England Books

I am a longtime fan of novels that deal with the Polite World. Salem Street surprised me with its engaging plot, memorable characters, and contrasts between strength and frailty of the human spirit. Though hardly a historical romance, you'll fall in love with Annie Gibson and her tale of determination, sacrifice, and empowerment. A must-read for men and women alike!

It's the author speaking (I only put the 5 stars because you had to put something!) and really I'd just like to thank the readers who posted such glowing reviews for their kind words. Salem Street was my first book published as Anna Jacobs, back in 1994 and it's still in print. I've just had my 21st novel published (12 as Anna Jacobs). ....

This is a wonderfully well-developed work of historical fiction. The characters are interesting, and the storylines are engrossing. When I finished it, I was thrilled to know she had already completed other novels in the series.

I really loved this book. The story line was engrossing and historically fascinating. As soon as I was finished with it I passed it on and ran to the library hoping to find the second in the series. Unfortunately my local library doesn't have it yet. I would recommend this book to any bookworm! My mom loved it too. Looking forward to reading the entire series!

Just finished reading it, and now am looking for the rest in the series. Really great book. Kept you interested the whole way through. Shows you that no matter where you start in life, YOU have the capability to overcome anything! A must read!!

This book was a favorite of mine when I was a teen. I'm in my forties now and I have acquired this book for my daughter. I've had to pay a lot for a used copy, but it is worth it! Another great teen read of my youth is "The Changeling" by Zylpha Keatley Snyder.

and it distresses me that someone wrote an inaccurate review of it. This book has nothing to do with Eleanor of Acquitane or her court.

Instead it begins in the 1300s with Melisande who comes over from France, bringing the Saracen Lamp, considered to be the house's greatest treasure, which is stolen by Alys in the Elizabethan age. Perdita is the one to bring back the life of the house.

The characters are well-written and Ruth M. Arthur was very good at providing atmospheric scenes, imbuing nature and buildings with a sense of human-like presence.

The other reviews on Amazon of Ruth Arthur's novels sound very similar: best book(s)I read, Remember it vividly since I read it when I was twelve, etc. I heartily agree with all of these sentiments. Her novels were distintinctive in their characters and settings and most memorable for their unique plots. The Saracen Lamp in particular is unique because it uses the Lamp, a parting gift from a slave-friend to follow the life of Alys and her descendants through the centuries-through the Plague and into modern times. Ruth Arthur's novels aren't terribly challenging reading, but they were deeply engrossing and as I reread some of them now as an adult, they are still intellegent and engaging...even as famili1ar old friends. Being that they are out of print, they aren't always easy or cheap to aquire, but I still find them frequently at public and school libraries 1and are worth seeking out for the strong female protagonists 1and dramatic plot lines.

I am now 40 and looked up to see if this book is still around. I read it when I was about 16 and thought it was the best book I ever read. Hopefully, new technology is going to enable these out of print books to be ordered by individuals.

I read this book YEARS ago and it has stuck in my mind as one of the top 10 books I have ever read. For parents looking to introduce youg readers to history this book is exceptional. The focus of the story is a young girl named Alys, she happens to live in Eleanor of Acquitaines' court. Through her (and others ) we learn of Eleanors life and times, which are fascinating enough not to need embellishing. The author does a superb job of setting the scene, you can practically smell the incense!

Truthiness can be fun and educational!
This is Seuss's finest hour...and did England sleep?
She was a noble and generous puglet and her name shall be carried by b'donk'donks and b'dink'dinks everywhere and for all time.
The definitive Lady... and a gift of G--, to boot.
She is an inspiration, and Dr. Seuss shares his discovery with us...everybody knows and nobody cares (that she was naked...because she was so noble)!
Now the story is told and perception becomes wikiality.

Begin with seven Lady Godivas and seven Lord Peepings; add the need for each Godiva to come up with a "horse fable" before being able to wed the Peeping to whom she is betrothed and Theodore Geisel has another winner! Definitely for adults but not at all off-colored. Another must for true Dr. Suess collectors.

People who read this story with nothing but Seuss's children's books will probably be disappointed. The prose lacks the rhythm, charm and whimsy of Seuss's painstakingly constructed rhymes. However, for those who have read the out-of-print collection "The Tough Coughs as he Ploughs the Dough", this volume is possibly the quintessential example of prewar Seuss writing and artwork. The story, consisting of a series of absurd shaggy dog stories that actually have almost nothing to do with the original Godiva story, show Seuss both in his early artwork and in the last throes of his prose writing, before he gave over completely to rhyme and art. Don't go into this expecting "Cat in the Hat" style rhyme or brilliantly colored artwork. Instead, pick up the book and enjoy the last throes of 1930's intellectual whimsy as expressed by Theodor Seuss Geisel's gifted pen and brush.

"A beautiful story of love, honor and scientific achievement" is how Dr. Seuss, with tongue in cheek, describes this book. Touted as Dr. Seuss's first book for adults, The Seven Lady Godivas was originally published in 1939 and reissued in 1987. It tells the story of not one, but seven 11th Century Lady Godivas. They are sisters sworn not to marry their beaus, the seven Peeping brothers (yes, Tom is one of them) until each of them discover a scientific truth about horses. They were driven to this oath by the death of their father during an experiment using a horse as a means of transportation.

The history is confused, but the fun never stops. Dr. Seuss's full page drawings (in red, black and white) illustrate every other page. The end papers are a fanciful illustration of the Godiva family tree. The text, though wordier than his childrens books and not in rhyme, is thoroughly Dr. Seuss. He explains the seven sisters preference for nudity by saying they had brains and were not given to vanity. He goes on to say "they were simply themselves and chose not to disguise it." Although this is a great summation of nudist philosophy, it doesn't say much about his regard for women who choose to wear clothes. Instead of scientific truths we are treated by the author to fanciful origins for seven proverbs about horses as each sister discovers her "horse truth" and goes on to marry her boyfriend.

If you enjoy Dr. Seuss, you will find these drawings and this story delightful. Although described as an adult book, children will enjoy the story as well. Today's young folks may not be familiar with all seven of the horse proverbs that Dr. Seuss relates in a book that is over 60 years old, but it should not deter from their enjoyment of this amusing tale. The drawings are not detailed enough to offend even the youngest of readers.

After Lord Godiva is killed when his horse throws him, his seven daughters swear an oath forsaking marriage to the Peeping brothers until they have each discovered a "truth" about horses. Each of the seven Ladies Godiva struggles to learn something from their equine companions, each eventually composing a now common horse proverb.

This book was written in 1939 as an "adult" book, presumably because Dr. Seuss's whimiscal drawings of the nude Godivas would have been considered too risque in that era. By today's standards, these drawings are quite tame, and the stories are actually quite delightful. Dr. Seuss's fanciful tales of the origins of these proverbs is entertaining and his illustrations are pure Seuss.

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.

Have just learned that Ms. Dickinson is honoring us with another episode of Rose McNess. I can't wait. I have longed for another visit and it is supposed to happen in December. Keep looking--I know it will be as wonderful as the first two episodes of Rose's Roamings.

Rose McNess, self-styled leader in a grand retire- ment home (Wynfield Farms in Virginia), leads a group of her elderly friends on a trip to England. Mystery, adventures, romance, MORE romance happen along the way. Never a dull moment! Illustrated by the talented author, Small House, Large World is a delight and a MUST for Christmas giving!

A friend of mine gave me this book just before I travelled to England, and I loved it. Rose McNess leads a group of senior citizens on a tour of England, encountering adventure, romance and mayhem along the way. Cheerful and upbeat, the story moves along at a quick pace, but does not spare details, making the reader feel as if they were part of the adventure. I found the descriptions of England to be right on, and also enjoyed the author's sketches which appear through out the book. Now I can't wait to go back and read the first Rose McNess book, A Rebellious House.

A friend of mine gave me this book just before I travelled to England, and I loved it. Rose McNess leads a group of senior citizens on a tour of England, encountering adventure, romance and mayhem along the way. Cheerful and upbeat, the story moves along at a quick pace, but does not spare details, making the reader feel as if they were part of the adventure. I found the descriptions of England to be right on, and also enjoyed the author's sketches which appear through out the book. Now I can't wait to go back and read the first Rose McNess book, A Rebellious House.

I received Barbara Dickenson's book as a gift from my two wonderful granddaughters, ages 8 and 9, and fell in love with the writing, the characters and of course, Wynfield Farms. As a senior citizen, I can relate to many of the things that happen at Wynfield and to its inhabitants. When my days of being self sufficient and living alone are at an end, I sure hope there is a Wynfield Farms and a Rose McNess in my future. Through Barbara Dickersons books, I have learned that getting old is a privilege and that you are not out to pasture just because you have lived a few years. I feel that all ages would love the wit and humor provided by this wonderful book.I read it with great pleasure. No, it isn't just for seniors like me. Thanks to Barbara for both of her lovely books and I sure hope there are sequels. I am anxiously awaiting the next Rose McNess adventure.

I bought this book for my daughter who is a Sound of Music affectionado. She loved the book and all the background materials provided.

The Sound of Music Companion by Laurence Malson, Andrew Lloyd Webber should be owned by all who enjoyed the movie.


Thanks

This is a wonderful book for THE SOUND OF MUSIC enthusiast. Lots of great background information and photographs. Thank you.

Lawrence Maslon should be thanked and congratulated for offering a concise and informative Sound of Music book. Although there have been a few Sound of Music books written in the past, this book is probably the first of its kind to tell the story in a concise manner. The Hirsch book on the film and the reissued Max Wilk book on the stage show were great books in their own right, but I think this book tops them all.

Although the numerous photos are the draw of this coffee-table book, a coffee-table book should offer much more than pretty photographs. For this it certainly delivers. His meticulously researched, well-written text tells us the whole Sound of Music story from Maria's birth to the first Austrian stage production in 2005. This book covers all important stops in the history of SOM up till now, and does not dwell too long on any one time period. An added treat is the inclusion of song lyrics and commentaries on the songs, explaining how they were written and what role they played in the musical. I admit there are a few typo errors in the text, but this well-researched book is jam-packed with facts of the musical. You could literally dip your teeth into it and come out a Sound of Music junkie. I do wish there were also lyrics and commentaries for I Have Confidence, So Long, Farewell and also The Lonely Goatherd.

In short, a really great Sound of Music book that makes a splendidd addition to any Sound of Music collection, except that the print tends to be a little too small for the size of the book. Otherwise, a really wonderful book from cover to cover, and a seminal work in the entire world of this well-loved musical. I think this is a book that deserves to be in print forever.

Wonderful! Very complete compilation of many sources regarding the Sound of Music. Covers not only the movie, but also the stageplay, the history behind the script and music, and the history of the Von Trapps themselves. The pictures are absolutely beatiful! There are stills from the movie, from the original Broadway cast, from many Broadway revivals, as well as many behind the scenes shots. This is a must have for anybody who loves the story of the Sound of Music.

Matthew Shardlake is a lawyer during the time of Henry VIII. In 1541, Just after his marriage to Catherine Howard, Henry sets out on a progress to the North of England to consolidate his hold on the areas that rebelled in 1536.

Set against this this background, hunchback lawyer Matthew Shardlake and his assistant Barak meet the progress in York, where Shardlake is charged with looking after a highly important prisoner to make sure his real guard doesn't get too agressive before he reached the Tower of London.

However, when a local glazier is killed, Shardlake gets drawn into that investigation as well, all along while being buffetted about by powerful figures in the Tudor COurt including the hands of the King and Queen themselves.

In the manner of a good mystery, the threads of the various plot lines all are connected, though not in ways that are apparent.

Sansom crafts a great work of historical fiction, beign as true to the time as his plot allows. I particularly appreciated the epilogue where Sansom explained what liberties he took with the historical record.

I hadn't read Sansom's other works before this one, but that didn't impede my enjoyment of the work.

This was a very satisfying read: historically accurate enough to satisfy, unique characters, and well written.

Matthew Shardlake is such an interesting character, and although the main character, so far from perfect. What a treat!

But if you haven't read the other Sansom books, by all means start at the beginning and work your way here. Like a box of fine Belgian chocolates - you won't want to miss any!

I have read all three Matthew Shardlake books and this one tops them all. Not only does it master the period like your stepping into another world of ole England, but the story takes you places that we want to go. Thanks and hats off to the master of historical fiction. Only touble is what do you read after this book raises the bar so high. I read almost every historical mystery that I can get my hands on then found myself reading slower and slower at the end just to make it last. Lets hope Sansom is writing book four now.

This is another in the series of novels featuring Matthew Shardlake and to my own personal delight much of it is set in an around the area of York, where I myself was born and bred. It is always nice if you can associate with a place in a book.

Lawyer, Matthew Shardlake and Jack Barak his assistant are on their way to the city of York. Their business being to attend to the welfare of a prisoner who is to be returned to London to be interrogated. While there Shardlake is also to involve himself and assist where possible with legal partitions during the progress of King Henry VIII to the City of York, a beautiful and ancient city, surrounded by a wall of pale yellow stone. A city that has been home to the Roman's and the Viking's in its time.

When a local man, a glazier is found murdered, Matthew and Jack uncover a box, which among other things contains a genealogical chart. Before Shardlake has the chance to peruse the other papers in the box he is attacked and the box and its contents taken. Other attacks follow and it is up to Matthew to discover the truth, who is behind the attacks and what is the purpose of them . . .

Lawyer Matthew Shardlake and his assistant Jack Barak are sent to York to ensure the welfare of a prisoner being returned to London for interrogation. Matthew is also to assist with processing legal partitions King Henry VIII during the King's Progress to York. When local glazier is killed, Matthew and Jack uncover a locked box containing several papers, including a genealogical chart. Before Matthew has a chance to review all the papers, he is attacked and the box taken. Other attacks follow and Matthew must uncover who is behind them and what is the secret that could topple a King's throne.

Sansom has a talent of writing both a very good, suspenseful mystery while involving the reader in the life and politics of the time. Rather than portraying a romantic view of historic England, Sansom conveys the harshness of living conditions, the brutality of the justice of the time and the unrest and uncertainty due to Henry's striving for an heir and causing the religious division of the time. Matthew is a wonderful character with a strong belief in doing what's right, he's nicely offset by Barak greater willingness to bend the rules. Matthew is also a very human character who can be stubborn, petty and jealous. Although the dialogue is a bit awkward at times as it is strictly neither period nor modern, only a couple times did I find that distracting. This is a series I read in order, but if you enjoy history brought to life, I highly recommend Sansom.

What a great read! This is a study of not only Staffordshire figurines but the people who made and decorated them and the life and times that these people existed within. It is a wonderful fresh social history and commentary of especially Victorian times based around ornamental objects that were produced for the masses, rather than the elite and wealthy. It is a fascinating book to read and requires on previous knowledge of the subject. Chapters include an excellent introduction to "the potteries" and the makers, modelers and decorators followed by indepth studies of predominately Victorian life as reflected by chapter headings such as Never-never land : children; rogues and renegades : the criminal element; country life : a rural romance; and entertainment : streets, spirits, sawdust, spotlights and stirrups.
The book is extremely well written and beautifully illustrated (often with previously unpublished figures). The index is prolific and all en-compassing. It is elegantly produced by the publisher Schiffer. This is a fascinating reference work that one just wants to sit down and read from cover to cover-unlike most reference books that are just "dipped into". It is not simply a catalogue of Staffordshire figures but an engaging study of the period.

If you are looking for the WHOLE story of Staffordshire figures, this is the book for you. Written in an intelligent, literate style, here is a reference text that draws the reader into the world of Staffordshire figures as well as into the world of the potters who made them and the people who purchased them. This book presents a new reading of Staffordshire figure history through highly engaging and compelling text that is enhanced by hundreds of superb illustrations. The authors' carefully researched and insightful study is powered by the highest standards of scholarly, yet eminently reader-friendly, writing.

I'm an avid reader of "antiques" books, as well as being a collector of antiques. It's not very often that a book about antiques comes along that not only gives you the information you want to know about your antique, but also manages to let you into the world of the people who made that antique.
Not only did I find this work a way to help me better appreciate where the pottery of Staffordshire was coming from and why it happened when it did, but I ENJOYED reading it! The work is entertaining - a real surprise for a book about antiques. I found it a breath of fresh air for Staffordshire figure and antiques writing in general.
Congratulations to the authors. Informative and entertaining and comprehensive text and great pictures to support it.
I highly recommend this work not only to those who collect Staffordshire figurs, but to anyone interested in 19th century history and society.

As a long-time Staffordshire collector, I was delighted when my copy of this book arrived. My personal library contains numerous Staffordshire figure catalogs and "studies," but I've never read anything like this incredible book before. The authors have brought the Staffordshire figure-making era into remarkable focus with an immediacy that takes the reader into that long-ago time when Staffordshire figures were first placed on the mantelpieces of homes and inns throughout Britain. This is clearly a book about Staffordshire's earthenware figures and groups, but it is also a book about the era in which they were crafted and the people who made and owned them 100-260 years ago. Kenny and Moriarty have gone where the "catalogers" and previous Staffordshire authors have failed to go - directly and comprehensively to the essence of the Staffordshire figure era. This is a wonderfully readable "history" book, abundantly illustrated with Staffordshire figures and groups, and filled with the vitality and drama of the dawning Industrial Age. A long forgotten potter once stated, "No art with potters can compare, we make our pots of what we potters are." It may now be said of this new and exciting book's authors, Adele Kenny and Veronica Moriarty, "No other authors can compare, they made their book of what the figures are."

This fabulous new book has been flawlessly researched and written, generously illustrated, and elegantly produced in a hardbound edition complete with a very attractive dust jacket. It is a reference that provides inclusive historical information on the social, cultural, economic, and religious conditions that provided the backdrop for earthenware figure production in North Staffordshire from the mid-eighteenth century through 1900. In this volume, Staffordshire figures are not merely catalogued and illustrated - they are presented as historical "documents" that illustrate various aspects of British life during the time of their making. The 240-page book contains twenty chapters, an introduction, a conclusion, a very complete bibliography, and a comprehensive index. Over 565 illustrations complement text that is written in an intelligent and lively style that draws the reader into the changing, turbulent, gritty, and gutsy world of the Staffordshire figure. The authors have skillfully designed each chapter as a separate content area that may be read and savored individually or studied and enjoyed within the larger context of the whole book. Detailed captions provide descriptive data that adds to the already substantial text. The value ranges noted are honestly wide and reflect the current market. Kenny and Moriarty have created a masterwork that is destined to become a standard reference in the field.

The second in a series of four (so far). This book has more depth to it than others you might compare it to (Princess Diaries, Angus, Thongs and Full Frontal Snogging, etc). The narrator, Calypso Kelly, is an American born girl who's mother has forced her to attend a British boarding school.

Calypso discovers at the begining of this book, to her horror, that she does not share her room with anyone this term that she had hoped for. In fact, she is sharing with the dreaded Honey O'Hare, who has made every year for Calypso miserable, since Calypso's mother has forced her to attend St. Augustine's.

Also sharing the room is Portia, a new character who could be a friend, could be an enemy. And plays the role of both in Calypso's mind. Portia (now that Star has quit fencing) is the only other girl who is on Calypso's level, fencing wise. On the other hand, she had pizza with Prince Freddie. (uh-oh, competition)

In this book Calypso is essentially stripped of her friends, without them in her dorm room and with them picking up other interests besides those they share with her. It is a well done portrayl of what happens when friends start to grow up. It definately reminded me of some of my middle school experiences.

I love all of the british slang that is in the book, and how Calypso walks the line between American and British. A very fun read without being overly fluffy.

I wouldn't reccomend this for younger readers because it does have some coarse language in it, 14 the youngest, 15 is probably the target audience.

Calypso is back...after a summer in America with Star and Georgina, she returns to St. Augustine in the middle of two text romances: Prince Freddie and Billy! However, she finds out she has to share a room with evil Honey O'Hare and aloof rich girl Portia, while Georgina and Star get to room together with a real princess, Indie. Calypso is off to a rough start. All her friends drop out of latin, leaving her alone. She feels like Star and Georgina are drifting away from her....but she makes friends with Indie and Portia, and everything goes better. Then she makes a mistake and alienates herself from everyone. Freddie isn't texting her, and Billy is acting weird. Is Freddie secretly seeing Portia? Will everyone get to go to the royal ball with Freddie except for her? And why is Honey now the only person who will talk to her? Will Calypso get her friends back, get her guy, and be able to keep up her fencing?

I read this book in 3 days. What a blast. The British girls really know boys -- but it's the girls who are so hilarious. Don't miss this one this summer.

This book will make you laugh out loud. But it's funny in this British, sophisticated, sublime way. Over the top, yet understated. Honey O'Hare has to be the most outrageous mean girl ever. I just love Calypso. Can't say enough about this book.

Fourteen-year-old Calypso Kelly (otherwise known as "The American Freak) has never felt as if she fit in with the rich, British girls who attend school with her at St. Augustine's English Boarding School. Sure, she's got a few close friends, but some of the other students are SO stuck-up. Like Honey O'Hare, Calypso's worst enemy, and dorm mate for the year. Honey has despised Calypso from the very first day she arrived at St. Augustine's, and has been out to saboatage her forever. Like it's Calypso's fault that she's more than a year younger than every other girl in her grade, and she doesn't have as much expendable cash. Anyway, Calypso has been flirting with two very fit (hot) boys over text messages all summer. And when Honey finds out, she decides to ruin the relationships that Calypso has created. Including the one with her boy toy Prince Freddie. Unfortunately, Calypso has no idea what's going on, and when she turns to her friends for help, she realizes that they're too caught up with their new pal, a real life Princess, to care about her petty problems. This is sure to be one super tough semester at St. Augustine's.

Tyne O'Connell truly has the writing chops to pen stories about a group of rich, snooty teenage girls attending an ultra-chic private school. Her characters are hilarious, and truly bring the story to life, what with their catty viciousness and obsessiveness over how they look. Once again, Calypso and the crazy predicaments will keep readers on the edge of their seats laughing out loud while reading this book, and for days after. I can't wait for the next installment about Calypso and her crazy friends, as this book leaves quite a cliffhanger. A must read!

Erika Sorocco
Book Review Columnist for The Community Bugle Newspaper

John Sherman has really done it with this excellent book. Though some may find his sense of humor somewhat caustic (I happen to like it), this is an indispensable guide to all the major bouldering areas in the country. Make no mistake--this is not a "guide book"--you will find no route topos or maps of bouldering areas here (though there are maps TO bouldering areas). The text stays within the historical realm, and Sherman's knowledge of these places is revealed on every page. Of particular interest are his (and other's) memories of places like the Buttermilk boulders, which are presented in a light that precedes the mega-popularity that Bishop has attained in the last five years or so. And Sherman is not only a talented writer--he is also one of my favorite climbing photographers. Beautiful and tasteful prints illustrate almost every page. Well worth the money.

This book is fantastic. If you like bouldering and John Sherman's humorous tales you will enjoy this book.

The SOFT COVER BINDING FALLS APART after one or two openings. Of three people I know with the soft cover, all three have fallen apart. BUY THE HARD COVER VERSION!

Stone Crusade is THE book of bouldering and the history of the sport in the USA. John Sherman's witty and irreverent writing style and his artistic photographic skill capture the true feeling of the sport across the entire country. A guide book, history lesson, and entertainment all rolled into one. You will want to hit the road on your own Stone Crusade.

I have used this book many times to find bouldering areas. I have also found that it gets me to the boulders easier then the published guide. This book has a lot of great history on bouldering in the United States, the people who started it all and which areas they had the most influence on. It is like Rock And Road for bouldering only better.

It reads as a guidebook, a history, and as literature. Sherman writes with surprising grace and introspection about the sport. Nice profiles of the locals at different areas, too. And I was relieved to see no reference to the finest, and apparently still secret, problem at Carderock, MD.