Rating: 
Summary: For teens and thier parents
Review: I was fortunate to have my 19 year old son employed in my office this summer and given the 60 mile trip, we listened to Books on CD, first The Locket and then The Carousel, by Richard Paul Evans. We loved it so much, my son wants to write now as well as to "read" every book written by this sensitive author. His characters evoke our sympathies and love........ I cried, laughed and applauded while listening to these books. My son is going to the library to borrow "The Carousel" so that he can "write down the great quotes" that interested him in starting a journal. I will read everything for adults that he provides.
Rating:
Summary: Carousel rides with 'ups and downs' ...
Review: Like a ride on a carousel, the story deals with the unforeseen 'ups and downs' we are all faced with in a lifetime. It reveals how many of the characters struggle to conquer indecision, uncertainty, doubt and despair in their attempt to overcome the tough times. At the same time, the book delivers a hidden message illustrating how we as individuals can grow and actually become better people as a result of those unpleasant experiences that seemingly aim to rip our happy and peaceful lives to shreds.I've read all of Richard Paul Evans' books and this one is right up there on top. Many successful authors seem to rest on their laurels after a few best sellers and amazingly continue to sell books despite their lukewarm slipshod offerings. It is refreshing to note that Mr. Evans does not fall into this category. It's as though he becomes more seasoned and strives to improve with each novel he writes. Unlike some of his previous novels, he delves into many ugly issues and problems we are faced with in today's world -- for example, child abuse, suicide, AIDS, sexual harassment, and drug abuse. However, as in his prior books, the realities are exposed but without the unnecessary overuse of expletives and explicit graphic detail. The male protagonist, Michael Keddington, who was first introduced in The Locket, has a dream about his lovely girlfriend, Faye Murrow. In the dream she is on a carousel riding a handsome jeweled Arabian horse. On the first turn, she is smiling and happily waving to him while beckoning him to join her. On the second turn, she mysteriously vanishes from sight. Michael is troubled by his haunting dream and wonders whether it was just that...a dream, or a portent of things to come. Prior to the two young lovers going their separate ways off to colleges 2000 miles apart, they decide to elope on the spur of the moment. From that time on they are faced with difficult challenges and a course of tragic circumstances that cut into their seemingly blissful relationship like a fresh wound. Many people of different walks of life and diverse backgrounds enter the scenario as if by destiny or fate. It shows how each helps the other in their own special way, whether by kind deeds, actions or words. My favorite passage reveals a thought provoking message so beautifully expressed and is found in the introduction to Chapter 13 -- "...we do not walk alone in this life. There are others, fellow sojourners, whose journeys are interwoven with ours in seemingly random patterns, yet in the end, have been carefully placed to reveal a remarkable tapestry. I believe God is the weaver of that loom." This illustrates that although there are times we would like it to be so, no man or relationship is an island. Clearly put, people do indeed need people! I highly recommend this book not only for an entertaining read but also for the inspirational powerful messages contained within the story that can be applied to our own lives.
Rating: 
Summary: An inspirational love story......
Review: Michael and Faye are young lovers who decide to marry before going their seperate ways to college. There are many trials they go through regarding faithfulness, a runaway wife & child, an unexpected pregancy, a death in the family and so much more. Mr.Evans weaves all these elements into this tale of inspirational love. These are people the reader can relate to and feel for what they are going through. This is a charming little novel and would make an excellent TV movie.
Rating:
Summary: Everyone has a Judy...
Review: One of the most important messages to me: Everyone has their Judy, another human being that may be a friend, your sister, a co-worker, or just someone who might have a question but ends up living with you because she needed a place to stay.
Rating: 
Summary: Another heartwarming read from Evans!
Review: Several years ago, Richard Paul Evans became known for his book The Christmas Box. In this short novel we are presented with the story of an elderly woman and her devotion to her family. Shortly thereafter, Evans followed this book with two ore about this woman and family in Timepiece and The Letter. Again readers were regaled the spirit of loyal relationships and caring individuals. Through the years and in future books, these values would become the benchmark of an Evans novel as they became a recurring theme. And this is certainly true of hsi most recent book, The Carousel. In this book we, as readers, learn more about Faye Morrow and Micheal Keddington whom we first met in The Locket. While The Carousel deals with loyalty, sacrifice, salvation and ultimately redemption, it is also a beautiful story of a great and abiding love between two people during a diffciult time. And while the storyline borders on sappy at times, the reader comes to love the characters of Michael, Faye, their friend Hallie and Sarah so much that even the predictable ending is overlooked. I do suggest that others read and take to heart Evans's words and views especailly when they think life has little left to offer them. And while it might be too late to purhcase this for the holdiay season of 2000, be sure and put it on your list for reader's for next year. It is perfect for the spirit of the holidays as are most of Richard Paul Evan's' books.
Rating:
Summary: A True to Life Love Story on Faith & Endurance
Review: The Carousel was the most compelling true to life love story I have ever read! If you want to read a book about love, endurance, faith and hope... this is the one! I couldn't put it down and read it cover to cover. Michael and Faye experience great trials and true tests of a real life relationship that proves love can endure. I believe every reader will be able to relate to some aspect of this book. Finally, an author that brings a message of hope for those who have experienced suicide and depression with family members. Thank you Mr. Evans for an outstanding novel! You deserve an award for this one!
Rating:
Summary: Strong Characters, Good Read
Review: The story is fairly simplistic, but I really was impressed
by the excellent character development which made the book
a very entertaining read. It is harder to develop complex
characters within a simple storyline. When it is done well,
as in this instance, it results in characters which seem to
outlive the book and follow you around in your head
for a couple of days. I would definitely recommend this book.
Rating:
Summary: Life is like a Carousel.
Review: The ups and downs set us off in directions that hopefully lead us back to each other. This is a continuation of the love story of Michael and Faye who we first met in the book THE CHRISTMAS BOX. Evans does it again, a five hanky novel that leaves you sobbing and thankful for what goodness your everyday life holds. Faye goes off to medical school and Michael must stay behind. As if that isn't enough, a visitor at the nursing facility where Michael works has become very close to him as she watches her grandfather grow weaker and close to death. Faye makes friends with a waitress on the run who has a daughter to support and is faced with a crippling disease. There is trouble on all fronts and Michael and Faye's world is about to be shaken to the very core. Evans' novels have some of the strongest characters I have ever come upon. They make mistakes but they have morals, and his message is unrelenting and moving. There is always a great feeling of resolution when you read the last page. Kelsana 6/25/01
Rating:
Summary: Great Read
Review: This book is hardly predictable. I have wondered if other authors or publishers, jealous of a book's success, ever logged on and left nasty comments. Now I know. There's a reason Evans has sold millions of copies of his books and The Carousel is a good example. The writing is beautiful. But, more than that, I found great hope and inspiration in this book's message. Anyone who has faced depression, in themselves or in loved ones, will take a great deal of comfort from this book. I also enjoyed the book's surprising ending. I have friends who have read this book two or three times already. A good love story, well written, with a good moral, is hard to come by. Thank you, Mr. Evans, for giving us something worth reading.
Rating:
Summary: A memmory of my own...
Review: This has only happened to me with 2 books, 1984 George Orswel asd Carousel, for some reason, when I think about them, I feel as if it was something that I lived, something that happened to me, I feel like picking up tho phone and calling the characters in the book, this is how intimate, close and accesible the author has made his story. 10 Stars.
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