Clubs Books

A new and fresh look at the world around us with a twist. Osguards seamlessly binds science fiction, history, and the events of today into a believable and quick paced tale of good and evil. The detailed story line kept me hooked from the beginning--I can't wait for the sequels!!

Petteway sets up a detailed system of inter-galactic intrigue, politics, and history. His background in international studies and history make for a believable yet other-worldly tale that has strong elements of both science fiction and seemingly real Earth history. I hear this is the first in a series, and I can't wait to read the next one!

Great plot, with vivid explainations of events.

I have been a fan of this series from the beginning, and volume 8 just added to my love. In the later chapters, you could say that 'the plot thickens', though not in a way that I expected!

The book description listed above is slightly inaccurate. The correct preview as shown on the back cover of Volume 8 reads:

The first-years in Class 1-A are taking part in a test of courage, where the loser will receive the dubious honor of being dubbed "Best of Cowards." Kazukiyo Souga, the class president and a fraidy-cat at heart, is happy to be on a team with the levelheaded Haruhi, but will he be able to stomach the antics of his other teammates - the twins Hikaru and Kaoru Hitachiin?

That only describes the first of 5 episodes featured in the eighth volume of Bisco Hatori's series, Ouran High School Host Club. You can expect the same amount of hi-jinks and antics in this volume as in the previous episodes. However, this volume also involves the self-examination of the "family" that Tamaki Suoh, the self-proclaimed host king, has created within the Host Club. Certain characters in the club will come to certain revelations concerning the existing relationships within the host club, most of them revolving around Haruhi Fujioka.

There is also another flashback episode to the beginnings of Kyoya and Tamaki's first meeting and how they came to be friends.

Most of the fun comes in the latter chapters when a kind but fierce-looking 1-D student seeks out the aid of Mori - and consequently the Host Club. It becomes typical Ouran comedy when the interfering members of the club try to re-make the image of Kasanoda-kun, mistakenly/jokingly referred to as Bossa-nova by the male host club members and Casanova by Haruhi. However, Kasanoda threatens to destroy the "family" dynamic when he discovers the Host Club's most highly protected-secret.

Just purchase Volume 8 to find out more about what happens next, it's pure comedic gold.

Other recommendations if you like this series:
Hana-Kimi, Volume 1: For You In Full Blossom (Hana-Kimi)
Ouran High School Host Club, Volume 9

I truly love this series. It makes me laugh out loud. The characters are entertaining and the author just keeps adding layers to their personalities. I find it difficult to wait for the next volume.

Originally found it at the library. My 2 & 3 year old loved making up their own story and pointing out the story in their own way. I look forward to owning this one and getting other works from this author!

"Rain" is yet another memorable work by Peter Spier.

Like "Peter Spier's Christmas!", "Rain" is a wordless picture book that beautifully captures the essence of the moment that Mr. Spier is trying to convey. Childhood memories are faithfully recorded in a montage of images that we all know and remember.

The amount of detail in Spier's work is staggering, but not overdone. Everything just seems to fit. Upon repeat viewings, the reader captures another hidden detail. Obviously, Mr. Spier knew what it was like to live around older homes, with all of their idiosyncrasies. Here we see an old, uneven brick doorstep. Ornamental decoration on the pillars of the family porch. The assorted flotsom and jetsom that fills the yard of a large, old home, and the children's room in particular. All of these and more are extremely accurate reditions of an older home.

We also see the child's viewpoint of rain. The standing in running water by the curb, the walking under a broken gutter with your umbrella, the colors that jump out from rain-soaked flowers, the wind, the warm cocoa Mom provides upon returning home to tell of your adventures. All of it is here, and real, and true-to-life.

The story follows two children as they spend the day experiencing their world during a rainstorm. Nothing more. Nothing less. It's that simple, and that beautiful.

Buy this book.

There is nothing more to say.

I want to own this book in hardcover. It is a keeper. You can look and look again seeing more each time you look at these scenes of family life and the natural world. Thanks, Mr. Spier.

Addonizio has triumphed. This book of poetry is exciting and fresh. Ms. Addonizio is a brilliant writer and those who skip this masterpeice are truly missing something great. Can you tell I liked it? Buy it borrow it do whatever you have to just READ IT!

I can't believe I waited this long to read this book. Addonizio is an incredible poet . I came upon this book by chance at a used book store and was blown away. I read the first few poems in the store and knew I had to have it. So will you

I came across Addonizio's poetry purely by accident. I had never heard of her (actually, i remember seeing her name on the poet's companion, but i had never read her poetry), and i ran across her at a reading in west chester, pa. and i was stunned by it. i picked up philosopher's club, and wasn't dissapointed. the poems inside are sensual poems that radiate sexuality. she works just as well in formal verse as she does in free verse. it is hard to believe that this is her first collection. there is nothing like hearing her read her work, the sensuality of the poems truly comes out when she is reading, but since you can't have her reading every day (unless she comes out with a spoken word cd- we can always hope), this collection should be purchased, and to truly experience the poems, read out loud to yourself.

A well written story, with characters that are multidimensional. Descriptions that draw you into the pages, and a plot that doesn't fizzle and fade by the middle of the book. Matthews is definitely one to watch, I expect great things from him in the future. Give it a read. I doubt you'll be able to put it down until you turn the last page.

This book should be given more advertisement within the wrestling community. I read it twice! Front to back, cover to cover. The story shows the inside of professional wrestling. It has action for the guys and romance for the girls. I encourage all people, even if you aren't a wrestling fan, to buy this book and give this talented author a chance to become one of your favorites. Mark my words, it will be a book that you will read more than once!!

This is a great book, it lets the common man see what it is like to live the life of a professional wrestler. You get to learn that it is not all glitz and glamour, and that it is really dangerous. It makes you want to read on and on. I can't wait for parts two and three.

A diabolical murderer has been at work in the Victorian precincts of the manor known as Socrates Close. The formidable Great Aunt Caroline has all her wits about her, but her family does not and they have been dropping like flies. The police are naturally baffled. Only Albert Campion, faintly redolent of the early Lord Peter Wimsey with his fatuous smile and episcopal connections, stands between the criminal and a particularly nasty victory. This is Golden Age crime in full glory: an extremely ingenious puzzle, very well drawn period characters (Great Aunt Caroline is unforgettable), the usual understated English humour and a villain who is memorable in more than the usual ways. I'm not sure if Margery Allingham ever wrote a better book than this, so sit back, relax, make yourself comfortable and get ready to enjoy a mystery the likes of which they seldom write these days. If it's raining outside, so much the better!

Coincidence and madness are the twin themes of "Police at the Funeral." The book starts out when a planned meeting between Campion and Joyce Blount turns into an accidental meeting with Inspector Stanislaus Oates and a peculiarly unpleasant fellow who takes one look at Joyce and flees. From there the tale follows a twisted path.

Joyce is the fiancée of Marcus Featherstone, one of Campion's oldest friends. She lives with her great aunt Caroline, a pair of unpleasant uncles and an equally depressing brace of aunts. Uncle Andrew, a singularly miserable fellow, has vanished and Joyce has come to Campion for help. In short order Andrew is found murdered in such a fashion as to implicate his heavy drinking brother William. Campion's presence is commanded by Great Aunt Caroline and he is settled into Socrates Close, their Cambridge home, to act as detective, defender and general factotum.

Yes, I said commanded. Great Aunt Caroline Faraday is a true Victorian 'grand dame.' For most of her life she has ruled Socrates Close and much of Cambridge's social life. Even now, in her 90's she is a force to be reckoned with. She has no patience with her dependents, who share little of her and her departed husband's brilliance. She sees no alternative to the ministrations of Campion, with whose mysterious but illustrious family she is well acquainted.

It will take the death of one of Joyce's aunts and yet another fatality before Campion is able to meet her expectations. In doing so he will brush with evil at its most petty and spiteful. The lightheartedness that Campion uses to cover his true feeling entertains and delights us, but is never completely able to dispel the pall that lies upon the great house until the very last, when he once again finds a way through.

I believe this is the first time Allingham puts aside her Chinese fire drill device and settles in to write true detective fiction. Her talent reveals itself as quite capable of handling the slower pace, which allows here more time to develop a remarkable cast of characters. These are never guilty of tediousness despite any other flaws they chose to reveal.

It is a shame that Allingham's books are often allowed to go in and out of print. Too often, Campion aficionados are condemned to rummaging in used bookstalls to fill a gap in their collection. Luckily, most of us like to rummage. Police at the Funeral is a wonderful tale that is reminiscent of Marsh's "Death of a Peer," although the Faradays are nowhere as near as appealing as Marsh's Lampreys. Except for Great Aunt Caroline, of course, who is a perfect treat. I can only tell you this tale is well worth digging for.

This 1932 novel is the 3rd in the Campion series. 'Albert Campion' (one of his aliases) has been contacted by an old school friend who has asked Albert to look into a matter for his fiancee's family - the Faradays, it seems that one of his future in-laws is missing. As the young lady is filling in Albert on her uncle's disappearance word arrives that the missing man has been found, unfortunately dead.

Upon arriving at the Faraday household Albert discovers that his grandmother and the matriarch of clan, Aunt Caroline, are old friends. With this entree into the family Campion begins to unearth old family secrets and scandals. Ultimately the truth comes out but not before the body count rises.

Albert Campion has been compared to Sayers's Lord Peter Wimsey especially in the earlier novels. The similarities are noticeable in this one but less so than the previous novel, MYSTERY MILE. Campion is still traveling in the close world of upper class old English families and still playing the effete fool. The setting here is Cambridge (as opposed to Wimsey's Oxford) and Campion's police contact Oats, is reminiscent to Wimsey's Parker. Campion though is beginning to remerge from Wimsey's shadow here and developing more of his own style.

The mysteries are intriguing, the clues are all present and challenging enough to keep the reader guessing. This is a great entry into the series, one that fans will not want to miss. It would also be a good place to begin if the earlier books are not available.

Problem Kid # 1 is a true portrayal of what it was like for some of the children of that era. As in his book,"I Have To Hurt You" Mr. Farrell tells his story as though he were simply talking to a friend, and totally captivating his interest in a not too pretty picture of his distant past. In reading this book, one experiences many emotions, some compassionate, and many of distain. It makes one who did not live during that time very glad that they didn't! What was to become of this boy was the question in the reader's mind throughout. The ending is surprising, and some might think controversial! I enjoyed the book thoroughly!

Problem Kid # 1 is a true portrayal of what it was like for some of the children of that era. As in his book "I Have To Hurt You" Mr. Farrell tells his story as though he were simply talking to a friend, and totally captivating his interest in a not too pretty picture of his distant past. In reading this book, one experiences many emotions, some compassionate, and many of distain. It makes one who did not live during that time very glad that they didn't! What was to become of this boy was the question in the reader's mind throughout. The ending is surprising, and some might think controversial! I enjoyed the book thoroughly!

Mr. Farrell has done an excellent job in his portrayal of a "Delinquent Kid" in the hungry thirties. Not only is it a true to life story of the times, but is written in such a way that each criminal event draws one right into the thick of it, enmeshing one in the powerful negative emotions of a young mind gone bad. A pre-teen, and early teen mind that really didn't give a damn!
Sad,but powerful Stuff!

Rendell has really put a humorous finger on the social and political dynamics systemic at any college or university. It's well written, witty, and the characters are delightfully developed. This is a fun page turner and I hope for a movie!

I fell in love with these four woman who, through their friendship, find the strength to stand up for what they believe while coming to grips with their own personal predicaments. Joanne Rendell has woven an intriguing tale that kept me turning the pages until the very end.

The Professors' Wives' Club is a great read. It will be an excellent book for book club discussions. There are several interesting characters who remind us of someone we know or have known. We can identify with the emotions the author presents and think about how we would react in similar situations.

I loved this book! Great action. I read it in one weekend. Great character developement. Vampires, undread, giant talking rats! What more could you want from a book? The best news... the second one is even better.

This book was exciting the whole way through. There were no dull moments. I can't wait for the next in the saga!

Loved this book. First one of this genre that I have read....and I can not wait for the second one. Fast moving. Kept my attention...all the way to the end.

Let's see more books Ian!

Every chapter in this tale is packed with page-turning excitement. Five teens, the Chosen of Azar, are adopted by two Commanders of the Barrand Guards and brought to Haven's Hold. All five are endowed with magic that is not fully developed. They must learn how to utilize and control it. Haven's Hold, a fortress community, is the hub of the story. It came into existence with the magic of Mo Demz, a disciple of the god Azar. It houses the Barrand Guards, the Sect, and the trainees. The Barrand Guards are the most elite warriors on the lands. The Sect is a group of women with power magic that oversee the training of young women with magic. It is Condragon, the evil god and Azar's brother, who is spreading his evil creatures throughout the land and threatening the races of people.

The Chosen are abruptly uprooted and brought into this highly disciplined atmosphere. The future of Azar's creation rests on their shoulders. Like a multi-faceted gem, this tale reflects the personalities and quirks of its characters. It is packed with suspense. At times it will have you sitting on the edge of your chair. At others you will laugh and you may even shed a tear. This is one of those novels that will keep you up because you will want to keep reading. I strongly recommend it.

Look out Star Wars! This fantasy novel has it all! Action, romance, drama, humor, and intrigue. The land of Azar might be fantasy, but you will find yourself living within this world as you read. The benovolent family of Mo Demz not only take strangers into their family, but the reader as well. I shared joy as The Chosen of Azar set out on their quest. I cried whenever disaster stuck (although I'm not giving anything away) The hair on my arms actually stood up during one particularly "hair raising" scene. I can't wait to get my hands on, THE PROPHECY UNFOLDS-PART 2! My advice is buy them both at the same time so you don't have to wait!

The Prophecy Unfolds is a true page-turner. When Prophecy arrived, I was looking for a new "favorite author." I had read all the latest by my old favorites and was having trouble adding a new name to my list. I had read a little by Carol Kluz and had enjoyed short pieces by her, but had not read one of her books. Prophecy had that magic spark which keeps us returning to buy more from that author.

This fantasy book is an adventure story of a culture preparing for war. New leaders must be found. Although five young people are identified by the patron Goddess, they must develop their skills and prove their worth by finding the talismans which are the keys to their future powers.

Two of these five young people, Beni (male) and Jenda (female), stand out in this volume. The other three "chosen" sparkle in the background. Ms. Kluz teases us with just enough interaction with the other three, and with a boy named Miko, that I look forward to becoming friends with them in the next volumes.

Myself, as a retired professor, I felt closest to the teachers and trainers of these realistically developed young people. As in real life, the teachers end up learning the deepest insights about life while trying to guide their pupils.

A small warning about the book -- be patient with the first nine pages or even skip them. As is done in many fantasy books, the beginning is full of description. The real action, motivations, and interactions start on pages 9 and 10. You will find real people from there onward.

One of the great insights of the book emerges on page 355. Jenda, a driven young woman who has worked hard to succeed says, "I wish we didn't have our talismans so we could search for them again." For her, as is true for many of us, the achievement of the first major hurdle only leads to more difficult, and often less applauded, problems to solve.