which Mr. Wodehouse also wrote, you will feel at home with this tale, as well. Galahad plays the Jeeves-like role, but with greater elan than Jeeves ever did. You'll like Galahad. He's never let a pal down, and he has lots of them from his days carousing at the old Pelican Club. He's the bright, ne'er-do-well younger brother of Clarence, Lord Emsworth (who is fond of pigs, especially his prize-winning, Empress of Blandings, and his peace and quiet).

The story begins with a misunderstanding (not unlike the ones that Shakespeare used in his comedies -- it must be something about the water in England). An American millionaire, Tipton Plimsoe (I apologize for the fact I may have the spellings wrong in this review, since I have only heard the audio cassettes), runs into his fiancee's cousin, and they imbibe a bit too much. In the middle of the night, he awakens to find himself in jail. Someone has taken the millionaire's wallet, so he has no money to post bail. The cousin remembers that Lord Emsworth is in New York, staying at the Plaza, so they call him. Lord Emsworth is a little simple and has a poor memory. Although he dispatches the $20 by messenger to release the two, he mistakenly interprets this as meaning that the millionnaire has lost all of his money in the stock market crash of 1929 (the backdrop of this story).

The consequences of this misunderstanding almost cause three sets of lovers to be kept apart and Lord Emsworth to become engaged to a most unsuitable person. Worse yet, the Empress of Blandings herself is put at risk!

You might think that such a story would have a very predictable plot. Nothing could be less true. Just when the plot seems to be comfortably taking you left, Wodehouse puts in a complication that suddenly causes a u-turn. Then, when you get settled into that direction, he sends you off suddenly at a 45 degree angle. And pretty soon, you are overwhelmed with complications to keep you amusingly occupied with how in the world this can ever be straightened out . . . even though you have a pretty good idea of how things must turn out eventually.

But the complications serve an important purpose beyond keeping up the suspense. They also provide wonderful chances to show the true nature of the characters, and to flesh them out. This I found to be particularly well done in this book. Basically, Wodehouse likes to contrast those who care about others in a sincere way with those who are only concerned with their self-interest. The self-obsessed people unwittingly do themselves in, while the caring people somehow muddle through. The caring people have to also clean up the messes the self-interested ones make.

This book includes two of P.G. Wodehouse's most intimidating and unstoppable older women, Clarence's and Galahad's sister, Lady Hermione, and her friend, Dame Daphne Winkworth, who has her eye on Clarence. The upper class men are, as usual, very unintelligent (except for Galahad), which makes for much of the humor.

I suggest that you use your experience with hearing the narration of this story to think of a story that you would like to read aloud to a child you know. Then do so. Be sure to pick one that you can make very entertaining and which teaches valuable lessons.

See the humor . . . even in the worst circumstances!

Hi.. I am a 7th grader.. I read this book a year ago, This book was amazing.. I love The Character's and the reaction toward's one another.. They all seem like good friend's that get a long.. Elaine Moore - is a very talented woman. This is one of my favorite book's to be truthfully honest with you.. This is a very remarkable book.. I think other teen's my age should at least give this book a try.. They'd like it..

This book was amazing. I couldn't put it down until after the third time I read it. I have a lot of favorite parts. One was the dance scene and the others were the football games. this book has inspired me and it will to you if this is your kind of book.

I love how Elaine Moore described the characters . In most books everything always goes right , I don't like that, but this book didn't. it was so funny , espically when they found out she was a girl.

I thought this book was hilarious! It was definitely a very fitting sequel to the first. I am sure that if there are any more sequels, they will be equally funny!

Oh my gosh! This is the best book. It is about a girl whosecretly joins the boys football team. Then they find out somethingshocking! Read this book to find out. All I can say, WOW!

"Great Day for Dying" is a pretty fascinating (and bold) idea for a mystery: What if the Grand Marshall of the St. Patrick's Day parade was murdered? This fast-moving (I finished it an afternoon!) and often hilarious book is a must for anyone who's interested in anything Irish -- with some great glimpses of the REAL Irish culture of New York, which Harrington chroniciles with the fine eye of an anthropologist. On top of that, it's a neat little mystery, which had me guessing -- and laughing -- 'till the end.

A first-rate novel here, from all angles. The mystery story twists and turns engagingly. This time Danny O'Flaherty is back in New York, and it's not in wannabe hip circles downtown but far uptown above 200th Street where the work is tough and the people live in fear of the Immigration and Naturalization Service. Harrington moves with authority from the complications of a Dominican neighborhood to the internecine strife of the Irish community. And along the way he offers incisive and often funny characters - Detective Washington, Mr. Zhang, surly Ian Masters, and above all, the opinionated Fintan Conway who, even dead, is larger than life. These creations linger in the mind long after the story is over. The climax is a fitting mix of resolution and tragedy, with a promise of romance to come. Highly recommended.

A GREAT DAY FOR DYING Jonathan Harrington

A Great Day for Dying is a fast-paced, thoroughly enjoyable mystery. In Harrington's two previous books Danny O'Flaherty solved murders while teaching in the quaint, Irish town of Ballycara. In the third book in the Danny O'Flaherty series, A Great Day For Dying, the tone changes somewhat as Danny returns to his job teaching in an inner-city high school in New York. His girlfriend from Ballycara, Fidelma Muldoon, has also come to New York and wants to go to the infamous St. Patrick's Day Parade on Fifth Avenue. Danny hates the parade, believing it is more about politics than Irish pride, but eventually agrees to go. Finton Conway, the Grand Marshall of the parade, is killed right in front of them and Danny is an eyewitness. Clues seem to point to another Ballycara resident and friend, Brendan Grady, who may be mixed up with the IRA. Danny is determined to prove his friend innocent, although Brendan makes it clear he does not want Danny's help.

A Great Day For Dying is spiked with enough Irish history and politics to peak my interest without overwhelming me. I am Irish American and learned more about my ancestry.

The characters in the Danny O'Flaherty series are growing and maturing as the series continues. I really enjoyed A Great Day for Dying, and recommend it.

Mystery connoisseurs who have not discovered Jonathan Harrington's Danny O'Flaherty series will be delighted to do so. O'Flaherty--New York City Irish--after the death of his father, visits Ireland to research his roots. Ultimately, this protag finds himself investigating two seemingly unplumbable mysteries in, The Death of Cousin Rose and the Second Sorrowful Mystery. Harrington's latest mystery novel, A Great Day for Dying, is anything but small town. Back in New York City O'Flaherty resumes his role as a tough but fair inner-city high school teacher. While attending a St. Patrick's Day parade the controversial Grand Marshal, Fintan Conway--whose enemies stretch from the IRA to the Papacy to Miami drug traffickers--takes to the chest, three bullets from a masked assassin and is left for dead. O'Flaherty, witness to the events, soon finds himself unraveling the mystery behind the shooting at the urging of his fiancee, Fidelma Muldoon. Muldoon is a modern day Maureen O'Hara equal to her beauty, spirit, and individuality. Harrington knows the mystery genre well and it's obvious that he demands of himself taut writing, swift pace, bushels of humor, Irish wit, and above all, fairplay plotting. There's no sorcery in O'Flaherty's conclusions and there are no wasted tributaries on the road to culpability. A Great Day for Dying also introduces Detective George Washington. A seasoned, New York City cop--McCoy from the get go. readers may at first feel uncomfortable with the author's "George Washington" device, but much like Arthur Upfield's shamus, Napolean Bonaparte--"Boney" to friends--Washington quickly emerges as a keeper. He could easily carry a series on his own. In a Great Day for Dying Danny O'Flaherty and his world around him develop wonderfully. An excellent, swift, and satisfying read. --Andrew McAleer is the editor of Crimestalker Casebook and the author of Appearance of Counsel.

While teaching in Ireland for a year on an exchange program, Danny O'Flaherty solved a couple of murders. He recently returned to his home in New York City where his fiancee Fidelma Muldoon illegally stays too, though her Visa expired. Fidelma persuades Danny to accompany her to the St. Patrick's Day parade, an event he hates because it has become more revelry than a celebration of ethnic pride.

Someone shoots the controversial Grand Marshal Fintan Conway near where Danny and Fidelma are observing the events. The police arrest illegal immigrant Brendan Grady, a friend of Peter and Fidelma. Since Danny provided an eye witness account of what he observed and Fidelma knows he has solved at least two homicides, she insists he find the real killer. Brendan was in the room where Conway was shot, but he refuses to explain why. Despite misgivings on becoming involved, Danny investigates the killing only to learn more than he ever wanted to know about ethnic loyalties.

A GREAT DAY FOR DYING captures the ambiance and gala feeling that New York's St. Patrick's Day parade provides to much of the locals and visitors. The tale also looks at the politics that go on behind the scenes, especially that of the Big Apple's Irish community. Danny remains a terrific character who in spite of his doubts instinctively champions justice. Readers will enjoy Jonathan Harrington's latest work while eagerly awaiting more novels in a tremendous series.

Harriet Klausner

This is a cute, easy to read book that discusses the basic elements of Chinese New Year.

This is a simply written and beautifully illustrated book about the Chinese New Year. Through delicate line drawings and jewel like colors the author/illustrator captures the essence of Chinese mythical creatures, flora, fauna, heavenly creatures and mortals. We learn about Chinese zodiac symbols, gods, how Chinese people prepare for the New Year, why they eat special kinds of foods on New Year's Day, the symbolism of specific flowers as gifts, and the meanings of Chinese characters hung on doorways. Demi is the talented author and illustrator of many children's books with Chinese themes. This book is definitely one of my favorites.

Need an excuse to explore ethnic and religious holidays and practices? This is your vehicle. The interesting and exciting practices surrounding Chinese New Year can so easily be compared in writing, drama and story-telling of many other cultures. You cannot go wrong with this book.

I haven't found a book by Demi that isn't terrific. This is a great book for young children, it gives lots of great information on the Chinese New Year and what one does to get ready for the New Year celebration! A must have for anyone with an who wants their child to know about their hertitage!

This is a nice introduction to chinese new year. I will use it as a informational guide and have my Chinese-Vietnamese students look it over to facilitate a discussion about their new year. Thanks.