A lot's been made of the fine "A Separate Peace," but "A Good School" brings Yates' eye -- which was one of the best, most unheralded of 20th century American writers -- to the twists of coming of age in a prep school. Nobody captured the shades and shadows of dialog like Yates, and few have made characters of any age so vivid in their grappling with pain and yearning. Anyone who's ever been a teenager will devour this novel.

That Richard Yates never made the gears of New York turn for him is an error of the publishing industry that's impossible to calculate; that "A Good School" is not mandatory reading for anyone interested in young people is a loss to every reader of the genre.

Richard Yates is one of the few truly great masters of 20th century fiction. His novels and short stories are populated with people who fiercely strive for what is just beyond their grasp, and who must - often quite painfully - suffer the consequences of their hopes and ambitions. The beauty of watching as these lives savagely unfold is the compassion Yates so delicately weaves into his depictions. First we feel a kind of condescending pity for these characters, then we find we are overwhelmed with their plight and their grief. And then finally the line between fiction and reality blurs, and we realize that these characters are not merely so much like us, they are us - with their denial and their fantasy and their unfounded hope in the future - and we grieve for them as we grieve for ourselves.
His short coming-of-age "A Good School" is something of a departure from the typical Yatesian heartbreak and squalor. In fact, the tone here, despite some shockingly grim and disturbing moments, is mostly upbeat. We follow the adolescent adventures of a boy named William Grove, a man with no real father figure (his parents are divorced) who tries to make a man out of himself after he is shipped to a boarding school designed for "individual" children who don't fit in elsewhere. Left to his own devices, without any real encouragement from the school or at home, and after several difficult missteps that nearly cement him as a permanent outcast, Grove slowly and unknowingly begins to make a name for himself by throwing himself into the only small door he is ever offered - the offices of the school paper.
The cast of the book is rounded out by in intriguing hodge-podge of boarding school characters, equally flailing around in their quest to become men. Even though their stories are unfolding off to the side, Yates somehow manages to tell each of their stories with a richness and intensity that belies their sparseness.
This is ground that has been covered before. One cannot help but think of other prep school novels (like Salinger's "Catcher in the Rye" and Hesse's "Beneath the Wheel") but even in familiar territory, Yates stakes out a claim all his own. This is a short, spare book filled with dozens of stories that build and develop throughout the novel. Old Yates fans will be pleased with this surprising detour into the world of adolescence, the unusual lightness of his tone, and the freshness of his view from this familiar literary perch. For new readers, I would definitely suggest reading the novel "Revolutionary Road," or some of the short stories first. But all in all, a must-read for everyone. I recommend it highly.

Yates dedicated this novel to his father, and rightly so. Men dominate this novel -- young men, old men, crippled men. In keeping with his trademark, Yates' characters are the losers of losers, yet you can't help but to feel for them. Even when Yates is describing one horribly embarrassing scene after another (and some are so painful that you almost have to look away from the page), his compassion for his people is ever vigilent.

This novel reminded me a lot of Sherwood Anderson's Winesburg, Ohio. Like the George Willard in that quasi-novel, we have Will Grove, dipping in and out of the lives of various characters. The town of Winesburg was the center of that novel, and here it's Dorset Academy, the ultimate school for losers (what else would it be?). Although Winesburg was structurally a related collection of short stories while this is more of a novel, you still get that vignette-ish feeling as you read through A Good School, the way Yates joins quick scenes together. It works splendidly.

The book is framed by first-person narration that adds a very gentle touch. Yates always had a soft spot for the first-person narrator -- check out his short stories "Builders," "Jody Rolled the Bones," and "Oh Joseph, I'm So Tired" for further evidence. This novel doesn't nearly have the sheer driving force of Revolutionary Road or the expert precision of Easter Parade, but it's not supposed to. It's a tender, coming-of-age tale, and it's done with a great deal of heart and love.

Huck Finn, I could take or leave. Conn Yankee is among my favorit e classics. Joan of Arc---better than other interpretations of
warrior women. I recommend this collection and "Damsel in the Rough" by Ann M. Tempesta.

for fans who wish there were another Huck Finn or Tom Sawyer, you will find Mark Twain's 'joan of arc' just as beautifully written as his more famous 'prince an the pauper' and 'connecticut yankee'. for catholics, 'joan of arc' is even more of a must read, a stunning proof how this great saint has captured the hearts of so many, regardless of their skepticism or creed. Library of America editions are beautifully bound, lightweight, and readable. here they contain the two most famous of his non-mississippi writings with a gem most of us never knew existed. a keepsake for the decades.

This collection contains my 2 childhood and all-time Twain favorites - Prince & Pauper, and Connecticut Yankee - and added the magical ingredient of a historical romance I never knew Twain had written - Joan of Arc. Now that I have read this as well, I see that it may be even better than the other two!

The wry sense of humor characteristic of Twain definitely is most in evidence in CT Yankee. All 3 of these works deliver Twain's wide understanding of human nature in different times and sociological conditions, and his admiration of human nobility and greatness of heart in adversity. Joan of Arc unquestionably is the most inspiring of these tales, being the story of the greatest hero (or heroine). The Prince and the Pauper, however, remains a jewel of an adventure story, which any child can identify with, and learn from.

It is a collection to keep forever, and re-read frequently.

On My Way is another fun adventure in the 26 Fairmount Avenue series. The book starts out on a somber note when Tomie's sister becomes very ill, but the story becomes more upbeat from there. Once again Tomie has many adventures, including becoming an actor in a play (to rave reviews), going to the World's Fair in New York City, and paving the family's new driveway. Young Tomie is an insightful boy, and his thoughts and ideas are always enjoyable to the reader. Once again, Tomie dePaola's artwork fits the story perfectly. I would recommend this book to younger readers and adults, as both will be able to find similarities in their own lives to life of young Tomie dePaola. I am eagerly anticipating the next book in the 26 Fairmount Avenue series.

Tomie DePaola is back with the third book of his autobiographical series and this installment is just as warm and wonderful as his two previous books, 26 Fairmount Avenue and Here We All Are. This story takes a look at life for a few months in 1940 and is highlighted by baby sister Maureen's frightening bout of pneumonia, Tomie's first dance recital, a family visit to the 1939 New York World's Fair and the thrill of finally entering first grade, learning to read and getting his first library card. Told in a gentle conversational tone, On My Way lets youngsters go back in time and "spy" on the day to day ups and downs of the extended DePaolo family. Life may have been somewhat different and simpler sixty years ago, but what kids will really come to realize and understand is how much life, today, is the same as it was then. For Mr DePaolo, writing these, 26 Fairmount Avenue books is very much a labor of love and it shows on each and every inspired page. Perfect reading for youngsters 7-11, and even better as a family read aloud book, On My Way is a treasure, told with great insight, wisdom, humor and love.

This 26 FAIRMOUNT AVENUE series is real crossover material. That is, I think it's great reading for children of ALL ages. Of the three, ON MY WAY may be my favorite. The first chapter is suspenseful and frightening and the last chapter is schoolboy triumphant. DePaola continues to create some extraordinary work. THE CLOWN OF GOD is a masterpiece. NANA UPSTAIRS & NANA DOWNSTAIRS touches the soul and heart. The 26 FAIRMOUNT AVENUE series affirms that WE ALL have stories to tell. The BARKERS series is fresh and fun. DePaola may have published a few klinkers along the way but, he's mostly on target especially with ON MY WAY.

In the book The River Road by Karen Osborn, Kevin, a father says, "You think you know people, but when something like this happens, you really don't know anyone at all." Surely this new book by Karen Osborn clearly and unfortunately illustrates this point all too well.

The River Road, told from the point of view of the three main characters, immerses readers in the story of two brothers who are in love with their neighbor Kay. Friends since Kay moved into this rural Connecticut area, David and Kay become lovers during college leaving Michael out of their customary threesome. As younger children, the three of them played childhood games and survived the angst filled world of high school in part because of their strong ties to one another. But then a tragedy occurs leaving parents and these young adults to wonder what went wrong and what really happened. As the remainder of the book attempts to unravel the mystery and what led up to this tragedy, readers have a front row seat as family and friends become accusatory and introspective, The book, told partially through flashbacks culminates in an ending which depicts how individuals suffer after a tragedy and the indomitable spirit to survive and love again. Certainly for those who enjoyed The Pact by Jodi Picoult concerning teenage suicide, this book will serve as a comparison to the repercussions that can occur when young adults fall in love.

Previous to reading The River Road, I read Karen Osborn's second book, Between Earth and Sky, that was set in the late 1800's in New Mexico. Told in the form of letters by a woman pioneer to her family in Virginia, Osborn presents strong women characters and wonderful descriptions of the land. While she does an equally fine job in this book of describing the characters and description of rural Connecticut, The River Road is a much sadder and more intense book in comparison. One can only wonder how life can spiral so badly out of control for something like this to happen.

Kay Richards and brothers, David and Michael Sanderson have been friends since childhood. But one tragic night changes not only their lives, but the lives of their families and even the town they live in.

In one careless moment, a life is lost and nothing will ever be the same.

We get all sides of the story as it unfolds in alternating chapters told by Kay, Michael and Kevin (the boy's father). They all loved David and his death affects each in different ways. What first looks like an accident takes an unexpected turn and there's a police investigation and then a trial.

The verdict is riveting and so is this well written book.

This fine book held me in its grip from beginning to end. The writing is unobtrusive and I was lost in the lives of the characters, until I realised that something unexpected and subtle was being achieved: an examination of the fine line between love and decency, and the unacknowledged capacity for harm in us.

This book provides a fascinating journey through one man's experience with reincarnation. Whether you are a "believer" or not, Jeff Keene's carefully written personal account of his past life experiences as a confederate general are interesting. He also provides a different type of historical perspective on the Northen war of aggression through both pairs of eyes: Confederate and Yankee.

Mr. Keene's writing style is straightforward and clean, making this a pleasure to read. And he gets extra credit for meticulous historical annotations, and adding several appendices that provide valuable background on General Gordon.

If there was a weakness, it may lie in Mr. Keene's projection of reincarnation onto others through comparing old photographs from the civil war to contemporary images of his co-workers. While the physical similarities he illistrates are striking, they pale in comparison to his own remarkable personal journey of discovery.

This book will make a great summer read for teenagers and adults-and is a must-have for anyone interested in past lives.

Imagine you are someone not remotely into the supernatural. You're well-grounded in the physical world, have led a fairly normal life and have no belief in reincarnation. Then one day you are confronted with a series of inexplicable "coincidences," all of which lead to the inescapable conclusion that you have lived a previous life as a particular confederate general in the American Civil War. What would you do?

"Someone Else's Yesterday" gives the account of what Jeffrey Keene did when he found himself in that very situation. In a sense, it is a real life detective story, but the case to be solved has implications of the utmost importance to all of us. In the balance lies the issues of life after death, and the existence of the soul.

The book is sure to appeal to all those with an interest in reincarnation and/or the Civil War. The author comes across as rational, intelligent, honest, sincere and humorous. It's not written in the flighty, fuzzy-minded style of some new age books nor in the dry, boring style of some of the scientific studies of reincarnation. It's just a down-to-earth, good and fascinating read. I highly recommend it.

Keene's book is perhaps the most important book you will ever read. Period. If you want the best and the strongest physical evidence for the existence of life after death, Jeffrey Keene's book will provide it to you. If you have doubts about reincarnation, this book will remove all your doubts. Keene's excellent book documents his amazing discovery of his past life as a Civil War soldier. After reading the verifiable evidence he presents, you will forever be a believer in life after death. His ground-breaking discovery and research is so fascinating that it was profiled in an A&E cable documentary. What makes his account so unique is that he did not discover the evidence for a past life using hypnotic regression like others have. Keene had no choice between accepting the reality of a past life or not accepting it. Keene's discovery of his past life came from his own life experience that involved a series of unusual synchronistic events. He did not seek this experience. This experience sought him. Over time, Keene's amazing life experience would continue to reinforce the reality of his connection to the past, even before he became convinced of it himself. He was not given the luxury of choice in this matter and this is one reason that makes his experience and evidence so credible. Whether you are a believer in reincarnation or not, you will find Keene's book to be one of the best books you will every read. It is filled with hope and filled with facts that strongly suggests that life continues after death. I highly recommend this book!

Kevin Williams, "Near-Death Experiences and the Afterlife", ...

Susan Henshaw is just as puzzled as the police are when two of her co-workers on the school PTA are poisoned within a short time. She works with a police investigator who thinks that her powers of observation and deduction will be a help to him. As Susan and the police delve into the lives of the PTA families in their wealthy Connecticut neighborhood, they uncover possibilities of adultery and drug abuse. It isn't until the end that they put together the clues and finally come up with the murderer. The motive is pretty thin, but still this book is a fun read and is the beginning of a long-running series.

In this, the first of the Susan Henshaw novels, Valerie Wolzien introduces the reader to a clever, quick-thinking suburban housewife. That may not sound like a winner, but IT IS! Susan is a fantastic character, with depth and real emotions, combined with a talent for detection. She isn't snooty at all, and anyone could relate to her and her family. Wolzien's book is smart, funny, easy to read and a great look into the PTA --where petty jealousies and murder lurk. A must read! Note: the books can be read out of sequence, but starting with #1 is best!

I have read several of the books in this series and wonder how I could have missed this one. Susan Henshaw is a suburban housewife heavily involved in the local PTA. At the annual PTA luncheon, one of the committee members dies after eating a sandwich laced with cyanide. Several weeks later, another committee member is also killed with cyanide, this time in a beverage. Susan is nearby in both instances. The CT State Police are called in to assist the locals and they enlist her help in solving the murder. You never know what lurks beneath the surface of the upscale suburban community.

This is a wonderful start to the series. No one is what they seem, and everyone appears to have a secret. Athough in retrospect, the author gives clues, the murderer came as a surprise to me. Great Book!!!!

Dianna Shaeffer had what other people would say was the perfect marriage, but she found that happiness was not included. Here in Lake Placid she falls in love with a bobsledder named Jim Manning, who lives an average life, completely the opposite from what she is accustomed to. She has choices to make - give up her marriage to a successful lawyer, and start a new life, one full of excitement and fun. She gives all this up and finds happiness with Jim Manning for a while. The book is beautifully written. The author's visual description of the Lake Placid region captures your attention. If you have read Nicholas Sparks "The Notebook" and liked it, you will be even more pleased with this book. Rosemary Matteson is a very talented writer. Looking forward to another book from her.

Rich and vibrant characters and wonderful story telling make this book a hard one to put down. Rosemary Matteson writes a beautiful story of love and life. One that touches your heart and stirs your soul. I was absolutely taken in by these characters and their journeys. Just wonderful!

"Nothing Gold Can Stay", written by Rosemary Matteson, is a richly textured novel of life in beautiful Lake Placid, New York. At the top of this sensational story is Dianna Shaeffer, who did not believe her comfortable marriage to Jeff Shaeffer would ever be threatened. It was an Olympic bobsled champion, Jim Manning, who changed her life. Her attorney husband tried in vain to rejuvenate their union. Diana left the social life of Southport Connecticut to marry Jim. Olympic events and life in this beautiful lake region will keep the reader intrigued from the beginning to the end. The author's description of the land of "merciless cold and eternal snow", and the beauty of the great Adirondacks was done exceptionally well. After her marriage to Jim, Diana experienced the thrill of passion again, with the love of her life. However, this thrill does not endure. She realizes that "Nothing Gold Can Stay". A very exciting novel. Be sure and read it. The title of the book is very appropriate; it was taken from one of Robert Frost's great poems. His poem reads, in part: "So dawn goes down to day, nothing gold can stay."

I read with intererst the story of the Del Buono family as they fought for services for their son/brother. Barbara obviously has tremendous faith courage and strength. Her husband and children, esp. Mary, are also amazing. As the mother of a brain injured son I also am caught in the maze of TBI--and it is not pretty. Barbara has done a good job describing nursing home situations. Even though Nick's nursing home experience was years ago conditions in these homes, at least in Indiana, for TBI survivors has not changed enough. Reading this book has helped give me the strength to continue to fight for services for my TBI son.

It is an excellent resource which can help us all to deal with the difficulties of life and use them to create a better world where the wounded are cared for with heart, not just hands.

The Middle Moffat

Jane Moffat wants to help the oldest inhabitant of her town, reach the age of 100, and now he's 99. Jane tries to help him but he's always doing stuff that 99-year-old-men shouldn't do. She tries to look out for him without anyone noticing.
While Jane is looking out for the oldest inhabitant, she gets some problems herself. Her best friend has gotten angry at her because she didn't take her side at school. She finds out that she has a secret talent for basketball by helping the local team win. Jane also becomes the first one to stand up to the mechanical wizard, (a smart boy who knows a lot about mechanics) who gathers people's stuff, takes it apart, and leaves it in his basement.
I think Eleanor Estes did an okay job of writing this book. To me, it was a little boring because in some parts not much happened. I think if she summarized these parts in a few sentences, it would've been a much better book. This book is a decent fiction story, but I think it would be best for a younger girl like Jane.

I read this book to my three boys ages 9,6 and 3 and they could not stop laughing. Jane's imagination and simple ways of viewing life around her really capture what it is like to be a kid. We had to stop several times so that they could act out certain parts. I think Jane is a friend that we all would like to have. She's beyond nice and there is never a dull moment when she is around (whether it's in her mind or really happening). Now that we have read the book we really miss Jane.

This is a great book. Jane is always busy doing something. She is trying to be brave like Nancy and she was by standing up to Wallie Bangs. You should read this book.

In this family saga we find the "perfect" family of Dr. Peter Ehrlich is the envy of everyone who knew them and as the unpredictable story unravels we find out that they have quite a few family secrets unknwown to outsiders.....Dr. Ehrlich is a prominent cardiologist and his wife, Libby has her own antique business in a small Connecticut town......The oldest daughter, 16 yr. old Claudia is a beautiful, bright girl, but does not always make the best choices in boyfriends. Her 13 yr. old sister, Ellery, not as pretty and not as bright, tries to grow up too fast because she envies her sister.....The secrets in this "perfect" family threatens to tear them apart and when the most outrages thing happens it throws them into turmoil....In the process of trying to correct things they lose friends, but Libby is the one, in the end, who pulls her family through, but not before the "secrets" are out in the open for everyone to know.... I belive that we are all human and do not always make the correct choices in our lives, but our families, in the end, can be great strengths to us and gives us the courage to change.......Good book.

In Crandall, Connecticut the Ehrlich family leads such a perfect American existence they even become featured in an issue of Southern Connecticut Life magazine. Libby owns and runs an antique business. Her spouse Peter is a highly regarded cardiac surgeon at Crandall General Hospital. They have two teenage daughters, sixteen years old Claudia and thirteen years old Ellery, who seem happy and are doing well.

However, their perfect lifestyle shatters when the parents return from a trip abroad to learn that their younger daughter is carrying the baby of the boyfriend of her older sister. All four Ehrlichs are forced to look closely at the relationships with one another and as a family because if Southern Connecticut Life magazine did a feature today they would find a shattered dysfunctional family leading the perfect American nightmare.

TWO DAUGHTERS is a look at how an event can destroy trust, commitment, and caring in what seemed like a devoted group. However, the problem with the story line is that Marlene Fanta Shyer tries to focus on too many major issues that could each stand on their own as the prime theme. Alcoholism or teenage pregnancy easily could have served as the key focus, but by using a shallow glance at each element, Ms. Shyer's novel fails to grip the audience. Libby's first hand account at times can be intriguing, but never quite pulls the audience into the deep emotional trench that the characters find almost impossible to escape.

Harriet Klausner

This book really kept me turning the pages. I took it with me on vacation and it really enriched my trip. I couldn't wait to get back to my hotel room every night to read another chapter. I love books about contemporary family life and this one was not only well written, but it was unpredictable, full of twists and turns, and the characters really came to life. I absolutely loved it!