Breece Pancake killed himself with a shotgun in Charlottesville, Virginia on Palm Sunday in 1979. He was 26 years old at the time and had just completed a graduate writing program at the University of Virginia. Four years later "The Stories of Breece D'J Pancake" was published, a collection of twelve stories that posthumously established his literary reputation as one of the finest short story writers in twentieth century American literature.

Pancake grew up in the hollows of West Virginia and each of the carefully wrought stories in this collection deals with the seemingly desperate lives of the working poor in that part of the country. They are remarkably crafted stories, written with a deep sense for the locale and the people from which they are drawn. They are also models of precision, the kind of stories that deserve to be read over and over, studied for the way in which they use foregrounding and the mundane details of everyday life--albeit everyday life that quietly screams with the desperation of poverty, deadening work, drinking, promiscuity, and brutality-to draw complex portraits of people who endure, even when endurance is no more than a substitute for hope. As he writes in "A Room Forever," the story of a tugboat mate spending New Year's Eve in an eight-dollar-a-night hotel room where he drinks cheap whiskey out of the bottle and eventually ends up with a teen-aged prostitute: "I stop in front of a bus station, look in on the waiting people, and think about all the places they are going. But I know they can't run away from it or drink their way out of it or die to get rid of it. It's always there."

The best of these stories are "Trilobites," "The Honored Dead," "Fox Hunters," and "In the Dry." But there really isn't a weak story in the bunch. Every story is captivating, every one an exemplar of what good short story writing should be. At the end, the only thing that disappoints, that leaves the reader discomforted, is the thought that Pancake died so young, that these are the only stories we have by a truly remarkable writer.

In this volume, the writer's surviving voice really hits home and stays there. Like that perfect song that stays in your head and carries you through the day, Breece Pancake's words and wisdom echoe through the reader's mind forever after reading them. In this life, there is always something around to remind of a Breece Pancake story. From the time weathered fossils in the creek beds to the rare West Virginia 120 m.p.h. strait stretches, after reading this volume I see Pancake everywhere, no matter where I am in the world. Like the trilobite preserved beneath the earth that hides it, these stories are a tangible (and for some reason widely unknown), history of a time and generation that, like the tragedy of Pancake's suicide, is destined to be repeated if ignored.

There are times when things come together in such a way that you know it's perfect. It can be a phrase of music, a blending of colors and sounds in film, or, in this case, the words of a story. This book tells stories that fall together in a timeless way, but are still firmly rooted in a specific place and time.

Having grown up in West Virginia, there were parts of these stories that spoke to me from a sort of "native" perspective. But more to it was the emotion that was the core, the skin and the stitching of each of these stories.

It's a good book to own. To read from when you feel like being taken to another place for a while. And to carry a piece of that place with you once you put the book down.

This highly detailed travel guide covers the entire state, from Virginia Beach to the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Great Dismal Swamp. All the best hikes, canoe trails, whitewater routes, from an author who has hiked the Appalachian Trail from start to finish three times! This is a book for all seasons, taking you from the sun-drenched shores in the summer to the ever-beautiful hills bathed in fall color to the snow-covered peaks that offer winter fun. Scenic drives are recommended, so you can catch the best of Virginia on film, if you wish. Places to stay and eat to suit all tastes and budgets. Sightseeing sections tell you of the best attractions.

"... contains a great deal of useful information on outdoor activities." Prodigy Travel Board

"Leonard Adkins has done it again! Clear, easy-to-read maps and crisp photos make the book visually interesting.... It's a must for anyone who loves to hike, bike or auto-tour in the Old Dominion." Charleston Daily Mail

Having read the first book in this series, I couldn't wait to read Con's story and I was not disappointed. Ms. Kantra in a master of characterization.

After reading THE PASSION OF PATRICK MACNEILL, I had certain expectations for Con. He had to be strong, handsome, intelligent and most of all compassionate. His story had to have the same depth of emotion and character, the same intense and quality writing. That seemed a lot to ask, but I did anyway.
I wasn't disappointed. THE COMEBACK OF CON MACNEILL is just as well written as Patrick's story. Virginia has consistently given us strong men, and holding her to that, I'm looking forward to Sean's story, which is now on shelves.
For those of you who don't normally read category romance, this series about three brothers is one that might just make you change your mind.
~sue
Sue Waldeck
Road to Romance
http://www.roadtoromance.dhs.org

I thoroughly enjoyed Con's story -- one of the best books I've read all year. Con is a very real-life hero, intelligent enough to think before reacting. He accepts that the heroine, Val, isn't a ninny but rather an independent woman who just needs a helping hand. I adored Con and can't wait for Sean's story! Hurry up September!

What a great book to curl up with and explore! It's like a virtual vacation. I'm ready to call my travel agent.

This reference of Virginia's lighthouses will be indispensable anyone wanting to locate, study or identify lighthouses. It's concise format makes it possible to carry or store while traveling or keep within reach on boats,cars or aircraft. This colorful book will probably become a valuable rare collectors item, since it freezes in time a valuable set of pictures of both the interior and exterior of all the lighthouses in Virginia at publication. As I am retired U.S.Navy I have an acute interest and respect for historic documents related to maritime history.

I would like to commend Mr. Zaccaria on a wonderful job of showing us, up close, the beautiful lighthouses of Virginia. In the last few years, I have become an avid lighthouse fan. I have been able to see several of the lighthouses mentioned in the book, and I find them just as beautiful and interesting as the book describes.I recommend this book to anyone interested in lighthouses.

Homer Hickam wrote a very enjoyable and informative book about his hometown of Coalwood, West Virginia, and the people who helped nurture him as a young boy. With his childhood stories, he took me on a journey through time to a place that many today would dismiss as "old-fashioned," and Hickam would argue was "the way things can and should be."

Inspired by the events of September 11, 2001, Hickam reflected on his youth and realized the values he grew up with in Coalwood were what many people needed to move on with their lives following the tragic terrorist attacks on America. Hickam expertly wove his thoughts and experiences into the four "Coalwood Attitudes of Strength and Courage" (We are proud of who we are, We stand up for what we believe, We keep our families together, and We trust in God but rely on ourselves), which led to the "Coalwood Assumption" that most Americans found themselves either wanting to say or saying repeatedly following 9/11: "We are not afraid."

In his introduction, Hickam explains the purpose of this book: "If you want to stop being afraid, or if you want to avoid the habits of fear and dread, this book can help by teaching you a philosophy of life that will fill your heart and soul with a sense of well-being and confidence. It is a philosophy that was developed by real people who led good, happy and hearty lives while managing to raise a crop of children who went on to have successful lives of their own."

Hickam is a master storyteller, and his stories contained many powerful moral and inspirational passages. Some I related to as personal memories, others as things I missed growing up or never thought about, and still others as a father wanting his young son to experience in his childhood.

This book has a lot to offer to many different people with many different needs in many different situations. I encourage everyone to read this book and let Hickam take you on a journey of discovery into your heart and soul.

Hands down one of the greatest books I have ever read! Time to stop dreamin' and start taking some action. Homer Hickam has the gift of lifting you up higher than any mountain in West Virginia. I laughed and I cried...as I do through all of his books. But this one really grabbed my heart and made me realize that I am somebody too. We are truly lucky to have such a talent share his life (past/present) with us. If you are feeling blue or simply just down and out, I recommend that you read this book. I know that you will enjoy it as much as I did!

There are so many self-help books out there that just give you a lot of mush and feel-good words that don't add up to something. This book actually tells you real stuff. It helped me understand how being afraid is more than what we usually think of as fear. It's what keeps us from being successful, or happy. Unless you understand what Homer calls long-term fear, you can't break out of it. I love the little stories Homer tells about the people back in Coalwood. They make you laugh and then they make you think and you realize you've learned something really good! Of all the self-help, inspirational books out there, this one will really help you to break loose from what's been holding you back even when you didn't realize it. And, folks, if you've got something scary to do, like flying on a plane for a long trip or something and you've been dreading it, read this book and I'll guarantee you that you won't be afraid. It's really kind of a miracle read.

A tightly-written novel that starts with a strange, naked man in the heroine's bed and proceeds at a fair pace. I liked the preceding novel in the trilogy well enough, but this is better. The characters are fleshed out quite well, and though I wanted to strangle the heroine at times, she had extremely good reasons for being such a wimp -- which made her seem so much more courageous when she decided finally to DO something about her situation.

That situation is a tense one, very well constructed and scary, and the addition of some realistic-sounding kids complicates matters even further. Hero and heroine showed a very warm chemistry. Sean is definitely someone I wouldn't mind having live in my garage... or finding naked in my bed. The sex scenes arose organically from the plot, unlike the slightly uncomfortable ones in the previous novel. Well done and enjoyed!

Cover: quite eyecatching!

This book was fantastic, one I could sink my romance loving teeth into. To put it simply: A good old-fashioned love story. The story had characters I could sympathize with -- and in the heroine, Rachel, I fully identified with her reluctance to confide her problems to anyone, even her mother. Both Rachel and Sean exuded likeability and the author hooked me into their story from the first page. Rachel had good reason to be afraid for her and her children's safety and good reason not get anyone else involved. But through Sean's persuasive kindness and consideration, he earns the trust and love of Rachel and her children. Throw in sweet seduction, sizzling love scenes and moments of panic, mayhem and angst and you'll see why Ms. Kantra has become an auto-buy for future titles, and her back list now is part of my books to be read.

Two scenes that stood out for me were Sean and Rachel, confronting each other in the kitchen and coming to terms with their feelings for the other and later, when Rachel gets her first introduction to the entire MacNeill family.

The Temptation of Sean MacNeill is definitely Two Thumbs Up.

Rachel's packed up her two kids and everything she owns, and is heading home to her mother's house where she finds a man sleeping in her bed -- a very naked, sexy man. He's Sean MacNeill, her mother's tenant. He's definitely a piece of eye-candy, and as she grows to know him, Rachel discovers he's even more attractive inside than out. And he makes it clear he's interested in her. But interest or not, Rachel doesn't have time for Sean, not when the mobs on her heels. She has her family to worry about.

Sean knows Rachel's in trouble, but she's keeping him at arm's length. How can he help her if she won't let him come any closer? And Sean wants to be closer . . . much closer. Can he save her from her demons, and better yet, can he save himself from falling head-over heels for her?

Virginia Kantra delivers another powerful story of love and intrigue, of honor and trust. A great read that will tempt you to read it all in one sitting!

This is the only book my son ever wanted to take home from his weekly gym class! It is out of print but worth every effort to find it. After spreading the word that we were looking for it, we even got 2 as gifts but I won't part with them!

This book is a riot. It starts off with a little girl playing. "Mama! I'm hungry!" And the Mama helps pass the time until the pizza man comes wondering how you'd greet each incarnation of a pizza delivery... creature. Moooo-oo-oo Pizza Cow. SSsssSS Pizza Snake!

My daughter is 6 and still reads it. It has always been one of her favorites. And, my 16 month old has recently been introduced to the joys of "Hi Pizza Man". He was transfixed, and just about toppled over laughing at Roa-ar Pizza Dinosaur.

100% recommended. This is a classic.

We first picked this book up at the library and my daughter, nearly three, just loves it. Pizza is her favorite food group and she loves making animal sounds. This book is a delightful combination of both joys. The simple and repetetive text allow her to "read" the book to me herself and the illustrations are great. My toddler loves this book and I think yours will too.

Imagine living in the countryside where miracles happen! Would you like that, even if you had to leave the city where all your old friends and school are? In the novel, Miracles on Maple Hill, the author, Virginia Sorsen, takes the reader on an adventure to see where miracles happen on Maple Hill. She also introduces you to Marly, Joe and the rest of their friends and family. In addition to the well written plot, the main character and author make the, Miracle on Maple Hill, a four star book because the characters are very believable. Marly and Joe don't really like it at first because he has no friends yet. As for Marly, she meets a girl named Margie who becomes her best friend. At the end, they both see that miracles happen when one of their friends named Mr.Chris, was getting better from being sick, and you as a reader will also feel the emotion. Finishing up the book you'll see how the miracles happen and understand Joe and Marly's feelings. If you have time, make sure you read, Miracle on Maple Hill. It is fun to relax and enjoy the book. When you have free time buy and read Miracle on Maple Hill, you'll see that this is a miracle!

Miracles on Maple Hill is great for kids because it's about kids. Marly is a girl who is experiencing the Miracles on Maple Hill. Every season there's a different miracle, weather it's gathering sap from the maple trees,or watching the flowers bloom. Meeting many different friends, Marly and her brother Joe go on many adventures on Maple Hill. I think that it is a great book for kids to read because it is somthing to look forward to.

I can't say anymore than that!The experiences of a family helping old friends with their maple syrup crop are told from the little girls point of view. The descriptions of the countryside, it's flowers, trees, animals are so vivid and beautiful! Get your flora and fauna guides out for this one! It's a charming story with happy ending. Is there a sequal?

I liked Furguson's book on Chancellorsville and decided to give this one a try. Good thing because this is simply the best book I have read on wartime Richmond. The book starts off in 1859 describing pre-war Richmond and the sentiment in the city. Furguson does a great job of using newspapers, diaries, and letters to convey how ordinary citizens felt during the war. The author does an excellent job portraying the economic, political, and military situation of wartime Richmond from lots of perspectives. This book is highly readable, fast-paced, and just a good read. Very interesting and informative.

I've read all three outstanding Civil War-era books by Ernest Furgurson, and "Ashes of Glory" is the finest of the them all. Where "Chancellorsville 1863" and "Not War, But Murder" focus on individual battles -- and do so superbly -- "Ashes of Glory" is as much social as military history. The book captures the emotions and experiences of the Richmond population throughout the war's five-year ordeal. Along the way, we meet an eclectic cast of characters: well known leaders like Lee and Jeff Davis; fire and brimstone editorial writers; Union loyalists; brothel madames; aristocrats-turned-hospital-care-givers, and just ordinary folk. One of the most interesting is Elizabeth Van Lew, a Unionist whose selfless (often brazen) acts of courage earn the eternal gratitude of Commanding General U.S. Grant.

Furgurson is an exceptional writer and storyteller. However, his true talent is in spicing his narrative with compelling anecdotes that bring his story to life. Especially poignant is his description of the defeated Lee's return to Richmond following Appomattox. The clandestine efforts to reclaim the body of a Union officer killed during a putative mission to assassinate Confederate leaders is another sparkling gem.

"Ashes of Glory" will make for engaging reading for anyone interested in U.S. history.

This book will enthrall the casual civil war reader and delight the enthusiast. Drawing on a wide range of first person accounts, the author does an excellent job of giving civil war era Richmond rhythm and life. As the fortunes of the Confederacy ebb and flow with each battle, so does the public mood in the capital of the rebellion. The author weaves this always interesting life of a city under seige and pregnant with the hope of a new history into a fascinating story. Not only are the thoughts and recollections of the history makers used (Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee, Govs. Lascher and Smith), but also the wartime experiences of junior officers, clerks, business people, spys, prostitutes and other everyday folk.

This book is an interesting tale of people coping with an impossible situation that progresses from overwhelming to calamitous over the course of the war. The experienced Civil War reader will enjoy learning about life in a City that is usually coverd as a military objective in most books of this genre

Recommended

this is shakespeare's most accessible comedy. it's a farce about mistaken identities among identical twins. nothing complicated here. the play has it's funny moments. it's not the bard's best comedy; that's 'much ado about nothing', imho. but this is not a bad place to start.

"Methinks you are my glass, and not my brother."
So says Dromio of Ephesus, one of the members of two sets of estranged twins whose lives become comically intertwined in this delightful, ingenious, & aptly named Comedy of Errors. Being an avid Shakespeare fan and reader, I unequivocally consider The Comdey of Errors to be Shakespeare's finest and funniest comedy. Antipholus of Syracuse and his long lost twin Antipholus of Ephesus along with the two twin servants Dromio of Ephesus and Syracuse become unceasingly mistaken for each other making for a hilarious and entertaining farce of a play.

The Comedy of Errors has been copied many times since in literature, movies, & sitcoms, although it has never been duplicated.

There is no doubt that this comedy of Shakespeare's is delightful, crazy fun. You could call it the father (or mother) of all sit-coms. The play is suitable for middle school production and viewing, with some modifications. For my students and myself I prefer the Folger's edition of Shakespeare's plays for three reasons. First, the footnotes are easy to read and across from the text. 2. The choice of illustrations and 3. The introductory information. When purchasing for my students, though I have tried other publishers, I now always choose Folgers.