Product Description
An anthology of spooky stories with just enough spookiness to be pleasantly thrilling, but not so scary that children will jump out of their skins and have sleepless nights. The cassette features three stories on each side. ... Read more

Product Description
A pack of two audio-cassettes - "Animal stories" and "Farmyard Stories" read by Andrew Sachs and Sian Phillips. ... Read more

Product Description
When Louise returns to the house where she was brought up, old violence stirs beneath the calm surface. What, for instance, is the significance of the rare Chinese lily carefully raised by her grandmother in the odd greenhouse, perched high up on the side of the garden? Why is the gate at the bottom of the garden kept barred and locked against the common lapping up against its walls? Only by unravelling these secrets which the Braithwaites, in their fierce family pride, have deliberately hidden, or deliberately forgotten, can she arrive at the truth about them and about herself. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

The Doompell trilogy
The Doompell trilogy is full of the magic that Cliff McNish writes into his books, they are full of mystery and excitment from the first page. As the first book starts Rachel and Eric are normal children but as soon as they are pulled through the door of Ithrea by the witch they start to discover their inner magic. Rachel discovers her magic first, discovering her great abilty of unusual shifting and shape-changing. Eric takes longer to find out his macical power which is called the fatal gift...

'The doomspell trilogy'
The doompell trilogy is exciting, magical and full of brilliantaction!
Rachel and Eric are ripped away through their celler wall and into another world. The Witch, Dragwena has taken them away, like many other children.
The Witch tests Rachel and Eric and soon finds out that Rachel is extroardinarilly gifted. Rachel can transform herself into a anything an animal a feather anything. she can fly on an owl, fly and shift.
Eric is also gifted, he cannot do the things Rachel can but he can 'delete' spells a gift no other children can do.
The Witch is planning to use these new chidren for her own dreadful purposes. But the Witches plans may not suceed.
And for the Witches slaves, Rachel is the one that can help.
This is my Second most favourite book.
I like this book because it makes you wont to keep reading it on and on, you dont wont to stop. It is full of action and it is very imaginative.It is magical and anything can happen. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

the doomspell
"There are spells even more powerful than those: Doom spells. You have no defense against them, child. Doesn't that make you afraid?" The Doomspell, written by Clff McNish is the book I have chosen to review to you.

Let me begin by sharing with you that this book was very hard to put down because the author leaves a cliffhanger at the end of each chapter. For example, "And then Rachel heard someone laugh. The voice was not human. Rachel recognized it instantly: Dragwena (the evil witch)". The doom spell also uses descriptive and gripping language which adds to the suspense. For example, "The Witch reverted to her normal appearance: blood-red skin, tattooed eyes, the four sets of teeth, two inside and two outside the writhing snake-mouth. Morpeth watched as the rows of teeth snapped at each other, fighting for the best eating position. A few purple-eyed, armored spiders swarmed between the jaws, cleaning the remains of her last meal".

The Doomspell is about Rachel and her brother Eric who on a typical Saturday morning are ripped through the wall by a witch called Dragwena to the magical world of Ithrea where Rachel has to decide between being evil Dragwena's partner or the child-hope Dragwena's slaves have been waiting for to free them.

The three most important elements of the plot are, first, when Morpeth, the witches servant, teaches Racheal how to use her magic. This is important because it develops Racheal's ability to destroy the evil witch. The second important element is when the Sarren, the undercover rebellious slave group who are harbouring Racheal are found by Dragwena. The third important element is when Racheal temporarily escapes from the clutches of the evil witch.

Children who enjoy fantasy and adventure books such as Harry Potter and the Narnia books will love this book because the story is constantly moving and has a lot of suspense. Cliff Mcnish has also written The Scent of Magic and The Wizard's Promise which are both part of the Doom spell series.

Let me end by strongly recommending that you take the time to read this book, trust me,you won't regret it.

By: Hafiz Dhanani

Promising writer, interesting book
The young girl Rachel and her brother Eric are taken from our world, by the evil witch Dragwena, to the cold world of Ithrea.

Dragwena, the ruler of Ithrea, wants to prey upon the childrens magic abilities - abilites that all Earths' children have, although they are dormant.
But Rachel and Eric are not quite like other children, and soon whispers spread on Ithrea, about the child hope.
But will Dragwena suceed in turning Rachel into a witch? Or will Rachel and Eric be able to find allies on Ithrea and defeat the witch? And how can they return to Earth?

It is true that you notice some inspiration from the Narnia books (though without all the christian symbolism), but I find that McNish uses it in his own context, and I find many of his characters - like Morpeth and the prapsies - both interesting and original.
There are cliches as well, but all in all it's an energetic tale, with some original elements, and a good pace. The descriptions of the main character Rachel, her development and her friendship with Morpeth are good, and there are surprises here and there even for fantasy fans.
So as long as you don't expect and oríginal masterpeice, this book is worth reading!

Sounds familiar...
Two siblings are taken to a magical land where they find that they are perhaps destined to overthrow the evil witch and rescue the talking animals from the eternal winter that the witch has imposed on them.

Thus is the plot of this book, set in the land of Narnia--oops, I mean Ithrea. If you've read The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis, you undoubtedly recognize the story. The main problem with The Doomspell is that it fails to become anything more than a meager copy of The Chronicles of Narnia geared for somewhat older readers.

The Doomspell
This book was one of the best books I have ever read.It all starts when they are taken into the land of Ithrea, which the witch Dragwena rules.Rachel discovers she can fly and change into any shape, which only the witch can do.The witch tries to turn Rachel into a witch to help her defeat the wizards that banished her to Ithrea.This was a very exciting book.

Doomspell Spells Enjoyment!
I read Doomspell last year and now I must brace myself to remember all that happened in Doomspell.If it was possible I'd give this book 90% but unfortunately Amazon does not give those ratings.
Two children get pulled from their world to become property of an evil witch, like many children before them. But unlike those children, these ones have special powers which they use to free themselves and others from the grip of this witch.
This books scores A+ in captivating writing. However, the 10% I take off it is mainly for cliches and not much creativity. With luck, Cliff Mcnish's other novels will have a bit more imagination, but other from that, keep it up! ... Read more

Product Description
Gioga is a gift from the sea to the childless Jannet and Munroe--but only a temporary one. The couple treat Gioga as if she were of their own flesh and blood, not understanding that they would need to let her go before long. When it comes time to return their daughter to her rightful home, desperation sets in. No amount of toil and bloodshed, however, will distract Gioga from the longing she feels to return. . . . ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

On the bottom of the beautiful briny sea
The origin of the legend of the selkie is an oddity to me.What was it about the seals of the British Isles that struck islanders as mysterious and mildly frightening?I can understand why they were sometimes mistaken for humans and mermaids.In the water a seal is as lithe and graceful as it is bulky and sluggish on land.Still, there have been a fair amount of selkie tales that place the mysterious creatures firmly into the realm of the creepy.From Mollie Hunter's dark, "A Stranger Came Ashore" to Eve Ibbotson's light-hearted but sometimes dour, "Island of the Aunts", these wondrous creatures have inspired a great number of children's authors to weave together tales of the selkies of the deep.With "Daughter of the Sea", author Berlie Doherty strives to do the same.

Jannet and Munroe were not meant to find the sleeping babe floating between the rocks of the skerries.But find the child they did, and in theirchildless state the dearest wish of their hearts has come true.They've been given a daughter of their own to raise and love.Watching enviously from her beachside home, indigent Eilean o da Freya watches the gift that should have been hers as the child grows and learns.Eilean understands exactly what little Gioga (as her parents have named her) is and she will use this knowledge carefully in the future.Meanwhile, mysterious creatures from the deep are preparing to take the girl back with them.If Jannet and Munroe resist, they may find themselves in a deeper muddle than they ever could have imagined.

Doherty has penned a rather classic tale."Daughter of the Sea" follows in the tradition of all those classic fairy tales about children that don't quite belong.The old standby of the barren couple who want to raise a kid of their own is in everything from ancient Norse myths to classic Brothers Grimm tales.In this particular case, "Daughter of the Sea" is mightily similar to Eloise McGraw's, "The Moorchild".In both books you have young daughters that are a little different from everyone else and feel drawn to mysterious beings they want to understand.In the case of this book, Gioga is a little different from your average heroine.She's so drawn to the sea that she can barely pay attention to the people who love her.You're not certain how or who to root for in this tale, but it's fairly clear that the moral of the story is that you shouldn't prevent your children from being who they are rather than who you want them to be.

Unfortunately, "Daughter of the Sea" isn't particularly original.It's definitely written well enough, don't get me wrong.And it also makes for a relatively quick read for kids.But the story doesn't break any new ground.The magic found here could just as easily be found in any classic selkie folktale.Even the conclusion is matter-of-fact and predictable."Daughter of the Sea" is a nice kind of Intro-to-adapted-folktales.Yet if you're looking for something gripping, original, and a lot of fun then this would not be my first recommendation.Select any of the other books I've mentioned if you like.Read "Daughter of the Sea" only if you're interested in the cannon of complete selkie children's fiction.

Not great, but good enough...
This book is abit wierd, and confusing to me. It's definitly not the best book you would want to pick for Lit Circles (people in elementary school knows what it is, *it's like a project*) This is how the story goes: It all started when there was this terrible storm hitting Hamna Voe, the island where it took place, Munroe Jaffery is still out in the sea trying to fish. He notices that the storm was coming and try to get back to the land, but when he finds out he couldn't, he got drifted into the selkie rocks. There he found a baby, just right under the water, he brought it home to his worried wife, Jannet, and made it their own baby and saying it to everyone that she's their's. They named her Gioga, that was the present name of the Sea Princess who saved a man's life. Eilean a.k.a the crab woman, knew that the baby wasn't theirs and told them that "they'll" come back for her. Jannet didn't believe her at first but she got creeped out by it. Years later, a man called Hill Marliner came and said that he was there to collect his child back, Jannet refused, Hill Marliner gave a month's supply of fish to Munroe (as Hill is the lord of the sea, he controls everything in there) who didn't know it was a reward. Jannet didn't give the baby to the strange man, so he left and came back years later. Jannet didn't tell Munroe about this. Hill Marliner cam back, this time he gave them a purse full of gold coins, Jannet still refused. But during these moments, Gioga became close to Eilean who told her tales of the sea. Jannet got worried, so she sent Gioga away to her cousin's house, which was in a valley where you can't hear or even see the sea. And everyday Gioga became to want the sea more and more. Later on the island, Hill Marliner came back again for the third and final time, this time he got shot and killed by Jannet, who was blinded by her love for the child that she became confused and killed a man. The seals wanted revenge, so they destroyed everything on the beach that the men owned and went away. The sea became rough, but they all knew the only way to get it to calm and get their main source of food back was to get Gioga here on the island again. So a boat with Munroe and Harris(Gioga's friend), led by Eilean to get Gioga back, than the three waves came: Wave of tears, Wave of milk and Wave of Blood, and Harris did what he was told, to his the Wave of blood with the harpoon straight in the heart of the wave. With that done, it was a sacrifice, Eilean was gone... dead... They rescued Gioga and went back to the island, there, Harris did what Eilean told him to do and showed Gioga her seal skin. Later, Gioga cried 7 tears into the sea for all the 7 horrible things that had been done. In the end, she slipped into her seal skin and went into the sea.

A great Selkie tale
A great fable based upon many of the Selkie legends from different lands. A childless couple raise as their own a baby girl the husband found one night floating in the sea during a storm. Munroe suspects right away that this child is one of the Selkies (seal-people) but keeps the secret from his wife Jannet. But when a mysterious stranger returnsyears later askingfor the return of his child, the desperate woman tries to hide the child - and brings upon her village the anger of the sea and the seal people. Finally their daughter must chose for herself whether to return to the sea, or stay with the people she has grown to love as her parents. A great addition to lovers of tales of the Selkie.

Don't Read this Book!
In this book, Daughter of the Sea, a woman by the name of Janice. She has a husband named Munroe and a kid (baby) they found and took for thier own. They have thier own fishing boat which they make a living off of. The plot of the story is they find this baby, but it's not thiers and they knowsomeone will find out and take her away from them, such as thier realparents. My opinion about this book is I didn't really like it sinceit was not action - filled to keep me reading the book. The rating, I wouldgive it is the lowest rating I could. I didn't really understand the book.The content of the book is very fictional, since it is about how they finda baby, still alive, live on a boat, and selling fish. I don't like booksanyway, and this was not my favorite. I don't really like subjects aboutpeople trying to hide babies and living on a boat and selling fish as aliving. In conclusion, the book was no good, and I would give it a no star.

Don't Read this Book!
In this book, Daughter of the Sea, the book was not interesting at all, and I would give it no stars if the computer would have went that low. It's pretty much about a woman named Janice, and her husband, Munroe, that finda baby and keep it as thier own and hope that no one finds out aboutit.They live on a ship that they also make thier living off of fishing andselling the fish they catch. This book is very fictional, since there is noway you could find a living baby on the shore, and expect to keep it. Andthere is no way to make a good living selling fish. This book was not oneof my favorites. Taking into consideration I don't have any favorites, andI don't care for a subject about people living on a ship and keeping ababy. There is no way this book should have gotton a overall rating of fourstars, but the no stars has my vote. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (3)

Married or Single? Which is best?
Among the many delightful books by "Miss Read", FARTHER AFIELD afield is unique in that part of the action takes place on the island of Crete, far outside the cozy circle of English villages that the dedicated follower of this series has come to know and love.

The book opens just as the school term is ending. Our schoolteacher heroine (also the first person narrator) is looking forward to the summer and has many projects planned for her leisure time. Disaster strikes on the first day! She suffers a accident injuring both an arm and a leg. In one fell stroke, all the simple tasks of everyday living become unbearably difficult if not impossible.Although she has always enjoyed her single status, she wonders glumly if she should have married in order to have someone to help her in this extremity.

Rescue comes from her longtime friend Amy. Amy takes in her old chum as a house guest. But Miss Read realizes that her friend is unhappy and the cause is not hard to determine.Amy's husband is having an affair with a younger woman and Amy is facing the possible end of her marriage.

The two old friends silently support one another in their misfortunes.When Amy's husband refuses to take a long-planned vacation to Crete with his wife, Miss Read is invited along as Amy's companion. "Miss Read" has always delighted her followers with her acute observations; now she takes these "farther afield" and the result is like a delightful holiday.

Everyone they meet has causes for unhappiness. The debate of whether it is better to be single or married is never settled but rest assured that our intrepid friends will find that time heals most wounds.

One note: this page claims that this is the 11th in the Fairacre Series.My edition is identical in text but the cover claims it as "the 14th in the Series". I think it must depend on how they are counting.

I love this author all of her characters come to life.
This was just another great story telling by this author. She makes you feel that the people are alive.

A Bit Different
This book mostly takes place outside of Fairacre -- and is a revealing insight into the characters of Miss Read and her best friend Amy.It also gives insight into the relationship of women and their husbands in the 1960's. ... Read more

Product Description

Product Description
Now retired, Miss Read is looking ahead joyfully to an easier way of life, but right from the start she receives too much advice. Add to that a trip to Florence and offers of marriage and it seems a far from peaceful retirement! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Great Stuff!
I absolutely love this book and audiobook!

It's like going on a wonderful vacation - but you don't have to rush around trying to take in all the sites and then come back home tired. This 'vacation' is for the mind and soul. It is simply heaven!

All Was Peaceful
I love "Miss Read" and all her tiny yet very enjoyable adventures. Not for everyone- but if you enjoy Ye Old England, village style, then this little book-and others like it, same author- will take you to a serene, sweet place that can bring today's hustle and bustle into perspective. You might even enjoy the flowers... or perhaps Old Ma Pringle... will give you a lift.

Much-loved series reaches finale
Miss Read has written over 40 titles, with this final tome describing how her headmistress heroine copes with her new-found life of leisure.

In an afterword, the author says she is laying down her pen "with a thankful heart". It is all the more surprising therefore that these final tales show no sign of staleness. In fact, "A Peaceful Retirement" is quite playful in tone as Miss Read copes valiantly with a series of unlooked-for marriage proposals.

Given that the school year is so regular the author manages to describe events such as Christmas celebrations and harvest festivals with no sense of repetition, and as ever captures the tensions between town and country living, children's and adult worlds and men and women beautifully.

With this book Dora Saint, the real-life Miss Read, can take her own retirement from authorship knowing that she has served her readers well.

miss read's #1 fan!!!
I just finished reading "A Peaceful Retirement".Just like her other books, it was excellent reading.I was sorry when the book ended because I wanted to read more.Few years ago I wrote Miss Read a letter stating I loved all her books. She was kind enough to write me a handwritten letter in reply.After a hetic day, I look forward to reading her books and revisit the loveable characters in the quiet town.

miss read's #1 fan!!!
I just finished reading "A Peaceful Retirement".Just like her other books, it was excellent reading.I was sorry when the book ended because I wanted to read more.Few years ago I wrote Miss Read a letter stating I loved all her books. She was kind enough to write me a handwritten letter in reply.After a hetic day, I look forward to reading her books and revisit the loveable characters in the quiet town. ... Read more

Product Description
This story is written in twelve chapters, one for each month, echoing the author's first book "Village Diary". An adandoned dog is found in the church porch and passed on to dotty farmer. A tall, blonde American is noticed wandering round the village - who is it? ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Favorite bedtime reading
Truly there is no one quite like Miss Read.Many years ago our town librarian introduced me to her books.I have been an enchanted reader every since.Of all the authors one chooses to re-visit on a regular basis, Miss Read is at the top of the list.Her characters become friends and her gentle stories always delight.If you haven't yet met the people of Fairacre and Thrush Green, you have a treat in store for you. ... Read more

Product Description
When village schoolmistress Mis Read is suddenly taken ill, she wonders if it is time to say farewell to Fairacre. ... Read more

Product Description
10 audiocassettes in a vinyl clamshell case. Playing time 12 hours. Lady Minerva Broome invites her penniless orphaned niece Kate to her secluded estate and begs her to feel at home. She treats her like an heiress and showers her with gifts and lovely clothes. Before long though, Kate discovers that everyone at Staplewood is under virtual house arrest, and sees her own last tie with the world outside gently severed. Only then does she learn of Aunt Minerva's appalling plans for her -- plans that involve a wild-eyed boy with an angel's face and a magnetic young man who seems her only hope of rescue. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Another lovely Vintage Children's book, bring it back in print!
I stumbled across a copy of GREEN SMOKE at the used book store, and grabbed it as it had that great vintage story "look" to it.I was right.I just finished reading it aloud to my two eight year olds and my ten year old.Boy and girl alike, they loved it and were sad to see it end.They laughed outloud at much of the dragon's dialogue, and my oldest is asking when she will learn more about King Arthur.Now I see that another reviewer mentioned sequels...publishers, bring these gems back!

Wonderful stories, imaginatively told
An eight year old girl meets a friendly dragon while on a beach vacation in England, and he tells her stories about his past as one of the companions of King Arthur.

I first read this book and its sequels, The Dragon's Quest and Dragon in Danger, as a child and am now passing them on to my own children. I can't believe they are out of print - any publishers out there?!

magical tale
Wonderful,lyrical story spurs the imagination and creates vivid visual images.We read it aloud as a family over a holiday weekend, to the delight of one and all!We loved the dragon's variable personality as well as the fantastic tales and adventures he shares with 8 year old Sue. ... Read more

Product Description
Kate Malvern, rescued from penury by her aunt Minerva, finds the grand household at Staplewood very unhomelike — even family dinners are formal. When she begins to suspect the shocking reason for Minerva’s generosity, there is no one to confide in. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (24)

ok
Mostly wanted to just leave a rating rather than a review.

I have read many GH books and, for me, this one was ok but not one of her better stories.

A fantasticly spooky gothic novel!
Kate Malvern is in desperate straights. She has no family left in the world to take her in, she believes, and so stays with her old nursery maid while considering a job in the working class as a governess, companion or abigail. At her old nurse's urging a letter is sent to some distant relations in the neighborhood, to everyone's surprise the relations respond and soon Cousin Kate finds herself settling in at a place called Staplewood with her aunt and uncle and cousin Torquil. The family is strange though, her cousin lives off in one wing, while her uncle lives in another. No one is responding to the letters she sends, and bizarre events begin to unfold. Her aunt's unexpected generosity may have come at a steep price.

This novel is quite different from a lot of Georgette Heyer's other pieces. It's very dark first off, more of a gothic novel than any thing else with many spooky events and unsettling discoveries not to mention the impending sense of doom.

One of the things I like so much about Heyer's novels is her deep character studies and Cousin Kate is no different. In fact in this novel she takes it a step further and addresses the very real concerns about how mental illness was treated and the attitude towards it during the regency. Very spooky, no wonder the gothic genre even arose in the first place. No doubt it was from households like these.

Of course, you can't have a Georgette Heyer without the romance. Cousin Phillip is yet another cousin of the establishment that comes to visit at this awkward time and good thing too! He at first believes her to be after the family money but soon realizes something far more sinister is afoot, and Kate is the target of it. Really, I found the misunderstandings these two continually went through to be surprisingly endearing. Normally I can't stand for characters to make a muddle of things. But, with everything else going on around them I could hardly blame them.

Gothic, and I love it.
Some people don't seem to have liked the gothic turn of this book, but I did. I'm not HAPPY for the misfortune of some of the main characters, but it did add some complexity to the novel. This is not simply a Regency romance. It is a dark story too.

A Good book....but
Three and half stars is what I would give this (if that were possible).It was a good, fast, enjoyable read along the lines of a Victoria Holt-type story.It would have earned four stars from me if it weren't for the excessive use of the "slang of the time" language, which I found distracting and confusing.Some of it had very obvious translations, but most of it...to me anyway...was ridiculous and incomprehensible.
i.e.:"Believe me,I shant play the wag!"She laughed at this.
"Does that mean that you won't fight shy?"From what I have seen
of you sir, I am fully persueded that you wouldn't!You would come
bang up to the mark, is that right?And positively enjoy sporting
your canvas!"
And this is one continuous paragraph,not cut and pasted segments!!In any event, if you understand this and/or can get past it - the book was an enjoyable gothic type romance. The ending could have been a little more creative in my opinion but still,a worthwhile read, especially if you are a fan of the oldies but goodies from Victoria Holt, Phillippa Carr and such (gothic-romantic-suspense). This was actually my first Heyer.A couple other reviews mention that Heyer wrote two gothic romances and I would love to know what the other one is if anyone cares to post a comment here and let me know!

Good - but with reservations
I've only read 3 other Heyer books, so I can't speak with any authority on how different this offering is compared to her numerous other books, but I will note that I heard about Cousin Kate because it stirs up alot of mixed feelings (and ratings) with Heyer fans.


So of course I had to read it...


Cousin Kate starts off lighthearted, but but within 50 pages the plot takes on a darker, more gothic feel. There is a romance involved, but it's actually not the central theme of the book - mental illness is.

I can see where many readers might have issues with Cousin Kate. It's certainly not a fluffy and sparkling romantic comedy. It's also not full-on gothic horror. It's a sad book in many respects, as it deals with mental illness as well as how some of the characters deal with that mental illness.

In the end, I liked it. Didn't love it - didn't detest it. I'm certainly glad I read it, but wouldn't recommend it for a first time Heyer reader, as it doesn't really seem to fit her standard plotline formula.
... Read more

Product Description
Featuring David Sedaris's unique blend of hilarity and heart, this new collection of keen-eyed animal-themed tales is an utter delight. Though the characters may not be human, the situations in these stories bear an uncanny resemblance to the insanity of everyday life.

In "The Toad, the Turtle, and the Duck," three strangers commiserate about animal bureaucracy while waiting in a complaint line. In "Hello Kitty," a cynical feline struggles to sit through his prison-mandated AA meetings. In "The Squirrel and the Chipmunk," a pair of star-crossed lovers is separated by prejudiced family members.

With original illustrations by Ian Falconer, author of the bestselling Olivia series of children's books, these stories are David Sedaris at his most observant, poignant, and surprising. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (85)

Like David Sedaris, only artier
Amusing but also creepy, Sedaris' creatures enact human situations, some of which are gut-wrenching. However, it also has Sedaris' dark humor. Not exactly a barrel of laughs but worth a read.

crude
the concept is great but i found the language and portrayal of things very crude; after a few chapters, i was tired of what i perceived as the author's own expression of anger toward all kinds of things and written, as I said, in such crude language, etc. Not for me, although lots of others liked it, since I bought it based on others' recommendation. So I put the book right in the trash bin in new, pristine condition, since I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.

A Beastly Book
Misanthropic seems like a strange word to describe a book in which nearly all the characters are animals, but that's what this book is. Almost entirely missing is the tenderness, the hopefulness about the possibility of meaningful relationships that characterizes the rest of David Sedaris' work. The one or two stories -- "Hello Kitty" may really be the only one -- that offer something in this vein aren't enough to redeem the book.

Like so many other negative reviewers, I'm a long-time fan of Sedaris, from his very first appearances on This American Life through all of his published works. I've been to readings and have signed copies of "Barrel Fever" and "Naked".

What's more, I was really looking forward to THIS book. I'd heard one or two of these "fables" on This American Life and hoped Sedaris would put out a volume of them. In fact, I was disappointed that his last book, "When You Are Engulfed in Flames", was not that. (Frankly, I thought "Engulfed" was weak in comparison to his previous three books.)

These stories are brutal, vulgar, even hateful. What's most disappointing is that there is nothing really being said about the hypocrisy, self-centeredness, arrogance, woundedness, ignorance and other negative human traits being lived out by the hapless animals in these tales. The only commentary seems to be that people are awful, and life is misery.

This is so different from Sedaris' previous work. Yes, there's always been a sharp critique of hypocrisy in his stories, but there has also been a sense of hope, and laugh-out-loud humor that we can SHARE in. Only a monster (or someone under an "emperor's new clothes" delusion about Sedaris) could laugh at these stories.

Probably the most repugnant thing about this book is Ian Falconer's illustrations. Not only are they extremely graphic in a way that seems calculated not to illuminate the stories but simply to disgust the reader, but they're often SPOILERS -- turn the page and the picture reveals something we haven't read yet, ruining the story. The book seems almost to hold the reader in contempt.

Moreover, the comic style of the illustrations evinces no sense that there could be any meaning to any of the suffering in these stories; thus they undermine the reader's desperate effort to squeeze something humane out of the stories. The illustrations confirm that this book is pure blood sport.

My hope is that the entire project was just one big, huge mistake -- that Sedaris and his publisher were so blinded by the cleverness of the basic concept here of a book of dark fables that they lost sight of how far off the hook the whole thing had gotten.

But I'm skeptical. If "When You Are Engulfed in Flames" seemed a half-hearted effort, "Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk" seems positively phoned in (perhaps with the defiled phone in a Bukowski story I once read). These stories are one-note -- the self-absorbed hypocrite comes to a bad end, usually out of all proportion to their actual crimes. They often feel incomplete.

The foul language and vulgarity that pepper Sedaris' other work in a way that is usually humorous are here Sedaris' primary tools, and as such become quickly tiresome. In place of wit, Sedaris offers us lots of anuses (literal and figurative) -- like a little kid who just learned about poop jokes, only this little kid is a grown man with millions of readers.

Even the book itself, as a physical object, is disappointing. It's a tiny little book to begin with, but the pages are extremely thick; without the illustrations and heaver paper, it'd be nothing but a chapbook.

My advice to Sedaris fans: skip this one. Really. No matter how much you're wanting that Sedaris fix, walk away. Go reread "Naked" or "Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim". And then wait hopefully for Sedaris to come back to himself and write something worth reading again.

Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk
I have always devoured Sedaris books. Looked forward to this newest work. Too dark for me. Disturbing.

David does it again!
I had the fortune of seeing him here at a live event where he read liberally from this book as well as sharing insights and reading other material. I have also purchased the audiobook to listen to during travel.I like the audiobook better because you get to feel his emotion (or lack there of) as he reads through each essay.This time, there's a bit of a switch. He has "guests" reading som of the essays.

I have enjoyed this rather dark book immensely & look forward to his future works........


-- Tim ... Read more

Product Description
Young magician Gwyn and his friend Nia have been warned to stay away from Emlyn Llewelyn, the strange boy who claims his mother lives on the moon. And yet, a mysterious magic continues to draw them to him. But why?

It's up to Gwyn and Nia to solve the mystery, with the help of Arianwen, the Snow Spider. Readers will race along with Gwyn in this fantastic magical adventure to rescue Emlyn and his family before it's too late! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

great read
I have read all of the Charlie Bone books that are out so far and bought this series afterwards and it is no disappointment, this is another great series from Jenny Nimmo.I would recommend this to all kids and any adults that want a good story that draws you right into it.

Good read for Harry Potter fans
Like other reviewers, I liked the Charlie Bone series better, but I give this 5 stars because this series is still well written, and is still a good read. It actually got my 10-yr-old son to put Harry Potter down for a few days! LOL He did find the 3rd book a bit confusing-I think it's better for kids interested in dating because of all of the romance complications involved that one just can't understand until one has had a broken heart. But the 1st 2 books are fine for a tween.

It was nice that this middle book is told from a different person's point of view. The 3rd book ties the 3 books all together. But the 1st two books are able to stand on their own.

I liked the information on Wales also. It brought back memories of my visit there. I think it's a great way to introduce the country to kids.

The Magician Trilogy
This review is for all three books in Jenny Nimmo's Magician Trilogy (The Snow Spider, Emlyn's Moon, and The Chestnut Soldier).

Jenny Nimmo's writing style is very powerful, and her characters come to life as you read these books.The descriptions of locations (people's houses, the Welsh countryside, the town, the school) are so vivid that you can immediately picture yourself there.These books have a few scary parts, but the endings are very positive and satisfying.

These books are recommended for anyone who enjoys fantasy or Welsh mythology.Similar books include Susan Cooper's The Dark is Rising Sequence and Lloyd Alexander's Prydain Chronicles.

Good Books
My grand daughter just loves this book and all of the trilogy. She is only 7, but can't wait to read more.

cool fantasy book
I think this book is a good book for fantasy lovers of all ages. This is the second book in the "magician trilogy" series so if you like it you should read the first or third book. This story is based in the welsh mountains in the present day. Gwen Griffiths lives a good life in the highest house on the top of the mountains in Ty-Bryn. But his cousin Emlyn is having problems. Emlyn's mom suddenly left without cause and he wants to learn why. But there are dark secrets in their past and when Gwen with the help of a family friend tries to help them, it will change their lives forever. ... Read more

Product Description
Determined to woo and win the lovely Venetia, a twenty-five-year-old hopeless romantic, Lord Damerel, an infamous rake, pursues her with passionate abandon, but Venetia will only marry for love. Reprint. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (48)

put in a good word
So many reviews already and the product description covers the summary so I will just add my rating to the overall score:This is not one of my favorites but it is still very good and was my bestest friend's fav back in the day.So I am putting in a good word for this one.

LOVED THIS BOOK DID NOT WANT IT TO END!
Venetia and Jasper are great main characters. One has a wicked past while the other is pure and innocent. In the beginning I wasn't sure if I would like Jasper with all his rakish ways, but he really grows on you and by the end of the book I would of taken him off Venetia's hands!

I really loved this book. This is by far my favorite Georgette Heyer books that I have read so far. I loved all the characters especially her brother who I would love if he had a story, but I don't think he does. Her suitors are all opposites of each other and it is funny the way they interact. Most of all the hero and heroine just make me laugh and I loved reading their discourse throughout the book. There really never is a dull moment in this book. I was sad when I was done with it!

Venetia read by Richard Armitage
I have always liked Georgette Heyer but I must confess the reason that I made this purchase is because it is read by Richard Armitage, who has a fantastic voice!I was very pleased with the story and also by Mr. Armitage's talent in changing his voice for each character.This was a very good purchase-you will really enjoy listening to it.

Drastically abridged
This is one of my favorite Georgette Heyer novels and the heart and delight was abridged out of it.

Typical Heyer - which means VERY good
Loved it! A little difficult to get past the language in the beginning as Heyer uses SO much Regency slang. She does give plenty of context though so after awhile the language becomes second nature. Just like reading Shakespeare or Chaucer. Venetia's determination, self confidence and wit are typical of Heyer's heroines but Venetia is neither spoiled nor headstrong. Nor is she very young. Heyer manages to portray Venetia as even-tempered and agreeable without making her boring. She is a mature woman who manages her love life as skillfully as she manages her household. Poor Lord Damerel doesn't stand a chance. ... Read more

Product Description
Her future was held by the one man she couldn't trust . . .

When the Earl of Spenborough suddenly dies, his willful and obstinate daughter Serena is devastated. Then Serena is even more horrified to find that her beloved -- albeit eccentric -- father's will states that her inheritance is to be held by a trustee. And none other than the Marquis of Rotherham, an arrogant and fierce noble who used to be betrothed to Serena.

Now the marquis holds Serena's entire estate, knowing that the only way she can regain her inheritance is if she weds . . .And only if the marquis gives his approval. But how can Serena trust a scoundrel to protect her happiness?Amazon.com Review
Lady Serena Carlow is an acknowledged beauty, but she's got atemper as fiery as her head of red hair. When her father diesunexpectedly, Serena discovers to her horror that she has been left award of Ivo Barrasford, marquis of Rotherham, a man whom Serena oncejilted and who now has the power to give or withhold his consent toany marriage she might contemplate. With her father's heir eager totake over his inheritance--and Serena's lifelong home--she and herlovely young stepmother, Fanny, decide to move to Bath, where Serenamakes an odd new friend and discovers an old love, Major HectorKirkby. Before long, Serena, Fanny, Kirkby, and Rotherham areentangled in a welter of misunderstood emotions, mistaken engagements,and misdirected love.

Georgette Heyer's genius has always been increating memorable characters, then placing them in a comedy ofmanners that is absolutely true to the Regency period. BathTangle is a delightful romp through the haute ton ofearly-19th-century England, and the battling, passionate,meant-for-each-other Ivo and Serena are one of her most successfulromantic duos. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (23)

ok
Mostly wanted to just leave a rating rather than a review.

I have read many GH books and, for me, this one was ok but not one of her better stories.

a novel filled with terrific characters
I adored all of the characters in this book.In many ways similar to other Heyer works, this one stood out to me because the cast of characters was so rich and deep.There are no real villains aside from Emily's mama (who cares about nothing but marrying her teenage daughter off to a wealthy peer of title and rank, despite the girl's wishes).I loved the sparring between the two main characters and was additionally moved by the star-crossed love story between noble Hector and gentle Fanny.Perhaps the most entertaining part of the story were the extraordinary efforts to which Lord Rotherham went to extricate himself from a regrettable betrothal he entered into in a state of vengeful anger.Hilarious man!

Delightful regency farce by the mistress of the genre

After reading (and enjoying) a fair number of recently published romances set in the Georgian era, it was a delight to pick up this little gem, first published in 1955, to be reminded of how the Regency Romance genre used to be written.

Almost all the classic elements of the genre are here - the irascible and apparently impossible but devastatingly handsome hero, the proud and spirited heroine, assorted less confident female friends or relatives of the heroine who she has to look after, associated decent but not particularly romantic male friends, the social climber with a heart of gold, associated pushy mamas, snobs and nobs, a ridiculous will, romances and misunderstandings, crack-brained attempts to elope, and the glittering facade of Regency High Society.

The book begins as the wealthy 5th Earl of Spenborough has just died suddenly at the age of 50, leaving a daughter of 25 from his first marriage and a widow three years younger than his daughter.

The main heroine of the book is the late Earl's daughter, Lady Serena Carlow, who is described as "a titian haired beauty" who had run her father's large houshold for four years and bears more than a passing resemblance to Elizabeth Bennet except that Serena makes Elizabeth seem like a shrinking violet. Serena is very friendly with but completely dominates her stepmother, the kind-hearted but timid Fanny, who married the fifth earl at the age of 19 and now finds herself in the absurd position of being dowager countess of Spenborough at the age of 22.

As if the shock of her rather's sudden death was not enough, Serena is livid to learn at the acrimonious reading of his will that all the money she inherits has been put into a trust to be administered on her behalf by the Marquis of Rotherham - who she jilted a few years before, breaking off their engagement shortly before the planned wedding. And that Rotherham's consent would be required to any marriage she makes!

The new 6th earl is a distant cousin with different ideas from Serena about how to run the estates. Not wishing to remain at the family seat of Milverly Hall where Fanny had previous been countess and which Serena had previously managed, the two girls remove to the dower house. But after a few weeks of crushing boredom, during which Fanny succumbs to a minor illness which the waters at Bath Spa might help to cure, they decide to rent a house in Bath for six months.

And when they arrive in Bath, where Serena meets a former admirer and both make new friends, a preposterous (but highly amusing) series of romantic escapades begins ...

The style of the book is very old fashioned, which many afficionados of the genre will like but some modern readers may find a little hard to understand. For instance, at one point the expression "making love to her" is given the old fashioned meaning which it lost well before this book was written in 1955. The term used to mean making declarations of romantic love, possibly up to and including passionate kissing: when one of the characters in this book says that another has been "making love to" his fiance she is NOT suggesting that they have pre-empted the wedding ceremony.

As was originally the standard for a regency romance, there is absolutely no sex in the book, though there are plenty of instances where misunderstandings about whether it might have taken place, or might appear to have taken place, leads to farcical results.

If you like old-fashioned regency romantic comedies in the proper, original style, you will almost certainly love this book.

Moved to the top of my favorite Heyer regencies.
Years and years ago I devoured Georgette Heyer books, bringing them home from the library in stacks of as many as I could find and carry.My favorites then were SYLVESTER, VENETIA, and REGENCY BUCK and one of my least favorite was BATH TANGLE.In recent years, of course, we are fortunate enough to find her novels in reprint.So I've been taking that trip down memory lane, only to find out that I was giving BATH TANGLE a bad rap.The interaction between H and H that I found so unromantic in my youth, turns out to be very romantic in my golden years.And the secondary characters are such fun, especially Mrs. Floore, who's a hoot.This is not a slow or boring story to me.But then I'm the kind of person who has read PRIDE AND PREJUDICE more times than I care to remember and has the A&E miniseries of said Austen novel, 6 hours long, to re-watch at will. So I don't require a whole lot of action to go on in the novels I read.I'm happy enough with good conversation, and Georgette Heyer has always given us that.

Once Loved Now Friends
BATH TANGLE by Georgette Heyer has all the fun and frolic that has delighted Ms. Heyer's fans for years. By her father's will Lady Serena Carlow must apply to her jilted suitor Lord Ivo Rotherham for her allowance and permission to marry.
Serena and her charming step-mother take up residence in Bath and the staid resort will never be the same. Yet when Lord Ivo looks to another Serena begins to doubt her own heart.
Nash Black, author of Indie finalists WRITING AS A SMALL BUSINESS and HAINTS. ... Read more