Jonathan Keates

Advantages: Quite fun to read
Disadvantages: Poor writing style, annoying heroine

...NB This book's full title is A Detective at Death's Door - ciao have cut the title short. I have emailed them about it. Introduction H R F Keating is most famous for his books featuring the Indian Inspector Ghote, of which I have read one or two short stories and quite enjoyed. So when I saw this book in my local library, I expected it to be a good read. I should know by now that when I have high expectations, I am likely to be disappointed. This book was easy to read, but was certainly not anywhere near the standard that I was expecting it to be. The author H R F Keating has written over 20 books in the Inspector Ghote series beginning in 1964, but has also written a substantial number of other books, including five featuring Detective Harriet Martens, of which this book is one. Keating was the reviewer for crime fiction... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: An inspiring read
Disadvantages: none

...If I were a seagull, I'd want to be Jonathan Livingston Seagull. Unlike the rest of the flock, who are happy to squawk and grub around on the beach, Jonathan Livingston Seagull wants to soar above the clouds in a quest for perfection and excellence. His spiritual journey is difficult at times, but he achieves excellence and helps others to do the same, eventually taking what he has learned back to the flock. This is an inspirational tale which everyone can enjoy. Although seagulls are an unlikely source of inspiration, Richard Bach has made the concept work, creating an enduring character who remains a favourite. I've read the story several times. Each time I see something new in it. I can't recommend it highly enough.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Simple But Beautiful
Disadvantages: Possibly too Simple?

..."Most gulls don't bother to learn more than the simplest facts of flight--how to get from shore to food and back again". "For most gulls it is not flying that matters, but eating. For this gull, though, it was not eating that mattered, but flight." That is what the author of this book says about the "hero" of this story, a seagull named Jonathan Livingston Seagull. Jonathan Livingston Seagull is different to the other gulls in his flock. He doesn't live to eat, but eats to live and pursue his passion: flight. But his search for perfection and speed doesn't endear him to the other seagulls, that eventually expel him from the flock for daring to be different. To know what happens afterwards, you will need to read this book, because I don't want to spoil the ending. The real question here, I guess, is whether you want to read a story... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average not helpful