New York Books

I've been reading Himes' stories about Gravedigger and Coffin Ed in order of when they were written (see Wikipedia, if you want a chronology), and this one may be the best yet. The bad guys are extra-eccentric and amoral. The streets are extra-gritty. Grave Digger and Coffin Ed are extra-alone in their fight against it all.

As usual, Himes is better at the first 95% of the story than he is in wrapping up the last 5%. As usual, female characters are, at best, conniving villains or throwaway props. The good stuff is so good that these quibbles hardly matter. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.

There are a few things you can depend on in Chester Himes's great police procedurals featuring Coffin Ed Johnson and Grave Digger Jones : colorful characters, distinctive dialect, a fierce racial sensibility, and plenty of mayhem. Meanwhile, the stories are pleasantly devoid of the kind of self-analysis and interior monologue which clutter up so much of modern fiction, even crime fiction. The Heat's On is something of an exception. Oh, there's more than enough mayhem and what with a giant albino junkie, a hunchback dwarf, a pony-sized attack dog, a faith healer, and various and sundry other folk about, there's certainly adequate local color.

But when, first, the detectives are suspended for treating the dwarf a tad too roughly (for instance, he dies in custody) and then Digger is shot and reported killed, Cotton Ed lets his slip show a little. He becomes a frenzied dynamo of barely contained brutality as he tears a steaming hot Harlem apart searching for the cache of heroin that led to the whole mess. This is a terrific entry in the series and is particularly interesting for Himes's fearsome hostility towards the drug traffic which was blighting the inner-city even then. His attitude makes for an interesting contrast with the permissive modern attitude of many black leaders, who decry harsh prison sentences for drug dealers. It's awfully hard to see Coffin Ed, Grave Digger, or Chester Himes arguing that pushers are victims of an unjust drug war.

GRADE : A

Coffin Ed Johnson and Grave Digger Jones are 2 of strongest characters and 2 of the toughest partners in crime fiction. However in this volume of the Himes series they play an almost secondary role. In spite of this I enjoyed the book as much as Cotton Comes to Harlem. Coffin Ed will go to extremes to revenge his partner as he unravels this mystery.

There are a few things you can depend on in Chester Himes's great police procedurals featuring Coffin Ed Johnson and Grave Digger Jones : colorful characters, distinctive dialect, a fierce racial sensibility, and plenty of mayhem. Meanwhile, the stories are pleasantly devoid of the kind of self-analysis and interior monologue which clutter up so much of modern fiction, even crime fiction. The Heat's On is something of an exception. Oh, there's more than enough mayhem and what with a giant albino junkie, a hunchback dwarf, a pony-sized attack dog, a faith healer, and various and sundry other folk about, there's certainly adequate local color.

But when, first, the detectives are suspended for treating the dwarf a tad too roughly (for instance, he dies in custody) and then Digger is shot and reported killed, Cotton Ed lets his slip show a little. He becomes a frenzied dynamo of barely contained brutality as he tears a steaming hot Harlem apart searching for the cache of heroin that led to the whole mess. This is a terrific entry in the series and is particularly interesting for Himes's fearsome hostility towards the drug traffic which was blighting the inner-city even then. His attitude makes for an interesting contrast with the permissive modern attitude of many black leaders, who decry harsh prison sentences for drug dealers. It's awfully hard to see Coffin Ed, Grave Digger, or Chester Himes arguing that pushers are victims of an unjust drug war.

GRADE : A

Jack Kamen is the father of Rick Kamen. Rick has compiled this book full of many family tales that Jack has told him. Jack's life began in the year 1913, above his father's harness shop in Brooklyn. So there are many tales to read of the Depression, World War I (aka The War To End All Wars), the amazing changes in society, medical care, politics, and their not-so-ordinary family!

Jack's generation was the first born in America. His family before had been Russian Jewish peasants who survived the 1902 slaughter of the Tzar's army. But most stories are 1913 and later. Each show humor, shout of family pride, and end with a grin. The author even uses the words his elders used when they told him their family stories, so unusual words are printed in italics when first used and included in the glossary at the end of the book. This will bring back wonderful memories for those who have been around this world awhile. And it will educated those of us who want to know what things were like back then!

***** Perfect for those who love to listen and learn stories from their parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents! There is no doubt in my mind that every reader who finishes and closes this book will do so with a warm feeling on their inside, a smile on their outside, and the urge to talk to their elders about their own family history! Excellent reading! *****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch

The stories told by the author are like poems. In just a few words, they express the immigrants' sorrow, tragedy, strugles and thirst for life, along with their warm sense of humor.

Harnessmaker's Son is a delightful collection of humorous family sagas from the early 1900s. In 2-4 page short stories, author Kamen relates growing up in America with some fascinating tales. He describes early medicine and pharmacies, the changes in cars, life during the Depression, and how some things never change - boys and girls, children acting up, and more. But Kamen never becomes too serious - in fact these stories will have you laughing out loud. And the short-story format is perfect for family or classroom reading. Highly recommended as a gift for elders, teachers (any grade), anyone interested in history or families, your children, or for yourself!

The reader gains a deep appreciation for how far American society has advanced since the turn of the century. Most every chapter/story ends with a belly-laugh! Filled with colorful characters! Picture yourself sitting at a counter and a kindly, old gentleman sits down next to you...and begins to relate the many lessons and stories he has accumulated in his long and illustrious life. You are engrossed and entertained! A wonderful dose of realism and humor. I deliberately read the book slowly because I enjoyed it so much that I did not want it to end. I'm hoping there is a sequel.

Private Investigator Alexander McBee's heroes are TV's Magnum, Mannix and Barnaby Jones. McBee fancies himself a loner, but that comes to an end one evening when he rescues a dog from drowning. McBee takes the mutt home to clean him up and a partnership is born. Herr Schnoodle, as McBee names the dog, has a propensity to solve crimes, and within a short time, McBee's business is booming. Before he knows it, this loner is helping the down and out while trying to figure out why Apple Sally, a homeless woman suffering from amnesia, can't remember her past. But once she does, McBee's intent on saving her from the person who wants to kill her.

McBee is an engaging man who shuns germs and is afraid of commitment, and whose perception of himself changes over the course of the book. Herr Schnoodle is absolutely lovable and rounds out this cozy mystery to perfection. The partnership between the two makes this a fun read, with winning characters and a compelling storyline.

In New York, fortyish Alexander McBee changes vocations from accounting to private investigative work based on a correspondence course, Magnum reruns, and the DNA of his father and grandfather, former cops. He literally picks up a new partner when the lone sleuth finds an injured ugly canine that is a horrendous mixing of a schnauzer and a poodle, who he calls Herr Schnoodle.

With Schnoodle at his side they recover a missing Persian cat, stolen grocery carts, and solve the case of a missing person. However, McBee admits to himself that Schnoodle is the brains of the operation as the dog solves the case though it seems to outsiders that McBee accomplishes the feat. They meet homeless Apple Sally and both are intrigued by her. As McBee's rep grows, reporter Darcy takes a personal interest in him even as he finds himself needing to know more about Apple Sally. Before Schnoodle, McBee had no friends; now hehas plenty, but first he and his partner want to make things right for Apple Sally.

This is a lighthearted private investigator tale with a serious subplot involving Apple Sally. WC Field's theory of not performing with animals or children as they will steal the scene comes through as Schnoodle constantly stars. McBee is a fine person just coming out of his shell thanks to his partner and Apple Sally. Fans will appreciate this humorous detective tale summed up by McBee when he reflects how Herr Schnoodle is the brains of the operation.

Harriet Klausner

Alexander McBee is a New York private investigator who doesn't have much flair or luck in solving his cases. One day, Her Schnoodle, a very unattractive dog, appears by the pier next to McBee who was quietly contemplating on his unhappy life. Alexander rescues the dog and brings him home. Her Scnoodle proves to be a gifted dog who finds the missing evidence in McBee's cases. With his help, the investigator gains confidence and becomes successful at catching the offenders.
The story takes a romantic twist when Darcy, a charming reporter, is sent by her boss to spy on McBee. Darcy's determination to get a story to publish, leads her to find important information on the investigator's friend Apple Sally, a bag lady on the run with a dangerous history. With the help of the reporter, Alexander unravels the mystery behind Sally's past. Throughout this time, McBee also finds himself attracted to both women and in the end he goes for the one he deeply cares for.
P.K. Paranya is an established author, who writes very well: Her novel `Herr Schnoodle & McBee' is an intelligent and humorous story. Moreover, the author portrays the main characters in the most creative way: a bag lady suffering with amnesia, a gifted ugly dog solving mystery cases, a grumpy private investigator with many phobias and an attractive reporter, willing to risk it all for a good story. Overall, the plot is captivating and the reader will find himself trying to solve the puzzles along with McBee and his Schnoodle.
I enjoyed reading this novel to a great extent. I thought it has wit and all the ingredients necessary to make a wonderful and entertaining detective tale. This book is with no doubt a fantastic read!

[...].

Alexander McBee has become a private investigator. He has trained by watching re-runs of Magnum P.I., Rockford Files, and other old detective series on the television. He comes upon a strange dog who becomes his partner. Herr Schnoodle is not the most attractive mix of schnauzer and poodle, but he knows how to investigate.

They begin to get more cases as they are able to solve them quickly. They meet Apple Sally, a local street woman. McBee is intrigued by her, but he can't figure out why. Then there's the beautiful Darcy, the gossip reporter out to scoop McBee's cases.

Soon McBee realizes there is more to Apple Sally than meets the eye. Can he uncover her past without alienating her or letting Darcy break the story before he's ready? Can he keep investigating his cases without letting on about Herr Schnoodle's part, especially to Darcy?

McBee is definitely a quirky character, but that's what makes him interesting. I really enjoyed this first book in this series. I look forward to reading many more. The setting and other characters is well written and I feel as if I've been there and met everyone. I highly recommend this book.

I am giving this book 4 stars because it does not rank among the best books I have ever read, which would deserve a 5 star, but certainly better than a mediocre book which would merit only a 3 star. Amazon.com only gives us 5 stars, so I hand them out sparingly.

I enjoyed this old-fashioned read. I laughed at times, felt sympathy and frustration for Sara, and looked forward to where the story was taking her along with the reader. The story line reminds me of the book "Alias Grace" by Margaret Atwood. I am not about to run out and order the other two books in the Joyce Cary trilogy just yet; but some day when I am book dry I know they are there and I can go back to them.

I have just reread Cary's three novels, Herself Surprised, To Be a Pilgrim and The Horse's Mouth. It is amzing that books written during the second world war should be so secure in their tone about a vanishing England and its history. Cary uses his three entirely diffeent voices - tricky sensuous woman, nervy religious dirty old man, obsessed manipulative artist- better than anyone else i know uses the limitations of the first person to show what we do and don't know about each other. His descriptions of places and things are delicious. Also I shd like to say what beautiful books the New York Review paperbacks are to handle and read. Most people know The Horse's Mouth, and many know Herself Surprised . I'm not sure To Be A Pilgrim isn't the best and most surprising of the three- which is saying something.

My take on Sara Monday is very different from what I'm reading here. I believe that she loved life and indulged herself in its pleasures. At the same time she was a nurturing soul. Read it for yourself to decide about her character. Gulley Jimson is also a great character. The descriptions in this book are wonderful. She describes the sea as being like oven glass one day and the edges of knives another. It is so good that I didn't want it to end, and now I'm going to read the other two books in the trilogy.

Cary's Sara Monday has often been compared--quite rightly--to Moll Flanders, another irresistible, irrepressible woman of highly suspect morals. Sara's odd adventures in marriage and love make for a highly entertaining read, but you should also pay close attention to her observations of her society; for a woman of little apparent reflection, there's very little that seems to escape her notice. All three books in the Gulley Jimson triptych are remarkable, but this one has a special poignancy.

This book is for all ages. From Babe Ruth to Barry Bonds, it has it all. It is loaded with interesting facts and stories about the begining of baseball to the current day. It's a great book to read with the kids. "Hey Batta Batta Swing!: The Wild Old Days of Baseball" is a perfect gift for any baseball fanatic.

Sally Cook, James Charlton and Ross MacDonald have a major league hit with HEY BATTA BATTA SWING! Fans and non-fans alike will enjoy dipping into this deliciously nostalgic book that combines wit, style and fascinating baseball lore. Buy a copy and keep it on hand for when you need a gift for the hard-to-buy-for...but you're likely to end up keeping it for yourself!

Sally Cook's new book is packed with interesting baseball facts and history, and it's written in a light-hearted style both children and adults will enjoy. Even for someone who is not a baseball fan, I was amazed to discover the game was part of American culture as far back as the middle of the 19th century. The illustrations are fun and perfectly suit the subject matter.

Sally Cook's new book is a great way to welcome both baseball season and summer. It's the most fun you'll have with baseball unless it is going to say, a Red Sox/Yankees tied-to-the-end game! And it's not for kids only - it's a PERFECT Father's Day gift, for baseball fans and history buffs alike.

I read Heyday while on vacation this past month and was pleasantly surprised. Written in post war NYC (that is WWI) and prior to the crash of the stock market, the story revolves around a loveable protagonist who is surrounded by a family of friends that include several lovable but flawed personalities. The story is endearing and well written. This is easily one of my favorite stories, and I can hardly wait for Mr. Butler to pen another story...

I approached this book as a curiosity, but once I began to read it, I couldn't put it down. It is fascinating and fun, with interesting characters and a lively story whose twists and turns take you on a wild ride of adventure. This is not some cliche 1920s tome with obligatory flappers and bootleggers, but rather a well researched, well executed multidimensional work that makes the era really come to life. Although I know Heyday is being marketed to a gay audience, I really think this book will find a much larger following.

Having been born after prohibition was repealed, I have no first-hand knowledge of this period of history. Michael Butler has provided me with wonderful information on this subject, as well as on the subject of the gay culture of the time. The story is at the same time raw, poignant, historical, and kept me on the edge of my chair.

Intricate, captivating and fun. I assume (from the back cover notes) that this is Butler's first novel, but it's hard to believe. He develops characters quickly, draws the reader in and leads them through a complex, at times almost zany, plot. The New York Times review originally caught my attention -- pretty lavish for an unknown -- but now I understand why. I hope Butler's working on his next novel right now.

There are many books about the AT, but this one is superb for it's detail and attention to partial sections for hiking. Can be used for thru hiking as well. Gives day and overnight parking details, profile of terrain, degree of difficulty, recommended direction, water and shelter locations, topo maps, mileage etc. Everything that a hiker needs!! Excellent.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE are NOT 170 hikes in the book. The whole series must contain that many.

I own 3 books in this series. The Southern Appalachian, the Virginias, and the Mid-Atlantic States guide. I have found these books to be a great aid in planning hikes, especially 2-3 day backpacking trips. Since most of these hikes are either one-way or round trip (as opposed to circuit hikes) you either need to have two cars or plan on seeing the same sites twice. I'm not saying this is a bad thing, but other books have better circuit hikes.

This series IS very informative, not only with regards to the actually hike, but also the history both natural and otherwise of the area you are hiking in.

I have only done a few of the hikes in the Mid-Atlantic Guide, all of which have been out and back day hikes, and this book has been very informative during these hikes. The maps could be a little better, as they are topographocal maps with a green line for the trail.. They are adequate, but I've seen better.

All 41 hikes come with a description, a map, an elevation profile, and an itinerary, as well as various other information.

When planning for a hike I do tend to use this book in conjunction with other books, but I usually take this book (or copies of the pages) on the actual hike itself. The fact that the pages are so small allows for easier handling and storage of the laminated pages during the trip.

So if you enjoy hiking and are near the AT while in PA, you may want to take a look at this book. It is well worth the money.

I have 2 books in this series, and have frequently used photocopied pages from them on my AT section hikes. I never needed to buy the AMC versions of the maps since comprehensive maps are provided within this book, along with mileage charts for road crossings, springs, campsites, landmarks, etc. for every section of the Trail.

Although this book is obviously geared for the day-hiker or overnighter, it has also come in handy on my longer hikes. And the writers have narrowed down every section into either 1- or 2-day hikes, along with directions to the trailheads (even in the remote 100-Mile Wilderness section in Maine!), proving that the AT can be enjoyed by casual hikers as well as hardcore mile-crunchers.

Cons: This book, and the others in the series, is seriously due for an updated edition. Lots has changed along the trail even in 8 years. (carrying up-to-date pages from the ALDHA Thru-Hikers' Companion is necessary to have the full info). Also, the maps are two-color, making certain features hard to read, i.e. roads are the same color as elevation markings.

It is clear that these authors were not kidding when they stated that they have a love affair with the Appalachian Trail. The descriptions not only cover all you need to know to be prepared to hike a certain section, but there's lots of history and local color as well.

I've used this book successfully to plan hikes for a youth group. I must admit I disregarded the advice that a certain section (Knife's Edge) was not for those suffering from vertigo and sure enough, the group of kids I took on this section included one who suffered severely from fear of heights. But the kids worked together to get through that section and all was very well in the end.

This book is by no means dry. Sprinkled here and there are humorous passages, like the classification of vampire rocks versus jumping rocks. A pollution-damaged section is described as "shaved clean."

An experienced hiker who has decided to hike section-hike or day-hike the trail between Harper's Ferry and the New York / Connecticut state line needs no other guide. I also recommend this book for the library of every youth group, particularly scouts, in this geographic area that would (or should) plan hiking outings as part of their yearly plans.

With the Amerks poised to enter their 50th season in 2005-06 this book is an important part of a proud hockey team's history. The section on the Cardinals is particularly informative and makes one wonder what might have been had that team survived. Just to see the photos of the Calder cup champion Amerks of the mid-'60s (the greatest Amerk teams EVER!) brings back fond memories of how great the pre-expansion American Hockey League was.

One will notice the dedication that was put into this book by the in-dept stories and a vast selection of historical photographs. In my opinion, if you are someone who follows hockey either it being past or present, this is a book to add to your collection.

Mr. Lamphier gives us an unique view of a franchise of humbling beginnings to one of the most successful sports franchises in the United States.

The stories, and pictures gives all of us a film to past up to the present. This is a must read for all sports lovers.

Great Job Mr. Lamphier!

Any sports enthusiast will enjoy the story of a city's allegiance to a sport they truly embraced. Any hockey fan will enjoy the walk down memory lane with this extensive collection of historical photos of the struggles and triumphs of Rochester's professional and college teams.

Even though the book is somewhat dated, this is a highly entertaining read and full of information and history about the Plaza Hotel. If you are an experienced visitor or not of high end hotels, you will enjoy the tips on how to get the most of your visit at any 4-star hotel.

The perceptions and details of the staff positions are eye openers and will certainly give you another view of what takes place to ensure guests are comfortable and happy during their stay. The research that was involved and first hand observance is highly commendable.

This book gives an insider's view of a luxury hotel in New York. The author spends a week at the Plaza Hotel, visiting with various staff and guests. We get vignettes of the entire operation, from the doorman and front desk to the laundry, kitchen, concierge, security, bellhops, housekeeping staff, management, etc. The book is a running interview, the author records whatever was happening at the moment, while talking to the various staff. It also includes a bit of the history of the hotel. The week culminates with the visit of the King and Queen of Sweden.

One impression is that a great deal goes on behind the scenes of such apparent effortless luxury, especially dealing with the slovenliness or disorderly behavior of various guests. The reader will gain an appreciation for those who provide hospitality during future stays.

The only drawback to this book is that it is now a bit dated (1989), and as such is now more a work of history rather than a depiction of the current facility. One wonders what a modern reprise might include, with new wrinkles resulting from today's business travelers and their computers, cell phones, and post-9/11 security needs, modern concern with communicable disease, information security, etc...

I came accross the book listed on Amazon as an out of print book, but having stayed at the Plaza ONCE, in Dec 99, as a treat for my wife Carole who had terminal cancer [died 13 Oct 00], I wanted to have a better memmory for myself and the children, who came too, Alex 1, Bethany 7 and James 12 who has Autism. They adored NY and we adored The Plaza, we had a Junior Suite at the special rate of $350 [50% off] with Grandparents next door in a Classic Room again at 50% off [$250]

This book just SHINES, it tells a fantastic story of life at this world famous hotel, we live if England, and are NOT typical Plaza types.

If you love NY, you probably have visted or intend to visit if not stay at The Plaza, even if just one night, DO BUY THIS BOOK. I had to pay the extra search fee and the extra UK shipping, but it was well worth it. I sincreely recooment this book to nay NY or Plaza fan. Make the time - find a copy.

Robert rjh39@yahoo.com

"The Hotel" is a great book that goes behind-the-scenes of the Plaza Hotel. The author interviews maids, chefs, janitors, managers, and many others. The book is set up in chapters that go day-by-day - truly showing "a week in the life of the Plaza."

I got this and "Hardings Luck" one christmas about twentyfive years ago. These stories have stayed with me throughout my adult life and I have never forgotten how I was swept away by the stories. These books are educational while being simply spellbinding...my imagination went wild, back then. Absolutely a must!

One of the delightful things about this book is that it treats children as thinking beings, yet still manages to contain all of the magic and adventure of childhood. As in all of her work, E. Nesbit tells an exciting story while encouraging the reader to consider the meaning of things. One of the best books written by one of the best children's writers of all time.

I was hoping to read this book to my 7 year old boy. It was heavy for him and somewhat slow. The book requires maturity and sophisticated vocabulary, somehow it does not fit the pace at which our kids live now.

It certainly can be appreciated by an older, more mature kid, who loves the English language. It is beautifully written.

Two 10-year-olds are the last survivors of a long line of english aristocrats.The family castle lies in ruins, but the children are determined to restore it to its former glory with the help of the long-lost family treasure. The task seems daunting, but they soon discover there's some intricate, powerful magic in the family crest.. Subsequently the treasure hunt hurtles along at breathtaking pace. The magic includes frequent trips into the turbulent (and dangerous) times of England's feudal past to discover the exact time and place where the treasure was hidden.. This book and it's sequel (or prequel?!) "Harding's Luck" can't be recommended enough. They are children's classics of the nicest kind - not the least bit sirupy - but full of adventure and magic