Rhode Island Books

Anyone who is interested in the Civil War has to read this book. All for the Union is the diary of Elisha Hunt Rhodes and covers the four years that he spent in the Union army. Entry by entry, the reader can watch Rhodes go from an enthusiastic young man, to hard, weary soldier. Appalled by the death and destruction early in the book, by the end, laying down to sleep between the dead and dying barely justifies a comment. A wonderful read.

It isn't easy to find quality diaries written so well from the Civil War sometimes; although this book will rank with in the top 10. Popularized and quoted often in Ken Burn's Civil War series on PBS, Rhodes' book about his life as a soldier come to life. Rhodes brings the excitement and patriotic fervor of being a new recruit in the 2nd Rhode Island Infantry early in the war. This patriotic spirit never dies through out his writing. Many times he writes about the daily hardships such as bad weather, sickness and death while always falling back on the duty to ones country and the saving of the union. Rhodes' duty carries him many engagements where death lingers around every corner. Battles such as Bull Run, Antietam, Fredericksburg and Gettysburg are just a few that this man witnessed and wrote about firsthand. Rhodes' was really an ideal soldier and loved the life. He started the war as a private and by the end of it was a colonel. Many people would benefit from reading this book be it a historian or beginner looking to further understand soldier life in the Civil War.

If you are interested in more than big names and big battles this book is well worth reading. Elisha Hunt Rhodes shares his experiences from his enlistment as a boy having never been away from home until his mustering out as a man having earned the rank of Col. He writes in an honest straight forward manner about every aspect of daily life. His strong belief in duty, sense of right and wrong and his ever important sense of humor show in everything he writes. He's an optimist that made it through the war with all these attributes intact. Thankfully for us he kept this diary so that we can understand a little more about life during the Civil War.

Whie the Army of the Potomac suffered the usual soldier hardships we also have to realize these soldiers suffered some very bad generals in comparison to the Army of the Tennessee. We see the participants sense of this in the memoir. It is best placed in the heirarchy of the Civil War memoirs it must be placed beside Sam Watkins's "Co. Aytch." High praoise indeed.

We have works on the Civil War written by generals (e.g., the memoirs of Ulysses Grant and James Longstreet) and other officers (E. P. Alexander, Moxley Sorrell). However, equally valuable is the view from the bottom, by the foot soldiers. From the Confederate side, the paradigm example is Sam Watkins, "Company Aytch". From the Union side, Elisha Hunt Rhodes fills the bill. He rose through the ranks, and his diaries and letters provide a first-hand, ground-level view of the war in the east. As the Introduction by one of his descendants notes (Page xv): "He participated in every campaign of the Army of the Potomac from Bull Run to Appomattox with rapid promotions up to the rank of colonel in 1865."

Incidents are described plainly and with an eye from the front. On pages 15 and following, he describes the march to Bull Run, the state of the troops, the weariness experienced on that march. Then, the battle itself and aftermath are described in an economical manner. Here and after, his observations of fellow soldiers and officers is most useful, giving the reader a sense of what he was perceiving.

On pages 106 and following is his description of his regiment's (2nd Rhode Island) and his corps' (VI Corps under General John Sedgwick) march to and role at Gettysburg. While the corps arrived late, its uniting with the rest of the Army of the Potomac was a great morale boost for the Union forces, as this Corps was the largest in the northern army, bringing it to full strength at this bloody conflict.

Then, his description of the bloody battle at the Wilderness, where he took the measure of Grant, after vicious fighting. In his diary on May 7th, 1864, he noted (page 138): "If we were under any other General except Grant I should expect a retreat, but Grant is not that kind of soldier, and we feel that we can trust him." In that phrase, he captures nicely the bulldog tenacity of Grant as a General, and identifying what was different from him compared with other commanders of the Army of the Potomac.

His rendering the campaign in the Shenandoah Valley, where General Phil Sheridan jousted with Jubal Early's forces is is insightful. He speaks of the classic surprise assault on the Union position while Sheridan was off consulting with Washington. The surprise attack rolled up the Union lines for a time, although the VI Corps held pretty well. His description of Sheridan's role is interesting, as his simple coda for this indicates (page 185): "Hurrah for Sheridan!"

And, finally, these lines (page 221): "Glory to God in the highest. Peace on earth, good will to men! Thank God Lee has surrendered and the war will end soon." Thus, his response at Appomattox Court House.

As with Sam Watkins' observations, so, too, with Rhodes'. These observers provide a valuable and insightful perspective on the war from the ground level. Well recommended for those interested in the soldier's view of the Civil War.

James Halon will tickle your adventure-bone with this novel! His characters have an incredible depth to them, and the premise of his story is unique and fast-paced. Halon's main character Jim Morgan has wit, intrigue and sex-appeal. Morgan is today's James Bond without all the gadgets and far-fetched scenarios. See what happens when a Field Engineer is thrown into a life of spys, danger, and romance! Even Halon's 'bad guy' has been done originally and is a refreshing departure from the norm. I recommend this book to anyone who loves adventure with a twist of romance!! For Halon fans, be sure to check out his collection of poetry entitled "Poetry" by James Halon, too! You will glad that you did! This author is extremely versatile and has a firm grip on how to entertain a reader!

James Halon takes the spy thriller to a whole new level with his novel The Malagasy Tortoise. Engineer Jim Morgan has a knack for being in the wrong place at the wrong time and making the most of it. Fancy clothes, secret weapons, Bond girls, Morgan doesn't need them (well almost!)as he battles the forces of evil. Humor, witty dialogue, brilliant description, and imaginative situations keep this fast paced book clicking along.

James Halon has done an excellent job of mixing elements of intrigue, action packed adventure, and infatuation.Jim Morgan, like so many men, is carnially motivated by love - or lust (I'm not sure he knows the difference). His motto seems to be love the one your with. His overactive libido leads him into one disastrous scenario after another.
On his quest to find the rare Malagasy Tortoise in Madagascar, he finds himself torn between his recently reunited love, Eunice and the young, sultry, CIA agent, Sophie. Perhaps, the mysterious Tina Johnson would be a good distraction from this dilemma. What is a man capable accomplishing in the name of love? Jim Morgan, an engineer by trade, finds himself smack in the middle of a CIA covert operation. Car crashes, burning buildings, Russian prisons, is any woman worth the tortures he finds himself enduring?
This book is a great read for any audience. It's difficult to find characters portrayed so honestly. James Bond, he's not. Jim Morgan tries to be just as suave and sophisticated with the ladies. Instead, his charismatic wit and humor seem to be his strong point. In the end, like Bond, Morgan finds his share of love / lust.
This reader can't wait for the next, Jim Morgan Adventure!

If James Bond was an Engineer and wore sweatshirts instead of tuxedos his name would be Jim Morgan... Well, maybe not. Morgan is a refreshingly unique character unlike the typical male protagonist. James Halon has conjured many wonderful characters in this book that take the reader on a bizarre quest for a rare tortoise. A quest that reveals multiple lovers, deadly spies and plenty to laugh at along the way. I look forward to Jim's next adventure and future dreams.

Author Jim Halon has managed to create characters that enabled this reader to feel she knows them personally. A very well crafted story with laugh out loud writing. The humor the author displays throughout is refreshing and uplifting.

Halon has a wonderful ability to place the reader "there"...with exceptional description, one feels like they're partaking of the adventure right along with Morgan. The fresh prose delights throughout the story. "My steak disappeared so fast that David Copperfield, the infamous illusionist, would have been awestruck, and demanding that I eat another so he could pick up on my trick."

I was gravely mistaken when I initally thought this was a "man's" adventure story. Halon has combined adventure with a hefty amount of humor and romance. This reader was quite impressed with his choice of female characters...strong-willed, intelligent, competent, attractive and independent. Don't expect a damsel in distress in this novel. Halon's female characters makes this particular female reader exceptionally impressed with what he created. All of them, including Morgan himself, are realistic and believable. I sincerely give this novel a five star rating, only because six wasn't available. Order a copy, curl up in a comfortable spot and prepare to be highly entertained! This author has great promise and I look forward to the sequel.

I am a private school elementary teacher, and was given this book as a gift by one of my students. It is a superb introduction to the state, and especially appropriate for children in the third grade and above. Many of the subjects that are included in the book are part of the Rhode Island curriculum, and many of the places included are field trips that our class has attended.

The writing is clear, crisp, and clean, and the drawings are age appropriate and very engaging. I highly recommend this book as an adjunct learning tool about Rhode Island, as well as a fun introduction to our state. I plan on recommending it as a text book for our school system...

Even though I have lived in New England for years, I learned a great deal about Rhode Island from RIAtoZ. The illustrations are charming, and the text makes this much more than a typical kids book. It's written from the perspective of someone who knows and truly loves Little Rhody. There should be a book like this for every state in the Union!!

We had Adam come to perform his Acme Miniature Circus at our Theatre in Brookline MA. He brought some books to sell, and I wanted to comment on how great the books are. Our patrons really loved them. We get a lot of kids and parents as patrons, and they all thought the book was fabulous. We are not even in Rhode Island! The book is entertaining, informative, and well worth getting.

From beginning to end, a wonderful book filled with interesting tidbits to get you started on an adventure in Rhode Island. For being the smallest state in the Union, we have a grand amount of history and Rhode Island A-Z is a perfect introduction to local landmarks. Just trying to drive around finding everything in the book is entertaining. Well written with clean artwork,
I highly recommend this book for young and old alike.

We got copies for all of our friends because kids really seem to like it--the coloring part is really, really well done, and they like having the history stuff read to them (unless they're old enough to read it, themselves).

Highly recommended.

Ed Morris brings the varied architectural structures along Newport's Cliff Walk to life by providing brief, often amusing insights of the personalities who comprised this exclusive neighborhood. His commentary on the personal "eccentricities" of several members of this neighborhood is especially entertaining. A must buy for anyone who plans to visit Newport's Cliff Walk and desires to know the history of who built and who lived in this Guilded Age oriented neighbornood!

Ed Morris, in this self-published work, offers a detailed 2-mile jaunt around Newport's famed Cliff Walk and surrounding neighborhood. Along the way, he links Newport and some of her better known summer residents to one of American history's most dramatic and interesting eras. Morris introduces his readers to the architectural, industrial, and socially ambitious giants of turn of the century America as he shares tales of their Newport-styled approach to the "strenuous business of leisure." This book is chock-full of anecdotes that share Morris' unique insights with locals and visitors alike.

Ed Morris has done a wonderful job in bringing Newport's history to life! It really is a must have for anyone who is thinking about visiting Newport. The cliff walk is on a beautiful stretch of coastline, and as I was reading the book, I felt as if I was given access to all of the wonderful mansions along the way. Thank you for letting me take a glimpse over the hedges of Newport's elite and seeing how the other half lived!!!

New York High Society beginning in the 1860'sto World WarI built their summer Palaces in Newport, RI along Belleview Avenue along the fabled Cliff Walk.

"A Guide to Newports Cliff Walk" tells about this "Gilded Age" summer resort-- The Astors, the Vanderbilts, the Belmonts-- their fortunes their foibles their architects, their architectural styles.

But this 90 page illustrated guidebook also ties these Newport developments to the contemporaneous social, architectural and even political hapennings of this time in New York City Itself.

It mixes in the exposure of Boss Tweed, the election of Teddy Roosevelt as president, the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, the Washington Memorial Arch the fight to give voting rights to women and the assassination of architect Standford White of the roof garden of the first Madison Square Garden Building which he had built!

With 29 illustrations and a healthy dose of facts the guide book will give any New York tourist a clear insight into the Holy of Holies of High Society during the American Industrial Revolution!

Anyone walking along this gorgeous path has wondered about the families,this book tells about the people and the history in a most interesting manner. A very well written book.

This is a fascinating account of the life and times of a millwright and his trade. Details on choosing a location for the mill, building the mill, and how the machinery to grind the grain worked puts the reader in the position as the millwright himself. This book is written as part history book, part informational, and even part journal, using fictional diary entries to give the reader a sense of the everyday life of a miller. A touch of drama is thrown in as we read of mill-workers who are injured and/or killed while on the job -
"1864 August 15: Mary McDonnell was drawn into the machinery by the belting today and lost her right arm below the elbow. I fear the heat will not help her recovery
August 17: Mary McDonnell died today, the infection having spread too quickly from her injury. I will send her wages on to her mother in Southbridge."
This book is supposedly written for children - I first discovered it in an elementary school library - but I find it more suitable for adults. I have found that many history books geared toward the younger set can have information not found in the more adult-oriented books. The Mill by David Macaulay is one of them. The illustrations themselves are very well done, and the details of running a mill is probably the best I have seen thus far.
Great reading about the lifeblood of a 19th century community.

I bought this for my son, who has always been intrigued by construction projects, but I have also enjoyed it quite a bit and learned a lot from it. One point I would make is that it is not quite as simple as some of Macaulay's other books, such as Castle and Cathedral. Whereas those books are easy for even a four-year-old to comprehend, Mill has a more involved story-line and will require more explaining from a parent. I would say that ideally it should be for older children for that reason. But, that doesn't change the fact that it's a great book, and of course the illustrations are amazing.

It is said that in the course of one long human lifetime, places like Ohio went from virgin wilderness to among the most industrialized regions on earth, but the "blueprint" for the Midwest's growth as a center of industry had its roots in the factory mills of New England. In Mill, the masterful David Macaulay uses direct storytelling, combined with his appealing pen and ink sketches, to bring to our comprehension the founding and operation of a nineteenth-century water-powered textile mill. His tale here takes a reader, young or old, through the development of the mill structure, an event reminiscent of a rural barn raising, into the day to day workings of this efficient industrial complex as it would have been at peak operation. More than just a place of labor, the mills of New England and elsewhere soon became the focal points of entire communities. As this book shows, if a local resident did not himself work at the mill, then one of his relatives, customers, or friends most certainly did. Macaulay pulls no punches, and shows that work in a mill was demanding, dangerous, and strenuous. There were long hours, sunup to sunset, every day except Sunday. David Macaulay also elicits true feeling from his readers as the story wraps around to the demise of the grand old mill, in a later age when industrial evolution makes its processes redundant. Mill may lack some of the grandeur of other Macaulay works such as Cathedral, Castle, or Pyramid, but it has a lot to teach almost anyone, and in this author's hands, learning is both spontaneous and enjoyable.

This is an important book. Written for children, it can be used just as effectively by adults to comprehend the beginnings of the industrial revolution in the United States. Learn and see how men tamed our rivers and how men, women and children were swallowed up in these great monuments to progress.

The illustrations are remakable. David Macaulay deftly describes and illustrates how the technology that made America a world industrial power came to the young new country and how American ingenuity improved it and made the nation into a world class economic juggernaut.

The author is a superb story teller, and anyone who would like to visualize the nature of mills and to understand the profound impact of this technology on our country should read it.

I highly recommend this great children's book to everyone.

Macaulay is an illustrator, architect, engineer, historian, economist, anthropologist and story-teller. He puts all of this knowledge and skill into Mill. It is a totally one-of-a-kind book that does not easily fall under any traditional category. It is often labeled as a "kids' book" because it has pictures and is relatively short. But very little of the educational content would be considered common knowledge for adults. It reads like a history text-book, a technical manual, and a novel all in one.

It is an epic, multi-generational story of a fictional New England town that is born out of the textile boom of the Industrial Revolution. You follow the cotton-milling and cloth-weaving operations of this town and its mills as they grow and expand, incorporate new technology, and endure the tides of fortune. Along the way, you get to learn all the details of the planning, the machinery, the construction, read excerpts from the characters' journals and watch the town slowly grow and change over time. In the end, this short book feels like a monumental journey and it will leave you not only satisfied but smarter too.

I've read most of Macaulay's books and this is probably the best.

a great visual journey into john lennon's life with plenty of intimate photographs

All I can say is that this book is the best I've ever owned on any member of the Beatles. Jammed full of pictures and a detailed bio, this book is everything that you need to know about John Lennon's life, work, and social standings. I give it an A++++. Forwarded by Yoko Ono.

The perfect coffee-table book for fans of John Lennon and his music. Lots of lovely photos and illustrations, plus commentary from Lennon & those closest to him. Includes a very useful chronology & dscography. Highly recommended, as is the film upon which it is based.

i bought this book after seeing the rave reviews it got, thinking it was a real reading book. turned out to be a HUGE, glossy pictorial account..... but it's just as good probably better. awesome rare photos and quotes by the man and friends, and packed full of priceless memories. get it.

This is really a great book. It gave me allot of facts. Not just about the working John but also the person John Lennon. The picuters are big and very well taken. It's pictures we have seen before from the Beatles time. But also pictures from his personal life with his sons and wives. It's a wonderful book and a great tribution to John. I loved it.

This book is a fascinating look at politics, corruption and the enigma of Buddy Cianci. Thoughtful and balanced, it shows both sides of a bright, funny, and charismatic mayor whose impact reaches beyond his city. It's all about good and evil in the same person. Charm, power, and political realities. A great read.

RI is such a secular little world where everyone DOES know everyone else. Buddy played those connections to the hilt, rebuilding a city and lining his own pockets at the same time. This is a great study of a guy who, had he not been so affable, would have been regarded as the nastiest of crooks. But instead while he wallows in the Federal Pen, his legions of fans and supporters remain steadfast. Stanton does a superb job of capturing the uniqueness of Rhode Island; the Italianness, the corruption, the general air of "fuhgheddaboudit, they're all crooks". Don't rule out Buddy Part III, this is but the first installment of a very interesting man.

A fascinating view of a Mayor who engaged in boosterism to sell his city, and himself. Very helpful to those interested in studying styles of government and a great read.

Jim Fiorentini Mayor, Haverhill, MA

Well, perhaps not everyone does. But as this book outlines in great detail, Buddy was quite a character. He was the huge push (or battering ram?) behind the proverbial renaissance of Providence. PVD has a long way to go, but some would argue that it is definitely better off after Buddy's term in office. Besides, how many cities have had a convicted felon with his own marinara sauce in City Hall? Stanton has written a meticulously researched and engaging book about one of the most interesting mayors to come along in quite a while. Whether you're from Providence or just passing through (ahem college kids), pick this one up and learn about the man behind the myth.

I know very little about New England or Rhode Island. I'm not terribly interested in politics. I came to this book in a roundabout way. I had never been aware of Buddy Cianci until I happened to see a musical at the New York International Fringe Theatre Festival in 2003 titled BUDDY CIANCI. While the musical wasn't very good, I thought the story was fascinating and that in Buddy Cianci the authors certainly had a character who was big enough to sing. Here was a guy who was a scary crook that everyone loved. Here was a mayor whose popularity was never higher than just after he was indicted a second time. He had been indicted previously, pleaded guilty to assault (he bound and tortured a man he claimed was his ex-wife's lover) and had to step down as mayor, only to run again and be re-elected! So of course I pounced when I saw this book in the bookstore. I was not disappointed. Mike Stanton's THE PRINCE OF PROVIDENCE is jaw-dropping reading as it traces Cianci's rise to power and his outrageous machinations to keep his power. Stanton's book is very detailed and objective. This is not a hatchet job. He gives equal time to all sides. In one chapter I would be rooting for Buddy and in the following chapter rooting for his enemies. This is that kind of book. Buddy Cianci is that kind of guy. The book has been sold to the movies and should make a terrific film. (But what actor could possibly do justice to the title character?) There are times when the book seems on the verge of becoming a Yankee MIDNIGHT IN THE GARDEN OF GOOD AND EVIL (which I consider a compliment). THE PRINCE OF PROVIDENCE is consistently entertaining and has a lot to say about America and the times we live in. Four stars.

I was one of the men mentioned in the book, I thought it was an excellent book and very factual...it really did bring me back to a time so long ago. The best part was that Frank Grzyb wrote about everyone...if you were there it will bring you back. If you were not there it will give you a true insight into how it really was there at that time. Thank you Frank!

In reading these stories, you can feel what these young men and woman felt,how scared they must have felt yet their friends and loved ones didn't know. I felt like I was there with them, they will never forget what they went thru nor should we !

I found the simple style a compelling and true account of the memories and feelings of ordinary american boys, who served at one of the most difficult times in american history. Very little BS or false glory, just a real account of real Americans, when less sacrificing refused to serve.

I am not usually a "military book reader", however I am very glad I had the opportunity to read Touched as it is so well compiled. I felt like I finally understood, in part, some of what our Vietnam Vets experienced. I have shared this book with other Marine friends of mine, and the feelings are mutual. Well done!!!

For Christmas, I sent a copy to my old First Sergeant in Alabama. His wife couldn't believe that he hardly put the book down until he had finished reading it. He wants another copy so he can donate it to the local library. I also sent a copy to a cousin of mine in Illinois, who is a Nam Vet. His e-mail comment was, "MANY THANKS FOR THE BOOK!!!! SUPERB !!!!"

My husband and I have been visiting Block Island for the last six years for our wedding anniversary. The book is a lovely compilation of the island's delights. It is a great addition to our coffee table collection and reminds us of the memories we share of this great vacation spot. We stay at a bed and breakfast called the "Island Home" that is run by a wonderful couple (Dina and David), who we look forward to seeing each year on our return to the "Block"!!

When you look at the many gorgeous pictures compiled here you almost FEEL like you are on Block Island. It is a very special place to me being a Rhode Islander and to have it photographed so amazingly makes me proud. I love opening it up and flipping thru it on a cold winter day knowing that with each summer, Block Island will be there in all its glory and beauty! Amazon's price is more in line vs the every day bookstores. While the compilation of pictures is fantastic, you can buy one of Greenaways prints for what the book retails for.
It is a book to share and foster memories created on a special piece of land known as "the block".
The sky in many of the pictures is breathtaking....well done!

This wonderful book arrived quickly even with the Christmas rush. Very pleasd, would order from this supplier again.

This is a wonderful book for all Block Island lovers! Block Island natives all love Malcolm Greenaway's photos...they're in many, many homes there. To have an entire book of them is divine! It makes a great gift for anybody who's ever been there, on top of which the photos are wonderful for anyone who loves the sea and it's islands.

An absolutely beautiful coffee table book. Even if you have never been to Block Island, this photographer is extremely talented. His photos are so beautiful and peaceful. It really captures the beauty of a special Island.

Absolutely gorgeously written. I truly believed in the couple's romance and Anthony's obsession. The novel was very fast paced and made you want to keep reading. I wanted to find out what Anthony was going to do next to get back to Hannah. The author masterfully makes you feel for the two and makes you root for them until the very end.

Even better, the two aren't perfect. The girl didn't have gigantic boobs and he isn't drop dead handsome.... they are just normal. Believable, with believable problems.

Best love story and suspense novel I've read in a LONG time.

Last night I discussed Envious Moon with my book group and the author, Christopher Greene, who had offered to call in and participate. We discovered that the book had hooked us all. It was not just that it was an enjoyable book to read, but it worked on multiple levels, with surprising depth and intriguing characters, so there was much to talk about - a very good choice for a book club.

I just recently finished this book and can't stop thinking about it. It is a love story seen through the eyes of a young man who is obsessed with someone he just met. It was a quick read and kept me turning the pages to see what was going to happen next. The author does a great job describing the what life is like in small fishing town and the contrast of life for the wealthy. I had the great oportunity to talk with the author, Thomas Christopher Greene, in my book group and he is as interesting as his book and had many more projects planned for the future! I highly recommend this book!

In Galilee, Rhode Island, seventeen-year-old Anthony Lopes lives with his widowed mother. He plans to work at sea like his deceased father, a fisherman, did. However, he and his best friend Victor decide to break into the affluent home of a recently deceased woman where they will rob anything of value.

However, during the theft, Anthony notices a shadow of a female at the top of nearby steps. He feels frozen in place, as all he can manage is staring at the female shadow. Meanwhile her father jumps Anthony. In the scuffle, the older man falls down the steps to his death. Anthony is stunned as he never meant to harm anyone. Filled with guilt, he desperately needs the female silhouette to pardon his sin. He stalks this Hannah Forbes with his obsession for her to give him total absolution so that he can then declare his love for her. However, he maneuvers meeting Hannah and they share deep feelings although he hides what he caused from her until the police arrest him for murdering her father.

ENVIOUS MOON is a deep character driven suspense thriller that focuses on the destructiveness of obsessions. The story line is fast-paced and filled with plausible twists including a stunner at the end. Anthony is a fascinating intelligent individual who believes his love for the silhouette can overcome anything. Readers will appreciate Thomas Christopher Greene's taut tale as the lead protagonist goes about proving his basic assertion regardless of the cost to others.

Harriet Klausner

Thomas Christopher Greene's third novel is an impressive and compelling page-turner. One of Greene's several strengths is his conveyance of setting. Envious Moon offers a change of scenery in this regard, as he has moved the setting from the mountains of Vermont, which featured so prominently and convincingly in his first two works, to the coast of Rhode Island for Envious Moon. Greene demonstrates a similar adeptness with the new setting, which is instantly believable and quickly draws the reader into the emotionally challenging world of the two main characters.

Another of Greene's great strengths is the skill with which he creates emotional tension between his characters, and in this he exceeds his previous achievements. Without wanting to give away too many details, I found most impressive Greene's handling of the characters' range of emotional states, from innocence to lustful romance, and onward towards much darker and challenging truths. This emotional journey is at the root of the success of Envious Moon, and indeed is what makes Greene's most recent effort such an impressive page-turner.

Greene has taken a few plot elements from Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, as one might guess from his title. However, the author rightfully feels no obligation to follow closely that famous plot; rather the uses certain plot elements as seeds to send the story in quite unexpected directions. Again, I don't mean to be too vague here, but also don't want to give away essential details of the work. Suffice it to say that, in part, as I considered the connections with Shakespeare's famous work (and I mean as a compliment the fact that I have spent a good deal of time contemplating this novel) it occurred to me that this is a very modern and American take on that love story. Green's work is one that deals with the challenging emotional realities of two complex characters; however, on a larger scale the author addresses in a very immediate and challenging way the often disturbing questions of identity and self-determination, resonant themes which place this fine novel as a very contemporary and distinctly American work of fiction.

Greene's Envious Moon is a thoughtful, sometimes disturbing, always compelling read. Highly recommended.