Superlative and Amazing!!
921326
Margaret Mitchell called Savannah, Georgia "that gently mannered city by the sea" and indeed, with Spanish moss hanging from the huge oak trees and the pale shine of the moon reflecting off the pillars of Savannah's stately mansions, the imagination can conjure up an idyllic setting where the clop of hooves on the cobblestone streets echo in one's mind and sweat from the glass of a tasty mint julep leaves a ring on the tabletop.
"You mustn't be taken in by the moonlight and magnolias.  There's more to Savannah than that.  Things can get very murky," says Jim Williams.
If anyone would know, it's Williams.  He stands at the center of John Berendt's hugely entertaining account of a city, a murder trial, and the social machinations --- high and low --- that mesh on the fringes of the politely hushed and multi-layered Savannah society.
An antiques dealer whose parties became the talk of all Savannah, Williams one day finds himself in a lot of trouble...he's charged with the murder of a young gigolo, Danny Hansford.  A part-time employee and house guest of Williams, Hansford had a reputation for his violent temper and his sexual proclivity to service both men and women.  Williams claims self-defense and a trial ensues.
Through a complicated mix of legal maneuvers, Williams is tried four separate times for Hansford's murder, the only man to have achieved that distinction in the Georgia criminal justice system.
As compelling as the murder story and the resulting trial are to Berendt's tale, it's the magnificent portrayal of the history of Savannah and the cast of quirky characters that people the city that make MIDNIGHT IN THE GARDEN OF GOOD AND EVIL so successful.
Besides Williams, we meet Joe Odom, a former lawyer, tour-guide, and piano player, whose charm and talent are only outweighed by his audacious behavior.
Luther Driggers keeps the city on edge.  An inventor who failed to get rich after discovering the pesticide and process that led to the flea collar, he now walks the streets with a bevy of flies attached to his person by threads, carrying a vial of poison that he threatens to dump in Savannah's water supply.
Lady Chablis, a drag queen and performer who takes a shine to Berendt, provides some of the more hilarious moments in the book.  And then there's Minerva, a voodoo high-priestess whom Williams hires to ease his guilt by calming the ghost of the murdered Danny Hansford and to bring what luck she can to his side during his legal troubles.
Yes, this is a book about a murder, but it's so much more.  We can thank Berendt for taking the scenic route through Savannah in the telling.  The historical facts, the anecdotes about the rich and eccentric citizens of the city, and the compelling story of the forces --- both dark and light --- that come together in MIDNIGHT IN THE GARDEN OF GOOD AND EVIL add up to one wickedly funny, wholly evocative romp of a read.
183606
This 5 song "EP" CD is breathtaking and exquisite. The choice of songs, the arrangements and accompaniment and, above all, Jason's stunning voice and beautiful phrasing make this a truly glorious work of art, a very firm favourite and an absolute joy.  Jason and everyone else concerned in the production of this CD should be very proud of their achievement.  Jason simply must be encouraged to follow this up with more recordings.  I am greatly looking forward to seeing him perform in June in London when he guests in his mother's two concerts at trhe O2.
2159768
I absolutely devoured this book.  I finished it in 2 days!!!! The style in which Junot tells this story is amazing.  All the descriptions and footnotes are very good as well.  From the very beginning to the last sentence in this book Junot captivates us with his tale of Oscar and how his life came to be so wondrous! (Had to throw that one in there) It leaves you wanting more of the story.  But everything must end including good things.  I highly recommend this book.  Your imagination will be submerged in this novel.  Loved it!! Absolutely loved it!<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/The-Brief-Wondrous-Life-of-Oscar-Wao/dp/1594489580/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao</a>
4798418
Discovering something as precious as a well written book is exactly like finding a precious jewel!!! Yes, indeed, such is this brilliantly created novel that held me spellbound from beginning to end!!! This is the second book I just finished reading from this absolutely phenomenal author... too bad I haven't discovered her when her books were published, but then, no more regrets, because Im so grateful for the precious hours experiencing with the drama, intrigue and suspense in this book!!!
Oh yes, full of intrigue and mysterious situations, heartwrenching moments that seemed endless, but still I kept on reading, breathlessly feeling myself behind everyones backs, listening with a mixture of hatred and doubts!!! Lies and deceit are evidently scary!!!
Aimee and James were childhood sweethearts and time has come for the union of two families ... but time stood still when a funeral took place instead of a wedding!!!
This is the beginning of Aimees personal ordeal - with an extremely incomparable magnitude beyond belief!!! I used up quite a handful of Kleenex - and much later, not only a handful but a box for James!!! Until now my heart is aching, bleeding for this two innocent victims of extreme betrayal and intrigue. Family values has always been misplaced in the Donato family! Their brutal dealings are comparable to an organized crime - well, after all they are Italians- with the exception of James whose personal values won him Aimees heart, loyalty and admiration!
Its quite difficult to imagine how their story unfolds, the discovery of betrayal from James family, finding him alive left Aimee in an indescribable and inconsolable situation... here my tears kept on falling... pausing to breathe for awhile... I felt like dying for Aimee as well as for James!!! My heart is full of hatred and extreme sadness!!!
Learning about dissociative fugue, and its painful effect upon James made me ache for his unexpected situation. I could not take it anymore, and I needed to stop reading, but then, my curious thought for redemption was uppermost in my mind.
A gripping drama beyond my expectations ... Aimee finally giving up that the new James would never be coming home with her, after all he has obligations in Mexico and more especially that he still could not remember his past!!! She felt sad and disappointed but acceptance was unavoidable. Her heart now belongs to Ian whose steadfast love and support kept their trip to Mexico a reality that needing one another was inevitable. For Aimee, James case appeared hopeless ... for the time being???!!!
4119640
Would you listen to Mister Black - A Billionaire SEAL Story again? Why?
Yes, I would most definitely listed to this book again. The plot was intelligent and compelling, and the characters were spectacular and engaging! It was absolutely brilliant!!

What did you like best about this story?
I loved how two broken people touched the lives of the other in a way that might never know, and yet they didn't pass up that chance. They took hold of a thin slice of hope and held on tight while their future looked so bleak. They amazed and intrigued me like nothing before, and I can't wait to read more about these stunningly spectacular characters!!

Have you listened to any of Kirsten Leighs other performances before? How does this one compare?
No, I have not listened to any of Kirsten Leighs other performances before, but I loved how she narrated this book. It was fresh and evocative and so wonderful. I hated to see it end, but I felt so blessed to be able to experience it!

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?
Always give from the heart for you never know how it will impact a life.

Any additional comments?
I certainly cannot wait to read more of this incredible story!!! Wow, I am completely blown away and in love with this breathtaking series!!
3664740
I've reviewed this CD in detail at word press. I gave it superlatives from start to finish!!!
A great purchase with no reservation!
2152544
This book was nothing short of a masterpiece... I fell in love with the characters. I felt as if I was leading their lives; I cried when they cried and laughed when they laughed... This book was incredible !!!
641312
This book definitely deserves way more than 5 stars!! "Thar's a Promise" was utterly mind blowing and beyond remarkable.
I highly recommend this book! This book was PHENOMENAL and I LOVED it with my entire being. Victoria Klahr does not disappoint and does a brilliant job at developing the characters and capturing your attention from the very start. Bravo to Victoria for a job well done. I can't wait for Gorgeous to see what the future holds for Blake and Josie.
4442441
WOW!!!!  What an amazing and uplifting book!!!  Love it!!!
4698009
Michael Jackson's "Earth Song" is an epic masterpiece...not only the song itself, but the short film and each of Michael's live performances.  Michael's genius and artistry is deserving of nothing less than this level of thoughtful, indepth analysis.  I am especially thrilled to see Mr. Vogel's references to "Dancing the Dream", another of Michael's masterpieces which illuminates the depth of his spirit and connection to God.

Mr. Vogel's review is an incredible work of art in it's own right.  A must read!! It is an enchanting journey behind the scenes of Michael's creative process, and into his heart and soul.  What a rare gift!!  Thank you, Mr. Vogel!
4833097
I Don't know where to start so just do yourself a favor and buy this book!  Absolutely amazing!! Deserves more than 5 stars!!
4274185
Simply put, this book is a masterpiece. I read the entire book cover to cover in one sitting... I could NOT put it down! I cannot praise this book enough. Do yourself a favor and just buy it. If you don't recommend it to all your friends when you finish reading, I'll be shocked. There's a reason why this book has an almost perfect 5 star rating, and no it's not hype, it's that good, period.
736879
Much has been written in reviews before mine, better than any I could write, about this masterpiece.  I do not use that word likely.  This book will stand as one of the very best I have read in all of my 65 years.  Please purchase this book, and read it through.....it is exquisite!
1707117
I have seen too many fiction and non-fiction "reviews" and reviewers that unfairly reveal major plots points and secrets. (A "review" is NOT a "Synopsis") Authors work so diligently to build to these big reveals and an insensitive reviewer spills the beans ... WELL, it ain't happening this time! I am NOT going to deprive the reader of the thrill of discovery, the adrenaline rushes, the gut-clinching terror, the outrageous giggles, and the incredible LOVE that is to be discovered in the pages of "Heartprints of Africa"!
The author paints vibrant vistas and experiences with her words, one can truly imagine relaxing on the cool porch, morning light growing as one sips sweet chai tea. Or trying to sleep with lions roaring or artillery explosions not so far away. Gracefully and effortlessly the tome flows back and forth, a gentle ebb and flow that spans 40 years. The gossamer threads of thought, emotions, and experiences weave together in a beautiful tapestry of Life.
The craftsmanship is exquisite! The voice change is incredible ... seeing and hearing the impressions and perceptions of a 5-year-old, then that voice matures through time and experiences of life. Tight bonds of Love, Family, and Faith grow even stronger through the challenging times and wondrous adventures. It is ingeniously embellished by excerpts from the beautifully detailed letters written by Martha(Mother) and John(Daddy) ...Absolutely Masterful!
I have read the book twice and am on my third reading (something I just don't do) .. and the discoveries keep coming!!!!
This is Volume 1 .... Can't wait for Volume 2!
4130903
I would give this book a million stars if I could! Wow. What a read. It is an absolutely breathtaking novel on so many levels. The point of view - narrator - is death himself. The prose and language is so gorgeously written and the characters and plot will blow you away. I fell in love with every single character and felt every emotion they felt - and in a book like this, that was at times difficult. They endured so much My heart broke so many times while reading this book. I will definitely reread this one!
4883290
Such an AMAZING album! From the first note to the last - a slam dunk of satisfaction!
It's not often today... hell, it's damn near impossible today- that you will stumble on an album with this much fun packed, melodic, supercharged awesomeness! It tells a story, it rocks you, it moves you, it grabs you and won't let you go! This album has exclusively been playing on my ipod since i downloaded it. Out for a jog- it's the Super Show... driving in my car- it's the Super Show... I can't get enough! Tell your friends, tell your co-workers, tell your Mom!  The Fate of the World depends on it!!!!!
3913944
My goodness. What is there to say about this book other than it is fantastical!!! What started out with such devastating loss and betrayal ended in such phenomenal happiness and love!!! This book is such an amazing journey of healing and new beginnings. It gave me all the feels!!! I couldn't read it fast enough but I didn't want it to end. However I was pleasantly surprised to discover that there is a companion novella!!!

Blaise and Tatum are real, loveable, and relatable. They maybe fictional but they are real at the same time. The things that they go through could happen. Their journey is heartwarming!!! The whole cast of characters are wonderful and also very real. I want so badly to be apart of their clan. Especially Tatum. I need, need, need me a Blaise!!! He is the epitome of what a man should be!!! One of my favorite book boyfriends / husbands!!!

I don't want to say too much. I do not want to spoil the experience this book will take you on. However I will say that you need to read this book!!! Trust me on this. Youll be extremely happy you did!!! Im so, so thrilled to have discovered Kaylee Ryan!!! She is now one of my favorites!!! Give this book a try. You will consumed from the beginning until the end!!! This book is beyond five stars!!!