Connecticut Books

Based on his forty year career as a teacher, administrator, and consultant for private schools, Stephen Davenport has crafted his debut, Saving Miss Oliver's. Subtitled "a novel of leadership, loyalty, and change," the novel chronicles one tumultuous year in the history of a small all-girls school. What sets Saving Miss Oliver's apart from other school novels is that Davenport focuses not just on inner workings of the school. He also turns his lens on two of Miss Oliver's longtime teachers, exploring a marriage that is just as vulnerable that year as the school itself.

In the midst of a fiscal crisis the board of Miss Oliver's School for Girls realizes that it is time for change. The school community, however, is resistant, especially when the first sign of that change is the dismissal of longtime headmistress Marjorie Boyd. The new head of school, Fred Kindler, is set an impossible task. He's to bolster enrollment and decrease the school's deficit with virtually no assistance from teachers, alumnae, or students, all of whom despise him for taking the post. If Kindler is not successful only two options remain--go co-ed or close--and the community can't decide which is worse.

Francis and Peggy Plummer have been working at Miss Oliver's School for almost as long as they've be married. When Francis's loyalty to Boyd keeps him from helping the new headmaster, the resulting rift between the two grows ever wider as problems long-buried begin to resurface. Peggy becomes determined to help Kindler succeed in his mission, the fate of the school, for her, more important than that of her marriage.

Well-plotted and interesting, Saving Miss Oliver's leaves readers guessing about the future of Miss Oliver's School right until its very end. Additionally Davenport's characters are very realistic; he does not shy away from the failings that make each of them human. In doing so, he drives home the point that real people are the essence of any great school.

While Saving Miss Oliver's is a strong first effort, one slipup betrays Davenport's status as a freshman novelist. While setting the stage for the novel's action, he introduces too many characters at once. Although this is an easy error for a first time author to make, the novel suffers from it as his readers are left disoriented at the outset, trying to sort out the main characters from a score of miscellaneous teachers, board members, alumnae, donors, and students.

My copy of SAVING MISS OLIVER'S arrived a few hours before we set sail for Hawaii, a long awaited holiday. I replaced THE WORLD IS FLAT with it in my bag and, once begun, I couldn't put it down. It was as if this story had a wire attached to my brain, my very soul, my memories.

Stephen Waters, Deering, N.H.

The reader enters Miss Oliver's with the first word. Stephen Davenport's novel is a fascinating look at not only the inner workings of a private girls' school, but also the multiple layers of human motivation. Mr. Davenport deftly invites us to care about his characters as we learn what they think, what they do, and then very cleverly, how others are responding to that thinking and doing. Mr. Davenport writes with integrity as he develops his characters. It seemed clear that he cares deeply for his characters as they struggle through the changes at Miss Oliver's. I loved the way the novel illuminates the assumptions these characters make and how this affects their actions and intentions. It was a fun and fascinating read. As a former trustee of a private (non-boarding) school, I am somewhat familiar with school challenges. And yet, I felt I entered a whole new world in this book. Couldn't put it down.

Even mediocre schools touch people deeply; great schools join themselves to the hearts of students, parents, teachers, and alumni. Love intensifies their passion about everything the school does, sometimes making the school leader's role almost impossibly challenging.

Few novels attempt to capture the challenges of leading a beloved school, and none do so better than "Saving Miss Oliver's." Leaders of colleges, churches, art museums, and other much-loved institutions will resonate with Fred Kindler's difficulties as he becomes the first male head of a boarding school for girls. He follows a charismatic leader whose long tenure led Miss Oliver's to educational excellence and fiscal peril.

"Saving Miss Oliver's" combines the usual novelistic virtues--convincing characters, artful language, and an intriguing plot--with a grasp of organizational dynamics and the challenges of leadership that makes it a rare treat for readers who are also leaders.

Dan Hotchkiss, senior consultant
The Alban Institute

For those of us who understand adolescence to be a critical time of life and who have known influential teachers, this book lets slip the lessons gained from our experiences: that we learn best through relationships, that high school often prepares us in unexpected ways for our lives -- and that we read fiction to begin to get at the truth.

Woven through "Saving Miss Oliver's" is homage to teachers and the art of teaching. Almost exactly in the middle of the story, and thus at its core, is the extended scene in which Francis Plummer teaches Robert Frost's "Home Burial" to a class of ninth grade girls. It is a revelation of the passion, dedication and talent that mark great teachers. At last a writer is showing these men and women, real heroes, at their actual work.

Davenport's ability to draw us into the lives of his characters underscores his talent of hitting the right notes in the lessons we draw from both them and him.

An adventurous and compelling story for people of all ages. The historical and geographical references were educational too. I highly recommend it; I read it in 1 sitting!

"Tagger" allows a young person to see that being independent is a good thing! It shows how a young person can use their intelligence to help people and make friends.
I really liked this booked and so did my 12 year old daughter.
I would recommend it to anyone with children that enjoy adventures and light mystery.

Superbly written by J.A. Louthain and illustrated by Andrea Eberbach, Tagger: Alone Along The Mystic River is an historical novel for young adults which is set in Connecticut in the early 1800s. Tagger is a young girl who is sold into servitude. She escapes to the Mystic River seeking to pursue an education and a new life. Tagger survives by catching and selling fish. Well researched, historically accurate, and with a strong message of independence and self-reliance, Tagger: Alone Along The Mystic River is engaging, rewarding, and highly recommended for young readers and enhanced with a charming, original music CD that comes packaged with the trade paperback book.

What a wonderful book, and such a great inspiration for young people. Through Taggers' adventures you will learn that honesty, hard work and sharing, builds lifetime rewards and friendships. There is a big emphasis on the importance of an education. Tagger's different relationships with all of the characters in this book are heartwarming, some happy and some sad; which is all a part of growing up. The book brings Mystic River villages to life with it's colorful descriptions. I bought this book for my 8 year old niece and she just loves it. She took it to her school and her teacher is reading small parts from a couple of the chapters to the class.

I first read the book to see if my grandaughters would like it. They are 12 and 9 years old. I really enjoyed the book myself. It is a story about courage, hope, victory, people caring about each other and the good guys win in the end. It is everything that makes America great. It has both the good parts of us and the bad parts. I never felt that I was being "preached" at but there was definetely a "lesson" being taught. I would like to know more about some of the other characters and hope J. A. Louthain writes more about the people in the story, the school teacher Mr. Jenson, Mary, Gina, the Fish Children. I feel like we get to know them a little but I would like to know them better. It is an enjoyable book for any age.

How could you pick up this intensively researched labor of love and not want to run on up to Connecticut or go exploring in your own backyard?It's ALL in here -- the leafy byways, eccentricities, history, the quirky and remarkable places, people and traditions that give this southernmost New England state that is also tied to NYC, a short train commute away,with its unique character. As the owner of ConneCTions Receptive Tours - out of the ordinary tours for groups in CT, I thought I knew it all, but I was wrong. I've been happily telling my tourism industry colleagues about this remarkable resource.

Whether you are interested in the history of Connecticut or in its vistas you will find this book of uncommon value. Champion shoppers and gourmets will delight in the listings and the descriptions of malls and shoppes found within. Well resarched and written, this book will appeal to longtime residents of the state as well as casual tourists.

What an accessible guide to touring Connecticut. There are so many ways to choose your trip for the day: there's the alphabetical index for a quick check on a restaurant, museum or whatever; the more detailed index by town, listing specific details such as annual events; a table of contents listing the towns by region and county; and a thorough introduction on how to find your way around the book. Historical questions at the beginning of each town pique your interest, and the events in each town are listed by month. It couldn't be an easier or more interesting and delightful guide, in fact it's a tour by itself.

CONSUMMATE CONNECTICUT: DAY TRIPS WITH PANACHE BY STACY LYTWYN MAXWELL Even reading this delightful book from far away (Texas ) made me want to pick up the phone and make reservations for a trip to Connecticut now! Stacy has a fresh personable way with words and entices you not only with beautiful descriptions of the sights, but also with t he aromas and the feel of the places she describes. Her extensive research into history and customs, festivals, and fun is a wealth of information, and her recommendaitons can be trusted because she has not received payment from any of t he businesses mentioned. For any resident of Connecticut, this book should always be in your car! For any visitor to the area, day trips or longer stays, the book should be your first consultant in planning your trip.

We love this book. My husband and I are life-long Connecticut residents residing now in Cheshire. We just got the book and have already discovered things about our own town that we never knew! When the weather cools we are going to go see the waterfall. We love to take day trips, particularly in the Spring and Fall -even the winter- and this book is perfect for that. It's well organized and jam-packed with all the information you need to make a last-minute day trip with panache. I HIGHLY recommend this book for anyone living in the tristate area or who plan on coming to New England for vacation. It should definetly be in the personal library of all Connecticut residents.

Lange is O. Henry-esque in his descriptions of people and scenes with a hint of Robert Frost's New England accent. The slim collection of memories, a mere 86 pages, takes the reader to Lange's first day at a New England boarding school, then to a frigid wood's cabin that he shares with a mouse, and back through memories as he refinishes a canoe.
I never heard him read these on the radio, but they are ideal for reading aloud. Each story contains a heart-warming feeling. Travel with Lange to the woods as he takes a final hunting trip with an old man or explores a long-abandoned home site.
It left me wishing for more of these contemplative word pictures of the New England woods.

This book contains one of the all time greatest Christmas stories--Favor Johnson. Reading this story is a family tradition in our home. For this alone you should buy this book. We first came into contact with Willem Lange listening to him read his stories on Vermont Public Radio back in the 1990s and have been hooked ever since.

Mr. Lange's stories of life in New England awake memories of the reader's own experiences that transcend any geographical boundaries. In this collection of essays, Willem Lange celebrates the experiences of everyday life in New England with humor and honesty that connects with readers in every corner of the land.

This thin book delivers powerful images of how New England was and strives to remain. Short essays cover typical events and personalities, most often humorous, always interesting. A great way to discover why we think there's no other place to live.

I first became acquainted with the work of essayist Willem Lange through his appearances on the Vermont Public Television program "RFD," which normally ends its weekly broadcast with a piece by this wordsmith. The essays in this charming little book are culled from other writings and are perfect examples of Mr. Lange's style. With a minimum of very well chosen words, Mr. Lange paints a detailed picture of people, places, and events and wraps us in his love for all. There are some very heart-felt expressions here: A Letter to a newborn grandchild; A sudden understanding of his wife's life-long torment; An appreciation of past leadership provided by a mentor. In all, there are 18 tiny gems here, none longer than four pages, but the scope of their sentiment is unending. This is a book to treasure and read over and over again. If only it were longer.

The guide contains so much information in one easy reference. One would have to spend hours on the internet and in the library to come up with this sort of information, and still not have the personal advice and direction that comes with this guide. Well worth the money.

As a new resident of Greenwich I have found the Anderson Guide to Greenwich an invaluable resource. It has constantly been referred to as the go to source for learning about our new town. We have found the listings to be comprehensive, complete and unbiased. Very Helpful book. A must have for anyone new to this area. Thank you for compiling this information in an easy to use format.

I have lived in Greenwich for over twenty years and have found "The Guide" as we call it in our home to be a reference book used by all. My children as well as myself use it often and discover new things about our town.. From restaurants, to nail salons, to fun activities for the kids.... What a wonderful thing the Andersons have done for our community!!!!

The praise we have received for our Anderson Guide to Enjoying Greenwich is overwhelming and warms my heart. The Guide is now in its 6th edition. The talented Glenville Maverick Cheerleaders are on the front cover. Jerry and I are grateful to so many Greenwich residents for their support and for their enthusiastic appreciation for providing the town of Greenwich with a useful guide. The Greenwich Library just ordered several copies. They keep copies at the information desk and at community answers to help people with their questions. The Historical Society has the copies of our past editions in its archives. We are pleased to be documenting our town's many events, restaurants, shops and tips about Greenwich way of life.

The Guide is a list of our favorites...simply that. It is not a book of advertisements. No place mentioned in the Guide had any idea that it would be included. Establishments and programs are listed because we like them. Although the Guide is about Enjoying Greenwich, you will note many selections are outside of Greenwich's town limits. These easy to reach places complement our many in-town resources.

Initially, many years ago, our first Guide was prepared for our real estate clients. Then the calls came in-their friends needed a copy. The owner of Just Books saw it and said we must publish it, and that is where it started. Our initial reason for writing it has not changed. We know finding favorite spots takes awhile. We have lived in Greenwich for many years, and we hope the resources in the Guide will help everyone moving into town feel right at home.

The new edition has over 160 restaurant reviews. Jerry and I anonymously visit each one at least two times before we write the review. We are looking at the whole experience-food, ambience and service. If a restaurant is disappointing in too many ways, we do not include it. Restaurant reviewing is a professional responsibility. We have a great deal to do with a restaurant's success or failure. Jerry and I have extensive food and restaurant backgrounds. I am the author of the Complete Book of Homemade Ice Cream and several other cookbooks. I am a cookbook addict with over 4000 cookbooks in my own collection. For a number of years we owned and operated a small vineyard. Tasting foods and wines and knowing how they are prepared is greatly helpful in reviewing quality. I am an interior designer, a professional member of the American Society of Interior Designers; and before devoting myself full time to real estate, I designed restaurants-two in Greenwich. Many people remember the popular restaurant, Morgan, open for many years in Greenwich that I designed. Knowing the requirements of good restaurant design is helpful in reviewing. We love finding new discoveries in dining, and we hope our readers of the Guide will enjoy them too.

My husband and I feel so lucky to have such a comprehensive and wonderfully-written guide of our town. Whether we are planning a night out at a restaurant, or looking for some local information about shops, exercise classes, schools or services, we always consult The Guide - it has definitely taken over our yellow pages and Zagats. We love the way it is organized. And the "Tips," such as "summer town concerts" and "100 things to do" are so fun and interesting! This Guide has truly helped us take advantage of living in such a wonderful town!

"Rowe provides a rich picture not only of a particular group of homeless people, but also of the complicated interactions between the marginalized and those who try to help them." -MDSQ Book News

The preceding reviews and comments were presented to the author with permission from: 1. Deirdre Oakley, Psychiatric Services and 2. Cynthia Karlton, Journal of Addiction and Mental Health.

Crossing the Border makes a noteworthy contribution to the field [of qualitative studies of outreach work.] It should be considered an essential read for everyone- from administrators to those on the front line- working with the most marginalized among the homeless.

"Rowe provides a rich picture not only of a particular group of homeless people, but also of the complicated interactions between the marginalized and those who try to help them." -MDSQ Book News

Having been an outreach worker for roughly six years, I found this book to be surprisingly well written. Too often, books tackling this subject present mere caracatures of the people it talks about, vieweing the subjects more as data or political process than real human beings.

This book presents many different points of views and differing types of outreach workers and the people they seek to help. The homeless are not condescended to nor are the outreach workers glamorized. It is quite factual and quite objective.

I saw myself in some of the types and picked up excellent little reminders about the whole homeless issue and those whose lives it affects. If you are looking for a bit more of the 'human' connection of those who are on the front lines (as opposed to the theorists, the politicians, the directors and others removed from the field), this is a great book toward that end.

I REALLY loved this book. I like to read, but it's only sometimes that I find a book that I get hooked to. At first I just picked it out because it had a nice cover. I figured, since it was long and I was reading some other books at the time, that it would be another book that I would just get partway through. Reading about all these animals was so fun! Before this I had never heard of a bulbul or a sugar glider. It has cute illustrations too. I am definatly glad I read it and I think you will love it too!

My whole family loved THE HOUSE OF A MILLION PETS. I gave it to my 14-year-old for Christmas and then all the adults in the house snuck it and read it while he wasn't looking. It is both touching and hysterically funny. The stories reminded me of Jean Shepherd's books. A great gift for the pet-lover in your life.

Yes, this is ostensibly a children's book, so I started by reading it to my 9-year-old daughter one evening before she went to bed. However, it was so enjoyable that I couldn't resist continuing on my own. When I got to the chapter about the dogs I laughed so hard I thought I'd wake up the entire house. This book is simultaneously thoughtful and uproarious, practical and fun. It'll be the perfect kids' birthday present- I've already ordered several copies. Both my daughter and I can't wait to see what the author comes up with next!

Compared to animal lover and caretaker Hodgman, I'm a novice, with my dog and my beta fish, but her book is so inspiring, I'm thinking of getting a sugar glider or a white capped bulbul or maybe just a dachshund. Definitely not a baby bat, although I enjoyed reading about how she lovingly cared for one. This is a book I'll give my vet to keep in the waiting room. There's something for everyone in it, and it's hard to put it down, but when you do, you'll be smiling. The illustrations are precious; they work for readers of any age.

This is a charming book for all ages. The author describes her experiences with dozens of pets, from dogs and cats to prairie dogs, bulbuls, wild owls, and snapping turtles. The book imparts a lot of fascinating information, and at the same time is very funny. A great find!

J. Blaine Lewis, Jr. was fired in 1989 from his post of Connecticut state lottery chief. This is the story of his ten year legal battle against the state in which we gain an insight into the politics of lottery management, the courage and integrity of a man in a David and Goliath scenario, and the failure of the legal system to provide justice. It is also a love story of a devoted wife, who in memorium, is driven to vindicate her husband. The message conveyed deserves national attention. What a great story for TV or the large screen.

This book is an inside look at the politics of state run funtions and the effects on honest employees. A must read book!

This book is the story of a man with principles, written by the wife who loved him to the end, and loves him still. It is the factual account of a man who was ordered to lie by his bosses and refused, and was then hounded out of his job by men more concerned with kickbacks than doing what was right. The author backs every word up with transcripts and documents-not a word of it is unsubstantiated. In this little book is a magnified look at the workings of government. Read it and weep.

What is it about Tina Lewis's "Justice Denied" that so fascinated me? I couldn't put it down. I had to know the outcome of a man's decision to remain true to himself and to tell the truth-no matter the consequences. Blaine Lewis was that man and he accepted the disastrous results of that decision. His principles, however, remained in tact. Blaine Lewis could live comfortably with himself. Tina Lewis's book lovingly chronicles his life and their lives during that period. Great and fascinating factual reading.

J. Blaine Lewis, Jr. was fired in 1989 from his post of Connecticut state lottery chief. This is the story of his ten year legal battle against the state in which we gain an insight into the politics of lottery management, the courage and integrity of a man in a David and Goliath scenario, and the failure of the legal system to provide justice. It is also a love story of a devoted wife, who in memorium, is driven to vindicate her husband. The message conveyed deserves national attention. What a great story for TV or the large screen.

I've used other editions and they've been great - but this latest edition is big in every way. I like it best for restaurants - but have also made some great antique finds from using it and love the tips. Anyone who lives in Greenwich, or is thinking of living in Greenwich or lives near Greenwich should own this book.

A fabulous compendium of what to do and where to go in Greenwich. It's a great guide for newcomers to the town as well as an enlightening read for Greenwich natives who have likely overlooked some of the notable resources the author has unearthed. Just imagine - 180 restaurant reviews - fitness and sports, culture, entertainment, schools... Move over Zagats and make room for Anderson's Enjoying Greenwich!

Know somebody that just moved to the area? Don't give them a plant...give them the guide! This book is an invaluable resource to anybody looking to get the full Greenwich experience. It gives information about everything, from dancing to dining and tennis to taxi listings. There's nothing the Anderson Guide to Enjoying Greenwich doesn't cover.
If you are new to the area, this is essential reading. When I came to the area, a friend that has lived in the area for years gave me the book. After I included her in some of my adventures, now she owns a copy too. Whether you're a guy or girl, single or part of a large family, the Anderson Guide to Greenwich will find you something fun to do.
I cannot say enough good things about this book, and don't have the time to continue. I'm headed out right now to grab my guide, and head out for a night on the town!

The Greenwich Guides are invaluable for those who live, work, or play in Greenwich. They are exhaustively researched and contain an incredible range of useful information. Each edition has been bigger and better than the one before, and this one is huge.

This is a fantastic and irreplaceable resource for residents and visitors of Greenwich. It gives reliable reviews of the best restaurants and shops in town. The guide also explores the town's parks, beaches, and festivals. Most importantly, the authors have exquisite taste! After some research I've found this is the most complete guide to enjoying Greenwich, far more valuable than internet resources. This well-written, affable book makes you feel as though you have a friend showing you the best spots in town. I highly recommend it!

Well written and amazing to read. Author captured the moment and took you there. Book was flooded with facts.

I would highly recommend this book, it is not only for the history buffs.
If you do enjoy history, you will love the author's details.

I very good book that gives the reader an interesting twist on what was believed to be gospel. The author's research is convincing.

An awesome book....definitely a different view .... a must read for anyone seeking to truely understand Benedict Arnold's story.

Who would have thought that what was assumed by the average student of American history to be an open and shut case against Benedict Arnold could be brought into question. And, furthermore, to do so with such detailed facts woven into a rather gripping novel format. Mr. WIlczak has laid out a compelling case that Arnold was not a traitor but a collaborator with George Washington to ultimately fool the British. This book could be the basis of an excellent movie.

This book expresses a thoroughly researched, fresh approach to one of history's most infamous legends. When I began to read the book I felt my feelings regarding Benedict Arnold could not be swayed. The author, however, through meticulous use of timeline, documented fact, and letters of many of the involved, opened my eyes to the possibility that Arnold may have been the protaganist in a great scheme to free the colonies and help create the United States. I highly recommend this book to anyone who seeks the truth instead of the commonly handed down history stories we have been fed since childhood. AAAAA+++++