Reviews Written By: A2WSI8HOWHFDOTprovided by Amazon.com |
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 | End Of The Century | |
 | "surprising and saddening" | 2009-07-06 |
| Intelligent, insightful, sincere and balanced--just about everything the Ramones weren't--this documentary took me by complete and pleasant surprise. The footage and photos evoke a nostalgia for a time that, if you lived through it, was gritty to say the least. The interviews are insightful and, unlike most documentaries, relevant to what was being discussed. (It was disheartening, however, to count the number of DOAs among the interviewees: DeeDee, Joey, Johnny, Joe Strummer, Linda Stein, etc.) Some reviewers have said that the band comes off sort of whiny, as does Legs O'Neill. But think about it: is it whiny when the complaint is legitimate? The Pistols and other bands heaped the term "punk" on a band that had nothing to do with that scene musically. They didn't spike their hair, they were apolitical for the most part, and they wanted to be close to the mainstream. Their success wasn't all that great but, come on, as the movie clearly shows, they could have broken up at any time and still laugh all the way to the bank. One thing did bother me--not about the film but about the band--that at the Rock and Roll induction ceremonies which bookend the film, only Tommy had the class to thank and include Joey in his acceptance speech. DeeDee's patting himself on the back, while typical, depressed me. Still, this is a film worth having for any fan of the Ramones, rock and roll, and good filmmaking. | ||
 | The 8:55 to Baghdad: From London to Iraq on the Trail of Agatha Christie and the Orient Express | |
| "It's No Mystery..." | 2009-03-09 |
| ...it's a great piece of mind candy. This is not an in-depth look at Agatha Christie or her works or a socio-politcal analysis of the many regions Andrew Eames travels through. It does not profess to be. What you have here, in Eames' "The 8:55 to Baghdad: From London to Iraq on the Trail of Agatha Christie and the Orient Express" is a quirky, wry, and sometimes poignant retracing of Christie's 1938 journey from London to Baghdad and how it reflected in some of her works. I loved Eames' witty and sometimes barbed observations of the complacent and, more often, irritable British passengers who ride with him. The second half of the book takes a slightly more somber tone that provides some new, thought-provoking looks at our attitudes to the middle east versus the reality that he witnesses. My only negative comment, which previous reviewers have mentioned, is that, as a part travelogue and part biography, some more illustrations and maps would have enhanced the book. Still, it's a great ride. | ||
 | The Devil in the White City : Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America (Illinois) | |
 | "Such ease, such difficulty" | 2008-06-24 |
| Erik Larson's "The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair that Changed America" captures the evil enthusiam of one man's murder spree and a group of men's desire to create a great American pleasure ground. This book will disappoint those looking for the grizzly details of the dozens of murders committed by HH Holmes (real name Mudgett). Mr. Larson is not looking to exploit the gruesome tortures the victims underwent--and for this restraint Mr. Larson is to be congratulated. What he does relate are the tribulations faced by the designers of Chicago's Columbian exposition and the frustrations of lawmen to capture a madman. In what I believe is intentional, Mr. Larson gives us a frightening picture of American life then and, quite possibly, now. That being: it is much more difficult to do something good for society than it is to do evil. The ease with which Holmes was able to build a large house, complete with gas chambers, torture chambers, soundproof rooms -- at times, without even paying for the materials -- and burial grounds is remarkable. Meanwhile, the men who wanted to construct the exposition had to agonize over every penny and over every design, had to struggle with laborers, unions, fires, the weather... it seemed everything went wrong. Nervous breakdowns and illnesses plagued these men. Holmes, who plucked several victims from the fair, went through his savagery like it was a walk in the park. It is a frightening conclusion. So why only four stars? One big reason is that the book fails to live up to the last part of its subtitle "...the Fair that Changed America". He makes several arguments for this proposition, but they all fall a little short, to me. Maybe I'm wrong. Find out for yourself because "The Devil in the White City" is valuable reading for anyone interested in American history and/or crime. | ||
 | The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair that Changed America | |
| "Such ease, such difficulty" | 2008-06-24 |
| Erik Larson's "The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair that Changed America" captures the evil enthusiam of one man's murder spree and a group of men's desire to create a great American pleasure ground. This book will disappoint those looking for the grizzly details of the dozens of murders committed by HH Holmes (real name Mudgett). Mr. Larson is not looking to exploit the gruesome tortures the victims underwent--and for this restraint Mr. Larson is to be congratulated. What he does relate are the tribulations faced by the designers of Chicago's Columbian exposition and the frustrations of lawmen to capture a madman. In what I believe is intentional, Mr. Larson gives us a frightening picture of American life then and, quite possibly, now. That being: it is much more difficult to do something good for society than it is to do evil. The ease with which Holmes was able to build a large house, complete with gas chambers, torture chambers, soundproof rooms -- at times, without even paying for the materials -- and burial grounds is remarkable. Meanwhile, the men who wanted to construct the exposition had to agonize over every penny and over every design, had to struggle with laborers, unions, fires, the weather... it seemed everything went wrong. Nervous breakdowns and illnesses plagued these men. Holmes, who plucked several victims from the fair, went through his savagery like it was a walk in the park. It is a frightening conclusion. So why only four stars? One big reason is that the book fails to live up to the last part of its subtitle "...the Fair that Changed America". He makes several arguments for this proposition, but they all fall a little short, to me. Maybe I'm wrong. Find out for yourself because "The Devil in the White City" is valuable reading for anyone interested in American history and/or crime. | ||
 | I Am the Cheese | |
| "Dark and fascinating" | 2008-01-17 |
| I read this wonderful book when I was in Grad School for an Adoloscent Literature Class. I read it in one sitting. Not a big deal, but I just didn't think I would get into it. As another reviewer said, it took me by surprise.
This eerie and gripping story is, at first, puzzling but it takes you over. Adam's journeys are almost surreal, until you find out why. (Which I won't give away.) However, I do remember a fairly heated debate in class that this book was too dark for young readers. I disagreed, but I saw their point. Would I recommend it to a 14-year-old? Tough call. But I think I would. But, if you are an adult, I would definitely recommend it. | ||
 | I Am the Cheese | |
| "Dark and fascinating" | 2008-01-17 |
| I read this wonderful book when I was in Grad School for an Adoloscent Literature Class. I read it in one sitting. Not a big deal, but I just didn't think I would get into it. As another reviewer said, it took me by surprise.
This eerie and gripping story is, at first, puzzling but it takes you over. Adam's journeys are almost surreal, until you find out why. (Which I won't give away.) However, I do remember a fairly heated debate in class that this book was too dark for young readers. I disagreed, but I saw their point. Would I recommend it to a 14-year-old? Tough call. But I think I would. But, if you are an adult, I would definitely recommend it. | ||
 | Ulysses Annotated | |
| "Essential is the key word to all these reviews" | 2006-11-13 |
| When I first tucked James Joyce's ULYSSES under my arm, Don Gifford's ULYSSES ANNOTATED was tucked under the other. (My biceps became very well developed because of this.) It took me an entire summer to read the books side by side but how worthwhile it was. Gifford's essential line by line, almost word by word, guidance made ULYSSES less overwhelming than if I had tried to tackle it alone. Once I got through ULYSSES the second time (the following spring) I was able to go to the more overarching analyses of Joyce's masterpiece. Stuart Gilbert's ULYSSES and Richard Ellmann's ULYSSES ON THE LIFFEY were particularly helpful. | ||
 | Ulysses on the Liffey by Richard Ellmann, ISBN 0195016637 | |
| "Up close and personal" | 2006-11-13 |
| Certainly ULYSSES ON THE LIFFEY is a very close scrutiny of some of the lesser discussed aspects of Joyce's mammoth comic book. You can always depend on Richard Ellmann to give us the way-beneath-the-surface innuendoes and meanings of Joyce's writings. But because Ellmann is also so close to the life of the writer (he'd written the best biography of James Joyce) he, quite rightfully I believe, draws references from Joyce's experiences that went into the thinking and writing of ULYSSES. By no means is this intended to be an introduction to ULYSSES. This is meant for the serious student of arguably Ireland's greatest 20th century writer, and the 20th century's most influential novel. | ||
 | Oliver Twist (Dover Thrift Editions) | |
| "A Dickens classic at an unbeatable price" | 2006-10-26 |
| Charles Dickens' "Oliver Twist" is regarded among the 19th Century's greatest works of fiction in any language. With its vast array of characters and vivid depictions of the lower rungs of Victorian society, this Dickens classic--an extraordinary study of social Darwinism--will remain such a classic for years to come.
And this Dover edition is the best for the price. How can you go wrong? | ||
 | Moll Flanders | |
| "Moll's a doll--especially at $2.50" | 2006-10-06 |
| Daniel Defoe, hot on the heels of "Robinson Crusoe" came under considerable fire when "Moll Flanders" was published. She was called immoral, when, in fact, she is amoral. Churches and universities could not understand why Defoe was fascinated with characters considered "low". The fact is, the public adored her and the novel. And it continues to do so to this day. But, as I've repeated in other reviews, the Dover Thrift edition makes it even more of an attractive purchase. Well-bound and sturdy, it's the best thing you can do with the $5.00 you can spare in your pocket. And, if you're like me, and you have to teach this book, it takes a great financial burden on your already overburdened students. | ||
 | Moll Flanders | |
| "Moll's a doll--especially at $2.50" | 2006-10-06 |
| Daniel Defoe, hot on the heels of "Robinson Crusoe" came under considerable fire when "Moll Flanders" was published. She was called immoral, when, in fact, she is amoral. Churches and universities could not understand why Defoe was fascinated with characters considered "low". The fact is, the public adored her and the novel. And it continues to do so to this day. But, as I've repeated in other reviews, the Dover Thrift edition makes it even more of an attractive purchase. Well-bound and sturdy, it's the best thing you can do with the $5.00 you can spare in your pocket. And, if you're like me, and you have to teach this book, it takes a great financial burden on your already overburdened students. | ||
| Gulliver's Travels | |
| "Great book, great price" | 2006-10-05 |
| I am quickly becoming a fan of the Dover Thrift editions of classic literature. They are well-made, sturdy, and a great bargain. All of them that I have bought and assigned to my students have been $2.50. What can you buy for $2.50 anymore? Now you can have an entire library of unabridged classics at a more than reasonable rate. Jonathan Swift's "Gullivers Travels" is no exception to the rule. This brilliant 18th century satire endures to our times. Swift, in turns, attacks (in his subversive way) makind's vanities, follies, cruelties, and morals. The floating island crushing the lower island is still, to my mind, the best attack on England's merciless domination of Ireland. Some readers think: "I've heard so much about this book, but I didn't think it was so great." Certainly, our expectations about something that is considered a classic may outweigh the book itself. Please put aside whatever you might have heard and approach this book with an open mind. You will see it for the monument of English literature that it is. Rocco Dormarunno College of New Rochelle | ||
 | Gulliver's Travels (Signet Classics (Paperback)) | |
| "Great book, great price" | 2006-10-05 |
| I am quickly becoming a fan of the Dover Thrift editions of classic literature. They are well-made, sturdy, and a great bargain. All of them that I have bought and assigned to my students have been $2.50. What can you buy for $2.50 anymore? Now you can have an entire library of unabridged classics at a more than reasonable rate.
Jonathan Swift's "Gullivers Travels" is no exception to the rule. This brilliant 18th century satire endures to our times. Swift, in turns, attacks (in his subversive way) makind's vanities, follies, cruelties, and morals. The floating island crushing the lower island is still, to my mind, the best attack on England's merciless domination of Ireland. Some readers think: "I've heard so much about this book, but I didn't think it was so great." Certainly, our expectations about something that is considered a classic may outweigh the book itself. Please put aside whatever you might have heard and approach this book with an open mind. You will see it for the monument of English literature that it is. Rocco Dormarunno College of New Rochelle | ||
 | Gulliver's Travels (Oxford World's Classics Hardcovers) | |
| "Great book, great price" | 2006-10-05 |
| I am quickly becoming a fan of the Dover Thrift editions of classic literature. They are well-made, sturdy, and a great bargain. All of them that I have bought and assigned to my students have been $2.50. What can you buy for $2.50 anymore? Now you can have an entire library of unabridged classics at a more than reasonable rate.
Jonathan Swift's "Gullivers Travels" is no exception to the rule. This brilliant 18th century satire endures to our times. Swift, in turns, attacks (in his subversive way) makind's vanities, follies, cruelties, and morals. The floating island crushing the lower island is still, to my mind, the best attack on England's merciless domination of Ireland. Some readers think: "I've heard so much about this book, but I didn't think it was so great." Certainly, our expectations about something that is considered a classic may outweigh the book itself. Please put aside whatever you might have heard and approach this book with an open mind. You will see it for the monument of English literature that it is. Rocco Dormarunno College of New Rochelle | ||
 | James Joyce (Oxford Lives S.) | |
| "A Classic Biography" | 2006-10-05 |
| In all things about James Joyce, no one has exhibited more of an acute understanding of the man and his works than Richard Ellmann. He is the bridge by which readers who have not read Joyce or do not understand what they have read by him to the inner workings of the artist and his life.
This biography, "James Joyce" has been around for decades, virtually unchallenged. He presents to the reader all the facets of Joyce's life and personality. This is no mere star-gazing. Along with all the great things about Joyce, he also examines his weakness: his superstitions, his drinking, his occasional selfishnes, his sexual complexities, and his failure to really take care of his family. We get to see Joyce in all his dimensions and from several perspectives. That makes this book not only the best biography of James Joyce but one of the classic biographies of all time. | ||
 | The Ramones - Ramones Mania | |
| "This is all ye need to know" | 2006-09-10 |
| Okay, so maybe about thirty songs are left out. Who cares? This is the best compilation of the best Ramones tunes done EVER. They embodied the assault against early 70s hippiedom leftovers. They played as loudly as quickly as possible. They didn't mind "yeah, yeah, yeah," or "oh, baby," or "gabba gabba hey". They rocked. Most everyone else didn't. Forget the pretentious liner notes that come with this. Put it in your cd player and crank this baby up! | ||
 | The Devil's Own Work: The Civil War Draft Riots of 1863 | |
| "Our other Civil War" | 2006-08-09 |
| Thank heavens for independent scholars! Barnet Schecter is rapidly becoming one of the best chroniclers of New York's history. His previous book, "The Battle for New York: The City at the Heart of the American Revolution", was an eye-opening revelation at how this city was the true "heart" of our separation from England, and how we (and Boston, as well) were that country's main target for conquest in 1776. Utilizing the same narrative style of writing, Barnet Schecter tackles the week-long convulsion in New York City four score and seven years later. "The Devil's Own Work: The Civil War Draft Riots and the Fight to Reconstruct America" fills a void in most histories of the Civil War: the fighting that took place OFF the battlefields of Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maryland, etc. These were the wars that were waged in newspapers, city halls, and, ultimately, the streets of major cities across America. Mr. Schecter is careful to explain that the New York City draft riots were not the only anti-war, anti-emancipation riots during the Civil War. But it was the largest. It was the worst. (While most New York historians claim that around 100 people were killed during the riots, Mr. Schecter rightfully, I believe, puts the number at 500, at the very least.) The actual riots occupy only the middle one hundred or so pages of the book. Mr. Schecter devotes an appropriate amount of time to examining the roots of the riots: the racism, the class animosities, the mistrust between Nativists and immigrants, and so on. In the weeks and months immediately before the cataclysm, we see battle lines being drawn: Greeley vs. Marble, Democrats vs. Republicans, poor whites vs. poor blacks; in fact, it seems like it was almost everyone vs. the beseiged African-American population. When the five days of rioting are discussed, the sense of prevailing confusion and chaos--the near anarchy--are as expertly conveyed as the awful scenes of violence. The final third of the book is, in many ways, more tragic than the uprising. It is here where Mr. Schecter discusses the aftermath of the riots over the next two decades. Basically, the reconstruction of America fails. The North and the South do not fully unify. The working class does not get the respect it deserves. (Instead, it is treated with more brutality and unfairness.) Worst of all, African-Americans are not truly emancipated. The enmity and violence visited upon them, because they are never addressed, just worsens. And why were they never addressed? Mr. Barnet just comes out and says it: because most people never really wanted to. Therefore, it would takes decades before America would heal or truly reconstruct. "The Devil's Own Work: The Civil War Draft Riots and the Fight to Reconstruct America" is a sobering book, true, but it holds our fascination. The details about the quirky politicians, newspapermen, observers and participants breathe life into people who have been dead for almost 150 years. The maps and generous sprinkling of illustrations help us see the people and places more clearly. This is a monumental book for which Barnet Schecter deserves our appreciation. Also recommended: Iver Bernstein's "The New York Civil War Draft Riots". Although not written in a narrative style, it contains valuable information about the causes of the riots. For a fictional treatment, Peter Quinn's novel, "Banished Children of Eve" is the best I have ever read. | ||
 | The Republic | |
| "Plato's bargain" | 2006-07-31 |
| I won't waste time trying to summarize Plato's "The Republic". Most people (I would guess nine out of ten) who have read this colussus of classical philosophy, read it because they were forced to by their college instructors. This is unfortunate because "The Republic" is a compelling and enduring philosophy of how life should be lived, how justice should be approached, and how leaders should lead. What recommends this book, really, is the bargain price: under five bucks. As one of those college instructors who makes their students read this, I always recommend this edition. Sterling and Scott's translation is as good as anyone else's, so why not save my students a few bucks? And, if you're one of those one out of ten who is considering reading this on your own, you've only got five bucks to lose, but an awful lot of rewarding reading to gain! Rocco Dormarunno College of New Rochelle | ||
 | The Republic (Dover Thrift Editions) | |
| "Plato's bargain" | 2006-07-31 |
| I won't waste time trying to summarize Plato's "The Republic". Most people (I would guess nine out of ten) who have read this colussus of classical philosophy, read it because they were forced to by their college instructors. This is unfortunate because "The Republic" is a compelling and enduring philosophy of how life should be lived, how justice should be approached, and how leaders should lead. What recommends this book, really, is the bargain price: under five bucks. As one of those college instructors who makes their students read this, I always recommend this edition. Sterling and Scott's translation is as good as anyone else's, so why not save my students a few bucks? And, if you're one of those one out of ten who is considering reading this on your own, you've only got five bucks to lose, but an awful lot of rewarding reading to gain! Rocco Dormarunno College of New Rochelle | ||
 | A Passage to India | |
| "British Imperialism in crisis" | 2006-07-22 |
| The mid-1980s were banner years for E.M. Forster fans, like me. Two of his novels were successfully, brilliantly adapted for the big screen: "A Room with a View" and this, "A Passage to India". In this remarkable film, David Lean has captured the beauty of India, the problems of British Imperialism of the time, the fragility of friendship, and the pursuit of justice and truth. Tough issues to tackle, but, as most directors will admit, when you have the perfect cast, the rest is easy. The cast here is marvelous: Judy Davis, Victor Banerjee, James Fox, Peggy Ashcroft and, of course, Alec Guinness turn in nothing less than inspired performances. This left Lean free to luxuriate on the lush countryside of India and, when needed, to turn on the heat during the intense courtroom dramas and the other intrigues surrounding it. As if the movie itself wasn't enough to recommend it, the transfer to dvd is remarkably good. This is a first-rate product. | ||
 | Clockwise | |
| "The longest distance between two points" | 2006-07-22 |
| It's pretty ironic that this film came out the same year as the similarly plotted "Planes, Trains and Automobiles". The concept of persons trying to get from Point A to Point B only to find themselves at Points C through Q first has been fodder for movie comedies for years. (Think of "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World" or any of the Hope/Crosby "Road to..." movies.) Only one thing makes this film different from the others. (You guessed it!) John Cleese. Rather than exploding at every mishap along the way, Cleese's performance is an exercise in proper British restraint in the face of adversity. The master of the slow boil, Edgar Kennedy, would have appreciated Cleese's performance here. You just wait. You feel Cleese's blood pressure rise. You see the veins swelling and coiling. It's truly something amazing to watch. The supporting cast is very effective, and, as another reviewer pointed out, is a veritable roll call of British character actors. And what characters! But even the best of these films suffer from the fact that they are one-joke movies. They tend to drag on just a little bit, and "Clockwise" is no different. Still, it's worth viewing. Finally, the brief interview with John Cleese is a nice little addition to this DVD. | ||
 | Clockwise | |
| "The longest distance between two points" | 2006-07-22 |
| It's pretty ironic that this film came out the same year as the similarly plotted "Planes, Trains and Automobiles". The concept of persons trying to get from Point A to Point B only to find themselves at Points C through Q first has been fodder for movie comedies for years. (Think of "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World" or any of the Hope/Crosby "Road to..." movies.) Only one thing makes this film different from the others. (You guessed it!) John Cleese. Rather than exploding at every mishap along the way, Cleese's performance is an exercise in proper British restraint in the face of adversity. The master of the slow boil, Edgar Kennedy, would have appreciated Cleese's performance here. You just wait. You feel Cleese's blood pressure rise. You see the veins swelling and coiling. It's truly something amazing to watch. The supporting cast is very effective, and, as another reviewer pointed out, is a veritable roll call of British character actors. And what characters! But even the best of these films suffer from the fact that they are one-joke movies. They tend to drag on just a little bit, and "Clockwise" is no different. Still, it's worth viewing. Finally, the brief interview with John Cleese is a nice little addition to this DVD. | ||
 | The Grifters | |
| "Perhaps the best of the 90s genre" | 2006-07-14 |
| Perhaps this was the best directorial accomplishment for Stephen Frears. Perhaps it was the roles of a lifetime for Huston, Cusack and Bening. Perhaps, no definitely, it was the best crime film of its time. THE GRIFTERS... I won't go into the plot. Other reviewers have done enough. But it does poke at some old questions. Is there honor among thieves? No, not really. But can there be respect? Yes, I think the film brings that out. What about love? Ooof! That's a tough one. IF you've seen the movie, and liked it, the commentaries are wonderful. But even more important is the glimpse at the life of Jim Thompson whose novel inspired the film. The making of THE GRIFTERS is equally intriguing. I'm no grifter, although at times I wish I were... But still, trust me, this Collector's Series is worth the reasonable price. | ||
 | The Grifters | |
| "Perhaps the best of the 90s genre" | 2006-07-14 |
| Perhaps this was the best directorial accomplishment for Stephen Frears. Perhaps it was the roles of a lifetime for Huston, Cusack and Bening. Perhaps, no definitely, it was the best crime film of its time. THE GRIFTERS... I won't go into the plot. Other reviewers have done enough. But it does poke at some old questions. Is there honor among thieves? No, not really. But can there be respect? Yes, I think the film brings that out. What about love? Ooof! That's a tough one. IF you've seen the movie, and liked it, the commentaries are wonderful. But even more important is the glimpse at the life of Jim Thompson whose novel inspired the film. The making of THE GRIFTERS is equally intriguing. I'm no grifter, although at times I wish I were... But still, trust me, this Collector's Series is worth the reasonable price. | ||
 | The Grifters | |
| "Perhaps the best of the 90s genre" | 2006-07-14 |
| Perhaps this was the best directorial accomplishment for Stephen Frears. Perhaps it was the roles of a lifetime for Huston, Cusack and Bening. Perhaps, no definitely, it was the best crime film of its time. THE GRIFTERS... I won't go into the plot. Other reviewers have done enough. But it does poke at some old questions. Is there honor among thieves? No, not really. But can there be respect? Yes, I think the film brings that out. What about love? Ooof! That's a tough one. IF you've seen the movie, and liked it, the commentaries are wonderful. But even more important is the glimpse at the life of Jim Thompson whose novel inspired the film. The making of THE GRIFTERS is equally intriguing. I'm no grifter, although at times I wish I were... But still, trust me, this Collector's Series is worth the reasonable price. | ||
 | The Grifters (Miramax Collector's Series) | |
| "Perhaps the best of the 90s genre" | 2006-07-14 |
| Perhaps this was the best directorial accomplishment for Stephen Frears. Perhaps it was the roles of a lifetime for Huston, Cusack and Bening. Perhaps, no definitely, it was the best crime film of its time. THE GRIFTERS... I won't go into the plot. Other reviewers have done enough. But it does poke at some old questions. Is there honor among thieves? No, not really. But can there be respect? Yes, I think the film brings that out. What about love? Ooof! That's a tough one. IF you've seen the movie, and liked it, the commentaries are wonderful. But even more important is the glimpse at the life of Jim Thompson whose novel inspired the film. The making of THE GRIFTERS is equally intriguing. I'm no grifter, although at times I wish I were... But still, trust me, this Collector's Series is worth the reasonable price. | ||
 | The Death of a Joyce Scholar : A Peter McGarr Mystery | |
| "Death in Dear Dirty Dublin" | 2006-07-05 |
| I have a prejudice toward Bartholomew Gill's "The Death of a Joyce Scholar": having done my master's thesis on a section of "Ulysses", this is my favorite in the Peter McGarr series. This doesn't mean, of course, that you have to be well-versed in James Joyce's writing (although it helps a bit). Gill spells out enough about Joyce's works to keep the reader going. It's a marvelous mystery set in the same streets that Joyce walked along and wrote about. And while most mysteries work toward establishing a surprise ending, "The Death of a Joyce Scholar" has an ending that will have the reader shaking his head and saying "How didn't I see that coming?" Treat yourself to a different kind of mystery! Treat yourself to this! | ||
 | One Thousand New York Buildings | |
| "As solid and beautiful as the buildings they describe" | 2006-05-18 |
| Every once in a while I'll walk down a street of my busy city and spot a building that I'd never seen before, or, if I had seen it, never paid it much mind. But something about it--its age or its architecture--tells me that there's a story to be told about it. Judith Dupre, Bill Harris, and photographer Jorg Brockmann in their monumental book, "One Thousand New York Buildings", fill in the gaps left behind in the AIA books. There are hundreds of buildings that, for whatever reason, have escaped landmark status and/or the attention of New Yorkers. Although "One Thousand New York Buildings" does discuss the familiar structures, like the Empire State Building, the Woolworth Building, and Grand Central Station, it also devotes equal time to those that have been ignored or overlooked. What are those tiny, Colonial style houses on Harrison and Greenwich Streets? How old is that building at 2 White Street? Who lived in those somber buildings at 130-132 MacDougal Street? "One Thousand New York Buildings" answers these and hundreds of other questions. In this sense, this book is much like "New York Streetscapes: Tales of Manhattan's Significant Buidlings and Landmarks" by Christopher Gray and Suzanne Braley, in as much as it pays equal tribute to the famous and not so famous structures. One last note, this is a solidly put together book. The binding is sturdy, the paper thick and glossy, and the photos are clear and intriguing. It as well constructed as the buildings they pay homage to. | ||
 | One Thousand New York Buildings | |
| "As solid and beautiful as the buildings they describe" | 2006-05-18 |
| Every once in a while I'll walk down a street of my busy city and spot a building that I'd never seen before, or, if I had seen it, never paid it much mind. But something about it--its age or its architecture--tells me that there's a story to be told about it. Judith Dupre, Bill Harris, and photographer Jorg Brockmann in their monumental book, "One Thousand New York Buildings", fill in the gaps left behind in the AIA books. There are hundreds of buildings that, for whatever reason, have escaped landmark status and/or the attention of New Yorkers. Although "One Thousand New York Buildings" does discuss the familiar structures, like the Empire State Building, the Woolworth Building, and Grand Central Station, it also devotes equal time to those that have been ignored or overlooked. What are those tiny, Colonial style houses on Harrison and Greenwich Streets? How old is that building at 2 White Street? Who lived in those somber buildings at 130-132 MacDougal Street? "One Thousand New York Buildings" answers these and hundreds of other questions. In this sense, this book is much like "New York Streetscapes: Tales of Manhattan's Significant Buidlings and Landmarks" by Christopher Gray and Suzanne Braley, in as much as it pays equal tribute to the famous and not so famous structures. One last note, this is a solidly put together book. The binding is sturdy, the paper thick and glossy, and the photos are clear and intriguing. It as well constructed as the buildings they pay homage to. | ||
 | Free Fall in Crimson | |
| "My new numero uno McGee novel" | 2006-04-19 |
| I'm running out of room on my bookshelf--MacDonald's Travis McGee series is eating up all the space. And now I've just added "Free Fall in Crimson" to that shelf. \
One of the other reviewers remarked that this was the 19th installment of this series. Amazing! And I really wish I had read these great thrillers in the order in which they had been written. No matter. "Free Fall in Crimson" holds as prominent a spot among its tribe as any of the other ones. As I have mentioned in other reviews, MacDonald's "A Flash of Green" had always ranked at the top of my list. "Free Fall in Crimson" has now taken over that spot. | ||
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