Classics Books


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Classics Books sorted by Average customer review: high to low .

Classics
God Meant It For Good (Authentic Classics) (Authentic Classics) (Authentic Classics)
Published in Paperback by Authentic (2007-03-01)
Author: R.t. Kendal
List price: $14.99
New price: $8.98
Used price: $9.75

Average review score:

Been betrayed?
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-04
I got this book yesterday and I will have read by tonight. I can not put this book down! Joseph knew betrayal and trials. The author explores Joseph's struggles and helps us explore ours. All I need to know is that God hasn't forgotten me in the midst of this mess and if I cling to Him He will bring me through...as gold, even. This book is biblical and that alone soothes my soul. It's an easy read. I'm not sure what Bible translation he uses, but my guess is King James. That's okay, because it just makes me dig in my NIV a little deeper. I'm telling you...if you are desperately looking for God in your current betrayal, struggle, problem...this book will lead you to Him if you're willing to be lead.

Good book
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-04
This is a good read. Each chapter came from a Sunday's sermon -- so easy to read a few pages and set aside, and easily pickup again later. I strongly recommend this book!

get rid of the bitter poison
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-11
An absolute read for everyone
essential for anyone who has been "screwed over"

If someone or some organization has "done you dirt" then you'll live longer and happier if you read this book.

The Best
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2007-01-21
This is truly one of the best books ever written. Actually, anything by RT Kendall is a book with substance

Great Teaching Book
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2007-01-09
This book is filled with scriptures and valuable information. I highly recommend it.

So many people have their own interpretations of what is happening when you go through something, but R. T. Kendall gives you biblical truths that give you concrete information of what is really going on.

A must read.

Classics
The Greatest Thing in the World
Published in Paperback by FQ Classics (2008-01-29)
Author: Henry Drummond
List price: $3.99
New price: $3.50
Used price: $3.45

Average review score:

A Book Forming a Part of the Spiritual Roots of Alcoholics Anonymous
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-16
A.A. literature and independent research make clear the relevance of this little book to the A.A., 12-Step, Recovery picture. See Dr. Bob's Library, 3rd ed.[[ASIN:1885803257 ; DR. BOB and the Good Oldtimers ; The Books Early AAs Read for Spiritual Growth [[ASIN:1885803265 ]; The Akron Genesis of Alcoholics Anonymous[[ASIN:1885803176 ; and Turning Point: A History of Early A.A.'s Spiritual Roots and Successes.[[ASIN:1885803079. A.A.'s co-founder Dr. Bob said hundreds of time that 1 Corinthians 13 was an absolutely essential part of the early A.A. program. He thought so much of this Drummond study that he circulated The Greatest Thing in the World widely among the A.A. pioneers. It was part of his library. It was part of his expression of the meaning of love. For that's what the Corinthians chapter and the Drummond book are about.

love the book, this edition is too big
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-28
I heard Larry Burkett highly praise this book years ago so I got one. I agree, this is an awesome book. read just a few pages and it will change your heart to love others more, no matter how grouchy you are at the time. I prefer the older editions of this book, they fit in my purse better

Something to Share
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-04-02
My brother sent me a copy. He liked it so much he brought fifty copies to share with friends. I in turn have purchased copies to give away. It is the Sermon on the Mount, The Gospel of John, and First John all in one by way of expounding upon Paul's great love expose. Gary Trawick.

Fantastic Book!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-06-08
This book by Henry Drummond is a much-neglected meditation on I Corinthians 13. With kindness and gentle encouragement, Drummond walks the reader through the characteristics of love we all fail so miserably to exhibit in our own lives. Well-written and short, this book should be on the shelf of anyone who is trying to live Scripture.

Beautiful Sermon on Love
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-08-13
Hadn't read Henry Drummond's book in years, but I recently picked it up again and re-read it and found it had lost none of its power for me. This book can be read in twenty minutes, but it's a twenty minutes that can change your perception of life and love.

Drummond, who was an inspiring liberal-thinking Christian of the 1800's, divides Paul's chapter on love in First Corinthians into three parts: "love contrasted," "love analyzed," and "love defended." He shows us what love isn't, shows us what it is, and defends it as the "greatest thing in the world." He helps us understand that it is not a burden to love - it's the easiest thing in the world!

This book is one of the most inspiring pieces of Christian literature I've ever read.

Classics
Hitty Her First Hundred Years
Published in Paperback by Aladdin (1998-09-01)
Author: Rachel Field
List price: $5.99
New price: $0.99
Used price: $0.50
Collectible price: $10.00

Average review score:

I can't think of many better examples of a good children's book
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-16
I have been meaning to read Hitty: Her First Hundred Years by Rachel Field (illustrated wonderfully in what I assume is pen and ink by Dorothy P. Lathrop) for a rather long time. Several years ago my mother bought me a reproduction Hitty doll by Robert Raikes (big deal carver of dolls and bears though he no longer seems to be making Hitty dolls).

After buying the doll, and doing a bit of research, we found an edition of Field's novel with the original 1929 text and illustrations. There is another, newer, edition with updated text by Rosemary Wells and illustrations by Susan Jeffers. The newer book came out, I believe, to celebrate the seventieth anniversary of Field's original novel. I never read this version, actually sending it back upon realizing it was an adaptation, but other reviewers' outrage at the changes suggest I was right to do so. If you haven't guessed already, Hitty fans are numerous and loyal.

Hitty, amazingly, was real. Hitty.org is but one site dedicated to chronicling the life and history of this amazing doll. The site includes the picture of a Daguerreotype actually mentioned in the novel as well as a variety of other interesting photos and well-researched facts.

As the subtitle suggests, Hitty is already a centenarian at the start of Field's fictionalized account of her adventures. Safely ensconced in a New York antique store equipped with quill and paper, Hitty decides it is high time to begin setting her story down for posterity. What follows is a children's novel that truly deserves the Newberry Medal it received in 1930 for "the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children."

Hitty begins her life as a lucky piece of mountain-ash wood carried by an old peddler. In exchange for lodging during a particularly bad Maine winter, the Old Peddler decides to carve his piece of wood into a doll for the family's seven-year-old child, Phoebe Preble. Hitty and Phoebe have their share of adventures during their time together. More, it might be argued, than one doll could manage (including a section that reads very much like part of Moby Dick geared to a much younger audience). But, as readers realize soon enough, Hitty is no ordinary doll. As the story progresses, Hitty passes through many hands and a variety of owners. Like most things, some owners prove better than others in the same way that certain events of Hitty's life are more worthy of space in her memoirs than others.

When you realize that this book is from 1929, well before any other doll novels were published, it becomes clear that Hitty is something special because Field did it first. At first, I thought the novel might come off as dated since it was written so long ago. But I was happily proven wrong and found that the text stood up to my modern standards as well as Hitty's chemise survives her first century. Many of the insights that Hitty expresses throughout the book remain very accurate to this day. Hitty's calm demeanor and buoyant spirit also help to make this doll downright lovable.

Field's prose is wonderful. Even though I knew Hitty was safe in the antique shop, each new peril left me fearing for Hitty and in a state of suspense until I found out if she had survived. The people that Hitty passes during the course of her first century are equally well-realized in the text. In terms of classic children's literature (especially for a younger child), I can't think of many better examples.

If, you want still more Hitty, you can check out Gail Wilson's website. This very talented (and expensive) doll makers features her own version of Hitty available both ready-made and as a kit.

geography for the fun of it
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-09-18
hitty....oh what fun we had reading this together as a family. i certainly did not know what i was geting in to when i started reading it aloud. very well written book; descriptive; memorable. after reading each chapter we wanted to rush to the library to find out about the place she had been. we also cooked a few things from different countries. we did not have a plan; it was so spontaneous; i think that is what i loved about it so much....learning at its best. my older children, after five years still remember vividly certain paragraphs. and we all smile thinking about how much fun we had reading this book together. i can hardly wait to read it to the younger ones. recently i purchased it for my shelf. it is certainly a keeper. copywork, narration, cooking, art, geography/history, a little science, etc... a years worth of curriculum in one book. all you need is a math book and your set. honestly, each chapter is like a springboard and it should not be hard to find a topic to learn more about. make some happy memories, read hitty aloud to your children. they will love it! (and you will, too...)

This book is awesome!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-05-29
Many may remember Hitty from decades ago; I was introduced to her just a few years ago. Hitty: Her First Hundred Years is a wonderfully written, beautifully illustrated "children's" book that should be on everyone's reading list, regardless of age.

Old Fashioned Charm
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2005-09-30
Hitty: Her First Hundred Years, as originally written by Rachel Field in 1929, is delightful. The story follows the adventures of a doll, carved by a peddler from a piece of mountain ash, as told in her own words. From being proclaimed a "heathen" goddess on a South Seas Island, traveling with a snake charmer in India, being alternately a fashion plate and a demure Quakeress in the midst of the Civil War, Hitty and her story are truly captivating. Rachel Field has given the world a wonderfully exciting and deeply touching glimpse at history through the eyes of this remarkable doll. The charm of this old fashioned story is enduring, powerful enough to endear itself to each new generation of readers that discovers it.

Hitty: Her First 100 Years- Rachel Feild by A. Walker
Helpful Votes: 8 out of 8 total.
Review Date: 2006-04-28
This book was interesting and fun to read. Ride along with, the doll, as she tells her life story. Watch as she goes from one owner to the next. This book is an adventure to read. Hitty has seen so much you forget she is a doll. This book pulles you in like a vacuum cleaner. You'll love it when she travles to New York. You'll jump out of your seat when she goes whale hunting or when she gets stuck in a tree. There is a couple of settings but it doesn't jump around. The message that i got out of the story is live life to it's fullest I would recomend this book to preteen girls that like history and fiction. This book was fantabouls!!!!!!!!!!

Classics
I Dare You!
Published in Paperback by Cosimo Classics (2006-11-01)
Author: William H. Danforth
List price: $10.95
New price: $8.44
Used price: $6.95

Average review score:

Ageless Book for anyone wanting to be highly successful in any profession.
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-18
This is an ageless book on what every person who wants to be successful needs to model. My wife's Uncle, who was highly successful in his time as an executive, gave this book as a graduation gift to every loved one he knew. You just can't lose with such ageless advice.

Would you do it on a dare?
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-13
I can't believe I am 50 and never heard of this book until a co-worker loaned it to me. What a great gift! Who wants to do unimportant and uninteresting things? On a dare, anyone can practice his Four-Fold Development/Four Square Living. Make your checker, sign your name inside and draw the words around it:
Stand Tall
Think Tall
Smile Tall
Live Tall
Or: Play, work, love and worship. Body, brain, heart, soul.
I'll never walk in the shade again. He says the warmth and power of the sun enters your system. Its rays give your face a glow and you reflect sunshine to others.

I Dare You (MP3 CD) Version
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-05
This I DARE YOU (MP3 CD) version will NOT PLAY ON A CD PLAYER. IT ONLY PLAYS on a computer.
I was a little disappointed since I purchased it to play in the car and on a portable cd player. It only plays on the computer disk player. I'll have to download it myself to an audio MP3 format. It must have been recorded as a DATA file. The narrator is a little momo-toned and I was very surprised that I zoned out on a self-help type CD. There are 14 chapters that run anywhere from 2 minutes 16 seconds to 26 minutes 14 seconds. Some are short, most are average 5-10 minutes.

Sitting on your talents?
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-08-15
The "I Dare You plan," first published in 1938 for the young and young at heart, is brightly authored by William H. Danforth, founder of the Purina Company. Written in scoutmaster style, this little gem will have you saluting to adventure. It is precise, simple, and uplifting.

"That is the first principle that I want thoroughly to fix in your mind--that life is a four-sided affair--that your daring program is going to lead you into physical adventures, mental adventures, social adventures, spiritual adventures. You have not one, but four lives to live--a four-fold opportunity to grow. A body, a brain, a heart, and a soul--these are our living tools. To use them is not a task. It is a golden opportunity. To find new capacities within you is not robbing you of any pleasure. It is bringing new treasures into every waking hour. It is helping you touch life at all angles, absorb strength from all contacts, pour out power on all fronts." Danforth adds "How dare you have within yourself these four-fold capacities and not use them?"

Like to be riveted into action? This book will do it. You will also feel rather selfish after the first reading (for witholding your dynamite). Go over it again several times. Mine is highlighted at every point (and there are many). I suggest you study I Dare You! along with the vintage movie "Fighting Father Dunne" (1948).

What makes leadership
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-05-31
As one of the other reviewers noted, I too read this original book from my father's library when I was [...], in the 50s. Although almost forgotten, when I was writing articles on leadership, I realized this may have been the single most important book I had read...and used throughout life, becoming a leader in every...yes every...organization I belonged to, from high school Senior class President, college fraternity President, Band president(s), VP-Pres. elect of a national association, President of a state-wide organization, to Editor of a writers Quarterly and business owner. Now at 71, and looking back, "I Dare You" is quite possibly the only book necessary for directions in life. It's not about "success" or "money," it's about being your best and being the best FOR everyone around you.

Classics
In the Light of Truth: The Grail Message, Boxed Set Vol. 1-3
Published in Paperback by Grail Foundation Press (1995-06-01)
Author: Abd-Ru-Shin
List price: $29.00
New price: $19.49
Used price: $6.97

Average review score:

The Word Rings Out!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-09-05
I have read many books, none compares with this! It speaks about Creation and Existence with so much clarity. Many attempts are made daily to explain the Purpose of Man's existence, this book sure points the way to new recognitions!

Magnificent - Best book I've ever read
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-09-03
This is the most important book I've ever read. As yet it is the only book, that answers ALL important questions of life sufficiently, and I think there doesn't exist anything comparable in the whole world. I am astonished, that this book is not known more commonly. On one hand this book is dangerous, on the other hand this book can save your life. I can recommend this book to all persons who seek the TRUTH!!!

Path to Enlightenment
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-06-02
This is an impossible book to describe and not for the cynical or faint hearted. For those genuinely wanting to understand why we exist at all, what we need to do to improve ourselves spiritually and make the most of our short time on earth and what the universe holds for us beyond this paltry world, read on. The book is not a dip-in read, neither is it a comfortable one. It is a roller coaster of a ride, and within each chapter the secrets to life and the universe are revealed in a robust and stark way. The author takes no prisoners and at times is very rough on the reader, exposing our human weaknesses and defects. My warning: This book can only be read with the soul, not with the intellect. Those who castigate it and scoff at its dire warnings and predictions, have sadly missed the message and will be the poorer and more wretched for it as they rattle beyond this life into a lonely eternity.

Definite Eye Opener
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-01-10
Easy to read and good sequence of unfolding concepts. Extremely thought provoking and quite thorough! Must be approached with an open mind. I suggest getting all 3 volumes. I also suggest reading the Bhagavad Gita.

Gibberish
Helpful Votes: 5 out of 14 total.
Review Date: 2006-11-22
This book reads like the deranged ramblings of a man who has lost touch with reality. Almost none of it is comprehensible as it meanders from spritual sounding words to vaguely new-age concepts and then back again without ever landing in a concrete place. The "essay" on Chastity is almost hilarious in its lack of content.

Why would Oskar Ernst Bernhardt (1875-1941), a german spiritualist, use a pen name like Abd-Ru-Shin? He is preying on the gullible post-Christian Europeans and North Americans now too "advanced" and "enlightened" for the church they grew with who are fascinated by the orientalist-sounding mysticism of this claptrap. Try to see past all the sycophants on this page and skip this purchase.

Classics
Italian Folktales
Published in School & Library Binding by Topeka Bindery (1992-11)
Author:
List price: $36.70

Average review score:

Good heritage book
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-18
I bought this for my grand daughter who is half Italian. She enjoys having stories read to her and this is a good book to aquaint her with her Italian heritage.

Forever Favorite
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-07
This was a childhood favorite, and it remains today.
As my family's old copy fell apart, I bought this new one to keep it for the generations and children to come.
I love the virtue and morals behind each story.
It's a beautiful book.

Enjoyed this.
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-09-23
I have an older edition of this book. I quite enjoyed reading it. Of course, I more or less collect compilation of folktales and fairy tales.

Folk tales (and then some)
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2007-03-01
Italo Calvino is mostly known for being a brilliant magical realist. But he also collected two hundred Italian folk and fairy tales in "Italian Folktales," apparently because a publisher wanted a sort of Italian Grimm. The resulting collection is actually better than your average fairy tales -- full of the cute, bizarre and funny.

Basically, we have the usual collections of folk-tale oddities -- princesses and princes, talking animals, murderers, dragons, colourful peasants, ghosts, magical rings, bookworms, ogres, merchants, lots of money, wise professors, hunchbacks, people magically turned into dogs, and even an Italian version of Beauty and the Beast.

But there are also plenty of folktales in here that are outright weird: a kid with a goose that causes hands to stick to the holder, a young groom whose night in paradise has tragic consequences, a maid imprisoned in the sea, a girl transformed into a statue, the Queen of Luminous Souls, and a talking buffalo head. Even Jesus Christ and Saint Peter get to star in a longish story.

Fairy tales are always meant for kids, but folktales can be aimed at adults. And there's pretty much half-and-half in "Italian Folktales" -- Calvino includes some stories which are cute and have morals ("Don't be greedy, or a wolf will eat you"), but there are plenty that are weird, bizarre and grotesque (three dead men bowling with skulls).

Calvino can't include too much description, since most of these stories are straight-out fables. But he retells these stories with enchanting flair, funny dialogue and his knack for mixing the magical with the real. And the translator George Martin should get props for preserving the sparkling, spicy flavour of the original stories ("Cro! Cro! We come from brine/On gold and pearls we dine/Belsole's fair, as fair as day...")

These stories aren't the Brothers Grimm -- they're better. Calvino collected stories that were magical, horrifying and extremely funny, and "Italian Folktales" is a delightful, extremely fat book of folk stories.

What an odd delight
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2006-09-10
Italo Calvino is one of my favorite authors and if you are considering buying this book because he is yours as well, I would say approach with caution. This isn't If on a winter's night a traveler or Invisible Cities. Calvino may have had a hand in the final print version of the tales, but this book in no way reflects his other writings.

That isn't to say I do not recommend this book.

If you are a parent, these make wonderful bedtime stories- though most are simply amazingly strange. If you enjoy reading odd little folk tales, I am certain you'll find most of these original. I took a class in folk tales and I have always enjoyed finding new ones and finding connections to other tales, this one is simply in a class of it's own.

The tales themselves are usually funny and where funny fails, oddness prevails. Additionally, these are all short, good for quick reads.

Hope this was helpful.



Classics
Jane of Lantern Hill
Published in Mass Market Paperback by Starfire (1989-01-01)
Author: L.M. Montgomery
List price: $2.95
Used price: $2.82
Collectible price: $21.95

Average review score:

Wonderful story, this publishing company needs to check the press or something
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-27
I really loved the story. It's a very real story. Any one who's parents have ever fought will probably be able to relate.
This is the $25 hardcover edition. The book is dark green cloth. The title is on the front cover and side in gold. Cover seems well made. The print is usually okay, but maybe three or four times in the book one paragraph gets slaughtered. It's like the old ink-jet printers when the page jammed and you see part of the sentence which runs over another sentence and you can't read either, but the page isn't folded. It only ruins three or four paragraphs and you can read most of if. It's pretty annoying though at first. Other then that it seems like a sturdy book.
Still a worthwhile book to own if you like L.M. Montgomery.
Five stars for the story, three for the printing.

Nobody Like LMM
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-13
I enjoyed the Anne of Green Gables series of books. But, if you haven't read LMM's other books, you are missing out. I especially like "Jane of Lantern Hill". And my favorite "The Blue Castle" which is perfect romance.

Read these 2 books and her others. You may have to dig a bit but it'll be worth the trouble.

Saving the Best for Last
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2004-07-11
This was L.M. Montgomery's very last book that she's ever written during her lifetime. I own all of Montgomery's books, and after reading them over and over again, I have to say that this book is the best of her writings (right after the Anne of Green Gables series, of course...). I highly recommend this book, and encourage you to read it, for it shows what kind of inner strength and courage one can possess. Additionally, I recommend all of Montgomery's books to read, for being an avid fan, her books can teach us many lessons that we ourselves can apply during our lifetime.

Good Work!
Helpful Votes: 7 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 2003-12-15
As someone who spent many hours alone as a child, I found I could really relate to this book. I first discovered it when I was eleven or twelve. I loved reading about how Jane'e grandmother dominated her and made her feel out of place and about how people at school regarded Jane, because I was treated in the same way. If you've ever been pushed around as a child, or as an adult, read this book. I'm 21 and have been forced to grow up rather quickly in my life, still I enjoy this wonderful novel. I thought the character of the mother could have been more developed, otherwise it was absolutely a stunning work of art. Go SUPERIOR JANE! I can also relate to the way Montgomery portrays Jane's dad, and Jane's relationship with her dad. It's interesting how when Jane sees her father's picture in a magazine, even though she does not know it is him she cuts it out and keeps it, and it is heart-breaking how her grandmother takes it away from her. It is touching how Jane helps her poor orphaned friend and neighbor, and her grandmother's disdain for this makes one exceedingly angry. I also thought Jane's mother did not defend her daughter enough. Montgomery's own father made himself scarce to her when she was young, moving out West and remarrying. Montgomery seems to have never gotten over this, so when she describes characters like Emily's father, and Jane's father, she does a wonderful job of speaking of how intimate they are with their daughters. As a child of divorce I loved reading of how Jane played a role in getting her parents back together. .......

LMM's most down to earth heroine
Helpful Votes: 9 out of 10 total.
Review Date: 2004-08-07
I read this in my early teens, after I had read most of the LMM books (the Anne series, the Emily series, etc.) I loved them all, especially the Emily series, but Jane of Lantern Hill is my favorite of them all. Jane Stuart is not, as many of LMM's other heroines are, obsessed with the idea of being a writer, storyteller, etc. There is no potential boyfriend/husband lurking in the story either. This book is more about the how understanding and love can transform an introverted, unhappy child into a confident, intelligent girl (the story ends when Jane is about age 14.) In that sense she's really one of the most understandable and likeable of LMM's heroines. She is also very modern. You can easily imagine her growing up to become a successful career woman, something you can't really say for many of LMM's other heroines, other than the at-home and time-flexible occupation of writing. If I had an early-teen daughter I would buy this book for her, especially if she has any self-confidence issues.

This is also one of the few books that deals with the subject of divorce or the separation of parents from the perspective of the child in an intelligent way. Given the time that it was written, divorce was a horrible taboo, and the resolution of the story is a bit unrealistic perhaps. That's the only quibble I have with the book.

Incidentally there was a television movie based on this book, by the same people who did the excellent Anne of Green Gables series (at least, the first two parts of that series were excellent). Don't bother with the Jane movie if you love the book..it only vaguely resembles it.

Classics
Letters to Montgomery Clift: A Novel (Working Classics)
Published in Paperback by Alyson Books (2003-09-01)
Author: Noel Alumit
List price: $13.95
New price: $7.00
Used price: $6.98

Average review score:

Brutally honest and often heartbreaking
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-28
Alumit's first novel "Letters to Montgomery Clift" is a coming of age story unlike any other. I was afraid that the Montgomery Clift name in the title would serve as a hook that would be hard to pull off in a believable way. Quite the opposite. The persona of Clift flows through the story and deepens the struggle of this character to make sense of a miriad of issues. Despite the inclusion of so many charged issues - political protest, torture, foster care, abortion, growing up gay, mental illness - none of them is sensationalized or dealt with in a stereotypical manner.

The story is told from the point of view of Bong (Bob) from the age of 8 to his late twenties. The story ultimately delivers answers and provides some closure but never falls into predictable story formulas.

I highly recommend this book. It is not always an easy read, but it is always honest and beautifully written.

The Debut
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2004-07-31
What an impressive debut book. "Letters to Montgomery Clift" is moving, compelling, and a bit funny. Like others who have reviewed the book, I also was not able to put down the book once I started reading it. I was completely engulfed in the main character's world--feeling his challenges, hopes, anger and awakenings.

If you get a chance, see Noel Alumit performances--the one I saw was brilliant!

Moving and touching, humorous exploration of young gay life
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2006-08-03
This is a wonderful piece of early essay writing, and I would recommend it to anyone and everyone (dare I say it!)

A good debut!
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2004-05-21
A friend of mine recently gave me this book. The story sounded interesting and I decided to crack it open and give it a try. I was pleasantly surprised by this debut novel written by author Noel Alumit. It begins with Bong Bong, a young Filipino boy who is sent away from his home by his mother during the vicious Marcos regime. She promises her son that one day she and his father will join him as he is sent away to live with his Aunt Yuna in California. Once there, life for the young man becomes worse, as we learn that Yuna is an alcoholic, who resents taking care of the young boy and begins verbally and physically abusing him. As a source of comfort, the young boy begins to write to handsome Hollywood 50's idol, Montgomery Clift. Clift becomes his guardian angel and a confidant. Over time, however, the letters lead way to mental illness as the young man tries to deal with his blossoming sexual orientation and the fact that he may never see his parents again. He begins a path of self abuse and hurting those that care for him. Although the ending is a little bit too convienent, the story is good overall and worth reading. I recommend it.

A strong first novel about the bond between mother and son
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2004-01-21
In the Philippines during 1976, a very young Bong Bong Luwad is put safely on a plane to America by his mother Cessy to stay with her sister Yuna. She promises to come to the US as soon as she found his father.

Living with Auntie Yuna is like a hell on earth for Bong, and all the while he holds on to hope of reuniting with his mother. It's during his stay with Yuna that he first discovers Montgomery Clift, in a film titled "The Search." Leaving a permanent impression on Bong, he writes letters to Monty, even though he knows that he's dead, asking for his guidance. These letters help him through the many tough patches to come in to his life: life with of Yuna, being thrown into the foster care system, discovering a dark secret about his foster family, learning about the fate of his family, and dealing with his own sexualtiy.

This is an engrossing story of separation, loss, love and hope, and told from a view that isn't heard to often in literature: a Filipino perspective view of the world and of sexuality. Bong Bong is a strong character, not only in dealing with his own coming out, but with the realization of what happened to his family. He is likable and you want him to succeed. At the heart of the story, though, is the bond between mother and son; that's what drives Bong to suffer through the ups and downs, hoping that in the end everything will be okay, that he will be with his mother again.

A strong first novel.

Classics
Little World of Don Camillo
Published in Hardcover by Amereon Limited (1950-01-01)
Author: Giovanni Guareschi
List price: $24.95
Used price: $34.83
Collectible price: $39.00

Average review score:

Love it!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2005-07-05
The book is great--a long-time favorite of mine. Funny and touching at the same time.

The only drawback to my book: it was the English translation; not the American one.

John

Don Camillo's Little World is Magical
Helpful Votes: 11 out of 11 total.
Review Date: 2004-01-15
I fell in love with both the priest Don Camillo and his faithful adversary, Peppone the Communist mayor, when I was only ten, and since then have read all of the books, several times. After my experiences of being in the USAF in Taiwan in the 1970s, and now a permanent resident in mainland China's Fujian Province, I can appreciate the kinds of clashes that can occur between Communists and Christians--serious, but at times quite humorous also. I appreciate the zany humor but most of all the down to earth warm portrayels of both Don Camillo and Peppone. The author shows good and bad sides of both, and Don Camillo's conversations with Christ, who speaks to him from the crucifix above the altar, are priceless. After a few stories, one realizes that neither Don Camillo nor Peppone are the good guy or the bad guy, but simple ordinary people--and though enemies, they each sometimes go out of their way to help the other (though secretly, to save face). The cast of supporting characters, like skinny Smilzo, is also a delight.
The line drawings of the angel Don Camillo and the devil Peppone are, of course, priceless. Simple and to the point, they are the icing on the Don Camillo cake, and probably the reason why I draw cartoons on everything from greeting cards to my books on China--Amoy Magic, Fujian Adventure, Mystic Quanzhou, deng deng (which is Chinese for "etcetera"). I highly recommend not only Little World but all of the Don Camillo books in print.

A little piece of the world . . .
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-15
This little book is filled with quick-reading short chapters which each impart a bit of wisdom and a moral or biblical lesson, and always with humor.

The story format is short tales in the ongoing feud between village priest Don Camillo and communist mayor Peppone. One of them often ends up bruised (literally or figuratively). At first blush it would seem like a good vs evil scenario, but really they are very much alike, and secretly sympathize with (even love)one another. Each struggles through life's choices from the perspective of his own situation.

One of the best parts, for me, is that each battle-du-jour includes Camillo's "consultation" with and reception of "advice" from the Christ image at the church altar. Rich stuff. Of course the image is not really speaking, and this technique is the author's metaphor for the working of the Holy Spirit in Camillo (or "his conscience", depending on your own theological perspective).

The theme runs throughout the book. Each chapter in pretty much a stand-alone story, although a few chapters are coupled, dealing with an ongoing incident. An entertaining little read that is a superior choice to those "thought-for-the-day" motivational/religious pamphlets. I read mine a chapter at a time when going to bed for the night. It gave me a truth to ponder as I dropped off . . . zzzzzzzz. Or maybe install a copy in your bathroom book rack. This book is very Italian and very Catholic . . . but you needn't be either to enjoy it (I'm not).

What a Find!!
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2002-07-12
I was at a summer fair recently and browsing on the book stall when I found a very old copy of the Little World of Don Camillo dating from 1953. I had no idea what it was at the time as I'd never heard of it but i was intrigued by the blurb. this book is HILARIOUS! I kept laughing out loud and getting very strange looks! but it was worth it! I am now determined to find the rest of the books and read them although I am aware that they may cost me slightly more that my 25p find at the Fete! It's a brilliant book that transports you into another world with ease and lets you meet characters that you can believe in and love. A very well spent 25 pence!

A Masterpiece of Humor and Faith
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2002-03-13
Having first entered Don Camillo's little world at 10, I have returned innumerable times over the decades, and frequently given directions to friends, too. This little work is a masterpiece. There is more wisdom, faith, hope, and love, to be found in its pages than in many far more "serious" works of fiction. All of that is accomplished in a deceptively simple gem of literary style. Like any great work of fiction, it captivates the heart as well as the mind. It is impossible to spend time in this little world and not come away with a smile on one's face and hope in one's heart. The Little World of Don Camillo is ideal reading for anyone, of any age or condition, anywhere.

Classics
Lovingkindness: The Revolutionary Art of Happiness (Shambhala Classics)
Published in Paperback by Shambhala (2002-09-03)
Author: Sharon Salzberg
List price: $12.95
New price: $3.75
Used price: $2.00
Collectible price: $12.95

Average review score:

Loving-Kindness
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-09
Book in impeccable condition. Fast shipping. Haven't read it yet, but am looking forward to reading.

Beauty!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-26
If you could read Beauty, then this book would be where you would find it. As odd as that sounds, it's truly the way I felt after just one chapter. I felt like I had experienced beauty incarnate. The chapters that follow are equally engaging, peaceful and they stick with you. This book is what I consider to be uncommon, common sense!

Warm thoughts for self and others
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-18
I hesitated to buy this book because I thought it might be "too Buddhist" or too sentimental. Do not be deterred by these reasons. I have treasured it, recommended it, and as a minister leant it out with great joy to people from all walks of life, rich and poor, highly literate and plain-spoken. It is one of those books that cuts through a lot of folderol and gets to the inmost heart, giving folks something nourishing and simple like a good breakfast for the soul.

life changing book
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-08
Sharon offers simple everyday practices that can change your life. The ideas presented in this book have combined with other practices in my life to make me a happier, more peaceful person. Thank you Sharon.

Excellent Purchase
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-07-09
This is an extraordinary little book, which provides specific instruction on both how to meditate in the Vipassana style, and WHY it's a worthwhile practice.


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