Product Description
This is a classic storytelling from a bestselling author. Gallico's most famous story, "The Snow Goose", is set in the wild, desolate Essex marshes and is an intense and moving tale about the relationship between a hunchback and a young girl. "The Small Miracle" is a contemporary fable about a young boy's love for his dangerously ill donkey. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Moving Page-turner
I loved this book.I gave it to my mother to read and she loved it so much that she is suggesting it for her book club. It concerns a small, private English touring circus that gets stranded --and abandoned to its fate-- by the owner, in Spain. The circus performers have no money to get back to England and must struggle against the elements (including a wonderfully described storm) and starvation, to keep themselves and the animals alive. The characters are so richly drawn, and their plight so dire, that I could not put this book down. Gallico shows his love and compassion for animals, and his belief in the triumph of the human spirit over adversity. The grotesque elements of this story are not gratuitous but add texture and color, while serving, in the end, to underscore his message of love and forgiveness. All in all, a vivid, gripping, and very moving book. Highly recommended.

The worst kind of melodrama.
I started reading this book confidently expecting a well crafted book in the mould of Gallico's other works and at the end of it I was shocked.Not only was the story melodramatic and apparently not reaaly going anywherebut it seemed only an excuse to insertsomething of the seamy side of life.There seemed to be no point to this story and when I discovered aparticularly distasteful sexual situation implied at the end I threw thisbook out .One of the finest pieces of real trash that I have ever read,this only served to disgust me.Gallico's unfailingly beautiful language isthe saving grace but its only a wrapping for a sordid tale that never risesto the emotional heights he achieved in earlier books.I am surprised thatanyone would even publish it. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A family outing to the Coronation and a snapshot of the times
It's the 2nd June 1953 and Will Clagg is a proud man who has bought his family prime viewing tickets for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II - forgoing the annual family holiday at the sea in exchange for the expense of the trip to London.However, once they get to London things don't go quite as planned.

This is the story of an ordinary family who go to London for a once-in-a-life-time event, but the event they get is not the one that they anticipate.The writing is simple and easy to read. This is a reasonably short story at 128 pages that is quickly read but leaves you with a good feeling at the end.If you are after a quick read that is not padded out or pretentious and has a realistic feeling for the event it revolves around then this is a good book to pick up.
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Customer Reviews (4)

Like the book, see the movie
If you like this book, see the made for tv movie starring Don Murray and Ray Milland. it's called Daughter of the Mind. Made in 1969. I loved the movie then and I love the movie now.

Wonderful
This is certainly one of the best books I have ever read relating to the after-life and a love that seems to transcend the physical world.

Although I read this book over 25 years ago and have read several hundred books since, I am still drawn to the haunting theme of this exceptional work. Perhaps the only book, which I consider superior, is Jack Finney's Invasion of the Body Snatchers.

Paul Gallico's book, although written in 1964, is as relevant today as it was 40 years ago. The mystery, fear and uncertainly of 'Passing Over' touches the heart and mind of most people, regardless of race, creed or religion. Besides the themes of the afterlife and love, the book also explores the evil of mankind and the eternal urge of some people to gain from the sorry, sadness and loss of others.

I would urge all people interested in mysteries, thrillers and the unknown to read this book.

Dr. Carl Edwin Lindgren
Professor of Military History

One of my old favorites
The most moving theme explored in the book is the love of a parent for a child - one who has passed away - and the exploitation of that never-ending connection by people with an evil agenda. I've read it several times andwould highly recommend it to those who also enjoy thrillers and mysteries.

Enjoyed this book
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and have reread it several times. It is a gripping mystery adventure with several unexpected twists to the story. Those who enjoy Gallico's other books will find the style of writing thesame. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

The Original from the Glory Days of the Short Story
Paul Gallico is the author of fifty books and numerous short stories including the classic story The Snow Goose. His books include Thomasina, Love of Seven Dolls, The Silent Miaow, The Poseidon Adventure and one of J. K. Rowling's avowed favorites, Manxmouse.

In the introduction to Confessions of a Story Writer, Gallico tells how he got started in writing and why (later revised in Further Confessions of a Story Writer). He started with a daily sports column only by chance, his intention from age twelve on was to write fictional stories. There are twenty four of his short stories in this book and before each one he describes why he wrote it and how it was published. They include the short story and the story behind story for the The Snow Goose. In some of these he gives away the endings, so be sure to read the short story before the descriptions.

I thought this book was great training and quite inspirational, at least for a short story writer, and especially if you are writing in the classic style of the mid twentieth century.

Also be sure to find a copy of the later Further Confessions of a Story Writer. There is some overlap but you will find an additional eleven short stories that are not in Confessions with descriptions in the same manner, plus the revised and extend biographical introduction.

Buy both books when you can find good copies. It is possible to find a good hardcover with dustjacket for under $20, but you may have to pay more. ... Read more

Product Description
Alexander Hero: in the ghost-busting business, has his hands full at Paradine Hall where there's a pesky poltergeist, a nebulous nun, and a whole covey of ghosts. ... Read more

Product Description
This book presents stories with interviews and voice tapes taken by more than two dozen mermaids themselves. It is profusely illustrated with glamour photographs from their heyday. The book contains the first in depth interview with Gertrude Ederle in 50 years -- her glamorous yet tragic life as the first woman to swim the English Channel, the single most significant impact on women's liberation. It includes interesting anecdotes and never before published chapters on Esther Williams, Eleanor Holm, Annette Kellerman and Aileen Riggin. America and the world loved these courageous athletes 'Queens of the Rotogravure' who were not afraid to show their feminine side to the camera. While they played hard, they also worked hard to succeed in a man's world. It was the golden age of swimming. These women were the pioneers and role models for today's athletes. These were the first women athletes who dominated women's sport for 50 years (1907-1957) who rose to glory in the Roaring '20's by doing it all; mastering sport in a men's world with grace, beauty and personality. These mermaids made us all want to learn to swim. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Photo Quality
First off, this book is not a hardcover as advertised.It's a legal size paperback.The photos would have made the book but they were blurred and extremely poorly replicated.The photo collection and newspaper shots looked like good choices.I only wish I could have see them clearly.

A fascinating compendium of stories and interviews
Mermaids On Parade: America's Love Affair With Its First Olympic Women Swimmers is a fascinating compendium of stories and interviews with more than two dozen American women who competed in Olympic swimming events and helped to bring the sport to the enthusiastic attention of the sports minded public. Buck Dawson's informative and engaging text is enhanced with a profusion of period photographs of the female athletes who dominated this women's sport event from 1907 to 1957 and rose to excellence in this competitive sport with grace, beauty and personality -- making generations of girls want to learn to swim and to compete. Mermaids On Parade is highly recommended reading for Olympic sports enthusiasts, women's studies supplemental reading lists, and anyone who has every thrilled to a women's swim meet competition. ... Read more