Pay the Piper (A Rock 'n' Roll Fairy Tale #1) by Jane Yolen, Adam Stemple

   

Pay the Piper by Jane Yolen, Adam Stemple
Publication: June 27, 2006
Publisher: Starscape
Genre: YA, Fantasy
Rating: ★★★★

A rock 'n' roll band to die for . . .

When fourteen-year-old Callie McCallan scores a backstage pass to interview the lead singer of the famous band Brass Rat, she's thrilled. Peter Gringras is so cool. When he plays his flute, it's as if he has some kind of hypnotic power. But there is something strange about him, something Callie can't quite put her finger on. Then, on Halloween night, Callie's little brother Nicky disappears, along with all the other children in town. It's crazy, but Callie thinks she knows where the children have gone--and who took them. To prove it, and to rescue Nicky and the other children, Callie must journey to a mythical world filled with fantastical creatures. A world from which there may be no return. . .

On the 26th of June 1284, “came a colorful piper to Hamelin and led 130 children away…”

More interesting, of course, is the why of it all. And so, many tales have stemmed from this brief account. Tales that had been weaved and threaded to give reason to these unfathomable bare facts. I’m sure you’ve heard or read some of them. Still, there is no harm in giving way to one more, right? This time, however, the Piper came to Northampton, Massachusetts. Now the question is, “Who will pay the Piper this time?”

A striving school journalist and self-conscious middle child, Callie, might have the answer.

The title caught my attention instantly. It is undeniably very intriguing- A Rock ‘n’ Roll Fairytale. I love retellings. I love it whenever folklores and fairytales are given new twists and different endings. I love it when they come with new diverse heroes, because (as one would expect) it’s the complications that give retellings new life. This is a coming-of-age book that shows children the value of family, responsibility, love, and sacrifices with a very modern approach. Even for children, this is definitely a short and enjoyable read.

And by the way, we, middle children (ahem) absolutely rock.

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About the Authors:

Jane Yolen is a novelist, poet, fantasist, journalist, songwriter, storyteller, folklorist, and children’s book author who has written more than three hundred books. Her accolades include the Caldecott Medal, two Nebula Awards, the World Fantasy Award, three Mythopoeic Awards, the Kerlan Award, two Christopher Awards, and six honorary doctorate degrees from colleges and universities in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Born and raised in New York City, the mother of three and the grandmother of six, Yolen lives in Massachusetts and St. Andrews, Scotland.

I am a professional writer, poet, musician, web designer, and poker player, as well as an amateur artist, youth soccer coach, and skilled pinball player. In the past, I have worked in a warehouse, picked vegetables for two bucks an hour, rehabbed houses, golfed (poorly), traded options, arranged music for children’s books, got married, and raised two mostly grown children. - Adam Stemple

*Photos and profiles were grabbed from authors' Goodreads and blog sites. No infringement was intended.

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PAPER TOWNS by John Green | Book Review

   

Paper Towns by John Green
Publication Date: October 16, 2008
Publisher: Dutton
Genre: Young Adult Fiction
Rating: ★★★★

Quentin Jacobsen has spent a lifetime loving the magnificent Margo Roth Spiegelman from afar. So when she cracks open a window and climbs back into his life—summoning him for an ingenious campaign of revenge—he follows. When their all-nighter ends and a new day breaks, Margo has disappeared. But Q soon learns that there are clues—and they’re for him. Embarking on an exhilarating adventure to find her, the closer Q gets, the less he sees the girl he thought he knew. - Goodreads

"It's so hard to leave-until you leave.
And then it is the easiest goddamned thing in the world...
Leaving feels too good, once you leave."

We all leave eventually. No matter who and what we are, or where we’re from, we will someday and somehow leave our comfort zones or the norm of our lives to find ourselves a place in this world. Some people take their time into actually doing it. They spent much time planning and scheming on how they should gloriously plow into life. Some tried a few times before succeeding, by accepting that their heavy butts are beginning to be a burden to their family and to the economy.

Then, others are used to having things come to them in a rush; and when it’s not fast enough they go for it instead… Such is Margo Roth Spiegelman and many other teenagers out there who cannot wait to be themselves without the restriction of the norm. My dear nephew, Jaff, calls it emancipation. This is perfectly normal; it’s a matter of how they are properly motivated and inspired. They should be equipped, so as not to become scattered dandelions, gliding aimlessly waiting where the wind will blow them. Unfortunately for Margo, she has uninspired parents to motivate her. They are like the paper cut-outs Margo described, who boxed themselves inside this very peculiar thing called normal life. They regard Margo's actions as rebellion.

"It is easy to forget how full the world is of people, full to bursting,
and each of them imaginable and consistently misimagined."

Margo, on the other hand, sees life as a colorful journey filled with dark abandoned buildings, knee-high grasses, endless road, moonlit roof, and plenty of exhilarating risks. But all this is unknown to her family and friends. All her life, she has coated herself with a shell of Margo Stuff- the cool ones. It then became difficult for her to remove her coating and be herself. So the only option is to leave it all behind. But there is still one string attached to this papergirl – Quentin Jacobsen. She wants Q to know her; understand her; love her for who she is inside, no matter how crooked and unreasonable that Margo may be.

"The way I figure it, everyone gets a miracle.”

Q braved the challenge- he took the journey and accepted the would be consequences of it. Little did he know that this journey will not only lead him to Margo but discover the Margo hiding within too. Thus, making him aware of his own capabilities and weaknesses. Knowing that he will succeed in finding his place in the world someday soon. And maybe, just maybe, he’ll find Margo there as well.

This book gets you to think about the idea of a person and the actual being of a person. Because, of course, it is rather unfair to be thought of as (just) a mere idea. My favorite part is the Vessel. It made me laugh out loud listening to Ben’s pissing-in-beer-bottle scene. I had fun with this; I do hope you will too.

The audiobook narration was brilliantly performed by Dan John Miller for Brilliance Audio.


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About the Author:

John Green's first novel, Looking for Alaska, won the 2006 Michael L. Printz Award presented by the American Library Association. His second novel, An Abundance of Katherines, was a 2007 Michael L. Printz Award Honor Book and a finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize. His next novel, Paper Towns, is a New York Times bestseller and won the Edgar Allen Poe Award for Best YA Mystery. In January 2012, his most recent novel, The Fault in Our Stars, was met with wide critical acclaim, unprecedented in Green's career. The praise included rave reviews in Time Magazine and The New York Times, on NPR, and from award-winning author Markus Zusak. The book also topped the New York Times Children's Paperback Bestseller list for several weeks. Green has also coauthored a book with David Levithan called Will Grayson, Will Grayson, published in 2010. The film rights for all his books, with the exception of Will Grayson Will Grayson, have been optioned to major Hollywood Studios.

In 2007, John and his brother Hank were the hosts of a popular internet blog, "Brotherhood 2.0," where they discussed their lives, books and current events every day for a year except for weekends and holidays. They still keep a video blog, now called "The Vlog Brothers," which can be found on the Nerdfighters website.

*Originally posted here.

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THE BOOK OF LOST THINGS by John Connolly

   

The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly
Publication: October 16, 2007
Publisher: Washington Square Press
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Rating: ★★★★★

High in his attic bedroom, twelve-year-old David mourns the death of his mother, with only the books on his shelf for company. But those books have begun to whisper to him in the darkness. Angry and alone, he takes refuge in his imagination and soon finds that reality and fantasy have begun to meld. While his family falls apart around him, David is violently propelled into a world that is a strange reflection of his own -- populated by heroes and monsters and ruled by a faded king who keeps his secrets in a mysterious book, The Book of Lost Things.

Taking readers on a vivid journey through the loss of innocence into adulthood and beyond, New York Times bestselling author John Connolly tells a dark and compelling tale that reminds us of the enduring power of stories in our lives.

...

David was conquered by grief and jealousy due his father’s newly-found family (Rose and Georgie), and because of his mother’s untimely death. It proves that anguish and loneliness can sometimes poison even a child’s heart. Later, he can hear the books whisper to him, then soon, seizures began to attack him which baffled the doctors of its cause. But The Crooked Man can bring back everything he had lost… for a bargain.

. . . For a lifetime was but a moment in that place, and each man dreams his own heaven.
And in the darkness, David closed his eyes, as all that was lost was found again.”

I love the poetic tone of the story. It pulled me in and kept me reading despite the sad things happening along the way. It's interesting when twists were added to fairytales we grew up with. This is a dark tale of one boy's inner turmoil and descent to despondency. Also, a message of how powerful stories can be in children's lives. I adore John Connolly for this brilliant book!

About the Author:

John Connolly was born in Dublin, Ireland in 1968 and has, at various points in his life, worked as a journalist, a barman, a local government official, a waiter and a dogsbody at Harrods department store in London. (A dogsbody, for our North American friends, is a 'go-fer'.) He studied English at Trinity College, Dublin, and journalism at Dublin City University, subsequently spending five years working as a freelance journalist for The Irish Times newspaper. He divides his time between Dublin and Portland, Maine; makes regular donations to the wine industry; and keeps several dogs in a remarkable degree of comfort.

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STARDUST by Neil Gaiman

Faerie, a vast land beyond the small village of Wall, where all manner of beings and creatures exist. Tristan Thorn, an enthusiastic young man, set out on a journey through this enchanted land to find the fallen star that will bring him his heart’s desire. Little did he know that his fated journey was exactly just that and perhaps more.

Gaiman did a fantastic job of creating a very charming adult fairy tale. A delicious plot that will draw you into a mystic fairyland and expand your imagination - of witches, and far-off kingdoms, and magic. His words are pure and simple, and yet they are timeless and unbounded. He made his characters significant in a way that you can vividly picture them in your head. I was amazed by how he mingled the sub-plots and fused them all together in the end. The story is a good illustration of how the hands of Fate works. A wonderful story!

I just wish he did tell what happened to the little hairy man.

Book detail:

Title:  Stardust

Author:  Neil Gaiman

Published: HarperCollins, December 23, 2008

Genre: Fantasy

Rating: ★★★★

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LIFE OF PI by Yann Martell

   

Piscine Molitor Patel was a 16 years old castaway from India who survived the Pacific in 227 days with an adult Bengal Tiger for a boat mate. -That is the easiest synopsis I can come up with. What transpired between the pages cannot be simply put into words, nor can the mind readily assimilate.

The LIFE OF PI is a book you have to really spend time to read. It may take some time for the reader to get through at first, but as they say “patience is a virtue”; and its interpretation alone is rewarding.

While reading, I was rooting for Pi for being brave and resourceful. And yet, angry at him for his lack of basic sailing knowledge. But deep down inside, I was anxious for Pi’s psychological battle- his fight for HOPE.

I was deeply moved by the ordeal Pi went through. Moreover, with his willpower to move on. I learned a lot from reading his story and did some reflection as well. Like the overwhelming vastness of the ocean, life is just as huge, and its struggles come in waves. Paddling can wear us down. The heat can leave us thirsty, hungry, and delusional. We entertain dreams and fiction rather than face reality. Yet with Hope, we may get us to our projection. It can be our sail, our paddle, and our anchor. We just have to believe.

If you stumble about believability, what are you living for? Love is hard to believe, ask any lover. Life is hard to believe, ask any scientist. God is hard to believe, ask any believer. What is your problem with hard to believe?

Book Details:
Title: Life of Pi
Author: Yann Martel
Publication: August 29, 2006, by Seal Books
Genre: Fiction
Rating: ★★★★

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THE RULE OF FOUR by Ian Caldwell and Dustin Thomason

   

Princeton. Good Friday, 1999. On the eve of graduation, two friends are a hairsbreadth from solving the mysteries of the Hypnerotomachia Poliphili, a Renaissance text that has baffled scholars for centuries. Famous for its hypnotic power over those who study it, the five-hundred-year-old Hypnerotomachia may finally reveal its secrets—to Tom Sullivan, whose father was obsessed with the book, and Paul Harris, whose future depends on it.

As the deadline looms, research has stalled—until a vital clue is unearthed: a long-lost diary that may prove to be the key to deciphering the ancient text. But when a longtime student of the book is murdered just hours later, a chilling cycle of deaths and revelations begins—one that will force Tom and Paul into a fiery drama, spun from a book whose power and meaning have long been misunderstood.

Four Princeton boys on their Senior year are struggling with their thesis, love life, and their future. But THE RULE OF FOUR is not exactly about them. It’s about Hypnerotomachia Poliphili -Poliphili’s Struggle for Love in a Dream- a book that is more than a book. Although it was published around 1499, it was only a decade after that the true author of the book was accidentally discovered by a Renaissance scholar. “Brother Francesco Colonna loved Polia tremendously” was revealed by stringing together the first letter of each chapter. Thus, naming the true author, Polian Frater Franciscus Columna Peramavit, a Roman scion. Yet, naming the author is barely scraping the surface, there are riddles to solve to unlock the secrets hidden in the book. Is the “Rule of Four” the key?

I don’t know which struck me more, Dr. Sullivan’s “The strong take from the weak, but the smart take from the strong”; or Agostino Carracci’s “Love conquers all”. Both describe the story of how the main characters struggle to fight off strong influences and their deep love for uncovering the secrets of the book. This one was a (very) slow read for me, like the Hypnerotomachia itself is slower than a tortoise crawl. Those who don’t have the patience might already drop the book in the first chapter, which is a mistake. You’ll learn from it, more than you’ll learn from the Da Vinci Code.

A book more than a book…

I have to say I like it more than I expected.

Book Details:

Title: THE RULE OF FOUR

Author: Ian Caldwell and Dustin Thomason

Publication: The Dial Press; May 11, 2004

Genre: Mystery

Rating: ★★★

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WAKING LAZARUS by T.L. Hines

Have you died? No, of course not. Not yet anyway.  Jude Allman did. Three times, in fact, since he was eight years old. This is not about a few minutes of crossing over and getting revived at the last second. No, this is the declared, in-the-morgue, ready-for-autopsy, kind of dead. I mean, this is the hallelujah, miracle kind of waking up from the dead.

“There must be a very good reason why you're still here, because there are thousand reasons why you shouldn't be.”

Unfortunately, Jude has "Jonah Syndrome". He wants to run from God and his calling. He's a simple chap, who wants a simple life with no complication from the Higher Being's manipulations. No, it wasn't a whale that swallowed him whole, it was a life of self-ostracism. Not acknowledging God's purpose is one thing -waking up from death three times but not living life to the fullest- while ignoring your gift is another.

This book is T.L. Hines' debut. The first line of this book hooked me instantly. Pushed all the right buttons for me. I love the twists and turns. The blend of spirituality and thriller is brilliant. See how Jude Allman embraced God, and his gift; while getting the most of the nerve-racking suspense in this novel.

Book details:
Title:  Waking Lazarus
Author:  T.L. Hines
Publication:  May 1, 2007; Bethany House
Genre:  Christian Fiction, Mystery
Rating:  ★★★★

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KATY-NO-POCKET by Emmy Payne, H.A. Rey

Once, a long time ago, my father gave me a copy of this book. It’s a story about a mother kangaroo who doesn’t have a pouch to carry her joey with. So, she starts her adventure searching for a way.

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OVER SEA, UNDER STONE by Susan Cooper

“But the grail may not leave this land,
but must wait the Pendragon,
till the day comes.”

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Book Review | THE FOREVER KING by Molly Cochran and Warren Murphy

Arthur Blessing is more than just a ten-year-old boy, for his mere name defines myth and magic. To keep the power, as ancient as time itself, is his by right. But forces beyond the grasp of humanity are after that same power. With Hal Woczniak as his guardian, Arthur must cross time and continent to stay alive- battling a mad sorcerer and his minions -long enough for him to reign once more.  If he ever chooses to…

Molly Cochran and Warren Murphy offered a new twist to the Pendragon legend, filled with actions and mysteries.  The setting interweaves between the present and ancient.  The characters were all interestingly presented and well-built in progression.  The story made me laugh, cry, and (most often) left me hanging at the edge of my seat. You wouldn’t want to put this down until you’re done. I never get tired of reading this over and over again. 

THE FOREVER KING series comes in three (3) books. I cannot recommend them highly enough.

Book details:
Title: The Forever King
Author: Molly Cochran and Warren Murphy
Publication: July 1st, 1992 by Tom Doherty Associates (NY)
Genre: Fantasy, Arthurian, Mythology
Ratings: ★★★★★/ ♥

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DR. GRASS by Grania Davis

  

Grania Davis died last April 28 of 2017. I know that seems a gloomy way of starting a blog, but today is a gloomy day here in our small spot in the globe. It's been cloudy all day and the temperature dropped to 2°C. Gloomy days make me want to reach out to my comfort books, but they are still buried inside boxes (Which box? I am not entirely sure.) in the basement. Anyways, DR. GRASS by Grania Davis is one of those cheer-me-up books for me.

Dr. Ernest Spiegelglass, MD, is a family practice resident at Carmel Hospital in San Francisco. His friends call him Doc Sparrowgrass. He is a hippie to the core and rides his skateboard to work every day. Unlike any other doctor, Dr. Grass treats his patients in a very unique manner and not the usual “by-the-book” procedure. He believes that heart-to-heart is the best way to go. But sometimes his unconventional ways fish him troubles.

Dr. Grass is one of the first books I got since high school days.  His weed-induced fantasies are odd, bordering shameless. The texts are very illustrative and explicit. I’ve reread it many times and it's always good to know that it can still make me laugh (like bwahahaha out loud).

It is a sad thing that Ms. Davis is no longer with us and nobody ever bothered reprinting copies since 1978, but if you do find one, consider yourself lucky. Dr. Grass can cure your gloomy day… for sure!”

Book Details:
Book Title:  Dr. Grass
Author:  Grania Davis

ISBN: 0-380-01872-1

Published: March 1978, Avon Books

Genre: Fiction

Review Rating: ★★★★

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SHANNA by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss

Shanna, the Ice Queen, refuses to be forced into marriage unless it is for true love.  But her father, Lord Orlan Trahern, will not simply bend to her wishes.  Lord Trahern wants his lineage to continue.  He needs heirs… soon.  It will take a great scheme to outwit her father.  A scheme that Shanna never knew will catch her heart off-guard.

“I think I’ve loved you forever,” Shanna confessed in wonder. “When the scales of blindness were lifted from my eyes, I saw you not as a dragon, but as the one I would have chosen.”

A prisoner condemned to death, Ruark, crossed the seas to the Caribbean and accepted a life of bondage to collect a bargain not fully met.  He vowed to win his heart’s desire with everything he has.

“You did choose me, remember?” Ruark grinned.

This is a beautiful story of how fates are intertwined; and how true love can be found in very odd circumstances.  I know… the usual stuff, right?  What makes this different is the mystery and action attached to the whole plot.  I never get tired of reading and rereading this story since I was 15.  SHANNA taught me how to be fierce and fight for what I want, not just for love, but for everything I believe in. This book started me into collecting  Kathleen E. Woodiwiss's works.  She’s a genius.  Her romance and language were never cheap.  She will always be the Queen of Historical Romance for me.

BTW, there'd be pirates.

Book Details:
Title:  SHANNA
Author:  Kathleen E. Woodiwiss
ISBN:  00380385880
Publication: Avon Books, 1977
Pages: 666
Genre: Historical Romance
Source: Purchased copy
Review Rating: ★★★★★/ ♥ 


*Originally posted here.

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THE REMAINS OF THE DAY by Kazuo Ishiguro

THE REMAINS OF THE DAY – AN OPEN LETTER

Dearest James,

I know that introduction is a must, polite even, but on this one, I do suggest that we skip that. It is you who matters, and no one else.

Foremost, how was the end of your motoring trip? Was it pleasant on your return? I do hope that none of the inconveniences you encountered on leaving crossed your path on the way home. It was a good thing Mr. Farraday suggested this motoring trip. You’ve been cooked up in that hall for a very long time. Different scenery gave you a new perspective, indeed. Suddenly you grew up in a span of one week.

Ah, yes, I did read your travelogue and musings. I am quite taken by them. It’s very difficult not to be. Although, I did notice that you often answer your own questions. I boldly assume that those are signs not of confusion but of hesitation to acknowledge the truth. It was a bit alarming -hesitation and advancing age. Don’t make a good match, do they?

It was not difficult, as well, to notice the ever-present topic of greatness and dignity throughout your entries. It is apparent that justification is what you seek. Then, yes James, you are a great and dignified butler. But does that account for all the mistakes you’ve made? No, of course not, old chap. Your dignity lies in your ability not to abandon your professional being (as a butler) during trying times. Always the epitome of restraint, calmness, and placidness. Thus by achieving your goal of greatness, and by withholding your inner feelings and belief, you have forgone a most vital aspect of life –relationships. For you see, dignity and greatness will lose its luster and usefulness, like your father before you. Great butlers will come and go, but a good friend, husband, or father will be cherished for all time.

Oh, but James, if only you had taken the leap… 

Alas and alack, regret is not something we should dwell in. It has already pervaded your thoughts for many years. Bless Ms. Kenton for choosing a different path merely to spite you; but fate has spoken, she’s happily married now. She did say all is well, right? Move on; for her sake, James. As for Lord Darlington, his folly is his; they are not yours to suffer. Loyalty is not measured by how much you've tolerated your employer, but by how well you’ve serve them. You should know that by now. Then let the case rest. Correcting the past is a miserable business, after all. I know you’ve already dwelled along this line for a day, since you made no entry on your fifth day on the road. 

The man at the marina was right, there’s nothing fruitful by dwelling in the past. The day is not yet over. There is much to be gained and done still. You are right, work on your bantering. Make light of life by humor. Women do enjoy men with humor. Well, in any case, humor will make you feel younger.

Farewell, James. Bless you on your new endeavor. Do send news of your improvements, if you can.

Yours,

Louize

PS: Just in case you are wondering, I am not someone older. Just someone who enjoys good bantering.

Book details:

Title:  The Remains of the Day

Author: Kazuo Ishiguro

Publication:  January 1, 2010; Vintage

Genre:  Literary Fiction

Rating: ★★★★

Originally posted here.

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THE ALCHEMIST by Paulo Coelho

“When you really want something to happen,
the whole universe conspires so that your wish comes true.” 

El alquimista es una novela optimista; la clase que le dice que toda sea posible si usted trabaja difícilmente para él. Parecido simples, pero como Coelho indica las “cosas simples son más el objeto de valor y solamente la gente sabia las aprecia.”

La novela narra la historia de Santiago, un muchacho pastor que tuvo el coraje de seguir sus sueños. Atrevió el viaje y vio la grandeza del mundo; y conocer personas que ayudaron a moldear sus decisiones.  Entre ellos está el vendedor cristalino que sabe que él puede alcanzar grandeza pero que niega el hacer así pues, y termina encima de vivir una vida vacía. Miedo al fracaso parece ser el mayor obstáculo para la felicidad, pero este condujo Santiago aún más para lograr su objetivo. Al final, Santiago descubrió que “tesoro mentiras donde pertenece tu corazón,” y que el tesoro era el viaje en sí mismo y la sabiduría adquirida a través de él.

Esto es una novela atractiva para todos, porque todos podemos identificar con Santiago: Todos tenemos sueños.

Esta obra maestra de Coelho dice que no debemos evitar nuestro destino para encontrar la felicidad definitiva. Una palabras hábilmente combinado, filosofía y lenguaje hicieron una novela maravillosa fuera Del Alquimista.

Book details:

Title:  The Alchemist

Author:  Paulo Coelho

Publication:   May 1st, 1993 by HarperCollins

Genre:  Fiction

Rating:  ★★★★

*Originally posted here in English.

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