Contemporary Books

The Wednesday Sisters is a wonderful "chick lit" book for summer. It was a fast and fun read, but still had a bit of literary substance.

The Wednesday Sisters form a strong, supportive friendship that gets them through good and bad times, as well as creating a network to encourage creativity. I found the writing to be honest, warm, and sensitive. I also enjoyed the somewhat nostalgic look at the 60's, as well as the description of women's lives and attitudes then.

There are two small reasons I give this book four stars instead of five. First, the southern "charm" of Kath became a bit cliche and boring after awhile. Also, I felt that the auther jumped into the friendships without fully developing them.

In spite of the small weaknesses, I highly recommend this book.

There are no words to describe what this delicious novel will do for your soul. For those of us born during these decades, the memories will flow over as we remember, make connections and smile fondly at a lost, tucked away moment. This book did what no other book truly has done for me in quite a long time: it made me want the story to never end. These 5 women were so real and their hardships so true to life. The stigma of divorce, infidelity, and the pain of breast cancer ALL resonated in my own life. As a teacher of reading and a woman who has desired to write for so long, I actually found myself living through these charaters as if it were my very own life. There are books in the past that have touched me but none so deeply as Meg Clayton's book. I shall keep it, savor it, and pass it on to my friends so that they may savor it also. In fact, I have already praised it to highly that it is "promised" to 3 of my school teacher colleagues for their own enjoyment. This story is one not soon forgotten and the women will live on in your heart, thoughts, and on your bookshelf for years to come. Well done, Ms. Clayton. How you will ever top this book is the next question.

Five women - Frankie, Kath, Linda, Brett, and Ally - meet in their neighborhood park starting in the late 1960s. Together they write, read each others' writing, and weather all that life has in store for them.

Author Meg Waite Clayton hit the nail on the head with this one! I know I'm not saying much, but that's because I'm trying not to squee, which I know is not conducive to reviews. What can I say about The Wednesday Sisters without squeeing? The Wednesday Sisters really touched something in me - both their experiences writing and their experiences outside of writing. I had never really thought about what life was like for women just older than my mother, who was in junior high at the time of this novel. I knew that women have made strides forward in the last forty years, but I had no idea just how large those strides have been - imagine not being allowed in the New York Marathon simply because of your plumbing!

As an aspiring writer myself, this book is a treasure. It reminds me that writing is not just making one draft, and that even if you get sixty-two rejections, send it out again; number sixty-three could be an acceptance. That I don't have to write a great first draft, or even second draft - that's what revision and editing is for. That even though I'm just me, I can and should write and aspire to be published.

The Wednesday Sisters is a gem. I highly recommend it to all women, to aspiring writers, and to friends, or anyone with friends. So, everyone, basically. In fact, I've already asked my mother to read it, and believe that her book club will love this book.

"The Wednesday Sisters look like the kind of women who might meet at those fancy coffee shops on University --- we do look that way --- but we're not one bit fancy, and we're not sisters, either. We don't even meet on Wednesdays anymore, although we did at the beginning."

So begins Meg Waite Clayton's lyrical novel of the friendships forged among five different women who come together by chance. In the tumultuous years of the late 1960s, many females were involved in protest marches opposing the war or fighting for the women's movement. But in suburban Palo Alto, five ladies came together primarily because of their children. Being a mother is the first thing they had in common when they met at Pardee Park in those early days. Soon after, Frankie, Linda, Kath, Brett and Ally discovered that they all shared a love of books and a secret wish to write themselves. For Frankie --- a recent transplant from Chicago, with her husband and two kids --- to utter a desire out loud, even among friends, was terrifying: "It doesn't seem like much now, I know, to admit ambition to your closest friends. I guess you'll have to take my word for it: it was. It makes me a little sad when I look back on it, to think how very many women didn't have Wednesday Sisters, to wonder who they might have become if they had."

In admitting their passion for writing, the "Wednesday Sisters" begin to nourish lifelong bonds among themselves that transcend their literary goals. Linda, the frank, sometimes tactless one, lives with the fear that the disease that took her mother when she was young might do the same to her: "I grew up the child of a sick mother, and then the child of a dead mother. I couldn't imagine going back to that. I couldn't imagine putting my kids through that." Kath is a spitfire Southern belle dealing with issues in her complicated marriage. Brett is the ladylike brain, always attired in white gloves that conceal a hidden tragedy from her past. Ally is demure and soft-spoken, crumbling under the weight of fertility issues, who desperately wants to write a children's book to rival CHARLOTTE'S WEB.

When they first begin to meet on that playground, as their children play around them, each is taking a decisive step to move past her fears and express herself through writing. And in the words of Robin Morgan's seminal anthology from that time, they prove that "Sisterhood is Powerful." As they gain confidence in their writing and critiquing ability, they notice they are beginning to turn their keen eyes on the world that is changing all around them.

From the outset, they gather to watch the Miss America Pageant each year. At first, they enjoy it as frothy entertainment, but later they witness how the women's movement has affected this annual event, even their own opinions of femininity and what it means to be female. Through their weekly meetings and unwavering support, each faces moments when she flourishes and, yes, sometimes flounders. And each is buoyed by the others' strength and fortitude, through some of life's most difficult obstacles. Their little writing group has blossomed into something more --- it has become the foundation of lifelong friendships.

Meg Waite Clayton's stirring novel will appeal not just to those who secretly wish to be writers, but to anyone with a love of great books; anyone who has felt truly moved by a book or an author; and anyone who has had their dreams bolstered by good and faithful friends. It will speak volumes to fans of THE FRIDAY NIGHT KNITTING CLUB and THE JANE AUSTEN BOOK CLUB. You'll want to share THE WEDNESDAY SISTERS with anyone who believes in the power of a good book --- to inspire those close to us, and for those who inspire.

--- Reviewed by Bronwyn Miller

In the late 1960s the five young mothers meet in Palo Alto at a park. They have plenty in common as they dream of being much more than just a wife and mother while hearing tales of the counter culture and the Summer of Love. The quintet love books especially those they can escape into so they can forget their somewhat tedious lives especially the household chores, but each sees a different role for the lead female characters based on what they dream they wanted.

Linda loves to run with the Olympics her fantasy goal. Brett literally wants to walk on the moon. Kath insists marriage is all she ever desired, but her four new pals with their aspirations make her wonder if there might be something in addition to being wife and mother. Ally, the only one without a child, wants a kid or three. The leader Midwesterner Frankie, who came to California as her husband came here to work at the fledgling computer business, hopes to be come a writer. THE WEDNESDAY SISTERS inspire each other to go after their aspirations and much more even when they seem impossible in a man's only world by writing and sharing their tales.

This historical sisterhood tale is an engaging look at the beginning of the "You've come a long way baby" feminist movement that brought women into many fields previously taboo epitomized by Hilary's run (the next one will go all the way). Each of the five women seems real due to their dreams to be more than identified through their husband and kids. Although their individual writings are too sweet even if they read valid for their place in late 1960s society, fans will enjoy this fine tale as before Sally Ride there was a real Brett out there trying to break out of the box.

Harriet Klausner

Yesterday's Dreams pulls the reader in from the very start with it's clear-cut characterisation and page-turning plot development.

Ackley-McPhail shows her in-depth knowledge of Celtic mythology throughout the book, and shows it in a way that appeals and teaches even someone who knows little-to-nothing themselves. She also has knowledge of the power of words and description, both of which remain outstanding the entire time.

A hard book to put down, though not gripping in an action-packed way, it is a story that intrigues and fascinates as much with the plot as the well-drawn characters featured within.

There is little more to say without repetition - a fantastic book, and one not let down by it's own ending as so often happens.

Ackley-McPhail is an extraordinarily talented writer, add to that her knowledge of people, literature and the mythology she wields so well, and the whole package is one not to be ignored! I cannot udnerstand why she has trouble finding somebody to publish the sequel! Truly, these people are idiots.

-- taken from angiehulme.com

Yesterday's Dreams
By: Danielle Ackley-McPhail
Vivisphere Publishing
ISBN: 1-58776-112-2

Danielle Ackley-McPhail brings the richness of Irish legend, the myth and magic of Eire to the streets of New York in her first fantasy novel, Yesterday's Dreams. Danielle has used in depth research into the legends of Carman, an Athenian goddess and her three sons. The Tuatha de Danaan stepped in to stop the terror and destruction that Carman and her sons were wreaking on the mortals of early Ireland. They chain Carman and force her to watch as her sons are destroyed. But.....Oclas (evil) the third son has not been totally destroyed, and has set his minion Lucien Blank lose on the unsuspecting humans.

Cliodna of the Tuatha de Danaan-the fairy folk of Ireland also known as the Sidhe-runs the quaint antique shop Yesterday's Dreams, as Maggie. She collects and protects items that have a "bit 'o' the magic." And she waits, for those of her line have sworn to aid and protect the clan O'Keefe.

Kara's father's illness and treatments have driven Kara to pawn her legacy from her grandfather, Quicksilver, her violin. And give up her dream of attending Juilliard. While looking around Yesterday's Dreams, Kara is shocked to see a picture she later discovers is of her grandfather dancing with a woman who looks exactly like the young woman running the shop. It doesn't help knowing that Maggie's ancestor might have known her grandfather. Kara feels as if her soul is being torn from her, and pours forth all her pain and sorrow when she plays a final tune on her precious instrument before leaving it in Maggie's hands.

Maggie knows Quicksilver is more than just a violin. There is power here, as there is in Kara, and she knows she must protect them both from the evil that stalks them from the moment Kara and Quicksilver enter her shop. Maggie knows she must gather her forces for a desperate battle against evil. For it now walks the streets of modern New York in the form of Lucien Blank, and he wants what he senses behind the walls of Yesterday's Dreams, and he wants the power he senses in Kara.
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Danielle Ackley-McPhail turns fantasy to plausible reality in Yesterday's Dreams. The characters in this story are so charming and alive they spring from the story to haunt and taunt like a soft Irish mist long after the final page is read. I found Yesterday's Dreams a delightful page turning adventure into imagination, and certainly look forward to reading more works by this author.

Charlene Austin

...would an adventure like this take place! Danielle Ackley-McPhail's debut work is an accomplishment on so many levels as it gives readers of fantasy something beyond the typical tale of elves rising up against an evil that threatens the delicate balance of the world. YESTERDAY'S DREAMS and Danielle's writing style is like a warm blanket you wrap yourself in to keep off the chill -- comforting, deep, and welcoming. She takes a realistic setting and then depicts realistic reactions to the extraordinary introduced in modern day Manhattan. Well done, Danielle. Well done!

I thought that this book was fantastic. It hooked me right away, from the start! Danielle has done a fantastic job weaving Irish mythology into this modernized tale about good and evil.

She would do anything for her beloved ailing father so Kara O'Keefe knows she must sacrifice the only asset she owns her beloved violin given to her by her grandfather years ago, but medical bills for cancer treatment must be paid. Knowing and doing are not the same as Kara delays the inevitable wandering the city until she finds YESTERDAY'S DREAMS and meets Maggie McCormick, a Sidhe who realizes what Quicksilver the violin truly is: a magical piece of the owner's soul.

Lucien the collector sees an opportunity to add Quicksilver and Kara to his booty. He will do whatever it takes to possess both. As Kara struggles with the existence of the Sidhe and magical objects, she joins forces with Maggie, her first mentor since her grandfather died, to battle the evil Lucien.

YESTERDAY'S DREAMS takes the typical fantasy theme of good vs. evil, but places it in modern times with modern day dilemmas as opposed to the usual medieval fare. The setting and Kara's disbelief make for a fabulously fresh tale that hooks the audience from the moment Lucien sees his prey. The prime characters appear real enabling the audience to believe that the magic is real in the music. Though changing narration perspective can become jolting at times, readers will appreciate Danielle Ackley-McPhail's wonderful novel.

Harriet Klausner

The book was wonderful from start to finish . ..The love was real and heart touching and made you feel a part of the plot.. . If you liked this book, or want to read one that goes straight to your heart, read Stolen Moments by Barbara Jeanne Fisher. . .It is a beautiful story of unrequited love. . .for certain the love story of the nineties. I intended to give the book a quick read, but I got so caught up in the story that I couldn't put the book down. From the very beginning, I was fully caught up in the heart-wrenching account of Julie Hunter's battle with lupus and her growing love for Don Lipton. This love, in the face of Julie's impending death, makes for a story that covers the range of human emotions. The touches of humor are great, too, they add some nice contrast and lighten things a bit when emotions are running high. I've never read a book more deserving of being published. It has rare depth. Julie's story will remind your readers that life and love are precious and not to be taken for granted. It has had an impact on me, and for that I'm grateful. Stolen Moments is written with so much sensitivity that it made me want to cry. It is a spellbinder. What terrific writing. Barbara does have an exceptional gift!

Spencer Cook, the main character in this book, seems typical of any human searching for truth and meaning in life. He makes subtle but significant changes that allow him to be more fulfilled and satisfied with his life. I personally loved seeing the change that came about from true life experiences. There is potential for more of everything out in the world. The author allows the reader to feel like change and satisfaction is out there for everyone. In this engaging and simple story there is so much to find out about oneself.

I don't get why people are referring to this as "mormon" literature. Because it mentions a bishop and a mission in passing? Maybe they know something I don't. The fact is that this is an inspiring, well written book for anyone at all, regardless of your faith.

I SELDOM PICK A BOOK UP THAT I CAN NOT PUT DOWN,BUT THIS ONE WAS LIKE THAT.. .I WANTED TO KNOW WHAT EACH CHARACTER WAS DOING NEXT!

A BOOK SIMILAR TO THIS THAT READERS WILL LOVE IS STOLEN MOMENTS BY BARBARA JEANNE FISHER. ..IT IS A BEAUTIUFL LOVE STORY THAT TOUCHES THE DEPTH OF ONE'S HEART, WITH EVERY POSSIBLE LOVE KNOWN TO HUMANS IN IT. ..IT IS ONE THAT YOU WILL WANT TO READ OVER AND OVER, AND EVERYONE REGARDLESS OF AGE CAN IDENTIFY WITH.

BOTH GREAT BOOKS.

This book was wonderful and refreshing to read. Unlike the majority of Mormon Fiction, this story is believable. The charaters are well developed and realistic. The story is written so that it entertains and teaches at the same time. I love the philosophical questions that the main charater Specher has. They are questions that any young person asks and attempts to find answers to. This book is perfect for those lazy Thursdays when you are in a thinking mood and need something to indentify with.

As a huge fan of Janice Sims, I can honestly say there is nothing's bitter about this book. She is not your typical author that writes about the same thing over & over again. I have always admired the way Ms. Sims places black characters in exotic, far away locations and give us the readers, something different to read. You can tell by reading any one of her many books, that Ms. Sims is always thinking of ways to be creative and inspiring. Beautiful work Ms. Sims...

Bittersweet is the story of Teddy who goes to Ireland to do a story of the very popular author Joachim West who's been out of the public eye for awhile. People end up thinking they are husband and wife because Teddy has to stay at his house and he don't want to ruin her image. The two end up falling for each other fast. Pretty good.

Bittersweet is the story of Teddy who goes to Ireland to do a story of the very popular author Joachim West who's been out of the public eye for awhile. People end up thinking they are husband and wife because Teddy has to stay at his house and he don't want to ruin her image. The two end up falling for each other fast. Pretty good.

This was a beautiful story of a new found love between Theodora (Teddy) Riley and Joachim West. Both had lost at love. Teddy, the photojournalist - due to a selfish husband who at first put his career before his love for Teddy and parenthood, then later tried to complicate Teddy's life with a custody battle over their son. Joachim, the writer - due to the death of his wife. These two situations had turned into bitter episodes of love. However, Teddy and Joachim had a second chance at love.

While on assignment in Ireland, Teddy not only gains her interview with Joachim, who for some unknown reason becomes captivated by Teddy. But, Joachim is not alone. Teddy, who has not had strong feelings for another man since her divorce with Adrian, has stirrings of unexplained emotions for Joachim as well. From their first meeting, the heat grows hotter and the sexual attraction is there. Nevertheless, during Teddy's two day visit, Teddy and Joachim refrain from submitting to the physical act, and later, Teddy returns to San Francisco.

You have to read the book to find out what happens (1) after Teddy returns to San Francisco, (2) when several months later Joachim joins Teddy on her birthday, and (3) with Adrain and Teddy's custody battle over their son, Alex.

Ms. Sims wrote an interesting book about losing love and finding a new love. Teddy and Joachim were the perfect couple. Teddy was who Joachim needed to share the love he had stored inside of him, while Joachim was the man Teddy needed to experience a true love that was willing to accept responsibility, as well as whatever life had to offer. Each was given another chance at finding happiness in life and realizing that love can be sweet and wonderful.

A very good book.

I am still kicking myself for waiting so long to read this one, but life got in the way. When I did have the time, I read it in one sitting and all I could do was smile for page after page. Then, I was so sorry that I'd reached the end that I read it a second time a week later. I NEVER REREAD A BOOK THAT SOON, but this one took me there. Charm and wit are Ms. Sims' trademarks and they are certainly on ample display in this story. I've always heard that Ireland was a chilly place, but Ms. Sims did a wonderful job of heating it up. To paraphrase that Irish Spring commercial, "Joachim is made for a woman, and I love him too".

you have to read betrayal of a hustler before you read this so you can keep up it seems to me it should be a part three but it is fantastic i finished the two books in about four days.it was like watching a movie i couldnt put them down until i was done.

This book was good. I couldn't wait to read the second on. Lisa and Chino knew they were wrong but hey that's how the story goes.

IF YOU DON'T KNOW BETRAYAL OF A HUSTLER IS FIRST READ THEN COMES THE SEQUEL. I LIKED THE SEQUEL WAY BETTER NOT TO SAY THAT THE 1ST ONE WASN'T GOOD. IT ANSWERED THE QUESTIONS I ASKED IN MY REVIEW WITH BETRAYAL OF A HUSTLER. I SWEAR THAT LISA IS DUMB AND I CANNOT UNDERSTAND HOW SHE GETS ALL THE GOOD MEN WITH HER WAYZ. THERE IS GOING TO BE A 3RD PART TO THIS TRILOGY AND I CANNOT WAIT BECAUSE SO MUCH HAS HAPPENED IN THIS ONE WORDS CANNOT DESCRIBE. YOU MUST READ THIS BOOK IF U THOUGHT NOT TOO IT IS A MUST. GO COP THIS ASAP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

very very good i'm a truck driver and the book was so good i was pulling over on the side of the road just to get in some reading it had me not wanting to put the book down excellent read

Chino Wells makes a grand re-entrance in A Dead Man's Vengeance to renew the love triangle that transcends into a full blown circle.

At the end of Betrayal of a Hustler, Chino is shot and left for dead. But his right hand man, Knees, wasn't haven' it, and Chino was nursed back to health and sent to recuperate in Virginia with his fam. Chino is back to reclaim his true love, Lisa, and his territory.

Since Chino's death, Lisa has tried to move on with her life with husband/doctor Chris and son Jordan. Lisa and Chris' lives are turned upside down when Chino returns and wreaks havoc on both their lives.

In the meantime, Jamaican drug lord Shark has joined forces with assassin Abu and his crew of killers. Shark and daughter Shantel have tried to get on with their lives after Shantel's mother, Shelly, was gunned down by Chino.

A Dead Man's Vengeance is a very suspenseful work of fiction that had me even more intrigued than it's predecessor. I look forward to the release of The Vendetta.

I am in a diversity book club where I work and we chose A Departure from the Script as one of our reading selections. What a great read! This book explored multiple levels of diversity - not only homosexuality but religion and weight issues. Additionally, the book delved into husband/wife, man/woman and parent/child issues with equal ease. The book spawned lively discussion and thought-provoking introspection. Although dealing with meaty issues, the book was an easy page turner. I not only recommend A Departure from the Script as a great book highlighting diverse issues but just simply a good book.

Departure from the Script takes emotional family issues and wraps them in humor. The characters are richly drawn, complex, and very funny. This is one of those books you don't want to put down until you find out how everything resolves. It's real-life stuff done in a very touching way.

. In many ways I AM Sheila Katz (especially on the weight) and I know everyone else (same people, different names and faces.) Some of the remarks Dan made at the beginning were so like my husband's that I would have thought you were quoting him. I am also active in PFLAG. Your explanation of Jewish customs are great. It was a very enjoyable book.

Rochelle Schwab uses the vehicle of a delightful, fun story to deal with difficult issues in a sensitive, thoughtful, and effective way. In presenting the struggles of Sheila Katz as she deals with the homosexuality of her daughter, and the reactions of her husband, family, and friends, Schwab uses a variety of situations and characters and some delightfully funny happenings. The book doesn't stop at dealing with the sexuality of Sheila's daughter. It takes a hard look at the fluid and sometimes surprising sexual reactions we find in ourselves when we look deep enough. Schwab also takes careful and loving aim at the American cruelty towards those carrying extra weight and deals with the effects it has on the individual as well. Schwab demonstrates a remarkable understanding of human nature, with all its foibles and faults, draws her characters with real clarity--something too few authors do--and builds a story filled with humor, fun, and a little suspense.
The book starts slow, and the first few pages are a little pedantic. However, once the story kicks in, which it does fairly quickly, there's no looking back--you're hooked and avidly reading till the end. I recommend this book especially for those dealing with any gay family member, or for a gay trying to understand family reactions. An excellent book. This is Schwab's second, and I'll definitely be looking forward to a third!

Using amusing, often unexpected humor, Rochelle Hollander Schwab's latest is a delightful novel about family, marriage, and the process of growing comfortable with all shades of the rainbow. Jewish mother/wife/amateur actress Sheila Katz, married for over thirty years, is stunned from complacency when she learns her daughter Jenny is getting married to a woman named Tamara. Dan, her husband, doesn't take the news well and thinks that given time, Jenny will pass through the phase. He's already suffered enough criticism because his son married a Catholic girl-and converted!-and he refuses to acknowledge his daughter's sexual orientation. This pushes Sheila and Dan's marriage to the edge and contributes to the uproar over Jenny's lifestyle.

Sheila is a survivor, though, and she definitely does not want to lose her daughter, so she chooses the "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em" tactic. She starts attending PFLAG meetings, works at readjusting her thinking, and helps to plan the Jewish wedding ceremony behind Dan's back. Little does she know that meeting an attractive lesbian artist will have such an affect her. If her life wasn't turned upside down before, it truly is now.

The story of how Sheila and the Katz family deals with this very topical issue is engrossing, endearing, and entertaining, while also sometimes sobering. Schwab uses a smooth and highly readable style to write a novel for the new millennium. With the legalization of marriage in Canada in 2003 and the ongoing social arguments about fair treatment of gays and lesbians, including marriage, this book is timely and fascinating. It's a book all parents-and non-parents-should read. In Schwab's skillful and sensitive hands, A DEPARTURE FROM THE SCRIPT is funny and true to life, but poses no easy answers. Highly recommended. ~Lori L. Lake, book reviewer for Midwest Book Review, The Independent Gay Writer, Just About Write, and TheGayRead.com.

I read this book after spending 6+ months in Europe. The "Real Testimonies" are frighteningly accurate, and reading them in hindsight from the good ol' USA made me laugh until I cried.

Highly entertaining -- a must-read for those who have ridden the rails with "Let's Go Europe" as their guide.

One of the funniest books that gets the least credit. My entire family and I regularly consult this book when in need of a good laugh. This book has shaped my opinion of every part of Europe I've never been to, because it is absoutely correct about every part I have been to!

If you can get your hands on a copy of this book, do so. You'll read it over and over again.

I have to say that people who have been to Europe (esp. multiple times) will get the most out of this book. It's hilarious! And it's even funnier because it's true. Why isn't this book in print anymore? I think it would make a great gift for anyone who's been to Europe, plans to go to Europe, is from Europe, can spell "Europe"...if you can get your hands on a copy, don't let go!

Includes all the important, more frequented countries. Rife with useful (and useless) information.

Don't go to Europe. Never go there, under any circumstances. To know why, read this book. It explains in graphic detail the horror of the Uglius Americanus' visits to that ghastly place, Europe. It is hilarious. More than Hilarious. And the best thing; it's true.

This collection of the monthlies opens with reminiscence of a terrible time: the day when the last of the Fables left their magical land. The evacuees made it out one step ahead of the invading armies - and only because the last of their army fought to the death delaying the marauder by that step. Amid the heroism, a tender story goes horribly wrong ...

... then, magically (as most things are among the Fables), seems to go right again. This bit of back-story fills in some of the history of these fairy tale (and often furry tail) beings come to life, but also sets the stage for a new drama in the here-and-now of their exile in our mundane world. Mighty battles rage, unknown to the unmagical mortals around them, while smaller personal trials work themselves out. Oh, and a major windfall turns into a political squabble, kind of like among people of any other kind.

As with good any good series, readers who've followed along are rewarded with extra insight into the actions of and between familiar personalities - yes, real personalities in a comic! I really do suggest that as the best way to work through this long-lived series. But, if you come across any volume at random, don't turn it down. The writers have the knack of welcoming newcomers with stories that make sense, even if you haven't seen the sub-plots building up over the issues that came before. I have to warn you, though, the Fables story line is more addictive than that first peanut. Few readers can or even want to stop at one.

-- wiredweird

The whole idea of characters from legends and fairy tales living among us anonymously may not be completely original but these comics take the notion to a whole new level and they are great fun, part of which stems from trying to figure out who some of them are. Most are pretty easy but a few take a little thought. Flycatcher, for instance, turns out to be the Frog Prince. The characters have escaped from a conqueror known as The Adversary and now live in Fabletown, ruled by (who else) Old King Cole. His trusted assistant is Snow White (ex of Prince Charming), now involved with the sheriff, Bigby Wolf (the Big Bad Wolf). Violence, betrayal, graphic sex and a lot of seriously twisted humor abound and this series probably should get an "R" rating. Fun though.

In this volume the Fables are faced with thier worst fear, an invasion by the Advesary from the Homeland. In the story Snow White coordinates the defenses of Fabletown, reenforcements from the Farm are bought in and we see Beast really let loose in this volume. It truly is a great read and I can't stop praising the series I reccomand it to anybody who likes comics but, isn't crazy about superheroes.

I've discovered Bill Willingham's FABLES only recently and I've become an instant fan. And what's not to adore? Great premise. Great characters. Great writing. Super drawing.

While I've loved all the first four books in the FABLES series (I have already ordered 5-7 from Amazon), the third entry, fell just below the best volumes simply because the numbers contained too many arcs. This volume, however, ties all the individual issues together, even the beginning, which focuses on the final battle of the fables against the Adversary. The central story, or the A plot, concerns the near simultaneous arrival of Red Riding Hood and some mysterious fables who have utter disdain for all creatures that they like to refer to as "meat." They turn out to be the title characters of the story. The great battle for Fabletown that culminates the volume is both brilliantly written and drawn.

In future I think I will recommend the FABLES series above all others to people who are completely new to the world of adult comics. They are immediately accessible in a way that other masterpieces like the Sandman books are not (I'm not saying that Gaiman is inaccessible, but that they are better appreciated if they are not the first graphic novels one reads). And the blend of drama, comedy, fantasy, and action would appeal to anyone not blinded by an anti-intellectual disdain of "popular" art (the irony being that self-styled intellectuals who disdain graphic art do so by being amazingly close-minded).

A great entry to a great series. Can't wait for my next stack of books to arrive!

Again Willingham produces a phenomenal comic book, this time going into the Fables history with the Adversary. And the battle.

My second favorite of the series so far. So much happens in book 8... Things readers have been waiting on since book 5 come about and there's romance and violence and politics and general badassery from my favorite characters. Can't wait to get the next one!

This is a welcome addition to the series. It was a little shorter than I would have liked but it left me satiated.

This volume carries up to Fables 50th issue. And I've got to tell you, it is worth it. Wow!

Warning! Spoilers below!


This is one of my favorite books in the entire FABLES series. It is built around several major events. First, Mowgli continues his long and ultimately successful search for Bigby Wolf, partly because Prince Charming wants him to carry out a mission behind the Adversary's lines and partly to fulfill the requirements to allow the early release of Bagheera for his role in the farm uprising (see Book 2 in the series, ANIMAL FARM). Enlisting major allies in the cloud giants who inhabit a parallel dimension in the sky, Bigby is able to appear near the magic woods surrounding Gepetto's hut, completely destroying them and making it impossible for Gepetto to make new puppets for a few decades when the forest will regrow. Mission accomplished, Bigby and Snow White marry (old hokey ceremony and all, the kind of offensive one where the woman pledges to honor and obey and it concludes with them being named man and wife -- come on Bill! It is the 21st century, even the Fables would have junked that old dusty routine) and settle in the valley where the giants used to sleep. The book concludes with a diplomatic mission to the cloud giants by Cinderella to urge them to finally sign a mutual defense pact. Clearly, in the event of a major conflict, the Fabletown residents are going to need some major help. Having allies who are both giants and accomplished will surely help. But what of those who Cinderella inadvertently offended? Will that one day come back to haunt the Fables?

All in all, another spectacular addition to an outrageously fine series of graphic books.

Volume 8 kinda ties things up in a way that the series probably safely could have ended here (though I see a new one is coming out in June). Bigby and Snow are back. Things just seem to happen. The problem is that it is the weakest of all the Fables volumes so far. It almost makes me nervous about the next volume, but I do mean almost. As a whole this is (and I was a bit surprised) one of the better comic books out there.

What a beautifully written, interesting story about two older adults who fall in and out of love. They have the problem of miscommunicating to each other, and that makes for great twists in the plot. The ending makes you take a big gulp. Nice, nice book.

This is no Harlequin or other type of romance story you would expect. Instead, it's something like "The Notebook"--something everyone can read. Bull is your typical male guy who wants things his way, and he doesn't want the Big Apple to make a family in; the heroine is your thoughtful widow who gets really fired up at times. Her health condition throws Bull for a loop and the wedding comes to a dead stop. Good story, good writer. This was a nice holiday gift.

This is the kind of book I really like. I expected it to be one of those romance type books story but I was pleasantly surprised to read a regular old story about two people in love. It reminded me of Segal's "Love is never having to say your sorry," only the relationship between these adults is more tense, more dynamic, and the characters make you like them while yet getting upset with them at times. Good book.

Great characters, super story, real settings, and a heart-wrenching but totally human story that reflects on humanity. Well done love story done in the old fashioned style, and not just for females.

I was bored in a doctor's office the other day and found this book. Now, romance isn't something I read but I was pretty bored. So I started reading the book and then I was swept in.I had to go out and buy the book to finish it. It's one of those love stories like "Love is never having to say you're sorry"...or something like that. But it's a story for everyone. The characters are like real people and they're both funny and infuriating. The ending is a hoot. Ya gotta buy this one whether you're male or female. It sure shows how men and women think differently.