Connecticut Books

I have the particular distinction of actually being part of this Congregation. I was here when Gary was with us, and knew him (still do) as a friend. I LOVED this book, and am re-reading it again as I type this. He not only portrayed the life of our congregation very truly, he wove in his own story, something I'm sure he didn't anticipate happening. It's fun to read again, as I remember things that happened back when he was here, and I wish he could write a follow-up. :-)

Thank you for a wonderful Book, Gary!!

Honest appraisal of historic Congregational church.
October 1, 2001
Pastor, George W. Fisk, St. Joseph, MI

Gary Dorsey, professional writer, seeking to write a "different book" chose to spend a year with a New England Congregational church whose history dates back to 1630. "How I wondered could Van (the senior pastor) lead an authentic spiritual journey in a place where the rehearsal and preparation for any event could no longer be separated, even by death or miracles, from the steady downpour of timebound courtesy and customs? How could he continue to promise growth if the congregation kept getting mired in the sucking mud of church politics and bad theology? Worship-making wore on and on like a particularly vile brand of Protestant water torture." Although too frequent committee meetings with time consuming discussions drained the pastor's spiritual resources, nevertheless at other times he would encounter unexpected moments of great depth. "Just a few weeks ago a devoted member, had fallen down a set of stairs and broken his hip. He was getting his affairs in order as he lay dying. Van stayed only for a short while, but before he left the bedside, the old fellow touched his hand and blessed him with the benediction. What had he done to deserve that?" The author provides abundant humorous relief with accounts such as: "Dick McCarthy filled in for Fran by playing solo piano at Sunday morning services. Unlike the formal, liturgically correct pieces chosen by Francis Angelo, Dick McCarthy's relaxed repertoire masked a capricious jazz style. Slowing rhythms to a meditative pulse and draping cloudy flourishes around melodic lines, he played "Old Man River," Mack the Knife," and "I Did It My Way" all summer without anyone noticing.'

From the signs in and about the church the congregation seemed to be more interested in their history than their religion. At the end of the year with the church the author concludes, though sometimes shallow, nevertheless heroic depth and heart can be found in the two pastors and congregation.

Stepping inside the cultural icon of an establishment congregation, Dorsey offers a clear-eyed, unsentimental story of clergy who practice faith as a profession and members whose lives are changed by their evolving faith. What begins as a documentary becomes a story that wraps the author into its own telling. If you've ever been a religious skeptic, Dorsey's careful journalistic discipline will comfort your appreciation of an objective accounting of the people in the congregation, their possible motives, their habits, decisions, attitudes, and the consequences of their thoughts. Likewise, if you have ever become aware of your own faith journey, Dorsey's keen-edged portrait of his own emerging search will drive the story in your direction. Skeptic or believer, the level of writing matches the complexity of story and the observer's growing relationship with the subjects. I kept holding my breat, waiting for Dorsey to take easy shots at the vulnerable or to become squishy about acting on one's faith. That never happened. But what is a breath of fresh air is Dorsey's willingness to drop an easy skepticism and do the hard work of real reporting. If you've ever been a member of a congregation of any denomination or faith, this book will ring true to you. Don't be surprised if you pass it on to friends!

Let's face it, Connecticut has probably more celebrities per capita than most states with their population of over 3 million. In this story, Peter Reilly is accused of the horrible crime of matricide and rape of his own mother, quirky and eccentric Barbara Gibbons. I knew right away from reading the book that Peter had nothing to do with this crime. The crime was having him go with the police for questioning which had him take a lie detector tests and answer questions that would implicate himself. Sadly, Peter never got an attorney or knew enough at such a young age to get assistance and representation. I believe the case remains unsolved after 34 years. The author does provide transcripts regarding the police's questioning of Peter who lost his mother who was the only parent that he had ever known and that they lived in a shack in small town Connecticut. There was never anything in his behavior to alleged that he committed this crime but yet was found guilty of murdering his mother who raised him with love even though their lifestyle represented the Beales of the Hamptons. they lived quite well together. the police never let him mourn his own mother's death. He thought she was just sick not dead and the house was not closed off as soon as possible. I would give the book five stars but there are no pictures of the people involved like the victim and her son, Peter Reilly. The author does her job in persuading the reader that the police were framing an innocent young man. In fact, she has William Styron to write the introduction and contacted celebrities like author/playwright Arthur Miller, Mike Nichols, Paul Newman, Joanne Woodward and other famous residents of this state to help in Peter's defense. it was a case that should have never went to trial and somewhere there is a murderer who got away with killing Barbara and destroying the life of a young man.

Mr. Gartner has written an excellent review of this book and because of it, I HAD to read this book.

This was an amazing work by Ms. Barthel. It is very true about what the previous reviewer wrote about this book. The other thing that kept going through my mind was this, "It's really awful that DNA testing was not yet available during this time." This would have cleared up Peter's innocence as well as there was remnants of the killer on his mother's body.

I was impressed at the rally of support Peter had, including the famous playwright, Arthur Miller, and reknowned director Mike Nichols, among many other well known people.

What a terrible, horrific experience this must have been for Peter to live through! The author really lets you know the emotions and feelings of Peter, even though at times it doesn't seem like he doesn't have any, but he certainly did. The poor boy had to be in shock more than anything; not only of his mother's death but the first general outcome of his trial.

My heart goes out to Peter Reilly wherever he is today. Mr Reilly, you are to be commended for surviving through this ordeal!

On September 28, 1973, 51 year old Barbara Gibbons, the quirky and eccentric mother of 17 year old Peter Reilly, was murdered in Canaan (a.k.a. Falls Village), Connecticut. State troopers arrived on the scene and immediately seized on Peter as the suspect in the killing. What followed was a three year journey through the Connecticut judicial system finally ending in his exoneration. In between, however, in a show of grass roots support, friends and neighbors rallied to his defense and formed the Peter Reilly Defense fund.

Joan Barthel was a freelance writer who became intimately involved with the group trying to free Peter as well as attending virtually every day of the pre- and post-trial hearings as well as the trial itself. Her excellent book is less an investigative inquiry and more of a journalistic look into the day to day events in the Peter Reilly case yet this does not detract in any way from it. He may have been considered "a man" by the state of Connecticut, but Ms. Barthel clearly shows that he is caught in that area between adolescence and adulthood.

There are plenty of heroes and villains in this book and the heroes are clearly the people, the well-known and the ordinary, who came to Peter Reilly's aid. Among the villains are the three Connecticut State Troopers, Shay, Kelly and Mulhern, who took one look at Peter and decided he was `from the wrong side of the tracks' and assumed he must have killed his mother. Like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole, they decided to make the case fit him. The most powerful part of Ms. Barthel's book is the actual transcripts of the twenty-five hours that Peter Reilly was kept in police custody. It has to be read to be believed. Although he was read his rights four times, he was clearly brainwashed into admitting his guilt even as he kept insisting he was not totally sure he did it. When he asked to have that statement placed in his written confession, the troopers agreed and then ignored his request. One of the most bizarre moments comes at the end of the questioning when State Trooper Kelly engages Peter in a macabre game of twenty questions because he is trying to elicit `one more detail.' Had the questioning continued, he could have gotten Peter to admit to raping his mother as well.

This book should serve as a cautionary tale to anyone who finds himself or herself in custody. All you need to utter is four little words that will send fear into the hearts of police and prosecutors alike: I WANT A LAWYER. If one of these police officers had had the good sense to see Peter Reilly as the all too trusting teenager that he was and advised him to contact a lawyer, everything here could have been avoided.

Huck Finn, I could take or leave. Conn Yankee is among my favorit e classics. Joan of Arc---better than other interpretations of
warrior women. I recommend this collection and "Damsel in the Rough" by Ann M. Tempesta.

This collection contains my 2 childhood and all-time Twain favorites - Prince & Pauper, and Connecticut Yankee - and added the magical ingredient of a historical romance I never knew Twain had written - Joan of Arc. Now that I have read this as well, I see that it may be even better than the other two!

The wry sense of humor characteristic of Twain definitely is most in evidence in CT Yankee. All 3 of these works deliver Twain's wide understanding of human nature in different times and sociological conditions, and his admiration of human nobility and greatness of heart in adversity. Joan of Arc unquestionably is the most inspiring of these tales, being the story of the greatest hero (or heroine). The Prince and the Pauper, however, remains a jewel of an adventure story, which any child can identify with, and learn from.

It is a collection to keep forever, and re-read frequently.

for fans who wish there were another Huck Finn or Tom Sawyer, you will find Mark Twain's 'joan of arc' just as beautifully written as his more famous 'prince an the pauper' and 'connecticut yankee'. for catholics, 'joan of arc' is even more of a must read, a stunning proof how this great saint has captured the hearts of so many, regardless of their skepticism or creed. Library of America editions are beautifully bound, lightweight, and readable. here they contain the two most famous of his non-mississippi writings with a gem most of us never knew existed. a keepsake for the decades.

This 26 FAIRMOUNT AVENUE series is real crossover material. That is, I think it's great reading for children of ALL ages. Of the three, ON MY WAY may be my favorite. The first chapter is suspenseful and frightening and the last chapter is schoolboy triumphant. DePaola continues to create some extraordinary work. THE CLOWN OF GOD is a masterpiece. NANA UPSTAIRS & NANA DOWNSTAIRS touches the soul and heart. The 26 FAIRMOUNT AVENUE series affirms that WE ALL have stories to tell. The BARKERS series is fresh and fun. DePaola may have published a few klinkers along the way but, he's mostly on target especially with ON MY WAY.

On My Way is another fun adventure in the 26 Fairmount Avenue series. The book starts out on a somber note when Tomie's sister becomes very ill, but the story becomes more upbeat from there. Once again Tomie has many adventures, including becoming an actor in a play (to rave reviews), going to the World's Fair in New York City, and paving the family's new driveway. Young Tomie is an insightful boy, and his thoughts and ideas are always enjoyable to the reader. Once again, Tomie dePaola's artwork fits the story perfectly. I would recommend this book to younger readers and adults, as both will be able to find similarities in their own lives to life of young Tomie dePaola. I am eagerly anticipating the next book in the 26 Fairmount Avenue series.

Tomie DePaola is back with the third book of his autobiographical series and this installment is just as warm and wonderful as his two previous books, 26 Fairmount Avenue and Here We All Are. This story takes a look at life for a few months in 1940 and is highlighted by baby sister Maureen's frightening bout of pneumonia, Tomie's first dance recital, a family visit to the 1939 New York World's Fair and the thrill of finally entering first grade, learning to read and getting his first library card. Told in a gentle conversational tone, On My Way lets youngsters go back in time and "spy" on the day to day ups and downs of the extended DePaolo family. Life may have been somewhat different and simpler sixty years ago, but what kids will really come to realize and understand is how much life, today, is the same as it was then. For Mr DePaolo, writing these, 26 Fairmount Avenue books is very much a labor of love and it shows on each and every inspired page. Perfect reading for youngsters 7-11, and even better as a family read aloud book, On My Way is a treasure, told with great insight, wisdom, humor and love.

This fine book held me in its grip from beginning to end. The writing is unobtrusive and I was lost in the lives of the characters, until I realised that something unexpected and subtle was being achieved: an examination of the fine line between love and decency, and the unacknowledged capacity for harm in us.

In the book The River Road by Karen Osborn, Kevin, a father says, "You think you know people, but when something like this happens, you really don't know anyone at all." Surely this new book by Karen Osborn clearly and unfortunately illustrates this point all too well.

The River Road, told from the point of view of the three main characters, immerses readers in the story of two brothers who are in love with their neighbor Kay. Friends since Kay moved into this rural Connecticut area, David and Kay become lovers during college leaving Michael out of their customary threesome. As younger children, the three of them played childhood games and survived the angst filled world of high school in part because of their strong ties to one another. But then a tragedy occurs leaving parents and these young adults to wonder what went wrong and what really happened. As the remainder of the book attempts to unravel the mystery and what led up to this tragedy, readers have a front row seat as family and friends become accusatory and introspective, The book, told partially through flashbacks culminates in an ending which depicts how individuals suffer after a tragedy and the indomitable spirit to survive and love again. Certainly for those who enjoyed The Pact by Jodi Picoult concerning teenage suicide, this book will serve as a comparison to the repercussions that can occur when young adults fall in love.

Previous to reading The River Road, I read Karen Osborn's second book, Between Earth and Sky, that was set in the late 1800's in New Mexico. Told in the form of letters by a woman pioneer to her family in Virginia, Osborn presents strong women characters and wonderful descriptions of the land. While she does an equally fine job in this book of describing the characters and description of rural Connecticut, The River Road is a much sadder and more intense book in comparison. One can only wonder how life can spiral so badly out of control for something like this to happen.

Kay Richards and brothers, David and Michael Sanderson have been friends since childhood. But one tragic night changes not only their lives, but the lives of their families and even the town they live in.

In one careless moment, a life is lost and nothing will ever be the same.

We get all sides of the story as it unfolds in alternating chapters told by Kay, Michael and Kevin (the boy's father). They all loved David and his death affects each in different ways. What first looks like an accident takes an unexpected turn and there's a police investigation and then a trial.

The verdict is riveting and so is this well written book.

In Crandall, Connecticut the Ehrlich family leads such a perfect American existence they even become featured in an issue of Southern Connecticut Life magazine. Libby owns and runs an antique business. Her spouse Peter is a highly regarded cardiac surgeon at Crandall General Hospital. They have two teenage daughters, sixteen years old Claudia and thirteen years old Ellery, who seem happy and are doing well.

However, their perfect lifestyle shatters when the parents return from a trip abroad to learn that their younger daughter is carrying the baby of the boyfriend of her older sister. All four Ehrlichs are forced to look closely at the relationships with one another and as a family because if Southern Connecticut Life magazine did a feature today they would find a shattered dysfunctional family leading the perfect American nightmare.

TWO DAUGHTERS is a look at how an event can destroy trust, commitment, and caring in what seemed like a devoted group. However, the problem with the story line is that Marlene Fanta Shyer tries to focus on too many major issues that could each stand on their own as the prime theme. Alcoholism or teenage pregnancy easily could have served as the key focus, but by using a shallow glance at each element, Ms. Shyer's novel fails to grip the audience. Libby's first hand account at times can be intriguing, but never quite pulls the audience into the deep emotional trench that the characters find almost impossible to escape.

Harriet Klausner

In this family saga we find the "perfect" family of Dr. Peter Ehrlich is the envy of everyone who knew them and as the unpredictable story unravels we find out that they have quite a few family secrets unknwown to outsiders.....Dr. Ehrlich is a prominent cardiologist and his wife, Libby has her own antique business in a small Connecticut town......The oldest daughter, 16 yr. old Claudia is a beautiful, bright girl, but does not always make the best choices in boyfriends. Her 13 yr. old sister, Ellery, not as pretty and not as bright, tries to grow up too fast because she envies her sister.....The secrets in this "perfect" family threatens to tear them apart and when the most outrages thing happens it throws them into turmoil....In the process of trying to correct things they lose friends, but Libby is the one, in the end, who pulls her family through, but not before the "secrets" are out in the open for everyone to know.... I belive that we are all human and do not always make the correct choices in our lives, but our families, in the end, can be great strengths to us and gives us the courage to change.......Good book.

This book really kept me turning the pages. I took it with me on vacation and it really enriched my trip. I couldn't wait to get back to my hotel room every night to read another chapter. I love books about contemporary family life and this one was not only well written, but it was unpredictable, full of twists and turns, and the characters really came to life. I absolutely loved it!

"An Adventure For Your Palate: An Eclectic Restaurant Tour In And Around Madison, Wisconsin With Chefs' Recipes", journalist, author, and food enthusiast Judith Sulik has compiled a list of some of the best restaurants, cafes, diners, and eateries to be found in the capital city of the Badger State and the smaller communities that collectively comprise Dane County, Wisconsin. Each featured establishment is given a one-page descriptive commentary, followed by a choice selection of recipes associated with their particular menus and kitchens. From the Admiralty Room at the elegant Edgewater Hotel in downtown Madison; to the Imperial Garden on Madison's eastside; to the Old Feed Mill on the city's westside; to the Main Street Diner and Ice Cream parlor on the north side; to Jada Soul Food 'south of downtown', "An Adventure For Your Palate" showcases dozens and dozens of great places to eat out. For example, in the little Village of Oregon just 12 miles south of Madison there is BrouxNellies, which offers good service combined with great food. Featured BrouxNellies recipes include Honey Mustard Dressing; Meatloaf; and 15 Bean Soup. Peppered throughout the pages of "An Adventure For Your Palate" are little vignettes of trivia about the communities and places within and around Madison. Sadly, a few of the restaurants featured have subsequently closed their doors -- but within this enthusiastically recommended addition to family cookbook collections in general, and Dane County residents in particular, those now yesteryear restaurants will live on in nostalgic memory.

Our family is always looking for waterfront dining - whether it's when we're travelling or at home in Connecticut. This book goes up the coast, town by town, with every waterfront restaurant - and even includes recipes for many of their most popular dishes. The comments included are "down to earth" and helpful to the average diner. As an added bonus, the author's web site has updates on the restaurants that have changed or closed - extremely handy in the restaurant business.

Following a general introductory part, the guidebook gives a description of each section of the AT in MA and CT (a trail section is roughly a 10 mile or so segment, generally cut by notable roads). The description consists of two portions: general and historic information (nearby towns, sites, camping, etc.) and trail description. The latter is a list of mileage points and directions. While it is very dry, it provides precisely the information one needs for hiking the AT. The water-resistant (plastic-like) maps are very detailed. A rather unusual feature is charts showing elevation change versus distance traveled.

In principle, either the maps or the book are sufficient to follow the trail, though each conveys useful additional information. Some people might perhaps find the two way too detailed and narrowly focused. In contrast to more comprehensive guidebooks (such as the White Mountain Guide), it describes little more than the AT (a few side trails are described), but in my view it does a fantastic job at what it sets out to. I have used this guidebook in MA and generally found it to be very accurate, even though it is 8 years old.

This book tells you what you need to know to hike the trail over these sections. The maps are accurate. It even includes sections on flora, fauna and geology of the region and hinking saftey.

The series is a must-have for hiking with children. I use the CT-MA-RI book to scope out which trails would be good for hiking with my 5 year old son. We have done about 8 of the 79 so far. Each one had accurate descriptions and good indicators for difficulty. Highly recommended.

Best Hikes in CMR is a great book for parents and kids to utilize for day hikes in the area. We found the most critical piece was that their ratings of difficutly and timeframes to complete are accurate. Also has many hikes in area's that are not the typical "tourist" hikes. The only negative was the limited maps that went along with the trail descriptions. Would be great if the author could point us to better maps or have a web site with them.

Many of the recipes in the Christmas Memories Cookbook have become family Holiday traditions in our family. I'd pay twice the price of this book for the Cranberry Pear Relish recipe alone, though I now have to make four recipes' worth in order to have some left over for my own family, once we've given out jars as gifts to all the extended family and friends who beg for it every year! This book has all the recipes anyone could need for the entire Holiday season, including ideas for dealing with an overabundance of leftovers.

Most of the recipes are simple to make and easy to follow, though a few have more ingredients or steps than would be practical for most of us (there's an Egg Nog that looks as though it might be good, but takes several days to make, for instance). And at least one recipe that has what surely must be errors (a chocolate spice cookie that calls for 2 teaspoons of ground cloves... we did try it, just to see, and the aftertaste was horrid). But these are the exceptions to the rule of excellence in this book. And bless the publishers for making it with a spiral-type binding so that the pages lay flat. I've used Christmas Memories for more than the Holidays, so often in the last 15 years that I've worn through two of these books and am on my third copy. I should buy it in bulk; I've also given this book as Christmas presents (by request) to an aunt, a sister-in-law, two friends and my mother.

Because so many of the recipes are very simple, and are also good for entertaining, I'll be giving one to my son when he moves away; I wouldn't mind him cooking these recipes when he has his old parents over for dinner!

My reason for attempting to purchase this incredible cookbook is because my old copy is so spattered and worn out that I am afraid of losing it to the elements. Being the mother of 4 young children, I find this book's many simple but spectacular recipes (Phyllo Wrapped Tenderloin)to be an incredible inspiration; not only to my holiday cooking but to our everday lives as well. The simplest additions, such as Madeira sauce, gravies and orange sauce for Duck are demystified, delicious and can usually be made by what's available in your kitchen. No fail desserts include various and a myriad of cookies: cookie-cutter butter cookies(the kids love this one!), pumpkin cookies, pfeffernuesse, anise cut-outs and many more. Traditional favorites such as Buche de Noel, the much dreaded Fruitcake, various Mousses and let's not forget the best EggNog I have ever made, all serve up as a refreshing yet familiar addition to our table. Finally, many of the appetizers are recognizable but are a wonderful surprise; like an old friend that you didn't expect to run into. Spinach Spread, Pates, Pesto Layered Torte and Baked Brie are just a few of the few popular items that can be made ahead and frozen. Also, a way to use Holiday leftovers is very cleverly presented; Turkey Enchiladas and Turkey Croquettes with Cranberry are my families favorites. For those of us creating our own traditions, this book is a terrific support and a treat as well. I know that someday my children will phone me and ask for that recipe for "Stuffed Filet of Beef" or "Candy Cane Cookies". In the author's own words, this book is "elegant but not initmidating".