Like many of you, I was in fifth grade (mid-1960s) when I discovered this book. Our school librarian knew I loved books, and she pressed this one into my hands as soon as she received it. :) Along with _The Phantom Tollbooth_, The Silver Crown is one of my most memorable childhood reads. I don't remember the plot so much as the imagery -- dark, tense, and electrifying. I looked it up today thinking it's something my 12-year-old might like to read while he waits for the next Harry Potter book. I'm so sorry to see it's out of print. I guess I'll read through the rest of the customer reviews to see if anyone else has been able to find it. Judging from the lasting impression it made on the pre-Gen X consciousness, it looks like the publisher would do well to re-release it!

I broke my leg when I was in the fourth grade and was unable to participate in p.e. for 4 months. I spent my p.e. time at the school library. The wonderful school librarian reccomended The Silver Crown to me and told me that it was one of the best books that she had ever read. I couldn't have agreed with her more! This book transported me to another world and I was devastated to find out that it was no longer in print. I now teach fifth grade and I am constantly telling my class what a magical book this was. Surely some publisher will read this and re-print this masterpiece. I would LOVE to get my hands on a copy.

This book was read to our 5th grade class by...I wish she knew how today I am still affected by the different world of "reading for enjoyment" she opened for me. I, like many others reviewing this book, looked for it on several occasions and thought I had the title wrong or I had imagined the book; and am glad to know that I can easily obtain it now. (For years I looked for "Mystery of the Silver Crown")

Silver Crown is so well written, it's great for readers of all ages who are ready for adventure. It opens worlds of wonder, stimulating the imagination. I remember the anticipation and not being able to wait until the designated time the teacher would read the coming chapters. I wanted to get a copy for myself to go ahead and finish it, she was taking too long--a chapter or two at a time was not enough. How disappointed I was when the book ended...the entire class wanted more, and so will you. I think that's why if you have your own copy, you will read it time and time again...I've ordered and am waiting for my copy now!!

If you can obtain a copy, get it and share with the young ones in your life...read it together with the whole family or lend it to a teacher you know to share with his/her class...they will love you for it. Everyone you introduce to this classic will remember you fondly for years to come when they think of this book (and they WILL think of it time and time again!)...it's one they and you will never forget (IT'S BEEN 27 YEARS FOR ME!!). Get it and enjoy!!

I just finished Boy's Life at 1:45am, when I had to get up at 6:00am and go to work. I loved the book but hated the bloodshot eyes I had.

Cory Mackenson is 11 years growing up in innocence in a picturesque small southern town during the racially torn 1960s. He and his friends enjoy bikes, baseball, and monster movies at the town cinema on Saturdays. Things change early one morning just before daylight when Cory and his Dad witness a car and its occupant careen off a lonely country road into the deep abyss of a rural lake. Upon attempting rescue, Cory's dad finds the driver unconscious and handcuffed to the steering wheel with a wire wrapped around his neck. This launches Cory and his father on a search for the murderer who is living as a longtime respected citizen in this small rural community.

Who is the man in the car, and what about the tattoo? Can a clairvoyant black lady who lives on the other side of the tracks in this racially tense time hold one of the keys to unraveling the mystery before it unravels the sanity of Cory's father?

In addition to the suspense, Boy's Life also captures the wonder of being an eleven year old boy in much the same way Mark Twain did with Tom Sawyer. I did not realize that Robert McCammon was such a wit when it comes to humor. There are several places where I had to put the book down and laugh out loud. Other places were quite poignant and heart rending as well.

You will enjoy this one.

Thanks for reading.

If you grew up in a small southern town in the 60s and love a good mystery, "Boy's Life" by Robert McCammon is a must read! It will awaken the "magic" and you'll recapture the "kid" in yourself. Relive Saturday afternoon matinees with friends; the death of a family pet; run-ins with the local bully; the tradition of local ghosts, legends, and monsters; surviving the attentions of a wicked teacher; first crush on the opposite sex; and the thrill of a new bike. The story is set in Zephyr, Alabama and historical events such as the civil rights movement and Vietnam have a dramatic impact upon characters' lives because of this geographical setting. Robert McCammon uses his storytelling talent to vividly paint a picture of small-town life with summer church revivals, amateur parades, and the civil solidarity created by a natural disaster. This is a coming-of-age story about a boy named Cory, who becomes embroiled in the brutal murder of an unidentified man. It soon becomes apparent that the murderer must be one of the sleepy town's citizenry - someone they think they know - friend and neighbor. As the plot twists and turns to test your sleuthing abilities, you'll also laugh and cry at the poignancy of the universally-shared childhood events experienced by Cory. Review by Kathy Hill

Boy's Life by Robert R. McCammon is one of my all time favorite books. I had to read it over the summer of my freshman year and I was dreading it because it was such a big book. After reaching the last page, I wish there had been more! This book is about an eleven year old boy named Cory Mackenson. He is an adventourus and caring boy. Cory lives with his family in Zephyr, Alabama. It starts with Cory's father witnessing a murder and then going into depression and a type of hysteria. He can never get the image of the murder out of his head and it drives him crazy. Throughout this book you will go along with Cory as he discovers clues about the murder and learns about good verses evil. As you read you will meet some very interesting characters. Robert McCammon does a wonderful job of describing events and people so that you feel like you are familiar with them. I would definitely highly recommend this book

Book Reviewby Adam Levinson
Core 8
The book BLACK LIKE ME by John Howard Griffin is a great non -fiction informative tale through racism, and prejudice. In this book John Howard Griffin tries to explain to the world that there is no difference between black and white, just on race called human. He also tries to show that not all white men are racist and prejudice against black people. The book is about a white writer that changes his pigmentation (change his skin color to black). After he changed his pigmentation he went to the Deep South to report what it is like to be a black man. He wrote this book from his own point of view but also put himself into the positions of other people. The author is a great writer and very persuasive. He can make you change your mind about an idea in one sentence. John is very flowing and one of my favorite writers. Although it was at some points boring and unnecessary he still seemed to impress me with his outstanding facts. I found it interesting that black people were not able to swim on some beaches. I feel that John Howard Griffin was an activist. I feel this way because he lived in a time were if you did not hate black people you were ridiculed and not hated by your town. Knowing that when he published his book that people would hate he took the risk and proved that there4 is no difference between black and white, just a different shade in color.
I would recommend this book to an teenager because it does tend to get a bit boring. Overall I loved this book and left an everlasting impression about this horrible period of time.

John Howard Griffin's Black Like Me is the best book that I have read in years. I admire his nerve for being so gutsy. He now knows what we dark skinned people have been putting up with for 400 years. I learned something valuable: The white people were more afraid of their friends, peers and family members than they were the dark-skinned people. He took a risk of losing his health to feel what we have always felt.

I admire him for his courage and compassion for the love he had for others.This book is a great book. It describes the way a white man feels when he switches from having a normal life in the late 1950's to being a black man in racist situations. It has an important lesson along with this book: it says that blacks in the 1950's should have been treated with the same respect that white men were. White men picked on the blacks, not letting them even share the same restroom, simply because they didn't think they're skin was the right color. This is a story about a man who discovers that color isn't an object to place racism on, and that people can get along when there's no prejudice.This book recounts one of the most exciting sociological experiments of the 20th century. The Caucasian author undergoes chemical and physical changes to appear as an African American, to document the bias and social injustices of the white American society from personal experience.

There are only a few books that have really given me a deeper understanding into the issues of the world around us. This book is one of them. John Howard Griffin penetrates into a world that seems almost beyond belief and yet is undeniably and startlingly real. Realizations await on every page to show that the generally sheltered cultural perspective of the typical white (like myself) could not conceive the situation which confronted blacks in the south every day just a very few years ago -- as experienced by a white man who changed his skin color and dealt with the consequences. The book is made even better by a series of stories about his experiences after returning to the world of caucausions and going on the lecture circuit about the plight of blacks in the south. He demonstrates the rationalization and close mindedness that characterizes even those who consider themselves "good people". This book would probably be too much to accept if not for the authors remarkably unassuming and explanatory style. Rarely has such a sore subject been confronted so directly and yet so plainly. Highly recommended. I keep having to buy new copies because people will read a few pages and want a copy.

Make no mistake, Tiberius Claudius Drusus Nero Germanicus came from a family that was so messed up, it would make modern senators die of shock. Claudius, as he is commonly known, was the grandson of the Emperor Augustus of Rome and his lying, scheming, poisoning wife Livia, who held the reigns of power with Augustus for fifty years. Through her machinations, Livia greatly helped to turn Rome into the decadent, dying empire that we have all learned about, and seen in Gladiator.

Livia poisoned everybody neccesary to get her son Tiberius, Claudius's uncle, made Emperor upon Augustus's death, including two of her other sons. Tiberius spent much of his reign in a strange power struggle with his mother. When he died, the Roman empire got Claudius's infamous nephew Caligula as their new emperor. By the time Caligula was assasinated, Claudius was the only royal relative left who was still admired enough to be made emperor, against his wishes.

Although this sounds like dull history, the truth is that Robert Graves's book is a gripping, well-studied, enjoyable and easy to read near-history of the decline of the Roman Empire. His characterisation of Claudius as intelligent man hidden behind his physical characteristics (such as a limp, stammer, and tendency to drool) gives the reader a clear look at how history was played out through the eyes of a man around whom few bothered to guard their speech.

I learned more Roman history from this book that I did from my class on the classics of philosophy, and in a far more enjoyable way. I'm heading out to buy the sequel, Claudius the God.

I chose this novel (of my own free will) for school for one of my AP summer reading books. Sure, I could have chosen something easy and short, but I certainly have no regrets. It is about the corruption, decadence, avarice and power hungry people of Rome. The book has it's ups and downs where it is quick, exciting reading and others where it is quite slow, but it is overall quite good. I recommend this to anyone interested in Roman times and anyone with the patience to get through it. It is worthwhile and I've learned sooooo much from it. I couldn't put it down and would read it into the wee hours of the morning, even when I had to wake up at 6. Robert Graves does an excellent job creating sympathy for Claudius; how could anyone dislike Claudius after all the other coniving, devious characters? I can't wait to read the sequel, though I doubt I'll have time. It's funny because people say that the government is bad and corrupt and oppressive and unfair. People think there is a lot of crime and that there is no justice. I can't wait 'til they read this book. I guarantee their attitude would change! Boy, have we come a long way!

I first read "I, Claudius" seven years ago, but have only recently realized just how remarkable the work truly is. In the first place, the book inspired me to study and embrace the classics, but more importantly, it made me understand that history should be appreciated on its own vibrant terms rather than polluted by banal modern voices. All too many students and scholars of history drown in its fertile offerings, able to recall the events of the past but unable to taste the spirit of an age. "I, Claudius" will charge you with the sensual thrill of the Roman Empire; it shines with passion, piercing characterizations, gentle humor, and astounding realism. Nor should the modern critic be all to quick to dismiss the tale as sheer fancy, for Graves was a prodigious man of letters and every detail of the book is grounded in some historical source or another, (although it is left to the author's creative genius to weave these vignettes together into one organic, living whole). Claudius emerges not only as a sympathetic character, but even as a friend and confidante. In so many ways, this book changed my life. What better compliment could one give to a novel?

A nice end to the trilogy. It began in 'Sea Swept', 'Rising Tides' and now finally 'Inner Harbor'. The last brother Phillip finds his true love and alot of other things along the way in this installment. All the loose ends are finally tied up and the story of Ray Quinn's son Seth is finally revealed. I enjoyed this one the most of the three. Both Phillip and Sybill were strong characters and I like what Ms. Roberts did with Sybill's character and who she was. It was a nice twist.

~The third and last novel in the Quinn trilogy tells the story of Phillip Quinn, a high powered ad exec living in Baltimore and the last of the Quinn brothers still single. The Quinn family saved him from a life a crime of theft and street running when he was a boy. One fateful night he nearly died and Ray and Stella Quinn saved his life. He never forgot them or their selfless generosity. The only way he sees fit to somewhat pay Ray back is to help stop the blackmailing his now dead 'father' experienced by a woman who literally sold her only son Seth to him. The trick was, was to find the elusive woman who was wrecking havok on their lives.

Sybill needs to find the little boy she remembers from 6 long years ago before things completely fall apart. Did the Quinn's really steal Seth from his mother? Who were these people? Sybill is about to find out. She is on a personal mission and when she sees him, things aren't what they seem. The Quinn brothers are gentle with him and seem to love him...as she is seeming to fall for the Quinn brother named Phillip. When her identity is revealed, the tenuous grip she has on him falls apart as she now must defend herself against the protective family and find the truth.

Can Phillip trust her knowing who she is? Can he look past it to find love? Can they together save Seth from an uncaring mother who wants him for money? Will Fate solve their dilemma? Sybill finds out that blood can indeed be thicker than water and Phillip finds that he can learn to trust again and life will be good again, just as Ray and Stella planned it.

Good trilogy, worth the read!!!

I loved this book. It is such fun to read and I enjoy the sense of humor the characters have and it is written is such a way that is very true to life. Phillip is a hunk! I have read many Nora Roberts books and this is one of her best. I enjoyed all three books in this trilogy. I also recommend: The Reef, Hidden Riches , River's End, Private Scandals.

This is the third book to a wonderful Trilogy. Philip the last of the Quinn brothers finds his true love. All the loose ends are finally tied up. Is Seth really Ray Quinn's son? This is revealed in this installment. This was the best, the most intense and most emotional of all three books.

Phillip Quinn, a high powered ad exec living in Baltimore and the last of the Quinn brothers still single. The Quinn family saved him from a life a crime of theft and street running when he was a boy.

Sybil needs to find the little boy she remembers from 6 long years ago before things completely fall apart. Did the Quinn's really steal Seth from his mother? Who were these people? Sybil is about to find out. She is on a personal mission and when she sees him, things aren't what they seem. The Quinn brothers are gentle with him and seem to love him. Then she seems to fall for Phillip. When her identity is revealed, the tenuous grip she has on him falls apart as she now must defend herself against the protective family and find the truth.

Can Phillip trust her knowing who she is? Can he look past it to find love? Can they together save Seth from an uncaring mother who wants him for money? Sybil finds out that blood can indeed be thicker than water.

Great Trilogy read each installment in order and you will be very delighted!

Sorry to disappoint the previous reviewer, but when Dumas wrote this book, the ideas and plot were not new, not fresh, and certainly not original. Robert Wilson clearly outlines the history in his introduction to the book. "In 1838 a police archivist named Jacques Peuchet published six volumes of crime stories taken from the files of the Paris police. In one file was the story of a young shoemaker from Nimes who in 1807 became engaged to marry a rich and beautiful orphan, but because of a despicable practical joke played by four jealous friends was falsely arrested as a spy for the English against Napoleon and imprisoned until the empire fell in 1814. While in prison he had met a dying Italian priest who told him where a great treasure was buried. Upon his release he found the treasure and, using various disguises, cold-bloodedly wreaked his vengeance on those responsible for his misfortune, one of whom had married his fiancee. When Dumas read the story, he knew he wanted to retell it. That real-life melodrama is, pretty nearly, The Count of Monte Cristo in outline." There is also an island named Montecristo that Dumas found enchanting, so very little of this novel is "original" or "creative" material. On the other hand, this should not deter anyone from reading the book because the story itself is fascinating, easily holding the reader's attention. A movie of this tale was made several years ago, starring Richard Chamberlain, and complements the book nicely. I enjoyed both the book and the movie and happily recommend both.

It would be a futile effort to try to express in words just how excellent this story is. Stories that have been called "classics" have been labeled as such for a very good reason. I think anybody who has read and liked Tolstoy, Renault, Shakespeare, Leroux, Homer and R.L. Stevenson will enjoy this outstanding tale.

I highly recommend that the reader keep a couple of sticky notes and a pencil handy. Be sure to compile a list of names and a brief description for EVERY character introduced...you'll need this reference as events unfold.

The book cover/binding itself is rugged and can take a serious beating. For any story that's this compelling and 1400+ pages, the quality of the book itself becomes important since you don't finish such a long story overnight. My book survived the London subways, streets of Paris, German autobahn and my luggage to/from Ukraine--all without any problems. The font is larger than any paperback (or hardcover for that matter) and is easy on the eyes. As with any Modern Library production, the quality of this book is exceptionally top notch.

After watching the movie and then finding myself compelled to read the book, I wrote a review for the DVD version of this great classic by Alexandre Dumas. I did give the adulterated movie 3 stars, even with its deviation from the far superior storyline of the novel (this story does not lend itself to being told in a 2-hour movie). But rather than 3 stars, the book is well deserving of 5, and then some. The tale of the Count is one of heavy, dark intrigue. This is not light reading, and the story will tax your patience and demand of you significant time and concentration if you are to mine its riches. Those with an attention span of a six-year-old need not apply, although any person, young or old, who yields to the lessons being lived out will come away from this book with impressive knowledge regarding the pitfalls of willful ignorance, deceit, and pride; and hopefully a better appreciation for justice, compassion, and love. As for the story itself, Edmond Dantes, a young man of considerable good character, finds himself wrongly imprisoned under dreadful circumstances. He eventually is tutored in prison by a man with extraordinary wisdom-just as the reader is tutored without realizing it as he reads the unfolding chapters. Edmond loses all, gains eternal wisdom and insight, and then begins his true journey into lands where friends and foes experience his heavy influence. The story is one of desperation and deliverance, defeat and despair, and ultimately of triumph at an awful cost. Spiritual applications abound throughout as learned from within dungeons to palaces, and our notions of justice and mercy are sorely tested as a wronged man loses all and then begins to execute what he considers to be, and may well be, God's judgment. If you dedicate the time and attention that this book deserves, you will not be disappointed. If you want to speed-read and add another title to your library card, save your efforts and do not insult the worthwhile messages that this book can bring to the soul. I say soul, but for those with spiritual understanding, the better term is spirit, for this is above all a spiritual book if you have that kind of understanding. The movie alludes to it; the book embodies it. Having now read the book and carefully endured the more tedious portions to ensure that I missed little, I can only say that we do ourselves much disservice by not committing the time to study works such as this. Love, hate, revenge, mercy, justice, and forgiveness are explored in detail in the lives of Edmond Dantes (the Count) and his friends and foes. This complicated novel is unbelievably rich in its timeless spiritual lessons.

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.

A few weeks ago, I got really sick of today's children's literature. I had read enough mysteries and trashy books about romance to last me a lifetime. So I wanted something else to read, something well-written with a good plot and lifelike characters. I had to look no further than the first book I picked up- Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery.

Anne of Green Gables is the first book in the Anne of Green Gables series. It takes place, as most of L. M. Montgomery's books do, on Prince Edward Island in Canada. This particular story takes place in the town of Avonlea. It follows young Anne Shirley, an orphan brought to Green Gables to help Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert on their farm. Much to Anne's dismay, Marilla tells her that they wanted a boy to help around the farm, not a girl. However, Marilla changes her mind and decides to keep the dynamic young girl who would become Anne of Green Gables.

This novel is incredibly written, with well-developed characters and an intricate plot. I absolutely loved it. I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a great example of children's literature at its height.

I have read many books in my lifetime, and I must say, without a doubt, this is my favorite. When Mathew Cuthbert goes to pick up his and his sister's, Marilla Cuthbert, adopted child, he finds out she is a girl. They consider not keeping her, but soon they decide that she can stay a Green Gables. Marilla slowly loves the imaginitive high spirited girl more and more each day. Anne encounters many adventures from the age of 11 to 16. This book was so good, I found my heart bursting with joy. I would reccomend this to any girls and women. I loved it!

Mrs. Frisby, a widowed field mouse, is forced to take on a big adventure when her youngest son Timothy gets ill. Timothy's illness comes just before spring, and with spring comes moving day. Mrs. Frisby is forced to seek help, leading her to the all but ordinary Rats of NIMH. This fictional adventure is perfect for capturing the attention of any reader nine years of age or older. Although the story is written from the view of fictional farm animals the reader is pulled into the suspenseful plot and is easily drawn into the emotions of each character. Not only is the book enjoyable to read, it is good for the classroom teacher. It conveys lessons on qualities like friendship, bravery, and teamwork. These qualities let the book easily be integrated into the classroom. I recommend "Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH" to anyone who would enjoy a fun and rewarding text.

It's nearly time to move, before Mr Fitzgibbon owner of the garden comes with the plow and breaks up their homes. But Mrs. Frisby,a field mouse has a sick son who can't move! Mrs. Frisby is a widow, who used to be married to Jonathan Frisby who unexplainably dissapeared. She goes to the owl, who, at the mention of her name, tells her to go to the rats. She goes to find them friendly and int elligent. But their moving plan includes her. There's a feirce cat called Dragon who prowls around. She must put him asleep with a powder for the usual bearer, Mr. Ages, another field mouse, has a broken leg. But they warn her, it was in doing the same thing, her husband died.

Will she keep her nerve and do it? Or will she bungle the whole affair? To find out read this marvelous book, "Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH

This story has long been one of my favorites and deserves to be a (future) Classic. O'Brien introduces many serious issues into his fascinating yet charming tale about a fieldmouse mother who desperately needs help to save her family. When Farmer Fitzgibbon prepares to plow up his vegetable garden, it proves an annual Day of Judgment for all the creatures who forage therein. Mrs. Frisby's quiet determination to save her invalid child leads her on a perilous quest, during which her matnernal devotion and courage will be tested.

To willingly enter the home of an owl, to humbly approach the clannish rats in the rosebush, to expose herself to a hungry cat, this tiny fieldmouse proves equal to all demands upon her trembling heart--a true and worthy wife to the late Jonathan Frisby. Her husband has earned the respect of many creatures, including the owl and the secretive rats. She gradually discovers that she (and her children in particular) are much more than they seem.

Just who Are these rats who know so much, who possess so many human inventions, who can read and write, who have even acquired a sense of morality? Why are they called "mechanized" and consider themselves "civilized?" How and where does a private rat Society fit in with normal rats and normal humans--with all their foibles? Can timid Mrs. Frisby help them in their endeavor to find a peaceful and pro-social environment free of human interference? Then too, why should the rats bother about her problem, when their very existence is threatened? O'Brien reminds us of the dangers of genetic tampering, and points out the similarities between both rat and human species when it comes to issues like theft, power struggle, greed, and lust for fame, as well as self sacrifice, courage, faith and hope. This is a wonderful and highly-enjoyable read--not just for kids!

I was told if I liked The Stand then I would love Swan Song. I picked up the book on a Saturday afternoon and finished it 3 days later, and its almost 1,000 pages.... Once you start reading this book you will not want to put it down, its fantastic. Robert McCammon creates characters that live and breathe in your mind. You find yourself laughing and crying along with Swan, Sister, and Josh... and the many others that live in their world. From nuclear devastated New York City, to barren landscapes, to a cellar in a blasted cornfield, you are drawn into this terrifying world. I dont like to compare Swan Song to The Stand, because they are both masterpieces in my mind, but I would agree if you like one, you will like the other. Swan Song is one of the few books I want to have at my side at all times. I'm only waiting until I can read it again! Do yourself a favor and read this book!

I borrowed this book from a friend, a few years back. At the time, I expected nothing more than a novel to get me through the summer vacation months, but boy was I wrong.
The book starts out slowly, building up the characters and their lives before the bombs drop, a good move which keeps the characters fresh and interesting all throughout the story. Robert McCammon does an excellent job in keeping the story from becoming stale and manages to keep suprising the reader with plot twists.

One scene that caught my eye when reading this book was the one in which the bombs fell, and the carnage that was wrought upon the world. The violence of the scene coupled with the desperation that the characters display is truly heart-wrenching. I couldn't have written it better myself.

I will not lie to you, some of the visualizations and actions of the people in this book are disturbing and at times hard to read, but very worthwhile. Perhaps if more people see the horror of Nuclear Arms, they will be more reluctant to employ them in the future.

All in all a very excellent read, and a worthwhile addition to any collection. A very good book.

Swan Song is an amazing piece of fiction, one that somehow manages to stay engrossing throughout each of its 900+ pages. McCammon expertly draws us into a world mixed with hope and despair. It's a story that embraces the power of togetherness and provides a dark look at man's violent nature.

The first hundred pages are tense, but sadly dated. With the breakup of the Soviet Union, the setup of nuclear war between the U.S. and the U.S.S.R. seems outdated. Plus, this was written before the age of the Internet and cell phones. Ironically, the loss of these technological luxuries would almost make McCammon's post-apocalypse world seem even bleaker.

But once the explosions end, the destroyed land that is walked upon could be a frightening reality regardless of the date.

The book is an epic look at the struggle between the good and the evil among all of us. There are three major storylines that will eventually interconnect, and each one is filled with realistic, fully developed characters. We can sympathize with their feelings, even if we occasionally question their behavior or even resent them for what they do.

Every character has flaws and weaknesses. Even the most evil characters have feelings and emotions deep within. And the good characters aren't all perfect and pure. There is a genuine sense of tension and terror that surrounds them all. And that makes the supernatural aspects of the book all the more effective.

There are truly emotional moments throughout the book. There are scenes that are simply beautiful and touching. And there are scenes that are devastating in their brutality. It is a book that will captivate you and make you feel the joys and horrors of the characters.

What is equally impressive is the ending. What I would hate most would be to invest so much of my time in a book this size only to come to an unfulfilling conclusion. The final chapters of Swan Song provide a fitting end to the story and hit their mark perfectly without getting sappy, over-sentimental, or over-the-top.

This is a remarkable book, and a must read for any fan of the genre. I highly recommend spending the time and immersing yourself into McCammon's stark and eye-opening world.

"The Godfather" is one of the VERY rare examples of a movie (and sequel) that are actually better than the book they are based on. Upon first release, the book was a massive bestseller, more because it is an easy read than because it is great literature. What it is primarily useful for now is as a means of filling in details that the first two Godfather films didn't have time to cover even with their considerable length. Such detail includes the background story of Johnny Fontaine, the Frank Sinatra-esque entertainer who is a loyal Godson. Also fleshed out are the characters of the loyal hitman Luca Brazzi and of Sonny's mistress, who would become the mother of Michael's eventual successor as Don in "Godfather Part 3." There is also more information about Moe Green and the feud over the Corleone move to Nevada.

Puzo is an effective storyteller and he keeps things moving along at a snappy pace. The Don of the book doesn't seem larger than life the way Marlon Brando does in the movie. "The Godfather" is often described as a "trash" novel, but reading would be a lot more fun if all such novels were as good as this one.

How often does one read a novel that takes you on a trip as though you were there, side by side, with the characters of the book? Unfortunately, not very often. Surely they're mostly fictious creations from human minds, often forgotten about after the last page is turned. However, The Godfather is a different issue. This book is as engaging as the movie is, and the characters come out with as much punch and realism as depicted by Brando, Pacino, De Niro, Caan, Duvall and Cazale. That's the first thing that makes this book so wonderful...the characters are so real and entirely believable, almost as though Vito or Michael or anyone of the Corleones took you by the hand and pulled you into their lives. Secondly, the book is incredibely eloquent and beautifully written, in a style that is often subject to emulation and envy, probably by Mario Puzo himself. None of his books come out as electrifying as this. The Last Don, Omerta, The Fortunate Pilgrim, The Sicilian...all these make good reads, but none are as memorable or as moving. Finally, on a much more personal note, everyone I know who has read this book (including myself) were left begging for more. It ended too soon, and I believe it would have ended too soon had Puzo wrote another four hundred pages. It is impossible to have enough of this book. Unarguably, the best novel about the Mafia, and definitely my favourite book.

The Godfather by Mario Puzo is about an Italian Mafia family, the Corleones, who live in New York, and it gives an inside look at how the Mafia runs. The many characters include Don Vito Corleone, the Godfather, and his three sons, Santino, Fredo, and Michael. The first main event happens when a man by the name of Virgil Sollozzo enters Don's office and asks if Don would help him import drugs into the United States. Don rejects saying that even though the profits from drugs are high, so are the risks. A couple days later, when Don is getting into his car, he is shot by two men. Even though he is severely wounded he is not killed and Santino is forced to take over the business. I won't give away the rest of the book, but I will tell you it kept me on the edge of my seat. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys nonstop action in the novels they read. I found Mario Puzo's writing style to be very good with lots of unexpected twists and turns. This helped make the book very exciting. I also recommend it to anyone interested in the Mafia. This book provides an inside look about how the Mafia is run. Overall, I enjoyed this book very much.