McLean Books

like i said a little slow in the beggining and i though i wasn't going to like it. don't give up though...the story gets intense without too much "action" type stuff and it ended becoming one good read.

About half way thru this book and had to set it aside. I'll return to it later as it is a little too intense and the language is shocking.

I thought his books Beach Music and The Prince of Tides were much better. I could not put Beach Music down.

This is a great military/coming of age novel by Pat Conroy that I would put slightly behind The Great Santini (one of my favorite books of all time) in his catalogue. In this story, Conroy follows a young cadet at the fictional Carolina Military Institute (modeled partly on Conroy's time at The Citadel) as he endures his plebe year and then comes to grip with the fact that the school fosters a great deal of hate, racism and cruelty to accomplish its mission of developing the Complete Man. Conroy's writing always moves quickly with engaging dialogue, humor and entertaining story lines and this book is no exception. It is certainly deeper than your standard pop fiction book, but it reads just as easily and quickly. I would highly recommend it to Conroy fans, people who enjoy good fiction (even my mother likes this book) or people who have interest in military schools or the South in the 50's. A very good book.

I received this book as a gift and was reluctant to read it as the subject matter was not of interest. I started to read it just to see what it might be like and was captured by the outstanding writing. It was just a joy to read and the characters will stay with me forever.

The mark of a successful coming of age story is that you, the reader, can see yourself reflected in the protagonist. For me, this book worked very well. Will McLean, the main character and first-person narrator, a second generation Irish boy, son of a Marine, a mongrel outsider in the pedigreed Carolina Military Institute searches for himself, the man within the boy who is being molded by a system of discipline and honor that doesn't match his internal morality. He's an English major in a college of warriors. He's a basketball player, a finesse guard, in a school of brute force. He's fighting against systems he doesn't understand within a life choiceless in it's inequality.

Pat Conroy, himself a graduate of the model for the fictional Institute, The Citadel, weaves a compelling tension-filled story while eloquent in his setting, Charleston, South Carolina. Employing gracious proper Southern dialect filled with flowers, antiques, and tradition, he describes brutality, racism, sexism, and betrayal. The language works well because it provides within its description the biting irony of the scenes. Will McLean fights through every taboo the South has to offer in the 1960's: a black cadet in the all-white tradition of the military college, an unwed pregnant girl shunned by society for her shame while the father of her baby remains blameless, the brutal plebe system that crushes individuality while remaking young men as soulless military automatons, the classed society of high south old money and it's cruelty to those not born within the circle, and the fact that military honor doesn't equate to individual morality.

Fighting through this maze of pitfalls, McLean has only his closest and dearest friends to rely on, roommates Dante "Pig" Pignetti and Mark Santoro, two brawny, Northern boys of Italian descent and Tradd St. Croix, an "old Charlestonian" (from a very rich and respected family). His moral guide through the story is the epitomy of hard military men, Colonel "Bear" Berrineau, a vulgar battle-scarred man whose character is unimpeachable and whose idea of duty includes awful repercussions.

I loved this story and I couldn't put it down. If I had one criticism to give, it's that Conroy tried to put too much into the novel - too many problems and taboos and tried to fix hundreds of years worth of problems in one book. But, that's not really a criticism because he did it and did it well. Bravo.

CV Rick

this was a well written book with very good info in regards to section 8 inspections.

If you are considering renting section 8, there are MUCH better books out there- keep looking. I was able to find a more informative book at my local library that applied to my state and was written by a lawyer. This book is TERRIBLY written, gives very little useful information, and was a waste of money and time. Let me sum up what I got from the book: remove anything from the property that isn't required by section 8 (your local office can give you that info.) so that you don't have to deal with the tenant when unnecessary items break. I cannot tell you how many times this is repeated in different ways and illustrated with stories in the book.

I am in the process of rennovating my first Section 8 property, and I have already saved myself hours of time and thousands of dollars by reading this book. I also highly reccomed Volume II available at section8bible.com. A great read with tips you won't find from your standard "guru" real estate books. Pays for itself in the first 10 pages!

Everyone and anyone who owns property or is involved in real estate ought to have this book. Michael does not beat around the bush. He gives so many "things you must do" tips. He gives invaluable advice about various aspects of real estate- from how to manage property, how to manage people in your property, how to acquire real estate, and how to leverage yourself and property against financial institutions. Mike really wants people to succeed at being landlords. Although, this book is about being a Section 8 landlord, it really is about just being a landlord regardless of who your residential tenants are. Do not be concerned that Mike and Nick are from Philadelphia. The information is basically the same for Section 8 across the board and any slight variances can easily be tailored to your region. Be warned, delaying to purchase this book is costly. Thanks Nick and Mike.

Thank you so much Mike! You make it so much easier for us how to handle section 8 Tenants. I've learned so much from it and we are looking to get our next rental property.

This book has it all,what can I say :"It Sizzles"
Fantastic recipes,great tips and directions for the not so seasoned outdoor chef,it will bring grilling and outdoor cooking to a whole new level for you,you'll love it.

Finally a barbeque book with gorgeous pictures that actually look like the food coming off the grill. Simple recipes with a New Zealand twist make for a perfect barbeque. Now I look forward to firing up the Weber...

Crab Cakes! Bruschetta! Even Pancakes! OK, I always thought I was decent on the BBQ. But that was with the basics. These recipes put a whole new twist on what you can cook on the BBQ. I would have never thought to make Bruschetta or Garlic Bread on the grill. Some personal favorites include Crab Cakes w/Cambodian Dressing, Asparagus Prosciutto Wraps, Pots of Gold, Devilled Chicken Wings, Coconut Fish Cakes, Mussels in Lemon Grass Broth, Breakfast Tomatoes and my number one favorite, Blueberry Pancakes! The BBQ tips section is very useful. Truly unique ways of cooking on the BBQ.

If you believe you eat first with our eyes... then you will consider "SIZZLE - Sensational Barbecue Food ", by Julie Biuso a virtual feast. The photography alone is worth the price of this book! If you're a fan of the simple, easy to prepare, yet delicious recipes found in the Barefoot Contessa series of cookbooks by Ina Garten, then you need to order SIZZLE today.

SIZZLE was originally published in New Zealand. But when translated for the American market... it revealed the origins of "California Cuisine". Dishes prepared with the freshest of ingredients, simply prepared and seasoned with a veritable fragrance and spice tour of the Pacific Rim Nations.

This book celebrates the ideal of summer: friends and family gathering together to share sun filled days and warm nights delighting in the "chit-chat and laughter", while enjoying amazing food, with cold beverage in hand and a reminiscence of BBQ smoke lingering in the air. To quote Julie; "barbecuing should be fun". When done properly, barbecuing is the quintessential manifestation of fun with food. "SIZZLE" is now the barbecue handbook for my summer. Enjoy!

I absolutely cherish my new cookbook by Julie Biuso. My husband and I both love to barbeque and try new recipes. Julie has given us some of the easiest, yet tastiest recipes of all. To top it off, the book is immensely helpful in providing new ways to display the food--makes me look like a gourmet chef! This book is quite an achievement to say the least.
I read in the book that Julie received a World Cookbook award--ditto on that honor!!

This book is a joy to read. It inspires anyone to enjoy all of the little blessings in life.

Mama fell in love with San Francisco as soon as she and her husband arrived in the city from Norway. Five children were born to her there, and she raised them with love and wisdom that daughter Katrin - who Americanized her name to "Kathryn" in early adolescence - would always remember.

I won't call this classic collection of real-life stories charming, because it's got too much solid and at times downright unpleasant reality in its pages. Instead I'll call it inspiring. Money, education, and influence Mama's family didn't have; but everything that really matters they had in plenty. Good food, meticulously clean shelter, solid values, and most of all - of course - love. Recommended for all ages in the highest possible terms!

This is one of my favorite books to read aloud. I taught junior highers for many years and this was a book they loved! Many times I taught sisters and brothers in later years and they would invariably ask when I was going to read Mama's Bank Account. The story appeals to both boys and girls and though Mama is the central character, I appreciated the fact that Papa was a very strong, loving support to the family. After you have read the book, watch the video! It is one of the few books that made the transition to the screen and is delightful!

I won't give away the spoiler that ties together the whole plot, but needless to say it's right up there in the title of the book and it's still a surprise even after sixty years or more since the novel was first published. Kathryn Forbes must have been a delightful woman and her book is one of the finest achievements ever to have been written in San Francisco. And that's saying something, considering what a rich and cultured city ours is. One episode that will stick with me forever is the time when the little girl and her brother are talked into providing food for their whole class at school, and "Mama" saves the day by cooking up some of her good old Swedish (I guess Norwegian) meatballs. When I first read this passage I was but a little boy and had never heard of any kind of meatballs but Italian ones! Next thing you know, my mom and dad took us to dinner and the waiter asked me what I wanted to eat and I surprised them all by asking for "Swedish meatballs on little tooth picks."

It's a family book for people whose families are no longer with us. And it will rekindle the spirit of hope in everyone, with its message of universal tolerance and mother love.

As an author, I bought this book to use as a reference book while writing a fictional story about a similar type of family. I read this book as a young woman and saw both the stage play and the movie. It is a touching tale of a more simple time and a remarkable woman. Rosalie Kramer, "Dancing in the Dark: Things My Mother Never Told Me."

A delightful tale by Oakland author Beresford McLean, Broken Gourds examines the social fabric in Albion, an imaginary Jamaican farming village, in the latter part of the 19th century. At the beginning of the tale, the village is divided into two classes: the few white (or whiter) folks who run the community's major institutions, and the farmers and other folk, relatively recently freed from slavery, and not so distant from their African roots. By the end of the story, this order has been mightily disturbed.
Central to this shift in power is Dada, one of the "broken gourds." His father, Prince, is the highest of the lowly, a farmer who owns a fair amount of the land in Albion, and who actually gets to approach the table of the upper class when the whole community gathers for lunch after church on Sunday.
Dada is no credit to Prince at all, as far as his father can see. Although seemingly not lacking in intelligence, Dada has yet to find his groove in life, and is content doing simple chores, sometimes even forgetting them, and keeping company with his friend, the other "broken gourd," Twig.
This aimlessness goes on, to Prince's consternation, until Dada is nearly 30, and showing no desire to move out of Prince's home, or otherwise distinguish himself. Dada himself is puzzled by his lack of purpose. The only one who seems to see who Dada is and where he might be going is Granny, Prince's mother, who holds to the traditions of her Ghanaian culture, much maligned among the "proper" folk. Granny sees that Dada has a great gift that he'll one day contribute to his community.
That day comes, and Dada is called upon by an angel in a visionary dream. He's so transformed, even his name goes, and he renames himself Brother Walk. He has become a healer, who will walk about caring for whoever needs his touch. Ultimately, his work brings about a surprising harmony in the community. The power of the village comes to rest in his hands, even as he once dreamed it would, without ever knowing how.
But all this is not without its upsets. For all the good that Dada does - and some of it very unconventionally, he's not without his detractors.
The tenor of the book is lilting and poetic, rich in unusual plot turns and endearing characters. The reader can become very fond of the community of Albion and its denizens - even the troublemakers. In his dedication, the author credits his parents with his "knack of storytelling [he] stole when they were not looking." He stole well; Broken Gourds is a transporting and heart-lifting tale of healing and redemption.

When we think of countries and civilizations we think of the cities that define them, the Great Zimbabwe, ancient Athens, and ancient Rome. We seldom think of a village, but it is the village that first nurtures the population and shapes its character, laws, and political structure. These eventually lead to the building of cities. "Broken Gourds" is the tale of one such village, Albion.

Albion is a small hilly village in Jamaica. There is a dirt path that goes from the plantations to the seaport in Port Maria. Many of the landowners and highly paid professionals that lived in Albion petitioned the city to widen the road and improve it for cars and trucks.

Victor Rawlings, the unofficial village representative, attempts to stop the construction of the road. He does this by telling the story of the village to the team of engineers sent to see the path and make recommendations to the city. Rawlings explains to the project manager, Margaret Duncan, that if the city builds the road where planned, it would destroy a historical plot of land and one building in particular. This broken down shack, called the Balm Yard and House of God is an important part of village history and symbolizes the community's soul.

The story of the Balm Yard begins with Dada a son of a prosperous village farmer, Prince, a well-respected community leader. Prince worries about Dada because he is both uninterested in and unfit for manly work. He is physically repulsive, his feet covered with oozing sores, and he constantly suffers from a head cold. The only one who understands Dada and suspects that he is blessed with more than a beautiful signing voice is his grandmother. Granny lives above the village in the mountains and still practices the ancient African religion of her ancestors.

As he grows to manhood, it becomes apparent that Dada lives in a dream world populated with spirits, duppys, who communicate with him. This gift further alienates him from his peers but renders him an ideal vessel for the spirits, and they soon make use of their vessel.

On the first day of August the spirit people lead Dada to a magical pool where he is cured of his afflictions. He in turn cures his gravely ill grandmother and his friend Twig, the village cripple.

Soon Dada becomes a priest and healer in the traditional African sense. He builds the Balm house as his counsel house and church and begins to take over the spiritual guidance of Albion. However, Dada's greed and carnal lust, especially his desire for one young woman he cannot have, leads to his moral and spiritual breakdown. Finally, his redemption leads to self -discovery, and he becomes a true spiritual leader.

As the story of the Balm Yard ends the present day storyteller and listeners learn of their connection to the past and come to understand the importance of the Yard's restoration

The story's narrative flows elegantly and the prose is a lyrical. However, the dialogue is forced and stilted in parts. Those looking for a novel with well-developed three-dimensional characters will be disappointed. This book is a narrative told by a village storyteller. It is more important what the characters represent, authority, friendship, and compassion, than who they are. Although Dada's character is more developed, even he represents different virtues and vices at different times.

"Broken Gourds" is a colorful tale of Jamaica's African roots and portrays well the world of magical realism that surrounds most Caribbean and Latin American cultures. Although I would have liked some of the characters to be more fleshed out, I appreciated the beauty of the narrative and found the story well told and interesting.

As an avid reader, I'm always excited when I come across such a fantastic book as Broken Gourds. Told in the warm vibrant style of story tellers from long ago, Broken Gourds is one of the best books I've read in a while. Set in a small village in Jamaica, its a story about traditions, religion, superstitions, and change as carried down through the generations of the village's residents. From the moment I picked it up, I became instantly transported to this little village in Jamaica. I simply could not put it down. Beresford McLean is a Master Story Teller



Laura Wandrie - NewAge Journal

Reviewed by: Tyrone Vincent Banks of Betsie's Literary Page.

A spiritual combination of "Flowers for Algernon" and "Phenomenon"


Broken Gourds is an intriguing story about a "simpleton" named Dada. Throughout most of his life he existed as an outsider, scorned by his family and laughed at by children and adults alike. What he lacked in social grace, common sense and intelligence was compensated for by his beautiful singing voice, peaceful demeanor and compassion. He was an outcast suffering from a disease that left gaping sores about his face that would never heal. His father Prince was afraid that he would never leave his home and therefore stifle his own search for a bride to replace Dada's deceased mother. Prince embarked on a campaign to build a life for his son and make him comply with his vision of success.

Dada saw no harm in the way that he lived. As long as there was food, a way to care for his crippled friend Twig and his grandmother - he was content. One day, he failed his father for the last time by setting Prince's livestock free and letting the water supply run dry. As Dada ran for his life with his father at wit's end threatening to kill him, his life changed. He was given a vision and a magical gourd that could fill a well as if an endless supply of water was enclosed within the small container. He was changing and he rushed to the side of his dying grandmother - and healed her with an embrace. The wounds that covered his face - disappeared. Dada's eyes opened and he was no longer an uninterested observer, he was now an instrument of change.

Dada became an instrument of God, much like the gourd that contained the endless supply of water; he was filled with the power of God. He established a place of worship called The Balm Yard and the miracles continued. All that he touched were healed and he took on a new name - Brother Walk. He would travel throughout Albion, Jamaica preaching and healing all within reach. Brother Walk was reborn and in this new form he learns about love, sensuality, self-sacrifice and temptation. He is given an endless amount of power and his followers hang on every word that leaves his mouth. However, we all know what happens with absolute power. This book has an ending that is both surprising and expected.

Read this book and take part in this journey reminiscent of Daniel Keyes' "Flowers for Algernon" and the motion picture "Phenomenon" told with the classic flair of Steinbeck. The journey is mystical and enjoyable and Beresford McLean's style is similar to that of a revered storyteller. His words and images will capture you and you will carry this story in your heart.

Inside each of us there dwells a person, unlovely and unloved,who wants desparately for us to be more than we are. Mr. McLean speaks to that soul in the person of Dada, the main character in this delightfully universal Jamaican myth. Through Granny, Dada, who later comes to be Brother Walk, and the other members of the community of Albion, we meet all the complexities of humanity and the many faces of god. We come face to face with the man and woman in each of us, the greedy child, the bully, the submissive and the dominant, the hopeful and the hopeless, the liar and the cheat, the angel and the devil, the listener to voices, the beater of drums and the dreamer of dreams.

I loved this story of change, resolution, justice, mercy, humility, magic and "Old Time Something come back again". I appreciated the author's themes and use of imagery, language, personification and local colour. I think you too will be unable to resist it for a gentle read or a headliner for your local public library book club! I highly recommend it! Happy reading!

As of 13 May 2008 I was told by the Revere Academy that it will be another two years before the next edition of this wonderful book will be available....sigh. I worked from this book at a jewelry school in Manhattan and have been searching for it ever since. Another two years for the next edition is going to be way too long for this budding jeweler! I wish Alan would put it out to a bigger printing firm as I am convinced any amount of stock would fly off the shelf in no time at all as there is no other book of this calibre worth buying!

This book is excellent. No need to buy used. As of November 15, 2007, Alan Revere's website informs "This book is currently out of print. Look for the expanded and revised edition with 5 new chapters, new layout and larger photographs. Coming soon!" The price is about $70.

This is a well written project book in jewellery. The projects are detailed and well photographed, but not a book for the beginner. If you require books on methods and technical information I recommend 'Jewelry Concepts & Technology' by Oppi Untracht and 'Theory and Practice of Goldsmithing (Jewelry Crafts)'by Erhard Brepohl, which are better value for money.

This book is a gem. Pun intended. Gorgeous photographs and concise instructions combine to give the reader a lovely and interesting assistance into the complex world of goldsmithing , which Alan Revere knows initmately.
I especially appreciate the glossary and tool descriptions, which serve to beautifully strengthen both novice and veteran metal artists' cognitive arsenal. Wonderful beautiful volume, destined to be a classic for generations of fine jewelers and goldsmiths. Thank You Alan!!!

1st off a new edition is on the way with lots of new photos and 5 new chapers so don't get fleeced buying an over priced used copy.

Meanwhile, This is the single best choice for the intermediate to advanced jewler and even a beginner can learn much. Great step by step that is written so one can jump in a process and glean a specific skill without making the entire piece.

I've been making jewelry such as featured in this book for over 17 years and am a book hound. All the others are fighting it out for 2nd place as this rules the roost!

Can't wait for the new edition. Hurry up Alan!

Regards,

BRAUTIGAN AT HIS BEST, in his use of humor IN an ABSURDIST NEO NINETENTH NERVOUS CENTURY VENTURE INTO THE TWENTETH CENTURY COINAGE SQUALOUR,in an ARCADIANIAN LIKE GARBAGE HEEP HANG OUT FOR SQUATTERS, everwhere 1950s ARSONIST guierilla condederate idealist/relic, confronts conspires aghast in stumble bumble berry bush brambble,ICON AS HELL STALLION MELON DEAD DRUNK eXpire hearFIRE TILT TIRE echo, footsteps leading back past fast,TREAD MUTATED SURREAL.ABSOLUTE ABOMINATION THE GHOHSTS OF THE PASS MERGE WITH THE REGRET OF THE NEAR AND DIRECT PRESENT IN FOLKLORE, LEGEND IN PROISE by the ocean in BIG sur,

Where to begin? Despite the foreshadowing of brautigan's abandoning of modern American society (He's out in the mountains of Idaho as we speak, putting his mack on some female hikers or else shivering alone in a bear's cave), this book also is funny. I like it. There's some aligators in there and that made me laugh because i think that aligators are funny.

Brautigan's excellent novel is definately worth the quick read, and then worth a second read to catch all his language play. Having grown up near Big Sur, this book was particularly funny as I believe Lee Mellon is still in residence there.

Brautigan's description of drugs, drinks, frogs and the commas of Ecclesiastes are all done in a straight forward style that made me laugh out loud.

One of my favorite paragraphs: "He broke the seal on the bottle, unscrewed the cap and poured a big slug of whiskey into his mouth. He swallowed it down with a hairy gulp. Strange, for as I said before: he was bald." A great read.

If there's one thing the world lacks, it's a good supply of well-written, funny-as-heck books. Luckily, aside from A Confederacy Of Dunces, we have this little gem. The characters are drunks, druggies, skanks, prostitutes & nutzoids. The pace is brisk and the imagry vivid. Most of it seemed to be part of my own life, but just where do you find weed that's so potent that 4 people smoking 5 joints stay high for well over 2 hours?! If you want to spend a day or night having a good laugh over a great book, pick this one up. You'll laugh out loud. And as Martha Stewart says...."It's a good thing".

If you read nothing else by Richard Brautigan, read "A Confederate General From Big Sur." Mere words are inadequate to properly describe this book, and the majesty contained within. Brautigan, master of the simile, is at his finest as he spins an off-beat tale containing (though not restricted to): frogs, dynamite, prostitutes, booze, and a man named Lee Mellon. Forsaking all possessions and the amenities of "civilized" life (a notion nearly inconceivable these days), Lee Mellon and the narrator, Jesse, embark upon an adventure in a place called Big Sur. An adventure not only in the physial sense, but in the metaphysical as well. Reading Brautigan in the context of our times, it is hard to imagine how the audience of the 1960's embraced his work. While his works may, to us, appear strange at times, we have grown accustomed to such eccentricities. But in the 60's it was fresh and new. One can only speculate if we have somehow missed out on some aspect of Brautigan by having read his books 30 years after they were written. But the mere fact that his work stands the test of time is a testament not only to his books, but to the man himself. But, alas, i stray from the topic of this missive. You want my review? It's a damn good book. Now go and read it.

Pity the poor soul who gets caught in this 21st century, electronic melee. When funny gal Linda Sharp's RABID fire observations are bounced off her pen pal Shana Moore the result is a witty repartee loaded with acerbic commentary. No subject is sacred; dieting, sex, husbands, kids - every topic is treated with the same caustic playfulness.

Bottom line: it's a fantastic book. Full of funny stories and tales that make us moms not feel quite so alone in this great big world.
Keep in mind that it's more than just a collection of humor essays-- this all-too-true book of confessions tells a great story of a budding friendship, the kind that keep women from losing their minds.
Read it. And have your friends read it. Then get together over coffee and laugh all over again while celebrating motherhood and womanhood alike.

I got the book for Christmas and couldn't wait to
find the time to sit down and read it! Once I did I
didn't want to put it down. Finished it in 3 days!
Then I couldn't get it to a girlfriend quickly enough
so we could laugh together!

Shana and Linda are both VERY talented and funny writers! Not
only did I enjoy the banter back and forth between the authors
but it was so inspiring to see how they became such good
friends and began to rely on each other for their daily
laughter and camaraderie.

A MUST read for Mom's!!!!

I got this book for myself for Christmas after hearing about it through the online grapevine and I cannot say enough how much I enjoyed it! From cover to cover every single thing the authors discussed rang true in my own life. And I was laughing so much that my husband got curious and is reading it now. He is laughing out loud too! BUY THIS BOOK!

This is a LOL (laugh out loud) read for women of all ages. It is the perfect gift for any girlfriend, sister, mother or grandma who appreciates the real humor in a woman's life. Bravo to the authors for a funny look at life's ups and downs.

When I first sat down to listen to his audio of this book, my mind was filled with the business of the season. I was bored with listening to a story when so many other things were expected of me. Later I decided to stop buzzing around and relax and try listening again, and I am so glad that I did. It is truely a story of hope, a story of love and it brings Christmas Day so much closer to the reality of the season. This will truely touch your heart. Charleen Crenshaw.

This is a wonderful holiday tale. It's right up there with Miracle on 34th Street and the movie version of White Christmas. The premise is totally original. this story will touch your heart and make you ponder the magic of Christmas!

This is truly a Christmas classic!

Another Christmas classic: Christmas Gifts, Christmas Voices--this story shows the miracles that occur as a result of simply thinking of others.

It's not only a beautiful story but the book itself is the highest quality. I wanted to share the "Christmas spirit" with my children and friends.

A Christmas tradition to be read every year. I must point out that this edition does not include the CD (which you definitely need to have!) but if you like to play the songs yourself, it includes the score. Nice print, comfortable to read... Just great.

I got tired of our son borrowing ours and not returning it until after Christmas so we got him his own...finally. We love this story.

There were many funny stories in this book, (Sourdough and Burd being among my favorites,) but also some good heartwarming life lessons. Like the story about the lottery winner Emil and his principles, and the overall theme of the everyday ups and downs of life and family relationships. I really liked how the complexity of feelings for family was conveyed. Great read!

I picked this up on a whim in a used bookstore because I needed something to read while waiting for my son to finish with an appointment. What a find! Mr. McLean has a terrific eye and ear for wry observations and dialog, especially concerning kids and teenagers. And then there is his wit, sharpened by the fact that he laughs most readily, ultimately, at himself. I haven't laughed this hard since James Thurber, Garrison Keillor, and David Sedaris.

I picked this book out of a list given to me by my 12th grade english teacher. After searching everywhere i ordered it off amazon and am very pleased i did. it is an amazingly light, funny story about a 'stock' family that is a great summer read. i recommend it to both guys and girls, great book!

I can see why Stuart McLean is one of Canada's beloved storytellers through the warmth, humanity and humor of his stories. My favorite stories came early in the book, one of them being "Turkey" which starts off both the book and the Winter section. The description of the turkey before it was roasted had me and my husband howling with laughter. Another favorite is the one about the birthday party, especially the scene where Dave tries to frost the cake while it is still warm. My husband recently made the same mistake when he was frosting my birthday cake. I think there is enough depth to this collection of stories that most any one can come away with a favorite story or at least a favorite scene.

... a very ordinary family. Now, I don't mean ordinary in the boring sense of the term, quite the contrary. This is a collection of short stories spanning a year in the lives of a middle-class family. Everyone will be able to recognize themselves or others in these people to whom funny things tend to happen.

A quick read that will have you smiling (and giggling) on the bus.

You won't regret picking it up, and will look for McLean's other collections of stories about this wonderful family upon completing it.