Gone with the Wind (SparkNotes Literature Guide) List Price: $4.95 Sale Price: $7.88 Used From: $1.70

Description

Get your "A" in gear!They're today's most popular study guides-with everything you need to succeed in school. Written by Harvard students for students, since its inception SparkNotes™ has developed a loyal community of dedicated users and become a major education brand. Consumer demand has been so strong that the guides have expanded to over 150 titles. SparkNotes'™ motto is Smarter, Better, Faster because:· They feature the most current ideas and themes, written by experts.· They're easier to understand, because the same people who use them have also written them.· The clear writing style and edited content enables students to read through the material quickly, saving valuable time.And with everything covered--context; plot overview; character lists; themes, motifs, and symbols; summary and analysis, key facts; study questions and essay topics; and reviews and resources--you don't have to go anywhere else!

Gone with the Wind (MAXNotes Literature Guides) List Price: $3.95 Sale Price: $2.07 Used From: $0.01 Average Rating:

Description

MAXnotes offer a fresh look at masterpieces of literature, presented in a lively and interesting fashion. Written by literary experts who currently teach the subject, MAXnotes will enhance your understanding and enjoyment of the work. MAXnotes are designed to stimulate independ ent thought about the literary work by raising various issues and thought-provoking ideas and questions. MAXnotes cover the essentials of what one should know about each work, including an overall summary, character lists, an explanation and discussion of the plot, the work's historical context, illustrations to convey the mood of the work, and a biography of the author. Each chapter is individually summarized and analyzed, and has study questions and answers.

Reviews

it can help you undeerstanding the American modern culture and their mind of life and living style.

Red it, read it, read it! So realistic! It is a must. Loved the book. Felt with the charicters. "Frankly my dear I don't give a damn." Best line ever written!

It is a really good help to review for the test, you can't just read the whole book over, so these notes really helped me study!!! I don't know what I would have done without them!!

Full-Length

Gone With the Wind List Price: $28.00 Sale Price: $13.99 Used From: $5.05 Average Rating:

Description

A monumental classic considered by many to be not only the greatest love story ever written, but also the greatest Civil War saga.

Features

• ISBN13: 9780684830681
• Condition: New
• Notes: BUY WITH CONFIDENCE, Over one million books sold! 98% Positive feedback. Compare our books, prices and service to the competition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed

Reviews

This is a classic-- wonderful on so many levels and if you haven't read it then you owe yourself this treat. As a teen I was engrossed and ended up reading it several times over the years. ** small spoiler** As a younger person I always knew that Rhett came back to Scarlett. Later, when I got older, I was less certain that there was a happy ending for the pair and haven't read it since. But I still give it 5 stars because it is brilliant and beautiful and moving.

after my dog ate my moms copy I never thought I'd get another one just like it! Thanks!

It started very slow for me, with Scarlett's fleeting thoughts about her dresses and balls. Then every time it became intriguing the conflict resolved itself, except for the conflict between Scarlett and Rhett which only gradually compounded. The dénouement was poignant and well conceived-- perhaps it's just the romantic in me but I choose to see the end as just the beginning.

I have read Gone with the Wind at least 10 times. Every time it is read, I find something missed previously. And every time I read it, it means something different to me. It has motivated me to read other books about that era of time and so I have learned a lot about the Civil War era and how important and significant it was for our country's history. I don't feel that the main thrust of the book was romance, but as in most lives, romance occurs some time, and the people of this novel also find some romance. Scarlett moves from one phase of life to the next with a realists mind except when it comes to Ashley Wilkes. All in all, it is a long book, but one that you won't forget.

This book is a classic. One that I believe all southern women should read and pass down to their daughters. It is a story of love, loss, and an age in which we could never fully understand. That being said, this version's printing is not the best. On nearly every page, there are words or letters that are not fully printed. The hardcover, binding, and dust cover are in wonderful shape. The packaging and delivery, too, were outstanding. The only drawback I see is the printing not being 100% clear on each page. I think if you are interesting in purchasing a hardcover copy, you may wish to try a different version. I hope this is helpful.

Gone with the Wind List Price: $18.00 Sale Price: $7.95 Used From: $5.49 Average Rating:

Description

Margaret Mitchell's epic novel of love and war won the Pulitzer Prize and went on to give rise to two authorized sequels and one of the most popular and celebrated movies of all time. Many novels have been written about the Civil War and its aftermath. None take us into the burning fields and cities of the American South as Gone With the Wind does, creating haunting scenes and thrilling portraits of characters so vivid that we remember their words and feel their fear and hunger for the rest of our lives. In the two main characters, the white-shouldered, irresistible Scarlett and the flashy, contemptuous Rhett, Margaret Mitchell not only conveyed a timeless story of survival under the harshest of circumstances, she also created two of the most famous lovers in the English-speaking world since Romeo and Juliet.

Features

• ISBN13: 9781416548898
• Condition: New
• Notes: BUY WITH CONFIDENCE, Over one million books sold! 98% Positive feedback. Compare our books, prices and service to the competition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed

Reviews

I not only have one dog earred copy of this book, I have two dog earred copies of this book on my nightstand. What a great book! Inspiring, thoughtful and interesting all at that same time. Yes, there are racist elements and sterotypical themes (the use of the "n" word is discusting and offensive and the view that the slaves were "Happy" was absolutely discusting). The issue of slavery was sugar-coated - the slaves were never depicted as being human beings with thoughts and feelings - they were just charactures meant to serve their Caucasian "masters". I enjoyed reading about the historical aspect of the Civil War. The characters of Scarlett and Rhett do not pretend to be something they are not - both are shrewd, focused, fiesty. Is Scarlett a spoiled little brat? Yes, of course she is, but somehow the author makes you want to root for her in the end because Scarlett fights for what she wants and never gives up. I think those are admirable qualities for any person to have. I agree with other posts that there was no reason for a sequel(s). The sequel really served no purpose other than to confirm what (most) of us already knew or hoped - that Scarlett and Rhett would end up together anyway.

This book was virtually transferring me back into time like a time machine..you live the book, you feel the book, you "see" the book..you are there..with Scarlett, Rhett, Mammy, Melanie, and Ashley..unbelievably emotional at all extremes..I love it and will be glad to re-read it.

Nice story, feels a little like a soap opera at times, but the civil war part of the story is excellent. Could have and should have been shorter...lots of filler. Overall it is pretty good read.

(that is if it takes 6 weeks to read... so you better start reading!!!) In a word... you will RELIVE Scarlett's experience and she will become a person to you :) If you are a person who likes drama and human emotion, then this is the book for you! The fact that it is set against the chaotic background of the American Civil War is just an added bonus since the real storyline of the book is the tale of a woman's struggle against time and change when her world is falling apart.

This is one of those books where you find a little bit of yourself in each character, rather than finding one you can entirely associate with. It's imposible to completely like or completely hate any of the characters. There are many reasons I can't bring myself to read any of the liscenced or unofficial sequels to this book: 1)This book was written about 73 years after the time setting of the book itself, & when the author was born in 1700, Having read books from that time, like Baum's Oz series, culture of the late 19tch century & early 20th century were more similar than the 1900s are from now, so she wouldn't have had to do nearly as much research on life in the Confederate South as a sequel writer would, & a sequal writer younger than herself would have their cultural views skewed by the changes of modern times. 2)It doesn't really need a sequel. If you think about what direction the story might have gone in if Rhett didn't leave Scarlet; They were incapable of being happy together it might have had the same kind of tragic ending as Warren Adler's "War of the Roses." Or since Scarlet is such a proud woman who has been married to many men she didn't love, she might return from Tara & decide to divorce Rhett upon his promised occasional returns & marry the childish Ashley just to kick Rhett in the side for abandoning her. Or she could have gone another 5 or 10 years persuing Rhett only to loose interest in him when she finally won him back; like she looses interest in anything else when the hunt is over. I recommend "War of the Roses," as well as Jane Austin's "Pride & Prejudice," as I find similarity in their rough relationship as well.

Video & Audio

Gone with the Wind (Two-Disc 70th Anniversary Edition) List Price: $24.98 Sale Price: $11.47 Used From: $11.99 Average Rating:

Description

Period romance. War epic. Family saga. Popular fiction adapted with crowd-pleasing brilliance. Star acting aglow with charisma and passion. Moviemaking craft at its height. These are sublimely joined in the words Gone with the Wind. This dynamic and durable screen entertainment of the Civil War-era South comes home with the renewed splendor of a New 70th-Anniversary Digital Transfer capturing a higher-resolution image from Restored Picture Elements than ever before possible. David O. Selznick’s monumental production of Margaret Mitchell’s Pulitzer Prize-winning book can now enthrall new generations of home viewers with a majestic vibrance that befits one of Hollywood’s greatest achievements.

David O. Selznick wanted Gone with the Wind to be somehow more than a movie, a film that would broaden the very idea of what a film could be and do and look like. In many respects he got what he worked so hard to achieve in this 1939 epic (and all-time box-office champ in terms of tickets sold), and in some respects he fell far short of the goal. While the first half of this Civil War drama is taut and suspenseful and nostalgic, the second is ramshackle and arbitrary. But there's no question that the film is an enormous achievement in terms of its every resource--art direction, color, sound, cinematography--being pushed to new limits for the greater glory of telling an American story as fully as possible. Vivien Leigh is still magnificently narcissistic, Olivia de Havilland angelic and lovely, Leslie Howard reckless and aristocratic. As for Clark Gable: we're talking one of the most vital, masculine performances ever committed to film. --Tom Keogh

DVD Information

Binding: DVD
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Brand: Warner Brothers
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
Original Release Date: 1939-01-01
Actors:

• Clark Gable
• Vivien Leigh
• Thomas Mitchell
• Barbara O'Neil
• Evelyn Keyes

Reviews

Gone with the Wind is my all time favorite movie. I was thrilled to receive it exactly as described. It arrived before the given date and was in perfect condition.

One of the most important movies it's now a very huge and georgeus prsentation on DVD. I'm from Perú and this DVD has Spanish lenaguage and subtitles, including some extras contents. I hope this kind of edition go on production including a lot of extras, and spanish lenguage and subtitles for latin american people.

I bought this for a Mother's Day gift--TWICE. My mom reported that most of the discs didn't work, so I returned it for a new set. Amazingly, the new replacement set didn't work either! I felt bad enough for Mom that I had to write this review and warn others. I finally learned my lesson: Take Mom out for dinner and a play instead of wasting time and money on this piece of....er, junk.

Gone with the Wind was as good as I remember it from my youth. The color was beautiful, film clear, and of course, the story memorable. Thank you for making this wonderful product into a Blu-ray movie. My adult daughter saw it for the first time with my husband and myself and she was mesmerized. Thanks again, for a great product.

I enyoyed the DVD as much as I did when I saw it in a Theater in the spring of 1970. Wonderful movie.

The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit (Cliffs Notes) List Price: $7.49 Sale Price: $1.49 Used From: $0.01 Average Rating:

Description

These two epic fantasies take place in Middle-earth, suggestive of life in medieval days. The characters are many, fantastic, and all necessary for the evolution of this great vision of the classical battle between good and evil and the quest for a magical ring.

Reviews

Absolute waste of money. The description of the Cliff Notes title did not descibe the contents of the book. It turns out to be Cliff notes for Lord of The Rings but almost nothing on The Hobbitt

I certainly wouldn't suggest reading the Notes instead of reading what is arguably the greatest book(s)ever written. But the Notes do have their uses. I chose to use Tolkien's books as an example in my final project for a high school writing course. I had read the entire series twice, but that had been three years earlier. I found the Notes useful for jogging my memory on some of the scenes, and for picking out examples to use in my project. I would never recommend reading Notes instead of the actual book in ANY case - that is such a waste - but especially not for Tolkien. If you are reading Tolkien for a class, consider yourself lucky, and take the opportunity to read this amazing set of books in its entirety. Use the Notes just to jog your memory and better understand these classic books.

These oversimplified notes are truly abhorrent and inaccurate. Why not relax with a paperback edition of the true Lord of the Rings?

The whole concept is disgusting! The Hobbit and The Lord of The Rings are books meant to be read with love, joy and wonderment, NOT turned into texts to be read as exercises in drudgery and compulsion. It makes me furious that idiots and barbarians should so turn these books into texts and so kill children's love for them. It does not matter if they are accurate or not, they are WRONG!

Yuck yuck yuck! I only read the sample they have here but it's horrible! They have next to no detail, they even leave out characters, (any one remember Fatty Boldger?) it's wayyy to simplified.. and so on.. how someone could make a clifts notes of 4 books, (all of which are ~ 300 pages long) is not right in the head.

The Hobbit: A Teaching Guide List Price: $10.95 Sale Price: $6.41 Used From: $5.90 Average Rating:

Description

Teaching Guide designed to develop an appreciation for literature and to improve reading skills, exploring critique and literature elements.

Reviews

This is a great product and very helpful in my classroom. There are many higher level and challenging activities.

Excellent resource to use when reading The Hobbit. I would not recommend it to teachers to use in any grade below fifth. This resource is at the advanced level.

I purchased this product along with The Hobbit: A Unit Plan by Mary B. Collins and A Guide for Using The Hobbit in the Classroom by John Carratello. I like this product very much for the higher level thinking activities, lessons, and strategies. For my purposes at this time (I am not currently teaching gifted classes), the Collins unit is better, but there are several activities I especially like from this book. The Runes translation activity my students enjoyed. The Carratello book is much simpler and the activities are more tangential, although I found the riddle activity useful in that book as well. The advantage of the Collins product is that it is a PDF file on CD and can be word processed for different purposes. The advantage of this product is that the format is already fine for photocopying and student use.

I've been teaching for 8 years. I teach 7th grade literature both gifted and talented as well as resource students. This study guide is excellent if you are looking for an in-depth study of The Hobbit. It is set up in an easy-to-use format with higher level chapter questions, vocab with definitions and page numbers, chapter summaries, writing activities, and "strategies" on literary terms. Some parts are difficult for my resource students, but it is easy to tailor the curriculum to meet the needs of all of your students. The students especially enjoy the "strategy" in which they translate the runes and the one about the maps. I highly recommend this resource!

Full-Length

The Hobbit: 70th Anniversary Edition List Price: $25.00 Sale Price: $14.58 Used From: $14.75 Average Rating:

Description

A new edition of The Hobbit with a short introduction by Christopher Tolkien, a reset text incorporating the most up-to-date corrections, and all of Tolkien’s own drawings and color illustrations, including the rare “Mirkwood” piece.

"In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit. Not a nasty, dirty, wet hole, filled with the ends of worms and an oozy smell, nor yet a dry, bare, sandy hole with nothing in it to sit down on or to eat: it was a hobbit-hole, and that means comfort." The hobbit-hole in question belongs to one Bilbo Baggins, an upstanding member of a "little people, about half our height, and smaller than the bearded dwarves." He is, like most of his kind, well off, well fed, and best pleased when sitting by his own fire with a pipe, a glass of good beer, and a meal to look forward to. Certainly this particular hobbit is the last person one would expect to see set off on a hazardous journey; indeed, when Gandalf the Grey stops by one morning, "looking for someone to share in an adventure," Baggins fervently wishes the wizard elsewhere. No such luck, however; soon 13 fortune-seeking dwarves have arrived on the hobbit's doorstep in search of a burglar, and before he can even grab his hat or an umbrella, Bilbo Baggins is swept out his door and into a dangerous adventure. The dwarves' goal is to return to their ancestral home in the Lonely Mountains and reclaim a stolen fortune from the dragon Smaug. Along the way, they and their reluctant companion meet giant spiders, hostile elves, ravening wolves--and, most perilous of all, a subterranean creature named Gollum from whom Bilbo wins a magical ring in a riddling contest. It is from this life-or-death game in the dark that J.R.R. Tolkien's masterwork, The Lord of the Rings, would eventually spring. Though The Hobbit is lighter in tone than the trilogy that follows, it has, like Bilbo Baggins himself, unexpected iron at its core. Don't be fooled by its fairy-tale demeanor; this is very much a story for adults, though older children will enjoy it, too. By the time Bilbo returns to his comfortable hobbit-hole, he is a different person altogether, well primed for the bigger adventures to come--and so is the reader. --Alix Wilber

Features

• ISBN13: 9780618968633
• Condition: New
• Notes: BUY WITH CONFIDENCE, Over one million books sold! 98% Positive feedback. Compare our books, prices and service to the competition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed

Reviews

I usually rip jackets off of my books because I hate the way they feel and look. I was so happy to get this book and see the beautiful jacket that covers it! It feels soft and the image is just stunning! There are a few pictures in the book of very good print quality... and over all I am really pleased with the quality of this book. I am so excited to sit down in my hammock and reread this classic in the form of my new gorgeous edition! :)

I can't believe at my age I had never read this book. I would recommend this book to readers of any age and genres. My only reference to these amazing characters was through film. The films don't do justice to Tolkien's mastery. Due to this book I have now purchased The Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Silmarillion. This book will be an added classic to your bookshelf!

In the fantasy novel The Hobbit by J.R.R Tolkien, a small mythical creature called a "hobbit" leaves his home on an adventure to help dwarves reclaim their stolen treasure. This happens after the hobbit was chosen as a burglar. The story's setting is long ago in Wilderland, a fantasy place. The main conflict is that long before, a dragon had raided a dwarvish town and stolen all of the treasures. The company of dwarves were eager for revenge on the dragon, "Smaug the Magnificent". Smaug was, unfortunately, a fearless and dangerous "worm" who lived in the faraway ruins of the town under the Lonely Mountain on the heap of treasures. Eventually, a team of 13 dwarves, a wizard, and a hobbit set off on a long journey. Along the way, there are many dangers. First, there are trolls who are hungry and would love to eat the dwarves. Luckily, they are all saved by the wizard. Next, over the goblin-infested Misty Mountains they were caught and taken into the heart of the goblin town, where they would have been slaves for the rest of their life. Then, in the dark, deep forest Mirkwood, they are captured by giant spiders who would eat them like flies. Only for Bilbo's quick thinking do they survive. And after surviving all of these ordeals, only to find a dragon at the end... Main Character: Bilbo Baggins the hobbit is the main character. He starts out with two sides of personality. One side is a respectable, jolly fellow who enjoys a comfortable life with two breakfasts a day if possible. The other side of him urges him to go on an adventure to faraway lands. The book tells of how his second side wins and he becomes a hero and burglar. Character Traits: The hobbit is jolly, excitable, and clever. Most of the time he is happy, and is not ever too grumpy. He sometimes has fits where he yells out strange things if he is scared. He is clever when the time comes. When the dwarves have all been captured by spiders, the hobbit came up with a plan on the spot! The hobbit is also stubborn and proud. He is looks down on the dwarves. Once, he sniffs, "all this dwarvish racket!" although " You or I wouldn't have noticed is the whole cavalcade passed within two feet of us!" Theme: The main theme of this book is the conflict between the good and the evil. The evil is always trying to thwart the good from doing what they have the right to do. Recommendation: I strongly recommend this book to children in 4th to 6th grade. The book is full of adventure and the outcome is often unexpected. Throughout the book, the language is engaging and playful which lessens the often scary scenes. I read it when I was 8, and now I am 9, I love it even more as I understand the story better!

I was a little concerned about getting this book, since there are a couple of reviews that nitpick about the binding, the black & white illustration, etc, and argue that this edition is inferior. (I have worked in a printing studio, and can be pretty picky about my editions.) But I am happy I went ahead and ordered it, because going back and rereading the Hobbit in this edition has been a great experience. The dust jacket is printed on nice matte paper, and it feels like a new version of one of the old editions. The black and white illustrations are crisp, and are incorporated into the text at the right spots, and the color plates are bright and very clearly printed. I have not looked at the annotated version, and I am sure it is a great book if you are reading the Hobbit with a mind toward understanding the minutia of Tolkien's work. But if you want to read The Hobbit the way it was intended to be read, you can't go wrong with this edition.

"In a hole in the ground, there lived a hobbit" Bilbo Baggins was a respectable hobbit living in his hobbit-hole at Bag End. But things change when Gandalf the Wizard drops by--along with thirteen dwarves, led by Thorin Oakenshield. Suddenly, Bilbo finds himself on a pony heading away from the Shire and into the great unknown, to defeat a dragon and score treasure. I Liked: WOW! This was such a beautiful, enjoyable book! The Hobbit has never been my favorite Tolkien novel, mostly because it seems so childish (of course, it was written for kids). But the audiobook (and listening to Eldest prior to this) gave me a new appreciation for this joy. Firstly, there are the characters, primarily Bilbo. Bilbo really strikes me as a relatable guy. He's comfortable, content to live at home, and uninterested in adventures. He has to be pushed out of his home by Gandalf in order to get in on the fun. It reminds me so much of how I can be: content to go along, not trying new things until my sister forces me on a new path. My favorite character, though, is Gandalf. I like how quirky he is, how smart and even caring he is to Bilbo. Gandalf knew that Bilbo was perfect for the job and wouldn't let Bilbo back out no matter what. Plus, it's awesome to see recurring characters from the Lord of the Rings. The story itself is so wonderful! Tolkien writes in a third person omniscient, which allows him to employ a great sense of humor. I love how he often directs comments to the audience (explaining hobbits, trolls, and the like) and how light-hearted the tone is. As for the story proper: a pleasure! There is so much adventure, excitement, intrigue...I've read this before, but I still learned new things or was wowed all over again. I loved the tale of how Bilbo and the dwarves evaded the trolls (so simple, yet showcases how brilliant Gandalf was), how Bilbo got the ring from Gollum, and the trek through the Forest (so scary!). And I love how this story fits into Tolkien's vision for Middle Earth. Elrond, Wood Elves, Mirkwood (Thranduil!), Gollum, the White Council...all these and more make appearances. And lastly, the narrator...ah, he was such a pleasure to listen to! I loved his voice, and I adored how he sung the songs and poems in the book! Not many could pull it off so convincingly! I Didn't Like: I don't have a lot of complaints, but there are a few. Firstly, there are thirteen dwarves, and most of them have little to no character. Fili and Kili were young, Bombur fat, Balin I believe had the best eyesight. Only Thorin had any development. One thing I've never liked about the Lord of the Rings or much of Tolkien's works was all the poetry. The Hobbit was no different; a few poems were great, but after a while, I grew tired of the lapsing into a poem. Dialogue/Sexual Situations/Violence: None. None. While not graphic, there are some intense battles between goblins and the troop in the Misty Mountains and in the final battle. Overall: I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. I've never been a Hobbit fan, but this time around, I might be converted. It's fun, it's enjoyable, it's a piece of your childhood in novel form. Highly recommended for those who want to be kids again. Brought to you by: *C.S. Light*

Video & Audio

GradeSaver (TM) ClassicNotes The Chocolate War: Study Guide List Price: $7.99 Sale Price: $7.99

Description

GradeSaver(TM) ClassicNotes are the most comprehensive study guides on the market, written by Harvard students for students! Longer, with more detailed summary and analysis sections and sample essays, ClassicNotes are the best choice for advanced students and educators. The Chocolate War note includes: * A biography of Robert Cormier * An in-depth chapter-by-chapter summary * A short summary * A character list and related descriptions * A list of themes * A glossary * Historical context * Two academic essays * 100 quiz questions to improve test taking skills!

Full-Length

The Chocolate War (Readers Circle) List Price: $8.95 Sale Price: $4.68 Used From: $3.98 Average Rating:

Description

IN 1974, AFTER SUFFERING rejections from seven major publishers, The Chocolate War made its debut. An uncompromising portrait of conformity and corruption, it quickly became a bestselling—and provocative—classic for young adults.“Masterfully structured and rich in theme; the action is well crafted, well timed, suspenseful.”—The New York Times Book Review“The characterizations of all the boys are superb.”—School Library Journal, Starred“Compellingly immediate. . . . Readers will respect the uncompromising ending.”—Kirkus Reviews, StarredAn ALA Best Books for Young AdultsA School Library Journal Best Books of the YearA Kirkus Reviews ChoiceA New York Times Outstanding Books of the Year

Does Jerry Renault dare to disturb the universe? You wouldn't think that his refusal to sell chocolates during his school's fundraiser would create such a stir, but it does; it's as if the whole school comes apart at the seams. To some, Jerry is a hero, but to others, he becomes a scapegoat--a target for their pent-up hatred. And Jerry? He's just trying to stand up for what he believes, but perhaps there is no way for him to escape becoming a pawn in this game of control; students are pitted against other students, fighting for honor--or are they fighting for their lives? In 1974, author Robert Cormier dared to disturb our universe when this book was first published. And now, with a new introduction by the celebrated author, The Chocolate War stands ready to shock a new group of teen readers.

Features

• ISBN13: 9780375829871
• Condition: New
• Notes: BUY WITH CONFIDENCE, Over one million books sold! 98% Positive feedback. Compare our books, prices and service to the competition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed

Reviews

The enjoyment of fiction usually requires the suspension of disbelief. To enjoy this novel as portrayal of something that could happen in a 1970s parochial school requires that you do more than suspend your disbelief. Take your disbelief, bind it, gag it, blindfold it, stuff cotton into its ears and lock it in the trunk of your car. Then and only then can you read this novel as a slice of life. However, you can accept a secret (not so secret) society (the Vigils) in a Catholic school having power out of proportion to their numbers; the teachers having full knowledge of their existence and activities; along with a headmaster want-to-be with the ambition of a third-world dictator, if you view this novel as a dark fable. One that would be more at home in a Brothers Grimm setting. The influence of the powerful is then magnified and unquestioned as in the olden times, not the rebellious 70's. Motivations become a little clearer when you realize the understory. Those with ambition that are in power wish to remain in power. Those with ambition that are out of power wish to gain power. Both will do anything, even work with each other, for that power and to destroy anyone who threatens that power. Enter Jerry Renault, someone with no ambition caught between the striving factions. When he defies one, he defies the other and neither can tolerate his defiance. Working together they make his life miserable and then destroy it, almost costing him his life. One review stated the moral was to "give up". Another, might be that "one person can begin to change the system, but one person alone cannot. If you choose to fight the established power structure, be prepared to lose. Not just the battle, but everything you hold dear". A good read, but only three stars.

The Chocolate War: The Refused Chocolate Do you love to read unpredictable books that always want you to turn to the next page? If you do, then The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier is book you would love to read. This story is good overall, but the plot or the storyline could have been better. The Chocolate War is a story about this new high school student at Trinity high school. He wants to be apart of the football team but that is it. Jerry Renault is in a situation here. The school is having a chocolate sale, in which he wants no part in. The other students start to make fun of him and beat him up in order to make him sell the chocolates, because it is said to be a Trinity tradition. He wants to play football but everyone, even his teammates, try to murder him so he will start selling the chocolates. They keep beating him up, because to sell the chocolates is part of school spirit and Trinity tradition. So, because he is the only different one, they want to pretty much beat him up. The Vigils is a school group That the teachers find it better to deal with if ignored. The gave an assignment to Jerry saying to sell the most chocolates in the whole school. He said no. No one has ever said no to the Vigils. On top of that the whole school hates him for it too All else I can tell you about the book is that Robert Cormier maybe much of a curser, but he can make a decent book. Not saying I did not like it, but the ending left you hanging and it was missing a few things in the book. Cormier puts the storyline in a way that you just want to keep reading even though it is not that good of a book. I like Robert Cormier, because it looks look that he loves to make unexpected twists. For example, he writes down that they just beat him up in every way possible. Then the next day the teacher, Brother Leon, asked him if he wanted the chocolates to sell them. I do not know how he still said no. Will Jerry still stand up? Or will he finally give in to the chocolates? Will he get sent to the hospital? Or will he get transferred to another school? If you do not mind any curse words or inappropriate statements every once in a while then I recommend you read The Chocolate War and see what happens. I honestly do not recommend it for the curse words and inappropriate statements.

Poor Jerry Renault. He's a teenager--his mom has died, his father and him have no connection and he's trying to fit in at a new school. There's a chocolate sale at the school where students are forced to sell chocolates. A group of school thugs who call themselves the Vigils tell Jerry NOT to sell chocolates. He doesn't...but then they tell him to sell them and he refuses. Jerry's life quickly becomes a living hell and it leads up to a revoltingly violent and sick ending. I had to read Cormier when I was in college. I read "I Am the Cheese" (which I thought was pretty good) and I read this on my own. This book depressed me to an incredible degree. For days afterwards I was like a zombie--I couldn't get the finmal sequence out of my mind. Even now over 20 years later it STILL bothers me. Seriously--what is the point of this book? The message for teenagers seems to be--conform. Don't fight back cause it could get you killed. Jerry ISN'T killed, as the sequel tells us, but he's beaten to a point where he's near death and Cormier describes it in loving detail. It's actually suggested that Jerry has an eye crushed when he's hit and his face is covered with blood. Seriously--WHY??? Sick and pointless. One of my friends read it and said it could never happen so it didn't bother him--but that's not how I felt. I would never allow a kid to read this book. Avoid. The sequel "Beyond the Chocolate War" is more of the same. And Jerry is beaten up AGAIN!

I was made to read The Chocolate War back in my early teens. I remember someone telling me that it had loosely been based on actual events. I think that added to the bitter taste it left in my mouth. The Chocolate war, as I recall it, tells the story of a boy in a very posh school some thirty or forty years ago. I remember the film 'updated it' by having it set in the eighties and where he once ran into a hippie one one scene he now runs into a punk. But I digress. The protagonist is pressured into selling / buying chocolates for the school. The school's head master (or dean) pretty much recruits the school's thugs to enforce the forced 'volunteer' work. The details of this are blurry to me now all these years later but the ending is still vividly clear in my mind. Our hero tries very hard to be an individual, to do this own thing and be independent, trying to stand up for his own rights out of principle but then... Well, at the end of the book the protagonist gets severely beaten and it ends on the note 'It's okay to do your own thing so long as it's everyone else's thing too.' I understand what this book tried to do but all it seemed to do was frighten my fellow classmates of the time into conformity. This is the sort of book that actually discourages free thought and individuality. It's stark, bleak and hopeless. For a fourteen-year-old reading it the only message they get is 'If you try to be yourself around other kids you'll get your ass kicked.' What sort of lesson is that? I'm all for reading the classics with social commentaries but I don't think this should be required reading for early teens. I think, instead, a more hopeful one taking pride in being an individual should be read instead. The adventures of Robin Hood would be a good example. Children in their early teens are already confused and dealing with peer pressure. And being told 'Be yourself.' can't work if your required reading shows a child being pummeled for just that. So it's not so much that I think The Chocolate Wars are a bad book but looking back on it now at age twenty-eight I don't think it should be the required reading of teenagers. By the way, I am a book lover, but you're going to find most of my negative reviews here are going to be toward books I was required to read growing up and how my teacher / fellow students responded to them such as The Old Man and the Sea and Lord of the Flies. Though there were some required readings I did like a lot such as Farenheit 451 and Escape to White Mountains.

Frank Muller did a great job performing this audiobook. Unfortunately, the story is filled with stereotyped caricatures. Most of the characters appear nothing more than one-dimensional, with the attempts to 'broaden' them oten falling flat. The end also seems somewhat forced on the story.

Video & Audio

The Chocolate War List Price: $3.98 Sale Price: $2.49 Used From: $2.47 Average Rating:

Description

Jerry did the one thing no one expected. He stood up for himself. The new boy at strict Catholic High School, Jerry Renault, is bullied into selling boxes of chocolates for the school's annual fund-raising event. The sadistic headmaster, Brother Leon, and 'The Vigils', a vicious gang of school thugs, make Jerry's life hell when he decides he won't be pushed around anymore.

After acting in literary adaptations like Christine, Keith Gordon returned to the well for his directorial debut. His smart and stylish adaptation of Robert Cormier's controversial youth novel marks him as a natural. Based in a frequently overcast Pacific Northwest, Jerry Renault (Ilan Mitchell-Smith, Weird Science) enters a Catholic boys' school in the wake of his mother's passing. The freshman already has enough worries, but then Brother Leon (a ferocious John Glover) instructs each student to sell 50 boxes of chocolates during Trinity's annual fundraiser. Jerry refuses. Leon is taken aback, but then he finds that Jerry's refusal--his assignment--was handed down by Machiavellian upperclassman Archie (CSI's Wallace Langham, then known as Wally Ward), head of the Vigils. The secret society also instructs Jerry to recant, but he sticks to his guns. At first, a few kids congratulate him on his stand, but then Leon and Archie, threatened by the iconoclast, turn the school against him. The climactic showdown between Jerry and Archie deviates from the book, but retains its cynical spirit. As Gordon explains in his DVD interview, "They both threaten the system, and in the end, the system is a much bigger problem than any one individual." Like his mentor Brian DePalma, Gordon aims more for emotional than visual truth, which translates into dramatic lighting and fantasy sequences (which are, at first, more confusing than illuminating), but the performances remain grounded in reality. Interestingly, Mitchell-Smith, who never overplays his hand, abandoned acting in the 1990s--for teaching. --Kathleen C. Fennessy

DVD Information

Binding: DVD
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
Audience Rating: R (Restricted)
Brand: GLOVER,JOHN
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
Original Release Date: 1988-11-18
Actors:

• John Glover
• Ilan Mitchell-Smith
• Wallace Langham
• Doug Hutchison
• Corey Gunnestad

Reviews

Rarely, if ever, does one see a movie about high school that has artistic merit. This one does! Lots of POV shots and sequences that illustrate a state of mind. Captures the stupidity, cruelty, and quiet despair of those awkward years. Not "Citizen Kane," or anything, but almost poetic.

The movie is HORRIBLE! The book was a excellent but the movie just didn't cut it and not just because it didn't follow the plot of the book but just because it followed no plot at all and was bland old and yuk.

Well, the book was wonderful really dark and the movie was not, I dont think it captured the characters in the book very well and the book is definetly more exciting, I mean I had to watch the movie in halves because the first time I ended up falling asleep. If you have read the book its nice to watch it but it will make you very angry at the end. They completely change the ending and in turn, I think, change the message and darkness of Robert Cormier's book. I really think that they traded in the moral of the story to please a crowd that likes happier endings.

There are many coming of age movies but this one is definitely unique. Story is about all boys private school where many come from well off families and others are scholarship kids. No matter which social background they come from, they all try to blend in and feel accepted by their peers. It seems that most boys that crave popularity and accepatnace are members of the group called "Vigils". Their leader is cunning and handsome young man, yet mean. In a new year as freshman arrive, Vigils target most vulnerable one of the freshman for the membership where the acceptance is earned by rites of passage - surviving bulling by the other Vigils members. In order to get accepted in this fraternity type of (false) brothehood, our main character pledges not to sell any of the 50 boxes of chocolates intended for a school fundraiser for 10 days. When the pledge's 10 days elapse, everyone is stunned to learn that boxes continue not to sell by our young man who stubornly refuses to particiapte int he fundraiser sale. His seeming vulnerability (his mother died) is turning into rebellion that is admirable by other boys who realize that conformity is not always path to acceptance, respect and admiration. It is heartening to see how boys can be so hurtful to each other, but also wonderful to see that our hero does not waiver under pressure. He stands his grounds and becomes moral winner. They say that film was made from the book that was both controversional and banned. Now I really want to read that book! I have never heard about books banned in US - land of free speech.

As a freshman English teacher I was very disappointed that the ending of The Chocolate War story was completely changed in the film. By allowing Jerry Renault to gain justice over Archie,The Vigils, and Brother Leon, the entire theme of the book was changed. I showed the movie to my class after we had read the book and we talked about how some writers and producers in the American entertainment industry cannot bear an unhappy or unjust ending of a story although we see this all around us in everyday life. The changed ending also takes away the powerful message in the book against the bullies of this world. Why would someone do this to a fantastic book? B. Elliott

Steinbeck's the Grapes of Wrath (Cliffs Notes) List Price: $5.99 Sale Price: $2.21 Used From: $0.66 Average Rating:

Description

Steinbeck wrote this book to bring into the spotlight the plight of migrant workers. In The Grapes of Wrath a migrant family travels from the Oklahoma Dust Bowl to California only to be exploited by the agricultural system. The ferocity of resulting attacks on Steinbeck and his politics point to the truth and power of the stories told in this novel.

Features

• ISBN13: 9780764585968
• Condition: New
• Notes: BUY WITH CONFIDENCE, Over one million books sold! 98% Positive feedback. Compare our books, prices and service to the competition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed

Reviews

worth the money. it helped the girls with a book they didn't want to read cover-to-cover.

The Cliffs Notes for The Grapes of Wrath is an extremely helpful little book when you have an obscenely short period of time to read Steinbeck's excessively long The Grapes of Wrath. I had about a week to read and write an essay on The Grapes of Wrath. I then managed to read the Cliffs Notes in a few hours. Luckily I still got 100% on my essay even though I never did read the real book. Also, the Cliffs Notes are meant to assist you in reading, not for doing what I did, but I would recommend it for either.

Some books are hard to follow. "The Grapes of Wrath" is long, but entrancing. Finishing it more a matter of time than struggle.Granted, Steinbeck's description of the immense dust overtaking Oklahoma might seem overdone, but it sets the environment from which Tom Joad is leaving. It puts the grape fields in perspective.Read "Cliff Notes" if you're in a jam, and need to get the gist of the real book in your system. However, if you have the time, read all 600+ pages of Steinbeck's magnificent story. Be engaged by Joad and his tender family as they plod across America and into dire and complex California grape fields.I recommend Steinbeck's the Grapes of Wrath (Cliffs Notes) as an addition to the full book, not as a replacement.Anthony Trendl

Along with reading this very tedious but thrilling novel, Cliffs Notes help the experience greatly by offering insight and added understanding into The Grapes of Wrath. With a complete character list and Chapter reviews, the reading becomes even more exciting with Cliffs Notes at your side!! Cliffs also explains the confusing and foreshadowing intercalary chapters in full, vivid detail. Cliffs also gives the background of Steinbeck himself, so the reader knows the reasons for Steinbeck writing in the style that he does. I suggest to read the Cliffs Notes to gain FULL AND COMPLETE understanding of this famous and thrilling work of literature!

The Grapes of Wrath (SparkNotes Literature Guide) List Price: $5.95 Sale Price: $3.67 Used From: $0.23

Description

Get your "A" in gear!They're today's most popular study guides-with everything you need to succeed in school. Written by Harvard students for students, since its inception SparkNotes™ has developed a loyal community of dedicated users and become a major education brand. Consumer demand has been so strong that the guides have expanded to over 150 titles. SparkNotes'™ motto is Smarter, Better, Faster because:· They feature the most current ideas and themes, written by experts.· They're easier to understand, because the same people who use them have also written them.· The clear writing style and edited content enables students to read through the material quickly, saving valuable time.And with everything covered--context; plot overview; character lists; themes, motifs, and symbols; summary and analysis, key facts; study questions and essay topics; and reviews and resources--you don't have to go anywhere else!

Steinbeck's the Grapes of Wrath (Cliffs Notes) List Price: $4.95 Sale Price: $0.01 Used From: $0.01 Average Rating:

Reviews

Of Mice and Men Is one of the worst books I have ever read. Let me count the ways: 1) It has immeasuably two dimensional chacters. Steinbeck stays so close to the archetypal "strong man" "seedy guy" "angry little guy" "seductive wife" its disgusting. he even has a token black guy! Absurd. 2) An equally two-dimensional plot. Steinbeck's unbearable heavy handedness in getting his all important "moral" across completely crushes out any vestige of meaningful charcterization or subtext. 3) The ending. No, I'm not about to say "ew!" What i will say is that thats what he WANTS you to think. He wants you to put down this book and "realzie the impossibility the america dream, and the cutthroat nature of humans in general." The problem with this conclusion is the entire book is completely contrived! The most absurd confluence of cicumstances that could possible occur come togethr in this book.

This book helped me save time and still gave all the information I needed for my paper! I love this book!

I loved this book, and although it was difficult to read, I think that that was where a lot of the value in it came from. If any of you have a history of sympathizing with the underdog, read this book. And the ending, although startling, is by no means disgusting -- in fact, anything less would have done an injustice to the theme of Steinbeck's story.

I wrote this review because I was severly angered by the reviews that were previously written. This book may have been boring to those who are un-compassionate or ignorant. This is a brilliant portrayl of life when the deppression hit, John Steinbeck knows people, he knows how they think. The ending made me cry because it was so desperate and deep. For those who didn't understand it, I suggest an "I-can-read" book.Those "Children" have no idea what they are talking about. I am a teenager myself and am sad to see that these ignorant fools are our future. The Grapes of Wrath is about a family and it's struggles to survive. This book is about compassion, racism, and the troubles that can bring people together or shove them apart.

Steinbeck has a fantastic command of our language and uses thisskill to weave a story of great interest but also in doing so, conveysa much deeper philosophy and view of life. Maybe when some of your other reviewers GROW UP, they will realize the treasure we have in Steinbeck and read some of his other great works.

Full-Length

The Grapes of Wrath (Penguin Classics) List Price: $16.00 Sale Price: $8.99 Used From: $5.77 Average Rating:

Description

Today, nearly forty years after his death, Nobel Prize winner John Steinbeck remains one of America’s greatest writers and cultural figures. Over the next year, his many works published as black-spine Penguin Classics for the first time and will feature eye-catching, newly commissioned art. Of this initial group of six titles, The Grapes of Wrath is in a new edition with a completely revised introduction and, for the first time, detailed notes by leading Steinbeck scholar Robert DeMott. Penguin Classics is proud to present these seminal works to a new generation of readers—and to the many who revisit them again and again.

Features

• ISBN13: 9780143039433
• Condition: New
• Notes: BUY WITH CONFIDENCE, Over one million books sold! 98% Positive feedback. Compare our books, prices and service to the competition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed

Reviews

Before this amazing novel, my previous experience with John Steinbeck's work was reading Of Mice and Men for my 10th grade literature class and not being able to get the phrase "an we're gonna live off the fat a' the lan'" out of my head. In Grapes of Wrath Steinbeck shows us the heartbreak and strife of one family struggling to survive after they lose their farm during the great american dust bowl of the 1930's. The Joad family consisting of Granpa, Granma, Ma, Pa, Uncle John, Noah, Rose of Sharon, her husband Connie, Ruthie, Winfield, and Tom decide to strike out for California after the bank takes over their unprofitable land and tells them to get off the property. The family which is quite large to begin with, is also joined by the former preacher, Casy. They pile everything they own on top of an old Jalopy, pile themselves on top of their possessions, and set off. The family is held together by Ma who is the hearbeat of the entire Joad family. You really feel for this family throughout the book because they maintain such hope for a brighter future even though they have many struggles along the way, little to no money, and every indication that California is not the land of milk and honey like the handbills they received promised. The reader travels along with the Joad family as they face hunger, fear, prejudice, abandonment, and death, but also kindness on the part of the other migrants. As Ma states half way through "the only people willing to help out is other poor people" which rang true throughout the entire book. You get a true sense of the migrant "Okie" experience in California during the 30's. I'll be surprised if I run across a book that gives a better fictional account of this time period. I am very interested now in reading Timothy Egan's The Worst Hard Time which tells the story of those who survived the Dust Bowl. For anyone interested in more about this time period I suggest this link from the Library fo Congress which is a collection about migrant workders in California in 1940 and 1941. Fascinating Stuff. [...].

I firstly started this novel as a schoolwork, but when I finished it, I knew that I was living with the Joad family with my heart. The Grapes of Wrath by Steinback depicts the life of Joad family as a microcosm of the immigrant workers during the Depression era, and Steinback ingeniously describes the workers' plights and ensuing 'wraths'. The novel was so impressive toward the end; Steinback imbues great metaphors such as the baby, rising rain, vineyard, and so forth, and he powerfully portrays the scenes, especially the final one. I, as a student fond of reading, have to say that the novel was one of the few living novels that I have read.

The book I received was in good condition, just as promised and was delivered three days after I ordered it. I was happy with the timely delivery and would buy from this seller again.

I bought this book expecting it to be the novel, but it is a play adaptation.

Everything was great with the ordering process; however, there was an awful lot of notes and underlining from the previous owner in the first couple of chapters. This, to me, disqualifies it from being 'like new' by any stretch of the imagination. Then again, what did I really expect for under $.50? I would recommend being a little more honest about the range of conditions that can be expected.

The Grapes of Wrath (Centennial Edition) List Price: $17.00 Sale Price: $7.24 Used From: $0.79 Average Rating:

Features

• ISBN13: 9780142000663
• Condition: New
• Notes: BUY WITH CONFIDENCE, Over one million books sold! 98% Positive feedback. Compare our books, prices and service to the competition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed

Reviews

Before this amazing novel, my previous experience with John Steinbeck's work was reading Of Mice and Men for my 10th grade literature class and not being able to get the phrase "an we're gonna live off the fat a' the lan'" out of my head. In Grapes of Wrath Steinbeck shows us the heartbreak and strife of one family struggling to survive after they lose their farm during the great american dust bowl of the 1930's. The Joad family consisting of Granpa, Granma, Ma, Pa, Uncle John, Noah, Rose of Sharon, her husband Connie, Ruthie, Winfield, and Tom decide to strike out for California after the bank takes over their unprofitable land and tells them to get off the property. The family which is quite large to begin with, is also joined by the former preacher, Casy. They pile everything they own on top of an old Jalopy, pile themselves on top of their possessions, and set off. The family is held together by Ma who is the hearbeat of the entire Joad family. You really feel for this family throughout the book because they maintain such hope for a brighter future even though they have many struggles along the way, little to no money, and every indication that California is not the land of milk and honey like the handbills they received promised. The reader travels along with the Joad family as they face hunger, fear, prejudice, abandonment, and death, but also kindness on the part of the other migrants. As Ma states half way through "the only people willing to help out is other poor people" which rang true throughout the entire book. You get a true sense of the migrant "Okie" experience in California during the 30's. I'll be surprised if I run across a book that gives a better fictional account of this time period. I am very interested now in reading Timothy Egan's The Worst Hard Time which tells the story of those who survived the Dust Bowl. For anyone interested in more about this time period I suggest this link from the Library fo Congress which is a collection about migrant workders in California in 1940 and 1941. Fascinating Stuff. [...].

I firstly started this novel as a schoolwork, but when I finished it, I knew that I was living with the Joad family with my heart. The Grapes of Wrath by Steinback depicts the life of Joad family as a microcosm of the immigrant workers during the Depression era, and Steinback ingeniously describes the workers' plights and ensuing 'wraths'. The novel was so impressive toward the end; Steinback imbues great metaphors such as the baby, rising rain, vineyard, and so forth, and he powerfully portrays the scenes, especially the final one. I, as a student fond of reading, have to say that the novel was one of the few living novels that I have read.

The book I received was in good condition, just as promised and was delivered three days after I ordered it. I was happy with the timely delivery and would buy from this seller again.

I bought this book expecting it to be the novel, but it is a play adaptation.

Everything was great with the ordering process; however, there was an awful lot of notes and underlining from the previous owner in the first couple of chapters. This, to me, disqualifies it from being 'like new' by any stretch of the imagination. Then again, what did I really expect for under $.50? I would recommend being a little more honest about the range of conditions that can be expected.

Video & Audio

The Grapes of Wrath List Price: $14.98 Sale Price: $6.91 Used From: $3.99 Average Rating:

Description

This remarkable film version of Steinbeck?s novel was nominated for seven Academy Awards®, including for Best Picture, Actor (Henry Fonda), Film Editing, Sound and Writing. John Ford won the Best Director Oscar® and actress Jane Darwell won Best Actress for her portrayal of Ma Joad, the matriarch of the struggling migrant farmer family. Following a prison term he served for manslaughter, Tom Joad returns to find his family homestead overwhelmed by weather and the greed of the banking industry. With little work potential on the horizon of the Oklahoma dust bowls, the entire family packs up and heads for the promised land ? California. But the arduous trip and harsh living conditions they encounter offer little hope, and family unity proves as daunting a challenge as any other they face.

Ranking No. 21 on the American Film Institute's list of the 100 greatest American films, this 1940 classic is a bit dated in its noble sentimentality, but it remains a luminous example of Hollywood classicism from the peerless director of mythic Americana, John Ford. Adapted by Nunnally Johnson from John Steinbeck's classic novel, the film tells a simple story about Oklahoma farmers leaving the depression-era dustbowl for the promised land of California, but it's the story's emotional resonance and theme of human perseverance that makes the movie so richly and timelessly rewarding. It's all about the humble Joad family's cross-country trek to escape the economic devastation of their ruined farmland, beginning when Tom Joad (Henry Fonda) returns from a four-year prison term to discover that his family home is empty. He's reunited with his family just as they're setting out for the westbound journey, and thus begins an odyssey of saddening losses and strengthening hopes. As Ma Joad, Oscar-winner Jane Darwell is the embodiment of one of America's greatest social tragedies and the "Okie" spirit of pressing forward against all odds (as she says, "because we're the people"). A documentary-styled production for which Ford and cinematographer Gregg Toland demanded painstaking authenticity, The Grapes of Wrath is much more than a classy, old-fashioned history lesson. With dialogue and scenes that rank among the most moving and memorable ever filmed, it's a classic among classics--simply put, one of the finest films ever made. --Jeff Shannon

Ranking No. 21 on the American Film Institute's list of the 100 greatest American films, this 1940 classic is a bit dated in its noble sentimentality, but it remains a luminous example of Hollywood classicism from the peerless director of mythic Americana, John Ford. Adapted by Nunnally Johnson from John Steinbeck's classic novel, the film tells a simple story about Oklahoma farmers leaving the depression-era dustbowl for the promised land of California, but it's the story's emotional resonance and theme of human perseverance that makes the movie so richly and timelessly rewarding. It's all about the humble Joad family's cross-country trek to escape the economic devastation of their ruined farmland, beginning when Tom Joad (Henry Fonda) returns from a four-year prison term to discover that his family home is empty. He's reunited with his family just as they're setting out for the westbound journey, and thus begins an odyssey of saddening losses and strengthening hopes. As Ma Joad, Oscar-winner Jane Darwell is the embodiment of one of America's greatest social tragedies and the "Okie" spirit of pressing forward against all odds (as she says, "because we're the people"). A documentary-styled production for which Ford and cinematographer Gregg Toland demanded painstaking authenticity, The Grapes of Wrath is much more than a classy, old-fashioned history lesson. With dialogue and scenes that rank among the most moving and memorable ever filmed, it's a classic among classics--simply put, one of the finest films ever made. --Jeff Shannon

DVD Information

Binding: DVD
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Brand: Fox
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
Original Release Date: 1940-03-15
Actors:

• Henry Fonda
• Jane Darwell
• John Carradine
• Charley Grapewin
• Dorris Bowdon

Reviews

I have watched many different classics and The Grapes of Wrath is one of the best. I would highly reccomend it to any one who likes history and some of our migrations in the United States

This is a classic. What more needs to be said? It makes you feel better about today's economy....

I caught this film on an HD channel a while back and it has been on my DVR for months. I can't say that I remembered much if any of this film, so I'm pretty sure I never sat down to watch this film before now. Like a lot of John Ford films no one seem to capture Americana better and 'The Grapes of Wrath' is certainly one of his best film. The film follows a family during the great depression, from losing their land to going across country to California to try to cut out a sustaining life for themselves. The film seems dated in a good way now because so many of these values and this type of determination are rarely seen now a days. Henry Fonda and John Carradine are so young they looked like they are fresh out of the turnip patch! I had heard of this film and the book for years(I probably read the book in school?)and now I can finally say that I have seen this classic film.....a great film by any standards with an inspiring story and some wonderful performances from a time long gone.

I was not able to view the DVD, as it is region specific and I live in Europe. It would be nice if Amazon explained that it is no use ordering DVD's, if one lives in a differnt region!

Just wanted to say that this is one of my all time favorites,good cast and story Thanks

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (Cliffs Notes) List Price: $5.99 Sale Price: $2.07 Used From: $0.01 Average Rating:

Description

This very funny novel about a mischievous orphan boy deals with the escapades of youth, yet its underlying moral element gives it the frame and distinction of "art." Hemingway said that this book marked the beginning of American literature.

Features

• ISBN13: 9780764586040
• Condition: New
• Notes: BUY WITH CONFIDENCE, Over one million books sold! 98% Positive feedback. Compare our books, prices and service to the competition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed

Reviews

i felt that the scarlet letters' cliff notes provided more info than this for this commentary had not a sinlg elick of extraneous info in the back of the book.

The writing style of Mark Twain is hard to understand - especially for a German student in the US. so this book was a very good help!

Cliff Notes are always worth buying for literary pieces, especially for classes where you are studying the book.

I think this is probably best for people that need basic info. For the person that needs to write an indepth paper or do indepth research this is probably not the choice for you. It's a good basic tool for the beginner though.

JWD at RMUThe Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn "Critique"Huckleberry Finn introduces himself as someone who appeared in an earlier book reminding us of what happened towards the end of that story. Though he won't mention it until later in the story, when his irresponsible father has left him by his self. Huck has been living with Ms. Douglas a widow, a kind woman who wants to teach him all the things his father has neglected, the things all normal kids would usually learn.He tells us about Miss Watson, the widow's sister, who is strict on teaching Huck good manners and religion, and about Tom Sawyer and his stories, a boy like Huck looks up to because of his wide reading and imagination ability. He is also friendly with Jim, the black slave. Huck's father returns and takes him away from the widow. A pig has murdered when his father begins beating him, Huck runs away and makes it look as though Huck. He hides out on a nearby island, intending to take off after his neighbors stop searching for his assumed dead body. Jim the black slave of Miss. Watson is also hiding on the island, since he has run away from Miss Watson, who was about to sell him and separate him from his wife and his deaf little girl. They decide to escape together, and when they find a large raft, their journey on the Mississippi River begins. After a couple of adventures on the Mississippi River, a steamboat hits their raft, and Huck and Jim are separated. Huck goes ashore and finds himself at the home of the Grangerfords, which allow him to come and live with them. At first Huck admires these people for what he thinks is their class and good taste. But when he learns about the deaths caused by a feud with another family, he becomes disgusted with the Grangerfords. By this time Jim had time to repair the raft, and Huck rejoins him. Two men who are escaping the law and who claim to be a duke and the son of the king of France soon join them. Huck knows they are actually small-time crooks, but he pretends to believe their stories.After watching these frauds bilk people of their money in two towns, Huck is forced to help them try to swindle an inheritance out of three young girls who were recently orphaned. He goes along at first because he doesn't want them to turn Jim in, but eventually he decides that the thieves have gone too far. He invents a complicated plan to escape and to have them arrested. The plan almost works, but at the last minute the two crooks show up and continue to travel with Huck and Jim. When all their moneymaking schemes begin to fail, they sell Jim to a farmer in one of the towns they're visiting. Huck learns about this and decides to free Jim. The farmer turns out to be Tom Sawyer's uncle, and through a misunderstanding he and his wife think Huck is Tom. When Tom himself arrives, Huck brings him up to date on what's happening. Tom pretends to be his own brother Sid, and the two boys set about to rescue Jim.The true to his imaginative style, Tom devises a plan that is more complicated than it has to be. Eventually they actually pull it off and reach the raft without being caught. Tom, however, has been shot in the leg, and Jim refuses to leave until the wound has been looked at. The result is that Jim is recaptured and Tom and Huck have to explain what they have done. Tom, it turns out, knew all along that Miss Watson had set Jim free in her will, so everyone can now return home together. Huck, however, thinks he's had enough of civilization, and hints that he might take off for the Indian Territory instead of going back to his home.

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Reviews

Does the work: I passed the class w/o ever opening the book. :)

I just finished reading this book. At first I thought it was really good, but I found it harder to get into towards the end. It seemed to drag on awhile, but overall it was good and had a lot of good stuff on themes. If you have to do a book report, this would be a good book to do it on.

I loved this book. At the start of my junior year in college, I was forced to read this book by my English teacher. At first I did not want to read it, but after I started, I just could not put it down. I loved it. Twain used satire as he usually did, and it could not have been written better!

A Mark Twain classic that I couldn't put down

A Mark Twain classic that I couldn't put down

Spark Notes The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn List Price: $5.95 Sale Price: $35.10 Used From: $0.01

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Get your "A" in gear!They're today's most popular study guides-with everything you need to succeed in school. Written by Harvard students for students, since its inception SparkNotes™ has developed a loyal community of dedicated users and become a major education brand. Consumer demand has been so strong that the guides have expanded to over 150 titles. SparkNotes'™ motto is Smarter, Better, Faster because:· They feature the most current ideas and themes, written by experts.· They're easier to understand, because the same people who use them have also written them.· The clear writing style and edited content enables students to read through the material quickly, saving valuable time.And with everything covered--context; plot overview; character lists; themes, motifs, and symbols; summary and analysis, key facts; study questions and essay topics; and reviews and resources--you don't have to go anywhere else!

Huckleberry Finn (Barron's Book Notes) List Price: $3.95 Sale Price: $1.33 Used From: $0.01 Average Rating:

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A guide to reading "Huckleberry Finn" with a critical and appreciative mind encouraging analysis of plot, style, form, and structure. Also includes background on the author's life and times, sample tests, term paper suggestions, and a reading list.

Reviews

Huckelburry, Duckelburry, Suckelburrry, Muckelburry, Cruckelburry, Truckleburry, Mooseburry, FINN!

Full-Length

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (Bantam Classics) List Price: $5.95 Sale Price: $2.54 Used From: $0.01 Average Rating:

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The adventures of a boy and a runaway slave as they travel down the Mississippi River on a raft.

Mark Twain's classic novel, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, tells the story of a teenaged misfit who finds himself floating on a raft down the Mississippi River with an escaping slave, Jim. In the course of their perilous journey, Huck and Jim meet adventure, danger, and a cast of characters who are sometimes menacing and often hilarious. Though some of the situations in Huckleberry Finn are funny in themselves (the cockeyed Shakespeare production in Chapter 21 leaps instantly to mind), this book's humor is found mostly in Huck's unique worldview and his way of expressing himself. Describing his brief sojourn with the Widow Douglas after she adopts him, Huck says: "After supper she got out her book and learned me about Moses and the Bulrushers, and I was in a sweat to find out all about him; but by and by she let it out that Moses had been dead a considerable long time; so then I didn't care no more about him, because I don't take no stock in dead people." Underlying Twain's good humor is a dark subcurrent of Antebellum cruelty and injustice that makes The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn a frequently funny book with a serious message.

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Reviews

Beware this edition - at least until the printing problems are resolved. I bought two copies and each copy duplicated pages 85-116 and did not include pages 117-148. Amazon has not yet provided replacements so I wonder if all its print run of this edition is affected in the same way.

Great to get a book my grandson needed for AP English quickly and economically. Glad you are there.

This is an excellent edition of a controversial novel that has been both reviled and praised. As for me, I am of the opinion that the book depicts life as it was in the period "Huckleberry Finn" was set in, and the colloquialisms and vocabulary used may not be politically correct in contemporary times, but it is a historically authentic representation of the language as it was used then. The author/editor of this book, Michael Patrick Hearn, has drawn on myriad primary sources and other materials in coming up with the annotations. In addition, Hearn provides a detailed introduction dealing with Twain, his work, and background information on the novel Huckleberry Finn. This particular edition is also a gem because of the inclusion of all of the original illustrations by E.W. Kemble. The book is also filled with other drawings, photographs, cartoons, etc. that make this book a delight to peruse and read. There is also a detailed bibliography which lists works by Mark Twain, notable editions of Huckleberry Finn, titles on Mark Twain, books about Huckleberry Finn, and books about E.W. Kemble. Love it or hate it, I think author Toni Morrison best sums it up with these words, "...It is classic literature, which is to say, it heaves, manifests, and lasts."

Received the book in the right time and also it was in better shape than promoted on the website. I would definitely recommend this vendor.

There is nothing like a great narator, and Tom Parker is one, to tell this great tale. Mr. Parker's voice sounds just the way I believe Mark Twain would have told it.

Video & Audio

Adventures of Huckleberry Finn List Price: $24.95 Sale Price: $14.26 Used From: $21.97 Average Rating:

DVD Information

Binding: DVD
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Brand: Monterey Home Video
Manufacturer: Monterey Video
Original Release Date:
Actors:

• Jim Dale
• Patrick Day
• Frederic Forrest
• Lillian Gish
• David Barry Gray

Reviews

There are many spectacular and exciting scenes on the Mississippi River in the old time.

I got this movie as I saw the program originally on PBS. Love it! It came so quickly too. Great service and am very pleased here.

When this ran on PBS in 1985, I video taped the entire broadcast over four nights. Essentially, the only differences between the 240 minute version and the 213 minute version, are station breaks with members of the cast making appearances asking for financial support for local PBS stations, and beginning and ending credits. The 213 minutes on this DVD is the full dramatic performance. I suspect it would, if rated, probably be PG . No, it is not suitable as entertainment for preteens, but then neither is Twain's novel. What it is, however, is a magnificent piece of cinematic art, which, coincidentally, happens to follow Twain's story quite faithfully.

This version follows the book most closely, though it does leave out a major section toward the end of the book, and the pacing toward the end seems a bit truncated making the end when it comes more abrupt than one would wish. Nevertheless it's the best video version of Twain's great novel available.

When I purchased this dvd I had read a review saying that this version was the closest to the book version out there. I guess my mistake was that I hadn't actually read the book in it's entirety, which I intend to do now. When my husband and I finished the movie we decided not to keep it. It is not the wholesome movie we thought it might be. Of course we realize... how wholesome is a life like Huck Finn's to start with anyway? We aren't blind to that fact. We just know that if we had children of impressionable ages around wanting to watch movies and they said, "Hey... The adventures of Huckleberry Finn... can we watch that one?"..... that we'd say... "NO!!!" Anyone considering getting this movie should really think about what values you personally are trying to instill within your family, and hold to them. This movie certainly does not do that for you.

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn List Price: $12.98 Sale Price: $6.14 Used From: $4.94 Average Rating:

Description

Huckleberry Finn, a rambuctious boy adventurer chafing under the bonds of civilization, escapes his humdrum world and his selfish, plotting father by sailing a raft down the Mississippi River. Accompanying him is Jim, a slave running away from being sold. Together the two strike a bond of friendship that takes them through harrowing events and thrilling adventures.

DVD Information

Binding: DVD
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Audience Rating: G (General Audience)
Brand: Warner Brothers
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
Original Release Date: 1960-08-03
Actors:

• Tony Randall
• Eddie Hodges
• Archie Moore
• Patty McCormack
• Neville Brand

Reviews

Definitely the best movie version of the Mark Twain classic and there have been many of them over the years. Full of many interesting characters.

Can anyone verify if this is the 1939 movie with Mickey Rooney? The reviews and details here are sending a message that the cover is misleading and the actors as described for this dvd is not the 1939 movie. Amazon was not able to verify which version of the movie is offered. Thanks to anyone who can answer my inquiry.

This no doubt is a good movie,after all anything Tony Randall plays in is good.For he was a great actor. My question is, Why do they keep putting Mickey Roony's picture on the cover? I have Mickey's "The Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn" It was made between 1938- 1940.At least put Tony Randall's picture on the cover.I was fooled once when I purchased the tv movie by mistake because it had Mickeys Picture on the cover.This was sold by the Sinergy Corp. The label even pealed off and almost ruined my DVD player. So be carefull, don't go by the pictures.Read the movie information before you buy.

When it's in that Aspect Ratio I'll buy it Till then KEEP IT

Recently I had the pleasure of reading "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn." I agreed with so many others that it was indeed apart of classic American literature. The movie however, is not. The movie does not even go in the same order as the novel. It jumps around and adds completely new scenes that were not apart of the novel. Plus the extra scenes were completely unnecessary. Some of the important scenes not only were out of place, but they were boring and unlike the novel. The character Jim in the novel is not very witty but he is still a good man. He continues to be a good man in the film, but he tricks Huck which is completely un-Jim like. But i must say the young fellow that plays Huck is very convincing. I had pictured Huck much younger in my mind but I feel that the actor did Huck justice in a movie where so much had gone wrong. I understand that movies are hard to base off of a novel and still keep it accurate, but this movie is just so much more far fetched then the novel is. The novel is exciting and keeps you on your toes, while the film is dull and it is if it;ll never end. I feel that the film is a disappointment and in a way it insults Mark Twain wonderful novel of "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn".

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (Unabridged Classics in Audio) List Price: $24.99 Sale Price: $15.32 Used From: $16.09 Average Rating:

Description

Mark Twain defined classic as "a book which people praise and don't read"; The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is a happy exception to his own rule. Twain's mastery of dialect, coupled with his famous wit, has made Huckleberry Finn one of the most loved and distinctly American classics ever written.

Reviews

This is a really fun audio reading of Huckleberry Finn. Dufris does all the voices excellently -- you wouldn't know it is only one person reading. You get the flavor of the book and understand the satire and jokes because of the dramatic reading. Tracks are about 3 minutes each -- I had to go through & write down which tracks belong to which chapter, but at least chapters begin at the beginning of tracks, not in the middle.

Great Expectations (Cliffs Notes) List Price: $5.99 Sale Price: $1.88 Used From: $0.01 Average Rating:

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This novel, the journey of Pip from boyhood to young manhood, has become Dickens' greatest novel. The many tests of character that Pip confronts, as well as Dickens' characters, remain in the mind a long time after the book is read.

Features

• ISBN13: 9780764585982
• Condition: New
• Notes: BUY WITH CONFIDENCE, Over one million books sold! 98% Positive feedback. Compare our books, prices and service to the competition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed

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This was my summer reading. Never once touched the actual book... read about the characters and the main plot and some important details in about 20 mins. When school started, we had a test on the book, results: A! I totally would suggest this book!

These Cliffsnotes have definitely helped me as a student to understand the book. It can get hard to read if you're a younger person who doesn't know much about the language Charles Dickens used.

These Cliffsnotes have definitely helped me as a student to understand the book. It can get hard to read if you're a younger person who doesn't know much about the language Charles Dickens used.

I thought this was a great book. It was a really good summery on great expectations. I know how some people get really confused when reading books like this because it is sometimes hard to understand the language. So I highy reccomend this book.

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Reviews

wemmick paid pip his money after he had put all the buscuit into the post what does that mean

This small Cliff Notes book reviewing Great Expectations is so useful. It helps you understand the Novel better. With this book you can really go in depth with the novel and find the real meaning and message Dickens was trying to express. The book has great character analizations and much more. I would recomend this book to anyone. It is the best source of help for Great Expectations.

This is a great book to have while reading Great Expectations. It helps break down the writing that Dickens' uses to help you understand the book better. I would recommend this book to anyone reading Great Expectations.

there is this kid and he went to the grave yard to see his parents and this guy came

loved it, thought it had good examples of stuff, hope i can read more of his books, real soon.

Great Expectations (SparkNotes Literature Guide Series) Sale Price: $5.00 Used From: $0.01

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Synopsis What do you get when a group of Harvard Students creates study guides for the 21st century? Better grades. Not long ago our writers were acing their classes. Now they're loading SparkNotes with concise critical analysis that won't yellow with age. With SparkNotes you'll have an easier time understanding and enjoying great works of literature. SparkNotes -- the smarter, better, faster way to an "A." More Reviews and Recommendations Biography Charles Dickens is probably the greatest novelist England ever produced. His innate comic genius and shrewd depictions of Victorian life -- along with his memorable characters -- have made him beloved by readers the world over. In Dickens' books live some of the most repugnant villains in literature, as well as some of the most likeable (and unlikely) heroes.

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Great Expectations (Penguin Classics) List Price: $8.00 Sale Price: $4.33 Used From: $0.99 Average Rating:

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A terrifying encounter with an escaped convict in a graveyard on the wild Kent marshes; a summons to meet the bitter, decaying Miss Havisham and her beautiful, cold-hearted ward Estella; the sudden generosity of a mysterious benefactor - these form a series of events that change the orphaned Pip's life forever, and he eagerly abandons his humble origins to begin a new life as a gentleman. Dickens' haunting late novel depicts Pip's education and development through adversity as he discovers thetrue nature of his 'great expectations'.

Dickens considered Great Expectations one of his "little pieces," and indeed, it is slim compared to such weighty novels as David Copperfield or Nicholas Nickleby. But what this cautionary tale of a young man raised high above his station by a mysterious benefactor lacks in length, it more than makes up for in its remarkable characters and compelling story. The novel begins with young orphaned Philip Pirrip--Pip--running afoul of an escaped convict in a cemetery. This terrifying personage bullies Pip into stealing food and a file for him, threatening that if he tells a soul "your heart and your liver shall be tore out, roasted and ate." The boy does as he's asked, but the convict is captured anyway, and transported to the penal colonies in Australia. Having started his novel in a cemetery, Dickens then ups the stakes and introduces his hero into the decaying household of Miss Havisham, a wealthy, half-mad woman who was jilted on her wedding day many years before and has never recovered. Pip is brought there to play with Miss Havisham's ward, Estella, a little girl who delights in tormenting Pip about his rough hands and future as a blacksmith's apprentice. I had never thought of being ashamed of my hands before; but I began to consider them a very indifferent pair. Her contempt for me was so strong, that it became infectious, and I caught it. It is an infection that Pip never quite recovers from; as he spends more time with Miss Havisham and the tantalizing Estella, he becomes more and more discontented with his guardian, the kindhearted blacksmith, Joe, and his childhood friend Biddy. When, after several years, Pip becomes the heir of an unknown benefactor, he leaps at the chance to leave his home and friends behind to go to London and become a gentleman. But having expectations, as Pip soon learns, is a two-edged sword, and nothing is as he thought it would be. Like that other "little piece," A Tale of Two Cities, Great Expectations is different from the usual Dickensian fare: the story is dark, almost surreal at times, and you'll find few of the author's patented comic characters and no comic set pieces. And yet this is arguably the most compelling of Dickens's novels for, unlike David Copperfield or Martin Chuzzlewit, the reader can never be sure that things will work out for Pip. Even Dickens apparently had his doubts--he wrote two endings for this novel. --Alix Wilber

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• ISBN13: 9780141439563
• Condition: New
• Notes: BUY WITH CONFIDENCE, Over one million books sold! 98% Positive feedback. Compare our books, prices and service to the competition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed

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All that can be expected from great English classic is here. This is arguably the best piece written by Dickens

I forced my fugitive eyes onto this book for the duration, just on the strength of 'David Copperfield', but it didn't repay the effort. You have to ask yourself: what possessed Dickens to write such a hack-job, which even shows some contempt for the reader. The answer is: the usual suspect -- the writer in the semi-autobiographical 'Copperfield' says: 'approbation' (fame). The more you look into Dickens, the more you realize -- the world's just not quite as rich as you thought it was.

Witty, clever, and full of great characters and images. Laughed out loud a number of times. The plot was compelling and kept my interest, though at some point things began to bog down a bit. The chatty, meandering prose put me off at times. I thought I read Dickens was paid by the word for some novels, and I did get the sense that GE would have worked better as a shorter novel. Still, an enjoyable read. Keep a dictionary handy to deal with some of the antiquated and/or vernacular language.

The package arrived on time and was what was expected. The package did ship from Britain which caught my grandma's fancy.

Pip, the main character in Charles Dickens's Great Expectations, writes the story in first person as a middle aged man looking back on his life. Pip's parents die when he is young making him an orphan. Pip is "brought up by hand" by his sister, who treats him with scorn. His sister's lack of love, however, is tempered by her husband Joe, a blacksmith. Joe is a simple, uneducated man and Pip's only "friend" during childhood. Pip commiserates with Joe about his sister's verbal thrashings, trying to make the best of his unhappy upbringing. Early in the story, Pip has an encounter with a convict in the cemetery among the marshes near his home. Unbeknownst to him, this man would be the source for his "Great Expectations" later in life. One day Pip is invited to the home of Ms. Havisham. Ms. Havisham is a single, eccentric, old woman who stopped living in the real world many years earlier when she was spurned by her lover on her wedding day. Ms. Havisham has adopted the beautiful Estella, and from the moment Pip meets her, he is infatuated with her beauty. Estella represents wealth, education, success, and opportunity--things Pip values but thinks he will never have. Dissatisfaction within himself grows as he wants to be more in life than a partner with Joe in the forge. Pip becomes unhappy not only with himself, but also with Joe, who represents what he does not want to be--uneducated and simple. Failing to appreciate Joe's moral character, Pip's world view begins to change as he sees education as something to be attained--the sure way out of his wretched life and the means by which he could woo the object of his unmerited affections, Estella. Pip's life changes dramatically when he is visited by a well respected and fiercely admired lawyer, Mr. Jaggers, who brings him an unusual message. Mr. Jaggers tells Pip he is to receive "Great Expectations," but the benefactor is to remain anonymous until and only if they choose to reveal their identity. Pip mistakenly assumes the benefactor is Ms. Havisham, and the manipulating, self serving woman does nothing to dissuade him from his incorrect assumptions. The story takes Pip to London where he lives a life of excess and discards many virtues from his childhood. He no longer wants anything to do with Joe and believes his future course has been immutably set--that he is to marry the beautiful Estella. He shares his indulgences with his new friend, Herbert, whose acquaintance he had made years earlier at Ms. Havisham's place. The two of them rack up excessive debt as Pip sees himself as "a man in waiting" for all his fortunes to come to pass. Things are not what they seem, however. It is eventually revealed that the benefactor is not Ms. Havisham but the convict, Mr. Magwitch, whom Pip had met in the cemetery many years earlier when he was a young, impressionable boy. Pip is confronted face to face with the despised convict, hounded by the remembrances of him torturing him in the cemetery, dreams that lingered, causing him much consternation. But now he has to accept the undeniable truth that his turn of fortune is not because of Ms. Havisham's provision, but the despicable convict's desire to make him a gentleman. The convict wants his life to be redeemed for something good and chooses Pip to be that vehicle. Through a series of events, Pip acknowledges the inexcusable way he has treated Joe and wants to make amends. Before he can accomplish this, however, other happenings complicate his life. The convict, now in England, needs Pip's protection. Pip must make a way for Magwitch to leave England without being discovered. While Pip hides him with a trusted friend, Pip comes to realize that the convict he had earlier despised has more redemptive qualities than Pip has within himself. As he makes provision for the convict's escape, Pip sees Magwitch change for the better, and in so doing, Pip also changes. Instead of hating the convict, Pip grows to love him. The self centeredness of Pip's indulgences is replaced with care, not only for the convict, but in growing degrees, for others. In the process of trying to escape, the convict is attacked by his long-time archrival and enemy. As a result, Magwitch is severely injured, discovered by the authorities, put on trial and convicted, but dies from his injuries before his death sentence can be carried out. Magwitch's estate is turned over to the authorities to make restitution for past wrongs. Pip is left penniless and obligingly accepts that his Great Expectations and source of income have dissipated into nothing. Meanwhile, Estella marries someone else--a man whom Pip despises. A few years earlier, Pip had secretly made arrangements for his friend Herbert to have a small expectation out of his "Great Expectations," amounting to a sizable sum of money. When it becomes known to Pip that he will lose his "Great Expectations" to the authorities, his only thought is for his friend. Pip returns to visit Ms. Havisham and requests, in a show of repentance for the wrongs she had done to him, a sum of money that Pip could again secretly provide to Herbert. Herbert wisely uses this money to successfully buy into a business venture. He later marries and moves overseas in his business pursuits--none of which would have been possible without Pip's anonymous provision to Herbert. Pip credits this as the only redeeming thing he has accomplished, reflecting on all the other things he did or didn't do that could have been used for good. Pip falls ill following the death of his convict friend, Magwitch, and Joe comes to England to care for him until he is well. Joe surreptitiously leaves early one morning when Pip is sufficiently recovered, and when Pip wakes up, he discovers Joe has paid off all his creditors. Pip immediately returns home in penitence to confess to Joe all his past wrongs, realizing that Joe is a better man than he. He recognizes in his now humble state that his "Great Expectations" deceived him into using it as a source of pride against Joe. Upon arriving home, Pip's expectations are not what he envisioned. His sister who raised him by hand has long since died as a result of an attack on her by the evil Orlick. His childhood friend and confidant, Biddy, has just married Joe. In the end, redemption works its way for good. Joe and Biddy are happily married and the sore memories of Pip's sister are forgotten. Pip returns to London and within a month, leaves England and joins Herbert's firm, Clarriker and Company, overseas. Pip lives abroad with Herbert and his wife, and after successfully making partner, eleven years later, returns to his boyhood home in England. He discovers Joe and Biddy now have a son who reminds him of himself. Before bidding Joe and Biddy a final farewell, Pip makes one last trip to the Havisham place, the old woman having died many years earlier. Pip discovers Estella in the garden, a chance meeting since she no longer lives there. The old house and brewery have been torn down and sold off except for the garden enclosed by the ivy covered wall. Years of a stormy, failed marriage have softened Estella's vindictive, prideful nature, and she confesses that "suffering has been stronger than all other teaching and has taught me to understand what your heart used to be." The reader is left to ponder whether Pip and Estella ever marry because Pip says, "I saw no parting from her." In the end, Pip learns much about what matters--wisdom he would not have possessed if he had stayed working at Joe's forge. As a middle aged narrator looking back, there is sadness but sweetness about what he has lost because of what he has gained. Perhaps the reader is the real winner, having seen redemption on so many levels within each character. In the end, if we are honest, we can identify these shortcomings in ourselves. If Pip can work out his "Great Expectations" to bring redemption, perhaps we can, also--that is, again, if we are honest. Our sinful nature will always be there, but if we look for good, God will not disappoint us. Maybe "Great Expectations" will not only find us, but redemption will be there, too, just as it was in Pip. Lorilyn Roberts Children of Dreams andThe Donkey and the King

Video & Audio

Great Expectations (1998) List Price: $9.98 Sale Price: $29.98 Used From: $1.75 Average Rating:

Description

The moment young Finn sets eyes on Estella, she becomes his inspiration and his obsession. Despite being warned, "she'll only break your heart," he vowed to win her love. Years later, thanks to a mysterious benefactor, aspiring artist Finn is off to New York, where he is reunited with the icy and beautiful Estella. When she agrees to model for him, Finn's dearest hopes may at last be realized-along with his darkest fears!

The key ingredient in this modern-day version of Charles Dickens's classic is director Alfonso Cuarón, who made the glowing, estimable A Little Princess. If you saw that (and you should), understand that Expectations has those ingredients (great sense of time, place, and timing) but adds modern music and sex appeal; the latter personified by the long-legged Gwyneth Paltrow. Finnegan Bell (Ethan Hawke as an adult, Jeremy James Kissner at age 10) is the new version of Dickens's Pip. He's a child wise beyond his years, befriending an escaped convict (Robert De Niro) in the warm waters of Florida's Gulf Coast. Finn is also the plaything for Estella (Paltrow as an adult, Raquel Beaudene at age 10), the niece of the coast's richest and most eccentric lady, Ms. Dinsmoor (a fun and flamboyant Anne Bancroft). The prudish Estella likes Finn (catch the best first kiss scene in many a moon) but has been brought up to disdain men; she'll break hearts. As the object of Finn's desires, Estella unfortunately is a one-dimensional character, yet what a dimension! Clad in Donna Karan dresses and her long, sun-kissed hair, Paltrow is luminous. She and Hawke make a very sexy couple. Mitch Glazer's script does better by Finn. He's a blue-collar worker with a gift for drawing (artwork by Francesco Clemente). Following his Uncle Joe's (Chris Cooper) honest ways, Finn grows up as a fisherman, thoughts of Estella and art drifting away in the hard work. When a mysterious benefactor allows him to follow his dream, Finn finds himself in New York, preparing for a once-in-a-lifetime art exhibit--and in the arms of the engaged Estella. Filled with cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki's golden-drenched light, the film has an irresistible, wildly romantic look. Dinsmoor's place is certainly gothic, Estella and Finn's longing encounters glamorous. Cuarón uses an MTV-friendly soundtrack with a confident touch. Songs by Tori Amos and the band Pulp--along with Patrick Doyle's silky score--create passionate scenes. It all ends far too swiftly with a seemingly tacked-on ending (reflecting the book, as it happens) but the film is splendid storytelling. It's a stylish, sweet valentine. --Doug Thomas

DVD Information

Binding: DVD
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
Audience Rating: R (Restricted)
Brand: PALTROW,GWYNETH
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
Original Release Date: 1998-01-30
Actors:

• Ethan Hawke
• Gwyneth Paltrow
• Hank Azaria
• Chris Cooper
• Anne Bancroft

Reviews

From an idyllic boyhood with a loving family in a ramshackle house by the sea, young Finn is gradually misled by acquaintances with dark motives into the degradation of living among a cynical society in a dark attic in a cold, congested city, drinking wine from the bottle on the sidewalk. So sad. It would be depressing except for the sex and violence. What the film lacks in perspective it makes up in wonderfully high production values: an incongruously radiant score and especially the lovely cast and scenery.

Ever seen the John Ringling house in Sarasota Ca d'Zan? This is filmed on the property BEFORE it was restored! What an amazing job FSU and the benefactors did! Movie itself is not bad either. Truly an interesting piece of history in several ways!

Forget everything you know about the usual portrayal of the Dickens' masterpiece and enjoy this movie as a wonderful story in a modern setting. The plot translates perfectly to today's world. The casting is magnificent, directing very good and acting is wonderful. Gwyneth Paltrow is stunning, Ethan Hawke is very believable, Anne Bancroft absolutely became the mentally deranged aunt who teaches her niece from an early age to hate men and break their hearts. At first I was afraid I wouldn't like a modern version of the masterpiece, but it captures your attention immediately and is definitely a keeper. I recommend it.

I Love this movie so much I had to get it on DVD. Ever since I saw it back in 1998 I was impressed by the quality of the script, the photography... Breathtaking masterpiece.

the dvd i received was in excellent condition! arrived in timely fashion and i was very happy with this purchase!

Great Expectations (1974) List Price: $5.98 Sale Price: $6.90 Used From: $5.85 Average Rating:

Description

Studio: Platinum Disc Llc Release Date: 09/19/2006 Starring: Michael York James Mason Run time: 124 minutes Rating: G

DVD Information

Binding: DVD
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Brand:
Manufacturer: Platinum Disc
Original Release Date:
Actors:

• Michael York
• James Mason

Reviews

This is the worst dramatization of a masterpiece I have ever seen - and I have watched a great many, some of them, such as the BBC's OUR MUTUAL FRIEND and the Disney GREAT EXPECTATIONS, numerous times. When one considers how full of detail the novel is, it is amazing to find sequence after sequence having no equivalent in Dickens - scenes full of absurd details that make no sense - invented dialogue often ludicrous - the whole thing an appalling travesty. Worse still, fine actors are turned into amateurs, presumably as a result of terrible direction: I have never seen Anthony Quayle, Joss Ackland, Sarah Miles, Peter Bull, Margaret Leighton - indeed almost the entire cast - more wooden, less natural. How I would have loved to have seen Michael York and James Mason with any of the other scripts and other directors - their talents are the only ones not horribly misused. I entreat you not to waste your time with this horror. If zero stars had been an option I would have used it. One star is one too many - 20% of "excellent" is way too much. Ghastly!

I liked this film. I thought the casting was appropriate and I think the story moved along well. For some reason, a lot of cinematic attempts at classic books seem to suffer in the editing department. This one did not, although I would actually like to see the progression developed in a more engaging way. I was interested enough in the adaptation, but I just didn't connect with the characters as I wanted to, thus the four-star rating. Still, a nice story to watch.

Well done dvd given the story material. Best to view after reading the book.Great Expectations (1974)

I am a high school English teacher and showed the DVD after reading the novel. It was great!!! Many lines were the same and the story plot was the same (pretty much). Awesome novel. Awesome DVD. Thanks

This production was originally filmed as a musical for theatrical release. The songs were edited out and this version of "Great Expectations" was released to television instead. Michael York does a credible job as Pip, and Sarah Miles is excellent as the snobby Estella.

GradeSaver (TM) ClassicNotes The Kite Runner: Study Guide List Price: $7.99 Sale Price: $7.98 Used From: $8.00 Average Rating:

Description

GradeSaver(TM) ClassicNotes are the most comprehensive study guides on the market, written by Harvard students for students! Longer, with more detailed summary and analysis sections and sample essays, ClassicNotes are the best choice for advanced students and educators. Each note includes: * An author biography * An in-depth chapter-by-chapter summary * A short summary * A character list and related descriptions * A list of themes * A glossary * Historical context * Two academic essays * 100 quiz questions to improve test taking skills!

Reviews

This may have been good or even wonderful if my son had used it. Unfortunately, he didn't utilize it at all. That was a disappointment. But it probably would be helpful to some!

Book has general outline of entire novel with detailed chapter summaries as well, author bio, era & geographical information (pertinent to the story), character list, and a brief overview of the main themes. The only thing I would have liked is page numbers (corresponding to the novel) by quotes. There are quizzes for each chapter at the end, and I scored higher than my husband who had recently read the novel! I would definitely purchase more in this series if I needed to. Also I read the whole thing in well under an hour. If you're thinking of getting it, its totally worth it.

Full-Length

The Kite Runner Sale Price: $3.94 Average Rating:

The timely and critically acclaimed debut novel that's becoming a word-of-mouth phenomenon... In his debut novel, The Kite Runner, Khaled Hosseini accomplishes what very few contemporary novelists are able to do. He manages to provide an educational and eye-opening account of a country's political turmoil--in this case, Afghanistan--while also developing characters whose heartbreaking struggles and emotional triumphs resonate with readers long after the last page has been turned over. And he does this on his first try. The Kite Runner follows the story of Amir, the privileged son of a wealthy businessman in Kabul, and Hassan, the son of Amir's father's servant. As children in the relatively stable Afghanistan of the early 1970s, the boys are inseparable. They spend idyllic days running kites and telling stories of mystical places and powerful warriors until an unspeakable event changes the nature of their relationship forever, and eventually cements their bond in ways neither boy could have ever predicted. Even after Amir and his father flee to America, Amir remains haunted by his cowardly actions and disloyalty. In part, it is these demons and the sometimes impossible quest for forgiveness that bring him back to his war-torn native land after it comes under Taliban rule. ("...I wondered if that was how forgiveness budded, not with the fanfare of epiphany, but with pain gathering its things, packing up, and slipping away unannounced in the middle of the night.") Some of the plot's turns and twists may be somewhat implausible, but Hosseini has created characters that seem so real that one almost forgets that The Kite Runner is a novel and not a memoir. At a time when Afghanistan has been thrust into the forefront of America's collective consciousness ("people sipping lattes at Starbucks were talking about the battle for Kunduz"), Hosseini offers an honest, sometimes tragic, sometimes funny, but always heartfelt view of a fascinating land. Perhaps the only true flaw in this extraordinary novel is that it ends all too soon. --Gisele Toueg

Video & Audio

The Kite Runner List Price: $19.99 Sale Price: $4.49 Used From: $1.69 Average Rating:

Description

Amir is a young Afghani from a well-to-do Kabul family; his best friend Hassan is the son of a family servant. Together the two boys form a bond of friendship that breaks tragically on one fateful day, when Amir fails to save his friend from brutal neighborhood bullies. Amir and Hassan become separated, and as first the Soviets and then the Taliban seize control of Afghanistan, Amir and his father escape to the United States to pursue a new life. Years later, Amir – now an accomplished author living in San Francisco – is called back to Kabul to right the wrongs he and his father committed years ago.

Like the bestselling book upon which it's based, The Kite Runner will haunt the viewer long after the film is over. A tale of childhood betrayal, innocence and harsh reality, and dreamy memory, The Kite Runner faces good and evil--and the path between them, though often blurry and sorrowfully relative. Director Marc Forster (Monster's Ball, Finding Neverland) presents a painterly vision of Afghanistan before the Soviet tanks, before the Taliban--lush, verdant, fertile--in its landscape and in its people and their history and hopes. The story follows two young boys' friendship, tested beyond endurance, and the haunting of their adult selves by what happened in their youth--and what horrors befall their country in the meantime. The performances of the two boys--Zekeria Ebrahimi (Amir) and Ahmad Khan Mahmidzada (Hassan)--are the film's strongest, unforced and gently evocative. The penance paid by their adult selves is foreshadowed, but never predictable--and the metaphor of innocence lost, a common theme in Forster's work, keeps the film, like the title kites, truly aloft.--A.T. Hurley

DVD Information

Binding: DVD
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
Audience Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Brand: Paramount
Manufacturer: Dreamworks Video
Original Release Date: 2007-01-01
Actors:

• Khalid Abdalla
• Atossa Leoni
• Shaun Toub
• Sayed Jafar Masihullah Gharibzada
• Igbal Theba

Reviews

"i love this movie and it tore me up",it is a very beautiful haunting movie and it will stick to me.... now,i want to read the book......

I rate this DVD as one of the very best. It is very well produced and true to life. I would highly recommend this DVD to anyone who enjoys drama, suspense and just having fun with family anf friends. This DVD has it all. Enjoy !!

It was an excellent book; and a very good movie - but nothing could compare with the book.

I heard the book was incredible so I checked out the movie and it did not disappoint. It was interesting, suspenseful and emotional. Truly a great movie that will touch you.

What I loved: Great acting (brilliant, in fact), an incredible entrance to a world I know little about (Afghanistan in the 1970s), often excellent storytelling, and an overall sense of trying to grow up and right past wrongs. What I hated (strap yourself in): 1) The son--Amir, the main character--never blames his father for being a rejecting brute, because Amir doesn't ever allow himself to explore his father's brutality. The writers/directors also fail to explore this to any sufficient degree. As the result, Amir comes across as a weak, intrinsically flawed coward, selling out and rejecting his loyal best friend of childhood--Hassan. There was nothing but the barest acknowledgement that Amir was entirely set up to behave this way by his father. In many ways his father loved and admired Hassan more, and emotionally rejected and shamed Amir because of it. Amir was desperate for his father's love, and had no emotional choice but to brutally reject Hassan for it. 2) The father had so many powerful opportunities to get closer to Amir, and to explore Amir's pain, and yet utterly failed to do so, and instead just drove his own wedge of rejection in deeper--all the while blaming Amir for his cowardice. The director and writer failed miserably to elucidate this in a way that accomplishes anything other than laying most of the blame at Amir's feet--blaming the child and exonerating the parent. Same old ugly lie that society's thrives on. 3) The father is presented as a brave hero. Yet what is really brave about rejecting your own son? The father takes a bold move by standing up to a brutal Russian soldier who wants to rape a young Afghan woman, and the father is nearly killed for it. But is this true heroism? What about his obligation to protect his son, and be a real father to him? Had the soldier killed the father (which nearly happened), Amir, who was motherless, would have had no parent, and would likely have died--if only emotionally. Had the father really been brave he would have fought for his son fully, and fought the demons within himself that prevented him from being a more nurturing, respectful parent. 4) Instead of confronting his brutal father, Amir (and the director) confronts the Taliban--making them the ultimate bad-guy. Yeah, they're horrible--but it's always easier to blame an evil regime than a lousy parent. 5) Many of the scenes of Afghanistan in the year 2000 were CHEESY. I'm no expert on the Taliban, but this film struck me as over-the-top. Okay, we all know the Taliban can be brutal and primitive and anti-women, but it felt unnecessary to present their leaders as pedophiles as well. And the movie totally lost me when the main character and the boy take on the Taliban with simply a slingshot and "courage." It went from being a deep movie that strived for something real into something more befitting Harrison Ford. (And don't get me wrong--Harrison Ford can be great, but when I want to watch Harrison Ford I watch "Indiana Jones" or "Star Wars.")