Average customer rating:
- So beautiful and so important
- A touchstone for millions of young gay men
- Eloquent, Elegant, Incisive, Provocative
- A Boy's Somewhat Tedious Story
- disappointing
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A Boy's Own Story (Modern Library Classics)
Manufacturer: Modern Library
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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White, Edmund
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ASIN: 0679642544
Release Date: 2002-05-07 |
Book Description
For more than two decades, Edmund White has been widely recognized as America’s preeminent gay writer. “He has a novelist’s eye for the telling detail or the remarkable phrase and, like Proust himself, concentrates upon the minutiae of the past so that it might live again,” wrote The New York Times Book Review. “White possesses the rare combination of a po-etic sense of language and an ironic sense of humor,” declared Newsweek. “[He] is unquestionably the foremost American gay novelist.” Commemorating the twentieth anni-versary of A Boy’s Own Story, this Modern Library edition presents White’s autobiographical novel together with an Introduction by prizewinning novelist Allan Gurganus and a new Afterword by the author himself.
A Boy’s Own Story, with equal parts stunning lyricism and unabashed humor, traces a nameless narrator’s coming-of-age in the 1950s. Struggling with his homosexuality, the narrator seeks the consolations of a fantastic imagination and fills his head with romantic expectations (“I believed without a doubt in a better world, which was adulthood or New York or Paris or love.”) His distant, divorced parents exacerbate his hunger for emotional connection, and he endures the unhelpful attentions of a priest and a psychoanalyst. In time, he recognizes the need to be loved by the men in his life and, in the surprising conclusion, escapes his childhood forever with one unforgettable act.
“With A Boy’s Own Story, American literature is larger by one classic novel,” wrote The Washington Post Book World. “No reader, straight or gay . . . can fail to experience shock after shock of recognition in these pages, and few, I would bet, will be able to withhold a one-to-one sympathy from the unnamed narrator, even when he is being, by the standards of only yesterday, ‘shocking.’”
Customer Reviews:
So beautiful and so important.......2005-11-15
We have been partners/lovers for 14 years, and we found this book to be so important for young gay men everywhere. It was our story. White's new autobiography is also seminal reading. Thank you, Edmund!
A touchstone for millions of young gay men.......2005-09-26
This novel has been read by millions and is worth your time if you are young and gay. I read it many years ago, and remember little, other than it was an enjoyable and enlightening experience, that helped me realize I was not alone.
As to whether Baldwin's book, "Giovanni's Room," is better, I don't know. I tried Baldwin, but it seems he never got over being black. It was difficult for me to relate to him--not saying others can't. I am not going to apologize, like a dumba**, for prefering a white writer, at least when it comes to issues of sexuality. If that strikes some people the wrong way, then they will just have to be struck.
Edmund White is one of the elder statesmen of white gay writers, and deservedly so. He was open (maybe too open) in times when open wasn't rewarded, an early pioneer, and thereby gained a cult status, the reward of early pioneers.
I don't like everything about his writing, and can agree with some of the criticisms posted here, but in general I can relate with his world and his feelings, and I think he is all right. His heart is in the right place. I am not so sure about some of the neg reviewers, though.
Eloquent, Elegant, Incisive, Provocative.......2005-09-11
What exquisite and marvelous prose! White has mastered the English language in an artful, florid, and elegant manner exceeding the great Nabokov himself. This novel, my first, but by no means last, to read, is a semi-autobiographical coming-of-age story about an upper-crust, well-educated, youth in the years of his gay discovery. Common to many a gay youth, a distant, unapproving father, a surrogate, unengaged step-mother, and a self-absorbed, fickle mother are found emotionally wanting. Coming of age with hormones raging, sexual exploration searches for an outlet of its expression. Attracted to his own gender, he finds satisfaction, but remains conflicted. White soughs the seeds and watches the growth of almost every gay man's deepest yearnings. It's a soft, yet vibrant tale. Poetic, yet visceral. Masterful writing. Highly recommended.
A Boy's Somewhat Tedious Story.......2005-07-25
Yeah, I'm aware of all of the comparisons to J. D. Salinger and Oscar Wilde but this book doesn't get me to put author Edmund White in those leagues. Sure, the writing is high-falutin' - "ectoplasmic", "extravagant mendicancy", "colloidal" - but that doesn't necessarily make for a better story. One creative approach is that the narrator is never named. Whoever he is is a deeply disturbed individual who, at fifteen, seems to have more baggage than a fully-loaded 747. The scenes with the shrink he finally turns to are among the most unsatisfying in the 218 pages. Here's the central issue: instead of moving along the story, White meanders into long, long, confusing, boring soloquies citing obscure literary references (see above). For someone so talented, perhaps he could write a less esoterical and more interesting book.
disappointing.......2004-07-22
When i stumbled upon this book in the library, i decided that it looked interesting enough to read. As soon as i got home, i read it all the way through, and was not impressed in the least. As i look at everyone elses reviews, i am confounded as to how this book has garnered so much praise. i have no idea why this is considered a classic, or why it is published by Modern Library. It doesn't deserve it. If you want a good book about homosexuality, read Giovanni's room by James Baldwin. Don't waste your time, as I did, on a book that fails even to elevate itself above bad soft-core porn.
Book Description
Dylan Peters has lived with Tourette Syndrome more than half of his young life. Only four years old when he was first diagnosed with TS, Dylan is now nine and ready to enter the fourth grade. What he's learned about tolerance and acceptance during those five years, most of us fail to learn in an entire lifetime. In his own words--often humorous, always insightful--Dylan helps others, young and old, understand Tourette Syndrome and the enormous pressures this little, mysterious affliction places on those who have it and on those who love them. Illustrated by Dylan's friend, Zachary Wendland.
Customer Reviews:
Highly recommended picturebook for school libraries and for teaching young people everywhere about Tourette Syndrome........2007-02-04
Written by a 9-year-old boy who was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome at age 4, Tic Talk: Living with Tourette Syndrome tells young Dylan Peters' story about day-to-day life with Tourette Syndrome in his own words. Simple, colorful illustrations by Dylan's best friend Zachary Wendland drive home this straightforward, tell-it-like-it-is story. "TS causes uncontrollable body movements or sometimes repeating words, sounds, or phrases over and over. These are called tics. The biggest bummer about having tics is that you can't make them stop no matter how hard you try, and believe me I have tried! It's like your brain has a mission to annoy you and make everyone around you notice these bizarre actions." A set of ten successful strategies for working with children with Tourette Syndrome and a list of additional resources round out this highly recommended picturebook for school libraries and for teaching young people everywhere about Tourette Syndrome.
Cedar Creek Elementary Review.......2007-01-25
I had a great time listening to your story it was fascinating.
I really recommend this book to anyone! I learned alot about TS.
I thought he was brave to go to school.
I learned a lot about teasing and kindness.
I liked your book, it teaches a very important lesson about acceptance.
I think it is a good thing to share your problems with your friends and teachers. True friends like you for who you are.
Mrs. Cochran's second class
Mrs Giebler-Counselor
Touching lesson for kids and adults.......2007-01-12
This story more than just explains TS, which it does well. It is an honest account of a child's journey to find courage, a lesson that applies to all of us regardless of age or obstacles. Rewarding read!
Book Description
Vivid, authentic, this is the autobiography of a delinquent—his experiences, influences, attitudes, and values. The Jack-Roller helped to establish the life-history or "own story" as an important instrument of sociological research. The book remains as relevant today to the study and treatment of juvenile delinquency and maladjustment as it was when originally published in 1930.
Customer Reviews:
A deliquent's own story.......2005-05-13
The Jack-Roller is one of the most famous studies carried out by the Chicago School of Sociology. It's a personal account by a young deliquent about the reasons for his criminality. The study brings us close to the motivations and the reasoning of a criminal and also paints a striking portrait of life in the inner city and the social inequalities present in the 1930's which are still persist nowdays.
damn good boooyy.......2001-12-10
this is a story about the real life of a person, seen through the persons own eyes, with his own words
Book Description
Haley's back at Hillsdale High after a New England vacation with her family. She's got a new haircut and some great new clothes, but the same problems--and the same people--continue to follow her. Coco and Whitney want to groom her to become the next Coquette now that they've kicked Sasha to the curb, but is Haley ready to make the changes they demand? Meanwhile, Sasha seems to be in serious trouble, and Irene is still willing to take Haley to San Francisco with her. So many possibilities! So many choices! Haley's future is in your hands--choose wisely!
Customer Reviews:
I wish I was warned..........2007-05-10
Ok this is the first review i have ever written and i am only writing because i disliked this book so much. Its annoying to have to read through and make the choices only to have to go back. Along those lines its annoying because you might want to make more than one choice and see what happens but then you would have t make another choice and another and tat would pretty must be impossibly to follow 4 plots at one time. Its also annoying that you cannot really read every "chapter" because it would be out of order and confusing. The book itself does not flow (as i can tell from the several paths i have chosen to go down). Some of the endings do not make much sense and the plot stops abruptly in a few paths. I would not recommend this book to anyone.
GREAT Seller!!!.......2007-01-05
GREAT Seller!!! The product was PERFECT, as described!!! Delivery was quick, and transaction went smoothly!!! HIGHLY RECOMMEND this seller!!! Many many thanks!!!
Courtesy of Teens Read Too.......2006-12-04
Haley may be the luckiest girl at Hillsdale High, even if she doesn't know it. She is the new girl. After moving across the country she has a new haircut and a chance to start over. The only problem is that there are a ton of decisions to make and each one will affect the way her new high school career turns out. Luckily for her, other people get to make them for her! In this "choose your destiny" book, readers get to make important social decisions for Haley. Each decision changes the ending in some way.
There are a variety of characters that remain the same in each version, but the endings are all different. Should Haley take one of her new friends back to California, or will that spell disaster by mixing her old life with the new one that is going so well for her? Sasha, the soccer star, is suddenly acting strange. Should Haley tell her parents or try to investigate it herself? Along the way there are a variety of gorgeous boys of all types to choose from. Haley will end up with a boyfriend, but is one better for her than another?
On the whole, the book seems to move really quickly and moves from one decision to the next; at others the reader may feel like they missed a step, but it is easy to catch up and is likely a result of multiple ways of ending up in the same place. After reading all of the endings, some are a little more satisfying than others. In my first reading, I made decisions for Haley as I would have made them in my life. That ending ended up being my favorite, but will that be the same for every reader? It's all part of the fun of choosing your own path.
Reviewed by: Allison M. Rotonda
Love It!.......2006-10-14
I still have about two or three endings to read, but so far it's great! Haley is getting into so many interesting things. As you can tell, I love it. This is a great, intresting book. You can read it five times with a new ending and it lets you be creative. It also makes you think wisely of you're decisions. I so reccomend this book! In fact, I'm going to read it right now :].
Average customer rating:
- Great story, tremendous strength
- Best of its kind I have ever read
- A book that will touch your heart...
- A must read for any human being !!
- A wonderful display of love and determination
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The Things I Want Most: The Extraordinary Story of a Boy's Journey to a Family of His Own
Richard Miniter
Manufacturer: Bantam
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
| Biographies & Memoirs
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Special Needs
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| Biographies & Memoirs
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Adoption
| Parenting & Families
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| Parenting
| Parenting & Families
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| Parenting & Families
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Accessories:
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philosophy hope in a jar daily moisturizer
ASIN: 0553379763
Release Date: 2000-02-01 |
Amazon.com
A straightforward story of a troubled foster son and his family, The Things I Want Most shows just how much persistence can pay off when it comes to family relationships. Funny, alarming, encouraging, and always honest, the book covers Mike's first year with his large foster family and all the struggles the family went through to make him feel both welcome. His needs and frustrations are central to the book, as are his parents' creative--and often desperate--solutions. There's a lot to think about here, including what makes a real family and how to achieve open communication in any group of people. Told through a combination of standard narrative and conversational snippets, this is a quick and engrossing read that any parent can relate to. But for anyone interested in becoming a foster parent, the book should be required reading: the first-hand accounts will provide all kinds of valuable insights into the special concerns of this kind of parenting. With an epilogue rounding out the past with a brief mention of family members' current activities, you'll feel like you spent the day getting to know a neighbor--and being pleasantly surprised with some of life's happy endings. --Jill Lightner
Book Description
The remarkable story of a couple who risked everything to open their home--and their hearts--to answer an abandoned child's wish.
It was a small note buried in the file of a deeply troubled eleven-year-old boy--a plea for a normal life Rich and Sue Miniter couldn't ignore:
The Things I Want MOST:
A family
A fishing pole
A familyThe Miniters heard in that simple note the voice of a frightened child who wanted what all children want and need: someone to love who would love them in return.
So they brought Mike home to the cozy country inn they'd restored and managed in rural upstate New York. There, over the next year, they would try to make Mike's dream come true. But first they would have to work through the fear, anger, and distrust that accompanied this boy who had lived his whole life with the label "severely emotionally disturbed." For the biggest obstacle to Mike's happiness was Mike himself, who gave the Miniters every reason to give up but one--the power of love.
When Richard and Sue Miniter decided to open their home--and their hearts--to a foster child, they couldn't imagine the frustrations and joys, the breakthroughs and setbacks, not to mention the emotional toll, that awaited them. Here is the remarkable true story of how their lives changed forever with their decision to answer an abandoned child's wish for THE THINGS I WANT MOST. -->
Customer Reviews:
Great story, tremendous strength.......2000-07-13
An uplifting account of one boy's struggle to overcome a disadvantaged life. If you liked this, definitely check out "The Wanderer" by Ken Grant of Massachusetts (1993)
Best of its kind I have ever read.......1999-09-07
This book is the best personal account of fostering/adopting an older child that I have ever read. It is a natural for a "made for TV" movie, with its dramatic story, picturesque setting, and cast of "characters." I laughed, I cried, I sobbed. In Miniter and his wife, we see the mixture of naivete/ignorance, denial, and audacity that goes into the decision to bring a "disturbed" youngster into one's family. The book also reflects the reality that formal treatment plans are limited (and sometimes unrealistic) and that "real life"-- honest emotions and reactions, normal expectations, natural consequences-- can be a strong motivator in turning around dysfunctional behavior. To the reader who is NOT an experienced foster/adoptive parent, I would offer a few minor cautions: 1) Miniter makes no mention of receiving any kind of training before taking the boy into his family. If that was indeed the case, that's a major flaw in the "Harbor" program. Prospective foster and adoptive parents of kids in the child welfare system should receive fairly extensive training in areas such as what to expect when the children come into your home, how the system (and particular agency) works, and how to manage difficult behavior. 2) Miniter would probably be one of the first to point out that this book is not a blueprint for others but is instead ONE case study, of ONE youngster, in ONE family. The Ministers' experience notwithstanding, psychotropic medication and/or psychotherapy are important-- if not essential-- components in some youngsters' healing, and respite care and parent support groups can be lifesavers for some "therapeutic" parents. 3) Miniter says he ignored some of the safety precautions recommended by his agency, and suggested that (hunting) guns were readily accessible in his home. Having weapons easily available in ANY home with kids (even "normal" children!) is foolhardy, and most agencies REQUIRE pretty sensible safety precautions.
A book that will touch your heart..........1999-02-02
This book teaches many lessons. First and foremost that the husband-wife relationship plays such a major role in raising children, and it showed in this book. The relationship between Rich and Sue is an admirable one, one that not is not so common after so many years of marriage. With that bond of love, they raised a house full of kids and later in life, were able to take on one more kid, very different from their own. They gave it 1000% and stuck with it through thick and thin. What they did for "Mike" is untouchable, precious and blessed. God Bless the Miniters and the best of luck to "Mike" in his future endeavors to become a chef.........This book more than once will put a lump in your throat and a tear or two in your eye...To learn more about children, about sacrifices, about life, you must read this beautiful story !!
A must read for any human being !!.......1999-02-02
This book is not only for those who are adopting or work with disturbed children, but it can serve as a valuable lesson for those who have never been in these situations. It is necessary to know that trouble derives from the early years of a child's life and how important it is to show affection, trust and caring to children at all ages.
A wonderful display of love and determination.......1998-11-20
How many broken windows and hearts can one family endure? Obviously for the Miniter's there is no finite answer to that! What a family! I picked this book without having any clue of what it was about. Saw the jacket, the title caught my eye and that was all it took. I was drawn in almost immediately. I am a 20-something woman, that is not married, has no children and is not adopted. I have not encountered many, if any, foster children and I still found this book to be an incredibly moving story. To Richard and Sue and the entire family- you have most certainly earned my respect and admiration. If only we could all be as patient, understanding and as loving as you are! What a great testimony to the good in the world- thank you for sharing your story. I truly hope that you encounter only good fortune in the future, no one family deserves it more than you!!
Book Description
This "decide your own adventure" book is based on the Nintendo Game Boy Advance game, The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages. Link is magically transported to the troubled land of Holodrum, and it's up to the reader to help him restore peace to the land.
Customer Reviews:
zelda is sweet.......2004-12-01
This book is great for young kids learning to read. My son loves Zelda and love the fact that you get to choose the direction of the story. We both can't wait to find out how the story will end. The best thing about this book is you never get tired of reading it because the stroy changes everytime.
Book Description
This "decide on your own adventure" book is based on the Nintendo Game Boy Color game, The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons. Link is magically transported to the troubled land of Holodrum, and it's up to the reader to help him restore peace to the land.
Customer Reviews:
Fun to read!.......2005-08-22
My 7 year old son has enjoyed reading this book (and having it read to him) many times. We also find the game-playing tips very helpful as we work our way through Oracle of Seasons/GameBoy Advanced.
It also includes some nice color pictures of the key characters... which is why I only give it 4 stars... wish there were more illustrations!
Highly recommend this for any young reader who likes to determine his own storyline.
Average customer rating:
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The Feathered Serpent (Nancy Drew & the Hardy Boys: Be a Detective Mystery #3)
Carolyn Keene , and
Franklin W. Dixon
Manufacturer: Aladdin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Hardy Boys
| Mystery & Detective
| Series
| Children's Books
| Subjects
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Nancy Drew Mysteries
| Nancy Drew
| Mystery & Detective
| Series
| Children's Books
| Subjects
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General
| Ages 9-12
| Children's Books
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Dixon, Franklin W.
| ( D )
| Authors & Illustrators, A-Z
| Children's Books
| Subjects
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Keene, Carolyn
| ( K )
| Authors & Illustrators, A-Z
| Children's Books
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0671499211 |
Books:
- A Play of Knaves (Joliffe Mysteries)
- A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man (Penguin Classics)
- America Alone: The End of the World as We Know It
- An Assembly Such as This: A Novel of Fitzwilliam Darcy, Gentleman (Fitzwilliam Darcy Gentleman)
- Book of Thoth A Short Essay on the Tarot of the Egyptians, Equinox Volume III, No. V
- Captain John Smith: Writings with Other Narratives of Roanoke, Jamestown, and the First English Settlement of America
- Charles Dickens Four Complete Novels (Great Expectations, Hard Times, A Christmas Carol, A Tale of Two Cities)
- Charles Dickens Four Complete Novels (Great Expectations, Hard Times, A Christmas Carol, A Tale of Two Cities)
- Complete Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe
- Crashproof Your Kids: Make Your Teen a Safer, Smarter Driver
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