New York Books

This is the first book I have read from this author, but will not be the last. I sat down for a short break, thinking I would read a chaper or two, and ended up reading the entire book in one evening. I simply could not remove my self from the world of Honoria. If you are looking for an escape, this is it!

Mood Indigo is my favorite book. The writing is excellent.

Mood Indigo is brilliant; it kept me guessing "who did it" until the end. Usually in mystery books I can tell right off the bat who the killer is. But not this time. And usually I can say at least one thing I didn't like about a book. But not this time.

I highly recommend Mood Indigo to anyone who wants to read a mystery with exceptional characters in a time before the internet and cell phones. I guarantee you will not be disappointment.

Charlotte Vale Allen has written many books, all different, and Mood Indigo is no exception. She makes you care about the characters.

Mood Indigo is a must read for mystery buffs. Once you've read the book you will see why it's my all-time favorite book.

I think the part of this book that hooked me was Honoria's energy towards everybody around her. In a time when many people still looked at black people and assumed they were nothing more than hired help, Honoria hired May as her personal assistant and treated her as an equal from day one. When the son of Honoria's best friend comes to her for help (wanting to prove that his fiancee was murdered, and didn't commit suicide) she reluctantly agrees to ask around and see what she can find. Toss in her loyal housekeeper, Mick (her Russian lover who everybody thinks is her husband), and a smattering of other characters and you've got a great story. Aside from the actual story, I liked the fact that the author kept the number of characters minimal so that you didn't have any trouble following who was whom.

Wonderful as always, Charlotte develops and then allows us to explore vivid and complex characters. She weaves an amazing tapestry of a book, starting with only a few colors then leading us on with the promise of more and brilliant additions, and she does not disappoint.

The pace of this book is exactly as a novel should be paced -giving us time to savor yet propelling us to turn the page. There are valuable insights into the reality of abuse even in the setting of the great depression. Add to all of this a perfectly consummated mystery and you have MOOD INDIGO.

The book starts off lightly, like an evocative Blues song -with a couple of instruments playing, teasing us with a hauntingmelody line. We 'witness' the crime and are introduced to some of the main characters. We don't know them well at this point, but they are intriguing enough to keep us reading, wanting to know more.

In Blues tradition, as each new segment of the song is played, more instruments are added, a few at a time, adding depth and power to the resulting sound, and we don't even realize how subtly we've been drawn into the heart of the music. So it is with "Mood Indigo". These are people we'd like to know (most of them, anyway!), and their lives, both past and present, form a rich tapestry which comes to life as we share with them this frigid winter month in the heart of New York City during a year when a lot of us weren't even born yet. The settings in which they operate and the clothes they wear, as well as the language they use, draw us back into that era.

As the rhythm of this story picks up momentum, all of the players are now in place, interacting with each other in fascinating, surprising ways, giving us entrancing 'solo' action at unexpected moments. Their individual 'melody lines' weave in and out, all headed in the same direction, but traveling in their own unique way. Honoria, who occupies the pivotal position in the story, is all at the same time strong and vulnerable, in control and at the mercy of, loved and feared - wonderfully, powerfully human. She is the rich, underlying 'melody line' throughout the piece, and her commitment and loyalty draw the remaining players along with her, including us as observers to their drama. We follow eagerly, gratified to be involved.

The end of the 'song' is approaching, all the 'players' are in full swing. The mystery has drawn us in, full of surprising twists, giving us clues, so far, but no answers. We proceed quickly, devouring paragraphs in great gulps as the story expands. We attempt to take it all in, not wanting to miss anything along the way. Once everyone's part in the performance has been disclosed to the fullest (in a song), and the characters' roles have been defined, giving us the answers to our questions (in a story), the individuals begin to slowly withdraw from the inner circle, backing away one or two at a time, leaving Center Stage to the one with the lead melody line. "Mood Indigo" follows this path. The music slowly fades in our heads, and the book is reluctantly closed, because we're not yet ready to be finished with either the entertaining 'song' or the remarkable people whose lives we've shared.

From the haunting picture on the cover to the last typewritten line, "Mood Indigo" will captivate its readers, as it gives us yet another pearl to add to our string of Charlotte Vale Allen treasures. I laughed out loud, cried real tears, and was disappointed only by the fact that the end of the story came so soon. My thanks, once again, to the author!

More Than You Know is a story about a family's secrets and love with suprising twists. The story will carry you between the past and the present. Very good read.

I was so pleasantly surprised when I read More Than You Know. I know Roz as an excellent writer however I really had no idea she could write fiction. My thought in reading this was that the story would make a great film. So I'm waiting. I hope her cousin Tim Story who most recently directed Fantastic Four (2005)and Barber Shop (2002) has taken the time to read his cousins book. This could really be a family affair if he directed it.
steven meeks - dallas

This novel is one of exquisite beauty. The lyrically crafted narrative, which weaves vivid detail into a fluid and artful story, lends the novel an almost cinematic quality. It is at once haunting and hopeful, true to life, yet dream-like, at times. Once I picked the book up, I found myself unable to stop reading it until i had reached the end. The mysterious opening drew me in, and the symphonic blend of language, motifs and characters enveloped and held me. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is willing to let themselves be transported, if only for a brief time, into its world of jazz and song; of memories and hope.

From Kansas City to New York L.J. Tillman take's us on a personl journey from the streets to the best clubs in Manhattan, Ms. Story love for each charcter come to life on each page, her knowledge of jazz makes you want to go to a night club every night to see L.J. Tillman play.

More Than You Know is about how keeping secrets can destroy the family. Rosalyn Story writes this tale using a series of flashbacks that conduct a wonderful symphony of music in the detail of her words. As the secrets begin to unravel, the supporting characters in the book shed light on their involvement in the continuation of the betrayal. 

During one of the worst storms of the decade, a nine-year-old boy, L.J. Tillman, drops off a note and a baby, Olivia, to Big Mama's front door. Big Mama, Glodean, Country, Uncle Joon, and Clo T. share in the parenting of Olivia. Big Mama believes God delivered Olivia to them as an answer to years of prayer. Nearly 20 years later, that nine-year-old boy, L.J. Tillman is reintroduced to Olivia. They fall in love and get married. L.J. lives the ideal musicians life until he reveals a deep, dark family secret to Olivia.

She banishes him from the house forever not knowing that her wish may come true. Grief-stricken by his wife's outburst and dismissal from his dream job, L.J. turns to the bottle. Drinking and wallowing in despair, he plunges off an embankment landing in the river. He escapes the car and the city that doesn't want him by jumping a train to New York City.

New York City has little to offer a poor black man with a saxophone. He travels from corner to corner and park bench to homeless shelter playing his horn while living on the streets. One-day Covington, a jazz singer, turns him onto an open club spot. L.J. slowly starts piecing his life back together as this gig allows him to save a few dollars.

As the story unfolds, you learn that keeping secrets can tear a relationship apart and deepen your resolve to stay true to yourself. As Olivia learns bits and pieces of the truth, her heart opens and she realizes her purpose in life. But will her purpose and L.J.'s dream meet again?

Every family has at least one dark secret, but it is how you live with that knowledge which makes the difference. The development of characters, along with the use of flashbacks, will keep you turning the pages of this novel. The outcome was unexpected, yet heartwarming. Story has a gift for writing that is refreshing. It reminds me of the writings of Maya Angelou and Sonia Sanchez.  Finally a saga about family that is not street or gang-related but focuses on down home folks. I'm waiting on the edge of my seat for her next book.

Reviewed by Monique for Loose Leaves Book Review

This is a delightful book to read, and especially so if you have ever worked in the hotel business. Craig uses his "insiders" knowledge to develop characters and situations that many of us in the hotel industry have experienced - although over many years, not a few days. The authentic touches add greatly to the enjoyment of the tale.

Daniel Edward Craig certainly knows the hotel world and captures it perfectly in his novel: Murder at the Universe. I couldn't put it down once it caught me from the very first page! Fortunately I purchased both books (Murder at the Universe & Hotel Cinema) at the same time so I can dive right into "the rest of the story".

I may not be the greatest literary reviewer, but this book was well written. Gives an excellent spin on the operation of a hotel and a murder mystery. Already purchased Daniel Edward Craig's second book, Murder at Hotel Cinema.

This book was a surprise for me - came as a birthday gift, and I realized it was written by the General Manager of a favorite hotel of mine, the Opus in Vancouver. I'd met Daniel Craig during one of my visits to the Opus - so I was curious to read this.

Mr. Craig writes a compelling tale of murder in a modern New York hotel, full of rich, believeable characters. These people become more and more real, as he spins his multi-layered mystery of murder. I had a hard time putting this book down, and found myself reading way into the night. I was sad to finish the story - it is that good. I believe Agatha Christie would like this novel, very much.

I was just looking for something to kill some time on a plane, but once I started I couldn't put it down until I was done (after the flight, cab ride, and first evening in the hotel.) It wasn't the mystery that captured me, it was the quirky characters and dry humor. Written in the first person, this novel is filled with witty one-liners that caught me off guard and made me snort out loud more than once. Don't expect to be on the edge of your seat, unlike most mysteries I wasn't as concerned about figuring out the ending as I was with enjoying the ride.

This second Murphy Dog book is even better than the first! It's also longer. See the circus for the first time through the eyes of a curious dog! It's such a fun read - I smiled throughout. The rhyme and rhythm of this book is every bit as good as the first, plus you feel that the author has really hit his own personal Murphy Dog book rhythm and they will just keep getting better and better! As with the first book, there is a dictionary in the back to help younger readers learn as they read. The Murphy Dog books are great for teaching reading and for spending that quality time with your child before bed. Can't wait to see what Murphy Dog is up to next!

We all wonder if our pets have their own imaginations...Do they wish they could be somewhere else? Do they dream? Etc.? This book cleverly answers that question, YES!
Murphy Dog goes to the circus with his family and wishes he could fly, and knows he could tame that lion...VERY CLEVER!
My daughter has a new affection for her dog, and we all think we have a deeper understanding of him. How wonderful to think dogs (and cats too) might have illusions of granduer! How delightful!

One great book outweighs ten mediocre ones. Murphy Dog at the Circus is one of those great books. As a special education teacher, I wish every child had this book at home. The illustrations are stunning. You feel that you can almost reach out and pet Murphy Dog. Paired with this, the book's easy, rhythmic, and imaginative text paints a great picture in the reader's mind. This book also lends itself to meaningful conversation between an adult and child. Whether you read it to your child, or he/she reads it to you, Murphy Dog is a book that is definitely worth your while.

This wonderful book is written in rhyme and is interesting, beautiful, and fun to read. Original art work adds to the text. The dictionary in the back teaches children how to find the meaning words, a very important thing to know. A joy to read and a joy to hear. Joan Mayor

Mr. Sidle has used his words and ideas to write an outstanding book for children of any age. It is a classic bedtime story. My younger siblings Must have it read to them everynight before bed! They will not go to bed without hearing the Murphy Dog stories!

I think that Mr. Sidle is a very powerful storyteller, expressing values that all should have through the story of a dog's life. His discussions include self-esteem and self-worth - topics many young children should hear more of.

I think anyone and everyone should read Murphy Dog at the Circus!

I learned so much from this book. When I purchased it, I thought it might be like an annotated dictionary of sorts -- perhaps in alphabetical order, so that I could look up Topeka or New York. But it's not like that at all. The author starts with the blank canvas of the American landscape, before recorded history, and describes how a place becomes a name.

The book is arranged chronologically, so the reader moves from pre-history to native Americans to colonists; and from the edges of the country (like Florida, California and New Mexico) to the middle regions; and from colonial governmental debates on names to the Congressional debates on state names in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

The information about the place names comes at the reader not as a dry history lesson, but almost as an epic novel in which the main character is the landscape, and the minor characters are the natives, the immigrants, the politicians, the storytellers. The prose is spare and compelling. The depth of research is mind-boggling.

This is a book to be read, re-read and referred to for the rest of your life, especially if you are a traveller or a proud American.

It is always humbling to discover how limited my education is in key areas, especially geography. Names on a map that I have seen dozens of times, cities and towns I have visited but never given deep thought to, and the evolution of language are all present in this slim volume. I found myself surprised that I had read thirty or forty pages without realizing any passage of time. I lost myself in this book -- like exploring familiar territory for the very first time. An engaging, worthwhile, illuminating book.

So far I'm only about 1/3 of the way through "Names on the Land," but I'm enthralled. The sub-title, "A Historical Account of Place Naming..." is right on. The book approaches it subject from a historical perspective. The reader travels with the early explorers as they encounter landmarks on their journeys, so one learns about the namers and their times, as well as about the names they left behind them. Based on my reading so far, I can strongly recommend this book.

Wallace Stegner was not only a great writer ("Angle of Repose") and teacher (Stanford English Dept. who mentored people like Harriet Doerr), he was also a great lover of writing. His UC Berkeley colleague and friend George Stewart appeared on Stegner's list of "must read" Western American writers for "Names on the Land" as classic non-fiction and for fiction ("Earth Abides" that he recommends as reading in tandem with Miller's classic "A Canticle for Leibowitz").

Dr. Stegner points out that Stewart was not prolific as a writer and, for that reason, is sometimes overlooked as a star in Western American literature. "Names on the Land" underscores the painstaking process of good writing as it was practiced by Stewart and very much appreciated by Stegner. The research is incredibly precise and reliable; the language is as clear and fast running as a mountain stream; and the effect on the reader is overwhelming.

In an era of instant gratification and 10 second sound bites, "Names on the Land" doesn't seem "contemporary." But for a thoughtful reader of books, Stewart's masterpiece merits a place of honor in his or her permanent collection and (as Stegner admitted) a lifetime of periodic re-reading and reference.

In this unusual little book, George R. Stewart has compiled an endlessly intriguing account of the whys and wherefores of American place-names. The book as a whole provides a haunting, curiously oblique perspective on American history, as he delves into the cultural, historic, and (sometimes) military themes behind the names we use every day. The book goes into the names of cities, states, rivers, mountains, streets, and more.

I think you might get more out of this volume if you are aware of the way it is organized. I myself half-expected this book to be organized by state, perhaps in alphabetical order. This is not the case. Stewart has organized his data by THEMES in naming, and how these themes have emerged in our history. Therefore, the book (very roughly) follows our history chronologically, as various naming trends have come and gone, in the context of various cultural waves. This pattern tends to approximately follow the "peopling" of the continent (by descendants of Europeans) from east to west. Some chapters are mostly devoted to single states, but this is the exception, rather than the rule.

The chapter titles are not necessarily always very helpful, which is the closest thing I have to a caveat about this book. I'm telling you right now that the chapters roughly follow the settling of our continent, from east to west (and from south to north in the far western states). So, this should help you get oriented if you are browsing around... You might want to think of each chapter as a little independent essay. That might help you break the whole text down into digestible parts.

Some themes in naming include: the popularity of the name "Columbus," during and shortly after the Revolution; the tendency to adapt feminine names for the Southern plantations; Greek or Latin names; ancient indian names; English town names given new life on our shores; and many, many more.

One interesting fact I learned, reading this book, is that five of the six states in my native New England should, technically, probably be considered to be spelled wrong. (New Hampshire is the lone, proud exception). Stewart tells the tale of how each state was named, although he doesn't clump the five stories all together. You have to do saome digging... If you happen to harbor an inner, pedantic curmudgeon, who sometimes likes to rail against the stupidity of all humanity apart from him- (your-)self, this is the kind of thing that could give you great, and prolonged, delight. Also, you might be surprised at how many place-names have warm, human stories behind them. This can foster a real sense of human connection to our nation's past -- a connection that is not necessarily to participants in our nation's huge struggles, but simply to quiet, thoughtful people who tried to come up with words that just sounded right.

I would like to post here a private theory I have about George R. Stewart, which may be of interest to you in this context. Professor Stewart taught English at Berkeley, for much of the twentieth century. Concurrently on the faculty at that institution was the great American anthropologist Alfred Kroeber, who today is perhaps best remembered for his work with the last Yahi indian, Ishi, and also for his status as the father of acclaimed science fiction author Ursula Kroeber LeGuin. This last-named person, Ursula K. LeGuin, would have grown up hearing about Professor Stewart, and his odd hobby of place-names. If you read her young adult fantasy trilogy, the Earthsea Trilogy, you will find there a character called the Master Namer, who is a sort of professor in a school for young wizards. He and his classes exhibit many of the traits that we find in evidence within "Names on the Land." I believe that Ursula K. LeGuin probably based this character upon the fascinating George R. Stewart, and his hobby. Therefore, if you enjoy this book, you may wish to read Ursula LeGuin's "A Wizard of Earthsea," to encounter there a thinly disguised fictional version of Professor Stewart.

At any rate, this book is really something special. I recommend that you seek out a copy, and if you know a local history teacher, maybe you could lend it to him and suggest that he fashion some lesson plans from its singularly neato contents. Two thumbs up!

Loved seeing the beautiful homes! So much fun to see into the homes of these people. Loved the tradional decor. A great coffe table book.

Beautiful book showcasing the elegant style of Greenwich. Unlike many similiar books, this one is more than a pretty cover. Beautiful interior shots, and the kind of book you want to go back and look at over and over. A good purchase, and I have given it a few times as a gift as well!

I'm not sure I would have bought it, but I was very glad to get this book as a Christmas present. It's gorgeously photographed, and provides a sneak peek at some stunning New York dwellings. If you're interested in interior decorating, you'll love the photos of works by Mario Buatta, David Easton, and other boldface names. But even if decorating is not your thing, you'll enjoy taking a look some amazing apartments. Warning: This is almost guaranteed to cause envy.

This is simply an haute couture guide for homes. Stunning photography showcase these magnificent homes and provide a peek into a world few of us will ever actually inhabit. More than just a glamorous photo book, this is a must have for anyone interested in traditional, luxury interior design or looking for elegant styles to emulate.

The 25 apartments featured in the book are beautifully photographed and provide some basic information as to how the rooms were put together to get the over all "feel". This is not a "how to" book but rather a virtual portfolio of some of the best designers in the City.

This is a wonderful coffee table book and would make a traffic gift to anyone interested in design, lifestyles or New York City.

Stunning, just stunning, an exquisite inside look at the quintessential New York City apartments. From Central Park West to the Village to Chelsea and Tribeca and Brooklyn Heights ... a glimpse into the urban chick homestyles that is Manhattan and the Big Apple.

Don't worry if you don't reside in New York. This book is a must have if you like the images of christmas.

The book and it's many wonderful pictures depict christmas that many of us share no matter where you live.

If you want a real christmas mood setter and a beautiful coffee table christmas book to share with your visitors over the christmas holidays (and you and your own family too), then this book is one to get.

A most recommended christmas book.

This book truly captures the essence of New York at Christmas. Mr. Crosby has done a remarkable job of capturing the known and the unknown, both of which make Manhattan a spectacular place to be.

The presentation is wonderful, the content is great, and the author/photographer is to be thanked for sharing his art with us.

I look forward to future books by Mr. Crosby.

Being in New York at Christmas is one of my favorite things...and now I can relive that time whenever I pick up this book. The selection of subjects for the photographs is fascinating, the quality of the photography is excellent and the comments throughout the book are illuminating. I recommend New York Christmas as an ideal book for your library or as a gift.

This is an amazing piece of work which deftly displays a wintry charm that I never knew New York City possessed. It's funny that only by looking at familiar places through someone else's eyes can we really see what's there. Whether you're a New Yorker, a transplanted New Yorker, or just an occasional visitor, this wonderful collection of Christmastime photos surely deserves a prominent place on your coffee table. Hats off to Mr. Crosby for a job quite well done.

I like the red ribbon. My favorite picture is the polar bear

I love this planner and I've used it for two years. It's designed so that each day has a long to-do list split into three sections. It's very light and durable as well as being nicely affordable. Plus, I love supporting the New York Public Library!

i have used this planner every year since i discovered it in college (9 years ago, damn i'm old) im a grad student now and i can not live without it. its the best planner.

This planner is amazing! Without it I could go on. I live by my planner and finally I found one I like, one i really like!

This is the most durable, usable planner I have ever found. It has a section for four semesters worth of class schedules, a monthly view (which I use for bills), and a weekly view. Each day in the weekly view is broken into three sections, Assignments & Meetings, Study Schedule, and Extracurricular. I attend grad school at night while I raise children and work full time. These sections help me organize the three most important aspects of my life.

I use this planner daily and have never had a page or cover ripped from it like some other planners I have used.

This planner is organized great. I am in college and have 2 jobs on the side along with a couple extras. This planner keeps me feel sane and keep everything organized.
A day without my planner at school is like a day without shoes!

NYTimes -- so you know they're good puzzles. Clever, fair, and with difficulty as advertised. The Monday-Friday assortment let me stretch on some puzzles, coast on others. A good time was had by all (me)!

Hooray! A crossword book that has easy AND hard puzzles, each clearly labeled, so you can work your way up as you get smarter (sadly, I'm still a Tuesday girl).

If you're tired of Dell/Penny Press crossword books which are full of repeating, unimaginative clues, the NY Times crosswords will definitely bend your brain in a new way.

AND, if you love crosswords, be sure to check out the film Wordplay, featuring Will Shortz!

For those that don't know: the answers are int he back, six to a page. Some may have trouble with this and feel the desire to glance at the other answers on the page. If you are doing the puzzles in order, you may glance and remember an answer.

The book is spiral bound, so it lays nice and flat, unlike those that are cheap and glue-bound like a magazine.

Printed on newsprint-like paper, which makes it even lighter and packable. This book is much better than those cheap $1 crossword puzzles you find in the store.

Great brain buster, I don't know how can one finish even an easy NY times crossword without an encyclopedia...as in Wikipedia...

30 Jan 2007

TGIM - Standing for "Thank God it's Monday" would be an appropriate exclamation every five (5) pages.

I must confess that I have to ask for a little help with a word here or there on Fridays. The rest of the week is manageable.

I was 7 years old when My parents took our Family there. It seemed like Magic. Looking at the pictures brought back memories I had forgotten about. I now remember that Big Uniroyal Tire, the Greyhound People movers, many of the Pavilions, and of course, the Unisphere. I remember standing in the mall area, holding my Mother's hand while gazing up at the giant steel world. I seem to remember My Parents buying me a coin bank model of the Unisphere. Great Memories !!

I thought the pictures and articles brought back great memories of a great time in my life.

I was only about 6 when I went to the NY Worlds Fair. I remember only certain parts like it was a dream. This book helped me put those memories in proper format. Now I understand what really went on behind the scenes and pavillions. This is an excellent book

You couldn't pick two finer experts on the 1964 New York World's Fair to put together this photo essay overview of this too-neglected event. Bill Young is the creator of the magnificent website devoted to the Fair, www.nywf64.com, where you will find all sorts of fascinating information about the Fair, while Bill Cotter has assembled the best collection of amateur Fair photos over the years. This book spotlights some of those photos and offers a great look at this event that I wish I had been alive to have gone too! Excellent job, my friends.

Provides a comprehensive walk down memory lane for this unique American event, the likes of which we will probably never see again. As we were about to experience a technology revolution, all of the depictions of the future offered up by the Fair provided so much hope and optimism for the future. Very complete visual account of the Fair with some text. I wish the pictures were larger with some color images as well (although the cost would increase). Perhaps a little more text about the Fair would have been better. Overall, a very good account of the '64 Worlds Fair which will no doubt bring back some good memories of a very different time.