Illinois Books

Every Chicago will debate the moments: How could they forget that? However, this book will remind Chicagoans why they love this city, even with the politics.

I had been looking for something with the history of Chicago and some good pictures. Despite the fact that this book doesn't really cover the history of the city, it does cover indeed most, if not all highlights of the city's history since the Chicago Tribune was founded. The texts of the 150 subjects have just the correct size, and most of the pictures are as breathtaking as you would expect from a newspaper as important as the Tribune.

"Chicago Days" is an excellent chronological summation of some of the important events that have occurred in Chicago over the past 150 years. Each event is given at least one page of written description and one photo. It is good occassional reading and has something of interest for almost everyone, making it a great gift. Some featured events are historic, some sports-related, some fads or 'firsts' out of Chicago, some frivolous and some heart-warming. You needn't live in Chicago to appreciate the stories, events and historic news items found in this book.

As a professional tour director and author I am always on the lookout for good information to share with my clients. When I took out a tour titled "A Week in Chicago" I needed a reference that would give me an insight to the city that guidebooks truly don't have.

This was the book that I luckily bought!

Here's 150 one or two page articles of the most defining moments in Chicago's history. I shared the stories about Chicago Deep Dish Pizza, the Black Sox Scandal, Reversing the River, John Dillinger's Death, The Bi-level Commuter Train, and of course, the Great Fire.

I was able to give fresh accounts of these widely varied events to tourist on their first trip to Chicago. These are the stories that mature people really want to know or remember. And this book delivers 150 of them.

Whether you're a tourist or a resident, this a book to treasure if you really want to appreciate this great city. It's a professional tour director's secret resource for Chicago.

With excellent photography and sometimes gritty, big city narrative, Chicago Days is the sum of Chicago's history in an easy to read, fast paces, well written book that you won't put down until you reach the end.

Objective and very tongue and cheek at times, the educational and nostalgic value of this work can't be put into words. It will evoke powerful memories and feeling in Chicagoans and teach volumes to those from other cities. It would also make an excellent primer for those re-locating to Chicago from other countries, dispelling the popular myths about the City and its people.

Covering people, places, events and accomplishments with impartiality not always found in books about Chicago, this is a must read. It deserves six stars.

Every required detail is available. All the reasons for which anyone would visit Chicago are in the book. It has 100% coverage, and a perfect guide to anyone who does not have taxicab-driver familiarity.

It has brilliant organization, separations by price, geography, and entertainment genre. If you want to know where The Billygoat Tavern is, or where to get the perfect Chicago-style hotdog, it's inside. If you need to get your Chicago pizza fix, have no fear. If you merely on a sight-seeing trip or a spending-big-money trip, this book is the only guide you'll need.

For those unfamiliar with the city, I highly recommend ripping out the perforated map that gives the essential details of the "El"; it's a life-saver.

I love Chicago, know it pretty well, and I'll use this book over and over. There is simply too much to see, do, and utilize in a one-weekend trip.

Just when you think you know Chicago, Laura Johnston (who, as it turns out, isn't even a native -- but it's hard to tell!) shows you more. I tried to highlight the "good parts" of this book, but now my entire book is marked up because it is just THAT good. From tremendously useful reviews of various sightseeing destinations and restaurants to helpful suggestions regarding bargains (i.e., a chart that shows you free admission days to various attractions), "Chicago for Dummies" is absolutely essential for the Chicago visitor who doesn't want to miss a thing.

Despite the title, this is actually an excellent guide. Written in the friendly tone of a Chicago inhabitant with an obvious love for the city, it offers the sites, restaurants and activities that you might come across were you visiting a friend. Highly recommended!

Laura Johnston keeps it simple. I'm a former Chicagoan and this book has just the right mix of the 'can't-miss' Chicago combined with 'off the beaten track' fun. Doesn't overwhelm with densely-written pages and more choices than one could possibly sample in a few days. Highly Recommended to anyone headed to My Kinda Town for the first time. A winner!

A thoroughly engaging guidebook written by a Chicagoan who steers you away from the tourist traps and into the hidden gems frequented by locals. Anecdotes, sidebars, insider tips, budgeting guides and detailed maps all help to get you to your chosen destination with the least amount of hassle. If you're going to the Windy City, it's a "must-have".

I read this book on the way to Chicago and by the time I got there I was ready to go check out the piece of history that is the Billy Goat Tavern(THE ORIGINAL). Obviously a quick read with lots of fun information.

Kogan nailed it all: a history lesson about somebody else's family turns into a cultural escapade in and around a neighborhood joint. God bless Lake Claremont Press for covering Chicago stuff like this and typical of their line of Chicago-themed titles, it works really, really well.
The real stories behind the legendary dive, er, tavern that is now a world-wide recognized icon. Like all true stories, real life is better than fiction and especially when in the hands of a top-shelf teller of tales like Kogan, whose ability to paint vivid images is what local readers (and listeners) know and love. If there's a torch being passed by Studs Terkel, Kogan is the guy who inherits it and TAVERN proves it nicely.

A small piece of Chicago history, brilliantly preserved. I really enjoyed it.

Mark Braun
Old Timers' Baseball Association of Chicago

This is an excellent book, easy to read, especially interesting to a native Chicagoian. Very nice photos. Extremely informative.

WGN radio personality and Chicago Tribune columnist Rick Kogan presents A Chicago Tavern: A Goat, A Curse, and the American Dream, the true story of a baby goat who fell off a truck in 1934, hobbled into a tavern owned by Greek immigrant William Sianis, and became a Chicago icon. Known as The Billy Goat Inn, Sianis' tavern gained a lasting reputation as the leisure pub of choice for newspaper reporters, policemen, politicians, and more. But did Billy put a jinx on the Cubs? After Billy and one of his goats were prohibited from entering Wrigley Field during the 1945 World Series, the Cubs eventually lost to Detroit - and kept on losing. Today the single tavern has become a prosperous chain of seven, including one in Washington, D.C.; A Chicago Tavern acutely on the folklore, daily life, humorous anecdotes, and more revolving around the classy establishment that started the legend. Numerous vintage black-and-white photographs add a you-are-there touch to this history of a beloved Chicago hangout.

I had an existential "A-ha!" moment in Rick Kogan's tribute to "A Chicago Tavern: a Goat, A Curse, and the American Dream."

Kogan says:
Around 1950, there were almost 7,000 taverns in Chicago. In 2006, there were fewer than 1,250.

This reviewer basically learned how to read while accompanying my father to visit his friends at Peg's Tavern in Hinckley, IL (They would give me nickels and quarters to play the juke box - so I learned P a t s y C l i n e and all her friends and all their songs.) There was a real sense of community and camaraderie among the regulars, like an Irish village pub/hub, that one doesn't encounter in the "fern bar" Chains of today, contributing, one can extrapolate, to the loss of neighborliness and sense of community in current culture. (See also Bowling Alone : The Collapse and Revival of American Community)

Kogan tells about a family of Greek immigrants who created a place where all collars, blue, white, and clerical meet and mingle; a tale of a Billy Goat's tail and the "truth" about the "curse" on the Chicago Cubs. Making appearances in text and photos are the Sianis family; various animal goats; various old goat humans: Mike Royko and Harry Caray; Aykroyd & Belushi (this is the real deal - where the "Cheezborger, Cheezborger! No fries . . . chips!" were made;) some presidents and other politicians; and even that Stinkier- than-a-Goat Devil & Demolisher of the 2003 Pennant Hope, Steve Bartman.

Docked a star because Kogan's choice to write the whole thing, even the historical stuff from 1916, in the present tense, riled this reviewer worse than a whole gaggle of sorority girl foo-foo umbrella drinks.

/TundraVision, Amazon Reviewer.

Growing up in Chicago in the late 70's I missed Bishop's Sven. I started out with the Ghoul and was hooked forever when Rich Koz opened his coffin on Ch 32. Since that time I've lost precious brain cells to the permanent memories of those classic parodies and skits. Mr. Robbers, 50 Ways to Blow Your Cover, and more.

So, I had to get this book. It is a quick read (nearly half is just a list of b-grade movies) and tells the tale of how Svengoolie came to be and where the whole thing started. If you are a fan of Svengoolie you owe it to yourself to take this fun trip down memory lane, or elm street...whichever.

I bought this book on a whim for my boyfriend who grew up watching Svengoolie on Saturday nights. He absolutely loved learning more about the show he adored as a child.

I grew up in Detroit, so I missed out on most of the programs covered here, except for the maniacal Ghoul (Ron Sweed, a Motor City favorite) and the wacky and still active Svengoolie, played by the talented Rich Koz. In spite of this, however, I loved reading this book because it captures the fun and the essence of what every monster movie fan of my generation experienced, from the happily demented horror hosts to staying up late to watch those glorious (sometimes gloriously awful) films we cherished so much. Remember, this was mostly before home video came along. The book is loaded with nostalgic advertisements for these movies, the kind of ads that made you drool in anticipation.

Some folks might question why there's an entire appendix devoted to a "100 Monster Movies" rating guide, but to me it's one of the most enjoyable sections of the book because it goes hand-in-hand with the overall history of this subject. How can you discuss monster movie programming without discussing the monster movies themselves? If anything, I wish they'd gone a step further and covered even MORE titles. A few of my favorite films were overlooked. Am I the only one who has fond memories of CREATION OF THE HUMANOIDS? (Maybe I am.)

The book is well researched, fun to read, and has lots of wonderful photos and graphics. It makes me sorry that I missed out on all the fun. But then again, I didn't. No matter where you grew up, watching monster movies on television was a universal experience. This book captures that experience beautifully.

Let me start by saying I am from Chicago and I am a Chicago History buff.

As a child and into my teens watching Creature Features on Channel Nine (the opening as a six year old terrified me), and then the Son of Svengoolie on WFLD, I loved local tv. Why do I say this? Simply put - I had high expectations for this book. The good news is that Ted Okuda and Mark Yurkiw exceeded them.

Looking for Elvira - you won't find her - but "Dear" clearly was a feast for the eyes. Now I finally know what my dad was talking about.

"From Shock Theatre to Svengoolie" is a needed part of the history of Chicago TV and Lake Claremont Press respectfully published a book others might take a pass on and remains a respected leader in local publishing of Chicago history. Well edited, designed and expanded in part by a solid and varied reference section which includes a solid list of films shown (and reviews), a heartfelt "Collector's Corner" with additional reviews, and a resource guide on where to find your horror needs - that alone would stand to qualify the book as a great resource; but yes - there's more.

The book is factual and warm about the subjects themselves - with wonderful chapters on characters such as Marvin and the curvacious and faceless "Dear" of Shock Theatre to Jerry Bishops "Svengoolie" concluding with the story of how Rich Koz's "Son of Svengoolie" became "Svengoolie" in his own right.

The book doesnt mince words. The Ghoul from Cleveland gets a chapter - and in that chapters lies the great story of the loyality of Chicago to it's city and to its broadcasters. That chapter alone made me smile - unfortuantely at an outsiders expense.

The book covers some obscure local attempts to compete against established programs as well - which goes to the detail the authors provided.

And then there was Sven.

While you can watch Jerry Bishop and Rich Koz on YouTube as Sven as a resource; the chapters on Svengoolie are detailed and worth the read.

I grew up and continue to watch Rich Koz as Svengoolie now in Chicago - and through this book you realize Sven's program not only entertains through horror but is also the last of the real local efforts to fight to keep local television creative, relevant and accessible. Koz is an important throwback to Garaway and other early Chicago broadcasters and deserves the praise and critical rsearch the book compiled.

In this book you can see why Koz is important as a local celebrity - and is up there with dare I say Studs Terkel and Oprah as important local personalities - even though Koz would likely deny this endorsement. WCIU should be credited for keeping a great program such as Sven on the air when others might just put an episode of "Night Court" on instead...yeech.

I particularly enjoyed the attention to detail; with photos of the old newspaper and TV Guide advertisements of the programs. If you loved those programs as a child - before there were so many options on cable; those ads were critical in promoting the programs and the movies we grew to love.

The book is lavishly illustrated and well written and referenced, footnoted and resourced. Time, effort and true affection for the material went into this tome.

In a book like this - there is room to be melancholy - and the authors avoid that trap. Lamenting on the fact local television is in most cases just the news; and all of TV's creativity is left to the networks would be an easy place to go - but the book is upbeat and most importantly a joy to read.

You want Creature Features? The book has it. Marvin and Dear - yep; its here too. Screaming Yellow Theatre and all of Sven? Yep - that too.

Clearly highly recommended.

I would write more - but my family is ready, the popcorn is popped and Svengoolie awaits .....

I bought this book at a book signing at "Horrorbles". The authors are really nice guys. The book is a must for anyone even remotely interested in horror, it discusses in detail the various TV horror hosts broadcast from the Chicago area. Its covers the inception of TV horror hosts to the present. It also does a good job of showing the evolution of the TV horror show. The book is well written and offers so much insight, there is a not only a wealth of information but resources for any fan of horror. There are plenty of photos that will surely evoke pleasant memories of sitting in the dark watching "scary movies". Makes a good gift.

I read this book for my history fair project that I was doing on the true story behind the musical "Chicago." This book was so helpful to me because it gives every bit of information about the crimes and it even has all of Watkins' Tribune articles from the time. The script for the original play is an added bonus, and it is fun for me, as a "Chicago" and Fosse fan, to compare the original play to the musical and movie. This is well worth the price and a must-have for any "Chicago" fan.

This publication of the play that inspired the hit musical is amazing. Not only is it the original script, it gives wonderful newspaper articles of the time period and gives a real sense of time and place. As an artist, it was amazing to perform this piece. While the musical is a hit, it owes everything to this beautiful and strikingly funny but touching play. I highly recommend it and enjoy!

This book is amazing if you are looking to find some history on the play. I have seen the non-musical produced in Ashland and will be directing it myself in the next couple of years. This book includes the full original script, which is amazing in itself, but also includes a fantastic introduction my Thomas H. Pauly. The articles are a joy to read because you really get a sense of Watkins' style of writing.

Watkins' days a court reporter inspired her to write the script for what was to become, itself, the inspiration for one of the best musicals of our time. The daily reports from the court trials of the real life muderessess in Chicago were certainly very telling. The fact that the women who escaped death row or life sentences were white women, society women, beautiful women, and most poignantly, women who killed their lovers - not their husbands.This reminded me of how people get caught up in the soap opera of life and love to glamorise all events. If you are a lover of the musical, this is an interesting book to read.

"This one's got the makin's: wine, woman, jazz, a lover."

The hugely popular Kander and Ebb musical, CHICAGO, meets its grandparent in Maurine Watkin's 1927 hit, CHICAGO (a.k.a. PLAY BALL).

For fans of the musical, this book provides a fascinating and almost documentary-style look at the real-life inspirations for Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly along with the original CHICAGO script. Also included are copies of the CHICAGO TRIBUNE articles Watkins wrote that not only made celebrities out of the two murderesses, but inspired the writing of CHICAGO itself.

CHICAGO fans will enjoy picking out lines and situations in the script that inspired the songs. But more than just a fun diversion, Watkins' script is a powerful reminder of how often we treat serious trials and news stories as entertainment and how manipulative and influential the media is. When reading the script, one can't help but recall O.J. Simpson's trial when Billy Flynn arranges a media circus for his client, and compare Monica Lewinsky's media make-over to Roxie Hart's.

Watkins leaves us with a scenario that sounds almost familiar. The Jazz Slayer, Roxie Hart, is found not guilty. Gunshots are heard down the hall. Another murder! This one worse than all the others, but what a story! The news reporters rush from the room and Roxie, who plans to use her celebrity status to become a vaudeville star, is instantly yesterdays news. Reporter Jake Callahan drags "Machine-Gun Rosie", as he has dubbed her, into the courtroom and despite her cries that the media leave her alone, ("No! I don't want in the papers!") Jake tells her, "Come on, sister, yuh gotta play ball: this is Chicago!"

This beautiful book is a MUST for every Cubs/Baseball fan, and is unique because of the beautiful artistic renderings of notable players, managers, owners of the Cubs, along with a comprehensive and detailed backround - both current and historic. We have given many to friends and customers who are avid Cub fans and the positive feedback has been a delight to receive...makes a wonderful gift!!

What really struck me about this book was the perfect marriage of writer and artist, and how that combination helped me recapture all those wonderful things about baseball, and specifically, the Chicago Cubs, that I love. If you've ever sat in Wrigley, or even just wanted to, you've felt what it is to love and appreciate baseball the way this book's authors do. It's a love that's timeless, but frustratingly fleeting. Well, this book, and the fine work of Hanley and Deluca, brings those glorious feelings back to stay. I assume it will be a collector's item for decades to come.

This exquisite book is an excellent tribute to that Midwest institution, the Chicago Cubs. The book covers everything from the players, through the managers, the owners, the announcers (including Harry Caray, Holy Cow!), to the ballparks, and on to great and not-so-great moments in Cubs history.

Overall, I must say that I found this to be a fantastic book. There are no photographs in this book, but instead it is richly illustrated with many colorful paintings done by John Hanley, a nationally renowned sports artist. So yes, it not so much a history of the team, as it is a tribute to it. And, I must say that the text is great, short and to the point, and highly informative!

If you have a Cubs fan, and want to get him or her a gift that will be treasured for years to come, then get this book! I don't think that any Cubs fan should be without this book!

I have been a baseball fan all of my life, my boyhood dream was to play in the major leagues. At that time I knew the names of all the players and could quote most of their statistics. I also read a great deal of the history of the game and could recite most of the all-time records. After it became clear that the only way I would ever set foot in a stadium was as a paying customer, I became a fan of the Chicago Cubs. For nearly forty years I have watched them closely, mostly with a sense of frustration. However, my love for them has never wavered and Wrigley Field is still the only stadium where I have watched a baseball game. My first trip there was almost a religious experience as I watched Andre Dawson digging all-out for second trying to beat the throw from the outfield. (He was out, but he did drive in the tying run.)
With this background, I can express nothing but praise and admiration for this book. All of the images are artwork rather than photos and they capture the essence of what made these players so memorable. I watched most of the featured players perform on television and their grace, literally and figuratively in the case of Mark Grace, is expressed in their poses. The collection also includes managers, broadcasters and owners, so the history lesson is largely complete.
If you are a fan of the Cubs, then this is a book that you must own. I don't know if it is being sold in the souvenir shop at Wrigley, but if it is not, it can only be described as a tragedy. Kinda like some of the seasons the Cubs have had over the last forty years.

WOW. That's what I said to myself when the book arrived and I sat looking at the cover with the magnificent art work of John Hanley which makes the book a keeper in itself. Then I opened the book and WOW all over again.

Now, I am not a baseball junkie, but I am a history/art buff, and reading about the Cubs and their history from players, to owners, to Wrigley Field mesmerized me. And loved the examples of the change in uniforms over the years.

If you have a baseball fan be it a Mom, Dad, son, daughter, brother, sister, or simply love the National League teams, or baseball history this is a book I recommend. Cannot put the book down.

Mr. Shelton's book looks beyond the technical aspects of good media production and provides thoughtful and practical guidance on how to plan, shape and organize media presentations that will surprise, charm, inform and influence audiences. His emphasis is on informational rather than narrative media. At a time when we tend to be bedazzled and distracted by the remarkable technology now within easy reach we need frequent reminding that the idea is everything and that all that follows must be designed to deliver that idea to our intended audience forcefully, memorably and persuasively. This book will show producers of documentary, sponsored and informational films and other motion-media (Mr. Shelton's term) exactly how to proceed. Particularly valuable are the many examples, format samples, check lists and illustrations he includes. The Communication Analysis Plan is the best and most complete I have seen. This book can teach and encourage informational filmmakers who of late tend to be over-shadowed by our Hollywood brothers/sisters. The fact is, however, our productions can be equally creative, well-crafted and moving if we remember that most of the work needs doing long before we pick up a camera as we ponder and analyze exactly what is to be done, for what audiences, in what way, with what result. Shelton's book will certainly help. I recommend it highly for those who want to become better and more efficient information media producers and as a text book.

Whether you're a motion media professional or a student of visual communications, this book is a "must read" for you. The author - drawing on some forty years of experience as a successful information motion-media professional - writes with clarity and authority about both the theory and practice of communicating ideas through film, video, and multi-media. Shelton argues persuasively that the main objective of all information motion media is to influence the thought and behavior of the target audience, and that all the resources - creative and technical - that a motion media specialist has at his or her disposal must be directed toward that end. But he cautions that creativity used for its own sake may result in failed communications and a waste of the client's money. Building on this theme, the author elucidates an array of time-tested principles that he strongly advocates should be applied in the design and production of effective motion media. Not to be missed is an appendix featuring some fascinating "quotable quotes" that the author has collected over the years (though perhaps some individuals might consider having been quoted a dubious honor). In sum, there is no better book available on this topic, and I recommend it without reservations.

I strongly recommend S. Martin Shelton's book to practitioners of any profession seeking to influence the actions or thoughts of others through the power of media, be it through the written word or the transmission of images. As a Foreign Service officer I should have had this book 30 years ago. Though the focus of his book is film and video, his explanation and exploration of the principles of the communication process has application in all facets of interpersonal dealings. To cite but one example, this is especially true in the field of advertising--print, video, or radio. Much too often, media fails to motivate audiences to do what the sponsor has in mind, from the prosaic act of choosing between competing brands of toothpaste to such altruistic goals as inculcating healthful life choices. Such failure, as clearly expounded by Mr. Shelton, is in large part attributable to a growing lack of understanding of the underlying tenants of the art of communications. For one, the seductive explosion of technology's rapidly expanding capabilities has led to a shift in focus from communicating a message to enthralling with pixel glitz. Incorporating Shelton's ideas garnered and developed over years of practical experience and a background rich in theoretical knowledge, will improve significantly what we see and hear in our daily lives-bringing clarity to much of the "noise" surrounding us. Kenneth Albright, US Foreign Service (Retired)

This book is the distillation and compilation of the knowledge Shelton has gained from many years of experience in tehse fields. It is well written and his comprehensive knowledge of the field is evident. He is sometimes acerbic but his advice is heartfelt and should be of great value to beginnners as well as professionals in these areas. His "FUNDAMENTAL VERITIES OF INFORMATION MOTION-MEDIA" will be of particular usefulness as it is pithy and to the point. The book could well be used as a text in a college-level course. I recommend it unreservedly.

Dr. E. V. Ruhnke, Sr., Professor Emeritus, Texas A&M University-Kingsville

Mr. Shelton's book on filmic communication is an important breakthrough in the understanding of how and why films work with audiences. For the first time in the many years I've been in the profession I've found a book that tells me how motion media works and how to make it work. With masterful insight he analyzes the very foundation of my profession-how to use film and video to motivate our audiences, how to get them involved. To anyone in our profession or to any aspiring students, Shelton's book may well be the key to your success.

I can't say enough good things about this lady's writing. These novels are such a delight to read. They are entertaining, comical and inspirational all at once. When I need cheering or feel the need to "visit" a charming hometown, I go to Partonville. I'm hoping she writes many, many sequels of these folks!

I love "Dearest Dorothy".....she is the best neighbor in the world. We need more "real live Dorothys". If you haven't read any of the "D D" books...start at the beginning and don't stop! You will fall in love with her and her friends!

This series of Dearest Dorothy books were so much fun! Great books for all ages.

Good fiction ought to make you stay up to read until there's no more to read and darn it, the book is over. That's how I feel about the Partonville crowd. Charlene has developed enough interesting characters that subplots can unfurl around Dorothy. I loved the fact that one of the main characters, Rick, isn't even present. This speaks so much more to my Midwest born and bred condition than Jan Karon's Southern Mitford. Can't wait for number six.

Dearest Dorothy continues to pull the people of their little town together in love and understanding and prayer. The characters of these stories tug at your heart and make the reader eager for the next story. I encourage anyone to read this series of books for a truly heart warming experience.

This is the fourth book in this wonderful series. I just love these books

This is another great chapter in the continuing saga of the citizens of Partonville,Illinois.

Once you get into any one of these Dearest Dorothy books you become engrossed in the lives of the quirky, charming characters you meet in Partonville and can't wait to read the next book

Dorothy, the main character of this series turned 88 yrs. old at the end of this book and celebrates with Lemon Chiffon Cake with her good friends, Jessica, Jessie,Nelie Ruth, May Belle and Gladys. Gladys is a very special character as the Acting Mayor of the town. Gladys canbe quite annoying, but she means well and is an interesting addition to this saga.

You gain insight into your own heart through empathizing with all the charming citizens of this friendly town.

Each of the Dearest Dorothy books have some laugh-out-loud moments which is very good for the soul.

Each book can be read as a stand alone story, however, if you want to get a complete look at this wonderful town, you willwant to get all six of them.

You will meet all the quaint characters from Harry's Grill to the Happy Hookers and they all welcome you.

What a FANTASTIC series. I am so glad I purchased them all at once. I fell in love with Partonville!! I have passed them on to my mother and then they are going to my mother-in-law. The characters are so well developed! Can't wait for the newest one later this year. =)

A great series to read over and over.

The "Dearest Dorothy" series is wonderful! You will fall in love with all of the characters and you'll really care what is happening to and with them.

I so look forward to getting home from work, finishing dinner and then crawling into bed to read more of Dearest Dorothy's high jinks. It is the type of book that keeps your interest but does not assault your senses. You can relax with Dorothy.
Susan Keane, Rockville, MD

This is Book 4 in the Welcome to Partonville series, which started early in 2004 with DEAREST DOROTHY, ARE WE THERE YET?

I'm new to this series. I jumped in at this late juncture, yet I was quickly hooked. Though the book would be more intriguing to readers who have previously come to know the characters of the fictitious town of Partonville, Illinois, WHO WOULD HAVE EVER THOUGHT?! stands on its own as engaging, low-action entertainment and inspiration.

Judging by the books' titles (including DEAREST DOROTHY, HELP! I'VE LOST MYSELF!) Dorothy Westra --- who turns 88 at the end of this installment --- is meant to be the series's leading lady. But in this particular book, Charlene Ann Baumbich gives a large cast of characters nearly equal billing. Eight key women, spanning three generations, are members of the Happy Hookers, a group originally formed to meet once a month to hook rugs but now to play bunco, "a raucous, mindless dice game that offered a great opportunity for gab, prizes and dessert."

The book recounts the Partonville goings on for most of a month, after the October Pumpkin Festival, leading up to three events: the November Hookers meeting, a first-ever Thanksgiving Day community dinner --- organized by the Social Concerns Committee of the United Methodist Church in conjunction with St. Augustine's Catholic Church --- and Dorothy's birthday celebration.

Though the November Hookers hostess, Jessie Landers, isn't a churchgoer, many of the others are Methodists who comfortably break forth into silent or audible prayer, for the sick among them, including young Jessica whose severe nausea portends an unplanned pregnancy, and the much older May Belle, who is in bed with a bad back.

Baumbich deftly threads several story lines together. For fellow Hooker, middle-aged grocery-store employee Nellie Ruth McGregor, romance blossoms with a local handyman. The Landers welcome houseguests who stay several weeks. That Thanksgiving dinner gradually gets organized, with or without the help of Acting Mayor Gladys McKern. The new-to-town city slicker and commercial real-estate developer --- Katie Durbin --- mellows and grows to appreciate the small-town (with a population fewer than 1,500): its people, its values, its property.

The narrator's voice is important to this book: a touch of humor; a gentle revealer of heart-secrets (Nellie Ruth has never been kissed); a friendly, unidentified overseer, rallying in support of small towns everywhere that are in danger of being lost to encroaching suburban sprawl.

Like Miss Read, Barbara Pym and Jan Karon, Charlene Ann Baumbich transports you to a place that lingers in your mind, nudging your desire to return.

--- Reviewed by Evelyn Bence

This is a much needed study. The author looks at two groups -- African-Americans and Korean immigrants -- in the same business and offers important insights into why they have different outcomes in business development. One of the best treatments of the topic I have seen. Silverman goes beyond the typical stereotypes about minority business people, and explains how institutional arrangements impact groups differently. One of the best contemporary discussions of internal colonialism out there.

This book breaks new ground. It develops theory in this area while remaining readable and accessable to all readers. It is a must read for policy makers and others interested in designing urban economic development strategies that work. Recommendations for asset based approaches are natural extensions from this work, and the additional consideration of racism as a barrier to full participation in the economy expands the study's impact. As the author masterfully tells us in the introduction, "the invisible hand of the market cannot conceal color."

This book breaks new ground. It develops theory in this area while remaining readable and accessable to all readers. It is a must read for policy makers and others interested in designing urban economic development strategies that work. Recommendations for asset based approaches are natural extensions from this work, and the additional consideration of racism as a barrier to full participation in the economy expands the study's impact. As the author masterfully tells us in the introduction, "the invisible hand of the market cannot conceal color."

This is the most balanced treatment of this topic I have seen in a long time. The author escapes many of the pitfalls of earlier studies. He avoids the easy outs of social pathology explanations for racial and ethnic strife, and he offers a compelling view of the plight of minority (Black and Korean) entrepreneurs that takes broader structures into consideration. Superb.

This book sheds new light on the study of black-Korean relations. By examining the issue from the perspective of business owners in the same industry, the author avoids many of the limitations of earlier studies. Well worth investigating further.