King Books

Ruby found a baby dragon and took care of it until someone came to her. Dragon told her that baby dragon should be care of its mother.

An extra exciting story, telling, that you should never do something when it could hurt something.

It was a very good book and I really liked the end. It was so sweet. I think other kids would like to read this. The Jewel Kingdom is a very good series, if you like princesses.

Princess Roxanne finds an egg and it hatches. Inside is a cute baby dragon. The adventure really gets exciting when Roxanne doesn't listen to her own dragon, Hapgood, who tries to warn her. This is a great book!

Roxanne, the Ruby Princess, finds a dragon egg and the dragon turns out to be playful. Roxanne feeds Sassy, the dragon, from a bottle that her sister, Demetra, the Diamond Princess, gave her. All of her sisters love Sassy. One day the dragon gets terribly sick. Will he get better? Read this book to find out!

Yet another pen name for the author known as Trevanian, this book is a precious satire of Medieval legends and their less than accurate and often embellishing storytellers.
Anyone might appreciate the rude and glorious side, but this book is actually funnier if the reader has had any contact with medieval thought, History or other academic near misses...

I finally received, from an endearing, if not downright useful cousin, a copy (hardbound , first edition in fact) of Rude Tales and Glorious -- the elusive print of an equally elusive author named Nicholas Seare (aka Trevanian aka UT Professor Rod Whitaker -- he of the numerous PhD's and other alphabetically-induced suffixes).

At the risk of waxing quotidian, my only regret is not having read this piece of literature sooner. This is an irreverent, audaciously humorous send-up of Arthurian history -- albeit Arthuriana's numerous manifestations and interpretations (and those are just the "ations," as Trevanian would say.)

Chaucer finds a more than worthy if not altogether brilliant extension of his idea in Seare's work.

The novel, in classic Trevanian-esque jest and joust (similarly used in Incident at Twenty Mile) purports to have had a solid foundation in history -- Rude Tales and Glorious claiming to be a contemporary translation of the author's ancestor's work.

Set in a Welsh knight's castle on a wintry evening, two beggar's claiming to be Launcelot and the Lady Elaine(of 600 years past) regale the dinner party with tales of the "real" Arthurian history in exchange for the orts and leavings of the feast -- "generously" given by a tale-thirsty lord.

Completing the cast at dinner are the typical suspects of this genre; the bungling knight and his warped-sense of valor (along the liberal democratic tradition), a hypocritical lothario of a priest ( also along the same liberal democratic tradition), lusty maidens (thus given to same previously-mentioned political affinity), and the servile servants (as they should be..being of the conservative republican staff). All complemented with similarly-inclined characters in the tale (of Arthur) within a tale.

All this is told in melliflous euphony evidenced in the English gentry's pedant in vocabulary and Twain's subtle comedy. Existent too, are Seare's/Trevanian's distaste for his perpetual foe -- the merchant, coupled with light-hearted jabs (though painful enough) at the Academic Illuminati of which Seare/Trevanian/Whitaker was, for a considerable portion of his life, a part of.

The entire body of work is prefaced with the autumnal sentimentality that Seare/Trevanian allows to epiphanize quite rarely though elegantly (inspired, no doubt, by the aesthete on poetic melancholy, Kawabata Yasunari) in his other works.

The tale is charmingly irreverent, and the telling is valiant and inspired!

Hope everyone has the opportunity and the pleasure to read this fine work.

Boy, do I consider myself lucky to have found a copy of "Rude Tales and Glorious". Any book that has me laughing aloud as often as this deservs to be the foundation for a religion. Douglas Adams and Terry Pratchett should be so funny (and they nearly are, but that's another review).

Since the original story of Arthur was published by Geoffrey of Monmouth, way back when men were men and women were grateful, there have innumerable retellings of the story. But none quite like this! Arthur as a stripling lad of 15, Merlin a ountry fair potion seller and Guinevere as the nymphomaniac queen are merely some of the colorful characters who we are given an entirely fresh view of in this bawdy version of the well known tales. The story is narrated by two beggars claiming to be Launcelot and his lady some 600 years after the reign of Arthur--so we have it straight from the horses mouth. The tale is bawdy and full of life, with no holds barred. The men are dumb but brawny, the woman plump and lusty, and both live life to the full. It is not only what Seare says but the way he says it which makes the book so funny. Highly recommended for a witty, well written, sometimes subtle laugh fest

This is the only book to date that I have had to stop reading
to wipe away tears of laughter. A proper, laugh out loud riot
that takes the Arthurian legends, and adds a new perspective
to the myth and magic .. lusty maidens, beggars, a overbearing
oaf as the Lord of the Manor, a priest who 'shrives' the sins of
the Lady and her Daughter by trials of the flesh ...it's not what
Errol Flynn portrayed at all. Imagine the 3 Musketeers films
(the ones with Olly Reed & Michael York), and the humour is in
a similar vein to these cinematic classics. If you like your
olden day heroes untarnished, clean and honourable, then don't
read this book. I'll never think about the Knights of the Round
Table in the same way again. Very funny, very well written with
some memorable phrases that I have used to good effect in the
years since reading it. Not recommended reading for funerals
or other such solemn occasions. Messrs Pratchett and Adams have
written some excellent books (I've read the lot) but they pale
when compared to this 'laugh until your face hurts' masterpiece.

This is an extremely insightful examination of the election that first put Grover Cleveland in the White House. The ways in which Summers analyzes the political process remind me of Holt's masterpiece, "The Rise and Fall of the American Whig Party". (That is a much more massive book, as it covers a broader topic over a longer period). The use of political cartoons of the period to support the narrative is probably the best I've seen. The style is engaging, although occasionally I think Summers gets slightly carried away. For example, at least one discussion of the standard myths about the period goes on long enough to be somewhat disruptive. Also, while I don't detect any factual bias, there is a tendency to look at things more a Republican perspective. That is, issues (e.g., the role of the minor parties) are more often discussed in terms of problems facing the GOP and how well they did or did not deal with them. The outcome of the election is reported in language that seems rather wistful that Blaine lost. Again, this is only a matter of relative emphasis - there is excellent material on the complex relations between the Democrats at the national and state levels and the rival Democratic machines in New York City. Despite my minor quibbles, I highly recommend this book to anyone with a general interest in American political history, and it certainly must be read by anyone with a particular interest in this period.

The last half of the 19th century is a period that the historians generally give short shrift to. They dutifully plow through it in the obligatory chapter in their rush to get from the Civil War to Teddy Roosevelt, Wilson, and the Progressive Era. The campaign of Grover Cleveland against James Blaine for the presidency in 1884 is just about forgotten. This is too bad because what with the emphasis on character and values (accompanied by some really gross mudslinging), the extensive changes in technology and business, the factionalism and divided government, it was a period much like ours. Summers does an excellent job of dispelling the prevailing view of this period as a doldrum bookended by Lincoln and TR. In a comprehensive yet not overly long book, he shows that substantive issues like the tariff, the relationship of the national government to the states, morality in politics, substance abuse (ie prohibition), and other pressing matters really were at stake, he explores those issues and the men and women who had to face them. This book is one of the best treatments of the 1884 presidential campaign (or any other campaign for that matter) out there. Find a copy of this book and read about a time that is so much like ours.

As an undergraduate at the University of Kentucky some years ago, Professor Mark Summers changed my life and I eventually devoted my life to the study of history. His lectures made the past come alive and seem so fresh and real and vital. Anyone who has read any of his books can relate to the sense of excitement that I am describing, and his latest book is no exception. In fact, it is perhaps his best book yet. Lively, fast-paced, yet scholarly and thought-provoking, Summers' book is everything that his readers have come to expect. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in nineteenth-century politics or U.S. history in general, or for those who consider history dry and boring and would like read a book where the past truly does come to life.

Anyone interested in politics or American history should love this book. The writing style is crisp and entertaining and the author strikes the right balance between explaining long ago and long forgotten events without drowning the reader in unnecesary details. The 1884 election itself was one of the most interesting of our history with sex scandals, charges of political corruption, party splits, and campaign blunders. The author brings the excitement to life and lets the reader understand not only what happened but why it occured and, even more interesting, what the participants had hoped to accomplish with their political strategies. The book succeeds in describing how late 19th century elections looked and felt to the participants. The human dynamic skillfully set out in this book (the cynical maneuverings, the overheated rhetoric, and the intense partisanship)are very familiar with what we experience in campaigns today-this very familiarity helps make Blaine and Cleveland seem real and not just sterile historical figures. Read this book!

Mark Summers is one of the great historians of mid-nineteenth century America. He is fully capable of taking subjects which have seemingly been worked to death and making them fresh with new material and original analysis. Rum Romanism and Rebellion does just that, making Blaine and Cleveland seem more vital and alive than the current occupants of the White House. The issues engage us, the political battle grips us. This is one of the author's best (to my mind, Mr. Summers best work is his two volume work on political corruption [neatly divided between ante-bellum crooks and post-war thieves]; let's hope that Mr. Summers has a trilogy in mind and next turns his attention to wartime corruption: from the transcontinental railroad to the supply of Union soldiers and the appointment of generals, that era was rife with corruption, yet very little has ever been written about it). Well done, Mr. Summers!

Wow! What a great book. The Runaway Princess by Kate Coombs is a fun and exciting read. Meet Princess Margaret (Meg) of Greeve, the princess who didn't want to be a princess, Cam, one of her best friends, and apprentice gardener, and Dilly, Meg's other best friend, who also happens to be her maid. The story begins with Meg's father announcing that whoever rids the land of the three evils, The Dragon, The Witch, and The Bandits, shall win first place, the princess's hand and marriage, and become heir of the Kingdom of Greeve. Obviously, Meg is appalled, and tries furiously to end this long tradition. But, unfortunately her parents refuse, and lock Meg in a tower. This is definitely not the result Meg was looking for, and she wants out! With the help of several helpful persons, such as Cam and Dilly, she gets out. Thus begins the tale of the Runaway princess. Meg must travel the kingdom in hopes to win the contest herself; negotiate with a stubborn witch with a passion for amphibians (and the men they used to be), a baby dragon that comes under her care, a wizard in disguise, several nasty princes, a troop of bandits, and all the while pretend she is still in the tower! This book is similar to books by Gail Carson Levine such as Ella Enchanted, or, Fairest, though maybe for younger readers. I would recommend this book for ages 8-11, above that some of the writing may seem a bit easy to read, and less complex, which is not necessarily a bad thing. I loved this book, and would recommend it to anyone. It is a pleasurable read, one you would open on a rainy day, and not put down until you're done. The writing is enchanting, comical, and very descriptive, though at times it may seem a bit simple. But, the plot is witty and quickly changing. The end is sweet, if not a surprising, definitely not what I expected. As quoted from the end of the book, "Once upon a time, there was a princess who knew she meant for more than twirling her tresses and swooning." Enjoy!

I adored this novel. I have read dozens of books that have redone the classical fairy tale setting, but this is the best one I have ever had the pleasure to open. Coombs has a simple, yet elegant and easy to read writing style. The character interaction is hilarious, and the heroin is very likable and strong. Wonderfully done Kate Coombs! I hope there is a sequel.

RUNAWAY PRINCESS isn't your grandma's fairy tale. The princess in the tower? Yeah. She has no intention of staying there. And all those witches, bandits and dragons? Misunderstood. Kate Coombs gives us a fresh take on the well-known fairy tale world with clever touches, endearing characters, and unique twists, all adding up to a delightful and entertaining read.

Following closely on the heels of Coombs' lovely debut book THE SECRET KEEPER, RUNAWAY PRINCESS does not disappoint. It's sure to become a favorite of discerning readers everywhere.

This book was awsome! In my English class we had to pick a book for pleasure reading. I choose this one and believe me, it was PLEASURE reading. I couldn't put it down! The characters are so real and you find yourself rooting for them. This book is a clever twist on any fairy tale you've ever known. You'll find yourself laughing out loud and counting down the minutes till you can read it again. The twists, turns and halarious plot and characters make "The Runaway Princess" a must read!

Kate Coombs has done it again! Once again this gifted author takes a fairy-tale world and stands it on its head. Princess Meg stands up to her father and the Kingdom of Greeve will never be the same again. All the ingredients for a delicious romp through a world of wicked witches and fantabulous frogs await those clever enough to pick up this story. A winner!

If you have read the other books in E.D. Baker's seires the Frog Princess then you will love this book. It gives you a better discription of what happened durning Grassina's childhood. And if you are just starting this series then you would like to read this book first because it explains a lot of the relationships that are skippped over in the other books.

This book was the best one out of the series. It's about Grassina instead of Emma... It starts out slower,but gets so good!

I ordered this book w/out even giving it a second thought, cuz the series is such a great one, and to find that its a prologue was even better!!!! i can't get enough of E.D. Baker's words!!!!!!!!!! + the covers are really amazing (i know... i know!!! never judge a book by it's cover!!!)

The Salamander Spell was a great book! Just make sure that you read the other 4 books, first, so you understand everything.

No, this is not a story about Princess Emeralda and Prince Eadric.

This new story, which is a prequel to THE TALES OF THE FROG PRINCESS, visits Princess Emeralda's aunt....as a teenager!

Living in Greater Greensward with her mother, father, and sister, Chartreuse, Grassina is not expected to do much. Chartreuse was first born, which means she will be both Queen and Green Witch. All Grassina is expected to do is to marry a prince.

When the King gives their mother a bouquet of flowers the family curse turns her into a nasty hag and also disperses of her Green Witch title. Now Greater Greensward has no Green Witch to protect them.

While doing a meaningless task for her mother, Grassina hears word of werewolves invading towns and nearing Greater Greensward. With no Green Witch, who will stop them? Its up to magic-less Grassina, runaway Haywood, and a snake named Pippa to save the kingdom.

As a fan of THE TALES OF THE FROG PRINCESS, i thought this was a good prequel. The book reads smoothly and gives Grassina more personality than that which we already knew. If you read the books released before THE SALAMANDER SPELL you know the outcome, but nevertheless it's a good read.

Reviewed by: Jeremey

THE THIRD PART OF HELEN HOLLICKS SERIES BEGINNING WITH THE KINGMAKING, THEN PENDRAGONS BANNER IS FANTASTIC AS ARE ALL THREE. HELEN HOLLIC IS A CREATIVE INTENSE GREAT WRITER.

The third and final book in Hollick's Pendragon trilogy is not just a wrap-up, but an entire story (and a good one) wihch dives deep into the lives of the characters met in the first two books. It's a big, stong book and terrific finish. Read them all and enjoy the last.

In 468 AD, Arthur Pendragon rules over a relatively peaceful Britain. However, to the king, pax is a pox, so he agrees to lead his Artoriani fighters to help the Romans defeat invading barbarians in France. He leaves Queen Gwenhwyfar to run the country and defend his crown.

While Arthur plays soldier on the continent, the Queen has to deal with several threats to her spouse's throne. Adding to the growing danger is the word that Arthur died in battle. As his absence on the home front lenghthens, Gwenhwyfar struggles to abort the attempts of several individuals, including relatives, from usurping the throne. As Arthur recovers with the nursing help of a former lover, he hears rumors that his beloved queen died. It will take more than magic to bring this couple back together atop of the British throne.

The third book, SHADOW OF THE KING, in Helen Hollick's Camelot series is as great as the two previous novels (THE KINGMAKING and PENDRAGON'S BANNER). Fans who enjoy the Arthurian epic need to read these three tales because they are some of the best ever written about Camelot. With novels more like this trio, Ms. Hollick will become a legend in our time.

Harriet Klausner

The third and final book in this Arthurian trilogy - see below for the other two books. It took me a while to finish this one because I enjoyed it so much. How did that work? Well, whenever I was putting the book down, I would flip ahead some pages and see what would be happening, flip ahead a few more, etc. So I have to leave myself enough time in between readings to "forget" what I had read so I could be more surprised in what was coming up. Did it work? A little. Well, perhaps a lot - even though I knew what was going to happen (both from my knowledge of Arthurian literature and in what I had skimmed ahead), there were many tears that I shed at the end of it. Very very good trilogy of books.

I haven't read the first two books in the triology and I was hoping for an invasion by Picts or Scots. However, the story moves through post-Roman Gaul and even Brittany (called Little Britain in the book). Helen Hollick knows she has no skill in telling stories of battles, which are glossed over in a page, so the story is not weighted down by forced writing. Helen Hollick's research into post-Roman horses lets the story down as the horses the Artoriani cavalry rode would have been pony-sized. One doesn't need stirups if one's feet scrape the ground as one rides a pony-sized horse.

Three stars and an extra one for the setting.

Leigh Southern

just wanted to say I loved Ms. King's book, " she's got next." it was refreshing to read about basketball written from her perspective. like ms. king, i grew up down south, which is sports-mad; but my alma mater was more of a football school. that is not to say my school's basketball team didn't have its moments; they made the final four a couple of times, plus they had shaq and chris jackson, so they did ok. some of the scenes which ms. king writes about basketball being played on the playgrounds of chicago and l.a. made me misty-eyed, they were so nostalgic. ms. king's self-depricating humor made her story more accessible and fun.plus the scenes which she coaches a youth team were also fun to read about. the urban flava comes through the prose easily. it's as if dorothy parker wrote a basketball book and tricked it out with some hip-hop beats...

This is a funny and inciteful book that looks into the life of a young lady as she moves from rural Arkansas to Chicago. Following a course that a lot of us have had to take she was lonely, bored, and generally unhappy. Eventually she remembered how much she had enjoyed playing basketball and turned to playing as a way to pass the time, meet people, develop a life.

Basketball was her thing, never with a thought of turning pro or anything like that (she admits to not being very good), but just finding a place to be.

That sounds kind of dull, but it's a story of finding oneself, of growing up. And through basketball she is able to discover things about the issues of race, class, gender, religion, sexual politics and love.

Hers was a trip that I had to take long before she was born. I can only wish that I'd had the literary skill to record it as well as she does. This is a delightful book.

I love this book! An industry friend loaned me his advance copy. I took it home and read it in one sitting. I plan on buying several copies to give to friends as beach reads for the summer and a copy for my daughter--this is not a kid's book, but King's life is an example of independence, the importance of taking risks and making hard choices, and balancing working hard with patience and fun.

King's voice is utterly appealing as well as fresh and unique. I've never read a book quite like this. Not just a memoir, almost a novel in it's narrative coherence and construction, not a self-help book yet relentlessly thoughtful, laugh out loud funny one moment and heartbreaking the next.

You'll root for King, want to be friends with her, rush through to find out what happens to her next. As another reviewer wrote, you don't need to know (or care, really) about basketball to enjoy this book. It's not chick-lit and men will enjoy it as much as women for the humor, the sports, and the lovely and brilliant author/protagonist. If you like southern literature, King's voice will fit right into the tradition for you, but the book takes place not only in the south, but in Chicago and LA as well, so city slickers will recognize their neighborhoods and neighbors and likely get a new perspective on city life.

A recent review in a newspaper compared King to Walker Percy and I hear the book will be featured in "Entertainment Weekly" magazine this summer. This book could get big, so enjoy the pleasure of reading it while it's still under the radar. Published in paperback, it's low price and great cover seem to match perfectly the plain spoken yet utterly lovely book inside.

Don't miss this one. There's not another book out there like this. A true original.

and, boy, I'm glad I was. My grown son brought this to me thinking I would love it because he's played basketball all his life and I've played with him and coached when he was younger. This a great story about the way sports can effect a life. If you've ever known the pleasure of casual play (of any game, not just basketball and not just sports) you'll find this familiar, fun, and inspiring. I'm going to hit the local Y today and shoot around and try test my powers of observation against King's amazing ability and I can't wait to talk to strangers and strange people again as we work towards a common goal (across race, class, gender, and, at times, skill), an experience I've not had in years and now hope to make part of my retirement. Be forewarned there is some explicit language, but nothing shocking or gratuitous--the author is clearly a master of the language and using just the right words at just the right moment. What gifts some of us get! To have her basketball skills and writing abilitiy. . .this writer has been blessed.

After reading this book, I have no doubt King's star is rising. Don't worry, you need know nothing of basketball to appreciate this honest examination of an individual life and the complicated interactions of humans. A joyful and hillarious read, King also examines our shortcomings and most desperate needs. The work of a philosopher, comedian, and athelete, you can't go wrong with this lovely memoir. Fans of David Sedaris and Anne Lamott will be especially pleased.

Being from the Southeast Missouri region and being familiar with many characters of the book made it a "must read" for me. I will admit, my expectations were high, but Mitchell exceeded them with Show-Me Kings. An excellent book about small town Southeast Missouri baketball and how the sport brings a cohesiveness to a community. But, it is more than a book about small town basketball dynasties led by SEMO small town legendary coaches, Ron Cookson and his older brother Carroll Cookson, it is a study into the history of that little region of the state commonly called "the bootheel". It is a great book to share with those you love.

Excellent book. Mitchell truly takes you inside a small town and shows you how SO many different aspects of life can change the way a town thinks, feels and treasures life.

I am already buying copies for friends and family.

A well thought out book that nailed a three pointer!

Fantastic book. While the chronicles of a high school basketball dynasty is riveting, I was more amazed at Mitchell's examination of history. He makes you realize how everything is connected. I never thought about how hundreds of years of earthquakes, floods, boll weevils, railroad building, civil rights and religion could explain where everyone lived in Southeast Missouri, and how little decisions, like a man I had never heard of 50 miles from my home town coaching basketball for the first time in 1945, could explain why my high school would never defeat a smaller school just 12 miles away for 50 years. I like books that make you think, and this book makes you think.

When I ordered this book, I expected to receive a "Hoosiers" type story regarding another small, out of the way, high school basketball team that overcame long odds to win a championship. I would have been very happy with that. But I was even more pleasantly surprised to find that the book served as more of a study of smalltown life and high school sports in America.

Having never been to the Bootheel area of Missouri, I came to this book with no history, no background, and no roadmap. But Mike Mitchell masterfully led me through the ups and downs of the region... weaving stories of families and floods, civic pride and civic strife into a fine collage of Sports Americana.

I had never spent much time thinking about the ways in which local sports affect a region... and the ways that a region affects its local sports. This book was an eye-opener.

Four stars for making me want to do a little research into the sports history of my OWN corner of the world.

Show-Me Kings is a hard-to-put down fast read for all high school hoops junkies and a special treat for fans of small-town Missouri ball. The book focuses on the teams that put Scott County Central High School on the high school basketball map by winning 12 Missouri championships in 18 years in the late '70s through the early '90s, an accomplishment unparalleled in state history.

Mitchell obviously put a lot of work into researching this effort and it shows in his dribble-by-dribble re-creations of Scott County's key contests. He relies heavily on press reports of the games, but he also draws skillfully from interviews of players and coaches to add color, insight, and emotion to his descriptions. Many of his game accounts have a real you-are-there feel to them.

One of the book's more intriguing aspects is the relationship of Ron Cookson, Scott County's demanding country boy coach, and his players, most of whom are black descendants of Missouri Bootheel sharecroppers. The strong bond between player and coach became a seemingly limitless source of energy for Scott County Central's teams, and it carried them to title after title.

Mitchell provides context by presenting a brief history of the Bootheel, one of the state's most distinctive regions. He delves into the checkered race relations of its past, dirty laundry for some but a key to understanding the significance of Scott County's triumphs and Cookson's reciprocated love for his players.

Basketball has long been the #1 sport in southeast Missouri, and Mitchell incorporates the exploits of some of the area's other prominent teams and coaches of the period. A real bonus is his tracing back the basketball lineage of Scott County and other great southeast Missouri teams of the recent past to the legendary fast-breaking, full-court pressing teams of the early '50s from Puxico High School, probably the most renowned high school basketball teams in state history and among the best in the nation during that era.

It is clear that Mitchell believes that basketball in the Missouri Bootheel has been much more than a recreational activity. It has become a source of pride for the area, changed the perceptions of many of its residents, and perhaps even altered the fabric of its society. Show-Me Kings is a very good basketball book, but it's even more than that.

This is the first novel by Reinaldo and his only work published in cuba. This is a fine work. It is in my opion not as easy as some of his other works. The language is in keeping with his other works such as The Assult, and The Brightest Star. The descritive, expressionist language can at times be complex but this is wonderfully readable. I have been working my way through Reinaldo's pentagonia and this must be read to understand the author. Marvelous.

I could not put this book down ...even though sometimes I thought I would throw up..incredibly honest and very descriptive, I actually fell in love with Reinaldo, if he were alive today I would give anything to meet him..even though I am female , I think he would like me , and our love of the ocean would bind us together!!!oops this review is meant for before night falls

As a student of literature I have read my fair share of books. So far, this is my favorite. It is incredibly emotional and I found myself completely attached to the narrator. I have not read the rest of the books in Arena's collection, what he calls the Pentagonia, but now I plan to do so. Read this book! It is worth your time.

The first novel of Arenas's "Pentagonia" ... beautiful, poignant, and at times downright frustrating. Reality and fantasy seamlessly interweave in this depiction of a boy's childhood in pre-Castro Cuba. I am having a difficult time putting into words my experience with this novel. Arenas's prose is gorgeous, poetic in its lyricism, crossing into a style that reads like a fusion between Walt Whitman and James Joyce, reminiscent of the latter particularly in the novel's final section, a mad and hallucinatory set piece that takes place during Christmas and is written completely as dialogue. There is much abuse - both physical and psychological - to be endured in these pages, yet through it all Arenas maintains a strangely uplifting tone. His descriptions of nature are stunning in their simplicity and detail, as is the relationship between the young narrator and his mother that provides the through-line around which the action of the novel centers.

By its end, the reader is left moved and exhilarated, yet painfully aware that life for this boy and his mother really isn't going to get much better ... and, if we are to read the narrator as Reinaldo Arenas himself, in fact, will get much much worse.

I was frequently reminded of Julian Schnabel's film of Arenas's memoir "Before Night Falls", particularly of the early childhood scenes at the beginning of the film. If you haven't seen it, it serves as an excellent introduction to the life of this amazing artist. If you have seen it, the film stands to be viewed again.

"There went my mother, she just went running out the door. She was screaming like a crazy woman that she was going to jump down the well. I see my mother at the bottom of the well. I see her floating in the greenish water choked with leaves. So I run for the yard, out to where the well is, that's fenced around with a wellhead of naked-boy saplings so rickety it's almost falling in."

So begins Singing from the Well. In some respects, this book reminds me of Faulkner's The Sound and the Fury. In Singing from the Well, we read the tale of a young boy in the poverty of pre-revolutionary Cuba, a tale in which the characters are not only the boy's family, but who are allegories for Cuba. The narrative jumps about and is mixed with both what the boy sees as real and what he fantasizes about. Reality for the boy holds violence, both at the hands of his peers and his family. So he takes solice in another reality that includes his dead cousin Celestino, who carves beautiful poetry into the trunks of trees.

This is the first book in a series by Arenas that follows this boy's life during the period just before the revolution. It is a tremendously moving book, but cannot be considered uplifting. The reader who takes the challenge to read this will be rewarded.

Excellent for tying literature to mathematics. Children love these books and so do I!

This whole series of books is wonderful. The story line for a middle school level is somewhat elementary, but the students still LOVE them. They remember the terms and even bring them up during lessons. I think even at the middle school levels, the kids really like being read to and these books ,as silly as they seem when read at that level, help solidify these key geometry concepts in a fun kind of way. They take about 10-15 minutes to read out loud. Highly recommend!

My nine-year-old loved the earlier books in the Sir Cumference series, and was excited to hear that a new one was available. He enjoyed it thoroughly, for both the story and the math content. This series of books ranks near the top of his favorites list.

The students enjoy this series of books and learn something along the way!

Back in the days of Camelot, people knew geometry, but they learned it in adventures instead of textbooks. Per of Ameter played a game created by the Countess Areana in which they figured the outside edges and inner pieces of shapes made with the same size squares. Their skill at this game allowed them to solve several mysteries on the Isle of Immeter through a few escapes, as the island was protected by a sea dragon. Finally Per solved all the puzzles, and the sea dragon delivered a locked from the Countess Areana giving Per ownership of the island. When the two children returned from their adventure, Sir Cumference named the measurement of the outside edge of any flat, straight sided shape perimeter, after Per, who now was the Lady of Immeter. The inside of the shapes was called Area, after the Countess Areana who designed all the puzzles they solved. And so, as you will know if you have read this book, this is a cute, abbreviated account of the true way geometry really evolved.

A handy chart on the last page explains in mathematical terms the formulas described in the book.