Generally, I'm fairly hard to please. That being said, I love
this book without reservation. I've recommended it to and
foisted it on friends for years now. Many of them react much
the way I do: there isn't anyone else like Frank O'Connor.

The stories are lyrical, sharply and humorously observed, and
told with elegance in an easy but precise idiomatic diction.
O'Connor always gave his work the test of being read aloud,
and this care for the sound and cadence of his prose shows
on every page.

Finally, there is O'Connor's feeling for people. Reading the
stories, one gets the impression that he was an intelligent
but fundamentally kindly, generous man. Even when a character
in the stories does something that seems objectionable, he
never loses sight of that character's humanity.

Any selection of one's "favorite" stories will be personal.
To an interested reader, I would say, "Read them all." To
friends who ask, I add that they should start with
"Guests of the Nation" and "First Confession." These
aren't his "best" stories, but I've always liked them
both, they are typical of his best, and one must start
somewhere.

When I've given 5 stars to a book, I've often had to argue
with myself as to whether it deserved it. Not for this one.

There are very few stories that can make you just want to sit for a while after you've finished them. You're not sure if you're happy or sad: they just fill your body and you need to sit for a while because you know something special has just gone through you. Maybe they have a way of looking at the world that's just somehow more right than anything you've come across before. Chekhov's "The Bishop" is a story that does that for me, and Salinger's "For Esme, With Love and Squalor." A couple of others.

It's not that they make you happy, exactly, but they give you a sense that life is a more worthwhile thing than you might have felt before, stranger and more full. Frank O'Connor has more stories that give me that feeling than any other writer I've read in English - The Drunkard, My Oedipal Complex, The Mad Luceys, The Ugly Duckling, Don Juan's Temptation. He gave me the same feeling I got when I read Tolstoy and Chekhov for the first time: this guy is onto something: he knows the secret, and if I just read closely enough I'll figure it out too. Well, no luck yet - but each time I read one of O'Connor's stories I feel like everything around me is both more sensible and more mysterious than it used to seem, which is possibly all the answer any book is going to give.

The tradition of the Irish story teller has been reborn in this century in her marvelous short story writers. None was finer than Corkman, Frank O'Connor. All of O'Connor's classic stories are here. O'Connor truly captures Irish life in the early part of this century. The wit and humor that are legendary among Corkmen is present throughout this book. This is one of my favorite books ever. I have given it as a gift too many times to count. Every person that I gave it to came back raving about it!

Worth every penny!! Used this as my main reference to study for the hand examination.

This book is wonderful.It was worth every penny. This is my main resource that I use when I have a question on any hand problems. The book is very thorough and informative.It is a "must have" for any hand therapist.

I doubt anyone can pass the CHT exam without this book. If I only could read one on the list, this would be it.

This book was beautifully and passionately written. It is a love story unique and philosophical. Do we choose our own fates? Alvina will tell you.

Just like SISTER CARRIE, THE LOST GIRL is about a young woman searching for her place in the world. Meaning, floucing from one man to another, flirting, playing, getting engaged then dashing away for fun. And just like JEANNIE GERHARDT, this old man gets herself in trouble.

But the most fascinating part of this book is it's glimps into her background. How she was brought up in a wealthy and rich household, only to try out different occupations against her father's wishes, then ends up as a lower classed female in life. Very tragic.

I recently got done reading this wonderful, yet forgotten novel of Lawrence's. Truly compelling in it's intricate details of a young woman trying to find herself. Literally. She goes on the 'universal' self journey and discovers that she was lost and finally finds her identity and sensuality in the man she loves. D.H. Lawrence has a wonderful way of not wrapping up the ending in a nice,neat little package. As always, Lawrence is the ultimate man of mystery, sensual needs and desires. A "must read" for those who love to read Lawrence and for those who never have!

Over 200 of the most commonly encountered chief complaints in family medicine! This is the book! It's contributors are outstanding educators and clinicians from the school of medicine Harvard. Practical, no-nonsense straight to point case management -- it is like having a team of brilliant family physicians to consultant on every aspect of your daily practice. I am a PA and I think this should be on every practitioner's book shelf in family medicine.

It is a pleasure to find a medical book that took into consideration the practical aspects of a primary physician in his clinic.
I'd like to suggest to incorporate into the next edition more visual items (cXR, CT, MRI dermatological, etc.) as it says that one picture worth a thousand words

I'am a specialist on general internal medicine, and i work in a universitary hospital, i have responsability in education of residents in family care medicine. I think, that this boox can help in this formation because is very clear in explanations and criterials of clinicasl problems and aid to take decisssions. My suggest is in future edition, you should include some chapters about geriatric medicine.

This is the best book that i have. It is a must read for all who can read and all Special Forces. It put life on hold as you read it.

The most moving is "self pity"

I never saw a wild thing sorry for itself. A small bird will drop frozen dead from a bough without ever having felt sorry for itself. --D. H. Lawrence

This book of poems shares the top spot in my bookcase with Whitman's "Leaves of Grass". They are accessible, highly perceptive, pertinent and intensely personal. My favorites are:

"FIDELITY" - "...The wonderful slow flow of the sapphire..."

"GOD IS BORN" - "...And so we see, God is not until he is born. And also we see there is no end to the birth of God."

"SHIP OF DEATH" (Appendix III version) - "...Pulling the long oars of a lifetime's courage, ...and eating the brave bread of a wholesome knowledge..."

"GRIEF" - "...How am I clotted together Out of this soft matrix... The air, the flowing sunshine and bright dust..."

"WEDLOCK" - "...How sure the future is within me. I am like a seed with a perfect flower enclosed..."

Finally, as a scientist I marvel at his intuitive grasp of relativity in "SPACE" and "RELATIVITY" - ..."As if the atom were an impulsive thing always changing its mind."

I would be delighted to share my enthusiasm with other readers.

D. H. Lawrence: Self And Sexuality by James C. Cowan (Founder and Editor of "The D. H. Lawrence Review" and recipient of The D. H. Lawrence Society of North America Award for Distinguished Scholarship) is a thoughtful and thought-provoking psychologically oriented examination of assorted issues arising from the sexual topics found throughout the writings of D. H. Lawrence. Professor Cowan ranges from employing object relation theories of D. W. Winnicott, to traditional Freudian interpretations, to self-psycho-logical terms, and much, much more. An erudite and meticulously reasoned account, D. H. Lawrence: Self And Sexuality is an original and seminal contribution which is especially commended to students of the life and work of D. H. Lawrence.

This short book explains D. H. Lawrence's sexuality in concise, illuminating terms. The author spent many years studying Lawrence and psychoanalysis; now he uses the insights of therapists such as Heinz Kohut to penetrate the creative work of a gifted novelist. The book's ten chapters, all impressively organized, reflect Cowan's wisdom and humanity; in the chapter on Lawrence's search for masculine identity, for instance, he shows how vigorously Lawrence searched, consciously and unconsciously, for a way to unify his divided male consciousness. Highly recommended for readers curious about the way sex - in all its forms - permeates the affective life of a genius.

Allthough I knew little about Frieda Lawrence when I started reading this book, I found the topic fascinating--mainly because the writing is superb and the descriptions are vivid. I know it's a book I'll read again (and again) because it's rife with compelling detail and history. I found myself wishing I had known Frieda Lawrence almost as soon as I started the book. She did seem to have a genius for living, but it took a skillful, gifted biographer like Byrne to capture her fully in print with humor and insight. I recommend this book--it's unforgettable. It's also a great gift (as I discovered with numerous friends).

Here is a biography that contains many surprises: historically and artistically. It's exhaustively researched and detailed and is always funny and fascinating. Byrne's sense of humor shines throughout the book. She's a terrific artist; her way with words makes this a quick read. The insights into the marriage of Freida and D.H. Lawrence are often harrowing. But throughout, Freida's relationships with all the people in her life make up a powerfully compelling story. I was sorry when I reached the end

This is a book you can lose yourself in, never mind any "notorious" tag due to its being one of the three versions of Lady Chatterley's Lover. This "second draft" is actually much better than the final version. I didn't find it mawkish at all. It's about tenderness so maybe that's why the other reviewer thought it "mawkish". Don't look for sensationalism here, this novel is about how two people from different worlds fall in love. It's really superb.

One of the most fascinating things about picking up a book is being able to immerse oneself in the author's world. If the book is a success, one inevitably wonders where such genius comes from, how it develops. Part of the pleasure of reading John Thomas and Lady Jane is, therefore, the way it allows us to glimpse the writer's creative process in the second of three distinct stages in the formation of the idea of Lady Chatterley's Lover. It also allows us to see how D.H. Lawrence develops the various themes he returns to again and again in his works: overcoming class barriers, discovering sensuality and passion--in the true, deep senses of the words--and struggling against the brutally mechanical, cold world of modern day life. Yet the attractions of this novel are not limited to the rather academic analyses of how he gets from the rough first version to the final version of his notorious novel, Lady Chatterley's Lover. Though the plot is roughly developed in some places, almost mawkishly sentimental in others, John Thomas and Lady Jane is truly a pleasure to read for those seeking reaffirmation of the fact that tenderness and compassion still exist in this world, and that regardless of where, when and whom, it is always possible for us to find a way of living that truly expresses and embodies who we really are.

"I'll try and do anything and be anything you want if only you'll keep me." This is how "Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery begins.
Anne Shirley is a twelve-year-old girl who is brought to Green Gables only to find they were expecting a boy. The Cuthberts however, are one over by this queer, imaginative girl with bright, red hair and decide to allow her to stay.
Green Gables is a lovely, little farm just outside of a small town on Prince Edward Island called Avonlea. It is surrounded by fields and forests, which hold many surprises for adventurous Anne.
Throughout this book Anne's fierce temper and wild imagination often get the better of her, but she usually manages to squeeze out of these scrapes.
Anne's melodramatic nature and fiery temper keeps you interested as you read this marvelous book.
Montgomery's humorous writing style gives life to the characters so that you feel like you are meeting them in person.
I think that this was a wonderful book filled with humor, drama and tears. I would recommend this book to anyone that has ever had a dream and loves a good book.

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.

Anne of Green Gables is one of my all-time favorite books. Anne is a person almost everyone can relate to in some way or another. Anne is launched into the "depths of despair" as soon as she finds out the horrible truth that the Mathew and Marilla really sent for a boy from the orphanage. Her fiery temper gets the better of her at some of the worst possible times. Such as when she vows that she will never forgive Gilbert Blythe for calling her carrots, as if smashing a slate over his head is not enough. This is a wonderful book that L. M. Montgomery has really shown her skill as a writer and novelist in. I have read the entire Anne of Green Gables Series and am also, like another reader, saving them all for my daughter some day. If you want a book that you can thoroughly enjoy, this is the one, although I have one warning that you may have a hard time putting it down.

This book is literary criticism about some of America's most famous writers. Basically, it is a "Lawrencian" reading of classics.

D.H. Lawrence comments on Benjamin Franklin, Melville, Hawthorne, Dana, Fenimore Cooper, Poe, Whitman, and de Crevecoeur. In doing so, he is trying to get a picture of what America is and what it is trying to do. Although he mentions his interest in some, all fall short of the mark of creating a new identity for America.

If you have ever read notes by Lawrence on some of his novels (like "Lady Chatterley's Lover"), you will see the repeat of a lot of ideas and language. This was written later in his life, so it does make sense that some of his ideas of the blood-relationship would come again.

I would not recommend this book for people trying to understand American writing (except maybe to use this as contrast), but I would highly recommend this for anyone studying D.H. Lawrence. This will give you another perspective (aside from his fiction).

Excellent book. Lawrence is the only writer I know of who was able to trace the priggish type of American back to Benjamin Franklin. Franklin was a great man, but one of his more regrettable legacies appears in the modern WASP holier-than-thou type, the type that thinks it's inherently immoral to stay up late, and inherently moral to be a non-smoker. Take a close look at his interests and you'll see that it's to his advantage to preach what is, basically, servility. The rest of us Americans can't stand him (I'm convinced that Al Gore lost the election because he embodies this type), but his belief in his own piety remains unshaken to this day. Well, Lawrence gives him a perfectly-placed kick: check it out.

All of these essays are thoughtful, funny, and insightful. Lawrence has a unique way of grasping the undercurrents of works of fiction, and many of his most surprising assertions ring true upon reflection.

this is a masterpiece, and you do not have to know much about books to notice the expertise of the author, his sense of what he is writing.he has really given me an orientation into the vast lands of american letters.he has set me going into a different direction and has made me read some books again. i recommend this book to anybody with a deep interest in american letters, but please keep reading this author, he is wonderful. LUIS MENDEZ luismendez@codetel.net.do