Short Stories Books


Books-Under-Review-->Arts-->Literature-->Short Stories-->91
Related Subjects: Classics Contemporary
More Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120 121 122 123 124 125 126 127 128 129 130 131 132 133 134 135 136 137 138 139 140 141 142 143 144 145 146 147 148 149 150 151 152 153 154 155 156 157 158 159 160 161 162 163 164 165 166 167 168 169 170 171 172 173 174 175 176 177 178 179 180 181 182 183 184 185 186 187 188 189 190 191 192 193 194 195 196 197 198 199 200 201 202 203 204 205 206 207 208 209 210 211 212 213 214 215 216 217 218 219 220 221 222 223 224 225 226 227 228 229 230 231 232 233 234 235 236 237 238 239 240 241 242 243 244 245 246 247 248 249 250
Short Stories Books sorted by Average customer review: high to low .

Short Stories
El Mundo de Sofia
Published in Paperback by Siruela (1994-01-01)
Author: Jostein Gaarder
List price: $28.95
New price: $83.93
Used price: $83.93

Average review score:

great for all ages
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-29
This is an awesome book. Buy it and enjoy it.
Libro cojonudo. Disfrutarás como un chaval.

UN excelente Libro
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-07-24
Este es por lejos una de los mejores libros que he leido. El autor encontro una manera muy agradable de contar una historia de la que la mayoria de la gente no quiere saber, concuerdo con otros comentarios, este no es un libro de texto, sin embargo como historia aporta mas que muchos libros de texto (al menos a nosotros los no filosofos de profesion) y de una manera muy interesante. Este es un gran libro que le deja como herencia al lector el reto de ejercitar la imaginacion y recuperar su capacidad de asombrarse con las cosas mas cotidianas.

Un hermoso cuento.....
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2002-08-15
Este libro llego a mis manos por casualidad en la biblioteca de Nueva Acropolis. Concuerdo con uno de las opiniones vertidas en esta página: No es un libro de introducción a la filosofía, si estás buscando filosofía no compres este libro. Este libro es un cuento en el que el autor va dejando a medida que se desarrollan los mágicos acontecimientos de manera inteligente una breve reseña de las corrientes filosóficas, sus representantes y sus ideas. Mi formación en este campo era NULA (ese curso no lo lleve en el colegio)...después de leer este libro, me intereso la filosofía y pude comprender de que se trata. Si te gustan los cuentos ágiles, la lectura amena, quizas un poquito de suspenso, debes adquirir este libro. Disfrutarás de su lectura y adicionalmente cuando termines de leerlo, sabrás un poquito desde Socrates hasta Popper, pasando por Nietsche, Lock, Santo Tomas de Aquino, Espinoza...Me despido de Uds. me voy a leerlo de nuevo.

Entretenido
Helpful Votes: 7 out of 9 total.
Review Date: 2001-06-23
Este es un libro bastante entretenido sobre la Historia de la Filosof?a, pero no debes catalogar este libro como un texto in extenso del tema, porque lo mas seguro es que te vas a defraudar. Cierto que nos habla de las principales corrientes filosof?as, pero no debemos pretender que abarque todo el contenido de todas o de alguna de ellas, critica que imagino es con la que mas se se?ala este libro. Como una introducci?n a un curso de Historia de la Filosof?a no es mejor ni peor que los otros cursos de introducci?n, y como quiera que sea, pasa a contar exactamente la misma historia que los dem?s libros. ?qu? hace entonces que este libro sea para mi especial? Es la forma en que Gaarder lo hace: convierte la introducci?n a la historia de la filosof?a en una novela que llega a desbordar todos los limites de imaginaci?n entre un padre y su hija.

Si nunca te has interesado en la Filosof?a, te aseguro que este libro clavara esta palabra en tu mente. Esto, sobretodo, si eres de aquellos que temen los libros textuales y formuleros. Pero si has incursionado en alguna corriente filos?fica con alguna profundidad, no mires este libro deseando analizar lo que seguramente ya sabes de la corriente que deseas, porque es seguro que sabes mas que lo que aqu? se presenta. Pero, como quiera que sea, como sucede con cualquier libro, siempre tendr?s algo que aprender de el.

De principio a fin...
Helpful Votes: 8 out of 8 total.
Review Date: 2003-02-04
Me han regalado el libro por mi 15°cumpleaños. Realmente es interesante ver como se desarrolla la trama de tal manera que los personajes principales van evolucionando. Por una parte Sofía la niña que corría el riesgo de convertirse lo que se llamaría un "apatico humano" logro superarlo mediante las enseñanzas de un completo extraño. No es un libro sobre las opiniones del autor acerca de preguntas filosóficas. Al contrario si eres el tipo de persona que te agrada pensar en ellas este libro te ayudará desde el princio al final a razonarlas un poco más por tu propia cuenta y saber opiniones de antiguos filosofos que tal vez coinciden con las tuyas.

Short Stories
Encyclopedia Brown Finds the Clues (Encyclopedia Brown)
Published in Library Binding by Bt Bound (2007-09)
Author: Donald J. Sobol
List price: $13.50
New price: $13.50

Average review score:

A new version for kids today.
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-08
My 8 year old son 1st 4 in the Encyclopedia Brown books by Donald J. Sobol for Christmas but has yet to have read them. We discovered that they are "new" and the Volume 1-4 is different than the "old" Volume 1-4. He has loved these books. They are titled Boy Detective, Case of the Secret Pitch, Finds the Clues, and Gets His Man. As an extra bonus he was delighted to find out that his father had read these books too.

the kid loves em
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-02-09

my 6 year old nephew just loves these stories

it's Okay
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-01-13
I have not read many EB books but this was my first one. The first mystery was very easy. so i like it pretty much.

Watch the Boy Work! Match Wits with Encyclopedia Brown
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2003-04-21
Teaching kids to observe, think, and have fun at the same time? Difficult? Not with the Encyclopedia Brown books!

This is actually the third book in the Encyclopedia Brown series by author Donald J. Sobol. In this volume, Encyclopedia Brown, the smartest kid in Idaville, tackles ten cases. Kids (and adults) will have a great time matching wits with Encyclopedia as they gather clues with him and seek to put together the pieces of the puzzle. If you can't crack the puzzles, don't worry: the solutions to each case appear at the end of the book.

These stories were first published in the 1960's, so they're a little dated, but they still provide loads of fun, and some of them are pretty tricky. If you'd like to develop critical thinking and observation skills in your kids, you can't go wrong with Encyclopedia Brown.

10 cases, 112 pages total

Mysteries and Puzzles
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2003-05-05
Encyclopedia Brown is a 5th grade boy who solves puzzles, crimes and mysteries as easily and as unconsciously as breathing.

Each book is a series of short mysteries (5-10 pages each) ending with a question - usually "how did Encyclopedia know that X was responsible for the crime". The answer to each mystery is at the back of the book. Solving the mystery takes no special knowledge, but it does require paying attention to detail. Don't turn to the answer too fast.

This book is the third in the series, but the books do not have to be read in order. I loved the Encyclopedia Brown books when I was growing up. I am reading them again before I give them to my nephew who I hope will enjoy them as I did. (The target reading level is ages 9-12).

Adults who like this series may also enjoy the Lateral Thinking Puzzles books.

Short Stories
Falling Nun: And Other Stories
Published in Unknown Binding by Tandem Library (2003-02)
Author: Pamela Rafael Berkman
List price: $17.92

Average review score:

Tired of goofy chick lit?
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2003-04-22
This is a wonderful, beautifully written, thoughtful, sexy collection of short stories about young women. I found it a great antidote for all the silly lowest-common-denominator chick lit out there with the pictures of sexy legs on the covers. This is all about women of our generation, but it's told with intelligence, wit, a bit of darkness and a bit of humor. A wonderful collection--buy it!

Good NYC Subway Reading
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2003-02-24
Even though many of Berkman's stories are set in the SF Bay Area, they could just as easily take place in East Village tattoo parlors, cafes in SoHo, or grungy cold-water flats in Alphabet City. And even though this is an odd review, it's my genuine experience: Berkman's tales are a particularly delightful read on the New York City subway. Forget worrying about chemical attacks; just get a copy of this book and enjoy yourself! One can get on at 14th Street and finish a story before hitting Canal. Now that's a New York state of mind!

Fascinating and provocative stories
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2003-02-12
This is one of the most original and daring short-story collections Iýve read in a long time. The stories are sexy and provocative but the characters are very real people, even when they are in extraordinary circumstances. Berkman challenges our assumptions about women and sexuality but does so by telling darn good stories. The characters have both a sense of youthful exploration and precocious maturity and the sleek writing style reminded me a lot of Alice Munro.

A constellation of clever short stories!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2003-02-03
Ever read a collection of short stories whose female theme (office politics, dating, get-togethers with friends) is mixed with dark and gothic undertones (witchcraft, self-destruction, twisted religious themes)? In The Falling Nun, Pamela Rafael Berkman touches on some rather disturbing subjects in women's quest to find love, success and happiness. As a result, she conveys a profound message in the aforementioned struggles. My favorite stories are "Gold Glitter," "Snakes," Playing Crucifixion," and "Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown." If you're in the bargain for a literary and thought provoking collection of short stories, then I suggest you pick up The Falling Nun.

Daring and Insightful
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2003-02-14
This collection is a wonderful find. Sharply observed and elegantly written, Berkman's stories present the struggles of young urban women to develop social and sexual mores that they can believe in. The struggle is ultimately a hopeful one. Over and over again, in stories that are alternately gritty and graceful, the characters rediscover--or reaffirm--a fragile faith in the world. To renew your faith in contemporary fiction, buy this book.

Short Stories
The Farmer's Wife/LA Esposa Del Granjero
Published in Paperback by Hoopoe Books (2003-11)
Author: Idries Shah
List price: $7.99
New price: $5.41
Used price: $5.21

Average review score:

Blindness of the academics
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-10-28
The editorial review laughably misses the rhythm and the deeper layers of this story. May I gently suggest that it was reviewed in haste?

This book is a tour de force in higher order thinking, randomness and unforeseen outcomes.

A story for children at first glance that is actually a blueprint.

Children get this story. Why can not some adults even begin to scratch the surface of what is available here?

Let your child decide! Buy this book for them, read it, ask questions as to what is occuring in the tale. Then watch and listen to your child.

You may be surprised at the insights of your youngster!



Childrens books by Idries Shah build mental agility
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2001-07-17
Tragedies like Columbine are a wake-up call. It's clear that we need to provide our kids ...with tools to counter the violence and knee-jerk aggression ubiquitous in popular culture. These children's stories by Idries Shah are just this kind of tool. They're not preachy. They don't offer simplistic lessons or moral platitudes. They're more like exercises for "mental muscle groups" grossly underdeveloped in this culture: A strong sense of one's own value. Empathy. Flexibility in thinking and responding. Appreciating that not everyone is the same, not every outcome is predictable. Seeing that there are more than two sides to a situation. A sense that patience and perseverance can pay off, sometimes in unexpected ways. Not demanding easy answers. A sense that things are not always as they seem, that the viewpoint of "experts" — or even the whole community — is not always right. The experience of seeing something that even adults don't see, of creating clever solutions. The sense that taking positive action is possible and rewarding—even when one has to buck the tide. That help can come from where and when we least expect it. The sense that life has interesting "loose ends" for us to reflect on. And so much more. At least one of these books should be on every child's book shelf.

A real keeper! Happy colors and charming story
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 1999-01-13
This must be a book for pre-readers because the plot's extremely simple. I got it for a 3 year old and it's perfect -- the kind of story with a repeating pattern of words that the reading adult can embellish on. It's a joy to look at, almost magical. The story is interesting too, with a subtle lesson in patience (I think) and enough whimsy to keep a tired adult awake.

Parent/teacher review
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2001-07-17
This book is delightful. What a great concept to introduce to young minds. Not just that if you keep at something you might persevere. But also that our ultimate success often comes by way something or someone outside ourselves - when we least expect it!

Fun story, many more hours of fun just exploring the art!
Helpful Votes: 5 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 1999-01-16
This is a new twist on the types of stories that kids love to read and hear over and over. It begins with a lady making a simple request...she just wants her apple. The chain of events that results though, teaches cause and effect in a fun way. What really makes the book a lasting treasure is the art work. We found ourselves going through the book both from front to back and back to front just exploring the colorful and playful art. I highly recommend this book for kids or even adults who like the playful prose and pictures. Two thumbs up for Mary Rose Santiago and Idries Shah. I look forward to seeing more of their works.

Short Stories
Father Bear Comes Home (I Can Read Level 1)
Published in Library Binding by Fitzgerald Books (2007-01)
Author: Else Holmelund Minarik
List price: $13.85
New price: $13.85

Average review score:

Cute Story
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-08
My Son read this book to me. This is an easy one for him but we are working on reading out loud. He needs to practice reading with the breaks in the right place. It is a cute story about Little bear and his father. It is an I Can Read book that I would recommend for K-2nd grade.

great classics
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2002-06-17
WE HAVE HAD THE LITTLE BEAR BOOK FATHER BEAR COMES HOME FOR AT LEAST TWENTY YEARS,AND WE STILL LOVE IT! I JUST BOUGHT ANOTHER LITTLE BEAR BOOK FOR MY NEICE, AND AM WAITING FOR IT TO COME. IF YOUR LOOKING FOR A GREAT BOOK YOU CAN'T GO WRONG WITH THESE!

great classics
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2002-06-17
WE HAVE HAD THE LITTLE BEAR BOOK FATHER BEAR COMES HOME FOR AT LEAST TWENTY YEARS,AND WE STILL LOVE IT! I JUST BOUGHT ANOTHER LITTLE BEAR BOOK FOR MY NEICE, AND AM WAITING FOR IT TO COME. IF YOUR LOOKING FOR A GREAT BOOK YOU CAN'T GO WRONG WITH THESE!

Father Bear Comes Home
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2002-05-11
There are 4 different stories in this book. My favorite was Little Bear's Mermaid. I liked when Little Bear saw the mermaid when his mom and dad were sleeping. I also liked when Little Bear went fishing. Other kids will like this book because it has many stories in it.

Only the best
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 1999-11-11
The Little Bear saga are truly classic. From the artwork and storylines you think you are reading a Victorian era storybook. No your grandmother didn't read these stories to you. Soon enough we will be reading them to our grandchildren. Buy the hardback versions, your grandkids will love them.

Short Stories
Father of the Bride (S&S Classic Editions)
Published in Hardcover by Simon & Schuster (1999-04-01)
Author: Edward Streeter
List price: $23.00
New price: $5.50
Used price: $3.42
Collectible price: $12.72

Average review score:

Father of The Bride is one of the Comedy Classics. I enjoy it every time I watch it
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-26
Father of the Bride (Part I) is more than a Classic Film, is at the pinnacle of the Comedy genre. Is one of those few movies that you'll enjoy and laugh each and every than you watch it.
Though Steven Martin certenly is one of the best actors, superb as a comedian and excellent talent in dramatic roles, I prefer the Spencer Tracy version hands down the best though in Black & White you enjoy Specer's wit, he worked very hard get it perfect.
Spencer Tracy as Stanley Banks
Elizabeth Taylor as his daughter

"I am not a Big Chief."
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2002-08-31
This humorous play is based on the novel and has been successfully made into two different movies. The movie starring Spencer Tracy is more similar to the play than the Steve Martin film. However, the Steve Martin movie has one very important character that the Spencer Tracy film does not, Massoula (played by Martin Short); who is the funniest character in the script. Anyway, the play is a charming comedy that examines the horrors of the rituals we call weddings from the perspective of the father of the bride.

Mr. Banks is a happily married man with three children who doesn't have any major problems in life. Then his daughter announces out of the blue that she is engaged to a man the family barely knows. Chaos begins and continues throughout the play until the last scene when we see the true character of the father of the bride.

A delightful play that's not only a blast to watch, but is a joy to read as well.

Laughing at Life.
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2002-09-16
Having already seen both movie versions and being cast in the play by the same name, I had to find a copy of the book and find out where all the delightful wit and humor had originated. I was also seeking to see if I could glean anything from the novel to use while acting in the play. I really enjoyed the movies and love the play. However, the book is more humorous than all three.

FATHER OF THE BRIDE is told from the vantage point of Stanley Banks, the title character but in an omniscient way. There are tons of witty, one-liners throughout the novel, and though there is some dated material, the Mr. Banks of the novel seems more real and down-to-Earth than any the films are theatre have produced. The book is full of observations on life; from women and men to children and business, but told in a humorous, yet enlightening way. The book isn't very long and makes for a very entertaining read. "How. . . How".

a father finds out his daughter's getting married and freaks
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 1999-10-08
I read this book a couple of months ago. It's very funny and sad at the same time. i feel bad for the dad because he's going through a hard time. But it has a happy ending.

Delightful story that shares something in common with us all
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 1999-07-20
A pleasant read that pokes fun of all those fatherly qualities we can all find in our own dads.

I will definitely have this around for my father when I get married!!!

Short Stories
The Feelings and Imagination of a Barefoot Boy Still Inside My Head! Poems and Short Stories for Boys and Girls, Ages 9 to 12
Published in Paperback by Authors Choice Press (2001-04)
Authors: Richard W. Carlson and Kevin Carlson
List price: $10.95

Average review score:

Read an online review of my book:
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2001-07-08
THE FEELINGS AND IMAGINATION OF A BAREFOOT BOY STILL INSIDE MY HEAD by Richard W. Carlson Jr. is just as the title suggests--feelings and imagination, as well as hopes, dreams, and just plain fun wrapped into one book!

His wonderful poems were a treat to read to my children, and the charming hand drawn illustrations caught and kept my children's attention as I read, bringing forth tons of questions about the picture.

Mentioning frogs, wishes, brothers, sisters, yelling, cheating, animals, first kisses, and black eyes, would only scratch the surface of all the comical poems and short stories within the books pages. All of Mr. Carlson's poems and short stories in THE FEELINGS AND IMAGINATION OF A BAREFOOT BOY STILL INSIDE MY HEAD will surely entertain and delight the children, as well as the parents. I know we loved it!

The author, Richard W. Carlson Jr. known to live in an imaginary world of his own as a boy, he now lives in the real world and successfully writes book and poems for children that teach valuable lessons. He lives in Tucson, Arizona.

Mr. Carlson's vivid imagination runs wild in each fascinating tale. The important lessons, both realistic and proper, are taught in a fun and attention-grabbing manner. They are exactly what the youth of today need, and what they will enjoy reading at the same time. His ability to tell it like a child is something that every child's book writer struggles for. The poems aren't too long, and drug out, nor are they preachy--perfect for the age of children it is intended for.

My favorite poem: I LOVED TO WALK ON MY BARE FEET is about a little boy who loves to look at his bare feet as he walks.

Find your favorite Richard W. Carlson Jr. poem today!

ASTORYWEAVER'S Book Reviews highly recommends THE FEELINGS AND IMAGINATION OF A BAREFOOT BOY STILL INSIDE MY HEAD by Richard W. Carlson Jr. for you and your children....

A delightful, entertaining collection
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2002-02-04
Richard Carlson's The Feelings And Imagination Of A Barefoot Boy Still Inside My Head! is a delightful, entertaining, and highly recommended collection of poems and short stories for children ages 9 to 12. The topics of these pieces range from family, falling in love, and imagination, to yelling, bicycles, and kissing. I Loved To Walk On My Bare Feet: When I was a young boy,/I loved life and felt great joy./I untied and my little shoes off I took./At my bare feet I wanted to look./It felt really neat,/Walking on the grass and soil in bare feet./I breathed in the spring air through my little nose,/And in the mud puddles, wiggled my little toes./I would play and daydream./Life was wonderful to me it did seem.

A cool Book
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 2001-08-05
This was a book of poems and short stories. Mr. Carlson writes really good poems, I liked them all. Some of them were about Jeremy Grabowski's Crazy Summer In Stormville. I thought that was neat. Some were about life in Tucson Arizona. That was cool because I've never been there and it was fun to read about a different place. The short stories were all great. I liked all of them too. I think you will really like this book. Both boys and girls will.

Nathaniel

P.S. Kevin Carlson is Richard Carlson's brother. His pictures are terrific! People are really hard to draw, I know, I try to all the time! He does a really great job!

Poems and Short Stories from a Young Man's Perspective
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2001-06-19
Many books written for youngsters have a problem. To get the skill to create the work, the author has had to practice . . . and that meant getting older and further away from feelings of the young readers. Richard W. Carlson, Jr. has overcome that problem here in a powerful way, and brought me back in touch with experiences I haven't had in over 45 years. The interesting poems and short stories carry important lessons for the practical and moral development of the reader. The youthful perspective is perfectly captured in the poetic style that successfully mimics what a talented 10 year old might produce while having extra smoothness most of the time. I especially liked the illustrations by Mr. Kevin Carlson. Mr. Carlson has an ability to capture stories, emotions, and situations in simple illustrations that make the point of the stories clearer.

The poems and stories are very short, well-suited for the attention span of youthful readers. One interesting element is that the book contains both poetry about Richard W. Carlson, Jr. as well as fictional versions of the same incidents describing Jeremy Grabowski's Crazy Summer in Stormville. You and your children can enjoy talking about which versions you like better, and what roles fiction and nonfiction play in helping readers.

I generally liked the poems about discovery best. When we are young, everything that happens (even setbacks) is absolutely fascinating. Junk and joy go together just as well as gold and joy.

I also liked the way the short stories took the potential for fright and turned it into potential for fun. Mr. Carlson has an unusually positive attitude that anyone can learn from. Children need more encouragement than criticism, and he carries that point forward rather well.

I suspect that most readers will take even more delight upon rereading the book than upon first reading it. I hope you will take the opportunity to do both. Although written for children, the book has much of the appeal of Who Moved My Cheese? for adults.

"Who lives in your world that's wonderful and so much fun?

You might be the only one!"

Those two lines may be the best encouragement for budding writers that I have ever seen. Be sure you children have the chance to read them.

After you finish this delightful book, I suggest you think about why you no longer find discovery as fascinating as a little boy picking up his first horny toad. How can you recapture that delight and its benefits? How can you be sure that your children and grandchildren delight in discovery even more than you did at their age?

Retain the mind of the three year old . . . and your mind will be always filled with riches.

Imaginative! Very highly recommended
Helpful Votes: 7 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 2001-08-04
Author Richard W. Carlson Jr. Brings echoes of maturity to freshly imaginative short stories and poetry in THE FEELINGS AND IMAGINATION OF BAREFOOT BOY STILL INSIDE MY HEAD. The sparkling ingenuous voice of remembered youth sparkles, recapturing the best of childhood and strongest of memories in a startling original record certain to please young readers. The rhythm and rhyme keep the tempo steadily on high, recreating runaway frogs, black eyes, broccoli and walking barefoot with equal vividness. Accompanied by simple, yet skillfully drawn illustrations (by the author's younger brother), this marvelous lark comes highly recommended.

Short Stories
First Light: Animal Voices in Concert
Published in Paperback by PublishingWorks (2006-09-15)
Author: Ardeth De Vries
List price: $15.00
New price: $8.96
Used price: $5.37
Collectible price: $19.95

Average review score:

Animals Are Living Feeling Beings
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2006-11-18
Being a professional animal groomer, my life revolves around my own animals as well as my client's animals. I met the author, Ardeth De Vries, while doing volunteer work at our local animal shelter. Ardeth is an amazing person who has so much passion for animals. I read her book and realized that First Light is a book I have to have to give to my clients. When any of the dogs I work with pass away I will give the owner something, usually a card and book, as a memorial in loving memory of their animal companion and my friend. Ardeth's book touched my heart on so many levels. First Light shows that animals are real feeling, loving, intelligent beings who aren't property, shouldn't be forgotten or abused and are not throw-away items to be tossed aside like trash. If everyone could read this book and open their hearts to animals all over the World, this World would be a much better place to live in. If you love animals, this is a great book to read! First Light was an extra special reading experience for me because while reading it, I realized that I had met some of the animals that she had written about while I was volunteering at the shelter. What a treat!

[...]

A new stage of enlightenment...
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2006-11-02
"First Light" is "that moment of clarity when all is revealed, and we know with absolute certainty that we are all one." This is a beautiful book about the relationships between animals and the people in their lives. It is a series of stories which, woven together, teach wonderful lessons of unconditional love and inter-species understanding. Through the pages of "First Light," you will hear the animal voices and share in the first light experiences. Some of the stories will touch your heart, some will delight you, but all will leave you with a lasting message. This book will change the way you look at animals forever. It certainly did that for me.

ANIMAL LOVERS: YOU'VE NOT READ ANYTHING LIKE THIS!
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2006-10-17
This wonderful compilation of REAL stories about REAL animals sent me on a roller-coaster ride of emotions, for which I wasn't prepared! I cried, I laughed, I ached with hope for some of these innocent furry friends. I am and have been an animal lover all my life and have never lived without the company of Dog Friends. THIS BOOK truly altered my relationship with my own dogs, and all those touching my life. I recommend and encourage anyone who lives with an animal friend, thinks of themself as an 'animal lover' or would like to learn so much more about what these Animal Voices can teach you....BUY THIS WONDERFUL BOOK. I guarantee you won't put it down! With all proceeds benefiting animal welfare organizations, this is a MUST READ for dog-lovers, & the ultimate Holiday gift for all ages.

CALLING ALL ANIMAL LOVERS
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2006-10-16
Here is a book I promise you won't be able to put down. Sometimes funny, sometimes touching, always poignant, this collection of beautifully written animal stories is a most rewarding read. I highly recommend this book for all animal lovers (adults and children alike) and for anyone who appreciates a well-told, heartfelt story. Another great thing I've learned about this book is that 100% of the proceeds will go to well-deserving animal welfare agencies. I personally have purchased six copies to give this year as Christmas presents, and I urge you to do the same. This is a gift that gives twice--once to the human reader and again to animals in need.

For Crying Out Loud!
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2006-10-14
Literally.

I am not a big fan of stories where animals talk (maybe thanks to the traumas experienced listening to Dumbo and Bambi as they lost their mothers). So I started reading this with a chip on my shoulder already.

But I was soon swept up into the stories and quickly became choked up with the plight of the animals involved. We humans can certainly be jerks, but the author points out that animals don't judge us, despite the poor behavior exhibted towards many of them. They take what comes and are grateful for the smallest kindness, returning unconditional love,

Certainly some of the stories are sad, but in the end they will lift you up with the knowledge that there are still many people trying to make up for the members of the human race that haven't a clue about the proper treatment of animals.

(Proceeds from the sale will go to animal welfare, also. So this would make a great holiday gift.)

Short Stories
Forms of Devotion
Published in Paperback by CENTRAL BOOKS (2006-05-31)
Author: Diane Schoemperlen
List price:
New price: $15.70
Used price: $8.00

Average review score:

A superb surprise
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2005-09-19
I bought this book at a discount outlet on a whim -- years later, I find myself suggesting it for class reading in graduate school. While the stories are playful, inventive, strange, the important thing to note is that the writing is beautiful, simply beautiful. I especially love her story, "How to Write a Serious Novel About Love," which will make you look at a teacup in a completely different way.

A BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN BOOK
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 1999-04-12
FORMS OF DEVOTION IS A WONDERFUL BOOK. DIANNE SCHOEMPERLEN TAKES THE SIMPLEST TOPICS AND MAKES THEM INTERESTING AND BEAUTIFUL. I WOULD DEFINITELY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK.

magic under a microscope
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 1998-10-26
After reading Schoemperlen's Language of Love I couldn't wait to read her new book. I was NOT disappointed. All of the magic and insight and wonder and irony is there. Later when I took a walk on the beach, everything seemed magnified. The sun and a grain of sand were suddenly about the same size and equally amazing.

Pictures and Words in Perfect Harmony
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2003-01-16
Diane Schoemperlen said she found inspiration for this book when her young son asked her how come her books never have any pictures. She then had the brilliant idea to wrap short stories around antique drawings, 100 year old catalogue pictures and illustrations from the original Gray's Anatomy. The results are stories that are compelling on their own but are perfectly enhanced by the pictures put in them. A great gift or coffee table book to be flipped through again and again.

cuts to the heart
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2001-07-04
It seems the earned province of Canadian women writers to cut to the heart of gender, race, and class privilege. In the title piece (I would not call it a story in the traditional character/plot sense) Schoemperlen explores a series of intangibles, among them faith, prayer, and hope, and very subtly weaves them into an indictment of middle class privilege. In a later story, "Count Your Blessings (a Fairy Tale)" Schoemperlen, in a twist reminiscent of the best Roald Dahl stories, cuts the heart out of the woman who has everything and is still unhappy. These stories are well-written, and are accompanied by clever old woodcut clip art. But unlike many short story collections, this is not an "easy" book, for the reader, and I suspect, for the author as well. The book jacket describes her work as "electric"--the prospective reader would do well to remember that electricity can shock as well as enlighten.

Short Stories
French Quarter Fiction: The Newest Stories of America's Oldest Bohemia
Published in Paperback by Light Of New Orleans Publishing (2003-04-01)
Author:
List price: $16.95
New price: $9.95
Used price: $3.00
Collectible price: $16.95

Average review score:

Like a circumabulation of the Vieux Carre
Helpful Votes: 10 out of 13 total.
Review Date: 2003-04-16
As an expatriate Quarterite of beau coup years duration, living there from 1964 through 1985, I found this delightful compilation to be a bit like taking a stroll through the old neighborhood. The characters spring to life fully formed in their unforgetable settings, recreating a palpable experience of all the yats and dawlins who make life in the Crescent City almost tolerable...

Stronger than Katrina
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2006-10-20
The array of writing styles, perspectives, insights, and entertainment make this book an absolute treasure. As an outsider looking into the ghostly history of the Crescent City, research for my book could take me only so far. Joshua Clark gathered up so much that is mystical, ethereal, and nearly transparent that would otherwise escape the notice of those of us who have limited time in New Orleans. In the aftermath of Katrina, this book becomes a greater treasure, enlivening the fadding echoes of the old neighborhoods, bars, back streets, and the lives of people we would otherwise never encounter.

A Wonder of Delights.
Helpful Votes: 5 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2004-01-03
Reading this book is like savoring a box of very expensive chocolates. Each story is its own wonderous delight. Much like a Whitman's Sampler, there is something here for everyone. Up and coming writers like John Verlenden and Joe Longo more than hold their own alongside the great ones...and, no doubt, will join them one day soon. A perfect bedside companion...timeless and compelling.

Brilliant and inspiring
Helpful Votes: 5 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 2003-12-30
I've never even been to New Orleans and yet love this
anthology. These are astounding stories, plain and
simple. And will leave you with a better sense of that
famous neighborhood than if you'd spent every Mardi
Gras there for the last 20 years.

A Real Treasure
Helpful Votes: 7 out of 8 total.
Review Date: 2003-12-29
Tenessee Williams' previously unpublished piece, a thing of incomparable beauty, is the most harrowing autobiographical account I have ever read of him, providing unparalleled insight to his soul. Ellen Gilchrist's piece is joyful as an angel's whisper. This collection is one one to be savored time and again.


Books-Under-Review-->Arts-->Literature-->Short Stories-->91
Related Subjects: Classics Contemporary
More Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120 121 122 123 124 125 126 127 128 129 130 131 132 133 134 135 136 137 138 139 140 141 142 143 144 145 146 147 148 149 150 151 152 153 154 155 156 157 158 159 160 161 162 163 164 165 166 167 168 169 170 171 172 173 174 175 176 177 178 179 180 181 182 183 184 185 186 187 188 189 190 191 192 193 194 195 196 197 198 199 200 201 202 203 204 205 206 207 208 209 210 211 212 213 214 215 216 217 218 219 220 221 222 223 224 225 226 227 228 229 230 231 232 233 234 235 236 237 238 239 240 241 242 243 244 245 246 247 248 249 250