An Absolute Delight To Read
930167
A truly inspiring book, written by the author of the script for the PBS documentary on Mandela's LONG WALK TO FREEDOM. The combination of this book and the movie INVICTUS based, in part, on this book, will give one a good insight into one of the very greatest men of all times. John Carlin captures Mandela's exceptional abilities to inspire a nation, and to "convert" doubters by understanding their concerns and fears, and by convincing them about the merit and the beauty of living in a multi-racial society.
4122418
This was an absolute delight to read.  The story address how couples later in life become like a pair of matched pilled slippers with no life to them. Through a series of circumstances this couple reignites what brought them together in the beginning. Allyson Abbott tells a magical story of what reality is for those of us in our salt and pepper years.  Great Hen Lit book!
2227360
This is one of the greatest reading pleasures I have had in some time -- and I am a voracious reader in varied genres.  Lately, I have been trying to stick to books within Amazon Unlimited, but the sample I read was too intriguing to pass up.  I can say with absolute confidence that this trilogy set was worth every penny, and have already purchased the fourth and fifth books in the series.  The writing is exquisite, capturing a certain era and its style of speech (my only small critique would be that it sounds British at times, rather than educated American, but it suits the late Victorian setting perfectly), and the protagonists are entirely three-dimensional and likeable -- even loveable.  One of my favorite touches was that when the relationship between the main protagonists turns romantic, it is signified by one calling the other "my dear" rather than his name.  What a perfectly era-appropriate term of romantic affection.  I will admit that I am guilty of relief that the scenes of intimacy are written with a modern audience in mind, and are entirely satisfying.  If I could give this series more than five stars, the only question would be, however would I find stars sufficient to express my opinion of these remarkable books?
2849218
Oooh, what a deliciously rompish sting! Written with an ever-present and wonderful sense of wit, the two main characters, Jesmond Fitzroy and Mrs. Georgina Herron (a widow) strike silvery sparks off each other from their very first meeting. She is in a lad's togs and of course, that's what he thinks she is. No way. He has a hidden story in his life, as well, and it plays out against the normal Regency life of a small village.
Jess has inherited Jesmond House from an elderly aunt, and although he'd visited as a youngster, it's all so different now that it's his. Much of the acreage surrounding the house has been sold to pay overdue accounts. To his surprise, Jess discovers that all too many of the villagers have been forced into the same sort of situation, only to be rescued at the last moment (and for very low prices) by the village banker, Mr. Bowlby.
Mrs. Georgie, on the other hand, does not own land or house in Netherton, but has come to stay with her widowed sister-in-law, Caro Pomfret, whose husband had been Georgie's brother. Caro has gone into a decline following the death of her husband John, leaving her twin children Gus and Annie at very loose ends. Now nearing ten years of age, they thrive on Georgie's attentiveness.
This is not the sort of book one can read while doing other things; it requires your complete attention in order not to miss any of the delicious by-plays between the various characters. The secondary characters are very well-drawn, and many of them beg for their own book at some time in the future. There is so much plot that I'm not sure it could be adequately summarized in the word count allotted here for reviews. Nevertheless, I'd happily recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a rip-roaring story set in any time period, especially when there's a delightful romance mixed in with it. Georgie is a heroine for all times, and Jess is very much her equal.
4346425
Outstanding.  An absolute privilege to read.
1964803
A sheer pleasure to read, especially if you savored Cannery Row.
1042912
The Ordinary Prince by Shahar Ben Halevi was a sheer joy to read. The beautiful illustrations
and illustrious characters seemed to literally jump off the page, inviting the reader in with every witty
joke and profound slice of wisdom. What amazed me most about the story was its pure simplicity
and its accessible approach to many important life lessons. I highly recommend this story to anyone, young or old
because I believe anyone can benefit from the incredible messages and discover something ordinary, extraordinary
or even something in between.
2304877
A copy of Dear Fahrenheit 451 was provided to me by Flatiron Books in exchange for my honest review. But if I'm honest, I should also tell you that I practically begged them to send it because I wanted to read this book so much.

The premise of Dear Fahrenheit 451 by Annie Spence is fairly simple. The book is a collection of letters that Annie, a librarian, has written to various books. Some of those books are ones she has chosen to remove from the library's collection, others are books on her bookshelves at home, and a couple of them are books she imagines that others own. The premise itself is enough to hook book-loving readers, but from the very first letter, readers already know that this little book is so much more. In short, Dear Fahrenheit 451 is an absolute treasure.

From reading her letters to books, I can already tell that Annie Spence and I would absolutely be best friends, were we to know one another in real life. Not only does she have fantastic taste in books, but her sense of humor had me rolling with laughter throughout her darling book. Whether making wisecracks or profound statements about the books she selected to include, Spence's writing is beautiful and drew me in to the point that I found myself halfway through this book when I had meant to only read the first few letters. While many of the letters are written to books she did not love, just as many are written to books she holds in high regard. In a letter to The Fledgling, Spence says, "When people say books are full of wonder, we don't take it seriously enough. You are over thirty-five years old. You smell like old paper and smudged fingertips. You've lain dusty and untouched for decades. And you're magic."

Meanwhile, she also uses terms such as "buttclencher" when addressing Misery and tells The Virgin Suicides, "you feel like the first time I heard 'Against the Wind' by Bob Seger." Every single letter throughout the book includes moments worthy of highlighting, if you believe in desecrating the pages of your books in such a way (I do), and even the subject headings at the beginnings of each letter are utilized to increase the wittiness quotient of this book.

One of my favorite features of Dear Fahrenheit 451 is the unexpected book guide in the last 1/4 or so of the book. After the letters, Spence includes a handy guide for excuses for staying in to read and book recommendations, organized in ways such as book pairings, book recommendations for your significant other who doesn't love reading as much, and books about librarians, to name just a few. I enjoyed reading her recommendations almost as much as the letters themselves, and I have already added several of her suggestions to my list of book to read.

I really and truly cannot say enough about how delightful Dear Fahrenheit 451 was to read. My only wish was that I had read every single book she addressed in order to understand all the letters fully, but even the letters to books I had never read captured my attention and made me love this adorable book. I definitely see Dear Fahrenheit 451 as the perfect gift for every book lover in my life, and in fact, I pre-ordered a copy to gift to my local public librarian before I even finished reading it.

Definitely give this one a read. Not only will you enjoy it immensely, but you might even discover a new favorite book as a result of Annie Spence's letters and suggestions.
810520
I don't know when I've had more fun reading a book!  I have boundless admiration for Natalie Angier's ability to describe the essential concepts and dazzling details of scientific inquiry in ways that are clear and exciting to read.  Though several reviewers deplored her puns, humor and "style", I found this book exceedingly well-written and entertaining throughout. Angier's intelligence and style communicate a welcome enthusiasm and generosity of spirit, a palpable desire for others to experience the wonder of life as it is. From her appealing descriptions of the minute parts of an atom to the impressive story of the Big Bang and the birth of our solar system, Angier connects everything into an awesome whole --  which is profoundly moving to contemplate.  I can't wait to give this book to someone who is willing to take the time to find out more about the world we live in!
4743619
I got this book as a gift, and what a lovely gift it was! I so enjoyed being immersed in the world of George and Lexi. The characters are delightful. The plot is riveting. The writing is beautiful. I also enjoyed the "winks" the author included along the way, such as the reference to her mom, Jackie Collins, and the fact that there are girls named Rory. This book is not just a good, fun, happy read, it also leaves you with a happy feeling. I am so grateful Ms Green published it and shared her story with the world!!
3942792
An absolutely delightful read that I enjoyed to the hilt! It is one of those rare books that could be read to a lapful of grandchildren, who would enjoy it for the surface content of the wonderful episodes in the life of Mr. Bumble and his family, while simultaneously moving the narrator to laugh out loud and struggle through the tears and the lump in the throat. I found myself being convinced that the characters had been fashioned by someone with a hidden peephole into our own home. Like an all-day sucker, it goes way too fast. I had to consciously slow down to savor the exquisitely poignant last chapter when the devoted and faithful little dog was reluctant to say goodbye to his grieving mistress in much the same scene I personally experienced years ago. The illustrations are a perfect complement that adds a whole other dimension to the book which is printed on very nice quality paper. I enjoyed it so much that I promptly ordered three more copies to give as Christmas gifts and received some of the best and most lively thank you notes ever. It belongs not just with adult or childrens books, but crosses the divide to be enjoyed on different levels by all generations. It really is a love story for the family. My husband's response to it was similar to mine.
1788016
This book was an absolute delight--a send-up of modern technology as well as an homage to the power of books--and fonts!--not to mention a mystery to boot.  Great, beautifully written fun all around.
2526762
A true delight to read. Lately historical reading has been a bit repetitious, so how refreshing it was to pick up To Love A Wicked Scoundrel and find it was anything but that.

Anabelle Bryant paints a wonderful picture of a time period I wished I lived in. From the tender and endearing moments with Lily to the steamy romance between Con and Isabelle, Ms. Bryant captures her readers attention and never lets go.
228496
I admit first reading this when I was too young, but I am so pleased to come back to it now I'm older (well 27 anyway), and it is an absolute delight. I didn't want it to end. But like all good things.
500694
I'm putting this at the top of my list as the best book of the year. I loved it! Absolute pure enjoyment from beginning to end. Beth Hoffman is a wonderful storyteller and gifted writer.

All the characters in this story are so REAL and the writing is so colorful and vivid that I felt like I was living in Savannah the whole time I was reading. I laughed and I cried from one page to the next. There is such a depth to the lessons CeCe learned from the women who helped her heal. Each character is beautifully developed and gives something remarkable to a little girl who has lived without much for most of her life. This story is far more than entertaining because it made me think and reflect and rejoice at the beauty of female friendships. I'm going to buy copies for my mom and sisters.

This is one of those rare books that I will read again and again.
2967865
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, it was a fun, delightful, and a insightful read. Filled with a wealth of information, with the enjoyment of being entertained at the same time.

This book took me, yes me a man through a field of emotions. As i began to read it was humorous, then it just got interesting, as I began to feel as though I was in a relationship counseling session all while being introduced to the bible in a whole different light.

Then to see the view from each of the characters point of view was a delight in it self, how brilliant of the author to allow that for her readers was surely delightful.

Ok, won't spoil the the ending, but that...

A. F. Cardwell
1100835
It is a totally delightful, fun book to read, especially if you love England the way I do!  Mr. Bryson has a wonderful sense of humor, and describes Britain in a very special way.