California Books

Ron Ely has done it again. Book has a well contrived plot with interesting beach characters. The volleyball techniques and play was laudable and blended in beautifully with the overall plot. Ron Ely can craft the finest plots and his Jake Sands protagonist is as good as you will find.

Great book. I have lived in Santa Barbara for nearly 15-years and Ron's does a great job of describing the "REAL" SB. The plot is sound and the pacing is excellent.

The Rumor is that he has written three additional novels, but the third Jake Sands novel was too heavily edited for his tastes by the publisher so he has chosen not to release it.

This is a shame, if the rumor is true.

If I ever bump into Ron here in town, I will try to get the facts and report back.

Maybe we should all email Simon & Schuster and express our desire for more Ron Ely works to see the light of day...

Great book. Ticks me off that the author has obviously been under-promoted by his publisher/agent. I enjoyed Ely's book for the ambience of Southern California/Santa Barbara, and for writing extremely well. Few authors, especially mystery writers, sound so natural.

The opening and closing lines in this book says it all. "Just another lousy day in paradise". The characters are so real you feel that you know them. Kudos to Ron Ely and I hope there are more on the way. The storyline is tight and the dialouge is as smooth as a single malt whiskey. I've read this book and Night Shadows several times.

I have always been a Travis McGee fan. Loved most of what John D. MacDonald wrote, but then came Ron Ely and Jake Sands. Never have I been so captivated by such a set of characters and the setting of Santa Barbara. If I could give ten stars, I would.

Voice of Youth Advocates Magazine October 2002 VOYA
Growing up in San Jose, California, Arturo Rodriguez and his brothers and sister endured an abusive father, their parents' unhappy marriage, and their father's absence after he returned to Mexico. Rodriguez coped as best he could, but his drinking and drug use, in the wrong place at the wrong times led to his incarceration in California's prison system for young offenders. Against all odds, he put his past behind him, married and had a family, and worked hard to overcome injustices and start a successful business. After his retirement Rodriguez began writing about his life and his family. This book is sequel to East Side Dreams (Dream House, 2001, published in Spanish as Sueños del Lado Este. In this second autobiographical book, he writes about childhood pranks and misdeeds, his mother's near fatal illness, his parent's divorce, the birth of his first child, and how his parents even eventually became friends.
The writing here is unpolished but sincere in true, and the reminiscences and descriptions are vivid and true to life. Neither how he grew to understand his father and other relatives whom he loved despite their flaws. His message for young readers is clear. It is possible to survived and overcome injustices and hardships. Rodriguez maintains a Web site at www EastSideDreams. com and invites readers to visit, view his picture alum, and perhaps send him an e-message. He will answer.-Sherry York Voice of Youth Advocates Magazine

The Midwest Book Review. May 7, 2002
East Side Dreams by Art Rodriguez is full of energy and the struggles that the author himself endured while growing up on the east side of San Jose, California in 1966.
I enjoyed reading this inspirational novel derived from the memories of a teenager who is now a mature and successful businessman.
East Side Dreams has been translated into Spanish to reach the Spanish speaking population in the United States.
As I read the troubling times of Art Rodriguez I couldn't relate to many of his predicaments, but I certainly felt compassion toward him and thanked God for my "normal" life. Mr. Rodriguez touches your heart as you read his passionate book of self-taught lessons.
As you read East Side Dreams, which captures the hopelessness of growing up with an unpleasant childhood, keep in mind that this life drove the author to his true passion-writing!
The author, Art Rodriguez has been honored by the New York Library System to be on the "2001 Books for Teenage List" for his book East Side Dreams. He was also given "The Mariposa Award-Best First Book" at the Latino Literary Hall of fame for this same book. Bravo! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and encourage young readers to read it, as there are plenty to learn from this book. It will bring tears to your eyes.

James A. Cox
Editor-in -Chief
The Midwest Book Review.

East Side Dreams is the debut book and memoir Art Rodriguez, of a Latino American who survived growing up on the rough side, at odds with a dictatorial father, and once an inmate of the California Youth Authority -- a prison system for young lawbreakers. Reflections on both happy and miserable times of his childhood, growing up, learning maturity and finally making a comfortable life for himself fill this heartfelt and revealing personal testimony. Highly recommended reading for young adults, East Side Dreams has justly earned the distinctions of being named the "Best First Book of the Latino Literary Hall of Fame", and has been honored as one of 200 Best Teenage Books in the United States by the New York Public Library System.

My son who is 21 came home with this book and said Mom you have got to read this book it is so good. So I said o.k. mejio let me read it! When I started to ready it it brought back so many memories (I grew up in the East Side of San Jose) and most of the things he was talking about I lived it. I laughed and cried and could not put down the book. This is a great book for all ages. After I got done reading it I gave it to my Father to read and he enjoyed it too.

Art Rodriguez takes us to jail with him so that we never need to go. He sits us next to him in his cell with nothing left to do but sit and remember. We try with him to connect the memories to being imprisoned, but there is no connection at all.

Although Art had an abusive father, he never once cites this as a reason for his violent behavior. He was a kid that made poor choices and got what he deserved. He blames no one but himself, and it is with this realization of responsibility that Art turns his life around. He went from street punk to a successful business man, a supportive father and an award winning author. He shows us that people can change and that bad mistakes are not the end of your life unless you allow them to be. Art Rodriguez is the silent roll model all troubled children are looking for.

This book is a great experience for audiences young and old. Buy it and read it.

I found myself feeling joyful and inspired while reading this story and believe women - especially those that married young - can benefit from reading it. The Prince Charming fantasy is real for many of us. All long-term relationships must evolve for us to live a fulfilling life as an individual spiritual being in-relation to others. Once the initial blush of getting to know each other runs its course, most people have no idea where to go next or what to do. This book guides you through the process of self-exploration with caring and gentleness and does it with no judgments or blame.

When I read a book, I usually form a bit of an idea of what the author is like and I felt like it was written by a friend who understands me. This book has a flow to it that makes it easy to read. It's 'reality-based' and would be worth a read by anyone at any stage of a marriage, or any other relationship for that matter.

By the time I got to chapter three of this delightful Marriage Life-line, I was certain Suzanne Harrill is my Fairy God Mother. Her remarkable insight into how I feel about the hard-hitting reality that after five years of sincere heartfelt mutual joy with my husband--the honeymoon is "somehow" really over--is a bright light of hope into a rats nest of confusion. The book imparts a sense of universal compassion and understanding for the position and perspectives of both wouldbe Cinderella's AND our Princes such that, contrary to how it seems, our plight is natural in the maturing of a long-term comitted partnerships. Each chapter offers hands-on processes to reflect and clarify thoughts, feelings and goals personally and as a couple. Following the guidelines, each person has a chance to explore individual needs and desires while helping each other decide what is best for the relationship. It is a priceless tool for anyone navigating a marriage individually or together.

Accessible. Lighthearted but deeply wise. I read this book on a friend's recommendation because my husband is having a mid-life crisis. I got him to read this book and he said, "Oh, I've been projecting." In other words, he was blaming me for things about himself that he didn't like. It was an important step in a living nightmare that came after 15 years of a mostly wonderful marriage. If only we all took classes in what a mature marriage looks like -- we see our parents' marriages but there is much they don't reveal to children. This book fills that gap. Read it early -- before you *need* to read it. At first, we don't talk with others because we feel shame. But this book helps you see how common these painful problems really are. You aren't alone.

The book was first read by the woman that I am involved with. She really enjoyed reading it and was able to understand more about our relationship. I read the book a couple months later and it also gave me more understanding about our problems between us. The book does stress how important a third neutral party can be of great help and as you might of guess unless you believe in Fairy Godmothers the third party is best left up to an Professional Therapist.

This incredible book for me is a totally new
way of illustrating a fairy tale.
The description of this fantasy world using
postcards is innovative and very interesting.
I strongly suggest this book to all the
art lovers.

As an artist of middle age, I sometimes think of my art as good and my growth as complete... that is, until I look at work like this.

Suddenly I feel like a beginner again, with nothing to do but learn and get better at my art. Mr. Scheurer teaches this teacher how to teach better, just by the inspirational settings he creates and the drawings he does from deep in his imagination. There is a whole world residing in him that is too fanciful to describe. He is my new favorite artist.

Even though this book, at first glance, appears to be an art book, there is a very charming story woven into the "stamp" descriptions, as well. Each page features an illustration of a stamp from the imaginary realm of "Entropia" and a description of the event or history the stamp is commemorating. I read this book in two sittings, only because I had an appointment to keep that tore me away from such a beautiful book. Once finished, this book left me with a strong desire to read and see more of Christian Lorenz Scheurer's "Entropia".

Christian is one of my favorite artist. This new book is full of great stories and wonderful pictures! It's great for all ages.

Bought this book as a gift for a friend but then ended up keeping it for myself.
The fantastic story and beautiful illustrations felt like a mix between Nick Bartock's Griffin and Sabine and Miyazaki's Spirited Away.
This is most inspiring fantasy book I read this year!:)

Besides teaching math in a middle school, I also sponsor a math club. It can be tough finding useful, stimulating activities that are enticing to students, especially when the alternative is free time to socialize. I borrowed this book from a co-worker and found that it was a real hit---full of great ideas that are fun and easy to use. I liked it so much that I bought the book for myself, and a copy for still another teacher, too! At the end of the school year when parents start asking me what they can do with their child over the summer to strengthen math skills, you can bet that I'll be recommending this book.

I use this book to get the kids in my classroom hooked on liking math. Most of the time they end up asking "Is this math?" because they've always believed it was too hard or boring, but this book makes learning math fun because of its interactive activities. I would say it's a must have for teachers too.

I hate math. Memories of trying to understand long division in fourth grade can still make me squirm. Algebra was a lost year of my life - I had no idea what the teacher was talking about. Wouldn't you just guess I'd end up with a son who could add two digit numbers in his head before he started kindergarten? (I'm over 40 and I still can't do it very well) He even thought it was fun to do so.

You can probably guess that the normal elementary school math curriculum did not thrill him. Fortunately, early on, his kindergarten teacher lent me her copy of this book, and suggested that it might help him get started on understanding some higher math concepts, while still being age appropriate. The words "higher math" were not exactly music to the ears of a math phobe like me. But within a couple of weeks, after trying out a few games, I was hooked, and bought my own copy.

During the time he was in elementary school, I think we did at least 3/4 of the activities in the book, not because I thought he should, but because he wanted to. And, to my enormous surprise, so did I. The games and activities in this book are so intriguing that even I began to develop a sense of what it must feel like to really love math. (And, amazingly enough, I even got a little better at basic arithmetic.) Several of the games were so much fun, they became obsessions. We played them day after day.

My younger child, who recently finished kindergarten, doesn't remotely share her brother's love of numbers, but this year I dug out my old copy of the book to see if it might get her more interested. Sure enough, it worked. The games of logic and the games designed to develop rapid mental arithmetic skills that so fascinated her brother don't really interest her. In fact, most of the book is still way beyond her skill level. But I've found quite a few games that are appropriate for a child still struggling to add and subtract single digit numbers. (She says they're more fun than the math games they play at school). And there are several activities (Tangrams, and Color Designs, for instance) that take advantage of her love of art to help her understand math better. At the end of kindergarten, my daughter told me that her favorite school subject was math. I have no doubt that her exposure to Family Math games had a lot to do with that. And I have no doubt that we'll be using this book more and more over the next few years.

Fantastic! Family Math puts math and problem solving skills on the kitchen table. A far cry from homework, these games and activities involve common household materials like toothpicks and dried beans. They are easy to learn, quick to play, and cover a range of mathematical abilities and topics. Definitely enjoyable for both adults and children.
The book is organized into different math topics (like Logical Reasoning, Numbers and Operations, Probability and Statistics) and each activity clearly states the age level that it is for and its purpose.
FAMILY MATH ends with instructions for setting up a Family Math class to teach parents and teachers how to use the material.

This was recommended by our son's 1st grade teacher, we borrowed hers and then bought our own. It's a great family book that incorporates math into fun games. We have a 1st and 4th grader and it works great for both of them. The reviews and suggestions are appropriate and easy to use. The activities are age/level appropriate also, it's a great way to spend some time away from the t.v. and computer.

Father Greg Boyle has done miracles that not everyone can do in working with youth at-risk, especially Latino gang members of East Los Angeles (the "mother-island" of gangs). It ONLY takes a special and unique person to attract and aquire respect from the so-called "lost human-beings" that are involved in gangs. Not all adults see these latino youth as "human beings" whatsoever. Father Greg deserves MORE recognition for what he has done in the Pico/Aliso neighborhoods. Highly recommend this book. May GOD bless "G."

Fremon's account of Father Greg's early 1990's work in Boyle Heights, CA. is as moving and powerful a work as one is likely to read. The fact that this book is out of print (currently) is a crime!

FIRST OFF I WANT TO THANK FATHER GREG FOR CHANGING ALOT OF PEOPLES POINT OF VIEW ON GANSTERS ALOT OF PEOPLE JUDGE THE BOOK BY THERE COVER WELL FATHER GREG SPOKE THE TRUTH ABOUT THE PROJECTS IN EAST LOS I SHOULD KNOW I LIVED THERE AND I KNOW HIM AND ALOT OF THE GANG MEMBERS THAT FATHER GREG TALKED ABOUT HS BOOK. FATHER GREG TALKS ABOUT HOW HE EARNED HIS RESPECT FROM US GANG MEMBERS AND THE COMMUNITY NOT ONLY DOES HE INSPIRE PEOPLE WITH HIS BOOK BUT ALSO HE GETS RESPECT FOR NOT GIVING UP ON US HELPING US IN EVERYWAY POSSIBLE AND LETTING PEOPLE KNOW ALOT MORE OF EAST LOS IN THE CITY OF ANGELS..

I teach criminal justice courses at Dodge City Community College. One of the topics most students are interested in is hispanic gangs. I found this book to be excellent, and a number of students have also said positive things about the book. It gives the reader a realistic view of gang life in LA, and Father Greg's work is very encouraging. I tell my students that 1 person can make a difference in life, but most don't believe me. The book not only depited gang members and their lives, it also demonstrated some programs that were effective. I highly recommend the book!

I had the pleasure of hearing Father Greg Boyle speak in my religion class at Santa Clara University earlier this year. I enjoyed his talk so much, I went to a subsequent one and it was there I was first introduced to his book. A wonderful book to compliment a wonderful person. Father Greg is truly an angel in human form.

This book was an easy read and provided me an opportunity to learn about another Black hero that became part of American History. Truly an inspiration. I really enjoyed this book!

The Flight of Jesse Leroy Brown is a tremendous book about a true story of an African American to become a naval fighter pilot. It is writen by the same auther of the Cay( search The Cay for more on it). It shows every moment of his rough journey to become an naval pilot. This book really describes the kind of person that Jesse Leroy Brown was. Jesse is one of a handful of African Americans like Martin Luther King Jr. who stood up for his rights as a person.I don't want to describe too much with out spoiling the book, so read the "Flight of Jesse Leroy Brown" and see the life of a famous fighter pilot and African American.

The Flight of Jesse Leroy Brown is a tromendous book about a ture storyof a African American becoming the first african american to become a navel fighter pilot. It is writen by the same aouther of the Cay( search The Cay for more on it). Shows every moment of his rough journy to become an navel pilot. Jesse is a hand full of african americans like Martin Luther King Jr. Not to little nor not much to describe with out spoiling the book so read the Flight of Jesse Leroy Brown and see the life of a famous fighter pilot and african american.

Jesse Leroy Brown is a true hero. His life was a shining example of perseverance and courage. Mr. Taylor's book was well written and extremely well researched. Jesse's flight school and combat experiences brought me vivid recollections of my own time in flight school and flying F/A 18s in combat. The Navy, along with American society, has gotten much better; but even in the late 80s and 90s, I observed some of the prejudice that Jesse encountered.

This book has universal appeal, but it will be especially inspirational to those who are on the leading edge of a movement.

I wish I could have met Jesse Leroy Brown and thanked him for paving the way for my success some 40 years later. My children will definitely know of his ultimate sacrifice. I thank Mr. Taylor for telling this important story.

The travails of the First Marine Division in its "advance in the opposite direction," at the Chosin Reservoir in 1950 are legendary. Almost unknow to them then, and to millions of Americans now, a lone black naval aviator was giving his best effort to cover their escape. He died in the line of duty doing what he had dreamed of accomplishing all his life. He was Jesse Leroy Brown. Never hear of him? Neither had I until I read his biography written by Theodore Taylor. This story cannot be simply classified as African-American History. History of the American Spirit more aptly describes the chronicle of a young black boy who set his sights high then struggled to hit the target. Readers should be prepared to be uplifted in the same manner that they were when first reading about Davey Crockett, "Unsinkable" Molly Brown or Seargent Alvin York. This is human drama and adventure at its finest.

I have had this book for three years and it is by far the most valuable resource on fishing in California that I own. Locations by region, maps, directions, and discussion of some incredibly obscure spots I never knew existed. The first thing I do when planning a fishing trip with the fellas is open this book and start exploring the hundreds and hundreds of rivers and lakes Tom outlines in detail. We've taken 4 or 5 trips using this book and all have been great. Directions are concise, accessability, facilities and fees are discussed, lures, tackle, and techniques for various locales along with some very entertaining stories make this one of my favorite books in the library.

My title says it all. This is the Bible of California fishing. Thinking about fishing in California? Your first step should be this book. Along with my fly rod and some tackle, I keep a copy in my Jeep at all times. Just in case......

Great information about everything there is to know about fishing. The Foghorn Camping book complements it well.

This is a "must have" book. I always have the book in my truck when I leave on a fishing trip. It is well laid out and very informative and just about every fishing hole in the state. I've seen Tom several times and purchased his books at the local fishing expositions and he has signed every copy.

After reading the fishing suggestions for Big Bear Lake, I used a lure that was suggested for this lake, namely, a rooster tail, and hooked a beautiful two pound trout. I have always used a needlefish lure until now. You know what I'll use in the future! We plan to fish in the High Sierra's next year and this book will be my bible.

This is a really great book - not just about football. Rather a story of quirky life events and a string of tragedies you will never forget. It's gut wrenching story of pain, but yet a bautiful story none the less. Beautifully written. I can promise you won't forget. I am not a huge football lover (i am a fan just not a maniac) but it's not neccesary to love this book. It's truly a great read that you should MAKE the time to read.

I was a 14-year-old in 8th grade when I read this compelling book, "The Forever Season", by the ever-so-talented Don Keith. To me Don was a devious Spider, weaving his finely spun web (The Forever Season). And I, I was the defensless fly, struggling to get through the cobbwebs of suspens and mystery, only to find myself being hooked deeper into the relm of twisted strands leading their way to a shocking and unbelievable douple ending. Once I picked up this book of books, I just could not put it down. It was as if it were glued to my hands. I really related to this book, for Don wrote the majority of it in Southern slang and I'm partly from the South. When Don had put down his pen, what he had infront of him was an elaberate maze, one which you must be prepared for the unexpected to be able to escape its walls of words, and its traps of enigmatic conclusions. I truly recommend this book, for even my words don't do it justice.

The book gives a unique look into college football. I didn't want to put it down once I began reading. Football provides the setting for the story, but it goes far beyond that. You don't have to be a football fan to love this book. Give it a chance. I felt the characters were interesting, and those who would criticize them as stereotypes don't know a good read when they see it. I wonder if the reviewers that blasted it even read this book?

A great book for anyone who likes to read about football or just reality and how the real world is from another persons perspective. It almost feels like you are in the persons shoes walking in their yard playing football or full grown in college playing the big game against ole miss. I gave this a five star rating for many reasons besides the descriptions though. I loved the way he thought about how c.p. was not just centered around football and that he actually liked to read poetry too and was good at something besides football like in many books that i have read that are about a football star. this book is great and anyone that can get their hands on it should read it

I was a 14 year old in 8th grade when I read this compelling book " The Forever Season", by the ever-so-talented Don Keith. To me, Don was a devious spider, weaving his finely spun web (The Forever Season) and I, I was the defensless fly, struggling to get through the cobwebs of suspense and mystery, only to find myself being hooked deeper into the realm of twisted strands leading their way to a shocking and unbeliebable double ending. Once I picked up this book of books, I just could not put it down. It was as if it were glued to my hands. I really related to this book, for Don wrote the majority of it in Southern slang and I'm partly from the South. When Don had put down his pen, what he had in font of him was an elaborate maze. One which you must be prepared for the unexpected to be able to escape its walls of words, and its traps of enigmatic conclusions. I truly recommend this book, for even my words don't do it justice.

This story is quite interesting. I found the lyrical underpinnings quite... well, as another reviewer wrote, engrossing. The author is very talented in bringing the complexity of opera to the mind of a simpleton like me. I enjoyed another work by this author even more, though. That book, Frosted Glass, is this story on steroids. As good as this book is, that one is quite a bit better. I recommend both, but especially Frosted Glass.

I know that author neice and she said it was a good book and from the reveiws it looks good.

Let me just start with this statement: I loved this book. I am a budding opera singer, finishing my master's degree in voice performance, and I literally stumbled upon this book. For opera lovers-- and I mean people who love opera for opera's sake, not because it's supposed to be upper class or anything silly like that-- should love this book. Here's a brief glimpse into the book (this is a hard one to describe without giving away subtle plot twists and intricate nuances.) Bill Harness is a 50-something type of vagabond who travels around to various opera companies and distributes money to promising singers and opera houses. In Washington, he stumbles upon a brilliant young opera singer, Gabriella Compton, whose voice not only entrances him, but seems to cry out to his very existence. Gabriella is initially concerned that Bill is just a dirty old man who is trying to seduce her, but they soon become the best of friends. As the book progresses, we catch glimpses of Bill's past and the reasons why Gabriella affects him so much. By the end of the book, I was rooting for Gabriella's career and Bill's catharsis, especially with the surprise ending. Beyond Bill and Gabriella, one encounters a myriad of fantastic characters, including "Jersey" the mezzo-soprano who initially captures Bill's attentions, Joe-- the baritone who reminds me of every baritone that I've ever met, Rodrigo-- the amazing, but nervous toe-tapping tenor, cameo appearances by the diva Licia Albanese, and -- my personal favorite-- the Maestro, Gabriella's teacher and head of the opera company who studied music as a young man with the incomparable Puccini. The thing that is really wonderful about this book is that Vaughn writes like a real person. He views opera as something to be loved and enjoyed, and not necessarily revered or something to cause awe, although he does grant that aspect to his view of Gabriella's performances. I recommend this book whole-heartedly. A basic knowledge of opera and the Italian language may make the read easier, but it is not necessary to enjoy this book. A wonderful read, it is also fast-paced with just enough suspense to keep you guessing. You won't be disappointed. Enjoy!

Did you know Michael J. Vaughn's novel "Gabriella's Voice" is being considered for a 2001 Pulitzer Prize in Letters as "distinguished fiction by an American author." Did you know that it started as an e-book. Did you know that this book has been receiving extremely postive reveiws since it was published. Well enough about history, because I found out that the book was an excellant read. I strayed away from this book because I am a music fan but not an opera fan. I recall being trapped in a station wagon as my father listened to the Saturday afternoon opera on radio each week. Tenors I could deal with, but sopranos? I would picture each one looking like Julia Child with Viking horns. I admit that this is a stereotype, but we all have them. I am a fan of e-books and was happy at this book's nomination for a major award. I then picked up a copy and was blown away. I enjoy stories of travel and could really relate to Bill, traveling around after his Diva. Did you say stalker? NO, not the case. Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder and this is what Bill becomes engulfed in. Mr. Vaughn captures his audience the way a conductor catches ones attention at a symphony and the way a diva draws you in at an opera.

If you were to take a violist and a soprano to the top of a high cliff and pushed them off, which would hit the ground first? Who cares! Actually, the violist will land first. The soprano would stop halfway and ask for direction. Didn't need an appreciation for music or singing to find the humor in that, did ya? Well, you won't need either to appreciate Michael J. Vaughn's "Gabriella's Voice." "Gabriella's Voice" chronicles about a year in the strange but plausible relationship between 50ish Bill Harness and 29 year-old soprano-cum-diva Gabriella Compton. He's got a dubious past whose recent pastime is visiting opera companies and leaving huge anonymous donations, which ultimately leads him to Seattle. She's one of the last of the classically trained "bel canto" singers who dreams of the big time without selling out by resorting to contemporary singing styles. Eventually the pair begins a friendship built more on affection than on romance. Bill's family has apparently been pitched three tragic knuckle balls, the last of which prompted Bill to 'retire early' and go about his philanthropic pilgrimage. Vaughn's vehicle of an operatic novel succeeds in taking this seemingly haughty theatre form away from the high-culture fast lane and swerving it into the carpool lane. Graciously, he keeps the pace at a nice cruising speed to take us on a scenic route of opera company history and hijinks without slowing so as to demystify opera's grace and elegance. It, is, however, just a tour. "GV" will no doubt appeal to the already opera savvy, but probably won't succeed in indoctrinating the uninitiated. Actually, sometimes you may get the feeling that Vaughn is so caught up in peppering his prose with Italian opera lingo or other high-brow theatre-speak that he comes close to betraying an agenda of using his novel as a manifesto about opera-company politics. And just as a baton-waiving, scraggly-haired conductor sometimes places unrealistic demands on the orchestra or the choir, Vaughn's novel occasionally asks the more pragmatic reader to accept Bill's strange requirements in order to tell his tragic stories to a doubtfully eager-to-please Gabriella. The first story is kind of a flick to the nose. The second is like a punch in the gut, and the third like a sledgehammer to the back of the neck. Definitely 20th century family tragedies--no argument there--but they make it difficult to label this a "comic novel." "Gabriella's Voice" is an ambitious story that could have been just as impressive if not for Vaughn's request that we suspend believability a little more than usual for Bill to have his breakdowns and then expect us to believe that the educated, sophisticated Gabriella would actually accommodate him and stroke his oh-so-tragic soul. Eventually, Bill reluctantly begins to trust Gabriella with these three tragedies, but only when she arranges for the time and setting to be just right. The place, the lighting, the ambiance... oh, puh-lease. But that's a minor complaint compared to how Vaughn brilliantly introduces keen insight using poetic descriptive devices rather than stock prose devices to build some memorable and exciting characters and situations. Find a good, Bohemian cafe, one that knows how to prepare a con panna--the right way--and go read this in the large out-of-place chair next to the dusty bookshelf and the old piano nobody ever plays. Just make sure the lighting is just right.