Fan Fiction Books

This book is hilarious. It's a little flawed - the protagonist, Sid Straw writes letters to people who normally wouldn't receive letters, but there has to be a way to fill in some of the story gaps. I can forgive that, but it does drop down to four stars instead of five for me (it also doesn't help that Straw is absolutely annoying and an idiot).

So I guess to say he's a little preoccupied with former college classmate Heather Locklear is the understatement of the year, huh? Sid Straw writes letter after letter to Locklear, her agent, her lawyer, the neighborhood florist, his parents, his parents' neighbor, his employers (current, and inevitably former), charities, magazine companies, the FBI, the alumni of UCLA, realtors, his own lawyer, and the unemployment agency.

At first he's heading deep into a downward spiral, and every letter gets funnier and funnier (but also in that Curb Your Enthusiasm way, you almost beg Sid NOT to write the ridiculously inept letters he scribes and sends off).

It almost can't possibly get worse....and then it doesn't. In fact, it gets better. It gets MUCH better. It gets almost unbelievably better, to the point that I am still unsure if the last quarter of the book is supposed to have happened, or if he's imagined it all and has gone straight-up nuts. I guess it's up to us, huh?

Fans of Kun will enjoy this. If you aren't a fan, it might get a bit taxing, but I think it's worth the read. And if you read it and you didn't like it, it went by quickly, right?

I read this book during a total of three busrides to work, I'm not a fast reader and my bus ride is about five miles. 340 pages. Do the math.

It's a funny book, a little disconcerting in the middle sections where Sid Straw, a man who seems to have been writing a ridiculously high percentage of the personal letters actually sent in the mail in the 21st century, seems to be heading toward self-destruction, but the ending, aided by a lawyer who is both cutthroat and cutrate, is a hoot.

Years ago, Leo Rosten wrote a little-noticed novel called "Dear 'Herm'" that this book reminded me of a lot. It too is epistolatory, and the writer of the letters also seems to have very little sense of the reaction his letters engender in others, and very little care as well. Both books have uncomfortable moments and warm hearts at their center.

and then I read the book again. If you are looking for an awesome book to take to the beach this summer, this is the one!

I had read the other customer reviews prior to getting this book. Between their comments and the book's title, the idea that the book contained lots of letters was not lost on me (nothing gets by me...especially when the title includes the word "Letters"). What I didn't understand is that this book is ONLY letters. There are no chapters, no intro paragraphs or closing paragraphs. You are reading the letters that the main character writes to others. And they are short...most are half a page.

Pretend you were to read someone else's emails for a month...but only what they write, not what the other person writes...same idea as this book. Through the main character's letters (most to Heather Locklear) you get a pretty decent picture of what correspondance and activities are happening in his life. And what is happening, could be better.

The main character, Sid Straw, seems to have bad days followed by worse days for most of the novel. His pain, desribed in letters (many to his old college friend Heather Locklear), makes your day seem GREAT. Also, his misfortune is written in a VERY funny manner...I laughed out loud many times while reading this book.

If you have got a sense of humor with a quirky kick at times, then you will enjoy this quick, amusing read.

This book is pure fun. It is a silly, outlandish, and probably pure fantasy, but it works if you allow yourself to be taken along for the ride. Parts of it are laugh outloud funny. Straw is a sweet guy at heart, if bumbling. A few of the letters, written in his moments of strongest despair, are almost moving. Particularly the one where he mentions the volleyball game (I won't say more). The Amazon corp. review thinks the end might be just imagined. I refuse to think that. Instead, as Sid says, it is about hope. It is about learning and bettering yourself and hoping someone, even Heather Locklear, will notice. I hope you she saw and loved this tribute to her. Great stuff.

Sharyn McCrumb is one of my favorite writers from "Zombies of the Gene Pool" to "Frankie and Johnny", I have enjoyed everything she has written. This is a different Sharyn McCrumb but writing with the same excellent story telling ability she is known for. She does her wonderful job of making you know her cast of characters and care about what happens to them. I learned a lot about NASCAR along the way. I am not a fan but I am familiar with the drivers and some little knowledge about how it works, but you could know nothing about NASCAR and still enjoy this book. I like a book the educates me as well as entertains me and this one did just that. I couldn't put it down and was sorry when it ended. Fans of NASCAR and fans of Nora Bonesteel and fans of Sharyn McCrumb will all enjoy this book.

This book may be for Nascar fans, but for those reading it to find out what Nascar is all about, it isn't very informative. If you read it to try to learn abut Nascar, it won't help you. If you read it like any other novel with Nascar as a backdrop to stories about a bus-load of characters, it might be okay. It isn't great for either.

This is a fun stroll through Nascar history with interesting, profane references to all concerned. If you love Nascar you will love this...if you aren't familiar with Nascar lore, its an easy way to learn.....

A group of stock car racing fans embarks on a bus tour of Southern speedways--seven states in eight days--as a tribute to legendary NASCAR champion Dale Earnhardt. I know most won't be interested in this quirky book, but I really enjoyed it. The tour participants are quite interesting in their own right, but you really get to know them all and I will miss them. Plus with McCrumb's sense of humor you learn more about NASCAR then you thought you would want to. Didn't know that NASCAR also stands for Non-Athletic Sport Centered Around Rednecks.

I'm a fan of science fiction, NASCAR, and of Scottish descent.
What ties those together- the novels of Sharyn McCrumb. I have
not read any of the Ballad books but I will. What makes a book
good is not the subject material but the craftsmanship of the
author. I am willing to spend my time reading a book I wouldn't
ordinarily because I trust that it will be an enjoyable
experience. St. Dale was all I expected and more.

RM

So far have read 3 of the 5 variations from this author, and "From Lambton to Longbourn" is the best one. This one is also very good. At first the romancy-part is a bit much but then you get used to it and enjoy the story. I liked it so much that I am going to order the other 2 books in this series.

I have read all of her books. This is my second favorite. This is not P&P Austen style, but a refreshing take on my favorite couple. I never wanted it to end. I have read her collection several times and never seem to get bored. I enjoyed this new take and found it compelling. Cannot wait for your new book.

Abigail Reynolds does a great job with her pemberley variations. The writing is good and the stories are great. Impulse and Initiative is the first one I read and I have since read the other four. Impulse and Initiative is one of my favorites because it goes into such depth on Elizabeth and Darcy's life as a married couple. While the characters are not completely true to Jane Austen, I did find them believable and in the same spirit.

This is my favorite book so far by Ms.Reynolds. I have read 3 of her books. It's a very happy read and I was truly excited over the contentment that Elizabeth and Darcy had towards each other. I knew they were going to have a passionate marriage and the book's depiction of their character did not faulter from my interpretation when I read Pride & Prejudice. I highly recommend this variation.

Well, I started out not liking it. I read it while thinking "they would never act this way" and that it was too modern. After awhile I just abandoned my fussiness and decided to "go with the flow" and actually started to like it. No, it's not like Jane Austin, and yes, it's very explicit--especially about kissing and sex. But it was easy to start believing that it's how it would be if written today, and it was very romantic over all. I guess I'm going to buy the others now and read them too! I just wish I could afford a Kindle and get them that way... :)

This is a darker, more sinister, and violent Archer book than most I have read. The USSR is still alive. A document, hidden in a lost icon, would turn Alaska back to the USSR if found. A page turner! I enjoyed it.

Although the details of Mr. Archer's personal life rival the plots of his novels - from near bankruptcy, to Britain's political inner circles, to prison cell - none of it gets in the way of his well-deserved reputation as an outstanding storyteller.

Next to "Kane & Abel" and "As the Crow Flies" this book is among my three favorites from Archer and I highly recommend it.

Set in the summer of 1966 with Lyndon Johnson in the White House, Harold Wilson at #10 Downing, and Leonid Brezhnev in the Kremlin, "A Matter of Honor" pits a most resourceful but unlikely British protagonist, Adam Scott, against an equally resourceful Soviet antagonist, Alexander Romanov.

When Adam's father, a disgraced military officer, dies, he leaves to his only son the princely sum of 500 pounds and two letters. The first is a missive from Adam's father, explaining the events that led to his resignation from the military, the circumstances that led to his possession of the second letter, and an expression of confidence that his son would conduct himself honorably should he decide to open the second letter and pursue whatever secrets it might contain. When Scott's curiosity gets the best of him, he opens the second letter and finds that it is from a now-dead elite member of Hitler's Third Reich - a man that Scott's father had been assigned to guard during the Nuremberg trials.

As one might guess, it is this second letter that proves to be the crux of the story. It leads Scott to a bank vault, deep beneath the streets of Zurich, containing an obscure work of Russian art - an icon - smuggled out of the country during the downfall of Czar Nikolai II. At the same time, the Kremlin has learned that this painting contains a secret that could forever shift the balance of power from West to East at the height of the cold war. Romanov, a rising KGB star, is tasked with finding the icon and returning it to the Motherland so its embedded secret can be unveiled to the world. While Romanov is not told the nature of the secret, he knows only that its contents must be acted on within 30 days and the clock is ticking.

The ensuing chase reveals that Mr. Scott's will to survive and ability to think on his feet are indeed a match for the best the KGB has to offer. It also presents an opportunity for Scott to restore his father's - and his family's - honor. Hence, the name of the book.

Archer gives us an outstanding plot that is authentically placed amidst the political tensions of the mid-1960s. I enjoyed every moment of this book. The characters are nicely developed, the cheetah-like pace kept me turning the pages until well into the night, and the story had an ending that while rather predictable, was highly satisfying nonetheless.

If you enjoy a good political thriller from the world as it was 40 years ago, along with a healthy dose of Mr. Archer's formidable imagination, don't pass up this book.

It's 1966, and Adam Scott received 500 pounds and an envelope in his father's will. The envelope contained the key to his family's lost honor, and leads to an item in the vault of a Swiss bank - a Russian icon thought lost, that also contains a secret.

The secret is so powerful, the KGB will do anything to get it's hands on it. A top agent is assigned unlimited resources. When Adam retrieves the icon moments ahead of him, he suddenly finds his girlfriend dead, and himself on the run from the KGB, the CIA, British Intelligence, and the Swiss police. Armed with only a small amount of money and his own wits, can he survive the hunt - and restore his family's lost honor?

There is no doubt his novel heavily influenced Dan Brown (Da Vinci Code), as the elements of a hunted man, an enemy with only a code name, and a hero who seizes opportunities all come into play.

Ironically, I picked this one up right after I finished Ludlum's The Gemini Contenders, and they have a lot in common - a secret hidden during WWII comes to light and becomes the responsibility of a later generation and the chase is on. I gave Ludlum 4 stars and give this one 5 for two reasons; Archer's book is an easier read and the hero of his book is around long enough to care about.

Thought to be a traitor, Gerald Scott resigned his commission from the army. When he died, he had little to leave his family, other than the taint of that resignation and an unopened letter from a Nazi war criminal. Adam, his son, inherits the letter and takes a simple one day trip to Switzerland to retrieve the contents of a bank box the letter refers to. From that moment on, Adam's life is anything but simple. Chased by the Americans, the Russians, the Swiss and the British, and unaware of the secret he's got in his possession, Adam has to get to safety. First, he has to solve the mystery of his inheritance, figure out where safety is and who he can trust, and manage to stay alive doing it all.

The secret itself seems a tad silly, but other than that, the story is fast-paced and very easy to follow, putting it a little bit above some overly convoluted thrillers I've read.

As usual with Archer's books, I could not put this one down. His thrillers are always terrribly exciting, but I especially enjoyed this one. It is a novel about an ordinary person, who through certain circumstances, becomes drawn into international espionage through following up on a letter received as part of his father's will. I read the entire thing in one day and evening, starting in the morning, and finishing at midnight. And you won't be able to put it down either ! !

Although I did like this book and I was able to continue with the characters I learned to love in the earlier book, Push Not the River, I found myself reminded of way too many years ago in a college lecture.
The history was interesting but far too much detail and not enough story.

I fell in love with the heroine, Anna in Push Not the River, yet in this book, Against a Crimson Sky, she had little more than a walk on part in much of the story. If anything this book concentrated way too much on military minutia and history of Poland and did not balance the original story of Jan & Anna's romance enough.

James Conroyd Martin has created yet another literary treasure with his sequel to PUSH NOT THE RIVER. Once again, his fabulous gift for storytelling has given me deeper insight into the history of Poland and has truly helped me understand how the political events of the day affected so many lives. Well done!

I find myself in the minority when reviewing this book. While the historical background and details provided are interesting and accurate, It was, for me, difficult to become attached to the characters. At different points in the novel I found myself disgusted with Zofia and at times really found it hard to like Jan at all, and he's supposed to be the noble/brave husband of the heroine! Also, Anna as a heroine, is lacking in some vital quality which would make her endearing to the readers (just an opinion). I do usually enjoy historical fiction especially when it is set against such an intriguing backdrop of time (such as this book). But in the end, I was disappointed. I did finish, but almost found it difficult to do so. This wasn't a book that I could not wait to get home to read as many others of the same genre have been in the past.

I would like to add that I have not read the first installment of this series. I notice that most of the reviewers that rave about Against A Crimson Sky have read the prequel and I can't help but wonder if my attachment to the characters would have been strengthened if I had read the books in order.

Another reviewer likened the first novel, Push Not the River, to Gone With the Wind (which I find hard to believe in the first place, as Margaret Mitchell is practically unrivalable). But if what the reviewer claims is true and the first book is truly that amazing, then I'm going to have to compare this second novel to Scarlett, the much-read yet ultimately disappointing sequel to Gone with the Wind.

I am not trying to be antagonistic, just stating an opinion.

If you enjoyed "Push not the River", you will undoubtedly also enjoy its sequel. In "Against a Crimson Sky", James Martin delves more deeply into the lives of his characters, always working against the fascinating backdrop of Polish history and culture. He has done a superb job of incorporating what happened in the first book into the second novel. You do not have to have read "Push not the River" (or remember it perfectly) in order to enjoy the sequel. The women characters in particular seem to grow and come alive. And Martin continues to make good use of the wonderful Polish proverbs that he used to introduce each section of his first novel.

This is collection of essays about the Harry Potter books written by fans from around the world. Each essay presents a theory of some sort on the backgrounds of characters, relationships between characters, what role certain characters and events will play in the future of the septology, etc. Most essays are two to three pages long, which makes it a great book to read in short spurts - in short, an excellent bathroom book.

Most of these authors have read the Harry Potter books several times, and have picked up on various clues that you may not have noticed if you've only read the books once or twice. In addition, some of the theories present some really good ideas to chew on. Some of the theories are way out there, but even the most outlandish ideas can work as building blocks to formulate more valid theories.

If you are a big fan of the Harry Potter books and would like something to read that may deepen your understanding of the magical world created by JK Rowling, then I would definitely recommend this book. There are only a few possible drawbacks that I might bring up. One is that this book was published between books 5 and 6, so some of the theories are a bit outdated now that we have been given much more information in the latest book. There are also a few errors that a perfectionist such as myself has to laugh at, but I suppose that's understandable when the authors are devoted fans rather than professional writers. Finally, if you've already spent hours reading through online forums discussing the Harry Potter books, then you might not find too much new here. I wouldn't know because I just don't have the time for all that, but this book seems to provide a pretty succinct summary of all the discussions that have gone on amongst Harry Potter fans on the web forums.

All in all, however, I really am enjoying this book. I'm currently on my second read-through of the series, so it's really interesting when I'm reading an essay that discusses an event that I just read through the day before.

As a big Harry Potter fan who has read all the books, and listened to the audio versions multiple times, and seen and own the movies so far.... I looked forward to additional information from the prior clues books.

I found them to be a mixed bag of taunting hints, some insightful review of prior books, and interesting speculation about what MIGHT come...

That's the key. The prior works did not know what was to come, as the books hadn't been written yet... and not published... so it was all speculation, and much of it off-base.

However, that being said, these earlier two works DID keep the excitment alive. While not a prose novel, these are more research/analytical works that attempt to drum up interest and provoke new lines of thought about where the stories might go.
As for that purpose, they are interesting and valuable.

I'm not sure that I would buy these for any child who is not old enough to read the original JKRowlings novels themselves. They might become very confused by the questions posed and the form of the book.

An interesting attempt to capitalize on the success of the book series, but stick to the originals... unless you want to pay to hear someone else speculate on the series.

THis is a very well researched discussion of the first 5 harry potter books. I really enjoyed it. I highly suggest it.

Good book...the font size is a bit small and the printing is a bit light but over all a good book.

I thought this book was great. The only problem I had with it was that some evidence supplied for the theories had been confirmed or unconfirmed at the time of printing so the theory was proved or disproved already. Maybe a bit extra proofreading for the next one. Other than that it was fantastic

I consider these to plays to be probably the most entertaining that we have in the English language. Shakespeare, they're not, but that is precisely why they can be enjoyed by a modern audience. Don't get me wrong, when shakespeare is good he's the tops (much ado about nothing, taming o. the shrew), but even with these plays one has to put one's sixteenth century english cap on, and start thinking in english like that renaissance bard did. What's more, with shakespeare, even the comedies had some serious dark, somber undercurrents. None of that with Wilde. Everything is left to the wit of language, which is ample, and usually uproarious. You really owe yourself the opportunity to become acquainted with these plays. Go out and watch a stage or film production of these plays if you can...

Which is the best play out of the three presented here? Importance of Being Earnest, no question.

I have decided that since so many people are obviously blind to how dumb this play is, I should write a review to enlighten anyone that might read it. The humor is dated and because of that, very boring. The situations are completely inconceivable and it makes no sense! The characters are flat and serve no real purpose. I suggest that no one else ever ever read this play.

An extraordinary play; witty, profound and beautiful. And even better if you read all of it. Which you won't if you buy the Penguin copy with Edith Evans on the front, since this version is heavily abridged. Which is fine except the publishers make no mention of this at all in the volume. And cultural vandalism of this kind should, I feel at least be acknowledged.

All you Wildeans take note: this is the only edition of the plays wherein the lines are properly numbered for specific citation and easy reference: very, very important!!

I had no knowledge of Oscar Wilde and had only seen ten minutes of the movie, The Importance of Being Earnest, as I flipped through the cable channels on my television. However, due to a class that I am enrolled in, not only do I now know who he is but I am blessed to have been introduced to his work.

The Importance of Being Earnest, makes a very humorous yet profound commentary on money, marriage, status and image as it pertains to the aristocracy of that time. It seems that Oscar Wilde utilized this medium of artistic expression to cleverly expose the twisted way that those with wealth perceived themselves and the lengths they would go to the preserve that perception. It has been referred to as a "comedy of manners" because so much of what defined or distinguished the aristocracy from the common man was not necessarily the wealth that they actually had but what men and women did to appear like they had it.

Ernest, who is the main character in the play, has done all of what is necessary to appear as though he comes from wealth. He wears the clothing, keeps the company and talks the talk of the aristocrat. However what he soon finds out is that all of those whom he is trying to impress and fit in with, have more unresolved issues in their closet than he does. I believe Wilde addresses this social paradox with impeccable wit and an amazing sense of human psychology. He not only challenged those who belonged to the aristocracy to examine what they placed value in, but continues to challenge each reader today, that these superficial values might not stand as valuable at all.

Never Play Leapfrog with a Unicorn is a heart wrenching glimpse into a young boy's life growing up in an abusive and dysfunctional family in the 50's and 60's. An incredible humor and resilience carried this author through the turmoil he was forced to endure. Although I felt a tremendous sadness for him and his plight I laughed out loud many times. I read this book in one sitting, could not and would not put it down, and look forward to a sequel. This author is smart, witty and has a real gift to tell a story. I was captured from the start. Read this book and give it to a friend.

Book Review - Never Play Leapfrog With A Unicorn

© - 5-09-08 - Tom Hyland


The author of this terrific little book is Frank W. Bosworth. He originally commented on something I wrote. To reciprocate, I visited his site at Authors Den, and scanned through his list of Titles. One excerpt caught my eye - "My Lil Black Dad." This was hilarious, and I was nibbling the hook. Then, out of curiosity, I clicked on the book, to read more detail. When I saw the creative sub-title - which combines the words, Drama and Comedy into DRAMEDY - the hook was set!

While this book is well worth the small cost, I was CHEAP, and ordered a used book from Amazon, at about half price. When the book arrived, about a week later, I immediately read just the first chapter, then put it aside. Was just a busy time for me, when I returned to it, a week later, I could not put it down! Thus finishing it in about 7-8 hours!

From cover to cover LEAPFROG is cram-packed with the trials and tribulations of a young, poor lad, told in the person of a naïve youth - with both grammar and spelling presented in the vernacular! One of my all-time favorite authors is Samuel Clemens - Mark Twain, who practically established this technique of writing - the way local people spoke the language.

The characters - Father, Mother, Family members, Friends, Neighbors - are ALL down-to-earth and bigger-than-life! The tongue-in-cheek Humor, Wit, and Satire creates out-loud BELLY LAUGHS! The day-to-day shenanigans, misnomers, and dismal local intrigues are HEART-FELT! This lil book of about 200 pages is an absolute GEM!

Compassion, growth and education of a young man/boy, as he tries to unravel the confusions of life, are all presented herein. And the final Beauty of this novel is that he survives victorious, perhaps a tad scathed, but NOT BITTER!

On a scale of 1 to 10 - it is an ELEVEN! Treat yourself, employ all the senses of: Empathy, Sympathy, and even Apathy (WOW - Glad it was Not ME!).

CONGRATULATIONS! FRANK - This is a WINNER! Tom Hyland. AD Author.

'..Unicorn' is a most unique autobiography of a young man's trials and tribulations growing up in a small New England town. I vascillated between laughing and crying throughout the whole book. To anyone looking for true to life writing, I highly recommend this book.

As a side note to a previous review, yes, '...Unicorn' deserves a better cover, but as they say, 'you can't tell a book by its cover'. Also, I found not one instance of text running into the gutter/binding.

The ending lends itself to a sequel; I can only hope. Read and enjoy

If you enjoyed "World According to Garp", you'll love this book! Quirky characters, hilarious situations and heart breaking realities. Grabs you from the first page and pulls you in right to the last page. I couldn't put it down.

I loved the story "My Lil' Black Dad" and the rest of the book doesn't disappoint. It is funny, gut wrenching at times and extremely well done. It is a deep narrative of a not so average life.

This one was a really delightful page-turner! I must confess that I originally bought it because the author and I are both named Elise. But I really got into it right from the get-go and stayed up late several nights reading it. VERY ENJOYABLE!!

If you're looking for a fun book to read, this one's for you! This book grabbed my attention from the very first page, and I never wanted to put it down. A perfect blend of fantasy and the real world...makes you realize that maybe the real world is pretty great after all.

Reviewed by Katherine Darnell, Small Spiral Notebook

Star Craving Mad, a first novel from Elise Abrams Miller is a charming read. While it hews close to the conventions of so-called "chick lit," the novel finds a pace and style all its own through the witty protagonist Maddy Braverman, an acerbic New York City first-grade teacher. Maddy is entranced with celebrities and she hungrily reads "Celeb File Weekly" for all the glamorous updates on her favorite stars. The novel gets its start when Lola Seabolt, the child of Hollywood's biggest couple, walks in to Maddy's classroom on the first day of a new school year. In short order Maddy becomes tangled up in the Seabolt's world and she launches a wild flirtation with the magnetic Mr. Seabolt. It doesn't take long before it is revealed that everything inside the Seabolt marriage is not as sunny as Maddy's treasured tabloid would have her believe.

What distinguishes this novel from the rest of the chick lit pack is an above-average wit and bawdy sense of impropriety. A hilarious and candid appreciation for sex gives Star Craving Mad a tenor all its own. There's no delicate, romantic fade-out's in the bedroom and Elise Abrams Miller isn't afraid to humorously discuss the fluctuating heat levels of Maddy's pants. There is a glorious level of tongue-in-cheek wit operating at all times. Maddy has a vigorous aptitude for good-natured and boozy trouble, and she has never met a hot celebrity that she wouldn't like to bed. Somewhat predictably, Mr. Seabolt's charms prove too enticing to resist; even with Maddy's moral qualms about his being the father of her student, as well as his being married to the uber-shrew Mrs. Seabolt, Maddy finds herself in compromising situations with the hot movie star. The novel focuses on Maddy trying to balance a responsibility to herself, to the children's novel that she's recently started writing, the emerging feelings that her cute assistant teacher evokes, and the unreal, gilded way that Mr. Seabolt makes her feel.

Miller is an apt writer, capable of weaving her narrative with wry moments of humor, which utilize gentle, knowing sarcasm. Clear moments of insight punctuate the narrative, like when Nick Seabolt comes to the school to retrieve his daughter, who has just broken her arm, and Maddy notes, "Although his expression is genuine, it strikes me as strange, because I've seen him exactly like this before - in Bluebell, the epic film, where his mistress dies giving birth to their secret love child." Miller also possesses a strong visually descriptive eye, giving even her minor characters vivid traits. Mrs. Seabolt's sinister healer, Dr. Kiki Joypain, is described succinctly as looking like a Modigliani painting, "as if she were made of taffy and had been stretched into an unwieldy rope. The turquoise beads around her neck are the size of giant gum balls and look excruciatingly heavy, as if at any moment their weight alone could slice her head clean off her pashmina-clad shoulders."

Miller has dreamed up characters that are memorable and earnest, and even if the outcome feels a bit inevitable, the ride is still fun. Because these characters are flawed in ways that feel more real and compelling than Bridget Jones' measly ten extra pounds - Miller's characters in Star Craving Mad are a little slutty and a little grungy and authentically broke and embarrassed and earnest - it quickly becomes hard to put the book down. Even if you know that celeb-obsessed Maddy Braverman will indeed find her happily ever after, you'll find yourself wishing hard for it, reading on as the pages fly by, anxious to get to the part where her battles are won and she can finally fall into the arms of her true prince charming, winning redemption and becoming her own kind of star.

If this is what Chit Lit is all about then NO Thanks! I'll stick with regualr romance where the characters are more sympathetic rather than pathetic, thanks very much.

The best chick lit twist I have ever read. It wasn't predictable! Fast paced and the plot is so nice I kept on hugging the book when I finished reading. You'll never get bored!

For someone growing up in Baltimore in the 50's ,this brought back great memories .The '59 Championship game against the Giant ,which I can remember watching with my father.The players who were members of the Baltimore neighborhood ( Johnny Unitas got his hair cut at my barbershop).Sunday was Colt football from morning when everyone went to their neighborhood bar,then got on buses to the stadium and after the game came back to the bars.With no real college football team in Baltimore, the Colts were everyone's team .I grew up blocks away from the stadium.This book brings back all these memories.It is a great read .

I agree with one of the posts in that the author does have a tendency to focus on his life a bit, but taken in the context of just how much the Colts meant to his family during that period of time, it's understandable to a degree. However, the best thing about the book is the individual stories (Gino Marchetti & Alan Ameche especially) as to how players during that era were real human beings who were elbow to elbow with the working class public on a day to day basis; not the pompus, self-indulgent & ego-centric clowns of today's sport scene.

When you compare the game of yesteryear to that of today's NFL with the constant in your face marketing and overcommercialization, the greed and waste of public money to subsidize the new palaces for the spoiled and calloused athletes of today, it truly does make you wish that time had stood still and remained as it did in the 1950's.

The book talks too much about the author's life and his father. Very little about the games. Some of the material is based upon interviews with former Colts that were conducted for the author. Some of the information about the Colts before 1952 (when they were the Dallas Texans), and particularily the Colts of the AAFC I had not heard before, but it makes up just a few pages of the book.

I"ve been in love with the Colts (no need to add Baltimore - since they stole away in the night I have referred to that other team as the Indianapolis Irsays)since childhood. This book allowed me to relive it all. And it made me so very nostalgic. Players who were part of the community. Crime going down when the Colts played. Gino Marchetti - nothing needs to be added to that name. The joke in my family was that my mom went into labor with me at a Colts game. I was her first child and she knew the labor would be long so she stayed for the end of the game (which we won). Folks not from Baltimore find that story odd. Anyone from the Baltimore Colts days takes it completely in stride....of course you would wait for the end of the game. Union Memorial Hospital is only a couple of blocks away. And my very first memory is of the 1958 champsionship game with the Giants. We we all faithfully gathered around our TV with the adored baby (me) in the seat of honor on the floor surrounded by doting adults and stuffed animals. Until the cable went out and I experienced total abandonment! Dad went out the back door to see if the neighbor's TV had gone blank, mom went out to the car to try to tune in the game on the radio and grandmother streaked upstairs to find her radio. I wailed! Where had the good guys (the Colts) disappeared to? As I said, I was ALWAYS a fan! Thank you so very much for these memories Mr. Gildea! This book is a treasure!

A wonderful diary about not only a great, "hall of famer" loaded team (the Old Baltimore Colts) but a very supportive city - and the partnership that they forged.

It just ain't the same anymore.

For a "complete" Colts' book collection get this one, "Sundays at 2:00 with the Baltimore Colts," and anything with the name of John Steadman on it.