If you are like me, you have often wondered how our most talented novelists would see important historical characters. Gore Vidal has whetted our appetite with his novels about the first hundred years of the United States. In Aspire to the Heavens, talented mystery writer Mary Higgins Clark makes George Washington come alive as a simple man with many personal challenges in his life. Although I was familiar with the material in this book, Ms. Clark did a wonderful job of both making it more interesting and accessible by making his life into a personally focused biographical novel. As a result, I got a lot of new perspectives on my own life that I will benefit from for many years to come.

The book's title alludes to a promise that George Washington's mother asked for and received from him. She wanted him to always do his utmost. In her family, that had meant "Aspire to the Heavens." He took on that promise with her encouragement. Out of his own character, though, he decided to be the most decent man he could possibly be. That latter promise to himself is the one that this book focuses on.

The form of this book is to describe George Washington through the lens of his personal life, rather than his public accomplishments. The style reads more as though it is a novel rather than a biography, and there is certainly some literary license in the ascriptions of motives and personal thoughts. Yet, these devices work well as long as you remember not to take them too seriously and literally.

Although Washington will always seem larger than life to all Americans, he was a man who had many setbacks in his own life. Before the Revolutionary War, he was certainly not considered to be the great man most now believe him to have been.

Life was hard as a youngster. His father died when he was fairly young, and his mother carried a whip to help assert her authority over him and his siblings. She did not keep a very attractive household, which young George resented. Although she loved her son, she put him down verbally at every opportunity. Her opposition to his desire for an ocean-going career was a fortunate one for the United States and democracies everywhere, but a bitter disappointment to him at the time. George sought escape from her whenever possible, especially to the home of his half-brother at Mount Vernon (which he would eventually inherit and buy out from his sister-in-law).

An early friendship with the Fairfax family led to a long relationship with the first and greatest love of Washington's life, Sally Fairfax, his proposal to her similar-appearing sister (which was refused), as well as his interest in surveying as a career.

His mother constantly tried to discourage his military career, and complained bitterly about the risks he was taking during the colonial campaigns before the Revolutionary War. She blamed the early death of George's favorite half-brother on war-related illnesses.

It is fun to read Martha Washington referred to by her pet name of "Patsy" throughout the book. You will also read here a sensitive interpretation of Washington's frustrations as a step-father and in securing Patsy's love and attention. As you may know, the story ends tragically as both step-children die at fairly young while, while the Washingtons never have children of their own. Their step-daughter asks them to adopt two of her children after her husband dies, whom the Washingtons' raise.

The book's structure is an interesting one. The main historical thread is the aftermath of John Adams's inauguration and the Washingtons' trimphant return to Mount Vernon to farm. This development is interspaced with flashbacks of key moments in the lives of both George and Patsy.

After you have finished enjoying the book, I suggest that you evaluate your own life from the perspective of how you will be remembered as a family member and as a friend. Many people focus too much on their careers and public accomplishments. This book can help you assess the balance you have achieved in your life. All of us can learn from how George Washington came to keep silent when something upset him rather than creating a fuss that would have hurt his closest relationships. He was a fine family man and friend, as a result, as well as an inspiring, steady leader.

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I just finished reading Aspire to the Heavens for the second time. When I first discovered this true gem a few years ago, I didn't understand why it was the only Mary Higgins Clark novel left shelved at my local library during peak lending season. Admittedly I was somewhat surprised after reading Ms. Clark's introductory page stating that this was NOT a suspense novel, but rather a story about the life of George Washington. Expecting to dive into a juicy suspense - imagine my disappointment! However, after browsing over the first few pages, Ms. Clark's writing style (as always) had me immediately intrigued. This fabulous little book took us into Mr. Washington's personal life from his uncomfortable relationship with his own mother, to his lifelong infatutation with his best friend's wife, through to his spunky courtship and marriage to the wonderful and intuitive Mrs. Washington (Martha). Mary Higgins Clark taught us to KNOW George Washington, with all his leadership q! ! ualities and common sense mannerisms, allowing us to respect and admire him for the great person he was (much in the same way that he WAS perceived by his countrymen of the 1700's). This magnificent book gives us history, adventure, romance and a glimpse into a bygone era. A suspense novel it was not - but my, what a pleasant surprise! And once again, Ms. Clark's amazing writing talent managed to wrap up the novel at precisely the best possible moment, leaving me feeling like the characters were good acquaintances, yet leaving me with still another feeling - that I had gained privileged information about a truly amazing person who was not a mere piece of fiction. This is a book you will want to keep in your home library and share with the entire reading community!

ASPIRE TO THE HEAVENS was first published in the late 1960's, well before Mary Higgins Clark's meteoric success as a author of mystery/thrillers. This biographical novel breathes life into the stick figure we know as George Washington. Portrayed as a kindly and responsible man with a welcome dash of humor, ASPIRE TO THE HEAVENS covers Washington's career from rash youth to an undaunted and vital old age. Interesting light is shown on Washington's hopeless love for the beautiful Sally Fairfax, wife of his best friend, also illuminated are his difficulties with his controlling virago of a mother. After rereading this underappreciated yet gleaming work of fiction, one can almost feel regret that Mary Higgins Clark did not continue in the field of historical literature, it is to be wondered what she might have done with figures like Jefferson and Adams. ASPIRE TO THE HEAVENS is highly recommended.

Mary Higgins Clark always writes a wonderful story that is full of great characters. I can usually relate to something in her stories and this one is very very good. You should definately buy!!

this is a great book for those that love mystrey novels. When I first started reading it I wasn't too interested and a couple years later read it again and thought that it was the best book. It isn't really serious, in fact very funny. The characters in the book seem very real and after reading the book I would like to see this part of England for myself. The book is not what you would expect and niether are the chartactersin it. This book would be good for those between 13 and 90. It doesn't have much of an age catagorie, but the book might be hard to follow for younger readers. The story is about a muder 25 years old and the detective thats whats to do it gets sent on a first class cruise with an 80year old widow who seems and acts at least half her age. on the cruise ship with them is a jewelthief, a murderer, some newly weds, a pair of odd 2nd honeymooners, a murdermystery writer and a funeral parlor owner. The characters are some that you wouldn't expect. This is a very good book to buy and also read.

It was great! It had the perfecct balance of the two most important things: mystery, and suspence. You may like this book, or you may LOVE it, I happen to be one that loves it, it was cunning, and abouve all, smartly written. As a college student, I was scared to receive sleep that nite! :):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):) HI dad!

After Catherine Dornan's husband is diagnosed with leukimia, Cathering and their 2 sons go to New York so Mr.Dornan can a a life-saving operation. To get her son's minds off their father for a while they go to view Christmas decorations in the streets of New york. Catherine drops her wallet and a stranger, Cally Hunter, sister of escaped convict, Jimmy Siddons picks it up. The wallet holds a precious memento their grandmother just gave them, a St. Christopher medal. 7-year-old Brian sees Cally and is unable to get his mother's attention so he follows Cally to get back the medal. Brian follows Cally all the way to her apartment where Jimmy Siddons gets a hold of hime and kidnaps Brian as he runs away from the cops. This book is written with warmth for the holiday seasons. It is very intriguing and puts you in suspense as you wonder what will happen next.

These books are great for anyone traveling the open world. It's great to just sit back, relax, close your eyes and enjoy the book! This book is wonderful for family road trips, only if there are no young kids! I read a lot but everyone knows its difficult to read in the wind or bright sunshine so why not read without the words! Plus these books will keep you in suspense forever and its great conversation if you listen to it with friends!

I thik that this boxed set is the best they can do with all thebook writen by M.H.Clark. The very well know "a stranger iswatching" and the two other take place in a very good environment that clark made by her own.I suggest you to buy this... 3-books-set/very good quality. END

It's very good book, like all Mary Higgins Clark's books, there is long intrigue, and it's hard to find the murderer. it's not boring, it's one of Clark's best book.
I very enjoyed it!!

What can I honestly say about an experience like Mary Higgins Clark's, "All Around the Town"? Let me begin by acknowledging that I have never read a single of Clark's books prior to this, so I am not really familiar with her form of writing and the techniques she uses. A friend highly recommended this book and author to me (thanks T. G.), so naturally, I decided to check it out, largely because I am a big fan of Psychological Thrillers and I haven't read a decent mystery in ages. I've decided to approach this review from more of a "Commentary" stand point, so I really won't take the time to explain the plot or characters in great detail. I expected the usual dead corpse, clear the convict of charges, make large revelations, and everyone has a "happily ever after" type ending format to this mystery. To a certain extent, this was true, but there were multiple plot twists, a sophisticated aura to the story and it's details, and character development that rivals that of classics like "Gone with the Wind" and "Little Women". This was an unexpected surprise to me. I thoroughly enjoyed the relationships that formed between the central characters and their general respect for each other and the parts they play in this mystery/Psychological development story. The one of the central characters, Laurie (aka. Leona, Kate, Lee, and Debbie), is forced to come to the facts that she was not responsible for her parent's tragic death or her being kidnapped and molested at the innocent age of 4. We later learn in the story that to help her get through the "tough" times in her life, for lack of a better word, she has developed a case known as Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD) in which her mind embraces four other personalities aside from her central personality (Laurie). Among these are Debbie, a constantly crying four year old; Lee, a personality which I will not discuss for fear that I may spoil too much of the story; Kate, an older, more mature protector which resembles Laurie's sister in character; and Leona, a sexy, feminine woman who is not afraid to let it all out. Laurie doesn't realize she has these other personalities in her mind until she talks to her psychiatrist and together they identify the personalities. Laurie's older sister, Sara, is very protective over Laurie but not in an imposing way. I believe she felt guilty because she was not there to prevent Laurie's kidnapping. She is a very conservative and mature woman who quits her job as an assistant prosecutor to defend her sister in court when she is charged with the murder of her College Professor Allan Grant. Laurie has always admired and loved Professor Grant but her alter personality, Leona, has taken this to when she sneaks into his house at night, watches him sleep, and writes very provocative and explicit love letters to him signing as Leona (Allan Grant is unaware of Laurie's MPD case). Found stabbed to death on his bed, Laurie is the only suspect in his murder. I prefer to not reveal anymore of the story because you can read more about it in the other reviews below and above mine and I'd much rather give my impressions on the story and not waste time talking about something I need not to. Anyway, as I was saying, the plot twists and later revelations are worth reading and it gives you a good feeling towards the story once you finish the 117 chapter story (Don't worry, most chapters are less then a page in length, at least in the hard bound version). Early insignificant details in the beginning of the story and after Grant is killed are later brought out in the forms of great revelations which progress the story further and add to the total experience. Hint: Pay special attention to details that don't seem very important or are not really worth remembering when you first come across them. I highly recommend this novel to all fans of Psychological thrillers, mystery, or character progression and revelations. I'd like to thank T. G. once again for recommending this book and for reopening my mind to the world of intellectual mysteries that stimulate the mind and leave you feeing a sense of accomplishment. Kudos and God Bless...

ALL AROUND THE TOWN is Mary Higgins Clark 9th bestselling novel, and her best work yet! The story revolves around Laurie Kenyon and her sister Sarah Kenyon. When Laurie is kidnapped at the age of four, she is put a victim to a lot of abuse and harassment. Two years later, she is sent back to her home, but once brouht back safely, she doesn't remember any of the unfortunate incidents that has happened to her during the two years.

After many years later, Laurie, now a twenty one year old student, is suddenly accused of murdering her English Professor, Allan Grant. She has no memory of the crime but her fingerprints are found everywhere, therefore she arraigned on a murder charge.

Laurie's older sister, defense attorney, Sarah Kenyon, takes up Laurie's case, and sends her to psychiatrist Justin Donnelly to unlock her dark, horrifying years when she was kidnapped. But, Laurie's abductor's, who have still not forgotten her, are still obsessed about her and after her to make sure that her past remains sealed and doesnt leak out.

With all the elements needed for a good suspense book, Clark does a splendid job is making the readers guess the entire time as to what is going to happen next, especially when there is a terrifying twist in the climax! This book will keep up on the edge of your seat the whole time, and is a excellent novel to read!! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book!

If you like other Mary Higgins Clark books, You'll love this one! Laurie Kenyon was kidnapped at the age of 4. Two years later, her kidnappers left her on the steps of a school building. When she was returned to her parents, she acted shy and afraid of everything, unlike what she used to be. What they didn't know is that she developed Multiple Personality Disorder(MPD). After the death of her parents, Laurie, now a college student, falls in love with Proffesor Allan Grant (or,at least, one of her personalities does). When Allan Grant is murdered, Laurie becomes the main suspect. Lauries sister, Sarah, switches sides of the courtroom and becomes Laurie's defendant attorney. Sarah convinces Laurie to see Justin Donelley, a phyciatrist specializing in MPD patients, to help her. As Laurie unveils all of her personalities and discovers what happens the night Allan Grant was stabbed to death, her kidnappers are closing in on her. And this time they mean murder.... This is my favorite Mary H. Clark book. If you love mystery and suspense, you'll love "All Around The Town".

This is the best book that I have read by Mary Higgens Clark. It is full of suspense and keeps you on the edge of your seat until the end! You will sympathize with Nancy Eldredge as she stands accused of the unthinkable - the cause of the disappearance of her children.

Nancy and her husband ray have two children, Mike & Missy. She seemed to have the picture perfect life. When the children are missing, Nancy is devastated. Or is she? Seven years earlier, Nancy Harmon was found guilty of the murder of her children, Peter and Lisa. She was so hated by the public that she changed her appearance and changed her name. Is history repeating itself? You will not be able to put this one down until you find out!

Mary Higgins Clark's book Where are the Children is an excellent book. It will keep you on the edge of your seat. I however, go annoyed how you would find something out, and then the chapter would change to a different person. This is what kept you hanging, and hungry for more. When I first started reading it, it was confusing. It all comes together though. The three main characters, Nancy, Courtney (guy), and Rob were described well, and fit right into the story. Mary also does a great job of telling the history of Nancy at the very beginning. Nancy is put on trial for the murder of her two children. She gets off because the main witness (Rob) in the case leaves the country. Nancy is now living in Cape Cod with two new children, a new husband, and a new life. When the newspaper comes, the front page is a huge article all about her past. She looks outside. Her children are missing. All that remains is a red mitten worn by her little girl. She becomes the main suspect again. Is Nancy crazy? Or was someone setting her up? Read the book to find that out. I recommend it.

I think Mary Higgins Clark was at her best with this book; Where Are the Children. It was well written, and it kept me thinking constantly throughout the book. She made the story seem so realistic by letting the characters feelings and emotions relate to what other people in the same circumstances would have felt like. I really enjoyed reading this book. It was very descriptive about what was happening to the characters. Mary Higgins Clark makes reading enjoyable and relaxing. I did find the book a little hard to follow in the beginning, but the rest of the book made up for it. So, I decided to give Where Are the Children 5 stars. It was about a lady named Nancy Eldredge and her family. She was married to Carl Harmon and had two children, Peter and Lisa. She was very happy, and then one day her children disappeared. Her children were found dead and Nancy was framed for the murders. During the trial her husband and closest friend went against her. She decides to start a new life, and so she changed her appearance. She moved to Cape Cod and married Ray Eldredge, so that she could try to get rid of her horrible memories from the past. Nancy and Ray had two children named Mike and Missy, who were helping her move on with her life. Just when her life is going the way she wanted it to, Mike and Missy disappeared, leaving nothing but a little red mitten as a clue for the police to follow. Nancy couldn't remember much from the day her kids disappeared, so the police thought that it was her again. Will Nancy be committed for the crime again, or will it be someone else this time? The book has a very surprising ending. Read the book to answer all of the puzzling questions, and to find out what happens to Nancy and her family. In my opinion it's a book well worth reading.