Halberstam's gripping chronicle of a company of Manhattan firemen on September 11 is moving without ever becoming grossly sentimental an impressive achievement, though readers have come to expect as much from the veteran historian and journalist (author, most recently, of War in a Time of Peace). Engine 40, Ladder 35, a firehouse near Lincoln Center, sent 13 men to the World Trade Center, 12 of whom died. Through interviews with surviving colleagues and family members, Halberstam pieces together the day's events and offers portraits of the men who perished from rookie Mike D'Auria, a former chef who liked to read about Native American culture, to Captain Frank Callahan, greatly respected by the men for his dedication and exacting standards, even if he was rather distant and laconic (when someone performed badly at a fire he would call them into his office and simply give him "The Look," a long, excruciating stare: "Nothing needed to be said the offender was supposed to know exactly how he had transgressed, and he always did"). The book also reveals much about firehouse culture the staunch code of ethics, the good-natured teasing, the men's loyalty to each other in matters large and small (one widow recalls that when she and her husband were planning home renovations, his colleagues somehow found out and showed up unasked to help, finishing the job in record time). Though he doesn't go into much detail about the technical challenges facing the fire department that day, Halberstam does convey the sheer chaos at the site and, above all, the immensity of the loss for fellow firefighters.

Firehouse is a wonderful moving tribute to 13 of the firefighters who responded to the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Of the 13 who responded that day, only 1 survived, and this is the story of their lives.

Writing about the fire service can be a difficult thing, especially for those who have no connection to firefighters or the culture. Here, David Halberstam has been able to get the feeling of one of New York's fire stations, in this case Engine 40 and Ladder 35, and bring the outside world into this little seen world where few ever enter. The only other book I have read which even comes to getting the sense of what it is like in the fire station was with Dennis Smith's "Report from Engine Company 82", and Mr. Smith was a firefighter to boot. I certainly tip my helmet to Mr. Halberstam for getting it right. If you have been a firefighter for 1 day or 30 years, or someone who just wants to read a great book which offers incredible insight into the FDNY and fire service at large, then buy "Firehouse".

I met and spoke with David Halberstam at the L.A. Times Book Fair and he said this would be his next work and he was happy of the effort the publisher had made to get this book to print. And we, as readers, should be happy too that this book is now available.

There will be volumes written about the events of 9/11, what makes this book special is that it gives us insight into the character of the men who gave their lives that tragic day. Of the 13 men who left the firehouse on 9/11, only one would survive. Halberstam makes no mystery of who dies, all you have to do is look at the back cover to see the pictures of the twelve men who passed away when the World Trade Center towers came down. What Halberstam does do is make us have a feel for who these brave men were, as well as their families and friends who most now go on without them.

As always with Halberstam this is is very well written book.

This book is almost a coda, another chapter, of his latest major work, "War in a Time of Peace" which was published just weeks before 9/11 and mentions on the last page that the new threat to the United States will not come from some super-power or established nation but rather from terrorists and extremists.

To understand the loss we as a country truly paid on that tragic day read this book.

This is a touching book and slim though it is it is very special. It will touch your heart.

Although not as well-written as Barr's three previous efforts, "Firestorm" is still a major page-turner, especially if, as happened to this reviewer, it is being read while major forest fires are raging in Colorado and Arizona.

Barr's usual descriptive genius doesn't fail her here, as she places Anna and her colleagues in a vicious forest fire blazing out of control in northern California's Lassen Volcanic National Park. As spike camp medic, Anna is deep in the fray. But her security officer side doesn't get called into play until later in the book--after a terrifying firestorm that traps Anna and her colleagues in an inferno from which there is no escape. Barr's description of the firestorm is so realistic, and so frightening, that I must believe she has lived through such an experience herself. As always with her books, I felt that I, too, was huddled beneath the fireproof foil the firefighters call "Shake and Bake," desperately trying to breathe while intense flames roared over the top of the flimsy little shelter. I won't be a spoiler and say who survives and who does not--but I will say that murder rears its ugly head even as Anna and crew are struggling to survive the flames' holocaust.

Those who have read the three previous books will be glad to see the return of FBI agent Frederick Stanton, whose interest in Anna has gained much momentum. Feisty southern ranger-in-training Jennifer Short is also in this book, fighting a personal tragedy that threatens her survival even more than the aftermath of the firestorm--when she, Anna, and several others are trapped in the burned-out forest with no food, no medical facilities for the badly burned, and the knowledge that whoever committed the murder is among them.

The mystery, as usual with Barr's novels, is secondary to the fascinating venue of Anna Pigeon's world. I will never watch TV footage of a forest fire, as I did while I was reading this book, in the same way again. I feel like I have been on the front lines as well, which is Nevada Barr's great talent as a writer. This is a terrific read!

Nevada Barr has 2 books that are closed to "locked room" mysteries - that is, where the action and events are in a tightly controlled environment. Firestorm has it's events in the middle of a firestorm, on a mountain top where rescue is delayed. (Blind Descent is the other - inside a subterranean cave.)
Barr's description of the firestorm, and being trapped inside of a tiny fireproof tent are gripping! The murders are solved by Frederick and Anna. Frederick is working on the outside, and supplies info to Anna via hand radios. Anna uncovers facts and fights the growing tension between survivors who are trapped on the mountain together.
There are suspects galore - but I was totally surprized by the identity of the true murderer and Anna's judgement call in handling the murderer.
This is probably one of Barr's best novels - a "hot, hot" read!

FIRESTORM smokes. Anna Pigeon is a great mystery character, one of my favorites. I especially enjoyed this Nevada Barr novel. Anna is dispatched to the scene of a massive forest fire where she is trapped by a shifting fireline along with a group of firefighters. One of the firefighters is a killer, and suspense builds throughout the story. FIRESTORM is an excellent book.

It is truly a shame that the highest number of stars you can rate a book is five, because I would give this book a million stars if I could.It is truly one of the two best books I have ever read. (The other off course is Little Women).

Little men is a book that can make you both laugh and cry. The morals inside are more useful than any of the ten commandments. Louisa May Alcott has definetly done it again.

Without giving away everything, these are some of the reasons why you will enjoy the book:

1) You see Jo grow up. She is no longer the wild child who's impetuous and androgynous character often lead her to trouble. She inherits maternal qualities that you never expected Jo to have.

2) You will get more insight on the professor. Although I truly wanted Teddy and Jo to get together, this book made me think otherwise. Professor Bhaer, with Jo's help, makes a delightful father to the boys. He is the one you will get most of the life morals from.

3) The boys in Plumfield are definetly the key figures in the book. They create both the mischievious and melancholy stories. As I said, 'you'll laugh and cry'. Reading about these boys will make everyone reflect on their own lives.

4) Teddy grows up too. If you enjoyed the young scandulous Teddy, you'll enjoy the new one even more. In little men, Teddy (like Jo) has grown into a real mature father.

There are plenty more exciting things in the book. It is truly a classic masterpiece recommended to anyone who needs a lift in their spirit.

Little Men is the funniest of all the three books. I like this book, but not as much as the Jo's Boys or Little Women. Little Men begins with 'Nat as the 1st ch. If you have seen the movie and think it is great, wait till you read the book. The novel is much more sophisticated and very touching. The movie basically concentrates on Nat and Dan, but the novel is about every single boy and girl. If you've seen the movie and didnt like it, guess what, try the novel! My fav't characters are everybody. Old Chirper(Nat), Dan, Demi, Daisy, Tommy, Franz, Commodore(Emil), Nan, Princess(Bess), little Ted, Rob, Jack..too many people. If you like the story of boys and girls, this is one of the books to read. If this is the Alcott's 1st book you've read, TRY ALL! ALCOTT IS THE BEST! My fav't part is the LITTLE COOKSTOVE(iron). Its so neat, and how Daisy, Nat, Demi, Dan, Emil, Tommy, and dont forget our Teddy, and Rob, standing up for each others.

This is the continuation of Little Women, and Jo's Boys will be the cont. of this book. Little Men is a book about the boys and girls of all ages, and if you thought little women was much about women, READ THIS BOOK. The boys are all different ages. There is musical Nat, bookworm Demi, troublesome Tommy, fireband Dan(my fav't character), resonsible Franz, commodore Emil, Little Ted, Rob...and dont forget girls, Lovely Daisy, ms.giddy gaddy Nan, and pretty Bess....and so many other characters. They just will not be friends, but a great big FAMILY. They will be happy, sad, confused, angry...at each other, but will not be a problem for Mr.&Mrs. Bhaer(Jo), Mr.&Mrs. Brooke(Meg), and Mr.and Mrs. Laurence(laurie&Amy). These young men and women will be so different, yet so together and close!

- Jamie! I really, really enjoyed this book - had a hard time putting it down. A descendant of the Montgomery family (of the "Velvet" series by the same author), Jamie is the perfect hero, good looking and honorable. Too often this combination comes out rather smarmy, but he's not. Axia is wonderful heroine - full of spirit, ready to live life. But what makes this book special is the way the story is told. Not just through the eyes of the two main characters, but also through the perspective of the supporting characters. These people are interesting and wonderful in their own way. I too found the ending a bit rushed - not enough to really disappoint, but I would have liked to know more about what Jamie went through to eventually get to Axia, as well as how some of the other characters got to their final happiness. Although there is some conflict, suspense, and danger, this book is not as wrenchingly intense as the "Velvet" series - I loved those books, but found myself worn out emotionally after each one. I'd highly recommend this book!

I've been reading a lot of more recent Jude Deveraux novels - The Summerhouse, The Mulberry Tree, etc. I had skipped this one and went back to read it. It is BY FAR the best Jude Deveraux I've read in a while. The characters are likable, and it sticks to the basic romance storyline and doesn't get lost in a million other storylines like more recent JD novels. If you are new to Deveraux, I suggest starting with this book, or another one written before it. You'll be more than pleased.

This writing style is what made Jude Deveraux, what she was known for. I was beyond HAPPY when I first read this book, so much so that I read it again immediatly after reading it. Jamie reminds me of what I thought, Miles (Velvet Series) should have been like, Axia is the perfect mischevious heroine. If you like some of Julie Garwoods characters you will absolutely ADORE this book. I have to agree with what some other reviewer said it is my favorite Deveraux.

I won't go into detail regarding the story line because the editorial reviews does such a fine job and some time you give away to much of the whole plot. I will just say it is well worth the time.

Happy Reading

I love JAK books as a rule, but this one is definitly one of the best. Both Molly and Harry have wonderfully eccentric families, sharp minds, and strong hearts. I especially love paranormal romance, books that involve a sixth sense or strange power, and JAK usually does a good job with them, but Harry's strange power is more interesting then any other I've read about. Anyone who likes JAK, romance with a twist, or just a good read, should try this book.

This is one of my favourite Krentz comtemporary romances - the other favourite is Deep Waters. Molly and Harry are unique characters, different (she the enthusiastic businesswoman and he the cautious scholar)but sharing a powerful passion for each other. As always in Krentz's books, the hero needs the heroine to help him face his personal demons. In this case, the demons are Harry's psychic ability, his guilt over his parents' murder and his warring families.

Harry, in the meantime, is helping Molly to find the source of some nasty pranks being played on her as well as an attempt on her life. It wasn't difficult to guess "whodunit", but the mystery serves its purpose in bringing these two strong characters together.

Funny in parts and always interesting, Absolutely Positively strengthened my admiration for Krentz's writing.

I absolutely, positively fell in love with Molly and Harry. The story was great! I loved the fact that Krantz included the aspect of psychic premonition. I loved the conflict Harry was having with his logical side and his psychic nature. I loved the chemistry between Molly and Harry. She was able to close the breech not only with Harry's unique family but also with Harry himself. She helped him accept his "gift", on how it's a part of him, makes him who he is. She loves and accepts him for who he is. He loves her for the same reason. This story has humor, danger and excitement. You'll love it. If you're into the pyschic twist, like me, you'll love Krantz's books, under the pen name Castle, Amarylis, Zinnia and Orchid.

Move to Strike is my first introduction to lawyer attorney Nina Fox Reilly in the acclaimed mystery-courtroom Reilly series - and it's wonder that Perri O' Shaughnessy garnered raves for their thrillers. In its more adventurous sixth outing, Nina is engaged by his son Bob to defend his friend sixteen year old Nicole Zack who is suspected of murdering his uncle Bill. The usual suspects come centerstage with Nicole's mother Daria who is conned by Bill to sell him the piece of Nevada land that is worth millions. His plastic surgery career has also earned him enemies where a deranged woman is bent on getting revenge for a nose surgery done to her daughter. What about his wife who still mourns over the loss of their son Chris in air-plane crash? Could the death of the son-and-father be coincidental or foul play altogether?

Detailed with forensic evidence like PCR and DNA, courtoom wits and high tension emotional drama with Nina battling her demons in a past incident that claimed her husband, MOVE TO STRIKE is relentless suspense. There is the romance between Paul, a PI who is struggling with his vigilantism - and all the research on Japanese swords, opals and airplane failures makes this read fuelled with grit and intelligence. The final verdict? It is good enough to rival masters like John Grisham and Michael O' Connelly in its thrills and wits.

In my community, among us avid mystery readers, the release of the the "latest" book in Perri O'Shaughnessy's Nina Reilly series is an eagerly anticipated event. This annual reunion with Nina Reilly, Paul van Wagoner, Sandy Whitefeather, Bob Reilly and Nina's brother, Matt, and sister-in-law, Andrea, is much like spending time with "old friends" and catching up on their latest trials, tribulations and exploits. Even so, this sixth book, MOVE TO STRIKE, is far more than a welcome visit with people we've come to know and love. It's a fast-moving story shot through with action, suspense and psychological turmoil.

Nikki Zack may have murdered her uncle, Bill Sykes; she may have caused a plane crash that killed two people; and she may be mixed up in a mysterious mining claim. But when Nina Reilly's son, Bob, insists his friend, Nikki, is innocent, intrepid defense attorney, Nina, takes on Nikki's problem-ridden defense.

Masterful both at making minor characters memorable and major characters unforgettable, O'Shaughnessy brilliantly draws the reader into Nikki Zack's nightmare by making this stubborn, smart-alecky and rebellious teenager both likable and sympathetic and then spices up an already delicious plot by mixing in Paul van Wagoner's struggle to deal with his prior act of vigilantism. A satisfying "read" that's sure to please both long-time devotees and newcomers alike, MOVE TO STRIKE is yet another tour de force that will undoubtedly insure Perri O'Shaughnessy's preeminence among today's mystery writers.

Lake Tahoe attorney Nina Reilly's latest outing, finds the single mother still grieving over the murder of her husband ("Acts of Malice") and worrying over her son, subject, like herself, to horrifying nightmares of the killer still at large.

When Nicole Zack, 16, a friend of Reilly's 13-year-old son, is accused of murdering her uncle while attempting a burglary, Reilly takes the case, though the troubled girl seems determined to thwart her through lies, stubborn silence, and even defiant courtroom dress.

Reilly calls upon her ex-lover, private investigator Paul Van Wagoner, for help. Van Wagoner, struck by the coincidental death of the victim's son in a plane crash the same night, takes that angle but he's hampered by a terrible secret - unbeknownst to Reilly or anyone else, he killed the man who murdered her husband.

Nicole and her hapless mother are sympathetically drawn and the story is an absorbing one with a surprise ending but the real meat here is the continuing development of Reilly, her pubescent son and Van Wagoner. O'Shaughnessy gets better with every book and this one will have you thinking about the next as you turn the last satisfying page.

With two elderly parents striving to maintain their independence, I find this book an excellent compendium of what works and what doesn't for me, one of the "sandwich generation." Fortunately both of my parents, father 90 and mother 85, are healthy and live in a retirement community which must rank among the best. They are involved in committee work, in travel on the community van to area activities, eat lunch daily in a communal setting, and are mentally alert.

I thank God everyday that we found this facility which provides levels of care. Right now they are in independent living in their own one-story duplex on a lake.

Thank you, Mary Pipher, for writing "Another Country." I see that we are doing some things right, though we need to talk and share our true feelings more. Your ideas are excellent....

Mary Pipher's groundbreaking "Reviving Ophelia" changed how we think about raising our daughters. In "Another Country", she has done it again - this is truly a paradigm shifting work. Ms. Pipher writes with style, grace, and compassion about a topic most of us will have to face - dealing with our aging parents. This is no mere how-to-do-it, self-help tome, though. Mary uses real life examples and situations that we can all relate to. I urge you to buy this book. It will become a classic, and THE book on aging and caring for the elderly in years to come.

...I feel I owe large debtof thanks to Another Country.

It's been years since I've taken a highlighter pen to a book (college!), but this one has already taught me many ways to rethink my relationship with my parents as they age. The case studies and explanations reflect a lot of what I've been feeling. I believe I can refer back to them often for help and guidance. Mary Pipher's done for caregivers what she accomplished for adolescent girls in "Reviving Ophelia," and has my utmost respect as a writer and as a person.

I guess I'm writing this as the voice of at least one more person who is definitely dealing with intergenerational problems. Elder care is as much of a family issue as child care-if not more so, since everyone has parents and not everyone chooses to have children. It's nice to know we're not alone.

Because this book contains many short stories I obviously have mixed feelings about it. The first short story "Strange Highways, which is closer to being a novel, was excellent. It had everything: suspense, action, and twists. I think it is one of Koontz's greatest pieces. The last story "Chase", which was also almost novel length, was excellent as well.

However, most of the stories between these two novels were horrible and downright embarrassing. Many of them where from when Koontz was just starting to write(and it shows). The story "The Black Pumpkin" reminds me of something I wrote in fifth grade for a Halloween project. "Bruno" is Koontz's attempt at writing comedy and it succeeds at being the corniest, most childish, waste of thirty-some pages. Most of the rest of the stories are very one dimensional and uninspired.

I think this book proves that Koontz should stick to writing novels and steer clear of short stories. I do think that Koontz is a wonderful writer and I have read many of his excellent books, but this isn't one of them. I would definetely recommend reading the first and last stories of this book, just nothing in between.

I picked this one up at a yard sale years ago and read it until it was dog-eared. Unfortunately, I've lost my copy. I'm not really a fan of Koontz' novels. I just don't think he's as creative as Stephen King although he is a solid writer. Some of his horror leans towards sci-fi. But in "Strange Highways", Koontz goes all out. 14 haunting, poignant and well written stories that range from sheer horror ("Black Pumpkin") to melodrama ("Twilight of the Dawn") to humor ("Bruno"). The two novellas, "Strange Highways" and "Chase" are very well written indeed. Pick this one up if you can. It'll chill your bones. WooooooOoooooooOOOOOOOOooooh!

This has got to be the best Koontz book that I've read. It is filled with all types of horror, and I love the short stories. My favorites were: Strange Highways, Chase (these are the 2 novel length stories), The Black Pumpkin, and Trapped (for those of you who enjoyed Watchers, this would be a great story for you!) There are 12 stories in all, and they are all EXCELLENT! I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves Koontz and/or short horror stories.

I first heard about Sharyn McCrumb at a Split Rock writers' workshop in Duluth. The first book of hers I read was ZOMBIES OF THE GENE POOL. I'm always looking for a writer who displays some originality and the title seemed appropriate. It wasn't. You see, there are two Sharyn McCrumbs. One writes Elizabeth McPherson goofiness about Star Trek conventioneers, the other Spencer Arroway/Nora Bonesteel Appalachian magic.
THE HANGMAN'S BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTER proved to be one of these. I was hooked. Can't wait for the next one. If you're looking for ambience, you'll find it here. Appalachian history and myth, a bit of mysticism. Nora Boonsteel is an old lady who can see into the future, but she acts as though it's just a genetic trait she's a little ashamed of. She has "the sight"; everybody in the North Carolina hills knows it and they believe it. So will you.
In SONGCATCHER, Sheriff Spencer Arroway takes a back seat to folksinger Lark McCourry who's in search of The Rowan Stave, a folk song that's been handed down in her family for centuries. She knows a little of it: Upon the hill above the kirk at moon rise she did stand, To tend her sheep that Samhain eve, with rowan staff in hand. And where she's been and what she's seen, no living soul may know, and when she's come back home, she will be changed-oh!
We are taken all the way back to 1759 when the first Malcolm MacQuarry comes to America, shanghaied from the Scottish island of Islay. We get a glimpse of the frontier North Carolina, The Civil War, and other historical eras, rather like James Michener. Each generation passes along The Rowan Stave up to Lark's father, a solitary, unfriendly man, with whom Lark has severed relations.
I made it all the way to page 219 before discovering I was missing the last thirty pages or so. Yeah, just like the Shaq commericial where his dog eats the last page of his mystery. So, this one lost some of its vigor, but that's not Sharyn McCrumb's fault. If this is the first one of the Nora Bonesteel novels you've read, you'll love it. If not, it's on the 'B' list.

Sharon McCrumb brings Celtic/Gaelic magic and mysticism to the pages of this book, a story very difficult to explain. Ghosts and genealogy and the mountain folks of the Carolina mountains, merge together in a melodious collage of vignettes, each chapter not flowing into the next, but eventually all merging together for a huge picture. McCrumb knows her craft and executes it beautifully in this Cosmic Possum of a tale, where I am visualizing Emmy Lou Harris melding into Enya, and somehow it just works. An unusually diverse and rather delicious mixture of characters, Nora Bridgewater, Sheriff Arrowood, a boy kidnapped from a Scottish Isle, a Country & Western Singer, a cantankerous old man, a Vietnam vet on a mission, a housekeeper/pseudo-daughter and lots and lots of dead folks. The missing main character/protagonist might right be the music? This is one of those books that should have come with a CD inside the front cover. Historical fiction? A mystery? Highly original, occasionally downright antisocial, still .... is it a ballad or a book? Read it and see.

Sharyn McCrumb's Ballad novels are mysteries only in a limited sense. Their main purpose is to evoke a sense of place. Set in the Appalachian (pronounced "Appal-at-chian," not "Appal-ate-chian") region of the Tennessee/North Carolina border, they are terrific at just that. I was born into that area, and McCrumb highlights all that is good about it, while leaving out most of the bad parts.

In fact, the best thing I can say about them is that they bring out my sense of heritage. Even though I moved away to New England (and feel much more comfortable here), Sharyn McCrumb almost (I said almost) makes me want to go back. Her mention of cities and landmarks that I grew up with makes me hearken back to my time there. If only the South really were exactly as she writes it.

Songcatcher is the most evocative of all the Ballad series. It tells several stories that eventually overlap, but the central tale is that of Malcolm McCourry, Scottish immigrant to the New World. He tells his story of leaving his family, becoming a sailor, and settling in the new state of Tennessee to start a new family. A ballad called "The Rowan Stave" is vital to his tale, as it is to the book and McCrumb takes the time to show how that song is changed by being passed down over generations.

Meanwhile Lark McCourry is searching for that lost song sung by her ancestors while having to deal with a sick father that doesn't appreciate her fame as a folk/country singer. Her search doesn't really begin in full until she is trapped in a wrecked plane.

Ballad regulars Nora Bonesteel and Spencer Arrowood (pronounced "Ar-wood") also appear, but in less of a role. This is really the story of the McCourrys. Malcolm's story is so engrossing (and takes up a good portion of the book) that I would forget that I was reading a "mystery" novel. In Songcatcher, McCrumb has produced literature. And a book that any Southerner can be proud of.

This was my first Valerie Wilson Wesley mystery and I was looking forward to finding a good new series based on the reviews I read. I like her style of writing, I liked her characters--though the mysterious boyfriend was a bit much. I had a big problem with what another reviewer referred to as "her lack of deductive reasoning". Tamara's assignment is to find Gabriella who is most likely holed up with her friend Rook. When Tamara (in a giant coincidence) spots Rook with Gabriella's stepmother she follows him. But rather than grabbing her big chance at tailing Rook back to Gabriella she instead stops to talk to him and, of course, scares him off. Huh? I found myself yelling at the book!

AA Newark PI Tamara Hayle is at it again. This time she's in the glitz, grime and sin of Atlantic City trying to locate the runaway daughter of a wealthy client. And as always Tamara's delicious dark guardian angel Basil Dupre is not far behind, showing up just when Tamara needs him.I think this is the best Tamara Hayle mystery in the series. The Devil Riding finds Tamara on one of her most dangerous assignments. She has to go undercover and mingle with crime bosses, druggies, the late night ladies and all of the underbelly people in Atlantic City. When her car is literally blown to pieces as a warning, she knows that she is in over her head. Yet as frightening as the worse scenario is, it still can't touch the horror she finds in the runaway's own home with her "loving" family.The Devil Riding finally gives us a further peek into Basil's life. This time around although he's here to help Tamara he is also here to find a daughter he never knew he had.This is excellent writing and very good reading.Vannie(~.~)

I loved this book. At first, I thought it was going to be boring, but it ended up being really good. I'm starting to love these Tamara Hayle mysteries and I don't usually like mysteries. The story had a a great plot and memoriable characters.