New York Books

I read Cloth of Heaven and Ashes and Lace when they first came out. Song of Erin combines the two into one great book. Since it's been so long since I've read them, it was even better the second time around! I can't wait for her next book. She makes historical events come to life. The whole time I'm reading any of her books, I worry about her characters' (many!) trials and tribulations with breathless hope that they will make it in the end! Great read!!

The other night I finished reading what is probably the best historical novel I've read yet this year. When I received the book, I thought it would take me some time to finish as it is two books in one, and I simply don't read that fast. I already knew I loved the author's previous work, so I anticipated a good read. I was unprepared for just how good this book would be!

Award-winning author B.J. Hoff wrote SONG OF ERIN as two separate books ten years ago under the titles CLOTH OF HEAVEN and ASHES AND LACE. SONG OF ERIN combines the two into one epic saga that spans the ocean from Ireland to America. As Mrs. Hoff's website states, "The mysteries of the past confront the secrets of the present in the magnificent SONG OF ERIN saga." Magnificent indeed!

"The story features two of the author's most memorable characters: Jack Kane, the charming but ruthless titan of New York's most powerful publishing empire, who battles the darkness of his soul while fighting to help his people. And Samantha Harte, the woman he loves, whose grace, light, and well-bred exterior conceals a past too shocking to reveal."

It honestly takes a lot for me to get this excited about a book, which may sound strange considering how many books I promote. And of course, we all have our favorite authors. I like to announce Christian fiction and make readers aware of what's out there. But like I said, I don't read that fast, so I can't possibly keep up with every book on the market. And I often enjoy what I read.

But it is a rare book that literally will not let me go, that makes it hard for me to turn off the light at night, that holds me captive turning pages so that I justify laying around reading for hours and hours a day! (I may want to do that sometimes, but I usually won't let myself give in to the pleasure.) Unless I am holding an amazing book!

SONG OF ERIN is that book!

Honestly, even if you don't think you like historical fiction or don't have a fascination with Ireland, you still need to read this book! It is fascinating! B.J. Hoff is a master of character development, and I promise you - you will know these characters well by the time you are finished.

I waited until I finished the book to comment because some books have disappointing endings. Not this time! I was wholly satisfied with the ending - I absolutely LOVED this story!

Whenever I read a B.J. Hoff book I am struck by the way her writing sings with elegance. Her character's are so well developed it's like meeting instant friends. They seem to step right off the page into the reader's heart. This is a panoramic story, finely tuned and complex, reaching from the back alleys of Galway to the streets of New York. A tightly woven tale of love and forgiveness, sorrow and joy, and a strong, unyielding faith in God. Highly recommended.

Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for [...], 5/08
Song of Erin is two books for the price of one. Cloth of Heaven was originally published in 1997; the sequel, Ashes and Lace, followed in 1999. Song of Erin combines those two stories into one book. This brilliant account begins in the early 1800's. Erin's father and brother have migrated to America. They plan to make enough money to reunite their family in their adopted land. Hoff shares the poverty and hardships that faced the Irish in that era. Many migrated looking for a better life, but prejudice against Irish immigrants was widespread. Cloth of Heaven leaves the reader wanting to know more; Ashes and Lace ties up the loose threads.
Song of Erin is a beautiful saga. BJ Hoff never disappoints readers. The plot flows smoothly. The characters are well-defined with distinct voices. Song of Erin is a Christian romance with a message of redemption. Song of Erin is entertaining. I highly recommend Song of Erin.

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R3O9LN73HXHKML Absolutely EPIC, amazing historical romance. From the wild shores of Ireland to the dark streets of New York in the 1800s. This is a story of hope, heartbreak, and redemption that stays with you for a very long time.
And that Jack Kane character is just... dreamy!

The song of Hiawatha will live forever. Its rythms resonate with the natural rythms of our minds. The language and plot are so nearly perfect, they can lead us into a world of imagination where we lose our cares and worries and find ourselves with Hiawatha in his special magic place. After reading it, I was deeply moved when I visited by boat the pictured rocks region of Michigan Longfellow chose for his setting. I also found myself doodling lines using Longfellow's rythms and wishing today's poetry would return to his way of writing.

Although very popular in its day; Longfellow's "Song of Hiawatha" was later viewed to be superficial and saccharine. Where as Walt Whitman may have spoken with more of an organic American voice, Longfellow drew upon English Romantic models and looked to Norse and especially the Finnish epic or "edda" "Kalevala" for inspiration.

Not with standing; Longfellow's saga is pure New England Renaissance; touching upon values and aesthetics characteristic of Longfellow's circle: Oliver Wendell Holmes, Emerson and Thoreau.

The nature-painting of the "Song of Hiawatha" is outstanding; the poetry is full of quotables; and the over-arching message is profound.

A book for generations. Mine was published 1898 and given me by my mother whose father(b.1875) gave it to her. It goes to the heart of the Indian race, a people susceptible to mythology and magic as their last great hope. Read it with an open mind, imagination, and for its beauty.

"The Song of Hiawatha" is the best book I have ever been exposed to. Every time I hear the wonderful rhyme of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, I begin to think of what this land was like before the Europeans conquered it. It is a wonderful tale of peace between nations and a great book to read to children.

An undying tale.. legend... song... Wonderful poetry, the language is simply astounding! I have read the russian translation by Bounin, which was as remarkable as the original.

Farris is the master of the subtle plot. He is also a master of genuine horror - horror that is not necessarily caused by supernatural monsters or aliens or bogeymen. It is the horror that is immanent in human nature - more or less trammeled by the civilization and the rules of society. When they come into the open it is either due to mental or social sickness. In this book you can study persons that when they have the feeling of being almighty may exercise their dehumanized urges on innocent people. Man is the only being that kills for pleasure and personal satisfaction. Farris shows this in a novel full of breathteaking suspense. The Trevellians may be exaggerated and slightly unreal as characters but they represent a tendency in humans to play God and to feel like God. Hubris is punished in the classical Greek tragedy. But is this mortal sin always punished in our modern times?

John Farris, master of psycho books, has amazed me once again. I have read all of his novels to date and this is by far his best work. After finishing the book, I have not been able to keep my mind off it...too bad there's no chance of a sequel.

You won't be able to put this one down; get ready for a VERY late night! "Soon She Will Be Gone", will have you breathless in anticipation of what will happen next! Just when I thought I had "figured it all out" I was surprised by another twist, another turn, all the way up to the unpredictable ending.You won't regret buying this book, it's one heck of a roller coaster ride!

Six beautiful women have mysteriously vanished over the past few years with the only common links besides their gender being they were physically impaired and that they were involved in some manner with visionary architect Dix Trevallian. Their absence might have gone unnoticed except that the last victim happened to be the sister of U.S. Deputy Attorney general Dane Coleman, who believes that the six females are all dead and Dix is the culprit. He plans to bring the wealthy architect down either by legal or other means. ..... Sharon Norbeth falls into Dane's clutches when she cops a plea bargain with him. She will abet him in his efforts to get at Dix if he drops all criminal charges filed against her. Sharon gains entrance into the rarefied Trevallian inner sanction through Dane's Machiavellian maneuvers and her own artistic talent. She quickly discovers that the entire Trevallian family is twisted in ways so horrible that it is difficult to accept. Anyone of them could have caused the disappearance of the women and Sharon plans to uncover who the culprit is before she becomes the next missing number. ..... John Farris has written his usual nail biting thriller that draws upon the beasts that reside inside every human. SOON SHE WILL BE GONE is an example of horror at its most horrible brilliance. The characters (both good and evil) are compelling and the story line rapidly moves forward, turning this book into a must read for fans who enjoy reading about the surfacing of the Jekyll in all of us. .....Harriet Klausner

A serial killer may be at large. Six talented women with various handicaps have disappeared without a trace. The only link between them seems to be the Trevellian family. Sharan Norbeth , a disfigured artist, goes undercover to discover the truth, but comes close to being victim number 7. Just when you think you have figured out who the villain is, the plot takes a twist and turn. The story keeps you on edge and is a very satisfying read for fans of mystery and psychosexual thrillers.

I bought this book for my daughter who is a Sound of Music affectionado. She loved the book and all the background materials provided.

The Sound of Music Companion by Laurence Malson, Andrew Lloyd Webber should be owned by all who enjoyed the movie.


Thanks

This is a wonderful book for THE SOUND OF MUSIC enthusiast. Lots of great background information and photographs. Thank you.

Lawrence Maslon should be thanked and congratulated for offering a concise and informative Sound of Music book. Although there have been a few Sound of Music books written in the past, this book is probably the first of its kind to tell the story in a concise manner. The Hirsch book on the film and the reissued Max Wilk book on the stage show were great books in their own right, but I think this book tops them all.

Although the numerous photos are the draw of this coffee-table book, a coffee-table book should offer much more than pretty photographs. For this it certainly delivers. His meticulously researched, well-written text tells us the whole Sound of Music story from Maria's birth to the first Austrian stage production in 2005. This book covers all important stops in the history of SOM up till now, and does not dwell too long on any one time period. An added treat is the inclusion of song lyrics and commentaries on the songs, explaining how they were written and what role they played in the musical. I admit there are a few typo errors in the text, but this well-researched book is jam-packed with facts of the musical. You could literally dip your teeth into it and come out a Sound of Music junkie. I do wish there were also lyrics and commentaries for I Have Confidence, So Long, Farewell and also The Lonely Goatherd.

In short, a really great Sound of Music book that makes a splendidd addition to any Sound of Music collection, except that the print tends to be a little too small for the size of the book. Otherwise, a really wonderful book from cover to cover, and a seminal work in the entire world of this well-loved musical. I think this is a book that deserves to be in print forever.

Wonderful! Very complete compilation of many sources regarding the Sound of Music. Covers not only the movie, but also the stageplay, the history behind the script and music, and the history of the Von Trapps themselves. The pictures are absolutely beatiful! There are stills from the movie, from the original Broadway cast, from many Broadway revivals, as well as many behind the scenes shots. This is a must have for anybody who loves the story of the Sound of Music.

As a former Lynvet, I attended many of the ganes highlighted in the book. Additionally I knew so many of the players mentioned who were a few years older than my friends and I. A few even were our coaches as we moved through the Lynvet organization. These flawed heroes modeled some risky behavior that many of us idolized. Consequently some of us followed in their troubled footsteps. And yet, the strength of character that they also modeled motivated recovery as well. The quasi-hero, Larry Kelly was responsible for many success stories including my own for which I could never repay him. I say a prayer of gratitude to him and all the fascinating old friends that the author recalls.
Jim Matthews, M.Ed. [...]

As an ex-Lynvet player and Annopolis grad, I thouroughly enjoyed "State of Grace." Mr. Timberg successfully brings you back to a much more difficult, but, in many ways, a simpler time. He provides vivid and colorful descriptions of his teamates and the challeges that they faced while entering adulthood.

"State of Grace" is a timeless book about young men living difficult lives, by today's standards, and through football and comraderie find their ways through life. I recommend this book to everyone, but especially to teenagers and their parents.

This memoir will never be dated. The son of a Ziegfield girl and an aspiring songwriter Timberg's book has you rooting for him from the beginning as challenge after challenge threaten to keep him down. He pulls himself into manhood and takes us with him in this superbly crafted work. His goal, Annapolis, is preceded by two years of trying to obtain an appointment. During this interregnum, he joins a sandlot football team made up of good, sometimes errant, boy/men wondering about destinies. A page turner.
S.D. Segalini
Falmouth MA

This book will appeal to anyone who grew up in the 50's/60's, especially in the New York area. The football aspect is a thread; the focus is on coming of age and the changes in society that took place in that era.

It was a personal bonus to me in that I knew the Stuyvesant High School folks mentioned in the book. They were a special breed, dealing with long commutes to school & practices while succeeding in one of the most academically challenging high schools in the U. S.

As I came to know the Lynvets in State of Grace, I found myself caring about each and every one of them while rooting for them to succeed in the games of football and life.

Robert Timberg comes across as an uncomplaining, grateful warm human being who appreciates the hardships of his life for the lessons they taught him, and the good things that happened to him and his buddies for the rewards they brought for trying. Unlike Frank McCourt , who, in "Angela's Ashes" and "Tis" constantly complains about his life growing up and shows very little appreciation for the good life that this country has given him. He should take a lesson from Timberg, whose book is equally as good, who loves his country and his fellow man.

It was wonderful to read about the bond between the Lynvets and the competitions that helped almost everyone to mature to his potential.

Despite a surface knowledge of football I thoroughly enjoyed "State of Grace", and the plays are so well described that it doesn't take much familiarty with the game to get involved and root for the Lynvets.

I highly recomment reading this book.

I. C. Lefferts - Litchfield, CT

The author must have psychic powers and a clear, analytic mind. Oliverio's argument published in 1998 should have been read by U.S. foreign policy makers. She makes a cogent argument for considering the ways in which people and organizations of power use the concept of terror to hid their own uses of terrorism.

Although this book had been recommended to me by first class scholars, I did not read it until this week because I assumed the work would not be relevant after Septermber 11, 2001. The fact is it is more relevant now then ever before. In many ways, I interpret her to be saying that she loves her countries by loves justice more, much as Camus said long ago. Justice, an analysis of the politics of deviance and terrorism, a global perspective, and a beautiful analysis of the role of theater in the political arenas are only a small part of this poignant book.

This book is more interesting than the Titanic. The icing is the scholarly tone and the sophisticated literal agility of the Italian author.

The book is an important caution for those of us who struggle for freedom and search to create a humane state. With the rising use once again in Latin America of the instruments of oppression, the book cautions us to watch the state, itself. Read it and worry!

Oliverio delves deeply into the roots of statecraft and how those roots intertwine with terrorism. Clearly the author finds the musings of an early Austrian, Machiavelli, sadly relevant to the modern scene.

The State of Terror is a must read for anyone who desires a sophisticated analysis of terror. The book explains how we have been misled by both the political right and left on the issue of terrorism.

I'm delighted to see this book available again. Last year I spent $100 for a copy (well worth it!) because it was out of print. I plan to buy the new version for the additional pictures promised. I've been fascinated with this book since I was a kid (and his other out-of-print books). I have too much to say about Bill Owens' work and not nearly enough room! I love "Suburbia" and would highly recommend it to anyone who loves to study people just "doing their thing".

The 1973 original edition, which contained only black-and-white photos, may not have been to everyone's taste. I went to the library and compared the "NEW & IMPROVED" (as the red 8-pointed star on the cover proclaims) 1999 edition with the old. The new edition is a lot better. First, some photos that did not have much impact for me (e.g., a shot of adults kissing on Halloween) have been deleted. Second, 18 pages of color photos (some of which have the gaudy color combinations typical of the 1970s) and a number of B&W photos were added. Third, the order of photos is more meaningful; for example, "I believe in women's liberation" was the second photo in the old edition but is on page 21 in the new edition (opposite a depiction of two chairs and a TV). Fourth, Owen's editor Shimshak has added captions for photos that previously had none (e.g., on pages 16-17). Finally, there is a new introduction by journalist David Halberstam.

It's long overdue that this 1972 rare cult classic book was republished. In the early 70s, photographer Owens acted as an anthropologist objectively documenting suburban inhabitants, their native environs, and their daily rituals. By pairing the images with quotes made by the subjects, Owens has created a hilarious and absurd account of life in the suburbs. Tupperware parties, backyard barbecues, and going to the hairdresser have never been so riveting! You must own this book!

I'm delighted to see this book available again. Last year I spent $100 for a copy (well worth it!) because it was out of print. I plan to buy the new version for the additional pictures promised. I've been fascinated with this book since I was a kid (and his other out-of-print books). I have too much to say about Bill Owens' work...and not nearly enough room! I love "Suburbia" and would highly recommend it to anyone who loves to study people just "doing their thing".

I think this new edition of Bill Owens wonderful book is slightly better than the original. Having both editions I find that although the halftone screen is less than the original (first edition was over 200, this edition is 170) the printing quality and paper are better, giving the photos more depth. After all these years the images still look fresh and fascinating and the amount of detail the photos contain is amazing. As far as I am aware no other book comes close in capturing the feel of the American suburb of thirty odd years ago.

The book is always favourably mentioned in photo history books as an example of the `new topography' with photographers like Lewis Baltz, Robert Adams and Stephen Shore and the critics suggest that the citizens of this suburbia lead superficial lives because they live there. But they can't get round the fact these folk, living in Livermore Amador Valley, California, or perhaps three thousand miles away in Levittown, Long Island enjoy the life-style of suburban living and Owens photos capture this feeling so well.

On the visual strength of `Suburbia' I bought another book of Bill Owens photos, `Working: I do it for the money', published in 1977, a super collection of photos showing Americans at work and Like `Suburbia' it includes many observations from those in the photos. Well worth searching out for.

***FOR AN INSIDE LOOK click 'customer images' under the cover.

This is one of those easy reads that is funny and amuzing at points and overall, if you're from NYC and you trudge through the subways your whole life, you'll appreciate it's wit and humor.

As a diehard New Yorker displaced in South Florida the book brought back many memories. It was an outstanding read! Very Entertaining and Very Well Written.

I take my hat off to the author, great job!

The Subway Chronicles is delightfully entertaining. The book is quick and fun reading for anyone who has ever used mass transit. Subway Chronicles is quite enjoyable and I would definitely recommend it.

The essays in this book are all related to the New York City subway system, but they're all different from each other. So far, my favorite is Tim McGloughlin's "Opening Day," a description of the system from the inside, by an old-timer who really knows it. But there's also Daniels Parseliti's "Porno Man and I versus the Feminist Avenger and Displaced Anger Man," that brims with Generation X irony - and tells an outandish yet totally believable story. Colson Whitehead's "Subway" is a prose poem that describes the tactile and cognitive experience of subway riding so vividly that every experiened subway rider is sure to identify with it. Jonathan Lethem's "Speak, Hoyt-Schermerhorn" - a complex meditation on a particular station - is, like many of Lethem's essays, a cultural-historical journey. This book is a rich and wonderful collection, whether you love the subway or not.

As a occasional visitor to New York, I've thought of its subway as a transportation necessity moreso than a cultural element of the city, but after reading "The Subway Chronicles", I've got a much deeper perspective. The book is a compilation of short essays by various New Yorkers (or ex-NYers), each offering a different point of view--some historical, some mechanical, some hygenic (or lack thereof), some even poetic, but all personal and all adding a little piece to the big picture--akin to the mosaics that adorn the platform walls in various stations (albeit not to compare with the fabulous artwork in the Moscow subway system, as described by immigrant Boris Fishman.) You'll probably recognize some of the authors--Calvin Trillin for sure, and novelist Jonathan Lethem and others, but many of the essays result from the editor Jacquelin Cangro's successful thesubwaychronicles.com website--launched after an idea germinated at Thanksgiving dinner among friends in and around the publishing business--and as such are written by unpublished or hoping-to-be-published writers. Ms. Cangro has done an admirable job editing and arranging the material--chasing the pace and style of the essays to keep the subject fresh for the reader. The best example of this is when the Fishman's comprehensive essay comparing the history and artistry of the New York and Moscow subways is followed immediately by a short and striking piece featuring an egg salad sandwich.

In addition to learning about the subway and how it affects the people who ride, you'll get a feel for the psyche of the urban dweller--folks who live their life without a car--an unimaginable state of being in the small town or suburban life (or even big city like LA or Houston)that has come to dominate American culture. But even the occasional visitor to New York will recognize him or herself in the essays--many of the authors pay homage of sorts to the tourists, riders oblivious to the nuances, problems or culture of the system, who are just happy to be able to get where they want to go.

I absolutely loved this book -- every word! These are real people with real lives. You'll know them and love them and hate like crazy to tell them goodbye at the end of the book. I'm a Texan who's never been to New York, but I'm already missing the neighborhood! (Penny Marshall, I hope you're reading this book; it would make a fantastic movie!) ;)

I'll definitely be watching for more from Donna Cantor...she's made my list with this one!

The characters come alive with every printed word.You feel that you are part of their lives and you just never want it to end!

I picked this book off the shelf at random, not expecting much. What I found was the entralling story of a young woman from a working class neighborhood. While the events that happen in Joanna's life, the main character, are mostly mundane (with a few exceptions), the way in which they are reported is far from boring. Cantor's writing draws the reader into the lives of her characters. Her depictions of people and their interactions with one another ring true and familiar. They are also universal. The story begins with the death of a neighbor and the reintroduction of Joanna with the deceased's grandson, Tommy McClellan. What follows is not the storybook romance of movies and fairytales but the fumbling and rockiness of a real-life relationship. Tommy is tough, unconventional, and unfamilar with relationships that last longer than a weekend. Their problems, and the feeling that permeates through the written word, are the focus of the story. Once I began this book, I found it near impossible to tear myself away. I read it largely in one sitting, and felt a sense of loss once the novel was finished. Even now, three weeks later, the book is with me. This book is neither cheesy nor unrealistic, and is a definite "must-read" for anyone who loves love but hates conventional romance.

Excellent effort from a first-time writer. Held my interest from start to finish. The characters were well-developed and different from anything I've read before. A must-read for avid readers.

For those of us who live in Queens or Brooklyn, shop at the corner candy store and still see old school buddies around the neighborhood, this book feels like home. Ordinary life and people, really are marvelous, Donna captures this and when you have read the last page, you start to miss every character.

Saying that I use this book almost every week end should be enough.
This is the best book to have for one day getaway from New York.
Reliable and of good advice.
This is The book I read to chose my week ends hike when I can't leave for more than one day. It has saved my week ends more than once!

Easy to use and informative. I look forward to picking hikes for the summer.

This book details, in an easy to read fashion, legitmate day hikes (3-9 miles) in the NY/NJ region. If you are looking for hikes that offer the best of what southern NY and northern NJ has to offer, this book is for you.

This is the must-have book for anyone who loves hiking. It's got the best trails, along with tons of great info. Everything you need if you live in and around New York City and love the outdoors.

I've lived in New York City for ten years, and just when I thought I'd done/seen it all, along comes this great book! I just completed my first hike outlined in "Take a Hike: New York City" yesterday (in the Ramapo Mountains of New Jersey) and I'm hooked. I carried the guide with me and - being a novice hiker - found that all the detail was perfect and wise. And it's smartly written as well with a bit of humor! I might last another ten years in New York now that I've been introduced to another facet of the city I call home.