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Clubs Books sorted by Average customer review: high to low .

Clubs
Tablecloth Scribbles
Published in Paperback by Writers Club Press (2000-09)
Author: Christine Lemmon
List price: $16.95
New price: $53.93
Used price: $49.89
Collectible price: $70.00

Average review score:

Title was all wrong....but it was an interesting read
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-12-19
This book was interesting, but choppy. It is titled after Sanibel Island, which I know & love....we bought the book on Sanibel. However, it barely has anything to do with Sanibel. The setting is more in Holland,MI, Spain and Tarpon Key and a little bit in Captiva, which is right by Sanibel.

At times, it feels like a college student's writing. Other times, it's brilliant! I never got a sense of the character. She didn't feel 3-dimensional at all. What does she look like? Besides mentioning blonde hair, you just don't know. What values does she really have? What does she believe in her core? What are her parents like? They were in & out of the story so quickly.

Also, there are weird experiences such as tarot cards, ghosts directing her to dig up treasure, lighthouses shining (where there are no lights), etc....and it leaves a reader wondering if she'd dabbling in the demonic realm or something more Judeo/Christian-like such as angels....it's difficult to understand her story at this point. It's called a "fiction" book, but it's clearly based on her life.

I enjoyed the Spain section immensely. It felt real and true. Her boyfriend was interesting and well-described.

The Tarpon Key section seemed reallly bizarre. The characters and the references to the house "Mr. Too Faced" was hard for me to get past. I almost quit reading it because it was annoying for a few chapters.

But, I finished it & enjoyed it and would recommend it.

Excellent book!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2001-08-31
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The main character is a great combination of naive and insightful, which makes the reader feel like they are learning about life right along with her. This is a very clever way to educate the reader without making them feel like -they- are the ones getting educated.
I was also thinking that this would be a great Oprah Book of the Month. This is the type of book that should be read once a year to refresh oneýs perspective.

A Creative Life Journal!!
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2006-07-01
This is a terrific novel of a young woman making choices, setting goals, and being true to herself! In addition to that, Ms. Lemmon weaves in Vicki's coming to terms with her own morality and fears. I enjoyed the story tremendously because I just visited Sanibel Island this summer. The descriptions of the woman's thoughts as she makes decisions about her education,work, takes risks, and goes to Spain are so interesting. As the main character grows, her choices change, and she finds her own place in the world. It is great to see a novel where the woman becomes strong on her own without following a man around and letting him make her choices. This book is a gem!!

A Glimpse of the Past
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2001-07-12
I was so struck by the parts of the book set in Spain! It vividly recalled my own experience as a student there, in 1972. The feelings, impressions, and reactions to so many Spanish ideas, ideals, and people were so similar. Christine has managed to capture the whole summer there so well. Her storytelling skills are exemplary -- kept my interest right to the end. I was sorry to say goodbye to the characters, as I closed the book. A roller coaster of emotions -- delightful!!

Inspiring!
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2000-12-13
Christine Lemmon proves that a journey in grief does not have to be a tragic or morbid experience, yet it's something that all people need to do because death is a part of life -- there is no escaping it. What Christine shares with her readers are insights that come from facing death, greater knowledge of ourselves and internal spiritual growth -- and all of this with gentle and often delightful humor. This book is a candidate for Oprah's Book Club.

Clubs
Tibetan Spaniel (Comprehensive Owner's Guide) (Comprehensive Owner's Guide)
Published in Hardcover by Kennel Club Books (2005-12-30)
Author: Juliette Cunliffe
List price: $19.95
New price: $19.95

Average review score:

Tibetan Spaniel (Comprehensive Owner's Guide)
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-30
I was very happy with this book. It was very easy to understand and full of very interesting and helpful information. RDM from TexasTibetan Spaniel (Comprehensive Owner's Guide) (Comprehensive Owner's Guide)

excellent
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-17
This is an excellent book about Tibbies, and one of the few out there. Very helpful info, especially since it's breed specific. And the pictures are excellent.

Excellent
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-09
This is a very comprehensive and easy to follow guide to owning a Tibetan Spaniel and I think it is excellent.

Well-written and comprehensive
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-11-19
The material in this book was thorough and well-written, easily the best book we've come across on the subject of Tibby's. Very reasonably priced, too.

Wonderful details and beautiful pictures!
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-09-20
I love this book! I have one much-adored Tibetan Spaniel, and when I decided to get him four years ago, I went to great effort to get every book I could find anywhere, out of print or not. I wish this had been available then.

I love the pictures, but even better, all of the information is well-researched and breed-specific. A lot of dog breed books have a little bit about the breed and a lot that is generic - not this one. There's history, lifespan and health care information, grooming information, dietary specifications, dog care and training, and showing information, all of it well-illustrated with Tibbie pictures.

Ms. Cunliffe did a wonderful job on this book, and if you are thinking of getting a Tibbie, or already have one, this will be a great addition to your library.

Clubs
The Time Quartet
Published in Hardcover by Science Fiction Book Club (2003)
Author: Madeleine L'Engle
List price:
New price: $6.39
Used price: $2.37
Collectible price: $44.44

Average review score:

complex
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-25
I was expecting a set of books, instead of it being in one cover.(The picture is a bit misleading.) The writer is very complex and has a lot of relative symbolism. I enjoyed it, but it is hard to think of this set as "kid's books".

A great read
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2006-06-11
READ THESE BOOKS ADDICTIVELY IN 5TH GRADE AND LOVED THEM. HAVE PASSED THEM ONTO YOUNG READERS AS AN ADULT AND THEY CONTINUE TO BE LOVED NEARLY 40 YEARS LATER. A GREAT READ.

Childhood revisited...
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2006-06-10
One of the series that I read as a young boy.....very captivating and entertaining the stories kept me glued to each and every book which I promptly finished after I started....little or no stopping with these books....one of those stories that'll stick with you.

Outstanding legacy
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2007-02-13
I am trying to collect the books I loved as a youngster in hardback to pass along to my children. I received this one as a gift and was unaware of all four books combined under one cover. I love it! The books themselves are a wonderfully captivating read that employ your imagination... page-turners, all of them. Re-reading them has been as much a pleasure as reading them the first time around. I can't wait to read them to my children.

Love Them
Helpful Votes: 5 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2007-01-14
A Wrinkle Time was one of my first chapter books and I can still honestly say when I see my copy I want to pick it up and read it. I have read all of these books, multiple times and I love them all to death. If I could give these more than 5 stars I would. BUY THEM, not just for you but for generations yet to come.

Clubs
Tokyo: Here and How: An Expat's Guide to Finding Your Path in the City and Beyond. Handbook and Directory. Guidebook.
Published in Spiral-bound by Alexandra Press (2007)
Authors: Tokyo American Club Women's Group, Betty Noguchi, and Agnes Penney
List price: $94.90
New price: $94.90

Average review score:

A Must for all Moving to Tokyo
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-06
Anyone moving to Tokyo will benefit from this book. In addition to great information on sight seeing, entertainment, and even outings with kids, there is also essential information on international schools, finding a doctor and other medical needs, introductions to neighborhoods where the typical expat lives, and more. I wish this book was available when I first moved to Tokyo. After more than 3 years here, I find this a great resource for making my life easier.

Should be Required Reading!!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-12-05
Anyone going to Tokyo needs to have this fact filled, interesting and fun book. A real life guide.

Travelers to Tokyo must have this book!
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2007-11-26
Tokyo Here and How is not only an easy-to-carry travel guide, it is a must have for anyone attempting to navigate the streets or subways of Tokyo. It is written without favor to the businesses and companies it highlights, so the reader is given accurate information about what is truly the best of Tokyo. This book gives the experienced Tokyolite as well as the novice travler to Tokyo, valuable information about how to navigate this city...from where to buy clothes that will fit, to how to take a bullet train out of the city, to the best places to take your kids for lunch that won't cost an arm and a leg! This book is packed with power, just like the remarkable women at the Tokyo American Club Women's Group who published it!

All the specifics in one place!
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2007-11-26
Moving to Japan is the first step in an incredible adventure and this book takes the questions out of visa issues, shopping, living and the best part: traveling. Filled with coupons, fun facts and more information than you could get from any seminar, relocation consultant or stack of books. This book has all the answers whether you will be in Japan for two weeks or two years. If only this had been written before I lived there!

Tokyo: Here and How
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2007-11-25
A must have for any expat moving to or living in Tokyo! Lot's of great tips, that take a new arrival years to find. These ladies did their homework and were accurate and detailed. The coupons included with the book take you to some of the best "finds" in Tokyo!

Clubs
The Trial of Anna Cotman
Published in Paperback by A Dell Yearling Book (1992-04-01)
Author: Vivien Alcock
List price: $3.25
New price: $6.24
Used price: $0.01

Average review score:

"Faces are Masks Enough..."
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2004-08-20
Anna Cotman is a sweet, pretty, vulnerable girl who has just moved to Redmarsh with her grandmother and facing the first trials of a new school, making friends and adjusting to her new life. But luck isn't on her side, and Lindy Miller snaps her up at school: "a bossy girl, quick to quarrel and slow to forgive." After running through her own friends, she looks upon newly arrived Anna as a blessing and quickly snaps her up, announcing "you're my best friend."

Anna is delighted and eager to please, which is how she gets caught up with initiation into the club known as the Society of Masks (or the Som for short). Started by Lindy's brother Jeremy Miller and including all of his school friends, the Som is designed to prevent bullies and provide comradeship, including all the codenames, secret passwords, elaborate rites and junk food feasts that you'd expect from such a club.

Of course, Jeremy didn't want his little sister to be a part of it, but his stepfather (who gives him the key to the abandoned factory in which they have their meetings) insists that they all be involved. And so Lindy is allowed, as is one of her friends, and Anna makes the vow of loyalty to the Som. At first she is happy - she's is accepted, she has a friend, and she's under the protection of the popular Jeremy Miller, who wears a golden mask at meetings and is known as the Goldmaster - she's in awe.

But a friendship with Lindy has its costs; she is manipulative, jealous, spiteful and extremely difficult to get along with. But Anna has been raised to keep her promises and be loyal to her friends - despite her reluctance; she is now a part of the Som.

And then things begin to go very bad. More people are initiated into the club - people that aren't school children and who control and bully the younger kids. On top of this, they never take of their masks. The Yellow Lord in particular makes life difficult for Anna, forcing her to do several menial chores about the place. Soon the youngest children are being forced to shoplift and work themselves to exhaustion. Anna wants to tell, but she can't - she's sworn an oath of secrecy.

Finally the catalyst comes - Anna stands up for one of the smallest members of the club and is labelled a traitor as a result. She is to be put on trial before the Som, and with more and more sinister goings-on at the factory, the Goldmaster himself under the influence of alcohol, and Lindy seemingly abandoning her, poor Anna is almost in a state of nervous collapse as the trial date moves closer and closer.

"The Trial of Anna Cotman" is absolutely riveting, shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal and a book that should be on every child's reading list. Vivien Alcock creates an incredible and realistic story, with perfect representations of bullying, insecure friendships, corruption and values among children, and the small seed of evil that can germinate in groups that rely on secrecy, control and unquestioning loyalty - in many ways it is a "Lord of the Flies" for younger readers.

Alcock creates many memorable characters, and I'm certain that almost everybody in their lives has known a Lindy; she is vividly portrayed as the girl on the playground who has to have it *her* way, who is never to blame for the misfortunes inflicted upon her, and who is a master at dissembling and fibbing. Likewise is the sad reality of her family - a distant mother, a woebegone stepfather and a perfect elder brother that is everything Lindy wants to be - and isn't. There are other perfect little portrayals of human character and behaviour in Tom Smith, the friendly best friend of Jeremy who tries to help, and Peter Elkin, the petrified boy under the power of the malevolent Yellow Lord. Speaking of which, the Yellow Lord is certain to give anyone nightmares...

Anna Cotman herself is a thoroughly likeable, intelligent young girl, who has been raised the best way, but put into the wrong situation. Taught to be loving and forgiving, she's the perfect tool for Lindy and the Som to manipulate, but eventually learning to stand up for herself and the injustices of the Som.

This is a terrific book, meticulously displaying the interactions between children and adults, the shadowy world that children can create for themselves, and the strength that they can display when faced with corruption of the system. Some of Alcock's insights into the ways and minds of children made me gasp with their accuracy - this is a woman that remembers what it was like to be a child and the hierarchy of the playground.



A book you can't put down
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2000-09-10
This book is great! The first time I started to read, I couldn't finish. It is about a girl who goes to a new town. The snotty Libby declares the new girl, (Anna Cotman) her best friend. Libbys brother has a club and they let Anna join. in the biggining, the club seems fun. But when time goes on, a world of problems is opened up.

A kind of dark book
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 1998-08-13
This is a different, creative book that could be kind of dark for a children's book. The plot is interesting, when a new girl, desperate for friends, joins up with a girl who is in a secret club. The club bosses Anna (the new girl) around for a time, until more members are introduced. When Anna is put on trial for sticking up for a younger member, the action starts to pick up. Overall I liked the book, although in some parts it is a little bit slow-moving, but the author makes up for it by adding suspense, like the part when Anna is made to sit on the roof to spy on one of the club's leaders. It has a dark side to it, when kids start taking their own "secret societies" a little too seriously. The characters are extremely well-developed and I really cared about some and hated others. I definitely recommend this book.

"Faces are Masks Enough..."
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2004-08-20
Anna Cotman is a sweet, pretty, vulnerable girl who has just moved to Redmarsh with her grandmother and facing the first trials of a new school, making friends and adjusting to her new life. But luck isn't on her side, and Lindy Miller snaps her up at school: "a bossy girl, quick to quarrel and slow to forgive." After running through her own friends, she looks upon newly arrived Anna as a blessing and quickly snaps her up, announcing "you're my best friend."

Anna is delighted and eager to please, which is how she gets caught up with initiation into the club known as the Society of Masks (or the Som for short). Started by Lindy's brother Jeremy Miller and including all of his school friends, the Som is designed to prevent bullies and provide comradeship, including all the codenames, secret passwords, elaborate rites and junk food feasts that you'd expect from such a club.

Of course, Jeremy didn't want his little sister to be a part of it, but his stepfather (who gives him the key to the abandoned factory in which they have their meetings) insists that they all be involved. And so Lindy is allowed, as is one of her friends, and Anna makes the vow of loyalty to the Som. At first she is happy - she's is accepted, she has a friend, and she's under the protection of the popular Jeremy Miller, who wears a golden mask at meetings and is known as the Goldmaster - she's in awe.

But a friendship with Lindy has its costs; she is manipulative, jealous, spiteful and extremely difficult to get along with. But Anna has been raised to keep her promises and be loyal to her friends - despite her reluctance; she is now a part of the Som.

And then things begin to go very bad. More people are initiated into the club - people that aren't school children and who control and bully the younger kids. On top of this, they never take off their masks. The Yellow Lord in particular makes life difficult for Anna, forcing her to do several menial chores about the place. Soon the youngest children are being forced to shoplift and work themselves to exhaustion. Anna wants to tell, but she can't - she's sworn an oath of secrecy.

Finally the catalyst comes - Anna stands up for one of the smallest members of the club and is labelled a traitor as a result. She is to be put on trial before the Som, and with more and more sinister goings-on at the factory, the Goldmaster himself under the influence of alcohol, and Lindy seemingly abandoning her, poor Anna is almost in a state of nervous collapse as the trial date moves closer and closer.

"The Trial of Anna Cotman" is absolutely riveting, shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal and a book that should be on every child's reading list. Vivien Alcock creates an incredible and realistic story, with perfect representations of bullying, insecure friendships, corruption and values among children, and the small seed of evil that can germinate in groups that rely on secrecy, control and unquestioning loyalty - in many ways it is a "Lord of the Flies" for younger readers.

Alcock creates many memorable characters, and I'm certain that almost everybody in their lives has known a Lindy; she is vividly portrayed as the girl on the playground who has to have it *her* way, who is never to blame for the misfortunes inflicted upon her, and who is a master at dissembling and fibbing. Likewise is the sad reality of her family - a distant mother, a woebegone stepfather and a perfect elder brother that is everything Lindy wants to be - and isn't. There are other perfect little portrayals of human character and behaviour in Tom Smith, the friendly best friend of Jeremy who tries to help, and Peter Elkin, the petrified boy under the power of the malevolent Yellow Lord. Speaking of which, the Yellow Lord is certain to give anyone nightmares...

Anna Cotman herself is a thoroughly likeable, intelligent young girl, who has been raised the best way, but put into the wrong situation. Taught to be loving and forgiving, she's the perfect tool for Lindy and the Som to manipulate, but eventually learning to stand up for herself and the injustices of the Som.

This is a terrific book, meticulously displaying the interactions between children and adults, the shadowy world that children can create for themselves, and the strength that they can display when faced with corruption of the system. Some of Alcock's insights into the lives of children made me gasp with their accuracy - this is an author that remembers what it was like to be a child, and the very real existence of a playground hierarchy.


Wow :)
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 1998-08-27
I recently re-read this book and didn't find it as interesting as I once did, but of course that's because I'm not ten years old anymore. However it is an excellent book for younger people, and it's not such a bad idea for "adults" to read either. It tackles issues like friendship, betrayal, addiction, struggle to fit in, using a very unique setting. The world is that of any adolescent, but has been made dark and frightening by a "game" gotten out of hand. The Society of Masks is intriguing, color-coded and led by "lords" who impose tasks and duties upon the lower-ranking "companions". It takes the reader to a different world, despite the fact that it's only some kids with some masks in an abandoned shop. The trial scene is strangely symbolic, and the ending is perfect (a rare thing for me to say, as I never like the ending of a book). Read!! ~Raksh:)

Clubs
Viagro Blue
Published in Paperback by Writers Club Press (2002-10)
Author: Perry Aayr
List price: $13.95
New price: $8.72
Used price: $7.00

Average review score:

A Hoot ...
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2002-11-12
What a hoot! Millard Fillmore gets in more trouble than [anyone]. Don't pass it up! The "Photographer's Scene" is absolute pure genius. Never underestimate the power of constant tumescence. Wish more writers were as "crazy" as this poor 44288 guy was purported to be way back in his time.

Unbuckle Your Belt For This One
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2002-11-08
Sit back and unbuckle your belt for this one because the old stomach muscles are going to get one helluva work out. Constant Tumescence? You gotta love that euphemism. This 44288 guy rides this little pony to a super wonderful surprise ending. This book's worth it at thrice the price.

Mel Brooks? Izzat you?
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2002-11-01
The premise of constant tumescence is worthy of a Mel Brooks book and movie and if he's secretly floating this book as an advance script, I'm sorry to out it. But this is wild stuff that gives you whole clusters of great Mel Brooks guffaws that shakes your chucklings all over... only this book takes bites out of the butts of America's obsession and conflicted attitudes toward sex. I still can't get over the "photographer's scene." A riot. It causes me to break out laughing in strange restaurants even now. I hear this 44288 was some Ohio Beautiful Mind type with serious work under his belt in his Some Die Mad quatrain. OK, so add another title. How about comic genius? But I gotta ask: "Izzat you, Mel?"

A Real Romp!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2002-10-31
What a romp! You'd think a one trick plot like this would fizzle quick, but not in 44288's hands, he just keeps getting funnier and funnier with this constant tumescence gimmick. No wonder they locked the guy up and probated him; he was 35 years ahead of his time. History has a way of doing that. I'm going to buy his Some Die Mad quatrain because if he's half the tragedian as he is comic genius then it's got to be Pulitzer and National Book Award time... that's fer damn sure!

Funnier Than A Rubber Crutch
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2002-10-30
...write outrageous laugh tracks like this. It's funnier than a rubber crutch. But the afterburn tells the real story. When the laughter pauses and you pick yourself up from rolling on the floor you realize this guy just pilloried the whole sexual scene of America in the era of the Seventies, if not the entire American sexual scene period...

Clubs
A Wanton Gyre
Published in Paperback by Writers Club Press (2001-08-31)
Author: Christopher Wunderlee
List price: $20.95
New price: $20.95
Used price: $19.99

Average review score:

Winner 2002 "Ulysses" Award for Superior Fiction
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2002-10-16
The Independent Literature Institute is proud to announce that Christopher WunderLee's "A Wanton Gyre" has been chosen as the winner of the 2002 "Ulysses" Award for Superior Fiction. The "Ulysses" Award is given annually to the best independently published novel of the year. "A Wanton Gyre" was chosen due to its literary merit and socially provocative subject matter.

Incredible!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2001-12-02
I know that I shouldn't love this book, but I do. I know what other poeple have said about it, but I think they're near-sighted. This is better than "The Corrections," better than "Infinite Jest", better than "Ya Ya Sisterhood", better than anything I've read in years. Why? Because Christopher WunderLee does not live in the twenty-first century, he lives in eternity, like he already knows that his work will be immortalized. The characters are immortal, the writing is beautiful, the shocking fear of it is almost pyschic. I love this book, I know it is scary for many, but it deserves far more attention than it's received. I just wish America would pay attention to real authors. Thank you Mr. WunderLee, this is true art.

Pure Genius
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2001-11-26
It's been a long time since I've read a book of this calibre. I've been geting so disenchanted with modern fiction, all the hype but very little talent. Wunderlee's novel fulfills all that I hoped modern literature would attempt, an understanding of the past, a focus on the present and an incredibly well prepared main character. Some may say it is sexist, elitist, etc. but this novel deserves more scrutiny, it deserves respect. If you read one book this year, "A Wanton Gyre" should be it. There is no better example of a modern American novel.

Confusing beauty
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2001-12-07
The regular, Oprah book club reader will not appreciate "A Wanton Gyre". There is nothing simple about this book. I consider myself a well-read person, this book recalled so many great works of literature (never mind the allusions and references that literally hide within the words) that I found myself pulling down book after book from my shelves to find why it occured to me. It wasn't because of similar style or that the author used the same words, it was because of the classical construction. I know that Camus and Kafka are important influences, also Hesse and Mann, but "A Wanton Gyre" is not a reflection of them. It is not an updating, a homage, it simply reminds while forging forward into a new place. This book is the author's fullest expression, a warning, a challenge, a retreat, and a duel (with the reader).

I found Maxwell Taylor to be an abhorrent protagonist, one that I could not ignore. I hated him, but I also was intrigued by him. He is an existentialist who isn't aware that it's out of fashion. He is a Modernist who doesn't know that post-modernism exists. He is a hedonist that blatantly expresses it. He is the Marquis de Sade in today's world. Maxwell Taylor is a vicious, unforgiving, and powerful figure. The only true criticism I give of this book is that he's too important, too powerful. None of the other characters are capable of competing, they fall into the backdrop even when a scene does not include Maxwell.

The setting of "A Wanton Gyre" is exploratory, it is not now or then, it is a jumbled collage of times. There is almost a mystical sense of time, a hallucagenic quality to the events, we read them as though they are simply happening. Like Maxwell, we don't seem to have the capacity to feel anything about them. This book captures the psychology of the main character so well it shrouds the entire work in his mood.

The plot of the novel is as the title suggests, great swooping gestures that never seem to go forward, but seem to circle the main theme like birds of prey, ready to attack at any moment. We read as he's arrested, then we read about his childhood, then we read about his arrest, then we read about a date he's recently had, then we read about his arrest. Yet, none of it seems out of place, it is the confusion, the clastrophobia of the protagonist in every word.

Book II breaks free, for the most part. It differs greatly from Book I, strutting forward in a clash of ideals and beliefs, between lawyers and victims, priests and atheists, men and women, between the reader and the writer. I think that is remarkable. I had a girlfriend read it and she couldn't go on, she grew so upset. And that is the genius of it, the book forces you to dislike it, to argue with the narrator, to question everything being said and described. And this is when you learn your limitations, can you see passed your own convictions and acknowledge the injustice? Can you accept the truth even if it makes you vomit?

"A Wanton Gyre" is such a well crafted chronicle that we will be studying it for years. It will continue to challenge us until we acknowledge the hypocricy in our own beliefs. We are not ready, I don't think.

A Wanton Gyre
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2001-09-09
What struck me about this novel was how exceptionally well crafted it was - I couldn't believe how remarkable Mr. Wunderlee told of Maxwell Taylor's arrest and trial. When I discovered why he had been arrested (I won't give away the secret) I was enthralled with the plot construction, I began to recall all that I had read and was mistified how well it came together. Maxwell Taylor is easily one of the most memorable characters I have ever read, strong, vibrant, full of life, he seems to be an "outsider" who's discovered living amongst us. I think this book deserves more attention, as a professor of English Literature, it's very rare that I read a book that impresses me. "A Wanton Gyre" is more than impressive, it is inspiring, scary and perfect, the plot matches the mood, the characters are well constructed, and the inventiveness of the purpose of the novel is exceptional. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in twenty-first century literature. This book will truly change the way you think about the culture we live in.

Clubs
Westfall
Published in Hardcover by Writers Club Press (2002-10-22)
Author: Arthur Jackson
List price: $24.95
New price: $24.95
Used price: $26.77

Average review score:

excellent adventure
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2002-11-27
an excellent adventure, spiced with hints of symbolism. I loved the dialog between the characters. Well worth reading.

a look into the future
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2002-11-21
A candid look into the future as this conflict grows. Religon and science are the two giants of civilized mankinds mental and social discourse. The continuing conflict is something which involves all of us. Well done.

A wonderful peice of allegory
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2002-11-21
The use of people to personify the forces of religon and science was well done. I especially liked the charecter of Thomas. He adds a magical quality to the book.

A wonderful peice of allegory
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2002-11-21
The use of people to personify the forces of religon and science was well done. I especially liked the charecter of Thomas. He adds a magical quality to the book.

Execellent new novel
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2002-11-20
An excellent novel, of the growing dispute between church and state, the scientific state. Setting the novel in Pennsylvania with it's rich religous history was ideal. The development of juvenile law principles, and the rising use of behavior modifying drugs in this system is timely. Cudos to this author for being brave enough to say so.

Clubs
Where does the brown bear go?
Published in Unknown Binding by Trumpet Club (1992)
Author: Nicki Weiss
List price:
Used price: $0.96

Average review score:

Where Does the Brown Bear Go?
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2001-11-08
I am eight years old. My teacher read us this book when I was in first grade. I like the end when they are all in the bed. My teacher sings it to us like a lullabye. We like that.

Cozy
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2001-07-03
The soft, simple city and country illustrations and the gentle rhythms and add-on patterns of the reassuring text make this warm and loving bedtime story a good choice for early readers and pre-readers alike. Since my toddler was 18 months old, this has been one of our favorites. We have fun adding our own animal sounds to the chain of events, and, of course our own nighttime snuggles and stuffed-animal cuddles at the end.

wonderful poetry
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 1998-04-24
This is sweet book with wonderful ryhmes.
The second page ties in with the first page's
ryhme and it does that throughout the book and at the end of the story you realize that the animals are the child's stuffed toys and that they were out in the places where the child's imagination placed them and that they are all home now because the child has gone to sleep.

This book helps young children get ready for bed.
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 1997-09-28
This book was written by my pre-K teacher. I am now in third grade. This book is a story about a dog, a cat, a monkey, a camel, a seagull, and a brown bear. Each animal has its own page, but the author repeats certain words to give the book rhythm. This is a good book for a parent to read to a child to make the child feel comfortable and at home. By Zoe Jacobson, age 8.

Rhythmic, repetitve text is fun to learn for young children
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 1999-02-06
Not only is this book fun to read for children, but enjoyable for an adult reader -- adding a little rhythm track to the text, and a pat-clap from the children, produced a wonderful lesson for my music students. They learned the text quickly and enjoyed the ending which reminded them of similar "toys come to life when you're not looking" stories.

Clubs
The Wolf Boys' Club
Published in Paperback by 1st Books Library (2000-05-20)
Author: JJ Christopher
List price: $21.79
New price: $13.62
Used price: $21.81

Average review score:

God sent.
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2004-02-02
J.J. Christopher is a breath of fresh air. Many authors come and go before we see one quite like this, but when it does... it makes it well worth the wait. To the author: Tremendous work, I hope you have many more to come.

Excellent book
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2000-09-28
I am not a well known book critique but, I have read alot of books. I am not really into the whole sci-fi act because fantasy is more my thing. But this book really caught my attention. J.J. Christopher has awoken in me a urge to find out more about the Complex, the Wolf Boys and anything secretive about the government. The Wolf Boys relate to me and my friends so I can understand how important it is to "run with the pack" so to speak. This book is packed with action, and heart. I would say it is not for the faint of heart . But I could not put it down. This book is a great example of imagination and perfect writing.The plot was well thought out and the placement of words created a vivid picture in my mind. It took me a while to find the climax of the story because of all the action, and suprises. It was an excellent read and I am proud to say that I consider J.J. Christopher to be a good friend of mine. Soon to be author, J.D.E.

The Wolf Boys' Club is great!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2000-09-27
I'm 15, a high school student in Kansas City. My English teacher was reading this book and it looked cool so I got it, and you know what? I couldn't put it down! JJ Christopher's gonna be the next Stephen King, for real! Peace!

Very fast-paced!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2000-09-26
I read this book in about four days. I just couldn't put it down. The plot was enticing and well-thought out and the book flows well because of it. My only suggestion to the author would be to proofread for spelling and grammatical errors a little more carefully. All-in-all, a must read!

The Wolf Boy's Club
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2000-09-29
This book is absolutely riveting. It GRRRRRRabs you by the jugular from the first page and doesnt let go. The characters are stunningly vivid.I have not read such a captavating story in years and I can't wait for J.J. Christopher's next book. The next King?, I think not....This author has already surpassed King. I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone and everyone, In fact I have already started my campaign...The Wolf Boy's Club in every household library!!!!


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