Escape Books

Have you ever wondered what was going on with the Mollusks and The Lost Boys while Peter was away having adventures in Peter and the Starcatchers, Peter and the Shadow Thieves and Peter and the Secrets of Rundoon? Well, this easy chapter book series (billed A Neverland Book) neatly fills that gap quite nicely. This story takes place in between Starcatchers and Shadow Thieves and features Little Scallop (along with others) on a madcap mini-adventure involving mermaids, pirates, a traveling carnival seeking new attractions, the infamous Black Stache (and his gang), dolphins, and of course the irascible Mr. Grin. We begin the story with Little Scallop wishing her father had more time for her as she goes off to spend some with her mermaid friends, Surf and Agua. All three are tired of being told what they can and cannot do because of their age, and as young children often do, they break all the rules to swim out to Shark Cave, forbidden to the two young mermaids AND Little Scallop (it's certainly not in the shallows where her father has told her to stay). So off they go...and no sooner than they are on their way than a raging squall comes upon them and they become lost AND what's worse, there is a ship (deathly dangerous for mermaids). Surf is captured and now it's up to Agua and Little Scallop to get help for their captured friend and in the process of doing so, they encounter a lot more adventure and danger than they bargained for...will they rescue their friend? You'll have to read to find out!

Overall, this is a cute addition to the Neverland stories, though I would wager this is most appropriate for a slightly younger age range than the longer Pan novels Barry and Ridley have written. Escape from the Carnivale comes in at 134 pages and is a nice early chapter book with large spacing and type with an entertaining and easy to follow storyline that younger fans of Peter Pan and get into easily on their own (best for ages 4-8) and it would certainly make a great read aloud story for younger readers! I give it four stars, both of my kids loved it and we all hope that there will be many more of these to come...we absolutely loved reading more about the Mollusks, the Lost Boys and The Mermaids!!!

NOTE: My appologies for the double posting, I accidently ticked the no button on the over 13 question...oops!

Have you ever wondered what was going on with the Mollusks and The Lost Boys while Peter was away having adventures in Peter and the Starcatchers, Peter and the Shadow Thieves and Peter and the Secrets of Rundoon? Well, this easy chapter book series (billed A Neverland Book) neatly fills that gap quite nicely. This story takes place in between Starcatchers and Shadow Thieves and features Little Scallop (along with others) on a madcap mini-adventure involving mermaids, pirates, a traveling carnival seeking new attractions, the infamous Black Stache (and his gang), dolphins, and of course the irascible Mr. Grin. We begin the story with Little Scallop wishing her father had more time for her as she goes off to spend some with her mermaid friends, Surf and Agua. All three are tired of being told what they can and cannot do because of their age, and as young children often do, they break all the rules to swim out to Shark Cave, forbidden to the two young mermaids AND Little Scallop (it's certainly not in the shallows where her father has told her to stay). So off they go...and no sooner than they are on their way than a raging squall comes upon them and they become lost AND what's worse, there is a ship (deathly dangerous for mermaids). Surf is captured and now it's up to Agua and Little Scallop to get help for their captured friend and in the process of doing so, they encounter a lot more adventure and danger than they bargained for...will they rescue their friend? You'll have to read to find out!

Overall, this is a cute addition to the Neverland stories, though I would wager this is most appropriate for a slightly younger age range than the longer Pan novels Barry and Ridley have written. Escape from the Carnivale comes in at 134 pages and is a nice early chapter book with large spacing and type with an entertaining and easy to follow storyline that younger fans of Peter Pan and get into easily on their own (best for ages 4-8) and it would certainly make a great read aloud story for younger readers! I give it four stars, both of my kids loved it and we all hope that there will be many more of these to come...we absolutely loved reading more about the Mollusks, the Lost Boys and The Mermaids!!!

Although this short story does not contain either of the two great main characters Peter and Molly from the masterpieces Peter and the Starcatchers or the sequel to that prequel Peter and the Shadow Thieves and its length is only a fifth at most of either of those two books, it's still a great read.

Escape from the Carnivale allows a couple of the minor characters from the other adventures to have a bit of limelight and ultimately save the day. Teacher and the other mermaids, Fighting Prawn and the mollusk tribe, the Lost Boys and Black Moustache (now known as Hook) and other island residents do make appearances but this novel's pages belong mainly to youngest daughter of the Mollusk tribe, Little Scallop and James from the Lost Boys.

The adventure begins with a bored Little Scallop, envious of her older siblings who get to go on adventures spying on Hook and the other pirates disappointed her father spends his time worried about them and not giving her attention. When mermaid friends her age decide to break the rules and swim out in the open ocean to a cave so they can get some pearls to make necklaces, Little Scallop decides to go along. It is not long before their lost and one of the mermaids (Surf) trapped in a net is hauled onboard a ship called The Carnivale and thrown in a tank with a number of other "freak" prisoner marine animals. The captain of the ship Crookshank is determined to capture more mermaids and other exotic creatures to perform in his show and sees the island as a great place to acquire new slaves. With all the Mollusk tribe up in the mountains at a Sun ceremony it is up to Little Scallop and James to come up with a plan to rescue their friend with the help of some dolphins and the other mermaids. Hook however wants the ship for himself.

Escape for the Carnivale is aimed at a younger market than the Starcatcher Peter Pan prequel books but that doesn't mean it's not as good.

Mostly more of the same from the writers of the Peter Pan Prequel books. More fun reading but mainly for kids.

My daughter says Escape from the Carnivale is very exciting. She didn't want to put it down! She recommends highly! She loved getting to know the mermaids and Little Scallop. The Lost Boys are funny! She has moved on to Cave of the Dark Wind. It sounds exciting too!

Hidden in an underground laboratory the military are conducting experiments on human beings. The military desire to enhance the human's brain capacity and intelligence. Computer chips are used as implants to facilitate this experiment. Unfortunately, the military-prisoners subjects chosen for the experiment are not as carefully thought out. They escape and wreak havoc along their way to global domination. However, one of their members dies and his corpse becomes hard evidence of their evil plot.

That is as much as I should tell of the plot....I don't want to give too much away.

This novel is similar in style and feel to the "X-Files" television series and yet in many ways far superior. Most of the characters are realistic and behave as real people would and the plot is very realistic. You get the feeling that this could have happened (well...sort of) and that's what makes it fun. The whole concept of "one person against a hidden society of criminal geniuses" is always exciting and full of action.

A note on the author's style, I found Wilson to be short on description and visual cues. What you are left with is the plot, which is pretty darn good. Wilson writes this taut thriller very well and leaves it up to you to fill in the gaps. I know he couldn't have told us more about the people involved because some of them are the bad guys...Wilson wants us to figure out which side a person plays on. Overall a good story and fun to read.

I gave this book two stars for the following reasons -

As with the other reviewers, I like the idea/concept and, as you get into the novel, when you realize that the antagonists are practically omnipotent, it makes for an interesting question. How in the world is the protagonist going to win? So, for the idea, I agree that the book would probably rate 4 stars.

But the writing style is excruciatingly painful to read and rates 0 stars. Mr. Wilson writes in a manner that one might tentatively compare to Ernst Hemingway. Hemingway, among other things, was famous for his terse sentences and taut writing style. The problem is, Hemingway was celebrated for it because he was so good at it. Mr. Wilson's phrasing got on my nerves so bad it often made my skin crawl. To give an example - and this is right out of the book mind you - Mr. Wilson writes:

'She looked at the door. She wondered if there was someone there. There was no sound. She had thought she heard a sound. A sound of someone there. But there was no sound.'

I'm sorry, but that's just BAD writing. Mr. Wilson also constantly overuses his adjectives. Never does a security guard run up to them. It always has to be a tall, thin security guard. There is never just a policeman - it always has to be a short, overweight policeman or an older, graying gentleman, or a tall, ropy-muscled, deeply-tanned villain, etc. It gets old very fast.

Mr. Wilson also had a bad habit of repeating words in the next sentence. Most novelists will take great pains to avoid this but he did it thirty or forty times. He would write.

'He knew that they had to hasten out of there so not to get caught. They hastened down the hall.'

I can only believe that his editor was in spasms laughing so hard when he read this that he actually forgot to circle the second hastened and write NEW WORD above it.

My final criticism is minor but it still got on my nerves. Michael Crichton, in his excellent book Travels, stated that his father, as a newspaper reporter, taught him that you never want to use the word obviously. The logic is, if it is obvious, then why state it. Mr. Wilson uses the word obivously approximately 50 times throughout the book (I lost count after 42). It's a minor complaint, but every time I saw the word, it was like someone was running their fingernails down the chaulkboard.

In summary, a high concept novel with low-level execution.

once again charles wilson has written a suspensful technothriller. a bit of a slow starter, but once he gets going... the further i got into the book, the faster i was reading, and the more taunt wilson kept it. a good job.

The Master storyteller has done it again...As an avid C harles Wilson fan this book kept me riveted to it,s covers from start to finish.I would highly reommend this book to read. And sit back,strap-in,take the ride& enjoy.

In 1990, in a secret underground military base in Montana, five criminals serving time in Leavenworth were used for an unusual and groundbreaking experiment: they had micro computer chips implanted in their brains. But the experiment backfires when the criminals use their now-enhanced mental powers to escape and begin a gradual take over of certain areas of life, including politics and law enforcement. Ten years later, one of the original recipients of a chip dies in a freak car accident in Jackson, Mississippi, and a pathologist inadvertantly removes the chip during the autopsy. Not wanting their diabolical plan to be discovered, the "chippees" (to borrow a term used above) will do anything to recover the chip, including murder. Dr. Spence Stevens, distraught over losing his friend and mentor, is convinced that something suspicious is behind the murder, and asks his old friend Joey to look into it. Joey, an emotionally disturbed military man now turned private detective, begins to unravel a plan so intricate and cleverly-disguised that he bumps into dead ends every time he thinks that he has a new clue. Finally he asks his friend FBI agent Bob Kennedy for help. After Joey loses his life in an "accident," Spence and Kennedy realize that whoever wants them out of the picture is playing for keeps. The twists and turns in the plot will keep you spellbound, and as the plot develops, more and more people become involved until you never know whom to trust. Should Spence trust the beautiful newspaper reporter Christen, his loyal assistant Flo, or even FBI agent Bob? You won't know who is a good "chippee" and who is a bad "chippee" until the very end! Charles Wilson is a master of the complicated plot and Game Plan is one of his best scientific thrillers yet.

Not much on novels until I read this wonderful book. I never have understood the term, "just couldn't put the book down." I do understand it now. Anxiously awaiting the next volume.

I did enjoy reading this book - though hardly a masterpiece. Some issues - The editing got progressively worse as the book continued. I find it distracting to come across 'your' when 'you're' is the intended word. But, there were also the kind of errors made when a document has only been spell-checked by a computer. Stopping to think about why the word 'tour' is there and finally figuring out that the word should be 'your' is by far more distracting.
I also felt the story started a bit slow. The pace did pick up about halfway, however, including the grail seemed a bit gratuitous and an obvious plant for a second book.
In all, for a first novel it was very good, but I'm getting very tired of authors trying to wring two or even three books (Or 5 in the case of Beverly Lewis' "Abram's Daughters") from a story. It's fine to invest in three books if they're written by Terry Brooks, but another for a first-time author with an OK book. Especially if the author doesn't seem to care enough to properly edit the book.

This is an exciting tale of a young man coming to manhood in biblical times. Paul Dyal keeps you on the edge of your seat waiting to see how Marcus will get out of each predicament. It brings bible times to life; you can almost picture yourself in this life. This is one of those books you hate to set down. I'm looking forward to the next installment on the life of Marcus. I can't wait to see what next befalls him.

I am the author of this novel. It is the second of what is planned to be a five book series. The reason I"m writing this in the review section is because I cannot seem to get anyone to respond otherwise. The correct title of this Book Is Sub-Titled (ESCAPE TO BRITANNIA)It is an exciting adventure packed historical/biblical fiction novel that young and old, christian and non-christian alike can read and enjoy.

If you are looking for a clean, Christian adventure, then look no further. Paul Dyal will captivate you from the very first pages, taking you on a thrilling journey through the life of Simon Peter's son, Marcus. It brings to life the conflict of the Jews, Romans, and the religious leaders of the era. You will not be able to put this book down. With fast-paced action, compelling characters, and truths taken directly from Scripture, this book is sure to be the next bestseller in Christian fiction.

Harry Houdini's showmanship made him a standout among magicians. Author Sid Fleischman uses the same technique to stand out in the crowded field of Houdini biographies. Escape! captures readers with its flamboyant vocabulary, humor, insider understanding, wonderful photographs with excellent captions and a clearly stated theme which shapes the details of an exciting life. Fleischman organizes this rags-to-riches tale around Houdini's shameless vanity that supported his "megaphone self-promotion" of his self-made legend: sharing that Houdini doctored facts and photographs. Fleischman analyzes Houdini's family relationships, evaluates his career and lasting fame, and explains them to youngsters as part human flaw, part the need to escape anti-Semitism, and part the drive to trump all competitors and fakes. The self-taught Houdini never had a magic lesson. Loyalty to fellow magicians keeps author-magician Fleischman from revealing Houdini's methods, although his bibliography includes books that tell all.
Hungarian Jewish immigrant Ehrich Weiss, searching for a way to financially aid his poor family, finds vaudeville and his stage name, The Great Houdini. Ironically, Houdini later unmasks his youthful idol and name inspiration, Robert-Houdin. This biography dramatically recounts what Houdini got out of: handcuffs, milk cans, straight jackets, jail cells, frozen rivers and coffins. It also spotlights what he got into: airplanes and first-flight records; entertaining troops during World War I; supporting the sons of rabbis, who like himself, performed on the stage; movies; the Encyclopaedia Britannica; the Library of Congress and a crusade bashing phony spiritualists.
Fleishman's rich, intimate account is possible from two special boosts to normal biographical research. He had access to material published privately for magicians and he knew Houdini's widow, Bess, who gave him information and photographs. From the clever table of contents to the sad postmortem, this book overflows with fun facts delivered by out of the ordinary colorful language proving reading can be magic. A treat for readers age 9 - adult.

The book was an interesting read. It showed how exciting Houdini actually was. It was well written and even though it's nonfiction, it was exciting. This information was well-done enough so I could use it for a sixth grade report.

I bought this book for a Valentine's present for my husband, who has been doing magic tricks and illusions since he was a young boy. He has always been fascinated by the Great Houdini, so when I saw this book, I took a chance. We have both enjoyed this book tremendously. It is written in very nice, simple language, with large print, and wonderful never-seen before photos. I would highly recommend this little magical gem!

Biographies can be dull and plodding, but this one is just the opposite. Partly because of the nature of the subject - the fascinating magician, illusionist, and escape artist Harry Houdini - and partly because of the bright prose of the author, this biography is engaging, humorous, and a pleasure to read. It is full of colorful language like prestidigitator, bamboozler, razzmatazz, razzle-dazzle, ragamuffin, derring-do, braggadocio, boondocks, bunkum, and blunderbuss. It is also infused with the showman's Jewish side, recalling Houdini's birth as Ehrich Weiss to an impoverished but scholarly rabbi in a Budapest ghetto, his self-invention and brashness as an immigrant, the effects of anti-Semitism, and his lifelong love of learning. According to the author, Jews are significant in the history of magic. Along the way we get a history lesson in vaudeville and other popular entertainments in turn of the century America and Europe. We also see Houdini as quite the overachiever; in addition to his legendary feats, he was an author, editor, pilot, and collector of magician memorabilia. REVIEWED BY SUSAN BERSON (DENVER, CO)

Ages 9 and older will find ESCAPE a vivid story of master escape artist and magician Houdini, a man who could walk through brick walls and escape the most impossible circumstances. This biography comes from an author who was a former professional magician himself, and offers stories of how the son of an impoverished rabbi changed himself into the world-known Houdini. An excellent, lively text makes for a biography perfect for reports.

Steven Russell is the ideal antihero: he's resourceful, a conman, and bisexual. Author and journalist Steve McVicker doesn't go into detail why Russell, a family man with a great career, would chose a life of crime over the banal world of law abiding citizens. But after reading the book you can infer that Russell, an ingenious Type A personality, was probably simply bored with doing things lawfully. I enjoyed the book for what it was worth. McVicker writes with a true journalistic style. We wouldn't believe the story otherwise. In fact, McVicker emphasis how much research went into the book; and when he cannot verify Russell's assertions of facts, he lets us know. Otherwise, Russell's entire story is corroborated by first hand accounts of those involved, including prison guards and former coworkers. Reading the accounts of how Russell was able to dupe government officials and corporate America over and over again was engrossing, and I couldn't help but cheer for him, despite his being an embezzler and con artist. It wasn't so much how brilliant Russell was in his escapades, but how inept and lazy everyone else was. Russell himself credits many of his exploits on the sluggishness of prison staff and state bureaucracies. Russell makes a life of non-violent crime and prison escapes look easy--and fun! The book is extremely concise; most the narrative focuses on the planning stages of Russell's many con games and prison escapes. That was fine with me. However, if you are expecting drawn out descriptions of budding prison romances, you won't find that in this book. The only contention I have with the book is when McVicker uses a jarring opportunity to bash Wal-Mart; other than that McVicker keeps most his personal opinions to himself, as a journalist should. I also cringed every time McVicker used the word "lover" to describe Russell's boyfriends. That word is an anachronism, more fitting for the 1970s than today. The book itself was not published by a large publisher, so despite the book being in hardcover format, it's a cheap vinyl cover with no dust jacket--just to let you know. Other than that, I enjoyed the book and look forward to seeing how Hollywood botches the story.

The wild story of a conman who favors doctored resumes and red stretch pants as props to steal whatever he desires. He just can't outwit his sentimental heart. I read it in one sitting.

Entertaining read. McVicker provides a good yarn. Larger then life characters and twists in a real life story. Top notch tale.

I picked this one up when my idol, Jim Carrey, announced he was planning to do a BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN and play the main part, Steven Russell, in the true story that electrified a nation, a man who would break out of jail over and over again to join his lover, Phillip Morris. Jim has made some brave choices in his career (anyone see his latest dud THE NUMBER 23?), but I think if he plays his cards right he may wind up with an Oscar. First he has to learn a Southern accent, not easy for a Canadian, but Raymond Massey did it and so can our Jim.

Steve McVicker isn't a young man and it shows in the maturity he brings to the writing of what could have turned out to be a sleazy story. As a distinguished reporter, he's playing it cagey about whether or not he himself is actually gay, but he's convincing enough to accurately portray Russell's long journey out of the closet and into the swinging, pre-AIDS homosexual lifestyle of Montrose, the third-densest gay mecca in the world, says McVicker, and to think that before reading this book I had never even heard of it. Along the way Russell acquired a very religious wife and sired a daughter, Stephanie, and both ladies have clung to their man through right and wrong even when he left them to pursue his lifestyle, and even after he was convicted on multiple counts of fraud.

The book is a primer for how to get away with grifting on a large scale. It will teach you how you, barely a high school graduate, can use the internet or other sources to gather enough info and fake resumes to get your a place as CFO at a major HMO, if you can talk glibly enough and you're personable (and you're not out on the job). This is what happened to Russell, who talked himself into a position from which he could embezzle millions of dollars.

The book is a little dull at times, and frankly Phillip Morris doesn't seem worth all the fuss Russell sees in him, he comes across as a bit of a ditz, like an Owen Wilson type. Funny how both Russell's boyfriends loved little dogs and they really go for Min Pins--again a term I never heard before reading I LOVE YOU PHILLIP MORRIS.

The shadow of AIDS falls on the otherwise lighthearted adventures of super con man Steven Russell and you know, in a way, I don't blame him for what he did, for he was trying to give his dying boyfriend the best care he could find him. C'mon, Jim Carrey, Tom Hanks won the Oscar for playing gay and you can too.

There's no doubting that this book is compelling, both in idea and execution. The prisoner who keeps returning for the man he loves? The life history of both? Good stories of prison breaks? Hard to keep a heist lover down. A solid, fun read, perfect for passing the time with a good story.

That said, McVicker's a writer for a (good) weekly alternative paper, and this book reads like an overlong story from those pages, filled up with anecdotes that go just this shy of deep. I'm just not as impressed with the depth of characterizations or the writing as I am with writings in a similar narrative vein.

I worked in law enforcement in Arizona and was directly involved in this case. The book was very well researched and written.

Being from Phoenix I knew the story well. This is a good read, but prepare to meet evil as close to face to face as one can get without actually being there. I couldn't put this book down. I couldn't believe such evil and lack of conscious could reside in one person. Any man who can kill a toddler and involve his own sons in it is really beyond evil. Insane maybe? But, I don't think so. I think that Tison was so full of himself that he thought he'd always get away with the things he had done. And having that IDIOT Cardwell as the warden was Tison's ticket to the outside.... and the multiple murders of innocent people. Unbelievable, but true.

Tison, Greenawalt and his misguided idiot kids were without a doubt stains in this world. Killing without regard to life is one thing, but the way they murdered innocent people, including a 22 month old child, speaks for itself. To suggest that the Tison boys were "scared" of their dad is rediculous to me. They are just as guilty, just as deranged and just as degenerate as their father. The girl who was found in the desert some distance from the scene was my girlfriend, Theresa Tyson. No relation to the murderers thank god. Theresa was a wonderful young woman with her whole future ahead of her. It's easy for these men to kill people who couldnt defend themselves. I call them cowards. I smiled the day I heard that Gary Gene Tison died. I wished that I was there to watch Randy Greenawalt be put to death in prison. Hell, I would have done it. I thought that his death was far far better than the one he deserved. I don't remember the name of the Author who interviewed me in Las Vegas all those years ago, if it was this Author, I think that his portrayal of the Tison boys showed them to be far too innocent. Truth is, they could have said anything about what happened because they killed everyone else. I hope they burn.

I read this book in August/September 1991 while traveling through the area where it all happened. The trip was kind of a premarital honeymoon vacation and our first trip to the US (I live in The Netherlands). I bought the book so I could read while off duty from driving the van and I guess it turned out to be a 'lucky' choice. From the first page on I was sucked into the story. I just could not put it away. As the story developed we came nearer to the place where it actually happened. I will never forget the day we passed Flagstaff. The book gave me the creeps. Still does.
This book screams to be put into a movie. Gary Tison makes Hannibal Lecter look like a school kid.
One of the most chilling books I've ever read!

I think Clarke is pretty close to the money. Randy Greenwalt took me fishing when I was a kid and did yard work for our family, his Dad was a bricklayer in my Dad's construction company. I still have a beautiful display cabinet that he built in his senior year woods class at Palmyra MO high school. Didn't know much about abnormal psych then, but in retrospect there was a lot about Randy (and his younger brother James 'Doc' Greenwalt) that I now realize was a short fuse waiting to go off. Dad often said that their father was too rough on them and it was just a matter of time before their pent-up anger blew in one direction or another. Randy was not a leader, but he was a dedicated follower, which meshed well with Tison's warped sense of purpose. Randy probably would have been a good Marine--his sister Darlene did have a successful Army career.

Most interesting study.

The book jacket's summary of Janet Jensen's debut novel, Don't You Marry The Mormon Boys, describes a story about two people from different backgrounds and belief systems (Andy is mainstream LDS and Louisa was raised in a polygamous fundamentalist community) who fall in love at medical school but face overwhelming obstacles in an effort to be together.

That was the story I was expecting and found myself disappointed with the story I was actually given. Andy and Louisa do, in fact, face these obstacles, but it is never the focus of the story. In fact, were it not for a few flashbacks to medical school, there is no mention of these two main characters together in the same chapter, much less the same plot for the first 200 pages. Andy does his rural, family practice medical thing in Kentucky, which seems a completely unnecessary setting to me (unless the far fetched and wholly irrelevant ending was somehow important to the story of Andy and Louisa's journey....which it is not), and Louisa returns to her polygamous community to realize that her eyes have been changed to the situation around her after eight years of living away from it.

Sure there are a few wistful thoughts, memories and even dreams about the other, but the reason for their attraction, or friendship, is never explained. Andy thought she was beautiful, in spite of her plain, long ankle length dress, and crowning glory long hair, but apparently pursued a relationship with her because she was so smart and he wanted to study with her. (????) The reader is never given any information about Louisa's feelings towards Andy. There is simply an assumption that because she spent time with him, she fell in love with him. The hows and the whys are not worth mentioning, I suppose. Without that development of their relationship for the readers to hold onto, I didn't yearn for these two to be together. As their stories don't actually intersect in the story until page 197, a little yearning would have been nice. But, that doesn't seem to be the point of the book.

The thing I liked most about this novel was Jensen's humanistic portrayal of polygamous families. It's always troubled me that the media, pop culture and even the mainstream LDS church portray them as crazy, mindless followers without any thought or choice about their lifestyle. Jensen shows a side of their families and individuals who honestly believe what they practice, and that they do it for the same reason a lot of us do whatever it is we do - because we think it's what God has commanded us to do. I also appreciated the look inside their culture...from the need to protect themselves from outsiders to the organizations of their households. Considering the current events going on in Texas, it adds a deeper understanding to the story. But, that doesn't seem to be the point of the book either.

It isn't all sunshine, however, and as Louisa's eyes are opened to the real problems of their community (abuse, incest, birth defects, depression) she becomes a target of opposition to the community - particularly to the Council of Brethren, who seem like old, scary, mean men without a compassionate bone in their bodies. Again, this black and white portrayal of the community's leadership seems too clean and villainous to be true. Surely, there are some members who are able to be something other than completely dogmatic. It doesn't matter, though, because, once again, this conflict with Louisa does not seem to be the point of the book.

In the end, I'm not sure what the point is, or was supposed to be. Andy and Louisa seem more like conduits for the author to expound on the quirks and habits of rural Kentucky and polygamy than actual characters. The part of the story where they are actually together and communicating and conflicting only warrants 40 or so pages. Then the story jumps tracks and heads off in an entirely new direction - one I won't mention because it will seem like I am reviewing another book. I felt like it was a different book.

I guess I feel mostly disappointed because I didn't get the story I was promised. I didn't get Andy and Louisa's story. Not really.

Very well written. Shows insights and respect for two very different faiths. Lots of great plot twists to keep you turning the pages and of course it has a positivie ending.

Don't You Marry the Mormon Boys Review

The characters Ms. Jensen has so intricately and skillfully drawn simply leap off the page and into the mental eye of the reader. There were many of them whom I would dearly like to know in actuality and be judged a friend by those people.

The story-telling is clear and fully rounded, with subtle hints but no revelation of what's to come in pages ahead until the resolution. We see the situations from the viewpoints of multiple people and can even, as readers, get our own selves in an emotional conundrum as to how things might or should be handled and resolved. The issues and emotions are delicately interwoven tissue papers of humanity and the consequences of beliefs and actions are far-reaching and of vital import.

The history of the Mormon church and the issue of polygamy has obviously been painstakingly researched (the history I have read regarding polygamy bears this out); and while a major thread of the novel, it only adds to and enriches the tension and the questions the reader has as to what will happen to the protagonists and all those around them also to be deeply affected by events.

I purchased seven copies of this novel; one for me and the others for friends and public libraries as gifts. One of these friends called to express her excitement and enjoyment saying, "I was hooked by page one and could not put the book down. I laughed tears and cried tears." She summed up my own feelings exactly and her day was made when I explained that hopefully, there is to be a sequel.

D.T. Enloe
Wisconsin, USA
2/25/08

Genre: Fiction

Title: Don't You Marry the Mormon Boys

Author: Janet Kay Jensen

Louisa Martin knew she was very privileged to be in medical school. Being from a lifestyle of polygamy, few girls had ever had the chance to do anything like this, but her clan needed medical people who understood and would follow their belief system. Medical school had been incredible and Louisa did very well, but there was Andy, a young Mormon man whose family was mainstream and didn't follow the same lifestyle. -Two different cultures that neither could accept; a love that was doomed to fail.

Andy went to Kentucky to develop a practice and learned to love the country and its inhabitants. Louisa returned to her community to begin her practice but there she found abuse, illness and deformity. How could she have not seen these before? Try as she might, she could not change the way of things and had to decide to accept or reject her old way of life. Throughout their trials, neither could forget the other. Then circumstance pulls them together, while family and culture force them apart.

Throughout this beautifully written book, winds the thread of acceptance; acceptance of differing cultures, beliefs and lifestyles. Author, Janet Kay Jensen brings her characters to life and makes them feel like our neighbors. We can feel their uncertainties, fears and joys. We travel through their days like a friend. Mother, wife, member of the Author's Guild and winner of several awards for her writing, Janet Kay Jensen has given the readership of America an exceptionally well written, charming story of adventure, love and acceptance. I look forward to her future endeavors.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Reviewer: Elaine Fuhr, Allbooks Reviews

Janet's debut novel proves to be a brilliant piece of work with all its characters well depicted and its story masterfully crafted. One word of caution: Do not expect to be bored!

"Don't You Marry the Mormon Boys" is not your typical LDS/Christian romance; it is a piece of fiction that not only focuses on a wonderful plot and convincing characters, it is also a novel that finds victory in its use of words. Janet beautifully-composed sentences read poetically and are measured with intricate details and care. Although the relationship between the two lead characters is the driving force of the story, the real core of the novel lies in the underlying theme that continues to play masterfully between the lines--the true meaning of family, love, redemption and fogiveness. It is not a story about a group of Mormons; on the contrary, it is about a group of ordinary people who happen to be of the Mormon faith. Janet plays with her theme wittily, teasing the reader with traditional tales and urban myths about Mormons and polygamistsm. I will not expose the plot here for everyone; it will only take away the pleasure of your reading. Instead, I will tell you this: if this novel were to be a movie, it will definitely be Oscar-worthy. A literary fiction at its best, perhaps the best contemporary LDS fiction in years. I would read and reread a certain passage just to savor it before moving on to the next best passage. Janet is a promising writer who will undoubtedly break into the general market in no time. And this is a promise.

I really enjoyed reading this book. Mr. Floyd has done a traffic job with embellishing the emotions of the characters. It seem so real. I guess that is why it is call "Escape Into the Real World". When they say, You have to have faith in God, this book definitely brought that to light. This was a true testimony for some and a revelation for others. I encourage Mr. Floyd to continue to write, because it is obvious that this young man will touch so many lives. This book alone has hit so many spirtual warfares that we as Christians go through. Mr. Floyd I applaud you for a job well done.

A must read for the person who enjoys suspense and intrigue sprinkled with Christian flair. The writer spins a tale so heart-wrenching and believable that you cannot put it down and impresses one to look into their own "Real World".

This book will have you spell bound from beginning to end. The plot was well thought out and executed to perfection. If you like Christian fiction, and suspense novels, this is a book you must read. It explores family values and brings awareness of the responsibilities of raising our children in Christian homes. It also explores political issues. It raises many questions. Are our appointed leaders being scrutinized before we vote for them. Do we investigate what they stand for? Are we voting for people that stand for our beliefs? Mr Floyd is a great novelist that spearheads todays issues.

I can not say in words, how much I really enjoyed reading this book, talk about escape into the real world, Great topic! We all
have something we need to escape with and express in our day-to-day lives! This book keep me in suspense, wanting to turn next page, excited to read, talking about it, and many more thoughts as well. Not only wanting to share many things etc... and wanting to escape into the real world as well, This book was knowing the truth and being free in the real world, it was thrilling, exceptional to me! I look forward in his next book! I give you thumb up and praise for expressing your true feeling to the world. Not everyone can express themselves in writing as you did. This book will open doors for others whom has gone through similar capativities. We need more people like Nikita Floyd to know the truth is better living.

Nikita Floyd you did a fine Job! I take my hat off to you, if you can express your true feeling to the world in writing a book!
keep the good work up in other endeavors!

Escape Into The Real World is wholeheartedly worth the investment and I have therefore recommended it to many friends and family. I found myself on the edge of my seat throughout the entire book. Once I opened it I had to finish it. This book takes the reader through so many emotions. Although there are many sad passages and heartbreaking moments, Mr. Floyd eases these painful passages by incorporating Martin's memories of happier times in the storyline. The author, Nikita Floyd's strength in storytelling lies in his intricate weaving of the story's facts with poetic and Biblical similies and methaphors. The plot is intriguing and sad at the same time as it was uplifting at other times. This is an excellent debut novel and I am glad Mr. Floyd found his voice and an audience willing to listen. I look forward to his next book.

When I was a kid I loved the movies Escape to Witch Mountain and Return to Witch Mountain. I just came across the book Escape to Witch Mountain at the library and decided to read it. The book was great. I didn't want to put it down. It's hard to find "science fiction" books today that are not scary. My 9 yr old doesn't like books like Harry Potter or Spiderwick because of the scary details in the story. Escape to Witch Mountain was a nice change. As Tony & Tia go on their journey you want to keep reading to find out if they will get away. Pick up a copy today, I don't think you will be disappointed.

This book was okay and interesting but I actually preferred the movie that starred Kim Richards as Tia. I saw the movie before I read the book and I loved the movie so that is probbaly why I prefer movie over book. not to say that the book is bad, it's just that I loved the movie so much that I was a little dissapointed that the book was so different.

I went searching for this book and have been delighted to find a copy of the ORIGINAL story (not the horrible Disney adaption...ick!) that I can share with my children. Though this story was second to 'The Forgotten Door' in my estimation, it is a lovely, mystical adventure that takes the reader along a gentle path of discovery. It is probably the best introduction a young reader could have to science fiction, and also introduces the concept of living in balance with nature. I can recommend both this book and 'The Forgotten Door' very highly.

Since most of the reviewers of this book are adults now who read this book as children and are remembering it as a childhood favorite, I would like to say that as a modern 14-year-old, I liked this book too. I agree with the reviewer who gave this book 4 stars because it was "dated" - the remark about communists ("human rights and human suffering mean nothing to a communist") - did make it quite clear what time period the book was written in, and the Christianity parts - Father O'Day "ranting" about his "sworn enemy", the devil - were kind of annoying, but that didn't spoil the book for me - i still loved it.

I was entranced by this book (and even by the schlocky Disney movie) when I was a kid, and remembered Tony and Tia vividly as I grew up. I just reread the book for the first time as an adult, and it still works its magic. Anyone who knows or strongly recalls the pain, rage, and suffocating frustration of being a child surrounded by unsympathetic, uncaring, irrational adults will identify powerfully with all the trials T&T go through. I used to long for a "people" of my own to reunite with, and envy T&T for their finding this at last, despite all the harrowing disasters they undergo on the way. The story is haunting and moving.

I've only given 4 stars because the story does seem a tad dated now in several aspects: the writing style at times (but I like old-fashioned writing), the fact that they are rescued from their crisis by adults rather than pulling themselves out of it (violating today's usual doctrine for good children's lit), and the politics, sort of. About the politics, one of the "good guys" makes disparaging remarks about communists in a way that really sounds pretty old and simplistic (not that I'm a huge fan of communists), plus, he conveys a clear message about God and Christianity that I find mildly offensive. However, this is balanced by the fact that he also makes disparaging remarks about the rampant commercialism of American society; so his criticism is at least even-handed.

I want to close by reiterating that to me, these minor negative points are vastly outweighed by the magic and the power of the story, and of Tony and Tia. They are marvelous people that I wish I knew personally; they face genuine danger and difficulties with aplomb; their love for one another is well developed and not gooey; they are courageous and resourceful; their magical abilities are well thought up by Key, and complement each other; and all in all, they impart a wistful sense that the world would be a better place if people like this really existed.

This book is very funny and the author very talented. I think there is a little bit of Nick Chase in everyone. I have went to amazingly stupid lengths to avoid my boss when I was working at a newspaper, too. Read this book. You will not be disappointed.

I really enjoyed reading Nick Chase's Great Escape. Everyone makes decisions in life, and this is the story of a person who makes the more interesting choices - and muddles through the consequences. The author, Christopher Orcutt, gives you a voyeuristic glance at what it would be like to live life making irresponsible decisions for convenience. These are not fatal decisions but just more risky than most of us folks might have the intestinal fortitude to carry out. They are however fantasies that anyone can relate to. This makes the main charecter, Nick, believable and the story quite entertaining. This was a fun read.

Nick Chase's Great Escape was a fun read. Anyone who has escaped a small town will enjoy the humor. It reminded me of A Confederacy of Dunces, but in the Northeast.

This book really surprised me. After I picked it up, before I knew it, I was half way through it. It reads very quickly and the characters are all a lot of fun. I would highly recommend this book, especially to people who normally do not like to read.

For me, turning the last page of Nick Chase was like leaving the old neighborhood. I'll forever wonder "what's become of those guys?".