Boys Books

In "The Paradox of Tarheel Politics", veteran reporter Rob Christensen, of the Raleigh News and Observer, provides a stellar addition to the pantheon of North Carolina political works.

This book is a must read for any politician, journalist, activist, observer or just plain interested party. Christensen deserves a medal for making the subject matter approachable to the layman. As an historical work, the book ranks among the most active and engaging stories in recent memory.

Perhaps a testament to the editors Christensen has had in his career, the prose is engaging and full of energy. There is hardly a weak spot in the entire book. Whether the reader is on vacation with hours on end or a casual nighttime bookworm reading a few pages a night, "The Paradox of Tarheel Politics" is sure to capture and hold their attention.

Read the full review at my personal website, or via this link:

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Jeffrey Sykes
www.jeffreysykes.com

The most complete account of North Carolina political history I've ever found in one book. All the major players for the past century are here with lots of great stories. A great read.

The Paradox of Tar Heel Politics: The Personalities, Elections, and Events That Shaped Modern North CarolinaThis is a wonderful read by one of the best newspaper reporters in the State. I would highly recommend the book to anyone who has an interest in the history of modern day politics in North Carolina.

O. Max Gardner III

This is another beautiful example of Roffman's exquisite photographic skill as well as his eye for beautiful young men. The book is divided into sections, each section is devoted to a particular young man, with a brief introduction about either how Roffman met him or how the shoot went. There is at least one boy that is repeated again later in the book, as Roffman did a second shoot with him. The cover photograph is a good indication of the quality of the work inside, it was all shot with natural light (from the looks of it), and the young men seem totally at ease, not only with the camera and their own nudity, but with their bodies in general and with Roffman. In parts the book feels a little like another of Roffman's work, "Friends and Lovers", although this work is devoted more to the boys on their own. Stunningly done.

This is truly a beautiful portfolio and will make a great addtion to any collection of this type. One can never have too many coffee table books of this genre.

"A hot and sweet collection of nude male photos by Howard Roffman, a master at photographing young guys."--© zebraz

Loretta Murphy masterfully weaves the tale of Danny and Brigid and the struggles and emotions felt by the Irish immigrants who settled the anthracite region of Northeastern Pennsylvania. With the intervention of the faerie folk, the unconsumated love of long ago finds two unlikely strangers in a, well, very magical moment. More than a time or two a tear came to my eye, for sadness, and joy. Once started, I could not put the book down. I await Loretta Murphy's next novel, and I understand a poetry book is in the works. Meanwhile, I frequent her website for a poetry fix, yes it is that good,and a few of my literature students are now hooked. Slan, Loretta Murphy!

I have followed Maggie's poetry and writing for a bit now, so it came as no suprise that her book would be good. To say i am a fan of Irish legend and folklore is an understatement. To say I am a fan of this well crafted and woven tale is a lie. I am a superfan of this awesome historical page turner!

Brigid and Daniel love each other, but Tommy O'Toole, an interfering leprechaun causes the two to be forever separated. It was 1873, when Daniel was arrested as a rebel and deported to America.

While Daniel's plight takes him to Pennsylvania Coal Company and the Molly Maguires, Brigid is left behind in Ireland, where loneliness and hunger are constant companions.

Tommy O'Toole is banished from his world until he can redeem himself. In the twenty-first century, he finds his chance with Maggie and Galen.

Maggie Carroll dreams are like a siren's call to Ireland. On a whim, she enters a contest to win a trip to the Emerald Island, never imagining that she would end up being one of the top contestants. As much as it pains her to do so, she must turn down the offer for she has two young children to care for. She can't in good conscious go chasing after her dreams and leave them alone, but Galen Devlin will not take no for an answer.

Galen Devlin works for Traveling Tour Company. To promote tours to Ireland, he started a campaign where a person was to describe in a brief paragraph his or her reason for the `pipes' calling them back home to the Emerald Island. He reads Maggie's explanation and is intrigued. Now all he has to do is convince the stubborn woman to come to New York by St. Patrick's Day, where the final contestant will be chosen.

With a little bit of glamour from Tommy O'Toole, the stories are told. True love is forever and some dreams do come true.

Ms. Murphy has taken two stories: one, an Irish tale of star-crossed lovers; another of fated soul mates, and interweaved them into this beautifully told story enriched with history, folklore and a touch of magic. She truly is a gifted Seanachaí (storyteller).

I could not put this book down. I read the story of Eleni several years ago and wanted to know what happened to the family and thie story continues with this book. Nicholas Gage's mother would certainly be proud of her family and the sacrifice she made. A fantastic book, highly recommended

Gage writes his and his family's story with a wonderful combination of pathos and humour--an incredible perspective and a worthwhile read.

This is as an extraordinary book by one of our country's most important contemporary writers. Highly recommended!

Sebastian Montero has a reputation around town as a problem solver. Any problem you've got, Sebastian has a way to fix it. He doesn't do it just out of the goodness of his heart, though; it's all part of the complicated network of favors, debts, and problems that he's organized. He's calm and in control in the middle of his domain. He knows how it all works.

Along comes another problem. This one directly involves Sebastian's friend, Jeremy. Jeremy has just found out that the man he thought was his father, well, isn't. Sebastian has found Jeremy's real father, and the two of them set off for the coast of North Carolina to meet Dromio. Seems straightforward enough, right?

Well, then throw this into the mix: Bastian and Jeremy are switching identities, so that Jeremy won't get hurt if Dromio turns out to be a shady character or just a jerk. When Dromio accepts him right into the family, Bastian keeps pushing the charade further and futher--but to what end?

PLAYING IT COOL is a very interesting novel. Most of the characters are realistic, and the plot is certainly well-thought out. The scenario itself is a little odd, but suspension of disbelief is common enough in fiction. The writing is pretty excellent, too, but it lacks a certain spark throughout a good chunk of the book. At the beginning, and then again at the end, it seems good, but lacks whatever it is that makes a book special. Still, though, this is a book worth reading!

Reviewed by: Jocelyn Pearce

Joaquin Dorfman's PLAYING IT COOL presents one Sebastian, a problem solver who gets in over his head when he's asked to track down a friend's birth mother - by switching identities. A dangerous series of events evolves from his idea in this fast-paced thriller.

I reviewed this book as part of a program my library participates in and was very pleasantly surprised. This has to be one of the best YA books I have read in the past couple years. It has an undercurrent of edginess that made me want to put it down for a bit and let the tension go away, but at the same time keep reading to find out who Sebastian really was.
The plot elements are carefully crafted and the characters become people you really like. The dialogue between them is fresh and realistic.I particularly liked the way the author handled those plot elements that had the potential to go over the top. He kept them full of energy and tension, but never crossed that line. I could see a bit of myself in Sebastian back when I was his age.
This book was so good I really hope the author revisits the main characters in a sequel and I will be recommending it to a number of my avid YA readers.

This is an intriguing mystery with rich and colorful characters you can really grow to care about. It leaves the reader wanting more. This is a hard one to put down. I found myself trying to unravel the mysteries whenever I was torn away from reading. This is definately a classic. Can't wait for book 2!!!

This is a great book. Once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down. Not only does the book lead you to places that you simply wouldn't expect, the characters feel like people you might actually know. The author writes in way that lets you experience life as "Zack" does. The only down fall is having to wait for the second book to come out.

We meet Zack Owens and his mother Lisa in the beginning of this book. Zack is a high school student and a really great young man. He is being raised by his mom whose husband disappeared years ago just before Zack was born. Where he went or why has never been known.
Zack was passing the time waiting for his mom to finish work one day. Looking through some old books, he opened one on the Middle Ages and an old piece of paper fell out. As Zack examined this paper he read, "The Pledge of the Three." He seemed to be supernaturally drawn to this pledge and took it home with him to further investigate it.
It seems when three people who fit the description needed speak the words of this pledge lives are changed. One will become wealthy and famous, one will remain the same, and one will die. As Zack investigates The Pledge on the internet he finds a website. Upon opening the site one sentence glares out at him, "You have been chosen!"
As the story goes Zack and his two friends decide to take the Pledge, not really believing it would work, but once spoken it seems it has, or has it? Just what is going on?
As the story moves along Zack's mom wins the lottery and one of Zack's friends dies. However, there is more then meets the eye in these happenings and Zack is just beginning to unravel the mystery behind, "The Pledge of The Three." A Pledge that Zack finds out involves his father and his disappearance, but how?

This is an outstanding book; with book one having more questions than answers and keeping you on the edge of your seat in anticipation. I was glued to the pages hoping for just a small hint to what was happening. However, Mr. Smith nicely weaves the mystery in you giving just enough information to hook you, no more, no less. Good job!
He also does an excellent job in his character development, drawing you completely into the lives of each one as the story begins to unfold. This book is laced with emotions of young love, friendship, family loyalty and morals yet sprinkled with mystery, deception, lies, and sinister works. Just what is the meaning behind "The Pledge of The Three," and in solving it will Zack place himself and his loved ones in danger or will he finally find out what happened to his father and why?
I can't wait for Book two to be written; I simply have to know the answers. This is one outstanding read, don't miss it. Top recommendation. Superb!

This is a wonderful, heartwarming story about a young boy who feels pulled toward a life that is different from the fishing life his family has known for many generations. In pursuit of his passion for writing, he is hampered by his own self-doubt, but becomes emboldened by the overwhelming support and encouragement of people around him. This is a story about personal struggles with which we can all identify and the triumph of the human spirit. An inspiration for all of us.

The Portguese Boy is a heartwarming tale about a young portguese boy and his struggle to become a writer. In the story he is inspired by many of the local people (many remind me of my relatives). However, it is his older sibling that causes him much anguish and self doubt (familiar once again - we can all relate to this!). This charming story has the portguese boy triumph over adversity to find his inner strength and skill. Anyone who wants a quick read and loves stories about human nature will appreciate this endearing tale.

The story of this young Portugese boy, set in the 1950's, is an unexpected delight for any age. I thought it may be geared for the younger reader, like many of Ms. Leuzzi's other creations. However, I swiftly realized I could not put it down (& I am no youngster). The writing was so clear & so descriptive that I was quickly immersed in the culture in the village where he lives. I could smell the smells, see the sights and feel the emotions on every page. The story is basically about having faith in one's own abilities - a theme that is applicable to all ages. This wholesome and heart-warming story should be read by those who need their spirits lifted, have doubts about their own capabilities, or just love a good book.

There really are only a few books a parent needs to "do it right." Joan Beck's "How to Raise a Brighter Child" and Prudence MackIntosh's essays in her trilogy of books: "Thundering Sneakers," Retreads," and "Sneaking Out." The MackIntosh books are better than chocolate, whether you have a boy or a girl. And on those frequent occasions when I am at my wits' end and rapidly losing perspective, her books bring me right back. You'll laugh with a lump in your throat the whole way through.

Read Prudence McIntosh! If you have boys you must read this book. One of my favorites.

From the moment I discovered Prudence Mackintosh in Thundering Sneakers (first of the trilogy), I fell in love with her style of writing. She shares the joys of boys along with her own cherishing of the moments of parenting them. Retreads will make you laugh until you cry as you share her wonderful observations of her own 3 boys in those "tween years" where they are too big to hold and way too big to ignore. If you know a mother of all boys, I cannot think of a better gift -- the Mackintosh Trilogy (Sneaking Out is new in 2002 -- and helps to finish the chapter of raising children!) UT Press has done us all a favor by reissuing these gems! Thanks Prudence!

Well , Im a person who has always been fascinated by the subject racism. I think its extremely wrong to exclude a person because of his color , believes or just the person he is believed to be. We all arent the same and Im happy for it. Otherwize it would be a very boring world. I also understand we cant be all a happy family but we dont have to be cruel. In my class there are a few foreigners and even though we have a fight sometimes , Im glad I have them as my friends ... So people who still have doubts about it , read this book and you will be convinced !

I am 15 and i am in high school,when i first read this book during english lessons at school, i realised very soon that this is no ordinary typical pass-time book, but a piece of true art, excellent creativity and pure literature. I learnt that this writer, is truly a wonderful amazing human. After all that what he gone through he actually had the power to express it onto paper.(wow,that must be hard) If he had n't summoned his courage then we wouldn't have known about him. I greatly admire him as a writer,His books are so unique and really touches your heart. You can feel him breathe, and you can hear his heart pound so heavy that it makes an imagine in your own mind -he is still alive... His book 'black boy' has encouraged me to write on my own and read all his other books which i believe are equally intresting and sentimental. He is the best writer i have ever known,his writings made people treat 'blacks' as a part of their society,their community.Slavery aboilish from every little white heart during his times. He encouraged people to respect 'blacks' and treat them as humans.His work is like a leader's speech, which worked dramatically, affecting people's heart and minds and then making the final choices.

As a 15 year old, I have not had a great deal of experience reading books, but I have read enough to recognize Richard Wright's Black Boy as one of the most spectacular, engaging and exciting books I have ever read. I was always up for a little bit of reading, even when I was tired. Wright's style of writing makes you see his world from his eyes. He paints a vivid picture of the South in the 1920's, and racism. You must read this book if you ever want to truly comprehend the reasons why blacks acted the way they did. This novel touched me in a way a book never has before. I realize how the whites obtained utter control of blacks in the South. Every word, thought and action of a black man was controlled by the whites. Richard however, had a spirit which would not die. He put on a facade so as to survive, but his real emotions of hate and rebellion never died. Richard was abused as a child, but still managed to write a great novel about his childhood and growing up. Once again, if you want to understand racism, Black Boy is essential to read.

My mother made me read this book in the summer and I thought it would be boring but it wasn't. I think that's because Richard Wright was such an interesting person and had such a hard life. I couldn't put the book down becasue I wanted to know what happened to him. He had a lot of great things happen and a lot of sad things. I think the writer did a really good job making me care about what happened to Richard Wright and the book was not too hard to read either. All in all if you have to write a book report about RIchard Wright I would say to get this book. It has all the facts and it's fun to read.

I thought reading a book about Richard Wright would be boring, but it wasn't. This biography had all the facts about his tough life but it was written in a way that made it interesting. I really wanted to keep going to see what would happen to Richard Wright. He had a really hard beginning of his life because in his childhood he was always poor and hungry. But in the end, he became famous and taught our country about what it really feels like to be Black and discriminated against. I really recommend this book especially if you're studying Richard Wright or any of his books or the Civil Rights Movement. Good pictures, too.

This books tells the story of Richard Wright's life. It is easy enough to read so that you get all the facts, but it is also really exciting so that the reader won't want to put it down. I would recommend this book to anyone studying African American history because Richard Wright overcame his sad beginning and the adversity of prejudice to become a great writer. The author tells it like it is but with heart. There are also plenty of interesting pictures in the book.