Cover-to-cover excellence. If you have favorites among the 22 contemporary authors represented in this anthology, you will enjoy reading samples of their childhood writings. Young Stephen King, Michael Crichton, Rita Dove, Maxine Hong Kingston and the other authors demonstrate precocity, maturity, and a firm grasp of story structure and plot development.

Marginal notes can be intrusive, but I found myself looking forward to editor Paul Mandelbaum's illuminating comments about each writer's life and work. The information deepened my understanding of the writer's body of work. This is a wonderful book to own and a great gift idea.

We all need to walk before we can run -- and in "First Words," some of the world's greatest literary sprinters take their first fumbling steps. They stretch their muscles, get their balance, totter and then take off -- and what strides they finally make!

Rounding up these first words, Editor Paul Mandelbaum has performed an invaluable and remarkable feat of literary excavation. Who knew this stuff even existed? For anyone who loves to read, or loves to write, "First Words" is revealing, inspiring and - believe it or not - just plain fun.

I found this book to be a fascinating voyage into the early minds of great writers. It was amazing to see little bits of genious and partially formed brilliance mingled with the half-baked ideas of the novice. If you are are a fan of any of these authors you will delight in this trip back to their first baby steps towards greatness.

At first I thought of Rachel as paranoid and on the edge of sanity; however, by the end of the novel she has found her self and her voice. Her thoughts and feelings towards her mother and sister are so realistic, even if they seem unsettling at times. It was enlightening to be a part of her journey towards self-discovery and strength.

Although I find Margaret Lawrence to be an incredible author, all her books tend to be the same. Different people but always the same place, type of character, style. . . this is at least the case with all her books in the Manawaka Series. Stone Angel was my favorite, A jest of God was pretty good though.

After reading "The Diviners" by Margaret Laurence, I found "A Jest of God" more entertaining and true-to-life. The female protagonist Rachel was more believable and down to earth. The plot of homosexuality was realistic and daring.

What a distinct life she gives to these words, these pages, and these characters. <> is one of the best short stories I have ever read--completely original and brilliantly written, it is the highlight of this collection! But I honestly consider the whole book worth reading. It's a comforting bed-time ritual: an Atwood story every night for a week--how refreshing! They're long enough to give you glimpses of her genius and yet short enough to appreciate--they're no <> or anything (and yes, I love that story, I'm just picking on its length!) Short fiction is the backbone of the literary world; every great writer finds solace in the concept of short fiction--of great ideas being written succintly. It's wonderful to think about, and these stories are among my favorites to read and love and learn from. I must remember to thank Ms. Atwood personally some day--she's immensely gifted!

I've always liked Margaret Atwood, but with this collection I now have to say I love her. Many typically unsentimental stories with strong women characters, and none one-dimensional. Each story has stayed with me in its own way. This is one to try.

On a recent flight I reached for Margaret Atwood's "The Blind Assassin," only to find I had picked up this book by mistake. Much to my surprise, it was every bit at enthralling as any of Atwood's novels. A lot of critical writing tends to be dry, but this book is like a juicy turkey sandwich with an extra dollop of mayonaise. If you like Margaret Atwood's work as much as I do, you should read this book.

Margaret Atwood is one of my all-time favorite authors. I probably almost finished at least 2 of her books. But this one-this one I relished. Why? Because it is unparalleled in this world. It is one of the greatest books ever written that is not in Oprah's book club. I shall now use the thesaurus. It is recherche. It is worth its weight in gold. It is a giltedged, exquisite, in seipso totus teres atque rotundus! It is a work so profound that it outshines even Atwood herself, rendering her entirely obsolete. Read this, I insist.

this is one of my favourite atwood collections, and one of the few books of poetry that i can (and want) to read every minute of the day.

atwood can capture human relationships, romantic relationships, conflict, love and the play for power all in a single stanza, line or even individual word. this collection is page after page of language so outstanding that you wish you were born from atwood's mind; no one else has the piercing insights and the flawless word choice to describe them that this woman does. if she can't blow you away, no one will.

The idea of poetry written about intimacy may make some readers shudder. One might think it is even a cliché, but no matter who the objective logical thinker is, they are forced to admit there's a tiny part of them who has lived and breathed a relationship of power struggle, one that might have had them seizing and submitting to the core of their innermost thoughts. Love that has left them in doubt and strengthened the self in ways that only passion can accomplish.

As Atwood writes, "....and there isn't anything I want to do about the fact that you are unhappy and sick, you aren't sick and unhappy, only alive and stuck with it." She opens up to her readers those personal witticisms we have thought towards are own "unhappy relationships" while throwing in insightful humor and wild imagery, breaking the rules of all poets with her fascinating rhythms and adjectives. If you are missing this collection of poetry from your Atwood repertoire, you are missing the heart of Margaret, her furious meticulousness and unlikely metaphors aimed into the bloodied heart of an adoration and boredom for her unlikely male worshipper. This book is an absolute must read, must own and an altogether pleasure to read.

"I raise the magic fork over the plate of beef fried rice, and plunge it into your heart." - from "They Eat Out" (Power Politics)

i am currently reading 'the shadow maker' again, and i'm even more consumed than the first time. i'd like to take this opportunity to tell potential readers/buyers that this book is NOT out of print...

This intriguing book tells about the early life of Margaret Atwood in great detail, and then skims through the last couple of decades. Rosemary Sullivan has done a remarkable job of recreating the '40's, '50's, '60's and '70's, and how they influenced (and eventually were influenced by!) Canada's #1 writer. Having interviewed Atwood, many of her friends and associates, ex-husband and present husband, and also using contemporary correspondence, Sullivan seems to have an authentic understanding of how Atwood developed into such an amazing, prolific writer. Always respectful, Sullivan keeps her focus on what in Atwood's life is relevant to her as a writer. This is a very intelligently written biography, with an incredible amount of research and very astute analyses, and should be a satisfying read for any fan of Margaret Atwood's, without feeling like you have invaded her privacy.

C. M. Mayo must receive kudos for this bilingual literary journal. Her goal is, in some ways, modest: to bring new Canadian, Mexican and U.S. writing to readers of English and Spanish. The execution of this goal, however, cannot be dismissed as simple. Anyone who has read different translations of the same work realizes that a bad translation can suck the soul out of a fine piece of literature. Here, with works translated either from English to Spanish, or vice versa, nothing is lost. This first issue of Tameme includes short stories, poems and essays by such wonderful writers as Margaret Atwood, Juan Villoro and Jaime Sabines, to name a few of the many authors featured. My favorite piece is "New York Day Women," by Edwidge Danticat, but there is something here for everyone. If you love literary journals, this one is a must.

Tameme makes a huge contribution to the literary scene of North America,as it makes available in the same volume exquisite writing from Canada,Mexico and the United States.But probably its main virtue is that it presents the pieces written in the original language and then translated either to Spanish or English.All of the translations are as beautiful as the original pieces.The editors should also be commended for the excellent presentation of the book.I will be anxiously waiting for a new number in what should become a series!

This book deals with many things such as humanity and class but the main thing it deals with is the struuggle for women and how they gain and lose power by their sexuality. Offred has power over the Commander and his wife because she is fertile but her fate lies in their hands so they also have power over her. I really enjoyed this book it was mind boogleing to think that these situations can and do occur in society

I have wanted to read Anne of Green Gables for so long and finally did. Why did I wait?? I wish I would have read this book years ago. This is one of the best books I have ever read. Whether you are a child or adult you won't be able to help falling in love with Anne of Green Gables. This young Orphan is mistakenly sent to the home of brother and sister Matthew and Marilla. What they wanted was a boy to help around the house as they were getting older. What they got was a delightful little girl who warmed their hearts and touched their souls. Anne gets into all kinds of hijinks throughout the novel that will make you laugh with her and cry with her. Her imagination is unmatched. She is so insightful that you will find it impossible not to relate to her. Follow Anne through her escapades of learning what it is like to be wanted and loved by parents, finding her place in a strange school, and finally getting to have a bosom buddy..someone she can truly call a friend and share life's ups and downs with. As Anne sets one ambition after another for herself, you'll be cheering for her success. This would be a great book to read on your own or along with a child. When you're finished, Anne will feel like your own personal bosum buddy. This book is one you'll adore long after it's over.

Anne Shirley is a redhaired, imaginative, orphan that wants a family of her own. By the time she is twelve, her imagination has grown and she thinks that she has finally found a family. Unfortunetly, the family that wanted her actually wanted a boy, not a girl. they decide to put her on trial to see if she would be teh right one for them. By having Anne stay just on trial, the family who was in the past very stern and straight, have fallen in love with her featherbrained ways. She often gets into scrapes, including falling off a ridgepool of a roof, smashing a slate on a boy's head, and even dying her "horrid" read hair away(only to make it a green color.) After reading this enrathing book, continue to get pulled into Anne's world by reading the rest of the 7 book theory and even the 3 movies that were made inher honor. This is a book that you will enjoy and cherish for years to come. *Note: this book is set in the late 1800's.*

first of all, let me begin with I LOVE THIS BOOK! I have read this book more times than I can remember...easily more than a dozen...thus, I am going to set my mind to write a glowing review of it.

This book portrays a stunning sketch of Canadian History and Culture in the late 1800s to early 1900s. The character personalities are so real and so amazingly "human" that one cannot help but fall in love with them. You really get a taste of PEI in its glory.

This story is set in Avonlea, Prince Edward Island (Canada), a fictional settlement which is really Cavendish, Prince Edward Island, the place where Lucy Maud Montgomery, the author grew up.

The main character is Anne Shirley...and eleven year old, enigmatic, imaginative, sparkling, highly intelligent orphan who is sent to Green Gables, a farmhouse in Avonlea, under the impression that she was to be adopted by a pair of elderly siblings, Matthew and Marilla Cuthburt. But, apon arrival to Green Gables, Anne discovers that there had been a horrible mistake...the Cuthburts never wanted a girl...they wanted a boy who could do the chores and help Matthew with the farm. Anne was was in the "depths of dispair". Matthew, on the drive home from the train station had taken a great shine to Anne and had his heart set on keeping her, regardless of any mistake. Marilla, however, was not so easily enchanted. She agreed to let Anne stay at Green Gables on trial, to see if she would behave herself and lend a helpful hand to Marilla. After the trial, Anne is welcomed to Green Gables and flourishes under the love of the Cuthburts and all Avonlea folk. Anne, however, has one big problem. Her Hair. It is a hopeless shade of carrotty red and Anne felt that it was the ugliest hair anyone could imagine. She was extremely sensitive about it and she was horribly embarrassed about it. On her first day of school, Anne's hair was made fun of by Gilbert Blythe, the smartest and handsomest boy in school. "Carrots! Carrots!" he said. Anne's temper got the better of her and she was so angry she broke a slate over his head. After that, for many years, she snubbed Gilbert every time he spoke to her and he developed a boyhood crush on her.

Ah, but to keep this review interesting and the book mysterious, I will stop telling you the story and begin reviewing. The characters in the book are so well-defined that it seems to you that you know every character personally, like an old friend or neighbour.

And by all means, don't let the age recommendation fool you either...this book can be read by all ages alike...and I have no doubt that this book will still be my avid favorite at the age of 85.

The book is not boring, contrary to many opinions of those who read the first chapter of small print and historical settings. The discriptions will place you right into the heart of the story and you find you will laugh and cry while reading this story. Every time I read it I cry at a certain part which I'm not sure if I should reveal to you for fear of spoiling the good parts in the story, but it is dreadfully sad. If you read the book, then you will know what part I am talking about. The one saddest part in the whole story.

Although this book has some old ideas and ways of expressing them, you will learn a great deal of Canadian history through them and there's no doubt in my mind that this book will still be popular decades and most likely even centuries to come.

.... "It has seventeen new essays and 37 new book lists added to the second edition mentioned here. Forty six essays describe how individual groups are organized and portray thier strengths, weaknesses, and unique characters. Special-interest groups, groups with professional leaders or sponsors, new groups, and groups that have been meeting for decades are all represented. Readers discover what makes a good group tick, from how to organize meetings, select members and books, and stimulate discussion to turning a flagging group around. More than three dozen reading lists supplied by the groups themselves help to provide insight and inspiration for all who currently belong to a book group or are tempted to start a group of thier own....

From Fall 2000, but Amazon does not carry it yet. Hopefully soon. "It has seventeen new essays and 37 new book lists added to the second edition mentioned here. Forty six essays describe how individual groups are organized and portray thier strengths, weaknesses, and unique characters. Special-interest groups, groups with professional leaders or sponsors, new groups, and groups that have been meeting for decades are all represented. Readers discover what makes a good group tick, from how to organize meetings, select members and books, and stimulate discussion to turning a flagging group around. More than three dozen reading lists supplied by the groups themselves help to provide insight and inspiration for all who currently belong to a book group or are tempted to start a group of thier own. This book replaces 1-55652-246-0" catalog

A Thoughtful Guide to Forming & Enjoying a Stimulating Book Discussion Group with essayss written, often collectively, by members of many & varied groups together with a What To Read section. With a foreword that only Margaret Atwood could write, this collection of quirky, humorous & serious essays gathered from book groups around the country, enchants, entertains & had me plotting how to start a group out of our local library. A really neat read. ................