P Books

I love every one of JA Jance's novels.The JP Beaumont and Joanna Brady series are my favorites. I have thoroughly been gripped by every one.

Failure to Appear J.A. Jance does it again in this 11th J.P. Beaumont mystery novel. Unlike most of the previous books, this one starts out, not with a crime, but with a personal mission. Detective Beaumont ("Beau" to his friends and associates) has left his Seattle home area to look for his runaway teenage daughter in an artsy community in Oregon. Of course, as anyone could have expected, violent crime soon intrudes.

For those who are familiar with this series, you can be assured that it is true Jance writing: characters who act like real people; a fast-moving story; plenty of self-deprecating humor; and a sterling protagonist who is all too aware of his not inconsiderable faults.

For those who are not familiar with J.P. Beaumont or Jance's Joanna Brady, who appears in a separate series, you have the pleasure of delightful discovery to look forward to. There are lots of books in this series. I've read 12 so far (and a bunch of the Brady ones, too) and I have yet to be disappointed with any of them.

If you're one who likes to start at the beginning of a series (which I think is not a bad idea with this one, for a number of reasons), the first is "Until Proven Guilty". However, if this isn't important to you, you can't go wrong with this or any of Jance's books, if you're in the mood for a fast-moving mystery novel with a bit more than usual in the way of character development.

My Wife reads these, and loves them! Looks like another all nighter to me!

In "Failure to Appear" lone-wolf Seattle homicide detective J.P. "Beau" Beaumont finds himself a fish out of water surrounded by family in southern Oregon and on the outside of a murder investigation.

Quite often, when a mystery author tries to fit so much of a protagonist's personal life into a book, the plot drags to a halt and the investigation into the crime is treated superficially because the focus is on massive character development. Jance manages to keep things moving at a fast clip and provide a mystery that is as multi-faceted as her lead character's personal difficulties. Beau has a lot to deal with in this book: a daughter who starts out a missing person and winds up pregnant and about to be married, a re-married ex-wife and her husband, a new girlfriend, a murder suspect that awakens painful memories, the siren song of a bottle of MacNaughton's, and a couple police officers out to nail his hide to a wall - not to mention the book's three murder victims or the loved one Beau loses in the course of the investigation.

There are a few nits that could be picked (Oregon vanity plates don't have 8 letters, for instance), but the quality of the rest of the book more than compensates. All in all, a great read.

This was the first Jance book I encountered. I decided to read it because it takes place in the town I live and work in. As much as I enjoyed reading about the places and cities I know well what I really enjoyed was the character of JP Beaumont. He is an ordinary man (a Seattle Cop wih an extraordinarily inherited fortune) who is caught between his work and his family. The characters seem very real and Jance's writing gives them a life and humanity that appeals strongly and makes you really care about them. The story never lets up either and you will find yourself hard pressed to put the book down. I have read every book Jance has written now and she is always on the top of my list of series that I am waiting for the next installment of!

I thought that this book was well written. And verry ineresting. And it told what happened during the late 1800. And it told how people where like back then.

The Judd family saga is a story that will inform you, captivate you and make you laugh at times. The trials and tribulations of a midwestern family's growth through several generations gives a realistic portrayal of typical rural life in America. Doris Burke's writing is comparable to that of Frank McCourt and if you enjoyed Angela's Ashes this should definately be your next read.

I found this book of The Judd Family very interesting. It showed how families survived and what life was all about in the 1900's. I would recommend reading all of the excitement and sorrow that happened to this family. It was a well written and unforgetable story.

As I read this book It made me feel as if I knew the family and what life was like for a struggling family in the 1900's. The characters seemed realistic. The book was well written and very descriptive. I especially enjoy reading books about the past, and I hope to read more from this author.

This author has a great way of describing events that took place in the past with this family. The different stories she tells make you sit back and recall things that have happend in your past. I hope to read more books in the future by this author.

This man and his book (along with his web page) saved my family. My daughter had been suffering with gall bladder disease and hypothyroidism for at least 4 years. Her symptoms became so bad she would not eat due to the stress it caused her. Slowly she was exhibiting anorexic symptoms and I knew she was slowly starving and not because she was psychotic. She was hungry and would eat only 4 or 5 safe foods as they were not a distress to her system. Needless to say, I got this book, read it in a night, emailed Dr. Smedley at 6 am. After he personally called me back, we were in his office after a 2 hour drive to see him by that afternoon. Long story short, she had gall bladder surgery and is a TOTALLY DIFFERENT GIRL. The truth has to get out for those that are suffering -- he is brilliant and the most compassionate man I ever met. Those aren't my words, they are the words of the technicians he sent us to, that tested my daughter.

Even though I was able to get the gist of this book on WebMD, I liked being able to read a little more in-depth on the article Dr. Smedley. had written. I have the info at my finger tips anytime I need to reference it and I have some food prepration ideas.

I am a professional pilot for a major airline. I have been to over 5 doctors. I have been sick for over 3 months. EVERY test that I have taken came back negative. here is a small list. CAT scan, 2 sonograms, hida scan, 2 complete blood work ups, 2 barium swallows. I read DR. Smedleys book and started on the no fat diet, within 3 days I felt considerably better. If you have the same problem that I have(diseased Gall Bladder) this program will work for you. As stated in the book The FINAL test that that you MUST GET to determine your illness is the CCK test. I had to fly to Kingston PA to get mine. In my opinion I feel that Dr. Smedley is an absolute genius in his knowledge of human body.
This book contains a lot of other gastro. info. This book saved my life and my job. I have the highest regards for Dr. Smedley

I had given in and met with a surgeon,for fear I would end up in the emergency room facing gall bladder surgery without a surgeon of my choice.It was a year ago and I was having constant gall bladder attacks,the gall bladder seriously inflamed each time. I found Dr.Smedley on the internet and got the book via Amazon.I felt completely better in a very short amount of time.Apart from the info regarding types of fatty foods to eliminate from the diet, I was surprised to find out that it was crucial to eliminate apples, because the pectin is a gallbladder irritant. Dr.Smedley is a lifesaver and a truely caring physician willing to share crucial knowledge.I unequivically recommend this book .

I had been to many doctors in the last five years and none could tell me why I was having these symptoms so perfectly described in Dr. Smedley's book. I had had an MRI, colonoscopy, EEG, complete blood work, Upper GI, and the list goes on. All of them turned up negative for any disease. I was desperate because no doctor would believe me when I told them I was sick. None of these doctors, whether GPs or specialists, tied these symptoms together as indicative of gall bladder and thyroid disease. My GP wanted me to see a psychiatrist, and that is where I would have ended up, had I not had a gall bladder attack, which I thought was a heart attack at first. Fortunately, I live near Dr. Smedley's office and a friend recommended him to me. He diagnosed me immediately and gave me this diet to follow. Within three days, I was feeling much, much better. Dr. Smedley is a life saver.

I can add little to the other positive reviews here but that I was deeply touched by the beauty and sensitivity of this short novel. It is simply something I will always remember and I envy the reader who discovers it.

Fields of glory is the most beautifully written book I have read in more than a decade--maybe ever. Virtually every page, every paragraph, is wonderfully crafted. How I wish I could read it in French, although I can't imagine that it could be any better. Mr. Rouaud is a genious.

This gentle book floats you through the life of a French family between the wars, as seen through the eyes of children. Human foibles are observed with a naive humour, and events are often described without the full understanding of the narrator. Much of the subject matter could be overpowering, but the depiction in this book is beautiful.

In what begins as reminisces by the narrator of a seemingly eccentric family the author slowly unravels the reasons behind each of the characters' actions. This masterpiece of writing develops into a powerful study of aging and childhood memories, and of the long lasting impact of World War I from one generation to another, even when the succeeding generations aren't aware of it.

By the end of this book I felt that I knew the family members intimately. This is beautifully done. The story unravels the lives of family members through the memories of a child, tracing their tragedy back to the ultimate tragedy of war. In some ways this book is very French but the feelings are universal and I strongly recommend it.

Loaded with information that you typically will not find elsewhere. This would also make a great book for someone looking for wilderness survival skills. This is also a great book for identifying early frontier tools and equipment. Carl Russel has a real winner here. If this genre of information appeals to you then get this book and learn about life in the frontier days..

Russell has done exhaustive work on this subject and this book is a must have for anyone interested in the Mountain Men and fur trade era.

I used this book for my graduate seminar paper on the Fur Trade. I loved all the information it gave about the tools of the Mountain Men. Don't let the fact that I'm in grad school scare off the read though. My father-in-law wants a copy now and he only has an Associates and is a down home kind of guy. It's definitely not just for students. This is an absolutely wonderful book.

This book is chucked full of great fur trade information. It has many, many line drawings and could only be better with a collection of photos of actual artifacts.

If you are a fan of the Rocky Mountain fur trade era of the early 19th century like I am, you will find this book to be a valuable resource.

Great resource for study of mountain men, early contact between Indians and whites. Useful in the study of metal artifacts of the fur trade, axes, traps, spearpoints, arrowheads, harpoons, knives and daggers, highly recommended.

This book is a gem with exciting stories and/or experiments with elements. Written in a simple manner with cartoon illustrations, parents and teachers should have fun sharing this with children and everyone will learn some chemistry!

When my son's third-grade teacher said the students could get extra credit for doing science experiments in front of the class, I began a search for a great book that would not only give simple, interesting experiments, but that would provide information about the concepts behind the projects. This book fit the bill perfectly! We've done two or three of these in front of the class already -- the kids were interested, and my son was able to convey some interesting scientific principles. Great for teachers, home schoolers, or parents intent on getting their kids extra credit. :)

I bought this for my 3rd and 4th grade homeschooled children. There are no concepts that make the Periodic Table seem dull or uninteresting in this book. Instead, it uses simple language for the elementary aged - middle school student, nice black and white drawings, and silly rhymes to make it seem so understandable and fascinating. You'll find it loaded with facts that interest children to help them draw it all together. The idea my kids are left with is that science is "so cool!" Many experiments, using everyday items, are throughout the book. This enhances the fun and learning. Science should be interesting and not boring. This book exceeded my expectations. I'm sure we'll continue to use this book for several years.

If you teach the elements and/or the periodic table to elementary students and want to make them come alive, this book is a definite must have. It is chock full of easy to prepare investigations as well as "element essentials" thumbnail sketches of various elements. Most materials are ones you have on hand either at home or school. Without a doubt, it is the best elementary chemistry book I have ever seen.

Calling all home educators! Here is a way to teach the periodic
table to your children using witty text, amusing illustrations, and
fascinating do-at-home experiments. Dr. Brandolini really helps
young and old alike to understand the science found in our everyday lives
through this intriguing book. This is one of those books that your kids will WANT to pull down from the home library shelves to enjoy.

"Follow Your Dreams: The Story of Alberto Santos-Dumont" has a website. Go to www.followyourdreams.cc for 5 packets of activities for children, material for teachers, and a detailed discussion of the book's design and colors. "Follow Your Dreams" was featured by the Smithsonian Museum of Air and Space in Washington, D.C.

The story of Alberto Santos-Dumont is one that needs to be told to young and old alike. What Elisabeth Waugaman has done is to provide a beautifully told and illustrated story for younger readers, bringing Mr. Santos-Dumont's philosophy of keeping on trying and learning from one's mistakes. And the writing is, at times, magical, particularly in Ms. Waugaman's description of when Santos-Dumont saw a rainbow in the clouds during his first baloon flight.

For those who are new to Alberto Santos-Dumont, he was a Brazilian who settled in Paris at the turn of the twentieth century to pursue his dream that "man flies." Although Santos-Dumont was enthralled by the experience of his first baloon ride, he set out to build an airship, a powered lighter-than-air craft that could be steered. In this he succeeded admirably and quickly became the talk of the town, as "the little Brazilian" was spotted across Paris in one of his ingenious craft. In 1906, he became the first person in Europe to pilot a powered, controlled heavier-than-air aeroplane, known as the "14-bis." However, there has been much controversy in that most people in Brazil feel the credit for the first powered, controlled, heavier-than-air flight should go to him, as the Wright Brothers' 1903 flight at Kitty Hawk was not officially documented.

My only misgiving is that the book takes the side of Brazilian popular culture, crediting Santos-Dumont with what most scholars feel rightfully belongs to Wilbur and Orville Wright. As Sir Peter Wyckham pointed out in his definitive biography of Santos-Dumont, this controversy had the ironic effect of making the Brazilian aviator almost unknown outside his native Brazil, which is indeed unfortunate, because Santos-Dumont really was a hero for his many accomplishments as well as his personal idiosyncracies. In addition, the translator for the Portuguese text, faithful to the English original in every other way, exaggerates Santos-Dumont's fame.

Nevertheless, Dr. Waugaman does an admirable job in presenting both sides. Her artwork is beautiful, alone well worth the price of the book. That Dr. Waugaman loves children and respects their dreams is evident in both the text and her sympathetic treatment to an eccentric hero; moreover, her deeds speak as loudly as her words: she has kindly donated proceeds of her book to children's charities.

This is a very special, unique book, one to treasure for a long time (which, in my mind, justfies its high price). Read it and enjoy the colorful illustrations. As Alberto Santos-Dumont did, may this book inspire young and old to fly and follow their own dreams.

Written and illustrated by Elisabeth P. Waugaman for young bilingual (English/Portuguese) readers, Follow Your Dreams/De Asas aos Seus Sonhos: The Story Of Alberto Santos-Dumont is a biography of the intriguing life and incredible accomplishments of Alberto Santos-Dumont who grew up in Brazil. Following Alberto's child-hood dream to fly in a time pre-dating the Wright brother's famed accomplishments, Follow Your Dreams/De Asas aos Seus Sonhos will captivate the rapt attention of young readers from first page to last with the encouraging story of Alberto Santos-Dumont's inventive mind, ambitious aspirations, and fulfilling passion to design, fabricate and fly the smallest passenger balloon, and create a plane with wheels he called "The Dragonfly". Highly recommended for school and community library Bi-Lingual collections for ages 6 to 10, Follow Your Dreams/De Asas aos Seus Sonhos is very highly recommended for all young readers as an inspiring tale of pursuing a dream and the amazing accomplishments of what may come from such persistence.

"Follow Your Dreams, The Story of Alberto Santos-Dumont", by Elisabeth Waugaman, is far more than a fantastic children's book, but is immensely educational for children and adults alike. My family bought this book for my two young cousins because it not only looked interesting but it is written in both English and Portuguese, so we figured they could pick up some of the foreign language by reading it. Much to my delight, the book contains beautiful drawings and paintings that evoke 19th century Brazil and France, and give the book a characterization that many children's books lack. However, the images of the book are only a prelude to the wealth of information that I actually learned from reading it. The story section, which is written with the ease and simplicity that a child will enjoy, details much of the life of Alberto Santos-Dumont, a man I did not even know existed. Learning of his genius, his character, and his contributions to the beginning of air-travel left me spellbound. This man might have had just as immense of an impact on flight as the Wright Brothers, yet I knew nothing of him before reading this book. It is written in a way that is educational without being too serious, it is fun, and will leave everyone who reads it throwing in little facts from it into conversation (such as, "did you know that the wrist watch was invented for Alberto Santos-Dumont so he could check the time while he was operating his aircraft?"). The afterword and timeline are also useful for adults, because it recounts the story in a more professional manner and puts it in its historical perspective. Overall, I was very impressed with Elisabeth Waugaman's book. Not only will my little cousins find it enjoyable and learn to speak a little Portuguese, but they, as well as any adult, will learn about a fascinating character that should rightfully take his place with the Wright Brothers in history.

This is a beautifully illustrated book about a young man's quest to find a way to fly. The young reader visits Brazil and Paris through the story and pictures, as well as learning about perseverence. A good book to begin introducing the early grades to biography.

I had this book when I was a teen and lost it. I've read it a few times. I can't say that about many books. I've also read More Forgotton Town a few times as well. A must have for anyone interested in Jersey history.

Henry Charton Beck spent much of his spare time in the 1930s traipsing around the rural areas of New Jersey searching out local history and lore. He wrote about what he learned in newspaper articles and then in full-length books. This book is the first in a series, published in 1936 (always in print since then, but never revised).

Beck is concerned with the tiny settlements that grew and died mainly in the Pine Barrens, a huge, sparsely settled area that stretches across a good portion of southern NJ. Beginning with Ongs Hat, he tells about 37 different places, one per chapter. The chapters are short, and all the places were visited by Beck, with much of his narrative told through his own eyes. Many of the places are still identified on larger topo maps (there are no maps in the book, unfortunately); very few of these places were ever large enough to support a post office and were merely placenames. Photos grace the book, though what is depicted in them has long disappeared for the most part. Also missing, though it would be very helpful, is an index.

Beck's style has the effect of drawing the reader out into the field to see what he's seen. I've been to quite a few of the places mentioned in the book and have enjoyed having the book along with me. Being almost 70 years old, the book is somewhat outdated (some isolated areas he writes about outside of the Pine Barren reserve are filled with housing developments and strip malls now), but it's still a great book on the local history of southern NJ of long ago.

Including Forgotten Towns of Southern New Jersey I also owned 4 other books by Henry Carlton Beck.
I purchaded these books in 1982 and read them over and over until the pages became worn.
There is no better way to study and get to know the ghost and forgotten towns of southern New Jersey than through these books.
Henry Carlton Beck put his heart into every word and deed, the information coming from that is wonderful.
There is no better reading on southern New Jersey that can be found on book shelves.
These books will live on forever and to experience his windom in these is a real blessing.
I lost all my books to a fire but plan to replace them next month.
If your interest is in southern New Jersey these are the books to have on your shelf.

Beware that once you read this book, you'll be hooked on trying to find these towns.

An excellent reference for those looking to disover the history of Southern New Jersey.

Need a brief escape from the modern world? Want to know what life was like a hundred years ago in Southern NJ? This is the book for you. Mr. Beck wrote in a beautiful, yet folksy style about the people and places that once existed in what we now call the Pine Barrens. After reading this, I am anxious to go back and look for some of these places myself.

Although P.G. Wodehouse's non-Bertie and Jeeves novels aren't as well-known to the casual reader, they're in many ways, even better than their more popular counterparts. FRENCH LEAVE is an ingeniously constructed farce that, unlike so many attempts in the genre, doesn't feel excessively dependent on random coincidence and implausible events. I will say, however, that I found the denouement slightly disappointing.

I highly recommend this book. It's one of my favorites by P.G. Wodehouse. It's very entertaining and funny!

Why, in Heavens name, should a modern reader take the time to read the novels of P.G. Wodehouse?? Is it because he was the funniest writer of the 20th century? He was. Is it because you will marvel at his complete mastery of the English language? You will. Is it because his heroes and villians are equally likable persons?? They are. The star of every Wodehouse novel is not Bertie or Jeeves or Lord Emsworth or Psmith or even Mr. Mulliner; the star, of course, is Wodehouse himself. And when he speaks, you should listen!

French Leave is a non-saga novel (meaning no Jeeves or Uncle Fred) with very appealing characters and wonderous and hilarious misunderstandings. It is the story of three American girls and their adventures in France: a story of love at first sight, of mineral-water millionaires, of rascally French policemen, and of a breach of promise suit that never happens. And like all Wodehouse settings, France seems like Heaven on earth. Warm sunshine seems to glow from each and every page. It is almost as if Wodehouse is speaking directly to his audience saying: Wouldn't you like to be here and spend time with my friends? I think all readers of French Leave would transport themselves there in a minute.

If you've never read Wodehouse before, I cannot but strongly encourage you to join the millions who have discovered this wonderful writer. French Leave is just as good a place as any to start. Because it is a later novel (written in the mid-fifties), it will prime you for some of the even wackier masterpieces of the 20s and 30s. Read on, ladies and gentlemen, and even you may find that song lurks in the depths of your heart.

I've read over 100 Wodehouse stories and this one is one of my favorites. The harmless phrase "Where is the dossier Quibolle?" had me rolling off the floor (you have to read the book to find out more...). Wodehouse also weaves in French pronounciations and hilarious interactions between the French and non-French characters in the novel. This book makes you laugh right from the Preface to the last page.

French Leave is the epitome of Wodehouse writing. Everyone gets into more scrapes than any other author could pack into 250 odd pages. I enjoy reading all Wodehouse books and this is an especial favorite. Mr. Wodehouse has a command of the English language we could all do well to emulate. You will enjoy this light look at love and foriegn countries!

Readers versed in the Wodehouse canon will recall a delightful episode titled "Extricating Young Gussie." This installment in the Blandings Castle saga could be titled "Gally extricates everyone." It's not much about Lord Emsworth, and the perennially prize winning pig, Empress of Blandings, features only in a bit part. The usual bevy of imperious aunts cause the usual sackfuls of trouble for numerous tangled hearts. But the plot, such as it is, turns on Lord Emsworth's resourceful brother, the loveable rogue, Galahad Threepwood, and his Jeeves- like power to make things come right. While some of Lord Emsworth's behavior seems uncharacteristic, this later novel from 1965 is nevertheless prime Wodehouse and a ripping good read.

This story by P.G. Wodehouse is very entertaining and a really good read. A great escape into the magical world of Wodehouse.

Galahad at Blandings is a book part of the Blandings Castle series, but I wouldn't call it Wodehouse's best book. It is a about a couple, Sam and Sandy, and how they come together. They have a fight, and Sam comes to Blandings Castle as an imposter, to resolve the fight, as Sandy won't talk to him at all. Then in the end, money is given, fights are resolved, and everyone is happy. It is a tremendously funny book, as many of the main character are quite eccentric, so I suggest you pick up a copy quickly. Enjoy!!! Cheers!!!!!!!!! : )

The Hon. Galahad Threepwood is back. This time he has assigned himself the dubious task of bringing three different couples together. The setting is England, Blandings Castle, of course, complete with the amiable dunce Lord Emsworth and his prize-winning porker, the Empress, infamous for her role in `PIG-HOO-EY'.

On his way to London to pick up his brother Clarence (Lord Emsworth), Galahad, a dapper middle-aged man eyes the name on a sinister package that Lord Emsworth's secretary Sandy Callendar has asked him to post. The parcel is addressed to a chap named Bagshott. This detail excites Galahad's curiosity because he used to be bosom with a fellow named Bagshott. But the Bagshott that the Hon. Galahad knew (Boko) had long since retired from the earth. Discovering that the contents of said package are a pile of letters that will effectively sunder Sandy Callendar's relationship with Boko's son, Samuel Galahad Bagshott, Gally becomes determined to keep the sparring couple afloat. Having been staunchly opposed to sundered hearts since he was a boy, Galahad Threepwood is resolved to put matters right.

Sam and Sandy's dispute happens to be related to gambling and, well, naturally, the Drones Club. You see Sam stands to gain a sackful in a sweep if Tipton Plimsoll (fellow Drones Club member) weds the pretty dolt Veronica Wedge, Lord Emsworth's niece. But Sandy is diametrically opposed to the whole enterprise, urging Sam to part with the debatably generous syndicate offer. And she still hasn't forgiven Sam for telling her that she looks like a "horror from outer space" with a particular pair of glasses on. Plus, Sandy is a redhead, making the task for Gally that much more difficult - as we all know, redheaded women have short and irrational tempers. Enter the "pint-sized bozo," Wilfred Allsop, cousin of Veronica Wedge. On a bender one night in New York with his new friend Tipton Plimsoll, Willie, who somewhat "resembles the poet Shelley," reveals his affections for Lord Emsworth's pig lady, Monica Simmons. Tipton Plimsoll endorses the arrangement despite his belief that Ms. Simmons has the appearance of an "all-in wrestler."

As it is, all three of these impending alliances are dependent upon each other and the Hon. Galahad Threepwood knows it. You'll have to read the story to find out whether or not Gally is successful with his scheme to reunite the warring couples. Just know that he is a skilled raconteur and "teller of the tale." Gally will never miss a beat and he stays on top of it all, undoubtedly aided by his fondness for cocktails at all hours.

Galahad has many passions in life. One is to protect the reputation of one of his oldest and greatest friends, whiskey. Disgusted and offended by "coloured slides" and "temperance lectures" Gally goes on an anti-Tea tirade, accusing "the muck" as he calls it, of being responsible for the death of his poor, dear old friend Buffy Struggles, who "got run over by a hansom cab as he was crossing Piccadilly." Evidently, tea had sapped Buffy's strength.

Recalling another seemingly outrageous send-up, the Hon. Galahad exclaims, "The only safe way to get through life is to pickle your system thoroughly in alcohol." The story to prove the aforementioned theory involved two brothers, Freddie and Eustace Potts. Their French chef once served them a hedgehog while pretending that it was a chicken just to save some money. Well, Eustace, who was a "teetotaler" nearly died, but Freddie, who "had lived mostly on whiskey since early boyhood" showed no ill effects at all after consuming the carcass.

A large part of Gally wishes he could go back to his days at the Pelican Club. There, he would fascinate the members with his inimitable wit, and tireless devotion to mopping the sauce up like a vacuum cleaner in London pubs. Galahad happily recalls his days of getting pinched by the gendarmerie for being drunken and disorderly, vaunting that it would always take three of them to drag him away to the jug.

I recommend this book, especially as a device for teaching English. As the plot thickens, and it does thicken, especially when the Empress gets pie-eyed, and Gally is stretched not quite to his limits, the reader becomes aware that the Hon. Galahad could have been the Prime Minister if he had wanted to. Threepwood is a leader of the first rank - truly a man that we can all look up to. What Ho, Gally?

P.G. Wodehouse once said that you could write about life as it is or as musical comedy. He chose to do the latter. As a result, I strongly prefer to listen to audio recordings of Mr. Wodehouse's novels. The dramatic portrayals add a great deal to the humor of the stories. This is the first one that I have heard by Jeremy Sinden. He is very talented and flexible in his characterizations, moving easily from men to women, from one English class to another, and even to including Americans.

If you are familiar with the stories about Jeeves and the gentleman he serves, Bertram (Bertie) Wooster, which Mr. Wodehouse also wrote, you will feel at home with this tale, as well. Galahad plays the Jeeves-like role, but with greater elan than Jeeves ever did. You'll like Galahad. He's never let a pal down, and he has lots of them from his days carousing at the old Pelican Club. He's the bright, ne'er-do-well younger brother of Clarence, Lord Emsworth (who is fond of pigs, especially his prize-winning, Empress of Blandings, and his peace and quiet).

The story begins with a misunderstanding (not unlike the ones that Shakespeare used in his comedies -- it must be something about the water in England). An American millionaire, Tipton Plimsoe (I apologize for the fact I may have the spellings wrong in this review, since I have only heard the audio cassettes), runs into his fiancee's cousin, and they imbibe a bit too much. In the middle of the night, he awakens to find himself in jail. Someone has taken the millionaire's wallet, so he has no money to post bail. The cousin remembers that Lord Emsworth is in New York, staying at the Plaza, so they call him. Lord Emsworth is a little simple and has a poor memory. Although he dispatches the $20 by messenger to release the two, he mistakenly interprets this as meaning that the millionnaire has lost all of his money in the stock market crash of 1929 (the backdrop of this story).

The consequences of this misunderstanding almost cause three sets of lovers to be kept apart and Lord Emsworth to become engaged to a most unsuitable person. Worse yet, the Empress of Blandings herself is put at risk!

You might think that such a story would have a very predictable plot. Nothing could be less true. Just when the plot seems to be comfortably taking you left, Wodehouse puts in a complication that suddenly causes a u-turn. Then, when you get settled into that direction, he sends you off suddenly at a 45 degree angle. And pretty soon, you are overwhelmed with complications to keep you amusingly occupied with how in the world this can ever be straightened out . . . even though you have a pretty good idea of how things must turn out eventually.

But the complications serve an important purpose beyond keeping up the suspense. They also provide wonderful chances to show the true nature of the characters, and to flesh them out. This I found to be particularly well done in this book. Basically, Wodehouse likes to contrast those who care about others in a sincere way with those who are only concerned with their self-interest. The self-obsessed people unwittingly do themselves in, while the caring people somehow muddle through. The caring people have to also clean up the messes the self-interested ones make.

This book includes two of P.G. Wodehouse's most intimidating and unstoppable older women, Clarence's and Galahad's sister, Lady Hermione, and her friend, Dame Daphne Winkworth, who has her eye on Clarence. The upper class men are, as usual, very unintelligent (except for Galahad), which makes for much of the humor.

I suggest that you use your experience with hearing the narration of this story to think of a story that you would like to read aloud to a child you know. Then do so. Be sure to pick one that you can make very entertaining and which teaches valuable lessons.

See the humor . . . even in the worst circumstances!