Clubs Books

Why Read?
Because it's good for you.

Why Read Short Stories, Essays and the like?
Because they're perfect for those tiny slices of your day when you're bored but have time to read only a few pages or so. Sure, if you have 6 hours straight to sit down and read something as thick as your wrist, no problem. But if you're the kinda person who catches the train, reads before bed, or waits in cafes for eternally tardy companions, shorter pieces are great because, well, they're short. There's no nasty 'What'll happen next? Darnit, my stop's coming up, I'll have to wait 'til tomorrow to find out!' sentiment. Stegall has masterfully crafted his stories to fit into the length of you bus trip; his interviews are precisely long enough to fill the ten minutes it'll take you to drink that latte.

Why Read James's Short Stories, Essays and the like?
Because they're good, GOOD i tell you. Look - everyone loves Retail Commando. What are you reading this for? Extra confirmation? Ok then: it's good! Buy it! You know you wanna!

Retail Commando is short in much the same way that War and Peace is not. But as James has always said, it's not the size that counts, but how you use it. He proves this chunk of wisdom right with this book. His brand of satire pierces the nipples of consumerism and his painful tragedies plunge shis-ka-bob skewers into your chest like Buffy's steaks into vampire hearts.

On Mr. Stegall's website, he has pictures of himself handling a lizard. I say, with writing of his caliber, he can handle any lizard he wants.

This book is electric much like the slide of the same name; the one danced at weddings. This book is magic much like the johnson of the the same name. Unlike my johnson this book is not very long, but then again it doesn't ruin promnight with premature [...] problems. This book is wacky and eclectic with stories and interviews and essays on well over two subjects. This book is deserving of a infomercial epitaph like, XL, Omni, Ultra, or 2000 and 1. It is both exciting and interesting. I wonder whether I should have taken out the johnson remark, [...]. I say the johnson comment stays, james Stegall would want it that way.

I became a fan of Mr. Stegall's when I realized his last name rhymes with 'eagle'. In actuality it might not, but seeing as I am a red, white, and blue blooded American, I just don't care. When my copy of 'Retail Commando' arrived, I went to the corner .... and bought an egg salad sandwich and a couple bottles of fine red wine.

Then I read the book.

Then I wrote this review.

And I must say this...Mr. Eagle, you're a good writer. You remind me of Bill Murray's character in 'Meat Balls'. Man, that's a great movie. The parts where they keep putting the guy's bed in different places? Ah.

A warning to movie buffs out there, however: This book has very little to do with 'Commando', starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. I was misled, but happily surprised. A little serendipity, if you will. :)

This book was written by a young man who will be going places in the literary world. His command of tongue-in-cheek satire as well as his grasp of the nuances of deep felt, family problems is amazing in one so young.

The unfaced fear of "Getting Out Alive", a look at just getting through basic training with the 4-year future in the Army yet to face; the soul-searching "We Have Rules" setting forth the story of a marriage breaking apart, leaving two sons, and yes, two adults, torn apart, and hopefully brought back together, albeit in separate camps; "The Wall Mirror", a story of an eating disorder, and not knowing how to handle it; the evolving "Don't Wake" the story of yet another marriage break-up. So many thoughts brought out in a first book, and all carried to fruition. Mr. Stegall does not leave you hanging wondering what happened to his characters - he fleshes them out for the reader to easily follow.

All surrounded by the shockingly funny lead story, "Retail Commando" the creative "Cupid's Boxing Ring", "Office Sex for Dummies" and real life interviews from the author's college days.

An excellent read!

"A Rose For Pinkerton," is about a relationship between a cat and a dog. This fun, loving, caring, and adventurous book goes through the feelings Pinkerton and Rose(main characters) have. It shows the consequences of their actions whether they are good or bad. This is a greta book that can teach children about the responsibilities of having a pet.

Steven Kellogg is one of my favorite illustrators. This hilarious tale is about a lonely dog whos owner sets out to find him a new friend. Of course mother wont' agree to another enourmouse great dane, so it has to be something small and quiet. The little girl decides on a kitten she names Rose. the problems begin when Rose thinks she's a dog and Pinkerton tries to be a cat! Find out how Pinkerton saves the day and becomes a kittens best friend.

A Rose for Pinkerton is more fun than a boxful of kittens. The illustrations are lavish and reward careful scrutiny. (A display of "small and quiet pets" includes clams, snails, and fruit.) If you don't have a child, borrow one, and read A Rose for Pinkerton.

A Rose for Pinkerton was one of my very first favorite books when I was a little girl. I can remember looking at all the pictures and simply adoring every detailed scene in it, wondering how a person could be as imaginative in thought as I was. I just want to thank the author so very much for writing a book so full of creativity and life that a little girl fell in love with and is still to this day. Thank you for bringing happiness and light to my life with your book. :>

My two daughters insist on having this book read to them every night! They are young enough that it took a while for them to understand about the "thought bubbles" that show what Rose and Pinkerton are thinking, but they loved the illustrations of Rose as a Great Dane. I think they like Pinkerton because he's big, but he's cuddly and not threatening. It's fun to explore the pages and name all the pets they see. My four-year-old wanted to give this book a six-star rating, she likes it so much!

Run to Daylight was published in 1963 and was instantly recognized as a classic. Written by legendary Green Bay Packer head coach Vince Lombardi, RTD details Lombardi and the Packers preparation for an unnammed opponnet in the 1962 championship season. The book is a must read for the aspiring coach or anyone interested in pro football coaching. RTD provides the psychological motivation of both the players and coaches and a highly readable account of a week in a pro football season. Along with John Wooden's "They Call Me Coach", this is a must read for coaches of any sport.

In this book Lombardi's life is played out during a week as the patriarch of the Packers. He highlights in detail why they were a 60's dynasty. From the cycles of game planning, interactions with his team, you get to see Packer football from a new perspective. Despite his gruff exterior, it is crystal clear that he genuinely cared about his players on and off the field. This is not a how to coaching book or a biography. It is a slide snapshot that tells more than the reader expects.

Such a rare gem of a book, I was floored by it's great detail and was very happy with this book!! This 1963 publication written by Vince Lombardi, is sure to be missed by much of today's generation, and unfortunately so. Lombardi SHOWS why his Packers were the 60's greatest football dynasty, and how his life plays out during a week as the leader of the Packers. This is an absolute MUST read by ANY real football fan!!!

Vince Lombardi's dedication and devotion transcended football. His quotes are used all the way from the high school locker room to the corporate board room.

This diary is Lombardi in his own words. It covers his views of the weekly cycle of planning for battle, preparing for battle, and then the football game itself.

Packer fan or motivational fan - this book is an easy read worth the several hours to get cover to cover.

This book is mandatory reading for football fans, particularly fan of the Green Bay Packers. Some of the ideas about this book are misleading. However, it is still a great read.

This book is not a biography of Lombardi or a guide on how to coach football. This book does give readers insight as to what it was like for Lombardi during his coaching tenure. Based on technology alone, there are great differences now. The readers get to see all of Lombardi's preparation for the mystery opponent in silver uniforms.

Several of Lombardi's famous quotes are included. Lombardi also discusses specifc intereactions with players as well as a number of interesting stories about various players. Despite his tough exterior, he genuinely cares about his players. When the book arrives at game day, you get to see the game form Lombardi's perspective. It is a real treat for football fans.

If you have read other books about the Packers during this era, you are not likley to learn many new facts. Many of the facts in here are credited as a primary source in other books. However, you do get to see Packer football from a new perspective.

I am a school Psychologist and although I have spent time working with children using play, I did not have any back ground in sand play. Susan's book explores the history of play therapy, Jungian archetypes and the relevance they have in making head way with children. The book acts as a wonderful guide through the use of pictures and descriptions to help the reader understand the complex symbolism children use during play. SUsan's experience and expertise are evident in her analysis of the sessions, yet they are written clearly so that even a beginner can follow the analysis. I highly recommend this book.

I found Susan's book to be fascinating in the revelations of possible and/or common meanings of symbols we all use. I can see it as an invaluable tool in understanding a child's self-disclosure. I appreciated her eclectic perspective and respect for religious symbols as well. It seems to me to also be a valuable tool in the interpretation of symbolism in dreams. An excellent and insightful book.

I am a School Psychologist and although I have used play with children, I am new to using sandplay. Susan's book explores the history of play therapy, Jungian archetypes and their relevance to making head way with children using sandplay. The thought provoking session descriptions along with the actual pictures really helped guide me to understand the symbolism suggested by the author. Susan's expertise and experience are evident in her confident analysis, yet written clearly so that even a beginner can follow the analysis. I highly recommend this book.

I am a licensed clinical social worker with a teen drug and alcohol residential program. Here is a source book on symbolism and a guide to another language that these children, and the child in all of us, can use to work through the pain of childhood traumas.

SANDPLAY is a bridge over the shame or self-conciousness of art therapy. I believe it will be productive for clients searching for a deeper meaning to their life, other than drug or alcohol use. I know their struggle demands change and growth. I know they are kinesthetic learners open to symbolism and eager to be relieved of burdens as well as to define order to their lives.

I am using this book as a guide first to an understanding my own metaphors by developing a sand tray for myself. I have been yearning to do this for years. Now, here is a practical and positive guide. I think it will enrich me and also my clients. Thanks, Susan McNally.

I have just read the final copy of this book. I have read earlier versions of this manuscript and I am so grateful for Susan's perseverence in getting it published. I have already changed some aspects of my play therapy room based on reading the chapter entitled 'The Ideal Playroom.' I was inspired by this chapter to make several changes in my office. I also enjoyed reading the case material in the book and feel energized and inspired by Susan's sandplay work with children. In addition, I have already utilized the section entitled 'Dictionary of Play Therapy Imagery.' I found this section extremely practical. I have decided to use Susan's book as a text in the play therapy class that I teach because it is so readable, unique, and practical. Thank you Susan for your book!

This book is everything I look for in a travel book; concise, useful info and it has good color photos and maps. The content is well organized and it also gives useful tips that I wouldnt normally think of, such as catching Mont St. Michel bay in winter during bird migration season.

HIGHLY recommended.

Too bad this is out of print. Great way to find the natural beauty of France. Lots of information that we just didn't find in other guide books. If you are used to mixing culture with nature, then get this book for the nature.

Okay, spend a few days in Paris, and then when the crowds, the traffic and the little dogs overwhelm you, get out your copy of Wild France and seek some serenity. Packed with information, this reliable, portable and well-organized guide to wilderness areas of France is valuable for planning your trip and contains many evocative color photos to help you remember your adventures when you get back home. The book divides France into nine natural regions and suggests the best wild habitats to visit in each one. The sections are written by different experts, with insider views on the local environments. Easy-to-read maps at appropriate scales help you find your destination by car or public transit and then hike, bike, ride or row to viewpoints. In addition to the color photos, there are detailed line drawings of special trees, plants, birds and animals that you may encounter. Included are addresses, phone numbers and websites of tourist offices, park offices, museums and outdoor adventure firms, plus suggested hotels and camp sites. Our favorite walk: through the Massif de Ste. Baume in October, walking out of farmland into open oak woodland, and then into the deep shade and silence of an ancient European forest of oak, beech, holly and yew, meeting an occasional family picking wild mushrooms, climbing higher and higher on a path that pilgrims - including popes, saints and kings - had taken for almost two millennia.

Okay, spend a few days in Paris, and then when the crowds, the traffic and the little dogs overwhelm you, get out your copy of Wild France and seek some serenity. Packed with information, this reliable, portable and well-organized guide to wilderness areas of France is valuable for planning your trip and contains many evocative color photos to help you remember your adventures when you get back home. The book divides France into nine natural regions and suggests the best wild habitats to visit in each one. The sections are written by different experts, with insider views on the local environments. Easy-to-read maps at appropriate scales help you find your destination by car or public transit and then hike, bike, ride or row to viewpoints. In addition to the color photos, there are detailed line drawings of special trees, plants, birds and animals that you may encounter. Included are addresses, phone numbers and websites of tourist offices, park offices, museums and outdoor adventure firms, plus suggested hotels and camp sites. Our favorite walk: through the Massif de Ste. Baume in October, walking out of farmland into open oak woodland, and then into the deep shade and silence of an ancient European forest of oak, beech, holly and yew, meeting an occasional family picking wild mushrooms, climbing higher and higher on a path that pilgrims - including popes, saints and kings - had taken for almost two millennia.

We used this book to supplement a two month trip to France. It provides information that you will not find in other guide books and if you are used to mixing nature with culture, then it is a must to have along. We saw things we would never have seen, but for having this book. Places that one might think are insignificant take on added importance and meaning. We also used Wild Italy in Italy. Note that these books are not the only travel books you should have in France and Italy. They supplement your other travel books.

This volume contains a generous selection of the altogether delicious servings of O. Henry's writings. One can never over-indulge in this fare.

I was surprised upon rereading O. Henry to discover more insight into human situation and character than I had thought of before. The image of a superficial maker of slight superficial gimmick stories was somehow in my mind, and it proved wholly wrong. Linguistic inventiveness, a strong narrative gift, a power to see into various kinds of human situation, warm human sympathy and of course , frequent humor, are found in his stories.

What an excellent book! I recommend it all who love short-story works

O. Henry began writing short stories as a prison inmate, and he quickly fine tuned his skills behind the bars and developed into an excellent story-teller.

The distinctive characteristic of O. Henry's short stories is the ironic twist at the end, which never fails to surprise and entertain. O. Henry's suspense and trademark ironic twist ensures that readers who have a good literary taste in short stories will not be disappointed.

These stories were written in the first half of the twentieth century, and O. Henry's use of language far surpasses that of most contemporary writers.

His stories also demonstrate his unique insight into the social conditions of his time.

This collection is superlative, because it consists of 100 stories, more than 400 pages, and is offered by Amazon.com at an excellent price! Don't pass up on this one!

A collection of 100 or more short stories by O. Henry? My mouth waters already! It's hard to imagine any literary treat that can be enjoyed in small doses more pleasurable than this. I have spent over a year savouring these stories, reading them one by one, tasting his delightful choice of words, digesting his fascinating story-lines, and the warm satisfying afterglow that comes after a typical twist at the end. His stories are superbly outstanding in at least four ways, each illustrated with five of my personal favorites.

Firstly, his brilliant use of language. These stories were written in the first half of the twentieth century, and O. Henry's use of language easily surpasses that of most contemporary writers. Not only does he have an extensive vocabulary, but his writing abounds with similes and metaphors that breathe sparkling life and depth into his stories. "Ulysses and the Dogman" is a fine example of his skills with a language, metaphorically portraying dog owners as victims of Circe, in a hopeless enchantment to their leashed pets. Also exemplary is "Madame Bo-Peep of the Ranches" where a ranch manager has a heart fenced by barbwire just like the ranch on which he lives, and yet the twist at the ending suggests that perhaps we were completely mistaken. "A Comedy in Rubber" uses wonderfully elevated language to farcically portray a class of people today known as ambulance chasers. And "Sisters of the Golden Circle" revolves around the profound bond that exists between two married women who are strangers but yet sisters "of the plain gold band." "An Unfinished Story" employs profound metaphors of angelic hosts to tell the tragic story of poor Dulcie's struggle for survival.

Secondly, his unique insight into the social conditions of his time. O. Henry has a great understanding of the trials of the lower class, frequently picturing the lives of ordinary people of early twentieth century America with sympathetic colours. His characters are frequently the overlooked: the struggling shop girl, the unsuccessful artist, the impoverished. Admittedly, some of his images can be hard to comprehend for modern readers, and the distance that time has placed between us and O. Henry's beloved New York means that some of his verbal pictures will be harder to identify with. But his genuine sympathy for the oppressed cannot be missed. "The Gift of the Magi" is the signature O. Henry story, probably his most famous tale which recounts a poor young couple who both give up a prized possession in order to purchase a gift for one another - but ironically a gift intended to complement the other's prized possession that they have just given up. Another story which displays his ability to picture the social conditions of his time is "The Pendulum", a wonderful portrait of the daily routines of an poor couple and the bursting anxiety of a married man, until the bubble bursts. "The Cop and the Anthem" was the first O. Henry story I ever read, and humorously recounts the unsuccessful attempts of a man to get into jail for the winter. "The Furnished Room" is a tragic and shocking story of suicide, depicting the depths of despair and desperation of the impoverished.

Thirdly, his warm humour. O. Henry has an uncanny ability to portray the mundane and the ordinary in the most elevated language. Frequently he pits two characters together in a remarkable way so that one outshines and complements the other. On other occasions he crafts the most ingenious and humorous schemes for outwitting others. One of his most popular stories is "The Handbook of Hymen", the tale of two men in a winter cabin, one armed with the hilarious Herkimer's handbook of Indispensable Information. And then there's Jeff Peters, a man who comes with the most ingenious money-making schemes, two shining examples displayed in "Jeff Peters as a Personal Magnet" and "The Exact Science of Matrimony". "Let Me Feel Your Pulse" pokes fun at doctors, while in "Next to Reading Matter" an overly eloquent character wins the heart of a senora with streams of articulate talk about the mundane.

Fourthly, his ironic twist. One of the distinctive characteristics of O. Henry's short stories is the ironic twist at the end, which never fails to surprise and entertain, sometimes reversing the entire story line in a concluding one-liner. O. Henry's suspense and trademark ironic twist ensures that readers who have a good literary taste in short stories will not be disappointed. Like the Jeff Peters stories, "The Love-philtre of Ikey Schoenstein" also feature a brilliant scheme, and the way the romantic scheme backfires is unforgettable. Other delightful examples of the glorious ironic twist include "Witches' Loaves" and "While the Auto Waits". The twist that comes at the end of "The Hypotheses of Failure" is so perplexing, that you'll have to re-read the entire story after reading the ending - but completely delighted at the way in which O. Henry has misled you. Perhaps one of O. Henry's best uses of the ironic twist comes in "The Last Leaf", a warm and tragic tale describing how a dying artist proves as resilient as the last leaf on the wall outside, and through the self-less sacrifice of another.

The Wordsworth collection is superlative, because it contains more than 700 pages of literary gems. It consists of 100 stories, showcasing a wide range of O. Henry's short-story talents. A few popular favorites are missing, such as "Schools and Schools", "Shearing the Wolf", "The Green Door", and "The Pimienta Pancakes." But the reality is that nearly all O. Henry's stories feature his trademark ironic twist, as they do his warm humour, his unique insight into the social conditions of the time, and his brilliant use of language, and that every story in this collection is a literary delight worthy of inclusion. The inaccessibility of some references for modern readers does not prevent these stories from being always entertaining and enduring! Don't pass up on these!

For an environmentalist of long (or even short) standing, one keeps nodding and nodding all the way through this unfortunately short work. Much of what was presented isn't new (to environmentalists) -- although I *did* find the number of sexual acts daily on planet Earth fascinating, as well as the material on Thai Pad -- but the great thing about the book is the way it's written. Material is presented clearly, forcefully, and occasionally with humor. When all's said and done, the seven suggestions here would make the world a far better place than ever it has been before. Give this book as a present to those unaware, those aware, and even your aunt. "Seven Wonders" is worth far more than the price of admission.

As a frequent visitor to Thailand and lover of Thai cuisine, I can attest to "Pad Thai" being one of the sustainable wonders of the world. Thai food is nutritious, low in fat, and you just plain "feel better" after eating it. In this chapter, author John Ryan provides readers with a wealth of research documenting the relationship between Asia diets and health; and American meat diets and disease. A couple important points he makes: "Agriculture is the leading source of water pollution and the biggest water user in North America" (p.47). Eating less meat, more fish, rice and veggies can keep you healthier and help preserve our environment. And to those who think all thai food is "hot and spicy" - wrong! Take Ryan's advice and try a thai restaurant near you (there are many in America). You'll be glad you did.

Even if you only read this one chapter of Ryan's book (complete with a Pad Thai simple recipe), you'll find it worthwhile. Choice's matter!

In "Seven Wonders", Ryan uses seven common products (Bicycle, Condom, Ceiling Fan, Clothesline, Pad Thai, Public Library, and Ladybug) to illustrate how anyone can lead an environmentally responsible lifestyle. Each object is a physical component related to issues which effect all of global ecology. Each object is tied to the thesis of his argument: The current North American lifestyle is not sustainable, and greater simplicity and efficiency is need to acheive sustainability.

Ryan takes complex and diverse information and concepts and effectively condenses and unifies them with each object. Ryan's central concept is efficiency. He illuminates an interesting and unfortunate irony of the U.S. economy: The U.S. business model has created perhaps the most efficient and productive economy in human history; maximizing efficiency in production of goods and services maximizes profit. While this model is adhered to almost absolutely in business, it's largely ignored in everyday lives. Each of the seven objects serves it's purpose more efficiently than what is normally used: The bicycle is the most efficient form of transportation that exists, yet the car is by far the most frequent method of transit. He acknowledges the limitations of bicycles (can't cover long distances quickly, limited cargo capacity), but since about half of all car trips are less than three miles, a bicycle is more efficient in most situations; a ceiling fan is a more efficient temperature reducer than AC; Pad Thai illustrates the efficiency of plant-based, over animal-based diets; borrowing books, media material, etc. from a public library saves energy and resources over purchasing them.

Not everything in "Seven Wonders" is revelatory. When he discusses the condom, Ryan presents little that anyone with a cursory understanding of contraception and human ecology doesn't already know, but overall he illuminates how the orthodox North American lifestyle is directly related to issues which effect the entire society and planet. Environmentalists are often dubbed as pessimists (perhaps fairly), but Ryan offers hope in the form of simple, relatively easy lifestyle changes which will effect considerable, positive change if North Americans are consciously willing to evolve.

Yes, I can agree that the bicycle, condom, ceiling fan,clothesline,ladybug and even the public library are wonders that can make for a healthier planet, but not Pad Thai which is basically Thai noodles. Instead I would have listed water. Plain water. Simply because to many people in the world lack clean water and Americans who have plenty, waste it washing down driveways and watering lawns in desert communities rather than drinking water. Water is the one thing Americans need more of rather than coffee, tea, Pepsi, Coca Cola and other beverages. Water makes the body work better, look better, sleep better, stay slimmer better as well as avoid a plethora of health problems.

Yes, the Bike is a godsend when it comes to producing overall health in humans and the environment. Europeans and Asians still ride bikes more than Americans. Oil is big business here in the states and sadly it seems only well educated areas, either in cities or university towns push bikes as a preferred mode of transportation.

The chapter on The Condom should be required reading for high school and college students and all adults since again a condom can help prevent a plethora of problems from STD's, HIV, and unwanted and un needed births.

The Ceiling Fan is also a good choice since most countries outside the USA rely on ceiling fans and cross ventilation for cooling. Not to mention ceiling fans use less energy than AC and are great in winter as well for circulating heat which also means less heating is needed.

The Clothesline is an excellent choice as well, because drying clothes on a clothes line or clothes rack requires no overt energy aside from the sun or air. Clothes also last longer when air dried. Sad thing is, especially here in California even with well know power outages or brown outs, new home developments often forbid clotheslines. And even screen doors. So rather than save energy and money some people want looks instead.

As a major supporter of public libraries no matter where we have lived I agree that the public library is a major asset for a healthier community and world. During the Great Depression and WW2 public libraries were funded because people knew they were a major asset for everyone. That literacy was a positive as well as environmentally positive since one book could be bought and read by literally hundreds of people in one year. That school children would check out books that would help them succeed in school, whereas someone else wanting to be more self sufficient could read up on how to grow most of their own food, sew their own clothes and be more responsible for their own health. Public libraries sadly here in California are seen more as a luxury which is very shortsighted in my opinion.

Ahh the Ladybug. I agree that ladybugs and all types of natural pest control must be stressed in a world where quick fix man made pest killers are preferred and like the overuse of antibiotics are wrecking more than ground that grows food. Seems few people read Rachel Carsons book Silent Spring. Big business and profits for a quick return on investment have become more important than the longterm well being of the people.

Seven Wonders is a great little book that is full of well researched facts and interesting stories. It also includes 20 pages of sources and places to contact. It is a must read for any enviromentalist, scientist, or educator.

This was the first book I read by this author and I really like it. It really did have a little of everything. It was definitely a page turner and it made me try the author's other books.

"Sex on the Beach Book Club" has it all--interesting plot, snappy dialogue, sizzling sex scenes and characters that I really cared about. In fact, I hope Ms. Apodaca decides to do a spin-off or series with some of the book's other characters. I especially hope to see a book between Wes's sister and his best friend. But anything with Holly and her brothers would be hilarious. This was the first of Ms. Apodaca's books that I had read, but now I'm going to read some of her previous books. Enjoy!

This is a fabulous book. I bought this book because I love Jennifer's mystery series. I was not disappointed. A bit of chick lit, romance, sex, murder ... it's all here.

I enjoy reading this author, so I had to give this new book of hers a try! It is erotic and a good story! Not only is the main character a PI, she is also very independent. When she gets involved with her handsome client, a man of mystery, she finds herself at his beach house helping him rescue a puppy. In the process, she falls in love. There is an unpleasant ex-husband lurking in the background of this story as well as someone seeking revenge. A sense of danger pervades.

In Goleta, California, private investigator Holly Hillbay enjoys her vocation especially when she can kick the butt of a cheating male though realistically the money is in the tedious background checks. Currently she is frustrated with men ever since her former fiancé Brad the cad stole her best paying client from her. So she plans to fully take pleasure in exposing cheating Wes Brockman, owner of Books on the Beach. Her client Phil Shaker believes his wife Tanya is sleeping with Wes using the book club as a pretense.

Holly goes undercover by joining the book club, but quickly concludes the hunk is not doing it with his client's spouse though she might be cheating with one of the other members like Cullen. She also believes Wes is hiding something so unable to resist she makes inquiries into his secret while her chip on her shoulder (and the rest of her body) demands a tryst with him on the beach. She also begins investigating Cullen even as the case spins out of control with a homicide in the bookstore ending the cheating Tanya's extramarital affair.

This is a terrific private investigator romance that is fun to read as in your face Holly takes no prisoners while trying to uncover the truth that seems to keep twisting on her (and the audience) with every clue she uncovers. The story line is fast-paced and filled with red herrings. Though Holly's abrupt manner can be irritating as we got the message except if you are Wes, fans of romantic mysteries will appreciate this fine tale that starts with WICKED WOMEN WHODUNIT and never slows down until the final on the beach encounter.

Harriet Klausner

I thought Shakespeare of London by Marchette Chute was an excellent biography for several reasons. She wrote in a very readable, engaging style which was easy to follow and understand. Prior to reading this book, I had read a lot of information about Shakespeare. Initially, when I started reading this book I was a little put off by the "just-the-facts-mam" style, but the more I read the more I appreciated the biographer telling the facts she knew without overindulging in assumptions based on these facts, as other more recent biographers have done. I also really appreciated how she fully grounded Shakespeare in his time and place and vocation. As a lit student in college, all I ever heard about was Shakespeare's literary genius as a playwright; the fact that he remained a prominant actor in his company during the entire time he was writing plays was completely glossed over. This book, which never disregards Shakespeare as an actor, was something of a revelation to me. At times I felt her potrayal of Shakespeare as a person may have been a bit naive because she never attributed any remotely bad characteristic to him, but overall, I thought the biography was exceptionally well done. I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants solid, unbiased information about the Shakespeare of London.

We know very little about William Shakespeare. He wrote in a time after the invention of the printing press, but before the invention of newspapers and magazines, so the sort of journalism which we rely on today to tell us more than we want to know about the inner lives of show-business figures did not exist during his lifetime.

Anyone who wants to write a full-length biography of this man, one of the greatest writers of our planet, has two choices. She can either make up stuff along the way, as countless Shakespeare biographers have done since the 1600s, or she can stick to the fragmentary facts and fit them into a picture of the social structure and life that Shakespeare lived in. This is what Chute does in her now out-of-print classic, and as readers of this review can see, I think she did a superb job.

Chute's book is superb not only because she is a vivid writer, not only because she tells us why certain things were the way they were, but because she respects the people she is writing about. When she tells us why Elizabethan "players" and their property managers liked tawny-orange dye for their costumes, she not only tells us why they liked it (it was a "color-fast" dye which would not fade) but conveys to us some of the combination of freedom and limits which made up Elizabethan society. The men and women of London were people who, on the one hand, could not buy the color-stable, wash-and-wear clothes we wear without a thought today, but on the other hand, if they could find a good dye or could afford to wear a bright color, they could gaudy themselves up in a way which grownups are too shy to do nowadays. As always, something has been lost and something has been gained, and Chute knows this and doesn't write history on the basis of "look at how many mistakes those poor little people made" or "look at all those great heroes of the past." They are men and women and children who could have learned from us, and we can learn from them. All of them, Shakespeare first among them but not the only one.

Shakespeare of London not only has the most plain old-fashioned charm of any Shakespeare bio I've ever read, it helps make sense of the man and his work using details of the world he lived in and the people he knew in a way that more popular books of the bard just do not. He not only comes alive - he lives up to expectations!

Chute has written a terrific account of a difficult life. Biographies of Shakespeare are difficult in that there is so little known of his life. This is unusual -- and somewhat ironic, given the subject matter -- when one takes into account the Elizabethan's propensity for journaling. But Chute is able to place Shakespeare firmly within his time, making few assumptions, but presenting the known facts of Shakespeare's life in a lively and fascinating manner. She strongly establishes the assumption that Shakespeare was considered one of London's finest actors and also places context around the performance of the plays. What is most fascinating is how Chute gives a glimpse into the contemporary response to Shakespeare's writings. While Shakespeare's "competitors" -- that is, his contemporary playwrights -- may have appreciated the breadth and scale of his writing, to a certain extent, they looked down upon the popularity of his plays. Just like today, the so-called elite of our society tend to overlook those writings or performances that are appreciated by a mass audience.
Where Chute falls down somewhat is that, like so many biographers, she over-apologizes for her subject. In Chute's vivid description, Shakespeare, seemingly, could do no wrong. Time and again, Chute refutes the contemporary criticisms that were made of Shakespeare's writings. Fault can be found in geniuses, as well as hacks.
Her book ends perhaps one chapter too late. After Shakespeare was finished professionally, he retired to a quiet life in Stratford. The only extant writing that refers to Shakespeare's final years are lawsuits that appear with his name. While it does give a minimal sense of Shakespeare's activities, it does not make for very interesting reading and, in fact, places an overemphasis on perhaps meaningless records. But this minimal criticism aside, Chute's book overall gives a wonderful sense of a fascinating person living in a fascinating time.

For some reason I have been obtaining and reading biographies of William Shakespeare lately. This book, and the recent biography by Peter Levi, are the ones I have been most satisfied with.

The real strength of Professor Chute's book is her insistence on placing Shakespeare accurately as one of the most famous ACTORS of his day. On lists of the companies of players he often appears first or second. Now, as Prof. Chute makes clearer than anyone else, this tells us a lot about the man. Prominent actors not only had to be healthy and athletic, they had to be great fencers... the audience expected to see incredible swordplay, not fakery... wonderful dancers... the performance always ended with the cast doing elaborate ensemble dances as well as individual specialties... and expert instrumentalists or singers... the play began with a concert lasting about half an hour. All this in addition to being able to play well a variety of parts (including several parts in the same performance) on very short notice and with very short preparation.

Prof. Chute is sound and grounded about many aspects of Shakespeare's life that lead other biographers to wild surmises. I suspect she is about the only biographer to understand how Shakespeare's marriage worked. No matter how much you have read about Shakespeare, you will find many new insights and perspectives in this book.

If you have every been a New York tourist, cluelessly wandering the streets looking for a cool bar in which to hang out only to end up in a cheesy "Night at the Roxbury" reenactment, you must buy Shecky's. The guide has never failed me. You can find a bar for any occasion or mood, with helpful information such as which places sell the strongest drinks. I only wish they'd write one for San Francisco!

I once was lost but now I'm found.Accurate, outragiously funny reviews. A must have if you're going to assume the overwhelming task of finding the best spots in town. Great value if you're looking for the perfect gift.I Love Shecky's!

This book is a great idea, simply because New York is one of the world's great drinking towns and hasn't had a very good guide (if at all) to put it all together. This guide can only get better, since there are some notable omissions, but the task is indeed daunting so I can understand how difficult it is to include everything. For instance, New York City does comprise of FIVE boroughs, not just Manhattan.

My only other criticism is that it is a bit biased...you can clearly tell by reading the descriptions and classifications of the various bars, clubs, and lounges what type of people are contributing to all the reviews. That being said, the "Shecky's Picks" denoted by a happy face next to the name of the bar generally are excellent choices.

Definitely worth buying.

Shecky's really spells it all out.With all of the bars listed in this book, I was able to pick out a perfect spot to have a large group for some drinks. The reviews are hysterically funny, and the descriptions are right on the money. Essential for any one who goes out at night. Anyone.

Shecky's Bar, Club and Lounge Guide is the greatest. Before SHecky's, there was no guide to drinking in NYC, and lets face it, NYC is a nightlife, drinking town. All of Shecky's reviews are right on, funny, hip and always accurate. The icons are great as well as the lists in the back of the book. All of my friends love the guide and we all live by Shecky's Bar, Club & Lounge Guide.