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Book reviews for "Kimball,_Michael" sorted by average review score:

Walt Disney's Railroad Story: The Small-Scale Fascination That Led to a Full-Scale Kingdom
Published in Hardcover by Pentrex Media Group (1997)
Authors: Michael Broggie, Lillian Bounds Disney, and Ward Kimball
Amazon base price: $59.95
Used price: $475.00
Average review score:

Also an excellent book on the history of DIsneyland
I consider myself an expert on Disneyland; I'm a former Imagineer and a collector of Disneyland information. Michael Broggie is not exaggerating his father's importance to the realization of Walt's dream. This book goes slightly beyond the sanitized "official" version that the Disney company promulgates and includes some stories and details that haven't been widely known. It's a beautiful coffee table book, complete and accurate (except for one or two nits someone like me might pick). I love it particularly for all the never-before published photos--you get so tired of seeing the same old approved shots when you collect Disneylandiana.

In case Amazon doesn't provide links, I would also recommend "Walt Disney Imagineering" by David Mumford, et.al. and "Inside Story" by the late Randy Bright. Both are "official," but just as authoritative as Broggie's.

Worth reading from Cover to Cover
I normally only read technical books. I picked this book up just to look at the pictures. Then I started to read the short articles within the chapters. I found them so fasinating that I found myself reading the main articles. My son asked my wife "what is Dad doing reading?". Walt Disney said that it all started with a mouse, but after reading this book you will realize that it all started with a train.

Walt Disney's Railroad Story is a delightful book!
I have always loved the trains at Disneyland more than any other attraction. I always had dozens of questons about the trains that I wished I could get answers to. When I found out about this book I ordered it immediately. (My first experince with "one-click" ordering by the way, and WOW how easy!!) The book arrived on a Friday and I sat down to read it as soon as I got home from work. I could not put it down! I read straight through until 4am the next morning and finished it. It answered all the questions I ever had about the trains at Disneyland. It is a wonderful glimpse into the life of Walt Disney, and the group of incredibly talented people who worked for him. If you love trains, this book is a must. If you love Disneyland, this book is a must. If you could care less about trains and Disneyland, but you love a good story, this book is a must. Thank you Michael Broggie, for sharing this wonderful story.


The Way the Family Got Away: A Novel
Published in Hardcover by Four Walls Eight Windows (2000)
Author: Michael Kimball
Amazon base price: $25.00
Used price: $3.95
Collectible price: $21.18
Buy one from zShops for: $20.31
Average review score:

A weird read
I absolutely hate to give bad reviews, but from my viewpoint this story was awful. Maybe I was just repulsed by the whole storyline, or maybe I couldn't STAND the irritating drivel coming from these poor children's mouths, all I know is that the whole thing drove me nuts! Perhaps, that was the point! I think the author wanted to write something very different and engaging. As I can see, some reviewers loved the book. I found it draining and exasperating. For some great surrealism, read The Waves by Virginia Woolf or 100 Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez - fine writers.

The Linguistic Universe
Kimball speculates brilliantly on the linguistic and imaginative universe of childhood. The games that the children play with their string and paper dolls represent bizarre yet moving attempts to come to terms with the death of their little brother and the new pregnancy of their mother. Inner and outer worlds are blurred in a series of strange symbolic exchanges as the difficulties the children have in coming to terms with the experience of death, sex, loss and birth are presented. The imaginative challenges of writing about childhood using only the intellectual resources of childhood are formidable. Kimball meets them head on and has written a visceral, wrenching and compelling account of a family's collapse. That the formal challenges are met with determination and success, that the novel appears to have been wrested whole from a landscape of devastation and pain allows the reader a certain exhilaration as well.

Truly a Redefining of American Literature!
And it couldn't come at a better time. You've never read anything like this book. Buy it and read it now. After you've read it, read it again. Michael Kimball is one of the most promising writers of the new millennium. One hundred and sixty pages of finely-crafted genius--Kimball is a master of rhythm and melody, delivering a story as powerful as a hammer blow to the soul. If you have a weak heart, suffer back problems, or are a pregnant woman, step out of the car to the left. If you are ready to experience something bold, new and exciting, then this ride is for you.


Mouth to Mouth
Published in Mass Market Paperback by Harper Mass Market Paperbacks (2001)
Author: Michael Kimball
Amazon base price: $6.99
Used price: $0.01
Collectible price: $2.12
Buy one from zShops for: $1.94
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Mesmerizing....
Ellen's daughter Moreen, marries a man much older, Randy, and one whom Ellen thoroughly dislikes. It only takes a few pages into the book, before you understand--Ellen has good reason to dislike Randy. But, what can, what will Ellen do, to save her daughter.

As Ellen becomes involved in her daughter's problems, she revisits some of her own. And, she and husband Scott, will be visited by their nephew, Neal. Neal, is the character that will bring this mesmerizing book to its climax. And, it's Neal who will contribute heavily, to the suspense of this page-turning read.

If you're like me--you're not going to find any characters in MOUTH TO MOUTH, ones you care about. And yet, you'll have to keep reading this book, until you finish it. It has a little bit of everything--action and suspense, family drama, a book full of unusual characters, and even sensuality. I was sorry to finish this one. And, I've already tracked down Kimball's previous book, UNDONE.

Don't Plan on Being Interrupted While Reading This
I read Michael Kimball's previous book, Undone, quite a while ago. It was, to say the least, one of the most convoluted, exciting and suspenseful books I had ever read. When Mouth to Mouth came out, I bought it, although I wondered if Kimball could match Undone. No problem. This book has the same kind of serpentine plot, with twists and turns from page to page. The developing evil creeps up on the reader until suddenly all hell breaks loose, and you wonder, "What happened! " Definitely recommended for readers who like their plots fast, exciting and unpredictable. I can't wait until Mr. Kimball comes out with his next book.

Compulsive Reading
Having read Michael Kimball's previous book entitled "Undone", and thoroughly enjoying the read. I had no hesitation in purchasing "Mouth To Mouth".

"Mouth To Mouth" did not disappoint. The story was compelling from start to finish. The characters were intriguing, the plot twisted and turned with every page. Right to the end you just did not know what was going to happen next.

A true master piece and very much a "must have book" for every home.

Michael Kimball is a true genius of suspense.


Undone
Published in Hardcover by Avon Books (Trd) (1996)
Authors: Michael Kimball and Micheal Kimball
Amazon base price: $23.00
Used price: $1.10
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Excellent thriller with emotion and great twists
I think that Michael Kimball is brilliant. How he thought up this twisting, turning plot I'll never know, but it works out sweetly, with such a satisfying story and unique characters. I was completely intrigued by this book. Kimball doesn't treat his readers like idiots; this book is intelligent and crafty and must be paid attention to. He even has time for a few delectable sub-plots. This book is great reading - not too intense, but filled with emotionally involving drama and clever twists. It is just so original, I want everyone I know to read it. I just have to buy them some copies of the book first. This would make one heck of a movie.

Painstakingly plotted thriller
In fact the book is almost too well written for its own good. Kimball describes every character and every scene in almost quantum-level detail. This results in the plot taking a very long time to gather momentum, which may discourage the reader who is seeking instant gratification. Stick with it though and you will be rewarded with some of the most devious twists and turns I have ever come across. Ultimately a very memorable and satisfying read, but falls just short of being a classic due to a slight lack of pace. Is it being made into a film? I'm sure it would be a blockbuster!

Great literary thriller
This is one awesome piece of work. Beautifully drawn, complex characters--and an intricate, twisting plot that never lets up. I read this book in a night and day--could not stop. (I called in sick so I could finish it.) I cannot remember a novel of suspense I've found more compelling--and I read lots of them. Not for weak hearts . . . but definitely recommended. And I'm eagerly awaiting Kimball's next work.


Green Girls
Published in Mass Market Paperback by Harper Mass Market Paperbacks (2003)
Author: Michael Kimball
Amazon base price: $7.50
Average review score:

Not everything can be above average.
This is an okay read. The characters are of some intrerest but not particularly well developed or realistic. The plot would probably work better if it were more deftly handled. The writing is functional but in no way clever or inspiring. It just gets the job done. On the other hand, there are not a lot of typos or grammatical goofs to distract. So this is about an average novel, maybe toward the high end of average. If you just can't find anything better, give it a read.

good read but no blockbuster
I found the book interesting and it kept my attention however, it's not one of those books that you'll want to read again or that is memorable. The character development was weak and the ending was predictable.

Compelling!
A friend who is a reviewer recommended "Green Girls" as a book that I might find interesting. I didn't think I would like it from reading the blurb, but I was wrong. This is a compelling read that held my attention throughout. The obsessive and quite mad July is a pretty unnerving character. I got a little tired of the protagonist making stupid mistakes, but he eventually tries to redeem himself. The Colombian shaman is a great character and Kimball did a great job with him. If you like books that are a little out there and not so "in the box" this is a good book for you.


Choosing the Right Camp 1995-96: The Complete Guide to the Best Summer Camp for Your Child
Published in Paperback by Timeless Books (1995)
Authors: Richard C. Kennedy and Michael Kimball
Amazon base price: $15.00
Used price: $22.50
Average review score:
No reviews found.

Choosing the Right Camp, 1993-1994: The Complete Guide to the Best Summer Camp for Your Child
Published in Paperback by Times Books (1992)
Authors: Richard C. Kennedy and Michael Kimball
Amazon base price: $15.00
Used price: $5.00
Average review score:
No reviews found.

Firewater Pond
Published in Hardcover by Putnam Pub Group (1985)
Author: Michael Kimball
Amazon base price: $17.95
Used price: $16.80
Collectible price: $13.99
Average review score:
No reviews found.

Human Ecology and Neolithic Transition in Eastern County Donegal, Ireland (BAR British Series)
Published in Paperback by Archaeopress (31 October, 2000)
Author: Michael J. Kimball
Amazon base price: $
Average review score:
No reviews found.

Michael Kimball Mixed 30 Copy Hardback/Paperback Dumpbin
Published in Hardcover by Headline (06 May, 1999)
Author: Michael Kimball
Amazon base price: $
Average review score:
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Related Subjects: Author Index Reviews Page 1 2

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