Fitzgerald Books

General information for Rel 13. Good for beginners.

This book was cool because it shows you what happens when your a bully. Like, Sandy and the other kids made a fire in that little place. The end was neat because he caught a ball that almost was a homerun.

I purchased this book for my first grade classroom. We do a unit of study on the elements of a non-fiction text. The Time for Kids books are wonderful for this unit. They have terrific pictures (which the kids love), and many elements of a non-fiction text, such as labeling, comparisions, captions, glossary, types of print, etc. I would highly recommend this book - really all of the time for kids books - to those looking for appropriate non-fiction books for a first grade classroom. The level 1 and 2 books are most appropriate.

``The Beautiful and Damned,'' F. Scott Fitzgerald's second published novel, is a penetrating portrait of the idle rich. It is vital social commentary that previews themes the author would deal with in his next and best book, ``The Great Gatsby.''
The greatest strength and greatest weakness of ``The Beautiful and Damned'' is that it doesn't have even one likable character. The closest we come is Muriel Kane, the friend of Gloria who volunteers for World War I nurse duty, and Joseph Bloeckman, the producer who tries to get Gloria into the movies. Bloeckman's line of work leads one to think his friendship is illusory like a movie.
The story revolves around Anthony Patch, grandson of multimillionaire Adam Patch, and Gloria Gilbert, Anthony's wife. The family name is a clue that something is being masked the way a patch covers a hole. This turns out to be grandpa Patch's sleazy life as a Wall Street operator. His fortune secured, Adam Patch attempts repentance by becoming a social reformer and prohibitionist. If alive today, the senior Patch would no doubt have a talk show on right-wing radio.
Anthony, an only child and layabout Harvard grad, is waiting for his grandfather to die so his life can begin in earnest. Gloria is equally aimless (who says alike repel?). Gloria, also an only child from parents living above their means, complains regularly about odors and people's cleanliness. Gloria doesn't complain about the cleanliness of boozer and smoker Anthony because he comes with the most pleasant smell of all -- the sweet savor of money.
Grandfather Patch proves rather durable and this causes the marriage of Anthony and Gloria to become nearly unendurable. Money gets tight and the couple ventures out into employment with humorous and sad results -- Anthony as a stock salesman and Gloria as an actress.
Fitzgerald's legendary wit is fully on display throughout. He roasts situations and institutions as well as his characters --
On war (p. 249 of the Penguin paperback edition): ``Wilson and his cabinet -- a cabinet that in its lack of distinction was strangely reminiscent of the twelve apostles -- let loose the carefully starved dogs of war, and the press began to whoop hysterically against sinister morals, sinister philosophy and sinister music produced by the Teutonic temperament. Those who fancied themselves particularly broad-minded made the exquisite distinction that it was only the German Government which aroused them to hysteria; the rest were worked up to a condition of retching indecency.''
On peace (p. 319): ``Over in Europe the usual number of children had swollen stomachs from starvation, and the diplomats were at their customary business of making the world safe for new wars...Peace had come down in earnest, the beginning of new days.''
Anthony, survivor of a Job-like experience, finally gets what he thought he wanted. Gloria is back to her essential self. A happy ending? Not exactly. Purposelessness has taken its toll.
There is much biography weaved into ``The Beautiful and Damned'' and that adds poignancy. The lives of Fitzgerald and wife Zelda greatly mirror Anthony and Gloria. It is amazing how a man can embrace a lifestyle yet mercilessly criticize it. This is testimony to Fitzgerald's uniqueness and power. Less honest and less talented people could not produce such work.

We have gotten 4 of the books in the series now. My little girl and i read them together as bedtime stories and she loves them. The stories and engaging and unique - putting a great new twist on some old stories!! Looking forward to seeing what comes next.

I loved this book because it teaches kids the valuable lesson of letting animals go back into nature. I remember the feeling of wanting to take in every animal that came my way, but after a while we realize that the animal (chipmunk) is ready to explore the world, it can be set free.

Once, again the Berenstains really articulate the lesson well to a beginner audience.

Fun-filled adventure about the Great West! I loved this book and its' glorious illustrations. Great for beginners!

"Best Friends" is a cool little book for the newly reading. The first thing that I like about it is that it is divided into 2 chapters. How cool is that! This division gives children a `clue' as to what these chapter-thingies are all about; and even adds to their confidence.

The action centers around Dan and Zack, two friends who pick apples in Chapter 1 and play a guessing game in Chapter 2.

The text is very simple with lots of picture clues. Vocabulary includes words like: pick, one, two, this, that, me you, cap, hat, your, Nick and Mack (dogs), what, big and hand. Harder words include: wait, pack, snack, surprise, yard and snail.

Here is an example of what you will find (two pages of text):

Pick this.
Pick that.

One in my cap.
Two in your hat.

Another thing I like is that there is a page of questions after each chapter. These pages can be used not only to confirm that small fry are understanding what is read; plus it is a starting point for conversation. The kind of question that might be asked would be: "Is `Apple Snack' a good title for this story? Why or why not?"

And finally there are some suggested activities at the back of the book.

Five Stars. [A-] This primer has a great deal going for it. Sample questions and activities are provided for adults, and children are provided with the `chapter' experience.

This book brought back fond memories of my childhood, growing up as a young boy in the South Bronx. Me and the rest of the gang used to let our creativity run wild - while boys in other neighborhoods were into professional wrestling and BB guns, we used to go antiquing in SOHO and sell baked goods at our little roadside stand.

Anyhoo, gotta run - these muffins won't bake themselves! :)

Ciao for now,

Petey

Acclaimed for his reading of the Bible as well as his stage and screen portrayals veteran actor Alexander Scourby now gives articulate voice to four short stories by F. Scott Fitzgerald. To many, the stories of Fitzgerald epitomize the Roaring 20s. Listeners will be delighted with this selection which includes a quartet of the author's best.

Written in December, 1930, "Babylon Revisited" is probably the most frequently reissued Fitzgerald story, surely the most examined. Written during a time of personal emotional difficulties, it is considered by many to be at least partially autobiographical in its tracing of tragedy. The story of the effects of a man's unseemly past, the time frame includes the Jazz Age and the Depression.

"The Lost Decade" captures the stunned reactions of a man who has somehow missed the last ten years, and "The Bridal Party" is a consummate appraisal of what money can and cannot bring about.

An unexpected visitor arrives in "Three Hours Between Planes" when childhood sweethearts are briefly reunited.

What a difference a little time can make. What a difference Alexander Scourby makes to the readings of these memorable stories.

- Gail Cooke