Lee Books

Cyrion is a series of short stories about a hero-nomad-wanderer set in the high middle eastern civilization of Arabian Nights. It will leave you wanting more. Tanith Lee's style is mystical and dreamy. Her descriptions lift you out of your world and draw you into the book like few others I have read. Read these stories late at night, and you will find yourself looking up and blinking at the normalcy of your surroundings after ther first few pages.

Cyrion travels the desert as in a dream, wholly competent and capable, going and coming in a foggy vision as though he appears and dissapears into the sand itself. The setting in Middle Eastern folklore is refreshing after so much Celtic and Norse mythology. The perfect book to read in bed! And an excellent introduction to Ms. Lee's style.

Cyrion is a collection of seven lighthearted mysteries and a novella showcasing the godlike intelligence and skill of the legendary Cyrion: nomadic lover, swordsman and detective. Each of the stories drops Cyrion into an impossible situation, only so we can watch him extricate himself with supreme, and most times unbelievable, insight.

That Tanith Lee has skill with words is obvious, and where these stories suffer is Cyrion himself. Possessed of supernatural speed, intelligence, and beauty, endless knowledge of poisons, birds, plants and history, there is nothing Cyrion can't do better than everyone else alive. He's good - TOO good - and it makes him an uninteresting character. Without weaknesses, he can't be related to. After the third story, I ceased to wonder whether Cyrion would be okay. Of course he will! I knew by then that he excelled in every skill necessary, however obscure, to solve whatever riddle/trap/trial he found himself in, as well as emerge unscathed and as dashing as ever. He's like the James Bond of the desert.

All in all, lighthearted and fun, but repetitive mysteries.

I have loved this book for years. It is one of the best fantasy books I have ever read. The characters and setting are rich and full of everything you need for a fantastic voyage into inagination.

This is a book for people who love GOOD pulp fiction. This is what Robert E. Howard would have written, if he had written the adventures of Simon Templer, alais The Saint. Subtle, insightful. Fun. Wish she would write more in this vein.

It begins with various characters in an inn exchanging stories about the mysterious adventurer, Cyrion, and it ends up as a magical detective story filled with ghosts, witches, swashbuckling fun, and delightful duplicity. Tanith Lee never lets me down, but I wish she'd write more about Cyrion. A note to fellow females: I usually go for the tall,dark types, but I could certainly go for the Cyrion type.

Danny is having fun being an energetic 10-year old even though built on the small side. He loves life and the adventures it brings. Pa knows Danny has learned to respect the lake when iceboating after his scary nighttime adventure in "Lost in the Dark" so he allows Danny to take his younger sister Mary on the iceboat over to Great Grandma's house on Saturday. As Great Grandma Baker relates her adventures as a young homemaker on her trip on the Erie Canal in the mid 1850's, we learn how whole families, their household goods and even livestock were transported on canal boats.
A train trip for Danny's whole family has a blend of the excitement of a new adventure plus fear as an unexpected situation with a bad man affects all of them. The reader is caught up in the tension as events unfold. Read about Danny, his family and his adventures in this warm, insightful series by Mary Ellen Lee.

I bought this series for my son as we live near Bluff Point. I pre-read them for content. "Life on Bluff Point" books are great reading on many levels. There is a bit of history, as well as daily life and lessons to be learned with in these pages. You do not have to be a local person to enjoy Dannys journals. My son liked the family dynamics of this era, with its joys and conflicts and I liked the many subtle lessons on good behavior. Reading about the daily chores and responsibilities of the children was an eye opener for my ten year old, as was the fact that all these years later, boys will still be boys.

This fifth book in the series continues to follow young Danny Lee, as he grows up on his farm in upstate New York. The stories are based on her grandfather's journals and take place at the turn of the nineteenth century. These pages offer young readers an accurate and exciting account of life during that time period, while also gently highlighting traditional morels and values.

In this novel, Danny learns some important things about riding and caring for his new horse. He also meets and interesting friend named Little Bird. This relationship provides some fascinating information about the Seneca Indian tribe, and allows for better understanding of this noble group of people. Throughout these pages, Danny lives his ordinary life that seems extraordinary to the modern reader.

Delightful drawings are placed appropriately, giving the narration a special charm. These childish renditions of horses, family members and friends make the account more real and personal. Danny is seen as an average boy, occasionally having a dispute with one of his sisters or possibly making a decision that turns out wrong. Yet, these experiences give him more credence with young readers, as both his failures and his successes are shown with honesty and grace.

Filled with historical accuracy and heart-warming incidents, the entire series is highly recommended. Readers will feel a bond with Danny as they watch him grow up and accept more responsibilities in each book. However, he becomes more than an example to follow; Danny Lee becomes a friend to enjoy. Revewed by Joyce Handzo, In The Library Reviews

Danny, a young farm boy, lives with his sister, and mom and dad at Bluff Point on Keuka Lake in upstate New York. As Danny grows up, he becomes a great help to his family, taking on more and more responsibility. He helps with the chores, works in the vineyard and even has his own mare to ride. His life is exciting and fun but what he wants most of all, is for his new horse, Sally, to love him as he loves her.

Danny also has a great interest in the history of the area and is determined to locate Captain Williamson's historic campsite. A near disaster befalls him but he is saved by a young Seneca Indian boy that Danny has never met before. Danny has the pleasure of meeting Little Bird's family and learns about the war between the Americans and the English. He is sad to hear how a strong Iroquois Confederacy was torn apart by the war, and how so many families, Little Bird's ancestors included, lost everything.

Mary Ellen Lee has a wealth of knowledge in American history and uses her writing talents to educate and entertain young readers, for her novel is definitely and education in the way of life for American families in 1895. Her love of the setting in her story, the Keuka Lake region, shows clearly in her detailed description of the land, and its people. DANNY AND LIFE ON BLUFF POINT is highly recommended reading for children 8 - 12 years of age, would be a valuable resource for children studying American history in school. Reviewed by Elaine Fuhr, Allbooks Reviews

Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Reader Views (7/06)

Mary Ellen Lee proudly shares the past with us in the latest installment of "Danny and Life on Bluff Point, My Horse Sally". These novels are loosely based on her grandfather's journals. Danny and his siblings represent her father and his siblings. The reader should prepare to learn and be entertained as Ms Lee transports her readers back to life on the farm in the late 1800's.

Danny is taking steps into manhood in "My Horse Sally". Sally is Danny's horse. He hasn't own her long and is beginning to wonder if she will ever respond to him. He begins to look at her differently after discussing her with Uncle Jerome.

Danny's latest adventure included: His first business transaction. His first long ride on Sally is to see Mr. Ehule at Keuka College. The trip is about 12 miles. He successfully bargains with Mr. Ehule to purchase supplies from Ma. Danny wants his Pa to be proud of him and he tries very hard to please him. Work in the vineyards is muddy, cold and weary labor. For the first time Pa asks Danny to drive Kit and rake the brush. This is another opportunity to prove that Danny is growing up. Launching a steamboat is a great adventure and has Danny leaping with excitement. Plus someone may be purchasing Grandpa Scott's property.

This book is about a simpler time. A time when families ate meals together, worked together and loved together. We've forgotten what that is like in this world of hurry here and hurry there. Rarely do families take time to enjoy the simple pleasure of living. These books give me a sense of warmth. Boys will enjoy these novels. It seems that most literature geared toward boys is sports related. This book will give them a sense of history and entertainment at the same time. But I wouldn't limit these to children. After telling my farmer husband about them. He was intrigued enough to also want to share in history that is revealed through Ms. Lee's writing.

Well done Ms. Lee.

Dear Lady, could be identified as a romantic comedy. Miss Bunny and Miss Patsy the busy bodies, Miss Beth the lonely English woman, Garret Steele the rancher, Owen Simpson the mayer in love with Miss Beth, and little Janie who needs a mom are the characters who bring the story to life. Dear Lady is a perfectaly believable story filled with characters you can't help but fall in love with. Dear Lady is full of inspiration and unintended love.

This could be a comedy of errors. People being caught in all sorts of not-good-lookin' situations. Strong characters, near misses, wrong impressions, righteous looking trouble makers, ohhh all the right ingredients for a lovely romance novel!!

Set in 1897, Lady Elizabeth Wellington leaves her native England for New Prospects, Montana, home of her ten-year old pen pal, Janie Steele. In one of her letters, Janie mentioned the town needed a schoolteacher. To avoid an arranged marriage, Beth arrives on the doorstep of Janie and her widowed father, Garret Steele. Garret loves his daughter, but is determined not to become emotionally involved with Beth because of unresolved feelings for his deceased wife. Parts of the book are letters to her friends, Mary Malone and Inga Linberg, with whom she traveled to America (Hatcher tells Mary's story in In His Arms and Inga's story in Patterns of Love.) The letters provide insight to Beth's feelings for handsome, but emotionally aloof, Garret Steele, and the persistent mayor, Owen Simpson.
Overall, I enjoyed the story. It was a fast, and enjoyable read. I especially found Beth's letters to her friends a creative substitute for "girl talk." Because Beth is new in town, and English to boot, she is lacking female companionship throughout the story. Some events in the story were not given proper attention; for example, a marriage in the story felt underdeveloped and rushed. Despite this, I enjoyed reading Dear Lady enough to investigate the other books in the series. 4.25/5

Dear Lady is a charming story of Lady Elizabeth Wellington of Langford House, Buckinghamshire, England, who arrives to a small town in Montana to inquire about a teaching position. Her motivation to leave a life of luxury is to escape from marrying a very unlovable man. She ends up finding unexpected love in this small town. It's an endearing story and a fun read for summertime vacation, or any time.

Determined not to marry a man she didn't love, Lady Elizabeth Wellington jumps a ship to America to run away from a marriage which her recently deceased father had arranged. Her lone friend in America is her young pen pal, Janie Garrett, in New Prospects, Montana. Remembering that Janie had recently said the town needed a new school teacher, Lady Elizabeth travels to New Prospects and applies for the job. The town's wealthy banker, Owen Simpson, immediately falls in love with Lady Elizabeth. She, however, has her eye on the widowed father of young Janie. Fast and enjoyable read. Get all your chores done, sit out on the swing, and lose yourself in New Prospects, Montana and love.

this book was in excellent condition. And the book itself content wise was great!

My daughter is a HUGE Robin Gunn fan and devoured this book in two days.

It was great. I just missed Todd in the Christy Miller one. I absolutely loved the Sierra Jensen story. Cooper Ellis was pretty good, but it wasn't that great in my opinion. Maybe because she didn't have a guy in there...I don't know.

I really liked this book.It was very good.What a great way to combine three stories about three girls,and their faith in God.I would recommend this book to anyone who loves Robin Jones Gunn. I liked the whole book.On a scale of 1 to 10, I would give this book a 10+ !

Robin Jones Gunn has some amazing books and i can't wait until she writes her next book! I have all the christy miller books and the sierra jensen books. When I read the books I have to keep reading until the end. I can't put them down. I want to know what happens next. I sometimes stay up until 2am reading them, and i have school the next day. They are so gripping! Anyone who isn't sure whether to buy them Go ahead, because yo won't regret it. I want to know...what happens to Sierra and Paul in college? Please write the next books. I'm dieing to know!!!!

Without a doubt this book is the most user friendly book on technology I've read. It is packed with essential information for everone using digital photography today. It provides help in setting up shots as well as streamling your workflow and a lot more. There is nothing extraneous out this, it's great from start to finish!

Just fininshed reading Lee Varis's new book. It's a great overall treatment of digital photography for any student of graphic design or even the seasoned art director that may be new to digital technology. The technology discussed is current, and in common use professionally. The discussions of critical concepts of resolution and color are presented in a user friendly, easy to grasp manner.

This book should well prepare the designer going into their first digital photoshoot. It can help in understanding how to achieve all the technology is capable of, and how to get the most from the shoot.

This is a must have book for designers and photographers, especially designers of the old school who have been more then a little afraid of going digital and there are many out there. For the beginer designer, this book puts on the page what they will be told about the digital work flow as it exists today.
Lee Varis takes the reader on a digital ride explaining more then enough to get the reader to appreciate the digital workflow.

This book is a must-have for designers and photographers who are moving towards a fully digital production process. DPFGD is a well-organized linear treatment and full of extremely useful guidance relevant to both the broad creative issues and nitty gritty details that we face in our profession. Varis is precise, clear, experienced, and is well backed up by artfully selected examples on every page. This is one book that I expect to look back to again and again.

Even though there are many books as there are about digital imaging, none discuss in detail the relationship of designers and art directors with the process (and people) involved with creating digital images.
This book covers a great many of the complexities of digital imaging with a clear, casual style that does a great deal towards clearing up many misconceptions people have about digital photography. Not only does it cover that, but the book goes further into aspects such as pre-press, proofing, editing and printing, and and does so with a very enjoyable, non-technical narrative. Anecdotal writing, along with supporting photography (beautifully printed) helps lend creedence to this book. A necessary text for anyone in graphic design and/or advertising.

Travis has a hold on Ken, a hold not even death could break. It's almost as though he didn't die at all, but his evil lives on, and it seems to speak to Kenn out of the mouth of a woman now that Travis of old evil has died. I have read hundreds of horror novels in my life, but never one that spoke so clearly about an agonizing dilemma:

And the book really rubs your face in it,

What would *you* do if an ageless, deathless evil made you choose between an ex-wife Paula, whom you had walked out on once years before, and your two children, a boy and a girl? And on the other half of the giant Libra scales, was balanced the life of the man you loved passionately, body and soul, for yes, it had come out that you were gay and that is why you had left Paula, and initially, the reason who Travis the clubowner had been able to seduce you, by arousing your basic nature? Now the ultimate Sophie's choice--which would you let die, your children or your boyfriend? Once you realize the trap Ken Nicholson is in, you won't be tempted to tell him that all of this is his fault; you'll be rather more sympathetic, for who knew that beyond Travis' suave, sophisticated good looks lay the loathsome face of an evil beyond category?

Lee Thomas makes the relationships understandable, except between Travis and Vicki. Is Vicki a real person, or just another face of the old evil Travis? She speaks and looks like a woman (although she doesn't act like one). She tempts Ken into betraying his family on the one hand, and poor misunderstood David on the other. David and Ken share some sexy love scenes that are undeniably vivid and arousing, but yet would you give up your only surviving daughter for the love of this man?

What would *you* do, reader? Answer that question and then see what Ken Nicholson does on his return to a shadowy, dangerfilled New Orleans, the city that care forgot but horror remembered.

The past's influence on the present is an enduring theme in literature and the arts in general. For some, the past is a lifeline that helps them make it through the challenges of the present and onward toward the promise of a future. For others, like the protagonist in Lee Thomas' "The Dust of Wonderland", memory is a disease that infects the present and threatens the very concept of a future. In his stellar third novel, Thomas personifies the memories of the past in the images of dust:

"Always there, history, like dust, frosted the present. It could be wiped away, scrubbed, and for a long time forgotten, but it always returned, settling on life's ornamentation. If left unchecked it grew thick and opaque, covering all that might be with the filth of what had already come to pass."

Ken Nicholson is a man running from his memories, haunted by the events of the past during which questioned sexuality and the hedonistic pursuits of youth combined to lure him into the web of a seductive club called Wonderland and the seemingly unending clutches of its proprietor, the enigmatic Travis Brugier. Years after Wonderland and its owner came to a violent end, Nicholson fled his New Orleans home, plagued by terrifying hallucinations that play out like waking nightmares. But despite the physical distance he puts between himself and his nagging past, he is summoned home by his ex-wife when his son is viciously attacked. "Dust" tells the story of Nicholson's homecoming during which he must confront the mistakes of his past while doing battle with a cunning evil he thought long dead in order to protect his loved one's and his own sanity.

Thomas fashions a classic ghost story, with enough twists and turns to qualify "Dust" as part mystery, and strong characterizations that power the narrative forward like a solid psychological thriller. It's often tricky business when writers blend genres, but Thomas pulls off his ambitious narrative undertaking so well here that the lines between supernatural ghost story, psychological drama, and suspense thriller are marvelously blurred - ultimately creating a wholly satisfying reading experience. He sets his story against the richly atmospheric backdrop of New Orleans - overplayed and clichéd in the hands of lesser writers - in which the fabled French Quarter and the bars of Bourbon Street come alive as secondary characters yet never overshadow. Not since Christopher Rice's gothic gay coming-of-age tale, "A Density of Souls", has a novel so seamlessly integrated the New Orleans mystique or so perfectly captured the dichotomous melancholy and pure, hedonistic charisma of the region.

The key strength in "Dust" is the author's masterful use of characterization to create layers of internal and external conflicts for his players, at once humanizing them and investing the reader in their struggles. Nicholson, in particular, is a marvelously flawed creation, the embodiment of an entire generation of gay men for whom Stonewall came too late to save them from having to travel the heterosexual highway before realizing that they had missed their homosexual exit. In Nicholson, readers are made acutely aware of his struggle toward self-acceptance and how real and very difficult that struggle to reconcile the divergent aspects of family, friends, and faith can be. Nowhere in "Dust" is this recurring idea of the sheer messiness of the human condition more brilliantly captured than in the scene in which Nicholson stumbles upon the cathedral in which his severely injured son was to have been married:

"After several minutes of uncertainty, looking into the vast and ornate temple, Ken left the church. He was being foolish, ridiculous, and desperate. He felt weak and hated himself for it. How many of his friends had he watched in their last moments of life, friends who had despised the intolerant religions of their birth, turn back to inefficient faiths? People needed their gods, he knew, and Ken wished he had found one to believe in so his prayers wouldn't feel like the ramblings of a hypocrite, but he wasn't going to indulge in foxhole Christianity. Not yet. Such a turn would mean all other hope was lost."

Thomas is one of a newer crop of horror writers whose writing clearly seeks to transcend the limits of a genre frequently dismissed as disposable and criticized for its excessive indulgences in violence and bloodshed that (sadly) often forsake narrative structure, mood and nuance. Thomas' rich prose harkens back to the moodier works of Straub's "Shadowland" or King's "Dolores Claiborne", while reflecting this newer and welcome trend toward literary horror from the likes of newcomers like Sarah Langan and Alexandra Sokoloff. Thomas demonstrates time and again throughout "Dust" that true horror need not be visceral to get under one's skin:

"How long he stood in front of the gate to Wonderland Ken couldn't say, but he found himself terrified by the place. Like a wasp's nest, this structure and its grounds had served as a shelter for vicious and poisonous things. History and the disease of memory emanated from the decimated structure. Windows, filthy and dark, played the films of history; they showed a magnificent courtyard and bubbling fountain, and they harbored a unique master with incomprehensible power. Ken remembered numerous wonders, numerous pleasures and a single atrocity in which four children had battled for their lives. A soft bed spoke words of confused sensuality. Hallways led visitors through priceless ornamentation. Wandering these halls were the ghosts of children who were lost in their pursuit of happiness as they served their benefactor. All was brilliant light. All was unfathomable darkness. All was fractured light. All was a story."

And, like the best supernatural horror writers, Thomas ably conveys the paranormal without getting bogged down in over-explanation or talking down to his audience. In getting across the essence of the horrifying mind control games that plague the central characters, Thomas conveys this rather abstract concept through simple dialogue between the characters. When one character likens their psychic torture to being caught in "...a virtual reality game without an Off switch" the audience understands it.

At the core of all great stories is the human condition and our endless attempts to quantify, qualify, and question it. In "The Dust of Wonderland", Thomas explores that totality of the human experience like a master painter, first with broad strokes to color the palate then with a fine-point brush to bring forth the depth and detail. While dodging the literary snowballs that Thomas skillfully laces with the genuine chills of an old-fashioned ghost story and hurls liberally throughout, readers will be ensnared in the intricate web of humanity he casts out over his characters, caught blissfully unaware by this dazzling portrait of human hope and heartbreak.

Thomas, Lee. "The Dust of Wonderland", Alyson, 2007.

New Orleans Supernaturally

Amos Lassen and Literary Pride

Whenever I hear that a book has been written about my hometown, I rush to read it. Many times I find myself disappointed but Lee Thomas in "The Dust of Wonderland" proved to me that the dark and gothic side of the city still is there and he writes about it beautifully. Thomas has a way with words and he reminds me that New Orleans has had a great literary tradition which he upholds. His control of the English language is masterful and he gives us a rich picture of New Orleans with vivid portraits and deep characterizations. Only someone who has lived in the Big Easy can do that city justice.
"The Dust in Wonderland" is an incredibly well written story of a man in conflict who, upon the death of his son, returns to his family from whom he has been estranged and to his former lover. His college-aged son died mysteriously and the city of New Orleans has drawn Ken Nicholson back--not just to the city but to his home, to his family and to the mistakes he has made in life. Upon discovering that he was gay, he and his wife divorced but now he must face an evil that he thought was long gone.
Years prior Ken had entered a world of seduction and addiction at a club named Wonderland. Travis Brugier (such a New Orleans name) had initiated him into this world which has left him psychologically damaged after the demise of the club. Now when things had begun to seem better a killer has found him and has caused more pain and threatens to hurt him even more by taking Ken's ex-wife, his former lover and Ken's very own being.
When Ken tries to convince the police that danger is both real and nigh, they do not react. It seems that only Ken and the killer know the truth. As Ken tries to win back his own soul, Lee Thomas gives us a novel of sheer beauty. The book will break your heart and scare you like you have never been scared before. It is a twisted tale and follows none of the other conventions f the genre of supernatural fiction. The surprises and the suspense come fast as Thomas throws stereotype after stereotype to the wind and we get a truly dark story. The With complex characters and beautiful prose and the most evil of villains in Travis Brugier, here is a book that you cannot put down, Here is a book that is both poetic and provocative, eloquent and supernatural and will keep you awake for hours. The villains are the most evil and those that suffer at their hands do so to reclaim their own humanity. I am still reeling from having read this book and you will undoubtedly feel the same.

OK, I cribbed that line from the covers of DC comics' SWAMP THING during Alan Moore's remarkable run, but Lee Thomas's THE DUST OF WONDERLAND is no less remarkable and the blurb is appropriate and deserved. Thomas brings a literary sensibility not unlike that of Peter Straub's to this tale of dark magic in New Orleans. This is no story of a boogeyman, but rather one of deep, reality emotions trapped in a nightmarish Other World. Take a chance on this mature work and you won't be disappointed.

News that his son was the victim of a brutal assault brings Ken Nicholson back to New Orleans, where he spent most of his young adulthood, and the city where he "came out" to his (now ex) wife and family, who still live there. From the voices in his head, Ken soon suspects that the attack on his son was premeditated to make him return, part of the plan of the sinister and mysterious Travis Brugier, the owner of a unique French Quarter gay brothel that served the city's powerful and elite, where Ken worked for a time. But Ken had seen Travis die, right in front of him, so many years ago. Can this really be him back from the dead, are the voices some kind of sick joke or plot, or is he just going crazy? It's a life-and-death dilemma that Ken needs to solve, before his ex-wife, surviving daughter, and former lover become its next victims.

I'm not really a usual reader of the "horror" genre of gay novels, but this unique "horror-mystery" came highly recommended, and I enjoyed it a great deal. Classically well-written and suspensefully crafted by a talented author, it provides the perfect mixture of page-turning thrills and pure entertainment. I give it five stars out of five.

I would have wanted to know that the book had more than ten chapter. I also would wanted to know a little more about the subject before purchase. After I purchase this book I realize that it explains crystal clear all about business communication. I also find out that this book had useful information about business communication for today technology. Explain part by part all procedure to make good reception and open discuss for get better business. I highly recommed this book as reference for people work in Office.

I used this text for an online class and it was just an exceptional experience. I also had the option of visiting the classroom, which was completely out of the picture once I started turning the pages. The chapters were clear and passages easy to follow. The grammar/mechanics handbook section was really great. I have decided to keep this book as a wonderful reference tool. I find myself using it daily to double check certain things for clarification before mailing. I highly recommend this book for anyone seeking a refresher course or an improvement tool for business English. This is money well spent and is worth every cent!

Other books to read for relaxation: Trilogy Moments for the Mind, Body and Soul; Everyday Miracles; and, The Language of Poetry Forms.

I have been reading this book since I received it and so far it is an excellent business tool! Very informative.

The book was in perfect condition, however, it didn't come with the user access code for internet review websites.

I am an instructor for a local college. I selected the Essntials of Business Communication as the textbook for my Business Communications course after working with it in a previous class. It is the best organized text I have found with step by step instructions for students to readily grasp the techniques used in modern business documents. The book covers e-mails, memos, a variety of business letters, reports, business proposals, resumes, letters of application and communication skills for oral presentations and interviews. Lectures, examples, assignments, and grammatical challenges are pre-designed for the instructor's use, making this a turn-key system for teaching communication skills.

I had not even heard of Enid Blyton until an aunt in Australia sent me a copy of 'Five Go Down To The Sea'. That would have been about 1955 and I was immediately captivated by Enid's pure sense of mood and adventure.
I must have re-read the book a half-dozen times in just a few weeks and got to know farmer Penruthlan, Yan, The Barnies and Clopper the horse as if they were real friends of my very own.
I relived that adventure again when I got to read a chapter or two aloud each night to my two sons when they were toddlers. They, too, were enthralled with the story. And I truly believe that the noble actions of Julian, Dick, George, Anne and Timmy helped to mould my sons' lives, as they did mine.
Even now, at the 'grand old age' of 57, I am not ashamed to admit that, seeking escape from this troubled world, I have read Five Go Down To The Sea again, by myself.
Now, I can't wait to have grandchildren, so I can read the book to them at bed-time...unless my sons beat me to it, of course!

when i was a kid of 7 or 8 my mom got me interested in books by Enid Blyton, like Famous Five, Secret Seven, and those Adventure series. I just loved famous five and in fact have read all 21 of their regular books. In addition to that i also read their special editions, around 10 . These books are so addictive, once my father even told me u shouldnt read that much , u're studies might get affected, or i'll weaken my eyesight! haha! but in reality these really capture the imagination of a young kid and i highly recommend them to any kids new to reading novels

I could not put it down once I started reading it. After I finished reading the book, I felt sad. I have read the book two times in two days!

I must have read every Famous Five book and Secret Seven book I could get my hands on when I first took an intrest in books. They kept me sneaking the flashlight under the covers to finish off that exciting chapter and wondering what the next chapter had in store for me...please I hope they all come back out in print soon!

My aunt, who lived in Edinburgh (Scotland), sent me Famous Five novels for Christmas and birthdays. I don't think I ever enjoyed any presents so much in my entire life as those books. I highly reccomend them to any prospective young readers.

The story behind the music... Marshall Chapman can write, sing, play guitar, and keep a person thoroughly entertained.

Not sure how I've lived in the same region all these years and been a fan of underground country, but hadn't heard of Marshall Chapman! Now I'll be on the look-out! I definitely enjoyed the book and think it's great that she has been able to share all these stories with us. She's lived a very colorful life and it's interesting enough to be enjoyable to others. She gets a little side-tracked at times, but I don't think we expect her to be an award-winning author. Great read!

Marhall Chapman's account of her song by song journey to becoming one of the most innovative and thrilling country rock songwriter-singers is as funny and poignant a book as I've read in some time. From the trouble she got into in grade school for channeling Elvis in the hall to her defiance of Nashville songwriting formulae she kept raising the question, "Why Can't I Be Like Other Girls?" Thank the lord that was the only thing she couldn't do because she sure did everything else. Each chapter of this memoir tells the story of the experience underlying one of her songs so the songs record her life in more ways than one. And some life it is, sometimes on the edge, sometimes ecstatic (when these were not one and the same), never boring. A reader who does not live through it with Marshall is missing something about the South, something about country rock music and something about life.

Marshall Chapman's book is like her music: funny, tough, poignant, real, alive and searingly honest. For those of us who grew up in the south in the 50's and 60's, it's a fond reminder of all that we experienced; for everyone else it's just a darn good read.

Marshall has written a fantastic account of how songs come to be, framing the incredible cast of characters which has surrounded her for all her years in Nashville. The photos of Andy Warhol, Arnold Schwarznegger et al really bring everything to life even more. on the must-have list for anyone interested in the triupmph of rock and roll over good breeding!

if it's Jews you be a wantin..In Punk nonetheless..This stuff's for you.First of all,Marky Ramone rocks.He met me or rather vice versa.Steve does research into the sacred and shows that Punk music in It's New York Beginnings incorporated a lot of the Jewish Upstarters who could be credited for being Punk Pioneers. You like the Paranormal? Well Jews die too..and so:Labyrinth13: True Tales of the Occult, Crime & ConspiracyBut:Other good books about Music and the Jewish experieNce:Spiritual Bathing: Healing Rituals and Traditions from Around the World,Stars of David: Prominent Jews Talk About Being Jewish,Jews Who Rock,Stars of David: Rock 'n' Roll's Jewish Storiesand one more Paranormal plug:Questions from Earth, Answers from Heaven.

Punk was an assault on traditional western culture and society. No surprise here, that jews would be at the core of the punk movement. It chipped at the moral fabric of nations, embraced communism, and made them a boatload of money from gentile dupes. What's a jew not to like? And in the end, was as hypocritical as the people themselves. Nothing astounding here.

Beeber's book is an interesting recount of the formation of the punk rock scene in New York City. However, his attempt to correalate punk rock to the experience of being jewish stretches thin pretty quickly.

First off, Beeber utilizes Lou Reed and especially the Velvet Underground as forebearers of punk. While certainly influential, the Velvets were more of an avante garde pop band than punks. They were as much a result of the overall New York art scene and streets, as well as John Cale's british ideology and muscianship as Reed being jewish.

Next Beeber cites Jonathan Richman and the Modern Lovers. The Modern Lovers, despite the Sex Pistols covering Road Runner, were sort of pre-new wave folk band, they never really released an album when they were together and Richman was from Boston. How this qualifies them as a proto punk band representing the New York Jewish voice is too much for me to comprehend.

Beeber does make a good case that Tommy Ramone was the architect of Ramones. However, he only lasted a couple of albums, Dee Dee was the main songwriter and Johnny's buzzsaw guitar and militaristic leadership (he seemed like a real tool)were as essential as anything. Further, Joey might have been obviously jewish to the New York punk scene, but to most he was just the senstive outcast. Tommy's influence is obvious, but it seemed to me he was as influenced by being an immigrant and growing up in the wrong neighborhood as solely by virtue of being jewish.

While New York obviously was a huge influence on the punk scene, the industrial and menancing Detroit rockers like the MC5, Iggy and Alice Cooper had just as much influence as the New York bands. This is especially true prior to all the great New York bands getting started. Also, the true New York punk influence, The NY Dolls, who really blended the street, with artistic ambitions and the phoniness of Manhatten dont have the jewish connection and therefor dont really lend to the author's theory.

The somewhat later day punkers like Richard Hell, Lenny Kaye and Chris Stein make a good points of converstation, but all seem as influenced by academics as ethnithcity. Hell in fact wouldnt be interviewed and dismissed the premise completely. It also somewhat dismisses how much influence this groups partners in punk, Debbie Harry, Tom Verlaine and Patti Smith, had.

Some of the more interesting jewish punks, including the ladies, Genya Raven and Helen Wheels, and less well known acts like the Dictators (hilarious name) and Suicide just werent well known enough outside of the city to be all that influential.

I dont want to take anything away from the city or culture that reinvented music, but punk was about all that were alienated, suspected and unwanted. It was about anger, pointing out hypocrisy, doing it yourself and the desire to succeed. Didnt Bowie once say all the Brit punks "wanted to be stars."

So, Beeber's point is again lost when punk became so much the property of the anglo british (other than Malcom McClaren managing the Pistols)who apparantly lacking jewish guilt and the somewhat limiting factor of being the property of New Yawk, increased its exposure tremendously. (Hey lets face it Johnny Rotten cussing and spitting in a British accent is gonna play in Cleveland, whereas Joey Ramones obvious jewishness... well... its a joke, one I think Lenny Bruce might have gotten). Fact is, punk was never gonna play to the mainstream, the populus cant all be disnefranchised.

Overall and interesting read, with a thought provoking premise that is well explored, but ultimatly a bit overwritten to prove its point. Still worthwhile if you have any interest in those magical formative musical days in the Big Apple and some of its reaching influences.

In this brilliant exploration of outsider identity, Beeber uncovers the links between Jewishness and punk rock rebellion. The book includes in-depth interviews with such punk rock luminaries as Tommy Ramone, Chris Stein of Blondie, and former Sex Pistols' manager Malcolm McLaren. Beeber also explores the inherent contradictions within the punk movement, including the use of Nazi imagery by bands whose family members may have barely escaped the Holocaust. The book includes fascinating anecdotes about punk rock legends, including a chapter that describes Lou Reed's attempts to bring his dog to a seder, and Richard Hell's defensive responses to Beeber's simple question: Are you a Jew? Beeber is an insightful writer and cultural historian who makes heretofore unseen connections between origins of punk in the aggressive outsider comedy of Lenny Bruce and the work of graphic novel pioneer Will Eisner.

Like most music freaks, if you ask me where punk rock originated, I wouldn't hesitate to tell you that it happened in England. After all, the Brits lay claim to pogo dancing, safety pins as a fashion statement, and the Sex Pistols. The whole concept of punk rock is, essentially, very Clockwork Orange.

Steven Lee Beeber's The Heebie Jeebies at CBGB's: A Secret History of Jewish Punk challenges that notion by showing us that punk began in New York -- and was heavily influenced and shaped by a variety of Jews from a variety of backgrounds. Beginning with the cutting-edge comedy of Lenny Bruce and the musical innovations that were Lou Reed and the Velvet Underground, Beeber shows us how the music evolved. It is clear that without the involvement of Jews, there would have been no punk movement.

Chapter by chapter, Beeber traces the bands and the people, focusing on the Jewish players who coalesced around the Jewish-owned punk mecca, CBGB. This is dense reading, best taken slowly so that all of the facts and details -- not to mention the personalities -- can sink in.

One theme that Beeber refers to often is the link between the Holocaust and punk. His claims make perfect sense: the emotions invested in the children of survivors provided the fuel for punk's trademark anger. Yes, there is anger that so many people were eradicated, but one of the more surprising revelations is that some of the anger comes from and is fueled by the fact that the Jews allowed themselves to be victims. At the same time, though, there is an awareness that the word allowed is inaccurate. That anyone, faced with such a circumstance, would have done exactly the same thing. Ultimately, this isn't an emotion of victimization, but of helplessness and futility -- two strong emotions that run through the undercurrent of punk, both in its lyrics and its attitudes.

Beeber takes us across the ocean for a visit with the start of British punk -- the Sex Pistols -- but focuses on the Jews involved in creating that scene. From Sex Pistols creator Malcolm MacLaren to the ill-fated Nancy Spungeon, lover of Pistols frontman Sid Vicious, it is obvious that here, too, punk music and the Jewish tradition are linked so closely that removal of the Jew removes the music.

Many would argue that punk died out with the Sex Pistols, to be replaced by music from cities like LA and San Francisco, peopled with musicians and fans who shocked New York ex-pats with virulent anti-Semitic themes, attitudes, and lyrics.

Beeber returns to New York to show us what punk evolved into: John Zorn's dissonant art and even, perhaps unbelievably, the Beastie Boys, perhaps the most punk of all the bands in the book.

Even more than the Ramones, those poster boys for American punk?

You be the judge. For any music fan, this is essential reading. It's not just that this is a clear evolution of the music scene over the span of forty-some years, from the late 1960s to the present. This book traces the shifts in our culture during this time period, and the shifts in attitude that allowed punk to be as vibrant as it was.

Beeber's prose is smooth and charming, always focused on the topic at hand and never getting sidetracked like so many Jewish storytellers of old. He's also a master craftsman, showing his writer's roots in the construction of each chapter, bringing back points made in opening paragraphs, tying it all together with a neat black leather jacket and peppy beat.

For the music lover, the historian interested in Jewish history, or for anyone intrigued by how someone as tall, skinny, and scary as Joey Ramone could become a pop icon, The Heebie-Jeebies at CBGB's: A Secret History of Jewish Punk is one of those books you won't want to miss. Certainly, my copy now occupies a space between Deena Weinstein's seminal Heavy Metal and Joe Berlinger's Metallica: This Monster Lives.

To bring up one last point Beeber makes: Jews are people of the book. Heebie Jeebies is just one in a long line that proves this.