No comments about Glastenbury: The History of a Vermont Ghost Town.

5 comments about Black Coffee (Hercule Poirot Mysteries).

1. This book would be rated at least 4/5 if the great "Agatha Christie" name was not on the paperback.
   
   However, anyone that has read at least half of the marvellous stories of the queen of mystery, will certainly recognize at once that this book was not written by her.
   
   C. Osborne tries to transfer the great words and dialogues from a theatrical plot to a book, but - in my humble opinion - unsuccessfully.



2. What a daunting task it must be to adapt a play by Agatha Christie and be successful at it! Agatha Christie herself took to writing plays because she disliked the way one of her novels had been adapted for the stage. Charles Osborne, a Christie biographer and renowned theatre and opera expert, does a comendable job in this novelization of the play "Black Coffee".
   
   Hardly anything new is added to the story, except for a slight lengthening of the time frame and an early chapter to introduce Hercule Poirot. Osborne is true to the original text, using the lines Christie wrote as the dialogue between his characters, enhancing their conversations a little at certain places. The only other additions are seen through his descriptions, mostly taken from stage directions, but some creativity is granted in how characters say certain things and their physical descriptions.
   
   For any Agatha Christie fan, it is a pleasure to have another of her 'novels' to read. Osborne tries very hard to match the rhythm and flow of Christie's writing, and does well overall, with only a few patches that sound stilted. It is obvious that some other reviewers haven't read the original Christie text to enjoy this story as it was originally meant to be enjoyed - performed on the stage, where secrets are not kept from the audience. But since copies of the play can be a little difficult to come by, Osborne's adaptation is a close second in enjoyment.



3. Frankly I couldn't believe my eyes when I read this. There, plainly, in print, the murderer was given away in the first 50 pages of the book! Maybe I wasn't supposed to figure it out, but the murderer's actions were described quite plainly. I was disappointed. But then I thought: Maybe it had to be this way because it was a novel adapted from a play. In the play, obviously, the murderer's actions would be described so the actors could act - it was up to the audience to pick up on it. And I was the audience, and I DID pick up on it. But honestly, a die-hard Christie fan like myself HAS to read this book because so many beloved characters are there: Poirot, Hastings, Inspector Japp, etc. So reading the book is like going back to old friends that you thought you bid adieu. The 3 books Osborne adapted as novels are like the "lost Agatha Christie novels".



4. This book is a pretty poor effort. It tries to pass off as an Agatha Christie novel, but rather it's an adapatation of a play she wrote - adapted by opera critic and historian Davbid Osbourne.
   
   Quite simply, David is a pretty poor writer. He tries to copy Christie's deceptively simple style, but on page one you already know that it's a little off. Still, I was willing to overlook that had he managed to keep some tension and drama or something. No instead there are really odd characterisations (Captain Hastings becomes a total HIMBO...and is practially of no conequence at all).
   
   Also however, what REALLY confused me was the fact that Osbourne identifies the murderer at the very START...I really didn't understand what on earth the point was.



5. I was not pleased with the writing style of this book. Adapted by Charles Osborne from a Christie play. It lacked the punch and pizazze typical of Agatha Christie's self written books.

No comments about Fodor's Boston's 25 Best, 5th Edition (25 Best).

3 comments about A Measure of My Days: The Journal of a Country Doctor.

1. This is the first book in a long time that I read with care. Usually I skim through pretty rapidly. I liked his candor and insight into his patients' lives. It was interesting how he managed to intertwine his professional life with his family. I enjoyed his constant concern about the effect of religion on his life and others. His questions about death and dying were good. It has to be of concern for all of us eventually. I recommended this book to our local librarian!



2. I enjoyed this book a good deal, particularly Loxterkamp's attention to God and faith and the notion of ministering. I admire Loxterkamp's bravery for so much soul-searching over a year of his practice. This is a book to savor for those interested in rural medicine or family medicine. I give it 4 stars instead of 5 because I found his writing a bit labored. It's slow-going reading. It's also very much about him, him, him. A good contrast is to read Verghese's In My Own Country. Loxterkamp lacks Verghese's fluid style and attention to others. Despite his efforts to humanize, Loxterkamp presents fairly 2-dimensional portraits of his patients. This book is really more of an interior meditation, albeit a very good one.



3. I had some spare time and was browsing through Amazon when I ran across this book. I have owned the hardcopy book for several years, I had purchased it after reading an article in "Life" magazine about Dr. Loxtercamp in which this book had been noted. I found the book most interesting and found myself walking through the area of Maine he practices as he went about journalling his days and his times & thoughts of his personal family time.

   I found the man and his story most inspiring. Alot of people in today's medicine either are in the field for the money or find themselves disallusioned with the field because of all the insurance buracracy. I find those people who are in their field because that is where they truly want to be and for the want of helping others to be a rare find.

   I could also follow along Dr. Loxtercamp's views and journeys of a small town doctor from working in the medical area. He tells his story compassionately and the reader can feel his humanity for others.

   Over the past couple of years, I had looked forward for another publication and writing for Dr. Loxtercamp but sadly never ran across progression of this book. I found myself wanting to know more about how his journey has progressed along in the small town medical practice.

   A highly suggested read.

5 comments about Arts & Artisans Trails of Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket.

1. If your summer guests don't know what to do or where to go, this is the book to have! It's full of wonderful studios and galleries, interesting information and lovely illustrations. I keep one on hand for my visitors and plan to give some as gifts. Even if you live on the Cape, you will find places you didn't know about...I know I did!



2. As a frequent visitor to the Cape and islands over the years I was amazed to find the Arts and Artisans Trails guide book describing the roads and highways I've been traveling but with such insights into the history and Galleries hidden along the way. I can't look at the map or plan a trip without sneaking a peek at the Artisan's guide to see if I can include one or two on my next drive down to the Cape. This should be given to every visitor and newcomer to the Cape and islands. It's like having your own family or friends recommending things to do and see from an insider's point of view. Well done! Kevin Clancy Somerville, MA



3. I highly recommend the Art & Artisans Trails of Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket. The book is layed out nicely, with different walks for each area of the Cape (and one each for the islands). Each walk has a number of stops, including information on the artist, the hours, the website, etc. There are also lists in the back of artists by medium, by studio, and information on at guilds and fairs. A very comprehensive guide, and a fun way to see the Cape & Islands!



4. Having been to the Cape a number of times, I was surprised to find out how much I had been missing.
   
   Great organization and matter of fact accounting of great places to visit make this a very useful guide. Maps and points of reference help you streamline your travel, without missing a thing.
   
   With more than can be accomplished in any one trip, it has been useful for many weekend getaways to Cape Cod.



5. Published by the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce, this thin (176 pages) paperback covers the Cape, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. It's beautifully illustrated with examples of the art created by the featured artists in the various communities, with recommended walking and driving (where needed) tours to take you to their studios and galleries. The maps for the Cape are not much help--they only show driving routes which anyone with a map of the Cape would have anyway. However the town maps for Nantucket and Oak Bluffs on Martha's Vineyard show exactly where the studios and galleries are located so it is easy to find them and connect them in walking tours. There are also maps of Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard islands showing the outlying artists' places. Written directions aid in finding the locations.
   
   The areas on the Cape feature 17 pages in a chapter including Bourne, Falmouth, Mashpee, Osterville and Hyannis; a chaper with 23 pages covering Sandwich, West Barnstable, Barnstable, Yarmouth Port and Dennis; a chapter with 15 pages from artists in Harwich Port, Chatham, West Dennis and Dennisport; 16 pages for Brewster and Orleans; and 16 pages overing the outer Cape from Eastham, Wellfleet and Truro out to Provincetown. The Nantucket chapter has 19 pages on studios and galleries and a page on local festivals and special events. Martha's Vineyard earns 11 pages on studios and galleries.
   
   Each article about an artist or gallery gives something of the artist's history and describes her or his work, highlighting the particular emphasis that artist brings to the pieces. There are also listings of museums and theatres and websites and phone numbers for them as well as for other art forms such as Opera and Chorale groups.
   
   With the first edition printed in 2006, all the material is up-to-date, at least for the present.

No comments about The Good City.

No comments about MTEL Physical Education 22 (XAM MTEL).

No comments about The Rhode Island Gardener's Companion: An Insider's Guide to Gardening in the Ocean State (Gardener's Companion).

5 comments about The Life Of Riley / Naked In New England (Harlequin Duets, No 56).

1. Ryan Monroe now had a project that could very well be the biggest coup in his architect career and he needed quiet! When Dave got married and was leaving for his honeymoon, he gave the keys to his country cabin to Ryan. Ryan looked forward to his solitude and expected to get the project completed with no interruptions.

   Lynne Waterford was an interior designer. She was a friend of the new bride, Carmen. As a surprise gift for Dave, Carmen hired Lynne to redecorate the country cabin. When Lynne stepped out of the shower she never expected to see a man staring at her as if he could eat her alive!

   One of them had to go! That much was clear. But the rain storm stranded them together for the weekend. The only other company was Waldo, a mischievous and remarkably dexterous racoon, and Killer Claymore, an ax-wielding Brit of a neighbor!

   (A) weekend together PLUS (B)oth Ryan and Lynne's attraction for each other EQUALS (C)haos!

   ***** This is one of my favorite authors! Once you read this one you will easily understand what I mean! I found this story to be hold-onto-my-side funny and extremely romantic at the same time! At work, I startled the people at the next lunch table when I burst out laughing. WHY? Glad you asked! Jacquie D'Alessandro (the author) must be a chocolate fanatic! Major Choco-holic addiction here, people! You will have to read the book to totally understand what I mean! Oh, as an added bonus, you will have a second romantic comedy (The Life Of Riley by Cara Summers) within the same covers. Two books in one! Readers, it gets NO BETTER THAN THIS! Why are you still reading this? Get to a book store and buy this book NOW! *****




2. Both books in this DUETS are completely adorable. Funny, innovative and a darned good time. I read them both at one sitting. Don't miss this volume.



3. I found Naked in New England by Jacquie D'Alessandro a breath of fresh air! Very funny throughout the story. Architect Ryan Monroe has just landed a big project that could sky rocket his career. He needs quiet and seclusion to work on the plans for this project so he borrows his friends vacation cabin while his friend, Dave, is on his honeymoon. Unfortunately, Dave's bride Carmen, has hired an interior decorator to redecorate the cabin as a surprise wedding gift for Dave. The interior decorator, Lynne Waterford, has already moved into the cabin when Ryan arrives. Ryan and Lynne are instantly attracted to each other but both have their careers as a priority and not getting involved! Lynne's friend, Killer, is a riotously funny character. All in all the book is funny and highly recommended to all those who enjoy romantic comedy.



4. Jacquie D'Alessandro is an enchanting new author, one to watch! Summers and D'Alessandro both offer lively, amusing tales. A good beach read.



5. From the back cover:
   
   THE LIFE OF RILEY by Cara Summers
   He's working on a case of puppy love...
   
   Cop Jack DeRosa's life is going to the dogs. After being out on sick leave, the only way he's getting his beat back is to strike gold on his latest case. The assignment--to investigate pet caretaker and probable thief Riley Foster. Undercover, Jack manages to deal with rambunctious mutts, clinging kittens and opinionated birds. But one look from his sassy suspect and Jack knows he's in over his head...
   
   NAKED IN NEW ENGLAND by Jacquie D'Alessandro
   Going back to nature...
   
   Ryan Monroe is finished with women! After giving his latest girlfriend, Ms. You-mean-I-can't-sleep-around?, her walking papers, he heads off to the mountains for a little R & R. The last thing he expects to find in his friend's backwoods cabin is a woman--especially one in her birthday suit! But when a storm leaves them stranded, what else can Ryan do but convince his bathing beauty that it's more fun to be naked in New England--together!
   
   And my review:
   
   I'd never read anything from the Harlequin Duets line before I tried this book, so maybe I expected these stories to be funnier than they were. After all, they are labelled romantic comedies.
   
   THE LIFE OF RILEY was fairly well written, but I didn't find it very funny. In fact, in her attempt to be funny, the author came across as silly. I felt that the main plot-line of the book (about the robberies) was too heavy for a comedy. There were just too many contrived situations for me to stomach, and I gave up halfway through. Two stars.
   
   NAKED IN NEW ENGLAND was the reason I bought this book, though. I've already read three books by D'Alessandro, and they've all been keepers, five-star reads. This is an author who can do humor with a light hand, has delightful running jokes throughout her books (if you've read her work, you'll understand what I mean) and has wonderful, human characters that jump straight into your heart and stay there.
   
   So why the low rating? The romance had nothing going for it but sex! Usually, D'Alessandro is able to handle the sexual tension beautifully, but not here. I felt like I was being sledgehammered with the instant lust between these two. There was just nothing else between them but the siren call of their libidos. And I need more than that to cheer a couple on. Sex is not enough.
   
   Maybe this smaller format made the difference, as I'd only read full-length novels (at least 400 pages) from her before. I sure don't like when a romance novel ends with a "We'll need four-dozen condoms" comment from the hero. Yuck! Seriously, that's the last line of the story. Okay, they've decided to get married, but still. I like the last line of a romance to give me the "warm fuzzies" and that just doesn't do it.
   
   If you want really good writing by D'Alessandro, I highly recommend THE BRIDE THIEF and WHO WILL TAKE THIS MAN? Those books were fabulous. But as for this collection, I'd skip it.

2 comments about Things That Go Bump in the Night (New England's Collectible Classics).

1. This book really scared me. I mean, I was TERRIFIED! True stories of events that have occured in New England (my homeworld, I might add) that were of a not-so-just-natural...er, nature.

   Standouts:
   "The Demon of Dover"--Creepy story, might involve a stray extraterrestrial, and altogether mysterious.
   "The Boogeyman of Beggerly"--In Beverly, MA, a boy-up-through-his-years-to-man faces a terror that emerges only in the shadows of the night to both cause mischief (opening cupboard doors and windows, moving things around) and horror (the laughing at the foot of the man's bed when he was asleep--agh!). This one should be made into a movie!

   Too bad this and the other books in its series, NEW ENGLAND MYSTERIES, are long out of print. Enjoy, and...leave the lights on. Trust me, after "The Boogeyman of Beggerly", you'll need them.




2. This book takes a somewhat sober and non-sensationalized look at ghost and ghoul stories and legends of New England mostly centered in the Salem, Mass. area. There are two types of stories: old historical legends, featuring a lot of background research included going as far back as the 1600's; and newer 20th century stories in which the actual participants are interviewed first hand. Gives actual names and places of the people involved in the stories. The older stories are not the average historical information you've read a thousand times over in other Salem witch and ghost stories. Not being an afficianado on New England haunts, it was refreshing and something different to read. New Englanders may know some of these stories, but they were new to me, and not to be found elsewhere in any other ghost books in my collection. Some of these stories might be a bit frightening for small kids, and they will probably frighten most adults who are alone on a 'dark stormy night'. Buy the book, it is worth it!!