1909. Strange suicide plague in Vienna. Why do all these people kill themselves, while they have no reason at all to do so? Wouldn't be something - or somebody - else? Warning to impossible crime fans: one of the so-called "suicides" is a locked room.
While he - remarkably - uses Golden Age school's apparatus, Perutz gives here a book that is wholly sui generis. It could be a mystery. It could be weird. It could be both. Mystery fans will be delighted by intricate plotting, virtuoso use of multiple solutions and a totally unexpected ending. They'll also be delighted, along with others, by magistral recreation of a vanished world, quirky atmosphere and characters, and a reflection on time, art and reality. Yet in the end, the book's real nature remains a mystery. There's only one thing to know: it's a masterpiece.

Leo Perutz is a true master of the German tongue, very powerful and strong. But he is also a great storyteller, something very rare in German literature. All of his novels are highly recommended. It is a shame they're mostly out of print. Read them, and start with this one.

Literature is full of great authors that do not receive the praise they deserve, for all kinds of reasons. Leo Perutz is one of them. I can only urge you to try one of his works once, and "The Master of the Day of Judgment" is a good place to start. Its central idea is shocking and original, the writing is crisp and tantalizing, and the book, while short - certainly compared to today's massive thrillers, is surprisingly "finished". Valid excuse to, for once, shout in a review: READ THIS BOOK!!!

Mackie Shilstone's book,Maximum Energy For Life, saved my life.I was given three years to live due to a potential for heart disease.I followed his guidelines in his book.In six weeks, all my abnormal lab tests,cholesterol,triglycerides,glucose,etc, normalized.I also regained my passion for life.This book will change your life for the positive.Maximum Energy For Life gave me back my life and completely showed me how to take back ownership of my health.I would recommend it as a life saver.No other program compares to it to date.Thank you Mackie Shilstone.You are the world's best performance enhancement expert.

This is a fantastic new fitness book -- it really shows you how to get fit and healthy now. The advice is sound and this book tells you everything you need to know about how to exercise properly to get great results, and the fitness information is combined with lots of healthy eating info and "life" info -- how to reduce stress and live a healthier, fuller life. I'm so happy to have found this book as the holidays and the new year approaches as I've been wanting to (finally) get fit for so long!

In 21 days, this book can help you change your life. I had been feeling depressed by some recent weight gain and Mackie Shilstone's offered the best pick-me-up out there. Incorporating meal plans with exercise tips, this book put me back on the right track. Plus, the book does not stop attaining physical health. It also gives great advice on how to reach an emotionally healthy state. Definintely a great book!

This is the life story of Big Dan Huggins, a hillbilly kid who worked his way up to be a major labor leader. It tells of his dedication to his kid sister beyond the call of what's expected of a big brother until she found Mr. Right, his estrangement from his only son until he died and the younger Huggins gained a new understanding of him. If you think "The Carpetbaggers" and "The Adventurers" was the extent of what Harold Robbins was about as a writer, read this, his "Herman Wouk book".

this book was really exciting and i couldn't put it down. it combines not just one genre but several in its ideas. a literary masterpiece

This is one of Harold Robbins' best and definitely worth reading. It's a delicious novel covering the life of a man from a poor family of farmers, from his teenager years as a coal miner to his death as one of the most powerful union leaders in the USA. The story of this man, Daniel Boone Huggins, is presented as his youngest son goes after his birth land and gets in touch with his father's origins, seeking to understand his father's ways in life. As usual with Robbins' books, real life characters get mixed in the story (Jimmy Hoffa is one of them), helping to improve the interest in the narration. Cutting to the chase: if you loved Mario Puzo's "The Godfather", go for this one.

My mother and her sisters were born in Bronzeville (Chicago, IL) in the early 1920s. My maternal Grandfather came to Chicago (first generation Great Migration) in 1918 from Prentiss, Mississippi and my maternal Grandmother came to Chicago (first generation through Ellis Island) in 1919 from Coleyville, Jamaica. I developed this children's series to reflect my mother's and our family's history, that part of Chicago's
history which has been sparsely documented...and often, misunderstood. As a Biracial child growing up in the 50s and 60s, there were many times I found it difficult to identify with any one group, and more times than not, seemed to blend into them all. Perhaps that is why I decided to bridge this gap of cultural and racial misnomers with books about African-Americans. Through this series, The Adventures of Minnie, I hope everyone will come to relive the magic and frolick with its protagonist, a lively and spirited character who, though she is a rag doll, imbues the essence and charm of "childhood". Surrounded by toys of various forms and personalities---the stories and characters are limitless because we venture into a world that allows us to experience the wonders of our
imagination...and travel to a special place...through the many adventures Minnie finds herself a part of.

Hester Merriweather is delighted when her father returns home from a trip with a surprise gift from her Grandmama. Her exceptional gift is a lovely rag doll that resembles Hester. Learning of the history behind the creation of the doll only heightens the love she feels for her treasured companion. Naming the doll Minnie she is unaware of just how "special" Minnie is, nor what she capable of performing.

When Hester's mother burns her famous butter pound cake it is up to Minnie and Hester's other forgotten toys to save the day. When Hester falls asleep Minnie comes to life and makes the decision to make another duplicate cake to replace the one that was ruined. Imagine Hester's surprise and joy when she awakens to the tantalizing aromas of a fresh butter pound cake.

Children of all ages will be captivated by the magic that radiates from Melodye Benson Rosales's, MINNIE SAVES THE DAY. The beautiful illustrated graphics gives life to the charming cast of descriptive characters. Adults will also benefit by receiving an informative history lesson found in the back of the novel that depicts the hardships people faced during The Great Depression. As an added bonus, owners will receive a delicious butter pound cake recipe that will be cherished and reused for generations to come.

It is Bronzeville, 1933 & Hester's family - her Mama, Willimena Louise & her sister, Anna Julia gather at Chicago's 12th Street Station to welcome Papa home. He works for the Illinois Central Railroad as a Pullman porter & sometimes he is away for days at a time. This time he's coming back with a gift from Grandmama Alfie.

That night when Papa & Mama put the girls to bed, he tells them the stories of the special cloths that went into making Grandmama's little brown rag doll.

Finally the family is asleep & that's when the dolls & toys come alive, as everyone knows! Minnie suddenly hears squabbling voices & finds her own voice.

At the book's end there are Chocolate-Covered Memories: A Snapshot of Chicago's African-American History, complete with handwritten text & sepia-tinted photographs of that era.

Minnie Saves the Day is a fully-imagined, elegantly & eloquently presented treasure to be savored & re-read to each wondering generation.

I am eleven years old, and I love Miss Nelson Has a Field Day because it was funny and interesting. I liked it when Miss Viola Swamp called one boy, "Smarty". It made me laugh!! I think other kids should read this because it is a really good book. I think it is even better than the first two Miss Nelson books. All kids would love this book!!

Miss Swamp reappears at the Horace B. Smedley School

The Horace B. Smedley School's football team is awful-and their big game with their major rival is on tap. Can anything be done to get the guys into shape in time for the game? Miss Nelson has a plan and, out of the blue, Miss Swamp is on the scene. But where is Miss Nelson??????

This is a truly delightful series that the whole family can enjoy. Good stories, great characters and the indomitable Miss Nelson all add up to great fun and great reading for kids.

My daughter loved this book. She was not an avid reader a couple summers ago but this one was a favorite. She likes all the Miss Nelson books but she was able to write a summary on this one and have all the information correct so she was paying attention. If it is on your summer reading list for school, go for it, it's worth it.

This rhyming tale of a mishcievous little monkey on the loose from an urban zoo depicts the adventure and fun all children live for. Because of the simple plot, the story is captivating, fun and amusing. The illustrations make for a colorful bonus to accent the story. Though the story is short and simple, every read promises to be entertaining!
Allan Ahlberg really did a great job writing this one. He anchored his story around the phrase Monkey See, Monkey Do. The mischief this monkey gets in is hilarious. Though one reviewer claims this monkey doesn't come close to comparing with Curious George, it is the loveable monkey's character and playfulness that makes this story really rock. Monkeys are fun characters in children's books and this one is no different. Ahlberg even plays with the rhyme to pen a few new catchy phrases for the monkey's antics. Keeping the wording simple captivates readers and makes this an excellent selection for group sharing.
Andre Amstutz also contributes brilliantly to this treasure. His ink and watercolor illustrations are bold and exciting. Every page is busy with vibrant color and exciting action, befitting the characteristic of the monkey. With every turn comes a bundles of sights for children to see. The sights in this book encourage children to talk, identify, and engage in a lively and fun story.
I have not yet read this story to children at storytime, but plan to do so next week. I'm confident they will love it. I also look forward to purchasing two copies myself. One will go into my own children's book collection because it is an excellent work. The other is a gift for my nieces. Their love for fun and animals will be inspired by the adorable antics of another loveable monkey.

A smart little monkey finds keys to the cage and, once he frees himself, embarks on a rhyming adventure, eating Baby's banana, saving a stranded kitty, romping all over town, only to find himself back in the arms of his monkey mom. Reminds me of "Goodnight, Gorilla", plot-wise, but has an original tone. I love it!

Monkey Do! is a fantastic childrens book. I have bought this for all my grandchildren. They are ages 5,4 and 6 months. It is entertaining and easy for them to read with me. The illustrations and the large type make it move fast and the children do not get bored. They story keeps you wondering what is going to happen next. We also look at the illustrations and talk about what is going on. Monkey Do!is more than a story it is an interactive book that looks at a normal family's life in one day when a monkey gets involved.

As a former marine science teacher, I read this book to every class of Kindergartners I ever had. The kids loved it! It remains one of my all-time favorites for children just learning to read.

This is a great book for a primary grade teacher to include in a theme about hermit crabs or sea animals. Other books that are particuarly good are Eric Carle's A House for Hermit Crab and Megan McDonald's Is This a House for Hermit Crab? Moving Day features many opposites with descriptive words that would be great in both language arts and science/math lessons. On several pages, the illustrations in Moving Day have tiny, humorous details that the kids will enjoy discovering. Moreover, the very large print lends itself well to shared reading (reading in which the teacher points to each word as it is being read aloud). A great book for a teacher's Ocean-theme collection!

We got this book from the library, and I'm buying our own copy. My two year old loves this book, and just about knows it by heart. Of the hundred or so books he can choose from to be read each night, he has consistently chosen this one for two weeks. In two year old terms, that's forever!

I bought this for myself and my 88 year old mother! This perceptive account of an educated woman's intention to age with independence and dignity are provokingly expressed through her letters. The art of letter writing, once so prominent in our history, rises again in this age of the email and internet. Mrs.(Taylor)Greer has expressed how intimate yet universal lifes' passages are and how important it is that we communicate our feelings. Sharing the trials, traumas and daily challenges of the aging process provides healing for us all.

I was truly unable to put 'Moving Day' down until I finished reading it. Fortunately, it was a gray, rainy day, so I could snuggle down & enjoy every word. Inspirational certainly fits ... anyone facing the uncertainty of advancing age and the possibility of spending those years alone will delight in Greer's account of Ann Cunningham Bow's joy and enthusiasm as she fashions a life full of music and candles, good food, friends and family, and faith. I have already sent notes to friends recommending they read this book!

My husband and I both thoroughly enjoyed this book! Not only was it entertaining, it was inpiring as well. Although I have always been afraid of growing old, this book gave me the courage to face my fears. It was a thoroughly enjoyable book and I would highly recommend it to anyone, regardless of age.

All Schorb knew was that the poem was going to be about Houdini. He'd been watching a TV program about the magician and about how Houdini was going to try to come back each year on the anniversary of his death. Schorb wondered: So where was Houdini when he wasn't around. The poem, "Houdini and the Dying Swan," appeared first in the Sewanee Review and is included in this collection. To think about Houdini surviving death is, in essence, to consider one's own mortality. For, as Schorb says, if anybody could come back, if anybody could do it, it would be the great magician. So the fact that Houdini hasn't come back must mean he's been distracted by something en route. What could that be? Enter into Schorb's imagination the image of a woman in a tub contemplating suicide. "Naked, she lay back in the tub, / white as a white swan, long-necked / as a swan, thin as a silken thread, / her gloriously thick dark hair/ piled loosely up, collapsing / onto her wide, sloping shoulders, / dark, water-dipped ringlets forming, / her swan's-down skin pinking, / steam misting her swan song, / her suicide with water and razor." Part II of the poem depicts the "glittering company" awaiting Houdini's return. Houdini hears them say, "Houdini, do not disappoint us, / for we must believe that Death / cannot take us, utterly." And there is the heartbeat of the poem, the universal question: Does death take us utterly? Part III returns to the woman in the marble tub. She is dying, the water streaked now "in ribbons of red." But a noise jolts her, a noise "like / breaking plaster, like tumbling bricks, / like an earthquake." It is, of course, Houdini, breaking through to her through the tunnel, and he "lifted her from / the marble tub and taped her wrists. He put her in her bed and tugged / the bell pull. She was too beautiful to die. / a great grandfather clock obliterated / the last of midnight. A doorknob turned, / and he went back the way that he had come. / Houdini darkened into death." At last, Schorb had answered his own question. Indeed death does not take us utterly. I choose this poem out of a collection full of excellent poems . . . because it helps to illustrate the elusive process of making poetry, how meaning can quicken from the stray and specific to the deep and universal. Schorb has finessed his own way into the deep, and the poems in MURDERER'S DAY will challenge both your mind and your soul. They will also make you laugh with joy at the mind's swift and graceful flight into wit and fancy. -- Dannye Romine Powell, "The Charlotte Observer," July 5, 1998

E.M. Schorb's Murderer's Day is an intelligent and subtly passionate work which combines age-won wisdom with a craftsman's thorough eye. Schorb is often playful, trying out a boasting verse in "A Tumble for Skelton," or, as in his "No": The world says No. It has a genius for No. Everything is No. In the beginning was Yes But the world says No. . . No is the genius of the world. Still, even with playfulness in mind, Schorb is always confident and in control of his prime concern: craft. His title piece, "Murderer's Day," exemplifies Schorb's aesthetic. * * * An Angry Young Man didn't write these lines; but even so, any young man might profit from the study of Schorb's even temper presented in the craftwork of one of his well-wrought formal pieces. When Schorb becomes closely personal--yes, my bias perhaps--the work intensifies and shines. In "Kid Danger" the poet recalls drawing and writing a comic strip as a kind of childhood coping strategy. Schorb's restraint is evident when mentioning serious issues ("Being an only child and being poor with parents who are drunk a lot. . ."), but this self control surpasses what could have been over-anguished by a less mature poet. Schorb's thoughtful approach allows the wildness of childhood creativity and imagination to be captured and exalted in the poem, especially in the clarity of details about the hero: "a motorcycle cowboy who was always out to lasso a gangster/and who had a magical friend who I believed was a Hottentot. . ." Nostalgia for the comic strip is framed by an overriding nostalgia for the parents: But just recently I remembered them all again. . . and how I could never show them how finally to catch that gangster, and I sat on linoleum roses again and cried, seeing my poor father And mother. Moreover, Schorb is a poet of far-ranging knowledge and experience. He has regard for people, for their celebrations and agonies; he has the philosopher's eye and the poet's loupe. --Frank Van Zant

From its opening lines--"It was disheartening when physics told us/the universe was alien, indifferent"--many of the poems in Schorb's Murderer's Day argue against the dominance of the sciences (physics, biology, psychology, history) as the measuring stick for reality. As if offering a protective dimming of the senses, flattening the globe while proving its roundness, the sciences are a satisfying counterpoise to the inherently non-linear poetic vision contained in Murderer's Day. " I'd have thought that I'd gone mad before,/ but no more since the famous physicist has said,/ upon accepting his Nobel, 'It's poetry,/ out there, and deep in here,' pointing at his head./ 'The microscope and telescope look in and out/ but not across the warp and woof of time.'" His poetry is rich with humor and an almost gestaltic sense of clarity; this unique voice allows him to maintain a tonal unity while moving through a variety of forms, including villanelles, a sestina, from tight, chiseled stanzas to long, yawping, Whitmanesque lines. His penchant for outlandish first lines rivals that of Stevens: "Atomic transmigration was beyond Rodin," or "Why is it always Murderer's Day?" This book's tone is that of a Columbia University professor holding forth at a marguarita happy hour--it has just the right mix of sweet, salt and bite. Raymond Thibodeaux New Delta Review Fall/Winter 1998

God put animals on this earth for us to love, cherish, and to keep safe. What a wonderful collection of stories!!! You'll laugh over one story, then cry over the next!!! I'm not a cat-lover; but this book makes me want to learn more about this creature!!!! Devon writes about her "angels"; but, it seems to me Devon herself is an angel who has shared her heart as well as her stories. I only hope more stories will follow!!!
Way to go, Devon!!!!!

This book is a superlative collection of stories involving a variety of animals, narrated in extraodinary dialogue of humor, insight and sometimes nostalgia! If you like pets, this book is a must! If you enjoy quality writing and pleasurable reading, this book is imperative! Attractive photos enhance this wonderful volume of fascinating, awesome chapters in the lives of a myriad of species!

I received this book for my 40th birthday. Like Devon, I am a dog lover. The stories she tells are of an animal-lover par excellence! I started reading the stories, with one of my three dogs in my lap, and begin sniffling, then sobbing. I wanted to go out and save every anmial! The spiritual ties are real; I, too, have experienced God's unconditional love from my furry angels. Thank you, Devon! I look forward to volume 2.