Such a wonderful collection!
933486
I too came to order these books as a result of the PBS series which has quickly become a favorite. I was afraid that perhaps the books would not be as beautifully written and as engrossing as the series, but I was immediately pleased to see that I should not have worried. Jennifer Worth's writing is simply lovely----full of compassion, a touch of humor, and also very informative with the medical details pertaining to her work and the people whose lives she touched. The depictions of post war London and the people's unbelievably difficult circumstances were so beautifully drawn. The reader is truly immersed in those lives and that environment and I felt sad to reach the end of the last book. I think that this book would appeal to a variety of readers and I simply wish the stories would never end. These books are absolutely "that good."
2726463
The title speaks for itself.  Just listen and you will want to collect Phil Coulter's works too!  What an amazing, beautiful collection!
3066675
I can't say enough about how great this collection is. It is certainly well worth the money spent. I donwloaded it onto my iPod with no trouble at all.
4828567
This joyful collection of poems is a must-read! Humor, sexuality and beautiful words intermingle into one of the finest collections I've read in a long while. If you're looking for necessary poems to get you through the strange years - this is one you'll need.
4860822
Steve Sherwood cares about this planet, the environment, family and friends. He also makes us cheer for certain characters, laugh aloud at some of his descriptions and sometimes surprises us with ironic endings. This collection is terrific in its depth of feelings for family in honest and truthful ways in the essays that incorporate Sherwood's own life experiences. His well-researched pieces, especially "Environmentalist as Misanthrope," should be shared with all political sides. The short stories take readers in places we hadn't expected to go after the essays, but situations I want to revisit through another reading of them. Some of the images still have me laughing, too! I can see using some of each genre in my own teaching of writing, too. Great collection!
1783804
I absolutely loved this collection and have added the previous set to my wish list.  Most of the authors are new to me and I am excited to find other books they have out.
4393103
Get your child, grandchild, friend's children - or yourself - this collection; it's WONDERFUL!  My mom was given this book when she was a little girl and read stories to me when I was little.  The assortment of stories and poems is delightful and covers a wide range of the "classics" without beating you over the head (Winken, Blinken, and Nod is still one of my favorites) and covers nearly everybody from Tennyson to Hans Christian Anderson and authors into the early '50s.  Scheherazade could have kept her sultan entranced for more than 1001 nights.
2807243
It is a wonderful collection! I loved reading these great plays in such a beautiful format! This elegant and attractive edition makes you want to reread all these plays again and again.
1805362
I typically hate anthologies so when one so great comes along it's worthy of a review.  Every story in this collection is worth reading.  I found myself laughing out loud (I'm looking at you Meghan Quinn), crying (I'm looking at you Kennedy Ryan) and just smiling (all the rest!).  So good, each and every one of them.
3690259
Jonathan Keates has done a remarkable job in putting together this collection of stories from a variety of great writers, both ancient and modern. The collection includes such works as "The Murder of Julius Caesar" by Plutarch, works by Edward Gibbon, Van Goethe, Stendhal, Henry James, Edith Wharton, Pasolini, and more.

Now, a few words about the book itself. First,let me say that I collect books published by Everyman's Library and have always been a huge fan of their look, feel, and durable binding. This particular book was printed and bound in Germany by GGP Media. As with other volumes of the EL series, this book is bound in a gorgeous blue cloth cover. It's important to distinguish between a mere "hardcover," which is usually just a cover made of paper-covered cardboard, and a cloth cover book. A cloth cover is just that - a hardbound book with cloth, actual fabric, over the covers. This kind of cover is old school, reminiscent of the great bookbinders of yesteryear. The paper is a gorgeous cream woven paper, very easy on the eyes.  The book block itself is sewn, not glued, Again, this is an old school way of binding a book to last. And that's the point! Everyman's Library is a collection meant to pass on to your children and grandchildren. Over the cloth covers, this book comes with a tasteful dust jacket. I must also mention that this volume comes with a blue ribbon marker.

The paper used in this volume is exceptionally nice. It is thick, opaque, creamy. At retail (Amazon's price is even better!), this book is a steal. You can purchase a wonderfully made cloth bound book for less than many paperbacks.
4960706
i loved each story in this  collection. These  are safe stories for all ages from children, teenagers to adults!  i highly recommend it.  .
4629844
This is such an amazing collection, full of delightfully steamy stories! All of them are wonderfully written. I especially loved the one about Oedipus, but my favorite was Lillian Douglass Sensate Silicone. I had no idea what it would entail, and not to spoil anything, but 4 words...dildos with sensory attachments. Yeah, you know its hot.
3344465
As someone who is not generally inclined to pick up novella collections, I am so glad I made an exception for this one! Having read three out of the five contributing authors before, I was fairly certain I would enjoy the collection, but it ended up exceeding even that expectation. I genuinely loved it!

The collection begins with a prologue set in a monastery in Northern Ireland in AD 834. A monk, desperate for the Living Word to endure as they are attacked by Vikings, prays: Please, Father...If we perish, may hope yet live. A bronze vessel and the single parchment he manages to secure inside are that legacy of hope, and the five novellas that follow trace a small part that bronze vessels journey through the centuries, closing with an epilogue in modern-day California.

For me, the most attractive part of this series was the different settings, each so vividly brought to life. If I was pressed to nominate a favourite, I would still have to give two: A Song in the Night by Amanda Dykes, and The Swelling Sea by Joanne Bischof.

Amanda Dykes was one of the new-to-me authors in this collection, and not only did I love the Scottish setting (my own ancestry and a setting not frequently seen in Christian fiction), but I fell in love with her writing and her characters. As an extra bonus, the original performance of Handels Water Music features in the story! My music- and story-loving hearts united!

Joanne Bischofs heroine, Rosie, is one of the sweetest heroines I have come acrossa young woman who nearly drowned at the age of ten and still exhibits certain mannerisms that are considered childlike. Couple that with Joanne Bischofs beautifully sensitive writing and you have a captivating story.

But I would only single those ones out if I was REALLY pressed to nominate a favourite, because this is truly a stellar collection. Even if you are not normally a novella reader, I highly recommend this series. If you are a novella reader, put this one at the top of your list. Youre in for a real treat!

I received a copy of this book from the authors. This has not influenced the content of my review.
989033
A wonderful collection of stories, each with their own voice, direction, and spark of imagination. Well worth the cost for so many great tales!
3560828
This is a beautiful anthology! All of the stories are well written and inspiring. It is very impressive to think of the hours it took to research, write, and compile the stories of so many members of the Portuguese community in California! I will treasure this collection and foresee returning to it for many years to come.
4561352
What a beautiful collection. I'm convinced that, even if you don't read poetry, you're going to love this. I resonate with the depth in these pages. (especially So Called) The truth and depth here make me sigh along, smile, and remember where I have come from too, and renew my awe of our Creator. Love the title too  so appropriate, fitting - and essential - to the faith walk.
1247935
This is a brilliant collection of stories and poems. Each one offers a poignant message, sometimes uplifting, sometimes heartbreaking. What is consistent throughout is the command of the language, the eloquent turn of phrase, and the obvious passion behind each tale. There truly is something for everyone in this collection. I was particularly drawn to two stories: the last one, as it reminded me of my own grandfather, and the handbag story, which broke my heart (no mother should have to live through that). The author information at the end of the book was a lovely addition to the piece. I'm looking forward to more from this author.