Canada Books

I was amazed at what an excellent writer Michael J. Fox is -- his story was candidly written with insightful accounts of his incredible journey. I was also impressed that the proceeds from the book all go to research for a cure for Parkinson's disease. Way to go, Michael!

I bought this book on the recommendation of my Medical Terminology teacher. We were discussing neurological diseases and when we got to Parkinson's Disease (PD) she mentioned that she had read his book and how much she enjoyed it. So I got it. I was not a huge "Family Ties" fan but I have paid attention to Michael J. Fox's career especially of late since his disclosure of having PD. In the last few years he has been on a show here and there as a guest. He was on Boston Legal and I thought he was superb! You could clearly see that the camera did not stay on him very long but his acting was top-notch nonetheless.

That said, his book is written with extreme openness, heart and humor. He has such a wonderful outlook on life especially in the wake of learning he has PD. He writes from a place that we wish more stars would be able to go - the very sincerest depth of his being - so much so that I found myself in tears a few times as I read. He writes as if he were telling you, the reader, the story in person. He is himself more in this book than I've ever seen him in an interview on TV. This is a very true, revealing, heart-warming story that definitely gives the definition of what it takes to be considered a Lucky Man today. I highly recommend the book.

Michael J. Fox opens his 2002 memoir in late 1990, in the moment he first notices the pinky-finger tremor that leads, a year later at age 30, to a diagnosis of Young Onset Parkinson's Disease (PD).

Then he backs up for a hundred pages to describe his growing-up years in Canada and rising-star experiences in Hollywood -- including an interesting theory of "celebrity" (that it is a gone-haywire extension of the suspension of disbelief/emotional connection that are required of an audience during a performance). He devotes chapters to his PD diagnosis and treatment (including his concealment of it) and to his descent into career and personal crisis. Though it seems PD would top his list of problems then, he notices it doesn't even make the list which includes alcoholism. Fox finishes by describing his redemption, his "coming out" about PD, and his work toward PD research.

The memoir's structure and writing exceeded my expectations and I wondered about a ghostwriter -- until I read Fox's acknowledgements, where he mentions the writing of it and thanks his writing-mentor brother-in-law ... Michael ("Omnivore's Dilemma") Pollan! Lucky Man is an informative, engaging, and insightful memoir.

I wasn't sure what to expect from this book. Would it be just about Michael J Fox's life or would it center too much on his Parkinson's disease. I'm not usually big on reading celebrity autobiographies and memoirs.
This one is definitely worth reading! Mr. Fox shares his story with humor and humility and a wonderful honesty. He speaks honestly about his struggles with Parkinson's and trying to hide it in order to continue working. He also speaks honestly about his personal struggles with alcohol and depression. But the struggles don't dominate the book. There are many fun anecdotes about his years growing up in Canada and about the world of acting.
In the end, what made the biggest impression on me was his gratitude. Gratitude for the life he was able to have as an actor, for his family, and ultimately, even for the disease that changed his life.
This is a book that I would recommend for anyone who is interested in celebrity biographies. And I would especially recommend it for anyone who has Parkinson's disease or has a family member or friend who has this disease. When you have a disease such as this, it can be difficult to articulate to others just what it is you go through without sounding sorry for yourself.
Now when I need to explain this to someone, I can just hand them this book and say, "READ IT. NOW."
Thanks, Mr. Fox!!

Michael J. Fox's memoir "Lucky Man" is a great and inspiring read. One thing I admire about Fox is that he's basically an average guy who was dealt some wild cards and has managed to thrive in life - including, not in spite of, his circumstances. One thing I found consistently striking and inspiring is Fox's courage throughout all of his life experiences to be true to himself. In some instances, this meant following his natural instincts in his career, and in others it meant hiding his disease from the public as a delicately-timed and balanced lifestyle. His honesty and lack of pretension is also refreshing; he talks not only of the Hollywood lifestyle he had when his career took off, but also of his self-doubts and fears.

If you were also inspired by this honest perspective on enjoying life to
the fullest, I highly recommend the books Being Here: Modern Day Tales of Enlightenment, as well as Working on Yourself Doesn't Work: The 3 Simple Ideas That Can Instantaneously Transform Your Life, by Ariel & Shya Kane. The Kanes talk specifically about living in the moment as a way of discovering magic in your life - how to do it, how to not do it, and how it is easy and effortless. In his book, Fox talks about how "his 'job' is whatever he happens to be doing at the moment - whether it's giving a speech, changing a diaper, writing a book," etc. If you'd like to discover a sense of truly being here for each moment and living your life as wholly as possible (without having to experience a major tragedy or disease), look no further than these wonderful books.

This is the 2nd time I've read this saga of an ailing young woman who is sent by her Boston immigrant family in 1907 (or so) to her uncle who is pioneering on a farm not far from Calgary, Alberta, to recover her health. Her indomitable spirit in the wilderness makes a wonderful true tale of the peoples who lived in this part of the world at that time -- the native peoples, the immigrants, the "characters", the nuns, the wildlife, the winters, all wonderfully portrayed. I loved it 30 years ago, and I loved it again in 2008.

This is a wonderfully written book. It won't take long before feel that you know the characters and are part of their world. It's not that often that I'm really drawn into a book to the point of laughing and crying with those the story is about. Half way through I went out and bought the next book.

I read this book the first time when I was in Jr. high school. I know I have reread it at least ten times. I have 2 copies one falling apart and one to lend to friends. As you can surely see I love this book.

This is a story for the hopeless romantic in us all, told with fantastic writing! It's strange to think of romance with a Canadian mounty (but it works very well to the point of absolutey sexiness). It also has about it realistic. So realistic that sometimes you have to roll your eyes that so much can happen to one woman, but it's fun just the same. It speaks of life in a harsh country that a city girl has never experienced. There is humor and heart ache and plenty of romance.

At the turn of the century, life was much harder than it is today, partially because of the amount of untamed wilderness in this country. We often attribute a difficult life with sorrow and desperation, but this story portrays life in the north as a rewarding and happy one. It is based on the real-life experiences of Kathy Flannigan, a woman who met the authors and shared her story.

Mrs. Mike begins when Kathy is travelling to meet her uncle who lives in the north in a city. She suffers from pleursey and the doctor has recommended she leave the booming city of Boston to a colder climate. There, she meets a mountee from the wilderness of the north, and promptly falls in love. He warns her of their impending life together, but she embraces it with timid but open arms and she matures quickly in the vast expanse.

The depiction of the relationship between Kathy and Mike is beautiful to say the least. Both people seem so real and their love for each other is vivid and true. Other characters are highly memorable. Oh-Be-Joyful and Jonathan, Sarah, Constance, Baldy Red, Captain, Timmy, etc. all play their parts in this lively story. It reads like a series of events without the typical introduction, rising action, climax, and falling action, but this makes it seem more real. The language is easy to understand and there is plenty of dialogue.

This book was made into a movie starring Dick Powell and Evelyn Keyes. It is a good adaptation, but due to time restraints, it cuts out many characters and events and alters a few as well. I recommend seeing the movie first and then reading the book to avoid disappointment.

You all praising this book, how smart it is written, how valuable. But what are the fruits? Show them. Who can say that because of this book she got out of debts, bought a new house and moved from Harlem to 5th Avenue? Or smth like this? It seems to me that it is one more well-marketed book with no real advice in it. Everyone who wrote a review seems like struggling surviving individuals. I don't wanna join you guys if so. Please, who can tell any real outcome they had after reading this book, and then I will buy it.

I think all women should read this book and share it with others (family and children). Not only does Mr. Bach discuss how saving a little here and there can help with retirement, but he also gives women inspiration to live out (and especially to finance) their dreams. A wonderful book.

I bought this book because I heard so many positive things about it. I am in my 50's, five years ago I went from having the wonderful life that all women dream of. I had the beautiful home in the suburbs, 2 beautiful children, friends, you name it I had it. Then I lost it all in the blink of an eye. I had relied on my husband to handle all the finances I couldn't tell you the balance in the check book. All I knew was he made the money and I spent it. Thank the Lord I was a RN, but I hadn't worked in quite a few years. I am not going to go into detail what happened but when I said I had nothing but the clothes on my back I mean just that. I have been working two jobs for the past five years making good money but I have NOTHING to show for it. By reading Suze book I was able to identify myself, it is so easy to understand that someone like myself with NO understanding of finance can take her suggestions and work them into my present life. It is going to take discipline on my part and learning to say NO to my children is going to be the hardest. But, I need to take care of myself. This book was just what I needed to read. I highlighted areas, I keep going back and re-reading certain sections. I keep it next to my bed. Buying this book was one of the best things I have done for myself.

You don't have to be a rocket scientist to become wealthy and this book details how easy it can be. If you're looking for glitz and glamour and "get rich quick" this isn't it. There's no such thing as an overnight success. Read David's book and get going on the road to wealth.

Smart Women Finish Rich is a bit different from other financial books I've read. I have to admit I was surprised with how well David Bach addressed both the emotional and intellectual relationship women have with money. His grandmother taught him well.

I am going to say that Smart Women Finish Rich is more for a financial beginner than a woman with financial savvy. It's a well thought out system of gaining and keeping control of your financial self-sufficiency. Bach has filled this book with definitions, resources, quizzes, systems, exercises and tables. I was impressed and give it a must read if you're serious about becoming more financially organized.

David Bach addresses both the heart and the head in Smart Women Finish Rich. He used the lessons he learned from his grandmother, and his mother, as inspiration. After growing up with two such powerful role models, he was surprised by the number of financially uniformed women. Many of the women who came to him for financial advice, had no clue about building financial security.

Smart Women Finish Rich is easy to understand. I read it and "got it." This is a "how to" book that involves a commitment on your part to read, work and put the assignments and lessons into daily practice. Bach has carefully given us valuable financial keys, now it's up to us to follow through.

What you'll get out of this book is going to depend on what you're willing to put into it. It's a book that has the potential to give you a great foundation for financial self-sufficiency.

Here are some of the areas I found particularly useful:

1.The first exercise, "Financial Knowledge Quiz" is a great practical place to start. I found it to be thoughtful and quite an eye-opener. I learned about how well (and sometimes not so well) I understood the role money played in my life.

2. David Bach is adamant about pinpointing the reason money is important to you. To find this out, you'll need to examine your money values and ask yourself if your financial behavior matches those values. He provides a simple but thoughtful exercise called the "Values Ladder."

3. Smart Women Finish Rich is a great blend of exercises, systems, quizzes and practical "real world" information. For example, the "Finish Rich File Folder System" is a simple, easy-to-follow and yet an organizational time saver.

I definitely give Smart Women Finish Rich five stars! If you're ready and serious about getting your financial house and monetary priorities in order, this is the book for you!

This book is so sweet and filling. Its written by l.m. montgomery so it fills your soul up. What I like best about this book my Montgomery was that it was limited and finished in one book. It wasnt like Anne of Green Gable (which I do love but) in which the story was going over seven books. This book is about a shy and timid girl that when she hears that she has a year left to live, goes and lives her life to the full extent and enjoys it.

I am a faithful L.M. Montgomery reader; I've read all of the Anne and Emily books many times over. I've read many of Montgomery's other works, too - but I hadn't read The Blue Castle. I bought it on recommendations I read here.

First off, I was pleased that I wasn't just reading another "Anne" or "Emily" book, as much as I love them. The Blue Castle is truly different. The story is clever and very interesting. It was also refreshing that the heroine, Valancy, isn't a writer (also the case in the Pat books)! ; ) But, I felt that Valancy is the most self-absorbed "good" character I have ever read; everything (except that one instance, when she stepped out of herself to care for the dying girl) is about Valancy to Valancy. I take away half a star for how annoying that is!

Also, for anyone who is at all weak-willed, I highly recommend this story; to see how badly a life can be wasted when all a person cares about is what other people think of them!

"Spoilers, read at your own risk"

I can't even explain in words how this book touched, inspired, and warmed me.

A middle-aged old maid, Valancy Stirling, had problems with her heart. Because she doesn't want to raise a fuss, she visits the doctor which none of her relatives go to, and gets a check-up with him.

But the doctor gets news of his son being injuried in another town, so he rushes out the door, leaving poor Valancy alone, wondering again what's wrong with her.

The next day however, Valancy recieves a letter telling her that she had a uncurable heart disease, and if she takes care of herself, she will live for one more year.

Valancy is crushed. She has never really had a life, because of her over-bearing family, and a shy nature. She has never even been kissed, never loved anyone, and never actually BEEN loved.

So Valancy decides to make the most of the life she has left. Leaving her home, she goes to her friend Cissy Gay's house, and house-keeps for Cissy and her father. Valancy buys pretty clothes, and stops wearing stiff, ugly hair styles. She begins to become happy, loving Cissy, and being loved by her.

Barney Snaith, the supposed criminal of the town, (whose only real known crime is that he keeps away from society) becomes the object of Valancy's love. She wishes she weren't dying because of him, but she knows he probably wouldn't love her anyway.

Then Cissy dies of consumption (tuberculosis) and Valancy's relieved family expects her to come back home and act like a prim, boring person again. But instead, Valancy shows Barney Dr. Trent's letter, and asks him to give her one happy year, and to marry her. He agrees, and Valancy is more embarrassed then she would have been if he had said no.

The next day, they marry and go to Barney's island. The Stirling family is horrified, and give up on her completely.

Then, a surprise ending, and horrifying truths shatter Valancy's dreams, only to bring them back together again in a satisfying, well written ending.

This book is by far my all time favorite. It is not like the Anne of Green Gables series to me, although I love those. It is a seperate and sweet story of someone who is forced to see life in a completely different light when death is thrust upon them. I can relate to the character in a very personal way so this book moves me to want to be more of myself. Maybe that is why I love it so much. I find the light humor and the romance to be enchanting and I recommend this book to anyone that I meet. It is short, but I like that part too. It moves me every time I read it.

Though I love Anne, Emily, and Pat, I also love Valancy. I feel hands down that this is the best book LM has ever written, at least for adults. I felt myself so angry for Valancy at first for the way she is treated, but it was so awesome to see her stand up for herself and become happy. You go girl!

wonderful book . My daughter loves the rhyming words and the wonderful colorful illustrations. I would definitely recommend this book.

Just a delightful book. I remember reading this during library time when I was little, so I had fond memories of reading the playful words and looking at the fanciful illustrations. You'll enjoy the book if you like fun rhyming that doesn't necessarily use "perfect" words but creates an enjoyable experience for your child anyway. Although another reviewer gave this book one star because it wasn't "educational" enough due to its use of playful words, some books are just meant to be read and enjoyed without teaching a lesson. It's okay to let kids be kids and to foster their imagination!

Now I'm an adult with a toddler. I found "Jamberry" at our local library and checked it out to read to my daughter who was 12 months old at the time. She kept saying "again" whenever we'd finish it. Whenever we check it out at the library, she wants to read it everyday, multiple times, at least 3 times in a row. Although this may annoy me slightly (especially after the 15th time reading it in one day), I'm thrilled she's so excited about a book and am proud to help foster her love for reading at an early age.

As an aside, we haven't checked "Jamberry" out at the library in at least 2 months and tonight I said "One berry, two berry, pick me a blueberry" and our daughter wanted to read the book. We tried explaining to her that "Jamberry" was still at the library and she got pretty upset that the book wasn't here to read for the twenty-millionth time. Never making that mistake again! No quoting "Jamberry" unless you have the real thing to back it up. That's why I've gone ahead and put it on my daughter's wish list.

This was one of my daughter's favorites, and it's one I didn't mind reading again and again. It has a fun rhythm and innovative text, and is not repetitive or "moralizing" like many kids' books. It's not meant to teach a lesson, just fun-- and really, don't we all need that sometimes?

The first time I read this, I simply did not get it. But then I read it again with an open mind combined with my own fond memories of picking huckleberries in the Idaho mountains and soon was more acclimated to this charming little rhyme. The repetion of vowels is great for little ears and the pictures truly are wonderfully whimsical. I still don't get it, but it certainly is darling.

I found this book on Amazon based on execellent reviews and looking for entertaining books for my 18 month grandson. This book rocks. All kinds of rhymes, which is fun for the reader (grandma) as well as the listener, artwork is very cool so that every time you read the book (20 times a day) you can point out a new frog here, an elephant in tights there, choo choo trains in silhouette after seeing them full of berries. Bottom line - berries are yummy and a great berry story is awesome - and this book celebrates berries.

"I think I shall be a great poetess or a distinguished novelist."
That is Emily Starr talking, the young blossoming writer, that will touch your heart, with her creative and interesting, ways and ideas.

Within just the first chapter of the book, you'll already be intrigued by Emily's charm, and her topsy-turvy imagination. All through the story, Emily meets new people and friends. Some will help her on her way to becoming a writer, "a painter that uses words". Others will shoot her dreams down, as if they were nothing but mere dust. Just watch her take on all the distressing incidents that she overcomes with an intellect beyond her years.

She's always on a new enchanting romp, that'll keep you guessing. From giving up her beloved cat, to clashing with Miss Brownell (her unjust schoolteacher), to unraveling an age-old puzzle with her whimsical mind, you'll stay right by Emily's side the whole time.

Here's a small excerpt that I especially enjoyed:
"But there is a destiny which shapes the ends of young misses who are born with the itch for writing tingling in their baby fingertips, and in the fullness of time this destiny gave to Emily the desire of her heart---gave it to her, too, on the very day when she most needed it."

Personally, I have to state that this book is very inspirational for anyone endeavoring a priceless dream. I have read the entire set of the "Anne of Green Gables" books (that are written by the same author), but in my opinion, "Emily of New Moon" is much more enthralling! It is at the top of my list of my favorite books.

It is difficult for me to write an objective review about this beloved classic. Emily is like a childhood friend to me. Created by the author of Anne of Green Gables, she is a more complex character than Anne - introspective, determined, and deeply sensitive to life's joys and shadows. Her love for writing, or her need to write, defines her; indeed, much of the story is told through her writing. And yet this first book of the Emily trilogy is mostly lighthearted, though not without its passages of intense experience. Emily is orphaned in the beginning of the book, and moves to the farm of New Moon to live with two estranged aunts and one uncle, their brother. She thrives and flourishes in the beautifully prosaic, quaint world of New Moon and Blair Water on Prince Edward Island. Though she is a private and secretive person, she gives lavishly of herself in her closest friendships.

Montgomery's writing is at times indulgently over-descriptive, but not without vividity, wryness, feeling, and rich character development. Perhaps the most eloquent aspect of Emily of New Moon is its flavorful honesty about life both light and dark. Emily is a complex character, full of both faults and virtues, neither of which are expressed simplistically. The reader's sympathies are always with her. Montgomery's indirect insights into the writing life are also very valuable. Emily has writing in her blood, sees it as something intrinsically personal and sacred but wants to share it, does it with abandon yet later throws it away, and yearns to climb the ladder of fame. In this sense, I feel more kinship with her than with her more popular sister Anne Shirley.

Emily Starr is a daughter of a faith-confused father that her mother's family has shunned for his poverty. Her mother, Juliet Murray, died when she was five, and then when she is older, her father dies of consumption, leaving her an orphan.

Her mother's family takes her in, and teaches her all their traditions and strict codes of honor and pride.

Emily makes new friends, grows, and even has a few love intrests, despite her young age.

The only problem I had with this book was her father way of thinking of God. He says everyone has their own God, and that Emily shouldn't worship their housekeeper's God.

That is very untrute. Every one has their own PERSEPTION of God.

Get it right L.M. :)

Sheltered by her loving father, 10-year-old Emily Byrd Starr has never minded her isolated life. What child notices poverty and a lack of playmates when her intelligence and imagination make each day special and exciting?

Then one terrible day, Emily finds herself an orphan. A mass of never-before-met aunts and uncles descend upon Emily, criticizing and making plain the fact that whoever takes the child is only doing so out of their sense of duty.

Still reeling from the loss of her father, Emily must also leave her beloved little home and pets for New Moon, her mother's childhood home, where unmarried aunts Elizabeth and Laura currently reside. It is with stern matriarch Elizabeth, gentle, loving Laura and "simple-minded" Cousin Jimmy that Emily must now learn to form a family.

Despite the hardships, Emily's new life is quickly filled with many joys, as she makes friends at the village school and develops her interest for writing. Emily also experiences -- at the most unexpected moments -- "the flash," her word for the brief startling glimpses of other-worldliness, which has the power to change both her life and the lives of others around her.

Ask most people what they associate with L.M. Montgomery, and they'll likely say Anne of Green Gables. Yet despite the fame of Montgomery's "other orphan," the Emily books are quite possibly even more memorable and beautifully written. Like Anne, Emily is thrust into an unfamiliar world, where she must make the best of circumstances; but unlike Anne, Emily is possessed of a strangely adult maturity even at the tender age of ten, a glimpse of darkness which will accompany her through the years. This streak makes readers both more concerned for her well-being and perhaps more able to relate, as she is not nearly as happy-go-lucky and childlike as Anne in her early years.

If you enjoy this book, be sure to read "Emily Climbs" and "Emily's Quest," which follow the girl through her years at high school, through romantic relationships and her writing career as a young woman.

It's a shame that most people like either Anne or Emily; I've avoided the whole question by loving them both. The Emily books give a picture of a girl with lights and darks, reacting naturally (and therefore not always cheerfully) to the events of her life. She is far from perfect, but as L.M. Montgomery says about her, you may like her, you may hate her, but you'll never forget her.

If what you love about Anne is the sparkling, bubbly world she creates around herself, then you probably won't like Emily. But if you like L.M. Montgomery and would like to see her go a different route, the Emily trilogy is a great read!!

I bought this book after seeing a spice girls documentary. Even though I wasn't a big fan of the Spice Girls I always found Geri likable and decided to read her book.
The book is awesome. She takes you from her childhood up until she left the band. She and her friends reminded me of my friends and I. The book is very frank, down to earth and fun. I highly recommend reading this one and then following it up with her second book, Just for the Record. The second one starts right where this ones leaves off.
A great fun interesting read. This Girls is great!

If Only by Geri Halliwell is her account on life as a ex-Spice Girl and so much more. Halliwell actually has some talent as a writer, this book was hard to put down. Geri talks about her issues with food, her rise and exit from being Ginger Spice, and the death of her father. Geri doesn't leave anything out, she is open, frank, and quite hilarious as she goes deep into her past. I highly recommend checking this great book out. It was a pleasure to read it. Enjoy!

Geri Halliwell shocked many of her fans when she left the Spice Girls in 1998 after a 2 year mega successful time. The Spice Girls were the biggest girl band in music history.... and Ginger Spice (her moniker back then) was the most exciting personality. Like her childhood idol Madonna, Geri Halliwell grew up in a working class suburb and had a dream to be famous since she was 12. She got it and yet she found that fame had an interesting impact on her life. This book answers a few questions as to why her sudden departure happened at the height of the Spice Girls fame ... and it reveals more of Geri underneath all the Ginger.

This book reads like a very tedious conversation with Ms. Halliwell over a long lunch that you can't get away from until she finishes her dessert.She writes about her early impoverished childhood and how she craved the attention of an audience and wanted everybody's approval which sadly most people of any maturity know that this is something you will never get. Ms. Halliwell's "definition" of her "Personal Growth" is when she tries on an outfit which is too small so she asks for a bigger size.The last time I saw Ms. Halliwell in a photo she was being carried away to her limo by a big bodyguard after suffering from "Champagne Fatigue". The only good thing about this book are the revealing photos that were taken during her days as a "Glamour Model". It is no wonder that this woman likes living in Los Angeles.Her greatest accomlishment in life was to stop singing in a Pop Group and start singing solo. Big Deal.

I really enjoyed this book. It was awesome to see into the depth of Geri's life. I had no idea that she actually had eating disorders while she was a spice girl. It really helped me to understand more about her and that she really worked hard for her career. I would love to meet Geri although I don't know that that will ever happen. Her book makes me want to meet her even more if only to say that she did a great job and I understand some of the things she went through. I've been there. I highly recommend this book.

I think the temptation here is to give "Paddle to the Sea" five stars. After all, the book is a dazzling display of art and narrative, an educational and interesting tale. But five stars is the voice of the adult reviewer, and this book is mostly read by and to young children.

I was excited to stumble across this book in the library: I remembered it from my childhood. But I was surprised to find how little of the book I remembered. Mostly I remembered the general idea--perhaps my parents were not too keen on reading the entire book.

From the perspective of my daughter (nearly 6), the book was well worth reading, though not terribly compelling. She was curious to learn about Paddle's journey, and interested in the geography (we live right on the route). She liked many of the illustrations, though not nearly so much as I. The book is quite lengthy: it took us several bedtimes to finish it. I was drawn back to the book each night, eager for more of the art and story. I liked the altruism of the people who find Paddle, and the solidarity they show with a maker they will never meet. There is a beautiful selflessness in the land and in the people of the land. But I found that it was I who wanted to read the book each night, more so than my daughter. For young ones, the art is less impressive and the story is a bit slow. And since children's books ought to be ranked with children in mind, we'll have to give this book fewer stars than it otherwise deserves.

I purchased this as a gift for my daughter. She is delighted. The art work is beautiful. She was so happy I purchased the rest of the set and they are just as beautiful.

This is a great book to read. I would highly recommend this book and others by the author for fun reading and at the same time great learning opportunities.

I read this book 60 years ago as a young boy of 10. It made a tremendous impression on me with regards to the geography of the Great Lakes of the US and Canada. I was thrilled to find that it is still being printed and the pictures are the same as I remember--excellent. A wonderful story.

As others here have said, this is a true keeper. A babysitter read it to me when I was 10, and I never forgot it. I bought and read it to my kids when they were around that age, and they wouldn't let me put them to sleep without reading at least one chapter. It's educational, beautifully illustrated, and a touching story. I may have to fight with my kids over who gets to read it first to their kids! A treasure.

This third installment in the beloved Anne series is one of my favorites. Having just completed two years of teaching in Avonlea, Anne, along with friends Gilbert and Charlie, is ready to leave the Island and make her way to Redmond College. Her four years there offer quaint-seeming insights into college life a hundred years ago. After spending her freshman year in a boarding house, Anne and chums Priscilla, Stella, and Philippa move into a little house called Patty's Place. Even though they are committed to their studies, life is never dull. Anne has no lack of suitors, turning down no fewer than five proposals during the course of the story. And her summers are full of adventure, whether it's back in dear Avonlea or teaching as a country schoolmarm.

I've read Anne of the Island each year I've been in college, and as I finished it this time, I couldn't help but relate to Anne's excitement for the future, mingled with regretful nostalgia about the college life she was leaving behind. College is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Having attended a small Christian university, I relate to Anne's old-fashioned values and the safe, wholesome environment of Redmond.

Montgomery has such a pungent writing voice, alive to the quirks of human nature and the beauties of outdoor nature. She brings spice, optimism, and a touch of cynicism to the story and the characters. Anne's most personal experiences are recounted with poignancy, and are rooted in reality, although they may seem whimsical to modern readers. The ending is sweet and satisfying. I just love Anne, and especially this tale of her college experiences. Don't miss it.

Anne of the Island is the third installment of the smash Anne of Green Gables series. The book begins with Anne leaving for college to further her education the second time. When she arrives, she encounters a slew of minor domestic problems, a new group of friends, and Love. All of which she deals with using that famous atypical personality of a "Kindred spirit"



Although the book deals with more serious subject matter than the preceding books, as a reflection upon Anne's growing older, the book starts with the lighthearted catchy fun that made Anne famous in her prequels. Most of this fun is centered on the Anne's encounters with her roommate cats Rusty, Joseph, and Sarah-Cat. Anne's exclamations of fear at being stalked by the docile house cats is classic Anne and delicious fun.



The Book also dives into more serious matter, with Lets be friends-Lets be more than friends-Lets be friends-I hate you-Marry me! Gilbert abandoning his indecisiveness and aggressively courting Anne. Although this relation is of little interest to male readers, it is made a key plot element, most likely because it is attractive to the books target demographic, pre-teen girls. Luckily, most of the content on Anne's romance does nothing to affect other parts of the story much and as a result are harmless to skip when they become drab.



Anne of the Island is a solid installment in the Anne series. Although not equaling or surpassing Anne of Green Gables, "Of the Island" leaves little to be desired besides not having a near constant usage of the word "eh". If you an Anne fan, pick up her third book. Eh.

The story of Anne continues with this work and the author stays true to her style, story line and character developement. This, like the other books in this series, have a rather timeless nature about them and a comforting charm. The reader, of course, must remember the time they were written and the style and syntax used at that time. From my own point of view, this is great. I enjoy this type of writing and certainly enjoy Ms. Montgomery's story telling abilities. In this work, Anne goes off to Redman College and her adventure continues. Recommend these books for readers of all ages. Wish there were more works out there like it.

this book never gets old. i've had it for so long and now i'm off to college and i still enjoy reading it cover to cover. anne is a great character, one who is easy to love and who explains herself well. the other characters are also quirky. something about this book is very universal, which i think explains why even in this century i still find myself being able to relate to Anne. the plot, while essentially a love story, is not overly sappy. and while most people would probably expect the ending, the twists and turns throughout the novel keep you entertained and engaged.

"Anne of the Island" is my favorite Anne book, and the last chapters of my copy are worn and torn because I have read it so many times. I loved it as a young girl, and I loved it again when I read it from my college dorm room (in fact, I think it's time for another rereading!). Plus, of course, a college education makes many of the literary references more relevant than they were at age 11.

Anne fans already know how wonderful are these chapters of Anne's life. This book outlines an important epoch in the series and answers the all important question of whether they will or they won't--a turning point on which the next five books hinge. And since you must start at "Anne of Green Gables" to appreciate any of it, this review cannot convince to you read just book three. It is just one more love letter to "Anne of the Island" added to this review panel.

I read this book for the first time in the 6th grade, and now, 20 years, later, it is still as hilarious as ever. All ages can enjoy this wonderfully funny book! If you like to laugh, then give "I Want to Go Home" a try. You won't be disappointed!

I've probably read this book about 20 times (over the past 20 years) and it never gets old. So many funny characters and situations. It's kind of surprising it never got made into a movie, but maybe the camp movie genre is already saturated.

If you haven't read it already, it's worth the time and effort to hunt down a copy of this book.

I had this book when I was a kid. I lent it to my friend and never saw it again. It was my favorite book, and I wanted a copy for my boys. I just rolled with laughter when I read it as a child, and when I read it with my wife and kids, they did the same thing. It is a shame this book is out of print, because kids love it. You will not be disappointed.

and this would be one of my favourite books by him!

it is laugh out loud funny and I read it over and over again.

I am an adult, and I adore his books. If you are looking at buying something for kids who don't like to read, something like this should get them hooked!

This is one graet book! It is about a boy named Rudy Miller, who is not very socialized, being sent away to summer camp. He does not take part in any sports, though he is a true Olympic champion back at home. He meets a shy friend, Mike Webster, who is a very bad liar, unfortunatly! With Mike as his companion, Rudy plans a million ways that he could escape this summer camp he dreads. In class, our teacher read "I Want to Go Home" to us. It was hilarious reading about Rudy and Mike's impossible escapes! Read this great story about Chip, the cabin councsiller, Harold, a mean campmate, Pierre, the arts and crafts teaacher, and of course, Rudy and Mike! You will love it!!!