People Books

Just finished the book in one sitting and I could not put it down! Shawn and Gwenn's story is so inspiring and the book is incredibly funny!

I had seen the two of them speak while I was a student at UVA and was inspired the first time too. Shawn has been an advocate, friend, Homecoming King, musician, husband, and author in 30 years on this planet. Much more than most people will ever do in 90. Do yourself a favor and buy this book right now! And then join me in anticipation of the next one!

Despite the hardships that he has faced throughout his life Shawn Decker has shown that it is possible to be positive, happy, and accepting- even when those around him did not understand or accept him themselves. Through this book Shawn uses his humor and intelligence to teach not only about HIV but about how to be a better human. As someone who has suffered through hardships of their own I know what a difficult task this can be yet Shawn pulls it off effortlessly and with grace. This book so captured my mind and my heart I read it in one sitting. I laughed, I cried, and I learned. Everyone should read this book.

This is a well-written book about living with a life-threatening disease. Decker writes with humor about the fear and adjustments he and his family go through as they come to terms with his disease. At times hilarious, often poignant, I loved it. I bought it for the people I love who are going through the same thing.

Simply a great book. The author is my age and I felt a connection in his stories. It didn't matter that I have not been directly connected to someone with HIV or Aids. The story has an amazing love story built in to a life full of love, support and true creativity. Excellent read!

I have been anticipating this book for quite sometime after stumbling onto Shawn's page on myspace- then meeting him one night at a local restaurant. I read the book in one day- I could not put it down. He writes about his life in such an easy and charming way that you really feel like you were there with him the whole time. Gwenn, his family and friends are amazing- and I am so happy to have gotten to know them better through the book. This book is wonderful and I am so happy that Shawn did something positive with his pet virus instead of letting it take over his life. I also am waiting for the sequel. :) Everyone should read this book. You are one of my heroes Shawn...well done!

I loved this little book so much. Of course having a golden retriever is what made me purchase the book and it shows what a great love and bond that can form between a Golden Retriever and it's human family. My retriever "Einstein" is a blessing in a beautiful gold fur coat that I just love with all my heart. His precious nose is always at my finger tips when I'm walking around at home and his big beautiful brown eyes are filled with so much love it makes my heart swell. A golden gives so much unconditional love and all they want in return is as much love as the give. This books tells that story over and over again. I never get tired of hearing it.

I felt so honored when asked to provide my Golden story for this book, and when it arrived I let it sit for a few days. I was worried that some of the stories would be sad and open old wounds for me. One day I sat down and read it cover to cover and am a better person for doing so. Author Margo gently nudged each and every one of her authors to speak from their hearts in their own voices and each tale is utterly unique and beautiful. This book pays a fitting homage to the most loving and companionable breed of all time, the Golden Retriever. It is a wonderful testimony to what adopting a rescued Golden can do to enrich the lives of the adopter and adoptee.

My Golden Frosty's story in in Margo's book. I read it first when I bought it, I was so proud. Then I started reading each of the other wonderful stories and was feeling every emotion, from tears to happiness and whatever lies in between. Each and every story brought such emotion to me. There are so many out there who love Goldens so much they devote their lives to them. I am very proud to be included in this wonderful book and to have been owned by such a wonderful dog.

In her book, Margo McHann proves that whatever you put into a dog, you get back with interest! The forward to this book couldn't encapsulate it any better: rescued dogs are not second-hand throw aways! Hopefully this book will convince many people why they should adopt from breed rescue groups.

Kudos to Margo McHann for putting together such a wonderful book, that will tug at the hearts of all Golden Retriever lovers everywhere! This is a must for anyone who loves or has been loved by one of these wonderful dogs. My own little girl is featured in this book and it will forever be a very special book to me! Thanks Margo, for opening the eyes of the world to "Rescue" and what it is all about!

Gillian Zoe Segal's book, New York Characters, is outstanding- the best photography book I've ever seen/read! The photographs featuring prominent New Yorkers are incredible. Each one captures the true essence of the "character" and truly comes to life on the page. The characters are all photographed in their natural environment, and as Segal points out and demonstrates in her book it is New York's characters that make "it the greatest city in the world". In addition to her photographic genius, Segal writes beautifully. The vignettes's about the characters are intersting, informative, humorous, and touching. No coffee table should be without a copy of New York Characters. It makes the perfect holiday gift for New Yorkers as well as out-of-towners because everyone loves or has an interest in New York, right? Furthermore, all of the proceeds of the book sales are going to the September 11th fund. So what could be more gratifying than supporting the city's recovery effort by buying this wonderful book for yourself, for your friends, for your family...? I feel confident in saying that anyone who picks up New York Characters will enjoy it immensely. What will Segal do next? I can't wait....

Gillian Zoe Segal's book, New York Characters, is outstanding- the best photography book I've ever seen/read! The photographs featuring prominent New Yorkers are incredible. Each one captures the true essence of the "character" and truly comes to life on the page. The characters are all photographed in their natural environment, and as Segal points out and demonstrates in her book it is New York's characters that make "it the greatest city in the world". In addition to her photographic genius, Segal writes beautifully. The vignettes's about the characters are intersting, informative, humorous, and touching. No coffee table should be without a copy of New York Characters. It makes the perfect holiday gift for New Yorkers as well as out-of-towners because everyone loves or has an interest in New York, right? Furthermore, all of the proceeds of the book sales are going to the September 11th fund. So what could be more gratifying than supporting the city's recovery effort by buying this wonderful book for yourself, for your friends, for your family...? I feel confident in saying that anyone who picks up New York Characters will enjoy it immensely. What will Segal do next? I can't wait....

I got a copy of this book and the other night three friends and I made a bet as to who had seen the most "characters" in real life. Sad to say I was not the winner but did pretty well with 24 and came in second. Anyway, it's a great book and a kick to get the real stories behind some of the interesting people we see around town. Highly recommended.

If you admire great photography and exquisite prose and feel the slightest attachment (or wish you did) to New York, then Gillian Segal's book is for you. I moved from New York a little over ten years ago and was determined to keep in touch with the city I love. However, it was only a matter of time before I lost touch with what really made New York special: the people's unique personalities. Gillian's book has allowed me to reestablish contact with the city that I still like to call home. Now, when my colleagues in Providence ask me what to do in New York, I no longer provide them with a mundane and outdated list of restaurants and sites. Instead, I refer them to Mrs. Segal's book. I inform them that in its pages is where they can find the real New York. Everything from great food, The Egg Cake Lady, to a wonderful opera on 57th street, performed by Opera Man, to a great jogging partner, the Mayor of the Reservoir (he is featured on the cover) can be found in "New York Characters".

If you are a New Yorker, a former New Yorker, or someone new to the City, you should own this book. The photography is both penetrating and compelling, and the characters featured are truly fascinating. It's like the Zagat of New York people. I hope the author comes to Los Angeles to do a book on characters here (there are plenty)!

Finally, someone must be said that and Kennedy did it. It's the best book on management ever written, and this is probably one of the most harsh books of Professor of Harsh Reality written so far. Prepare for An Inconvenient Truth of Management.
Prepare to understand, that you own a zoo of zebras (you need to read a book to know what it means, and it's just mandatory).
To city freely a Kennedy:

When the cow stops give a milk, what do you do with a cow if you are farmer? Then this cow has another name - a burger.

It's a harsh and really ruthless book about management, but a best till now written on subject, and a zebras example it's CLASSIC - after reading this you will always think in zebras terms in mind.

Typical Dan Kennedy stuff, right on target!

Great stuff, wish I had known this years ago; life would be better now!

Required reading for anyone who owns or is starting a business. When you fill out the forms to get a tax ID number, they should have one question on the form. "Did you read this book?" If No, you don't get a tax ID number. It's that important. IMHO, no one gives advice that can not only change a business but change a life better than Dan Kennedy. ppartridge@comcast.net

This is a wonderful book that will challenge many of the things you do in your business. If you follow Dan's advice, you will radically alter your approach to business. You could not hire a consultant to teach this for under a few thousand dollars. Yet you get one of the best teaching very valuable concepts for under $15.

If you are familiar with Dan Kennedy's work, this is very typical. If you are not a Dan Kennedy fan, this is a great book for getting acquainted with "planet Dan."

Typical Dan means that he does not hold anything back. His writing is biting, often humorous and to the point. He takes a very direct approach, nothing sugar coated.

He relates the story he learned from Earl Nightingale - if you have no role model, look at what everyone else is doing and do the opposite, because the majority is always wrong. Dan teaches you to go against popular wisdom and custom. Most people do not get rich. If you truly are interested in making a profit - and according to Dan that is the best reason for being in business - then you must go against conventional wisdom.

Most of the information covered in this book is the fundamental teachings of Dan Kennedy. If you are a student of his work then you have probably heard or read most of this information before. However I would still highly recommend this book. First, I think we all need to be reminded of these business truths. I think we have all learned a lot of bad habits or ways of thinking which we need to correct. It never hurts to be reminded of these concepts.

One of the most important concepts of the book is "good enough is good enough". "Aspiring to unmitigated excellence is a lovely theory. But the reality is that all the most successful companies find the good enough spot." As a business we need to understand what the customer/clients really wants, expects and is willing to pay for. Striving to deliver a product or service beyond what the customer/clients wants, expects and is willing to pay for is a costly exercise.

"People who are good at making excuses are never very good at making money. Excuses and profits are incompatible."

"Motivation without measurement is meaningless." Everything that is important in your business must be measured. Bonuses which are not tied to performance are a waste of money and create many potential problems.

Dan spends a lot of time discussing employees. His first stance is resist them at all cost. But if you must have them, then treat them as a rental asset. Make sure you are making a profit from the employee. They cost much more than most people acknowledge. Being a "good boss" generally means being well liked. Dan's definition of a good boss is an effective boss.

The book discusses in great detail the difference between activity and accomplishment. Accomplishment is the only thing that counts. Make sure you are focused on and measuring accomplishment.

A few chapters are written by guest authors. And there is an audio CD included with the book. The CD is an interview with Dan conducted by Lee Milteer and discussed the concepts of the book. The CD alone is worth the price of the book.

There are numerous references for additional sources of information/help. These generally point to some additional product or service available from Dan Kennedy or one of his affiliates. If you need/want additional help, these can prove to be very valuable. If you have trouble with this sort of promotion, just ignore them. Do not let the fact that he offers additional resources get in your way of reading and learning from this book. The book is well worth reading. If you understand and implement just one idea from this book, it will dramatically change your business.

This book is exceptional. I have been in business for over 30 years. Page after page reveals mistakes that I have made and some I have not made yet. The book will keep me from making them.

If you are new in business or thinking about starting a business, "Ruthless Management" is a must read.

It is humorous enough to keep you turning the pages and serious enough to make you think.

Poignant, warm and funny, this lively collection of stories wraps around the reader like that of a real-life experience. The setting is the deep freeze of the cold war - and Russia and China are on most antagonistic terms. But that tension is reflective - as the Chinese themselves seem to, absurdly, turn on themselves, at least in spirit. No lack of wit and great storytelling in "Ocean of Words."

"... whenever we slack a little in ideological education, problems will appear among our men."

Ha Jin, who is easily one of my favorite writers, is in top form in this collection of stories set along the border between Russia and China during the 1970s, when the two nations seemed headed for war. Jin captures the Chinese soldiers in perfect detail and renders them with a great care; they come across as deeply human, complex beings trapped in some pretty ruthless situations. They have little education and few choices in their lives - their only mandate is to serve the revolutionary ideal as prescribed by Chairman Mao and to stamp out "the disease of liberalism" that is plaguing their nation. Education, love, free thought, and many other qualities most of us take for granted are denied them. Even friendship is a dicey proposition, as any one of their compatriots could stab them in the back the moment an opportunity to get ahead in the party presents itself. Among Jin's characters you'll meet a dangerously intellectual young man whose studies may be screwing up his future, a lonely radio worker so desperate for female companionship that merely hearing a woman's voice is enough to steal his heart forever, an instructor who is given the opportunity to either get revenge on a former enemy or show him mercy, a depraved soldier who shockingly acts out against the teachings he has been forced to adapt to, and more. In all of their stories we see the outcome of a generation of men who have been brainwashed to live up to an ideal that even they don't always understand or agree with, but that they must work with in order to get ahead - or, in some cases, just to survive. More than one character falls victim to a witch-hunt of sorts that the soldiers engage in to prove that they are the most loyal to the cause. Without a doubt this was a dangerous time to live in, not only because of the ever-present Russian threat mustering along the borders but because of the paranoia and greed driving one's fellow soldiers to unexpected acts of treachery. Not to mention that what is acceptable one week may become taboo the next, so one must always be careful about which doctrines you follow and how strictly.

As always, Jin has put together a powerful portrait and some spellbinding character studies. While some readers may be put off by his stoic style, it is impossible to deny the enormity of his talent. Any reader would be hard-pressed not to find his writing compelling. I would highly recommend this collection, and I would also recommend picking up War Trash, which is my favorite of Jin's books so far, and Waiting: A Novel, a great read and a National Book Award Winner to boot. I would also recommend Tim O'Brien's Vietnam-era story collection The Things They Carried.
Grade: A

When I read Ocean of Words, I was immediately reminded of two works by "the enemy" from this work, Lermontov's A Hero of Our Time and Tolstoy's Hadji Murad. All three works deal with fear, nature and the other. All three are strangely at peace with their situation and surrounding. All three are great. After reading this collection, I ran out and bought The Bridegroom and Waiting. Neither of these works rose to the level of this collection. This is one of the best short story collections published in the last twenty years. I would recommend this collection to anyone.

Ha Jin brilliantly evokes emotion in short stories that may take some an epic novel to create the same impact. His words are sunbeams bouncing on desolate land and you want to continue despite the heartbreak that you may only survive simply to survive. Never to fully live in the light. He is the most eloquent writer and he allows us to view a world not known to most Americans: China under Mao. Be swept away with words and emotions.

I'm very critical of some Chinese writers like Amy Tan for their distortions of a life they haven't experienced. But this doesn't apply to Ha Jin, who survived the Revolution and was a soldier. I really like this collection of stories because Ha Jin excels in writing vignettes by injecting fresh details. Anyone who is curious about Communist China should read this book. Skip his novels though.

I always try to keep an extra of this book on the shelf for when an anniversary comes around for special people. I received this book years ago and just love it. Everyone I have given this book to just loves the verse and the beautiful graphics. I am so happy I can always go to Amazon.com when I need more copies.

great book for a older anniversary gift especially 50th anniversary. hard cover nice pictures and verses. my amazon coppy had a small tear on corner of the corner of the jacket of the book which was not seen until I opened it but jacket gives a nice presentation. Do to amazon mail packaging.

Whew! What wonderful, choice words Warren Hanson uses to describe love--from first love to "older love," whether he means being in love again when you are older, or the love between people who have been together for years upon years.

His subtle rhyme describes love, especially older love, using images of wine, hands, old shoes, and so much more.

My favorite page says: "Yes, our faces show the traces of the years that have gone by, But it's hard to see the wrinkles with a twinkle in your eye." His "aging together" is so true; just ask me after almost 38 years of marriage (to the same guy!)

The older love concept is so beautifully illustrated--it's simply great knowing that everyone who has a long love will find themselves in this book.

Hanson is both the author and illustrator--as he did on his amazing The Next Place. He is well known for his illustrations on now-famous The Christmas Cup of Tea.

Armchair Interviews says: Gift someone special any day, or on their special day because any day is a good time to celebrate love, whether new or older love.

Though Older Love is written and presented in the style of a picturebook, with gentle two-color illustrations and only a verse or two on each page, Older Love is not meant specifically for children or beginning readers, but rather for readers of all ages, as it celebrates the joy of a golden years relationship. The text is a poem about bonds that transcends age, and the illustrations have a soft and inviting quality to them. An excellent and heartwarming giftbook. "Older love is hands and hearts and souls as they unite / every morning, every evening, / every day and every night. / Like the sun and moon and stars that light the heavens up above, / these two lives will shine together, / with the glow of older love."

Warren Hanson has truly captured the true meaning of love. Written in poetic form makes it for easy reading. As he walks us through true love from the very beginning with all its passion to our tender quiet love in our twilight years, one can see ones own true love unfold. I can't imagine anyone putting this book down with a dry eye. What a beautiful, beautiful gift to all. The illustrations are superb. What a gem

This is a romance novel, an "elder lit" romance novel, if such a category existed. Perhaps it should. I applaud older authors (Williams was 92 when he wrote this book), or any authors, for that matter, who treat elders as real people rather than stereotypes and consider them worthy subjects for fiction.

Main characters Morgan and Dixie meet contentiously in an accidental physical collision outside the Whispering Pines senior residence. Morgan, 89, is considering moving to the independent living section, and Dixie, 79, works there part time.

All the usual problems of old age are present: bad previous family relationships, clouded pasts, suspicions, heath and financial issues, loneliness, hopes, plans, disappointments. At 89 and 79, Morgan and Dixie carry much more emotional baggage than most romance novel characters--but fortunately, more spirit and knowledge, much of it experienced-based, as well.

As they tentatively and gradually fall in love, Morgan and Dixie face their challenges together with the eventual help of Morgan's long-lost grandson. Youth and age combine for a positive outlook toward uncertain futures.

My pessimistic side tells me that this book's ending is unrealistic, yet we all can, and should, hope that our dreams will come true if we keep trying. The positive message overshadows doubts.

This skillfully-written book by a former journalist should be required reading for everyone involved in elder caregiving and everyone contemplating the issue of aging. It is honest, informative, and entertaining, a pleasure to read.

The book includes a Reading Group Guide which would seem to make it an excellent choice for Senior--and Boomer--book clubs.

Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (1/08)

Mardo Williams, a career journalist, and award-winning author of "One Last Dance," is a highly effective communicator. His writing demonstrates a clear understanding of the reality of growing older. Williams connects with an audience of intergenerational readers as he gives them an insight into the aging process through a backward glance into the past, a glimpse into the future, and the challenge of the present. Williams delivers a clear message of the importance of family stability. This adds an important additional dimension, beyond the delightful entertainment value, to the book.

Eighty-nine-year-old Morgan was considering moving into Whispering Pines Retirement Center and Nursing Home when he literally bumped into seventy-nine-year-old Dixie, a member of the recreation staff at the center. The elements of romance, mystery, and suspense, all add to the message of hope threaded throughout the story of Morgan and Dixie as they enter a relationship based on economic needs in their later years.

Dixie kept secrets from Morgan regarding her medical background and indebtedness, while checking into rumors of scandal in business and family skeletons from Morgan's past life in Chicago. These two strong-willed people are set in their ways; Dixie and Morgan begin to experience change and growth as they discover a new appreciation for each other as their relationship deepens.

Unresolved emotional issues, financial insecurity, and the fear of the unknown plague Dixie as she struggles to find balance in her work, her faith, and loyalty to her friends. The complications of romance at this stage in life, medical expenses, house maintenance, and the loss of independence, all play a part in the dilemmas faced by Morgan and Dixie.

There is an unexpected plot twist when Tony, Morgan's grandson, is introduced into the story. He comes in with a flurry of vengeance, destruction, mistrust, restitution and rehabilitation.

I enjoyed Williams' use of humor and his descriptive language in developing his characters. These characters take on a life of their own as they convey the emotions of criticism, anger, frustration, love, and empathy for each other.

I highly recommend this book for every senior citizen, and for their children. Williams' writing is strong and reveals a deep understanding of the challenge of growing old in America. Inspirational and entertaining, "One Last Dance" offers the promise and hope of finding companionship, love, and meaning and any age and the challenge of living out your dreams.

"One Last Dance" is delightful reading. It has humor, suspense, romance, complexity of character, regrets, yearning and hope. I repeatedly loaned my copy, gave others as gifts to friends and recommended it to everyone. We are all looking ahead or have already achieved the age of the lead characters, Morgan, age 89, and Dixie, age 79. The author's age of 92 when he writes "One Last Dance" is itself an inspiration and more importantly it lends authenticity to the story. The fictional account makes it clear there's more to look forward to but the golden years have as many complexities as those years that preceeded them.

I belong to a book discussion group and have been urging our group to make this one of our monthly selections. Being budget-conscious, though, we have been waiting for a paperback version or good buys on used books. I wasn't able to find the book in our local library, but a friend checked it out for me from the Columbus library.
What a delightful read this book was! I am a slow reader, wanting to picture everything in my mind before moving on. The book has lots of conversation, making it easy to read quickly. The storyline keeps one interested so I found myself not wanting to stop reading to eat or to do anything else. I finished it in a little over one day even though it is 419 pages long.
The book gives us characters who have their faults but are good at the core of their being. We share in their worries and in their triumphs over those worries. We learn the innermost thoughts of the characters, making them feel like our dear friends. We get a glimpse of what it will feel like to be 79 or 89 years old.
What a talented family the Williamses must be! The great writing and editing skills of the father and the two daughters are apparent in the product they have given us readers. How I would love to talk with those two daughters!

Anyone--of any age--contemplating a relationship--of any kind--would benefit greatly from reading this charming, positive, poignant book. It's very close to being a text-book for managing a successful partnership or marriage, or even parenthood. There are a wide variety of life lessons to be garnered from its pages. You don't even have to be of `a certain age' to appreciate the wit and wisdom of the author who was 92 when he began this book!

At 79, Dixie was a very active, involved part-time worker at a retirement home, while Morgan was 89, and had come to that same home to visit a friend in rehab. They literally bumped into each other, leaving remnants of the birthday cake that Dixie was bringing to a friend all over both of them and the sidewalk. Sparks of all kinds flew through the air, some of them verbal.

He was taken by the slender, curvacious blonde with the big blue eyes; she was intrigued by the well-spoken, tall, white-haired gentleman. Before very long, there was another encounter, and another.

These two hardy souls were survivors, and in hardly no time at all, they had decided to survive together. The original plan was for Morgan to rent a room in Dixie's large house, to help pay the expenses, and provide companionship. They became better friends, thinking of maybe more than that, yet they each remained hesitant to share some of the important details in their past--as well as current--lives.

A third person enters their world, causing no little disruption, before bringing even greater happiness to the older couple.

Along the way, they learn important truths about each other and themselves. They learn to appreciate life's little blessings, as well as the bigger ones. They learn to compromise and not anticipate the other's opinions or thoughts. There is a wonderfully happy ending, but not without a bit more trauma along the rocky path to bliss.

The most important truth here is--keep going. Don't just sit and molder. Be active, be involved, you'll be ever so much more alive for the doing.

In 1730, ten-year-old Molly is a pickpocket on the London streets who is caught and sentenced to be banished to America. While waiting in prison for the trip to America, two gentlemen come to her cell and tell her that she is a "daughter of Israel" and when she gets to America she will be indentured to a Jewish family. Her mother died of smallpox when she was 7, and she has little memory of her heritage. Upon her arrival to America, the Bell family purchases her as an indentured servant until her 21st birthday. The family is very good to her, even teaching her to read, but Molly is determined to get back to the London she knows. Molly grudgingly learns about compassion, family, and the real meaning of freedom through her contact with an abused African slave. Some characters speak an old London dialect called Flash or Flash-cant, a secret language that thieves invented so they could hide what they are saying. There is a glossary at the end with the definitions of the words used in the book. Children should particularly enjoy this aspect of the book. This is an engaging novel for young readers with historically accurate information about life in London and New York that is presented with all its complexity. It is particularly useful as an excellent introduction to the life of the Jews in New York at that time, and includes a map of New York in the 1730's. This book was the winner of the manuscript award of the Association of Jewish Libraries. Ages 8 - 12. Reviewed by Barbara Silverman

I had my daughter write a little "book report" about The Pickpocket's Tale after she devoured it during our family vacation this summer. In part, she wrote "I liked the book because it was realistic and was full of suspense. I also liked that the author used Thieve's cant and a real time & place."

Karen Schwabach's A PICKPOCKET'S TALE tells of a tough ten-year-old pickpocket in 1730s London who becomes an indentured servant to a Jewish family in New York City. Banished to America, Molly only wants to go home, even though her employers are good to her. History comes to life in a survey of their family's changes.

Ever since Karen told me that this book was comming out I have been waiting for the day I could buy it. This book is wonderful! The historical detail is great. From the expression of Jewish culture, to the use of 'Flash' talk, to the straightfoward way she presents the life of the poor in London Karen has done an excellent job. This is one that you will not want to put down I read it the day that I recieved it. You will fall in love with Molly and her story.

In 1730, Molly is a ten-year-old orphan who is convicted of pick-pocketing in London and deported to America. Even though her mother was Jewish, Molly is unfamiliar with Jewish customs and rituals. When a Jewish family in the new settlement of New York purchases Molly to be their indentured servant, she learns to follow and respect the Jewish traditions as well as the more civilized lifestyle of a "nib cull." She also learns about the importance of family, forgiveness, and faith. Karen Schwabach's rich descriptions of the food, clothing, living conditions, and scenery are impressive. Her use of the London dialect Flash-cant, used by pickpockets, while adding authenticity and flavor, weighs down the dialogue at times and may frustrate some readers. However, the unique plot, multi-dimensional characters, suspense, and excitement will make this meticulously researched novel a favorite among historical fiction fans. A map of the city of New York and an author's note providing historical background is appended along with a glossary of Flash-cant words and phrases. A great choice for a book club discussion and a fantastic tie-in for students learning about early-American history - highly recommended!

I selected this book only because it took place in Ohio - and mentioned several areas that I was familliar with. Well, imagine my surprise when it turned out to be a beautiful love story of an elderly couple. To sound cliche - I laughed and I cried while reading this - and I think you will too.

Had to lock myself in the bathroom to finish reading the last few pages just so I could savor, enjoy, and mourn the ending of this book. The whole thing was so, so marvelous...

I told my husband about this book tonight. I read this while working in a bookstore as a senior in high school; I graduated in 1976. Awesome book! I agree with the existing comments above; I fell in love with the characters and especially Howard Amberson, who just tried to get through life with his integrity intact, and for the most part suceeded. A truly timeless, unforgettable work.

From a person who always has at least three books going at one time, (book on tape in my car, one in my hand bag, and one on my night stand) I have my all-time top ten favorite books. I first got this book from the Library in the 80's and tried desperatly to find it to buy and I couldn't. So I am embarrassed to say it is the only book I have ever purposely kept and paid for from a Library. It is also one of the few books I have reread many times. It is one of the most REAL books I have ever read. It made me laugh, it made me cry. It gave me a whole different perspective on relationships and all the stages one goes through in a realtionship that lasts a lifetime. ANY one who loves to
read should read this book. It will be one you will never forget.

I've read this book three or four times. I read it again this past year and include it in my list of favorite all time books.

I dare anyone to read this book and not be changed.

No one has Hilton's power of drawing a reader into the mind and heart of an ordinary bloke. I don't know how he does it; why do I care so much about his characters? He knows how to help the reader to sincerely CARE ABOUT a character, and therefore even his fellow man.

The twist and twist of the plot and timeline can be challenging at times, but well worth the effort.

And I thought the book was absolutely great BEFORE I read the last page!

(BTW, don't confuse this great book with the mediocre chickflick movie of the same name, and I don't recommend watching the movie first, as it might spoil some of the suspense.)

I had first seen the wonderfully sentimental movie, which is one of my favorites.

The book is not so sentimental. In reading the book, I was unprepared for how well-depicted would be the pain of the protagonist's psychological plight, how thought-provoking this book would be about society, and how much an individual could realistically be shown to be at a loss - no matter his external circumstances.

This is very much about someone who senses that once his life had meaning to him, and he had happily occupied a niche in the world - and can't rediscover it. The author is so wonderful in conveying this desperation.

Mr. Hilton also wonderfully conveys the highs and lows of both the well-born establishment, and the utterly displaced, of inter-war England.

And amazingly, he brilliantly evokes the wonderfully dreamy feeling of being in love. The scenes in which Smitty finds the small town, climbs up to the small lake in the hills, what he sees when he awakens, and the following several days, must be among the most moving in fiction.

I also love how the author shows the differences in personality between the earnest, sweet, easily alarmed, humble Smitty and the somewhat cynical, immensely able, practical-joking, self-deprecating Rainier - much of the difference seems engendered by the way they're treated and their places in life.

I love how subtly the author shows Mrs. Rainier's reaction to Rainier's discoveries - it's just brilliantly done. And the book's ending could not be more satisfying.

This is a more thought-provoking book than Goodbye Mr. Chips - and as much as I enjoyed that, this is a better one. I loved this as much as Hilton's So Well Remembered - which is high praise.

This completes the trilogy of classic James Hilton novels (the other two being "Lost Horizon" and "Goodbye Mr. Chips") which were all made into movies during Hollywood's Golden Era. It is the lesser known of the three novels, although Random Harvest is his most complete work.

The story is a romance, a mystery, a critque on England's class structure, and a parable. Hilton uses the lost years of Charles Rainier as a methaphor for the lost years of the 1920/1930's when England failed to prepare for the next war. Told in flashbacks and bookended by World War I and World War II, the resolution is only revealed in its final sentence that will shock you and change everything that you have just read & thought you understood. You will go back and re-read the book as your perception of all the characters are altered by the surprise ending.

Two cautions: First, see the 1942 Ronald Coleman/ Greer Garson movie AFTER reading the book to see how the ending is handled. Second, the opening few pages are set in an England and of a time that will be unfamiliar to most Americans, but if one continues on, the reader will be deeply rewarded. The ability to be surprised is a rare gift and Hilton delivers.

Random Harvest is my all-time favorite story. It might well be called The Wonderful Story or The Beautiful Story. Who hasn't read James Hilton's Good-buy Mr. Chips or Lost Horizon? This book, in my view, is his best work. It was this work that convinced me Hilton had to be a mystic although I don't know that. I do know that on one level, the earthy one, this is the best romantic novel I've ever read. On another level, social or historical, the work is a bringer of hope- written during WWII about WWI and ending on the eve of WWII the story speaks directly to our own uncertain post 911 era. But most importantly this is a work of spiritual completion. It can be read as the story of two people, or for Jungians in particular the coniunctio (union of opposites), the reconciling of the male and female within each of us, and in another context the "Marriage Feast of the Lamb"... This is, indeed, "The Wonderful Story."

A magnificently engrossing story that takes place over several years and including many twists and turns that make it difficult to write a review that does not give away too much of the plot. It starts with a war injury that brings amnesia induced loss of identity to our main character. The life that he builds from scratch is washed away when a car accident brings back his earlier memory, while losing the memory of his most recent life and identity. The two identities are quite dissimilar making it most difficult for the love of his second life to trace him once again to where he has built an entire life upon his early roots. The clash of his two identities and what he does with the women from both his lives is the crux of the book. Both his lives are truly worthwhile and if only there were a way to combine the best of both parts - but impossible to go back . . . the eventual answer is one of the most breathtakingly satisfying conclusions of all time.

James Hilton's (Goodbye Mr. Chips, Lost Horizon) greatest novel. A romance for the ages. If still possible for you, this is one time the book should definitely be digested before the movie (also great but substantially different).