O Books

A coming of age, a little romance, a little suspense, a little mystery-- Father Greeley has put a little of everything into this coming of age story of a young Irish American. As in many of Greeley's stories, this "accidental" hero soon grabs the heart of the reader. The yarn of adventures wrapped around the characters as young Chucky grows up keeps you hooked, and will entice you into reading through the whole series to see what Chucky Ducky and the "crazy O'Malley's" will do next. I highly recommend.

I debated four stars or five but gave the author the benefit of the doubt for a compelling novel and interesting characters and settings. The narrator's (Charles O'Malley's) shifts from present to future to past were disconcerting and tempted me to remove one star. As usual, Greeley is a skilled chronicler of Irish-American Catholic life. In this book we also see something of the early postwar period in Germany with its misery, black market profiteering, and progress toward democracy. The relationship of Charles (or Chucky)and Rosemarie (or Rosie)is not really resolved and may be fodder for another novel.

This is an unusually (sorry, Father) cleverly written book. Lots of
narrative, sentiment and good lines. One of my favorites is on
p. 300. Greeley has this warmly naive fraulein say to the story's
hero, whose car is running out of gas, "May I ask you a question,
Karl?" Answer: "I have to concentrate on driving the car,
Trudi. Please don't bother me." And Trudi says, "But does
the E on that gauge mean empty?" Dry wit at its best!

Greeley's
history is wonderfully accurate. I wish he would have mentioned one of
my wartime favorites, the eponymous H.V. Kaltenborn. I would have
liked a little less sarcasm (mild tho' it was) and less G.I. obscenity
(tolerable tho' it was).

This book deserves a movie contract- with
Father Andrew directing!

I enjoyed this book, spending the better part of a Sunday afternoon to finish it. It is the beginning of a series focused on bright and personable young Chuck O'Malley. The young man has the gift for detective work that is a common trait of Greeley's protagonists. While the setting and character types are familiar from other Greeley novels, the story is a pleasant exploration of familiar territory. This story provided a nice balance of action, suspense, and good characters. It's frustration is that it is the first installment in a series and just when you want more the book ends. Of course, the next installment is available as I write this belated review. Chuck O'Malley may just end up on my favorite character list along with Blackie Ryan and the Coynes (Dermot and Naula Ann).

Father Greeley introduces us to new and captivating fictional (but don't we know real-life folks similiar?) Irish-Catholic families in Chicago and deftly interweaves them with suspense in Post World War II Germany. But, here's a *WARNING* I wish I would have known when I started this book: this is "Part One" of the saga. Unlike the Blackie Ryan or Nuala Ann books, it is NOT self-contained. One must read the 2d of this series, _Younger Than Springtime_, to have even a glimmer of how it all ends. Order both now, so you won't have to pester your Postperson to keep reading ;-) I hope, to complete the saga (still not wholly resolved at the end of _Springtime_,)that there will be a _Summer_ and _Autumn_?

I've been a fan of Modesty and Willie since the books first came out, and I was a loyal reader of the strip in the London Evening Standard for many years.
If you like action novels, with unusual villains, fast-moving scenes, and plenty of tongue in cheek humor, Modesty Blaise is the girl for you, and 'Modesty Blaise', the first novel in the series, is a good place to start.
After writing non-fiction for many years, I turned to fiction in 2003, and my first novel 'Snides' is available on Amazon. As a gesture of homage to Peter O'Donnell, I created an action duo, John Pilgrim and Sally Brandon. They're not straight copies of the originals and the best, Modesty Blaise and Willie Garvin, but I've tried to hit their target of plenty of action, with a little humor.
I own the complete series of Modesty Blaise books, and one of them is always on my bedside table. I must have read them all dozens of times, but I still keep re-reading them!

Tony Walker
Scottsdale, Arizona

Modesty Blaise is the perfect woman. That is if the perfect woman is a different sort of beautiful, witty, funny, sophisticated, terrifyingly focused and a lethal killer without commitments.

If you like your superheroes or thrillers to be up close and personal, you need to read O'Donnell's Modesty Blaise. There are gadgets, guns, and impossible missions, not to mention hand to hand combat poetry.

In this book, Tarrant, of the British Secret Service, has a problem. He wants Modesty's help, but really has no leverage, except to play on how much she cares about Willie Garvin. The reasons why are revealed.

He does so, and they go into action. A very dangerous situation, and they must be captured by a ruthless man named Gabriel, to stop a diamond operation.

I became an instant fan from the beginning pages of this lst of a series. Modesty and Willie are fascinating, likeable characters with almost superhuman powers between them. They fight the evil doers of the world and win against all odds. The strong, fast moving plot is deeply satisfying with unexpected twists and turns. Even though it was written over 40 years ago, the characters are still fresh and compeling. Modesty can hold her head high in the world of superwomen who break rules when necessary for the greater good. A winner for both male and female readers!

Modesty Blaise started life as a cartoon strip, but O'Donnell then put his creation into novel form, and did a superb job in both formats. This is the first novel in the series, and introduces the setting and most of the main characters.

Modesty Blaise is a former refugee and survivor of the terrible disruptions caused by the war, and as a child drifted across Eastern Europe and the Middle East in the company of an old professor. She had to be tough to survive; but her companion instilled in her a strong moral code. She took over a small criminal gang and built it up into a powerful criminal organisation infused with that moral code--they never touched drugs or vice, and occasionally co-operated with the police and intelligence services to help clean up such crimes. She retired a wealthy woman at the age of 24.

As the novel opens, Modesty and her friend and former second-in-command Willie Garvin are finding that retirement is boring and adrenaline an addiction they cannot shake. Sir Gerald Tarrant, the head of British Intelligence, exploits that addiction to recruit them for an intelligence operation for which they are peculiarly suited. What follows is a thrilling caper novel pitting Modesty and Willie against a bizarre criminal mastermind. Tight plotting and wonderful prose make this a very entertaining read, with a unique pair of heroes. It's wonderful to see Souvenir Press reissuing the novels, making them available again to both a new generation of fans and those with fond memories.

It is hard to say whether the Modesty Blaise novels or the Modesty Blaise comic strips are better, but the lucky reader doesn't have to choose. Read both. The comic strips have been reprinted by Titan Books, Ken Pierce Books, Manuscript Press, and in Comics Revue magazine, and now the novels are being reissued. Also highly recommended are the books Peter O'Donnell wrote under the pseudonym Madeleine Brent.

I have never read a book where I was motivated to find the sequels. The books are kind of old and I had to look for them in half-priced book stores. I finally got all of the copies and was amazed at the detail of the story lines. Highly recommened!

I liked Sergeant MacDougal as he shows up riding with Major Jonah Trmain on their way to Diablo. They and Private Davie [poor guy] are coming from Fort Fannin to Diablo in search of information about the payroll robberies.
Major Tremain sends his two companions off to Diablo while he seeks out Half-Moon Ranch and Quince Hunter. Tremain has been in some major set-tos with the Indians since Quince left him 5 years ago.

It seems like spring is in the air or at least the mating urge. Abby does not know how to handle her unsettled emotions. She is not happy or at least she is wary of her father being home from prison.

Now Jack Hunter is putting Half-Moon back deeper in debt. And the banker, Edmund Montgomery is egging Jack on.

Abby continues to snarl at Jonah while her brothers are trying to get enough mustangs together to supply the army with moderately trained horses. The Major needs a nicely trained mount for a lady.

We learn that a lot of hopes are place on the colt, Moon Racer that Abby had raised. Abby just wishes that Matt would come home.

Instead of being able to go out mustanging with her brothers she must help Iona Montgomery because Iona had been there for her for so many years. The trouble is that Edmund is in the house of an evening and he tries to get Abby to spend some time with him.
He is of the opinion that she wants him just as much as he wants her.

Quince has told Abby that Jonah is engage to Patricia Van Dere and she and Jonah's father are coming to Diablo.
Don't lose track of the payroll robberies and Jonah's determination to find the accomplices of Captain Gregory. He also has the Indian agent under watch.

There are so many interesting scenes going on with Abby cutting her hair - Abby giving Jack a mongrel pup as a birthday present - Edmund and Kane still plotting together - Jonah buying Taylor's ranch, thereby saving Taylor from Edmund forclosing - Jonah not being able to keep his hands off Abby - Abby sending off a letter to Julianna Rains for Iona.
Oh yes, and Edmund trying to force himself on Abby.
Jonah found Edmund, yikes!

Patricia turns out to be a sweet young lady [if 30 is young in those days]
You already know that Crystal is pregnant. And all of these stories take place through-out her 9 months.
Patricia just can't see herself living in the West - it terrifies her.

Definitely Recommended --m -- there is so much more to enjoy to the story. Happy reading.

Description from the back of the book:

Half-Moon Ranch

Somewhere in the lush grasslands of East Texas was a place where the sun had once shone on love and prosperity, while the night hid murder and mistrust. There, three brothers and a sister fought to hold their family together, struggled to keep their ranch solvent, while thy awaited the return of the one person who could shed light on the secrets of the past.

Abby

Growing up without a mother in a family of rowdy males, Abby had learned to ride and rope and wrangle as well as any of her brothers. But she had never learned to be a lady. And a lady was what Major Jonah Tremain was looking for in a wife. Abby told herself she didn't care that the major was engaged to a proper Eastern-bred miss, that he preferred his women wearing petticoats instead of chaps. But when she looked into his searing blue eyes ad felt the power of his lips against hers, she decided to teach him the error of his ways-only a Texas wildcat could do justice to passion such as his, and she planned to match him kiss for kiss.

* This is book #3 in the 3 book/3 author Half-Moon Ranch series. I absolutely loved this book. I loved it just as much if not better than the first in the series. Book #2 was still good (I gave it 4 stars) but book #1 & #3 are going to be really hard to beat. The storyline was great & we finally got to see little Abby grow up. Brent & Quince were in this book quite a bit & I just love how this family is there for one another. I highly recommend this series.

Book #1 - Hunter's Moon
Book #2 - Renegade Moon
Book #3 - Moon Racer
Book #4 - Dark of the Moon

I agree with the review above this is the best one in the series. I love Abby and Jonah, they have such an amazing chemistry together, and Edmund is such a jerk that you are happy when Jonah gets a hold of him. I love Constance O'Banyon's books and without a doubt this is my fav.

This book was the best in this four book series about a family torn apart by the murder of their mother. Abby and Jonah produce sparks from the moment they meet. Abby, the lone daughter in a family of ranchers, is an ace horse trainer. Jonah is the cavalry officer who takes pride in his honor. When he falls in love with Abby, Jonah almost lets her go because he promised to marry another woman. I really liked this book, but it was a good thing I read this one first instead of the others in the series. They did not quite reach the standard set here.

When I was newly diagnosed this was one of the first books I bought. It helped me to understand terms used in MS, and also knowledge that gave me a small sense of control over the disease. Knowledge is power, and this helped me gain that feeling.

This is one of the best books ever written for the patient. It explains in clear and concise language all aspects of concern. I have it close at hand and anytime I have a question, 9 times out of 10 it is in the book. A must read for a newly diagnosed person. I call it my bible of MS. In it is a brief history of the disease and right up to the most up to date treatment options. Absolutely love it.

I found this book to be very comprehensive: addressing what MS is, what causes MS, symptoms of MS, diagnosis, symptom management, treatment options, and social aspects. It includes the technical description, but through the use of analogies, makes each description very tangible for the layperson. I found the section on medications (and their evolution) particularly helpful. This book reinforced much of what I've learned through doctors, websites, and support organizations and filled in the gaps where information was lacking. It's an excellent resource for someone who has been newly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

If you only buy one book about this horrible disease, this is the one. Written by an MD in an easy-to-understand style.

I bought this book two days after being diagnosed - it was so helpful in understanding what was going on, how to deal with specific symptoms, what to watch out for, etc. It also explained the treatments - from the steroids to the ABC drugs. I sent sopies to my mom and dad because they were freaking out over the whole diagnosis and I didn;t have enough strength for all of us. Knowledge is power and this one gives really good, up to date info - something critical in managing this disease.

Mr. Stone has a sincere respect for God and His personal/descriptive Names in the OT and NT. Since it was written in 1944, much new manuscript information has come to light. For example, the personal Name of God has been found to be Yahweh by most Christian scholars. Jehovah has been determined to be incorrect, being formed by adding the Vowel points of Adonai to the Tetragrammaton, YHWH. This was done to keep from offending the traditionalist Jews who thought it too sacred to pronounce, and even the newest Bible translations use LORD in place of the personal Name of God, YHWH (Yahweh). Since LORD is a title, and not a name, I believe that we should use our God's real personal Name Yahweh in our translations and in our prayers.

I used this book when I taught an, "I Am Woman" class.

IT IS THE VERY GOOD BOOK FOR STUDENTS TO LEARN MORE. I BOUGHT THEM FOR MY FRIENDS. MANY THANKS. KEEP THE GOOD WORK.

This book was recommended by our minister during a Bible Study class. I bought it from Amazon, and received it promptly. Good transaction.
Anyway, this book describes in detail the meanings and nuances of the other names that are translated in the Bible as 'God' or 'Lord'. Each word in the original Hebrew or Greek describes the very nature of GOD, ie, His personality.
PS. There is a doctrine that is referred to in this book that is taught and taken for granted by most (ie, Catholic and Protestant churches), but that does not fit in with the doctrines of the Church of God that are written of throughout the NT, and especially the book of Acts. The book of Acts describes the very beginnings of the Church right after Christ died. Nevertheless, all in all, besides sounding somewhat pious at times, this book is very good. It is of benefit especially to those who really want to get to know God, ie, Who He really is and His relationship with human beings.

This is a great book. God really taught me a lot through reading it. You really get a good sense of how the order in which the names of God were revealed is so important, as well as the historic events that acompanied each revelation. This book gave me a much better education in the names of God than I have ever recieved in a sermon or anything else. I hope you enjoy it too!

I would like to start by saying Snoogy Cat, you do not know what you are talking about. Reg Green is a man who dedicates his life to getting out the message of organ donation. He uses the media attention to spread the word of donating life. Almost weekly he goes to meetings and conferences (at his own expense) to try and convince people to do their part to save lives. This story is one of compassion, love, and breaking barriers. Reg Green is witty and intelligent, and does his job in convincing me to do whatever I need to do for this cause.

I think everyone remembers hearing about little Nicholas, only seven
years old, killed by highway robbers in Italy. His family donated his
organs and started a rash of others doing to in Europe and throughout
the world. This is his story as told by his father. The wonderful
effect of that act made me want to give the book a better review. The
father's attitude made me want to give it a worse one, so it's right
in the middle. Maybe I would feel differently had I not read this
book directly following John Walsh's book. Walsh seemed like an
ordinary man doing his best to cope with extraordinary circumstances.
Green seems like a man who's enjoying all of the attention. His
writing style isn't great either. He flitters around topics in a
disjointed manner and goes about his mind's own ethical ramblings far
to often.

Gist: An extraordinary boy meets an extraordinary fate, producing extraordinary effects: After Nicholas, a young traveller to Italy, is killed, his parents' gesture of donating his organs ignites the gratitude of the world. Hammock-time: Requires no more than a long week-end to absorb via your hammock or beach chair. The book is fast-paced and relatively slim compared to the encyclopaedic nature of some non-fiction works. Substance: When the tragedy happened, I wept. When I saw the film starring Jamie Lee Curtis, I wept. And I wept again when I read this book. I thought at first it was because I'm Italian-American, but so many non-Italians around the world have been touched by the Greens' story. I had begun to lose faith in this world, especially dismayed by the New Thought/New Age field, with their greedy, plagiarizing (long dead philosophers are robbed boldly) authors, some truly inane ones sanctioned by Oprah, with their ineffectual techniques -- unproductive affirmations, visualizations, rigidity of mind that everything must have a reason, etc. etc. Yet the Greens, even though the father, Reg Green, is most likely an agnostic, restore my faith, refresh my soul. Something beautiful upholds this world, deeper than the surface chaos and craziness, and superficial philosophies that seek to explain life. A subtle chiascuro effect underlines this book: of deep dark pain playing against light-filled love. Reg Green's sense of humor creates a delightful poignancy. I sense many readers like myself will re-read the book. It's difficult to analyze, but I left sensing stronger than ever that an afterlife truly does exist. My heart goes out to the Greens, and to my fellow spiritual seekers who need a book like this to understand and experience the concepts of love, attunement -- concepts freed from the manipulative twists by a good ole guru network of popular authors who claim to know such truths. Complementary book: Can You Drink The Cup? by the late Fr. Henri Nouwen, is Christian-oriented, but it so lyrically and sensitively explores the universal experiences of love and grief, I enjoyed reading it, as what I'd term a sort of Seekers' Survival Guide, concurrently with the Green book.

As a liver transplant recepient almost four years ago, I had heard of the Nicholas effect. Shortly before reading this book, I discovered through a letter from my donor family that my donor had been inspired to sign his donor card based on Nicholas Green. This book is a stunning and true story of a boy's life, a family's grief and the heroic decision to make a difference to many others whom they did not know. Nicholas Green is still making a difference today becuase his story continues to ripple outward as when a pebble is dropped into a pond. I URGE you to read this book for yourself and prepared to be touched.

There is a verse in the bible which reads "Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil by doing good." Reg and Maggie Green have embraced this creed wholeheartedly. When their beautiful son was senselessly murdered in late 1994, instead of sinking into the depths of grief, they proved how well he had taught them about the power of love during his brief time on earth by using his example to save millions of lives around the world. If such a tragic thing were to happen to me, I hope that my actions would be identical to theirs. I thank Reg and Maggie for sharing little Nicholas with the world and I am sure he would be very proud of them (as we all are). Through their unselfish and life affirming actions, they have proven yet again that the power of good will never be overcome by the power of evil.

we loved this story I didn't not realize there was a history on these
people. and it was done so well I would recommend you read Malaki first
then this book after. good read

Aloha kakou,
Outstanding collaborative effort by two very important Native Hawaiian voices. This wonderful portrait details a man`s life spent well--dealing with the challenges and trials of surviving Hansen`s disease in Kalaupapa, Moloka`i. Not an in depth about Hansen`s or Kalaupapa, this is Henry`s story, his life, loves, talents and legacy. Henry tells his story, through Sally-Jo`s sensitive handling, with the self effacing, off hand manner of a true local Bruddah. Typical of Hawaiians of his generation, he can do a handful of difficult things really well. This celebration of a life lived with purpose also shows what can result from a life lived purposefully with Aloha. I strongly recommend this book.

Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (3/07)

This is an amazing story. It is Henry's story. Henry Nalielua, diagnosed with Hansen's disease at the age of ten, was branded leprous. "No Footprints in the Sand" is an important memoir. It tells of the journey that took Henry from a sugar plantation community on the Island of Hawaii to Kalaupapa, a remote settlement on the Hawaiian island of Molokai.

Nalaielua's story is inspiring. Even in exile, with lifelong medical and physical challenges and isolation from his family, he faced life with hope, perseverance, courage, and humor. Henry learned to draw and paint. He became an artist. Henry loved music and mastered the ukulele and upright bass. He became a musician. Henry's mind was sharp. He was determined and quick-to-learn. He became an historian. Henry has also served on numerous public agency advisory boards. When the facility at Kalaupapa was named a National Historic Park, Henry became a guide for park visitors. He still resides at Kalaupapa

Co-author Sally-Jo Bowman worked determinedly over a period of years to help bring Henry's story to publication. She first met Henry in 1995, when he helped her with on-site research at Kaluapapa for several magazine articles about the Hansen's disease colony.

Henry's story is unforgettable. It is told with intimacy and openness. "No Footprints in the Sand" is a heartwarming memoir that will inspire anyone facing adversity, long term illness, or needing encouragement. This was a very positive reading experience.

I've now given away so many copies of No Footprints that I should have bought a dozen or twenty at wholesale. Henry's is an amazing story of a kolohe kanaka - naughty Hawaiian - who had the misfortune to contract a dreaded disease in 1936. Sally-Jo Bowman's input makes it a fascinating read. Sounds just like Henry sat down and wrote it all by himself, but we know it doesn't work that way. I chuckled at Henry's can-do attitude. Man after my own heart. I'm glad the book includes all his Casanova events. What a guy, a real renaissance kanaka kane - Hawaiian man. Great title!

In his powerful first book, "Uncle Henry" Nalaielua tells a story that has rarely been told, of a dark moment of Hawai'i's history; not from the distant viewpoint of the historian, but from the first-person testimony of its survivor.

With honesty, humor and vivid detail, Henry's courageous tale touched my soul, so profoundly, that I kept wanting to know more. I couldn't put it down and finished it in one sitting, wishing that it wouldn't end. It stirred emotions in the same way as Paulo Coelho's, "The Alchemist," in its message of following one's dream, despite all obstacles. (Except, this is no fable; it is a real life piece.)

Along with his brilliant co-author, Sally-Jo Bowman, he weaves an intimate story of strength and perserverence, which will surely be known for decades to come as one of the islands' finest mo`olelo.

This is a must read for everyone and makes for a wonderful gift. It will touch you in surprising ways, and make you want to meet this incredible man and the spiritual place that he would finally call, "home."

In the late 1970s, when the Mets really hit the skids and the Yankees got good again, it became necessary, if you were a kid in the Tri- State
area, to at least watch the Yankees, perhaps even to grudgingly root for them.  Forced into this spiritually untenable position, I chose to only
root for the scrubs, which made Cliff Johnson my favorite player.  I'll never forget the game where he tagged a pitch and Phil Rizzuto started
screaming that : "That one's outta here", bringing joy to the heart of every Heatchliff fan, only to have his towering popup caught by the
second baseman.  

"The Scooter" was easy to laugh at, with his myriad phobias, his propensity for saying unintentionally offensive things about minorities, his
tendency to leave the ballpark early when the Yankees were home, etc. But then there began appearing in The Village Voice a most
remarkable feature : verbatim text from Scooter's broadcasts rendered as poetry. We were suddenly confronted with the frightening prospect
that Scooter was not only making sense, but serving up literature, even profundity. Consider the wisdom, about baseball and about life [....]

As it turns out, this kind of exercise even has a name, it's called "found poetry." The Rizzuto poems are as good as any I've seen[...].

At any rate, this book is a hoot and once you read it you'll never again think of Rizzuto as just a good glove man, nor listen to a baseball
broadcast without noticing the frequently poetic nature of the announcer's line of patter.

GRADE : A

This literary gem is destined to be handed down from parent to child for generations to come.

Long before there was politics, or correctness, there was Phil Rizzuto. Rizzuto ably scoops up the essense of morality and ethics and fires to first with more deftness than Shakespeare, or that guy from Ireland (I can't remember his name--not Joyce, though; it was somebody else.) The poem we always relate and remember around the old campfire--when we go camping, and we have a fire, is the story Scooter tells in the honored oral tradition of Homer: of live-trapping squirrels in his attic and then letting them loose somewhere over by Yogi's house.

No doubt Rizzuto will forever be linked to the other great American Poets: Frost, Angelou, and Walden.

Some people are good at laying down sacrifice bunts, and some people are good at poetry. But nowadays so few people excel at both. Phil Rizzuto is that rare double-threat, and that's why this book is essential for anyone who likes bunts or poems.

My only complaint is that the editors have left out my all-time favorite Rizzuto moment, which was the time circa 1980 when Rizzuto and Frank Messer spent part of a day game discussing whether or not gorillas can swim. The answer proved elusive, but I have since learned that they can.

For me, nothing better epitomizes my age of baseball innocence than falling in love with the WPIX broadcasts of Phil Rizzuto, Frank Messer and Bill White during the late 1970s. This offbeat collection of the Scooter's unintentional poetry in his broadcasts is a graphic illustration of why Rizzuto was a true joy in the broadcast booth even if he wasn't a professional in the Mel Allen-Red Barber mold. I loved the format so much that I've actually reviewed the hundreds of old Yankee radio and telecast tapes in my collection searching for supplements to the collected verse of the Scooter and have found enough that could fill a sequel volume. Thanks to Seely and Pyer for this wonderful collection that no Yankee fan should be without.

Even though it's a short book, a little bit goes a long way with this kind of thing. Use in moderation.

Plus, I miss Bill White's good-natured chuckling.

Still, these "poems" are pretty good at bringing back long-gone hot summer nights.

All little children dream of finding that special, secret friend to share adventures with. In this book, the little boy finds his leprechaun right beside him. What a story!

This is a well-written book designed to be read to the child of 8 to perhaps 11 years old. But I think the child might well enjoy reading it himself too. But reading to your child is a warm adventure and fun for both of you.

This is a delightful story and I recommend it to you and your child.

-Susanna K. Hutcheson

I loved this book. From the first page it grabbed me. I kept wanting to turn the pages to read what was coming next. It is both well outlined and well written. It's a true gem of a children's book.

The book appears to be written for the 8 to 11 age group if it is to be read by the child. However, in the book's introduction it is stated that the book was written to be read aloud to children. I suspect young children will love to have this book read to them. It also has some nice illustrations interspersed through the pages. The book is 130 pages long and the print is larger than adult books use. The line spacing is at least double.

In this book we hear about Bobby Mahoney, a 7-year-old who lives with his mom and younger sister. His parents are divorced and his dad has visitation rights. Bobby has quite an imagination. And we get to see just how imaginative he can be by reading this book. Some might say he is a dreamer? Some might say this is simply a fantasy book? But whatever the take on it is, this book is fun to read. 5 stars!

This book totally reminded me of what it was like to be a kid, the struggles and dilemmas but especially the magic of childhood. This is a story that adults will appreciate as much as the kids they read it to, and maybe remind us of a thing or two we may have forgotten about what is important in life. But I got most of the way through the book before I realized that it left me with some things to think about; mostly I was enjoying a good tale with interesting characters told by a master storyteller!

I think this will be a classic that kids and adults alike will enjoy with each retelling.

The illustrations are wonderful, too!

Bobby Mahoney is an unhappy boy as his world has been drastically altered. His parents have recently divorced and his younger sister Maggie is a pain in the sit-down. Fortunately, Bobby has a vivid and active imagination so he has no trouble finding great adventures without leaving his bedroom. One morning he wakes up to find O-Shaughnessey, a leprechaun, sitting on his bedpost.
After some initial discussions about what a leprechaun is and the fact that Bobby can see him, O'Shaughnessey disappears and Bobby and Maggie go about their day with their father. It is an exciting time; they go to the fair, eat heartily and ride many of the rides. Unfortunately, Maggie develops a raving fever that is diagnosed as Scarlet Fever and she is bedridden and close to death.
Suddenly Bobby is her savior, with the help of O'Shaughnessey and a very anti-social O'Sullivan; he braves the Ban-Shees and prevents the dreaded Coach-a-Bower from making his daily rounds. The Coach-a-Bower rides through the country picking up the newly dead. The story ends with Bobbie's parents coming together over Maggie's illness and her recovery.
As a children's book, this one is certainly imaginative and taps into the old Irish myths. I am a fan of mythology, being of the firm belief that you can tell a great deal of the roots of a culture by reading the mythology. This story has many strong points, Bobby risking his life to rescue his sister, the banter with the leprechauns and the happy ending. It is one that will entertain while educating.

From the time I opened the book and began reading, I was completely involved in Bobby's life. It was a "virtual share" in that I felt I was that kid; I got into his head and felt what he was going through. I completely related to someone who must keep a part of his life a secret from people who have forgotten what magic there is in childhood. As an adult it reminded me of all I have given up, the many things in life that I have stopped believing in. This story made me believe. I believed in these characters from the first sentence. I don't know a person in the world who can't relate to them. We all want to be heroes. Who can't relate to Bobby's self sacrifice and laying it all on the line for his sister? I read it while on vacation. I could not put it down, I kept turning the pages to find out what happened next until I had finished it and was left wanting more. It is neither over-written or under-written.
I handed it to my teenaged daughters and their responses were the same. They never left pool-side until they'd read it all the way through.
The illustrations were phenomenal! Each one told a story. Who can't look at the cover art and not know exactly what's going on?
Where is the sequel? I want more.

What a great addition to any St. Patrick's Day arsenal! A great cliff-hanger-type folk tale, complete with kings, sea monsters, vindictive witches, and a heroine who gives a whole new meaning to "riding off in the sunset"! The illustrations are superbe! My kinders raved about this book, even though I feared it would be a bit above them. We read it in sections, stopping at the brink of each near-certain disaster, so that it was just the right amount of listening for my many wiggily boys!! It fits in so well with our current fairy tale theme, that I would include in this genre, as well. This is a not-to-miss adventure, complete with classic twists and turns, and a few new ones!

I bought this book for my nephew but decided to wait to give it to him for several reasons. The main one being that I absolutely LOVE the book myself! LOL! However, while the story is good and I know he'll enjoy it, he's still a bit young (not even 2); it seems more appropiate for 4 years old or older.

In the story, Young Kate uses her wits to save her family and her village with an ending I never saw coming -- not your typical 'Fairy Tale Ending' but an excellent one nonetheless especially for our modern times. I fell in love with the illustration's ton of detail that kept me looking at each page long after the reading was over.

My one complaint is that, while the book itself is good sized so you can see the pictures, the paperback edition seems a bit flimsy. If this story is to be loved (and thus read) as much as I think it will then I may have to order another copy or two to last through the years. Perhaps the school binding edition is more sturdy?

Both girls and boys will enjoy this story and I think you grown ups will, too.

"O'Sullivan Stew" is a rollicking book with a truly heroic female protagonist. The pictures are both lovely and funny--if you pay special attention to facial expressions I guarantee you'll be laughing out loud. Kate, the heroine, spins yarns with a skill beyond her years, painting pictures with her inventive tales. Her speech is like music--you can practically hear her brogue while you're reading. And if her storytelling doesn't convince you that she's painting pictures with her words, then the illustrations will. They vary from dreamy pastels to muted and murky to bold and bright depending on the nature of the tale she's telling. And when she stops, the world turns black and white.

Not only does this book contain excellent illustrations, a strong, believable heroine, and a captivating story line, but there are several surprises and an unexpected ending. I hope you'll read it... it would be a shame to miss out on such a marvelously fun book!

The Irish have long memories, and even longer tales to reflect that. This book is a wonderful way to get children caught up in the excitement and tension of a classical tale, while also giving them a resourceful and modern heroine to admire. The book is everything a children's story should be: it's funny, the languish reads well and beautifully, and the illustrations are well done. This is a must-have.

This is probably my favorite story for a St. Patrick's Day read aloud. The village of Crookhaven is cursed when the local witch's horse is stolen by the king. Kate O'Sullivan and her father and brothers try to steal the horse back but are captured. It is up to Kate to weave a series of tales to get them all off the hook by describing other "true" stories where her family was in a "worse spot" than this one. The King is amused and enthralled by Kate's tales until the last one and all her work is about to be undone until an astonishing secret is revealed.

Hudson Talbott's illustrations are a riot of color and action. The expressions of the characters are so evocative you will laugh out loud.

Grab some Irish music to play in the background and share the story with everyone. The story will compell you to read with an Irish brogue even if you never have before.

Hudson Talbott books are like having a storyteller sitting at your elbow. The pacing of the story as it interplays with the illustrations is perfect.