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Summary: Armistead captures the essence of SF in the 70s and 80s
Review: As a friend of Armistead, I am always struck on how accurately and amazingly he is able to paint a picture with very few words. Whether it is through a description of Grace Cathedral, the house on Barbary Lane (actually Macaundrey(sp) Lane here), Hillsborough, or "Snob Hill", he always enables readers, whether familiar or not with San Francisco, to develop a vivid image of our beautiful city and its wonderful people! I hope it encourages people to find out what SF is really about. :)
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Summary: I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT
Review: Every page is enjoyable and entertaining. I can wait for Mr. Maupin's new book to come out "Night Listner" , because I will be sure to buy it
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Summary: Tales of the CIty - perhaps the most amazing set of stories
Review: I came across Tales of the City three years ago - a little late - however never before has an author so touched me. And never have I cared so deeply for the characters and what became of them. These books are an absolute joy - if you have any soul you should make it your priority to drop what you're reading now and start reading these books. You won't regret it!
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Summary: I miss my friends, already
Review: I just finished "Back to Barbary Lane", and I was so sad to say good-bye to these people :(Although I found this to be a much sadder book than the first, I can't help thinking that this is how life goes. We start out so enthusiastic about our futures when we are young and "invincible", and then we have to grow up. Life comes along and demands it. I was sorry that the people on 28 Barbary Lane had to move out, but don't we all leave home? I was so sad to lose some of the characters that I truly loved, but haven't we all felt the same emotions when we have lost our own loved ones? That is the beauty of Mr. Maupin's writing, you FEEL what is happening to the people in the story as if it were happening to you. The friendships between these people was amazing. I was glad to see Mona come back into the story, I had missed her, and I was glad to see that Mrs. Madrigal found someone to love too. She was really great! I will miss Mouse, Brian, Mary Anne, Thack, Mrs. M. and all the rest, but it's good to know that I only have to pick up these books to visit them again...and I will. Enjoy! Debbi
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Summary: I miss my friends, already
Review: I just finished "Back to Barbary Lane", and I was so sad to say good-bye to these people :( Although I found this to be a much sadder book than the first, I can't help thinking that this is how life goes. We start out so enthusiastic about our futures when we are young and "invincible", and then we have to grow up. Life comes along and demands it. I was sorry that the people on 28 Barbary Lane had to move out, but don't we all leave home? I was so sad to lose some of the characters that I truly loved, but haven't we all felt the same emotions when we have lost our own loved ones? That is the beauty of Mr. Maupin's writing, you FEEL what is happening to the people in the story as if it were happening to you. The friendships between these people was amazing. I was glad to see Mona come back into the story, I had missed her, and I was glad to see that Mrs. Madrigal found someone to love too. She was really great! I will miss Mouse, Brian, Mary Anne, Thack, Mrs. M. and all the rest, but it's good to know that I only have to pick up these books to visit them again...and I will. Enjoy! Debbi
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Summary: Loved the first one...
Review: I read "Tales of the City" the way a dog reads a bone. I devoured the book in a single sitting and then began a frantic search for my car keys so I could buy the next installment. I love the first three, like the fourth, tolerated the fifth, hated the sixth. The final book seems intent on destroying the magic the earlier books created. Partly it's because the story and characters didn't do what I wanted them to do, but mostly because Maupin seems to have developed a hatred for some of these characters. It's like listening to someone bad mouth your family. I re-read the first three all the time. I'll never read the sixth one again.
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Summary: Loved the first one...
Review: I read "Tales of the City" the way a dog reads a bone. I devoured the book in a single sitting and then began a frantic search for my car keys so I could buy the next installment. I love the first three, like the fourth, tolerated the fifth, hated the sixth. The final book seems intent on destroying the magic the earlier books created. Partly it's because the story and characters didn't do what I wanted them to do, but mostly because Maupin seems to have developed a hatred for some of these characters. It's like listening to someone bad mouth your family. I re-read the first three all the time. I'll never read the sixth one again.
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Summary: Oh god, the 80's
Review: I read the each of the 3 "Tales" books when as were published, wishing that I could be old enough to run away to San Francisco to live the wonderful, zany life on Barbary Lane. The final three books are excellent, but not as easy to read. Armistead Maupin is a writer, not a panderer. He doesn't give us necessarily what we want: he gives us an acurate account of the times. The characters that we grew to love suffer the fates that real people do in their adulthood. Marriages crumble, lovers die, friends drift apart. While we might hate Maupin for reflecting a reality that we wish were'nt true (and boy, I hated him for "Sure of You"), you have to give him his due. These are excellent books- true must reads. But keep a stiff drink and a lot of kleenex handy.
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Summary: Oh god, the 80's
Review: I read the each of the 3 "Tales" books when as were published, wishing that I could be old enough to run away to San Francisco to live the wonderful, zany life on Barbary Lane. The final three books are excellent, but not as easy to read. Armistead Maupin is a writer, not a panderer. He doesn't give us necessarily what we want: he gives us an acurate account of the times. The characters that we grew to love suffer the fates that real people do in their adulthood. Marriages crumble, lovers die, friends drift apart. While we might hate Maupin for reflecting a reality that we wish were'nt true (and boy, I hated him for "Sure of You"), you have to give him his due. These are excellent books- true must reads. But keep a stiff drink and a lot of kleenex handy.
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Summary: This is an AMAZING end to a classic saga
Review: I reread this series every couple of years just for its stunning dialoge and the way it draws me in. These Tales are darker and reflect the beginning of AIDS. They are rich and wonderful. Its easy to see why they are number one bestellers around the word. The make me laugh and cry each time I reread them. Those who don't like them must have a problem with the more serious t one. The times called for it. I lost so many friends to AIDS and I for one am glad maupin didn't shy away from includeing. THIS IS A MUST READ!
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