What a great story for the Millennial generation
596871
What makes The Island of Ted so refreshing is that it does what those in the Millennial generation try to do, and that is transcend the materialistic trappings of the world.

Ted is fabulously wealthy and fabulously depressed. He has everything society says you need to be happy and yet he is profoundly miserable and hopeless. That is when he decides to move to his own island, and in a narcissistic fantasy, live with only himself as company. Of course, wherever Ted goes he takes his miserable self with him so he finds that even in solitude he is unhappy.

Without giving too much away, Ted literally and symbolically looses his stranglehold on misery and discovers the true joys of life.

What a great book!
2704896
I first read this story in Scott Phillips' collection Tales of Misery and Imagination and I'm glad to see it's available as a standalone. It's my favorite story in the book, the tale of a man who may or may not be an actual descendant of the extinct Neanderthal subspecies. The story is actually something of a metaphor for anyone who's ever felt like an outcast or like there's something different. Although it's not written for a specific age group I think it's a great story for teens and young adults, most of whom have these same kind of feelings. This story has stuck with me after reading it and really made me think. You can't ask for more than that for your 99 cents.
2196377
Great read! A wonderful coming of age in the '70's book. So easy to read and get caught up in the story. This was my time! The music, the drama of high school, the "cool guy" that we all thought was the best thing ever, sneaking a beer with friends, being the new kid at school (me), the death of a parent (my dad), so much for a teenager to deal with. I couldn't put the book down, I needed to know how these kids dealt with some of the same things I did. Have you ever read a book that you felt was written for you? Well, this was mine. The characters were familiar friends, that one friend with the cool parents, yes this book is a must read for those of us who called the 70's ours!
3849817
I really liked this story. I don't know about this culture, but it was really interesting and entertaining to read about. I enjoyed the way the story has the young adults' views and how they circumnavigate their parents' plans without being disrespectful. Romi is able to mature as a person with the help of her friends. This story is fun, flirty, and defiantly entertaining; there's a lot that can go on and go wrong but Romi is able to work through it all and discover more about herself in the process; this is a great book.
3492070
The Third Door is a book you can't put down. It's so refreshing to see how Alex stands out as an extraordinary millennial. His passion, drive, and values are contagious. I read the entire book, and love his story! I highly recommend reading his story... it will inspire you to buy one for everyone you know!
1741158
I heard about this book from a friend who tolerable her hometown school's library pulled it from their shelves. Apparently, some rating scale had it listed at a second grade reading level (which, for comprehension, I could see).

I had to see what the fuss was about. I agree: not appropriate for second graders, but would be fine for the 12-18 year olds the publisher says it is for.

In the long run, this was a great coming of age story for a young girl. I would recommend it to anyone, even adults wishing to relive the turmoil of those days.
732880
Let me start by stating that I'm surely not the target audience for this book.  As a near 50 year old male who reads a lot of hard science fiction I'm pretty sure the book wasn't written with me as a reader in mind but that says good things about the book.  I was immediately drawn in by the characters and their story and I just had to see how it ended.  It was a hard story to put down which is always a good sign. I had no problem identifying with the main characters.  I remember that time of life. The time where you are starting out, trying to figure out a direction.  The time when love seems to happen but when it isn't convenient and often seems more of a complication than anything else.  This story brought that time back to me and I loved it.
2133888
I am a millennial in my 20's and this book is a must read. It's a great book can't put it down once you start. Awesome insight into the presidential campaign and what fuels it. Don't think twice just get it and start reading it today.
1830884
A truly great and relevant story for todays youth. I was surprised to find Coop as the narrator of this story, but quickly got over that fact once the story really got rolling. This book accurately portrays life as a teenage boy in the world today. I am a thirty year old guy who really enjoyed both of Calame's books. In a world filled with vampire/lame updated romance novels/murder mysteries/legal dramas, it is nice to be able to read a book that makes you laugh and cry. All while being complelty unable to put the book down as you are taken on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Mr. Calame, PLEASE keep this series going. I had previously written off all current hacks (I mean writers) until this point. Up until these books I had confined myself to reading Hemingway over and over again. Keep my faith in future writing going, I am begging you. My only suggestion would be to change up your formula a bit. Not the subject matter, just the story construction. Lots of luck on the next one.
-Eric-
252726
Really great story...I loved it and so did my friends....
353680
I'm a 40-year-old man, and I still liked the story. If my daughters were in their teens or were young adults (The target audience for this content) I'd reccomend it to them. I think it's a great story about abusive relationships and becoming a new woman with abilities that the protagonist explores. Most young adult stories or coming of age stories need situations that bring the real strengths and weaknesses out of the characters. Sheila Parker has done a fine job taking the reader on such a journey. The supernatural and paranormal touch adds a colorful burst to what was already a purposeful concept. I think it's safe to say that everyone has moments in their life when they need to explore who they are, and when unexplainable or tough situations come into play, we have to grow into someone stronger to keep going. It will be interesting to see Sheila Parker grow with her own personal journey as she writes more books in the future. I suggest following her to see what's next.
492684
Great story. Surprises for a future generation was in store for the character. Might read it again, which is rare. Loved the story.
690068
I have to say that I loved this story.  The futuristic view is one all to real of a possibility.  I enjoyed the interplay of corporate  greed along with the grunters individuality that leads to friendship.  This was definitely a page turner that was hard to put down. Being a child of the 80's myself I truly enjoyed the trip down memory lane, between the games, music and old tech references (I too have fond memories of our Commodore 64) it is worth the time to enjoy.
659031
Captivating story of a group of millennials and their journeys, relationships, especially their relationship with NYC. Very thoughtfully developed, bringing your through various stages and experiences that we all have in life - sometimes heartbreaking, other times uplifting. Definitely worth the read, well written.
134343
This is a modern story for a modern time. Fantastic for a YA audience, but much here for their older peers and elders to digest and reflect upon. A brilliant near future fiction is one that you could see becoming reality with only the circumstances described in the story. This is exactly that kind of story, and one wonders if there are patriots--those who question the tyranny that can come out of (but is not required of) authority--in the real world who would stand up when necessary. This book is an inoculation against such tyranny to anyone that reads it.
4035807
I love a good witch story and this one, while not in my top favorites, did not disappoint. I liked the way the story was told throughout several generations of a family of witches. It added to the story to see how the choices and actions of one generation not only affected their lives, but set up for the next generation as well. There were good characters that drew you into the story and made you care what happened to them. I enjoyed the different personalities and how each chose to use magic and its powers, some selfishly and others resisting it for the good of others.
1312011
This was one of the most enjoyable reading experiences in ages- and I have read some great books this year!  Michael Uslan is such a wonderful writer. You become intimately involved in his life.  You laugh at his antics, cheer for his wins, beam with pride for his parents and wonder how anything ever gets done in Hollywood.  He has led an incredibly interesting life, which means major struggles before triumphant wins-really moving, really funny and really heartfelt.
Michael is loyal to his family, his friends and his readers-

Three little words- I loved it!
Three more- Just buy it!

If you are looking for a book as a gift: don't get stuck in genre--it reads like a novel...and is great for all ages.  I especially think it is a great gift for the younger generation; it has one story after another about following your dreams, being true to yourself and hard work does pay off.  Okay- the older generation will laugh out loud when you are taken back to your youth- great illustrations, great imagery; a great read.