This endearing story about Marley and his friends brings to mind stories of yesterday, of sitting on Grandpa's lap by the fireplace and listening to tales of friendship and love. I must say, I enjoy reading this book to my young children. I cherish the opportunity to teach them about the values of kindness, friendship, and cooperation portrayed by the animal characters. It is a lovely way to teach children that all creatures are special and that God has given everyone talents that are unique and valuable.

John D. MacDonald scored again with this atmospheric, deeply moving novel about a man both coming to terms with the death of his wife and the wilful self-destruction of his best friend. As usual with John D., the sentiments expressed about life, people and the state of the world in the last half of the millenium are timeless. Why aren't these books more readily available? We are in desperate need of classics like this.

....my parents did! I requested this book every night before I went to bed. I didn't realize at the time that my parents were not actually reading the book, but telling it by memory. Now that I have a child of my own, I remember all of the words too. My son thought he could read at 2 years old because he also had the book memorized from reading it so often. It is really that good...especially when read with feeling as if you really are Grover. Grover hears the name of the book and gets scared because there is a monster at the end of the book. He begs and pleads for you to not turn another page....but of course you have to because your child will tell you to (even if it does make Grover scared). The ending is a bit of a surprise and even young children will understand the twist.

No matter how old (or young) you are you will not be able to stop laughing after you read this book. I'm 23 and I still love it, in fact I love to read it to kids as well. I can't quite do as good a grover as my mom but the kids don't mind. I grew up with this book. I guaruntee you're kinds will love it and you'll love reading it to them. And if you don't well then maybe you should see your doctor becuase you've lost your funny bone!

I teach 3 year olds at a Day Care Center and read this book a few times a week. It is a sure way to get them all to sit still. No matter how many times they hear it and by now know the conclusion they sit enthralled. They even know the words and say them with me. I always ask... "Should I turn the page" and they all yell "YES". They laugh and giggle and act scared... It's pure joy reading it to them and watching them react! They have special books that we read over and over and over and this certainly is one of them. My book is getting rather thread bare and I'm buying a new one.

These stories were written in the 1920s. If you liked his short stories and novels, you will want to read this book. "Corkscrew" is a short version of "Red Harvest" - get one gang to attack another in order to eliminate both and benefit a third group. "Dead Yellow Women" is about a scheme to provide cover for smuggling. Some things never change! "Tulip" was written in the 1950s, is partly autobiographical, and different from the other stories; not as good, in my opinion. The monetary figures from 80 years ago are way out of date!

Some of these stories appear to be similar to the turmoil in early 16th Century Italy. Could a Cesare Borgia have planned the "The Big Knockover"? In "$106,000 Blood Money" the Continental Op arranges the death of a traitorous detective, and then the bounty hunter who would claim this reward (leading to a nice bonus later?).

Why have detective stories gone out of fashion after the 1950s? Could a form of censorship be responsible for this (to hide the actions of these secret agents of the rich and powerful)? Are the "James Bond" stories an updated version of the private detective stories? Or have none-fiction writings become more popular since then ("The Invisible Government")?

There are some great stories here. Let's discuss some of them in a minute. First, however . . .

During most of the 1920s and early 1930s, Dashiell Hammett was a compulsive writer and storyteller, possibly due to a personal need to make sense of his world and experiences. Later, he lost that compulsion. Following a brief prison term in the early 1950s (for his refusal to take part in the McCarthy-era witchhunts), he began to rediscover that earlier compulsion. Hence, the fragment of "Tulip," which he apparently intended as an semi-autobiographical novel. One wishes he could have lived long enough to complete more of it, at least.

Now to the meat of this short-story collection from his earlier days.

Hammett's most enduring character, the anonymous first-person narrating Continental Op, is the protagonist throughout. The stories vary widely, from the old-west (but not that old at the time of its writing) atmosphere of "Corkscrew" -- which would later serve as theme material for the novel "Red Harvest" -- to the comedy of "The Gatewood Caper"; there's the sinister undertones, interspersed with more comedic touches and a superb punchline at the end, of "Dead Yellow Women" as well as the total 'shaggy dog story' feel of "The Gutting of Couffignal" (in which everything apparently is intended to lead up to yet another punchline).

And then there's the title story itself, "The Big Knockover," perhaps the pre-eminent 'caper story' of all time: a carefully planned and executed bank robbery which falls awry in a trail of double-cross and deduction, yet which leaves its protagonist at the end to wryly remark (perhaps echoing Hammett's sentiments?): "What a life!"

Note: Subsequent editions of this collection sometimes include "$106,000 Blood Money," which Hammett ill-advisedly wrote as a sequel to "The Big Knockover." Good as this second tale may be, I believe it could have been written just as easily -- and to better effect -- as an independent story. (There is some evidence that Hammett at one point thought of combining the two as a novel.) I much prefer to leave "Knockover" on its own and let it end there, without the more-than-slightly unsatisfactory resolution of "$106,000 Blood Money."

Each story in this collection shines on its own and reveals facets of Hammett's innate genius.

Oh, yeah: There's also a reminiscince by playwright Lillian Hellman, which may or may not have any bearing upon the actual Dashiell Hammett. Decide for yourself.

Dashiell Hammett's _The Big Knockover_ is a wonderful collection of stories by the master of the crime novel himself. The introduction by Lillian Hellman gives the reader excellent insight into her relationship with Hammett, as well as a glimpse of the author. For Hammett fans, the book is nearly worth the price for Hellman's introduction alone.

This collection is better than his Maltese Falcon, all the Sam Spade, and the Thin Man stories. Among Hammett's writings, the only novel to equal this collection, in my mind, is _Red Harvest_.

Stories in this book range from short to near-novella length. Topics range from the very typical Hammett plot (young woman is missing, wealthy dad pays for her return)of "The Gatewood Caper" to the offbeat noir-Western "Corkscrew" to the looting of an entire island ("The Looting of Couffignal").

The one "straight" story in the bunch, not a crime story at all, is "Tulip," published as a fragment. As it is, it doesn't pull much weight. To call the plot meandering would be generous.

The title story is a classic. A big bank-robbery caper starts looking bizarre when, days later, roomsful of America's highest profile crooks start turning up dead.

One bad story doesn't ruin the whole bunch. If you're a fan of Hammett's other books, give _The Big Knockover_ a chance.

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I was a bit disappointed when I first read this book to myself because I thought that it wasn't nearly as good as the original, but I was pleasantly surprised that my 28 month old nephew loves this book because it stars his favorite Sesame Street character, Elmo! He is also in this phase in which he loves monsters, so can you blame him for loving it? It apparently was not a waste of money like I thought it would be. He always requests "Another marmar book!" (Translation: Another monster book!) Basically the book is about Grover not wanting to get to end of the book because there is supposed to be a monster there, but Elmo tries to convince him throughout the book to go see the monster at the end of the book. Like in the first book, Grover does everything he can to get you to stop turning the pages, but Elmo eggs you on to turn the pages! Grover finally agrees to see the monster at the end of the book, and he is pleasantly surprised to find that HE and Elmo are the monsters at the end of the book! It is written with quotation bubbles above the heads of the characters, so that is a little different from the original text writing. Highly recommended to toddlers!

What a great book!! Reading this book just before bedtime when your preschooler is "afraid of monsters" is ideal. Are all monsters bad? Grover is afraid of monsters and Elmo is curious. Little Elmo wants to see the monster at the end of the book, but Grover tries to discourage him by placing obstacles in his way. Will Elmo ever see the monster? My 3 1/2 year old thinks this book is great and even participates in the reading. A great read for children and parents alike.

This is an interactive book....the kids hearing it read to them will help you decide whether to listen to Grover and stop turning the pages, or go on with Elmo...it's just what the pre-schooler loves, and I enjoy it as well!!! The first one was only with Grover, and I gotta admit, even better. Buy both!

Milk Glass Moon written by Adriana Trigiani is book three of a triology in the Big Stone Gap series, (Big Stone Gap, Big Cherry Hollar and Milk Glass Moon). This book takes us six years further into the lives of Ave Maria Mulligan MacChesney and her family and friends.

All of the characters that we loved in the previous books are growing up or matured and their character is coming out well in this book. The mother/daughter relationship is strong in this book, as Ave Maria doesn't want to let going of the little girl that is now maturing, her daughter is facing her first love and mother is experiencing heartbreak.

This book is about life through Ave Maria's eyes, in the Southwestern part of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia with all of the flavor of that small town distilled into this book making it a wild ride throgh the emotional roller coaster.

With twist and turns woven into the main story we learn what's happening to Ave Maria's friends, Iva Lou, Pearl Grimes, Theodore Tipton, Jack Mac, and Fleeta. With humor, you will laugh along with the characters as life in Big Stone Gap is changing.

You'll love reading the book as the narrative is simple but very effective and you can imagine the characters in your mind as you read on, making this book engaging. There is drama, mountain wisdom along ith a sprinkle of humor and romance all rolled into a very well told story.

The story transports us from Ave Maria's home in the Blue Ridge Mountains, to the Italian Alps, from New York City, and then to the Tuscan countryside. Milk Glass Moon is the story of a shifting mother-daughter relationship. Etta is testing her independence, and her mom is having a lot of trouble letting go.

Trigiani's other beloved characters are also back in this book as well. Jack Mac, Ave Maria's true love, who is willing to gamble security for the unknown; her best friend and confidant, bandleader Theodore Tipton, who starts a new life in New York City; librarian and sexpert Iva Lou Wade Makin, who faces a life-or-death crisis. Meanwhile, surprises emerge in the blossoming of crusty cashier Fleeta Mullins, the maturing of mountain girl turned savvy horsewoman Pearl Grimes, and the return of Pete Rutledge, the handsome stranger who turned Ave Maria's world upside down in Big Cherry Holler.

This book is simply warm and wonderful and reminds us of what it was like 'down home.'

As in her previous Big Stone Gap novels, Adriana Trigiani's newest title offers more than just an update on the lives of Ave Maria, Jack Mac and their daughter Etta. It's a chance for us to dip into the lifestyle of small-town America (and Italy) and the sensual landscapes of the southwestern Virginia mountains as well as the Italian Alps. It's encounters with unique and sometimes eccentric individuals who, in spite of their quirks or problems, endear themselves to us when they show they care about the people around them. It's a study of changing relationships between parents and children, between best friends, even between good friends of opposite genders. It's also a search for a personal sense of place: finding the exact spot on Earth where you are supposed to live, what you're supposed to do, and who you're supposed to be doing it with. And the ending leaves the door open for further adventures.

_Milk Glass Moon_ is such an engaging and easy read that, if you've got the time, you can easily finish this book in just one sitting. But that's almost cheating yourself of being able to spend valuable time with these intriguing characters. Perhaps we should savor every moment.

If Ms. Trigiani is scheduled to appear at a book signing near you, don't hesitate to go to see her. She's a fascinating speaker, and you'll find out how much of herself she puts into her books.

I was absolutely enchanted with this book. Adriana Trigiani has put together a wonderful story that will be remembered for a very long time. Big Stone Gap is a well-crafted novel that was written for the sentimental and romantic at heart. This is the story of a 35-year-old woman of Italian descent whose family secrets are revealed. Like a puzzle, Ave Maria's life reconstructs piece by piece. Ave Maria is a wonderful heroine. She tells the story with a great deal of heart and soul. Her voice literary comes out of every page! She is so real! I could relate to her a bit. After all, she, too, gets grief for being single and independent. But is that what she really wants? The other characters in the novel are great too, especially Iva Lou, Jack Mac, Pearl and Theodore. Also, I love the backdrop of the small town of Big Stone Gap in Virginia. I could smell the clean air of the mountains through the writing. Her descriptions are quite vivid. This is a beautiful and charming novel that should be read more than once. I highly recommend it.

I got this book - actually it was a gift from my cousin, but I was planning on reading it anyway - since my father grew up in Big Stone Gap. I loved the book - the characters were enticing and I would have enjoyed it even without the ancestral setting. I liked the fact that the mountain folk weren't all made out to be dumb hillbillies. My dad, who also read the book, says the regional references are pretty accurate, but now I want to ask him more about those places and revisit them!

The story is about Ave Maria Mulligan, 35 year old pharmacist, who is at a turning point in her life. She considers herself the town "spinster" and through some events that happen after her mother's death, she decides her life needs some changes. She feels she doesn't fit in to the natives of Big Stone Gap, even though she was born there, mostly because her mother was an Italian immigrant and she's Catholic. The changes don't exactly turn out to be the ones she plans, but oh what a fun ride along the way!

Big Stone Gap is one of those novels that reeled me in from the time I opened the cover. The characers are real--the kind a person might actually encounter in this part of the South. Ave Maria, a local girl still unmarried at 36, is delightful--someone you might like as a friend. A pharmacist in Big Stone Gap, she is still reeling from the loss of her mother, a native of Italy who came to America as an unwed mother and ended up in this small, Southern town. After her mother's death, a letter left to Ave Maria reveals some startling facts that change her way of thinking and eventually lead her back to Italy to meet her biological father. Ave Maria's friendship/romance with Theodore, the local high school band director, has its ups and downs; and Jac Mac, a local coal miner, finally declares his feelings for Ave Maria in a very unromantic scene! Trigiani's spellbinding story kept me guessing at what would happen next, and laughing at the antics of characters like Iva Lou and Pearl. I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy a well-written story with a strong plot, lots of action, interesting characters, humor, and a bit of old-fashioned romance.

This book is the consummate bonding of two of California's great artists. The words of Jeffers and the photographs of Baer blend to form a book of unparralled beauty...this book gives the Big Sur in California a grace and elegance beyond description..Mr. Baer's photographs are infused with a quiet intensity....one can spend hours enjoying his vision...adding the words of Robinson Jeffers is pure brilliance; particularly since these two men were part of what defined the West Coast art movement in the 50's. Strongly recommend this book to anyone who loves the Big Sur, brilliant b&w photography and the poetry and prose of Jeffers.

I probably should not have started this book with such high expectations, but since I so much enjoyed Big Stone Gap, I assumed I would love Big Cherry Holler, also. Although the book begins promisingly, with Ave Maria's young daughter competing in a radio quiz bowl, and the voices of the characters I loved from Big Stone gap were back and sounding familiar and enticing me back into their world, I was extremely disappointed with the conclusion that Ave Maria was not only "wrong" in her attraction (but there was little credit given her for saying "no") to another man, but she was ALSO "to blame" for Jack's affair... that's just plain wrong - Jack should have been responsible for his own choices and actions, not Ave Maria - it seems the author is saying that just because Ave is not a "perfect wife" (like Jack is "perfect"? Bull!), it was ok for Jack to cheat. Ave's best friend, Theodore, sure doesn't act like a "friend" when Ave comes to him, broken-hearted and needful of support only to be told coldly that she brought it all on herself... now I'm not one who thinks a true friend should lie, but to tell a hysterical, hurting FRIEND how wrong she is instead of first offering care, comfort and a validation of that friend's feelings seems cold and cruel to me. It's like telling a friend who is starving that it's her fault that she's hungry and she needs to wake up and smell the coffee, then slamming the door on that friend instead of feeding her.

And we're not done bashing Ave Maria yet... the way she mourns for her dead son is "wrong," and since Jack was ready long before Ave was to talk about it, he becomes superior to her and a victim of Ave's "distance," even though he sure doesn't seem all too patient or eager to accept Ave's attempts to communicate love and a willingness to try to communicate to her husband. How cold is it, anyway, to agree to take a summer trip with your wife, tell her you're not going at the last minute, and then not show any kind of feelings when she tells you how much she's looked forward to spending time together on the trip?

If you want to take a chance with this book, I recommend checking it out from the library rather than buying it.

Well, Eva Maria and Jack Mac have been married 8 years. They have a precocious daughter, Etta, and they have survived the death of their beloved son, Joe. Now they are growing more and more distant, and Eva--being Eva--blames herself and is having problems seeing past her own needs. She listens to everyone's advice (Ida Lou, of course, gives her birds 'n bees advice on how to keep a husband happy), but she really has to get away from it all in order to find out what she really wants.

All the wonderful, quirky characters from Big Stone Gap return to make this a fun read. However, don't expect the same level of bust-a-gut humor present in the first book. Eva is much more introspective and is much more enmeshed in the life issues we all face while approaching middle age. This book is not a light read and will most likely push you to consider your own life, your goals, and how you treat the people you love. My only gripe is that Eva's character is the one who seems to bear the brunt of all the ills of her marriage...that's a gripe, however, that does not get in the way of enjoying this novel.

I read this in one sitting just because I couldn't put it down. Although it is different than the first in the series, it's a very good read, and I highly recommend it for fans of this type of literature.

I eagerly awaited the revisit to the town of Big Stone Gap, Virginia by way of Adriana Trigiani. I came to think of the characters as extended family, and the thought of seeing them again warmed my heart. And Adriana can make me laugh like no other!

In *Big Cherry Holler*, Ave Maria and Jack Mac have been married for eight years and are still living up on the mountain. Their daughter Etta is a lively third grader, and their son, Joe, died of leukemia a few years prior. Because Ave and Jack are having a difficult time of getting it back together following their loss, the possibility of infidelity arises. Of course, the town gossips, gets involved and the adventure begins.

Once again, Adriana has given us all something to cherish and enjoy! I can't wait for another novel by Adriana!!

The book, Challenge!The big Thunderboats, by Jane Stone, is a good starter book on the subject. In it, there are pictures from the 1966 Kelowana, B.C. British Columbia Cup,scenes in the pit area, several photos of hydroplanes racing, and several publicity photos from 1975. The text is kept simple, explaining in a way as to not be talking down to the reader, and is well thought out. The only problem, is that none of the pictures say what the boat is, who is in the photo, or where the picture is taken. I have a copy that I got years ago, and have labeled the pictures to aid in that information. There have been too few books on the subject, and this book would appease all fans of the sport.