We all have our San Micheles. They may not be homes, but they are ideals toward which we strive. But for me, it exists only in my mind. Dr. Munthe was in some ways very lucky, yet also cursed, to be able to bring it to life.

The only frustrating aspect of "San Michele" is that it is, as its author notes, a fragment. I am interested to learn more of this fascinating man. Does anyone know if any biographies are in print, or in English? Thank you.

One of my favorite books, I re-read it almost once a year. It is not for everyone, it is for those who love to dream, who can be whisked away to a fantasy world by a skilled storyteller . . . for those who can be enchanted by goblins who give good advice, raven's blood in a child's milk, owls who prevent adultery, and housemaids who resemble vampires. It is for those who love animals and have their doubts about humans.

Munthe apologizes in one of his prefaces for his egotism, and certainly I can see why he would be embarrassed: he has put his dreams into print, and rarely does he himself come off badly. But only a sourpuss would object to his distortions, for his imagination has formed a work of tremendous beauty.

Munthe himself was a fascinating man, youngest doctor in the history of France, society doctor to European royalty, creator of one of the world's most beautiful houses, one of the 5 men who opened King Tut's tomb.

I love his stories about Guy de Maupassant and the opera singer who died for love of him; I love his dogs who can anticipate death; I love his dream of the dispute between the saints over his salvation ("He was a doctor" -- "Heaven is full of his patients, and hell too" -- "He loved children" -- "He loved their mothers too"), and the appearance of St Francis to save him can still make me cry.

But enough! If you will like this book, you should know it by now!

Steve and his archeologist friend have decided to go camping on Azul Island, an island which seems to be nothing but sheer unscalable cliff. Some how they find a way inside to what seems a beautiful paradise where lives the beautiful Stallion named Flame. Steve imediatly falls in love with the horse who leads the herd of wild horses. But when Flame suffers a terrible defeat only Steve has the power to save him. Now Steve must risk everything. He can bring Flame back to New York and ruin the secret of Azul Island and let Flame's beautiful herd of horses die out or leave him and be forever scarred. Now you must read the book to find out what Steve's decision is.

Dan Robb, a version of today's Renaissance Man, crosses the water to teach at Penikese Island School, a community for delinquent boys.

Robb avoids the temptation to offer a romanticized or idealized account of this work. He describes it in excerpts from his journal-passages that include his inner thoughts along with the actual exchanges he has with his students. He does offer his analysis and evaluation of the effort to assist these young outcasts-we learn what the experience has to offer them and view a range of responses from the individuals he encounters at the school.

Robb weaves his own developmental struggles (growing up in a single-parent home) and his academic interests (a writer and student of English Literature) into his work and he shows us how such inward-looking reflection informs him about the destructive impulses which weigh so heavily on the boys at Penikese. He concludes on a strong, positive note.

The book is a job well done, interesting, instructive and thoughtful. Thanks, Mr. Robb, for writing it.

Theresa Maggio not only tells a wonderful story, but she is able to paint the scenes and views she has seen into the readers mind. You can see the colorful boats owned by the fishermen, smell the drying nets as they hang in the damp cannery building, and feel the warm sun as she rides her bike from her tiny room into the piazza to wait for her voyage to the chamber of death out at sea.

I am always looking in the NYT travel section for Miss Maggio's travel stories which have appeared over the years. Her photographs are wonderful and revealing of a time and tempo of the villages she visits and shares with us.

Her book is scientifically accurate, honest and a very lovely read.

The book, "Mattanza," begins with a bang, when Maggio describes the first time she views the trapping and killing of bluefin tuna. As I read her description of the mattanza, I found it awesome, fascinating and sad. I could actually visualize the fishermen and the giant bluefin tuna. I could envision both fishes and men struggling to win their own goal - life. The origins of the mattanza ritual are interesting. Maggio explains it in such a way that keeps you wanting to know more.

I also enjoyed the fact that the book is not only about the mattanza. It is also about Maggio's stay in Favignana -- the people she met, her relationship with them and the fishermen. After reading the book, I felt as if I knew and understood the fishermen who perform the mattanza.

If you're looking for a different book on Italy, a place where classical mythology is said to have occurred, a book filled with interesting natural history facts, culture, and sprinkled with a little romance, "Mattanza" is the book for you!

Maggio's sensuous observations of the island, her candid personal impressions, and her subtle political commentary will make you think -- and sweat.

(This review refers to the earlier edition with the less hyped title.)

FADE TO BLACK is a great mystery that is well written, filled with suspense, wondering, and heart racing excitement that keeps you guessing until the climatic final act. The characters are very thought out and a wee bit strange, except Elizabeth, who I found to be an interesting and sympathetic character whose only desire is to have her life bank and feel safe in it.