Come the Spring (Clayborne Brothers)

Amazon.com

Cole Clayborne has been tricked into accepting a badge and the title of U.S. Marshal by Sheriff Marshall Ryan. He would refuse the badge if he could, but the Blackwater Gang is up to no good and Cole feels compelled to help. Sheriff Ryan has been chasing the gang for two years--ever since they murdered his wife and daughter during a bank robbery--and he needs Cole to help him solve the case. When the Rockford Falls bank is robbed, only one witness is left alive. Terrified by the ordeal, the lone survivor won't come forward to testify; Cole and Daniels's only clue to her identity is a list that includes the names of three women who conducted business at the bank that afternoon. Is the eyewitness the beautiful, aristocratic Rebecca James or the exquisitely lovely Grace Winthrop? Could it be the seductive Jessica Summers? Somehow, Cole and Daniel have to keep the three women safe while solving the bank robberies and tracking down the killers. But the biggest danger of all may be the threat of losing their hearts to one of the beautiful women.

Book Description

Julie Garwood triumphed with her phenomenal For the Roses and her #1 New York Times bestselling trio of novels, One Pink Rose, One White Rose and One Red Rose. Now, she brings her irresistible and heartwarming wit to a delightful new love story featuring the unforgettable frontier family, the Claybornes of Blue Belle, Montana.

Cole Clayborne had always walked a dark path and flirted with a life of crime. While his three brothers chose to settle into married life, Cole rebelliously refused to be tied down. Now, an elusive stranger draws him into a shadowy chase that will bring unexpected turns to his uncertain future -- and may determine which side of the law the restless Cole favors.

A tragic, heartbreaking loss drives U.S. Marshal Daniel Ryan on a quest for vengeance -- and leads him to a beautiful young woman, the sole witness to a terrible crime. But the lawman finds that love is the greatest trial of all as he unwittingly draws her into the line of fire. The power and drama of their blossoming passion, entwined with the surprising destiny of the wayward Cole, make Come the Spring a superbly entertaining adventure inside the heart of "a family whose love and loyalty will truly inspire" (Romantic Times).

Customer Reviews:

I Think It's Great.......2007-04-01

I'm surprised ar some of the two or three stars for this awesome ending to such an amazing fictional family series. I've had this book for years now and I know that I can always go back and read this and not be disappointed.

I think she spaced out the dual romances very well and I think it helped that each couple is on their own journey in a way. I love a story with a cute child or baby in it and I just think that Caleb is a delight to read about and imagine. I have to say I am more interested in Cole's part of the story than Ryan but that's mainly because I knew him from the other novels in this series.

I think that the murder mystery was very well done and well described and I think most readers will be surprised by some of the twists and turns in the mystery.

My only quibble with the series is how little Mama Rose got to say in all of the novels not just this one.

I think Julie Garwood is one of the best writers in the field of historical romances and if you want a sexy, funny, romance with history and a little of her more murder mystery inclined stories then I think you should give this novel and the other novels in this series a shot, you won't be disappointed.

Not like her at all.......2007-03-04

Usually Julie Garwood makes you laugh and warms your heart. She delved into the arena of thriller as early as "Castles" and came along nicely with it in the opening of "Come the Spring". Sadly, she seemed to forget how to write her humorous and charming relationships along the way.

Trying to do a dual romance in this novel was a mistake. Time was taken away from both relationships such that one loses interest in either one. That leads a lacking dramatic finale because you just don't care.

The writing appeared exceptionally juvenile in places where humor was intended.

It was a nice try and I applaud an author wanting to grow her talent, but this Clayborne series never should have left the editor's desk. "Come the spring" was half-baked at best.

Audio book review.......2005-08-13

I have enjoyed many of Julie Garwood's novels, including "For the Roses", the beginning of the Clayborne series. While I have to admit that I skipped "One Red, One White Rose", etc. about the other brothers; this one interested me because it was about Cole. He was my favorite brother in the original book. Unfortunately, "Come the Spring" is very drawn-out and predictable. The title doesn't even apply to anything, except a quick statement made in the last chapter (an after-thought?) Maybe it was just the narration by Richard Ferrone that turned me off, but I found my mind wandering. It was clear to me who the female villain was from early on. While Cole and Daniel were compelling in their parts as lawmen, the romance part of the book is disappointing. After all the passion in "For the Roses", this book was just lukewarm in that category. Maybe it was because there were too many characters. Oh well, Julie is still one of my favorite authors, but this one is not up to par with her others.

Okay Ending to the Claybournes.......2003-08-28

Let me tell you up front, if you are looking for more of the Claybourne's in this book, you will not get it. The focus of "COMES THE SPRING" is capturing the Blackwater Gang. We start off with the bank robbery scene, and the identity of the witness is a mystery. Julie does a very good job in hiding who the witness is, until it is revealed.

We finally get the story of Cole Claybourne, the most "rough" of the Claybourne brothers. Cole is made into a U.S. Marshal by Marshal Daniel Ryan, who supposedly stole his compass from Mama Rose. Little is known about the compass that causes Cole to search for Ryan, and this plot does not follow in the book.

I thought Jessica and Grace were very good heroines. Jessica was really the perfect match for Cole, loving and in need of his care. The baby, Caleb, was also very adorable throughout the book. Grace was the exact opposite of Daniel Ryan's first wife, which proved to be a challenge to the Marshall to figure her out. While I enjoyed the chemistry with Grace and Daniel, I was a little disappointed that Cole did not have a story all to his own. I thought his character deserved more.

Overall "COMES THE SPRING" is a good end to the series. I would recommend it to anyone who has followed the Claybournes since "FOR THE ROSES." Mama Rose's speech at the end did not bother me, as it did some reviewers, because we really don't hear a lot from her, but we know she has been behind the meddling. Definitely read this book, it's worth the time.

so enjoyable!.......2003-03-25

I really enjoyed the character of Cole from the first books. I am glad I have my own copy of Come the Spring in hardcover. It is just so enjoyable. I am pleased. The only reason I do not give it a five is there are a couple of predictable moments, but they are enjoyable.

Average customer rating:

Great book
Not her absolute best, but a great read!
Third in the series stands on its own
Absolutely a joy to read
GREAT READ

Wish Come True (Carson Springs Novel)
Eileen Goudge
Manufacturer: Signet
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Series | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

Suspense | Thrillers | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

General | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

General | Contemporary | Romance | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0451210611
Release Date: 2004-03-02

Book Description

After years in the shadow of her movie-star sister, Monica, Anna Vincenzi finally sheds that extra weight. Now she's a knockout-and her emerging beauty has escaped no one, least of all her sister.

But when Monica is found floating face down in her pool, the once-mousy Anna suddenly finds herself thrust into the spotlight-fighting to clear her name of murder. The entire Carson Springs community rallies around her, but, to her surprise, it's the handsome, insightful Dr. Marc Raboy who becomes her most ardent supporter...

Customer Reviews:

Great book.......2006-03-09

Like the other books in the Carson Springs series, this is an excellent book. The plot is different from the others which keeps it interesting. I like how the characters from the other books are all involved in the story as well.

Not her absolute best, but a great read!.......2005-11-09

Ms. Goudge's stories are always interesting with well rounded characters, complex enough to seem real, the storylines are a bit out there, but that's what makes them interesting. This book was no different. I found I didn't enjoy it as much as her other books, but maybe I just wasn't in the mood for this kind of writing, or Anna (the main character) wasn't as interesting to me as the other characters. I really enjoyed the scenes narrated by Finch, the young teenaged runaway adopted by Laura and Hector.

This particular book is about Anna Vincenzi, the sister of famous movie star Monica Vincent, who is a whiny, controlling wheelchair-bound alcoholic, and also Anna's employer. When Monica is found dead, Anna gets blamed and thus the plot. Anna also undergoes a metamorphosis (which at times seems forced), losing weight and learning to stand up for herself. The Carson Springs series is fun to read, I would recommend any of Goudge's books, particularly "Such Devoted Sisters".

Third in the series stands on its own.......2005-11-01

Anna Vincenzi has spent most of her life in her sisters' shadow. Monica Vincent, a famous actress who is now confined to a wheel chair has always kept Anna down, and played on her fears and lack of self-esteem. When Anna is not waiting hand and foot on Monica or answering her fan mail, she is taking care of their mother, who suffers from Alzheimer's.

Monica, an alcoholic, takes a tumble and as a result, Anna and other sister Liz decide that she needs rehab. This rehab requires that the family get involved in therapy, and soon family secrets are on the verge of being revealed, and Anna slowly comes out of her shell as she falls for the therapist, Marc Raboy.

Marc returns her affections as they embark on an affair but admits that they cannot have anything more than an affair, and he can tell that is not something that she can do. Marc is married a schizophrenic who was committed to a hospital 18 months earlier. He has affairs, but does not let his heart get involved.

Several months later, when Anna finally stands up for herself and announces her intention to no longer serve as Monica's personal assistant (and slave), suddenly Monica's lifeless body has been found in the pool, and all suspicions turn to Anna. Marc steps out of the self-imposed exile to help Anna until the situation can be resolved, but what then?

There is a secondary story of Finch's quest to find her birth family, when she comes across a stage hand from the Carson Springs movie with the same name as her. Could it be her grandmother? While a little weak, it does set up the next eventual story set in Carson Springs. There are plenty of characters from pervious Carson Springs novels populating this story as well. Goudge always does a good job of folding the other characters into the storyline without making it feel forced, but for readers not familiar with the other two novels, it may be a little confusing.

Absolutely a joy to read.......2005-06-04

I fell across the first book in this series at a used bookstore. By the end of the book I was so hooked on the community created by this author I immediately went out looking for the other books...The characters are fully drawn with all our human foibles, flaws and interests. I really enjoyed all 3 books and hope that the author revisits Carson Spring again soon. I know I will be re-reading these again & again this summer.

GREAT READ.......2004-06-26

Eileen Goudge is one of the most compelling writers of our time. In A WISH CAME TRUE, we see Anna overcome her sister's shadow into a confident woman. It is a compelling story, she writes about characters that are as real as you and me. The entire Carson Spring series is captivating with characters that you can easily relate to. Highly recommend this book, as well as the entire series, and any of her other novels.

When Calls the Heart/When Comes the Spring/When Breaks the Dawn/When Hope Springs New (Canadian West 1-4)

Average customer rating:

Absolutely Marvelous
A 13 YEAR OLD READER
This book is wonderful!
What a GREAT book!
It deserves many more stars!

When Calls the Heart/When Comes the Spring/When Breaks the Dawn/When Hope Springs New (Canadian West 1-4)
Janette Oke
Manufacturer: Bristol Park Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0884861120

Customer Reviews:

Absolutely Marvelous.......2002-01-07

I am a Huge Janette Oke fan. Her books inspire me to live a faithful, Christian life...and this book just happens to be my favorite, if it's possible to have a favorite Oke book (they are all wonderful!) I encourage you to read this Saga!

A 13 YEAR OLD READER.......2001-07-31

I LOVE JANETTE OKE'S BOOKS.THIS SERIES IS MY FAVORITE OF ALL OF HER BOOKS.I READ THIS BOOK OVER AND OVER AGIN.I ESPECIALY LIKE THAT IT'S A CHRISTIAN BOOK. ALL OF HER BOOKS ARE GREAT BUT I THINK THIS ONE IS HER BEST.

This book is wonderful!.......1999-12-14

This book really brings to life what living in Northern Canada was about in the early 1900's. I found myself thinking what it would be like in Elizabeth's shoes. She endured such hardships just to be with the man she loved. What a great lovestory! It is excellent, just like all of Jeanette Oke's other books that I have read. I can't wait until it is printed again so I can have my own copy.

What a GREAT book!.......1999-11-04

I love ever Janette Oke book I've ever read, but this is a favorite! I hope everyone who reads this liked it as much as I did!

It deserves many more stars!.......1999-10-03

This is my favorite series from Oke. I wish it was longer. I never wanted the book to end. Oke is a wonderful author, and this is a must read book.

Average customer rating:

Come Again in the Spring
Richard Kennedy
Manufacturer: HarperCollins
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Library Binding

Average customer rating:

Mediocre
Delightful!
2 and 1/2 stars....
3 rd in the tirlogy -- DEFINITELY A KEEPER
Friend wouldn't give it back!

Come Spring
Jill Marie Landis
Manufacturer: Jove
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Romance | Subjects | Books

General | Historical | Romance | Subjects | Books

Western | Romance | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0515108618

Amazon.com

Jill Marie Landis's historical, Come Spring, opens with Annika Storm calling off her Boston wedding to Richard Thexton and hastily deciding to visit her brother and sister-in-law in the wilderness of 1890s Wyoming. After her train is stranded by an unfortunate accident, Annika has little to do but wait--that is, until mountain man Buck Scott, mistaking Annika for his mail-order bride, carries her off to his mountain cabin. There Annika finds that, despite his gruff demeanor, Buck is a caring and sensitive man--so sensitive, in fact, that he opened his home and heart to his young niece, Baby, who now lives with him. By the time Buck realizes his grave mistake in "kidnapping" Annika, the three are snowbound together, which turns out to be just what's needed for Buck and Annika to find their way into each other's hearts. Jill Marie Landis is a superb storyteller who knows just how to combine the right amount of humor, tenderness, and passion to form a truly enchanting love story. Her attention to detail and her deft characterization make Come Spring a first-rate romance--so first-rate, in fact, that readers will want to read about Annika's parents in Sunflower and her brother and sister-in-law's courtship in Rose.

Customer Reviews:

Mediocre.......2007-03-04

The setting is 1890's, but the story reads more like the 1990's.

Annika is a doubting bride who calls off her wedding so she can experience life a little. She's always been loved and sheltered by her Bostonian family, but she is eager to do something independently with her life. TWO MONTHS LATER, she does this by heading West and staying with her brother for a few weeks.

Buck is the self-appointed ward of his 3 yr old niece "Baby" and a mountain trapper living in an isolated portion of the Rockies. He comes to the nearest city to collect his mail-order bride in hopes of having someone take care of his niece. Instead, he's jilted and mistakenly kidnaps Annika as his false bride.

From there we get a snowed-in cabin story, a detailed and gruesome description of the trapper lifestyle, a heroine who spends several weeks yelling at her captor until somehow she develops an attraction for him. Meanwhile her beloved avenging brother waits on his nearby ranch for two months until the snow thaws even though he knows his sister has been kidnapped by a man with a lunatic family history. He doesn't strike me as one who's concerned about her being held captive as a sex slave, though he says later that's his fear.

Annika comes off as a spoiled nonsensical heroine who is far more a modern debutante than one from the 1890's. She jumps the hero's bones and is fully prepared to live life as a single mother on the plains because he should have his freedom.

There's just no urgency in the relationships, no depth to their awareness of each other, and very little sensuality in this book. In no way does it resemble the times either.

Delightful!.......2005-09-22

When I started reading this book, I thought with a disappointed sigh that this was going to be another run-of-the-mill western historical romance. A cultured east-coast woman travels to the untamed west and hooks up with a roughened mountain man, and the unlikely couple must find common ground before they can find love. What set this story apart was the beautiful way it was written. The romance came alive off the pages, and Buck's tenderness and vulnerability really shone through. There was a bit too much unnecessary verbal sparring and I could have done without the detailed descriptions of his hunting/skinning work, but all-in-all it was an enjoyable story.

2 and 1/2 stars...........2003-12-16

I LOVE books. To me, there is nothing more disappointing than a book that has enormous potential, but doesnt live up to it. Unfortunately, that was the case with the story "Come Spring".
The tale is set in the 1890s, however the language and the actions of the characters felt distinctly modern. Speaking of characters..we have Annika and Buck. Yes, thats right..Buck. I ask you..what writer dreams up a man that is suppose to be desirable and saddles him with the name Buck??....but that is only one problem here. As I mentioned before..the players within this story do not act or speak in a way that was proper during the time period. That may seem like a small thing, but I was constantly being pulled from the story as more and more inaccuracies came to light. I also had a very hard time connecting with the h/h and felt that the ending was dragged out for far too long simply to add to the books length. All in all, this wasnt awful, but not great. Id say it was a notch below mediocre. I wouldnt recommend it.

3 rd in the tirlogy -- DEFINITELY A KEEPER.......2003-01-06

Finally it all comes together in a great romance -- only disappointment was for Caleb and Analisa - they should have had at least 2 more offspring.

Annika thought she knew a lot about life - Boston life that is -- but soon found to her dismay, when she was given a mistaken identity and kidnapped by Buck Scott, that she had a lot more to learn.

She started out in fear of this hulking blonde giant and ended up passionately in love with him. To this day, I find that so many of the younger generation could not survive if put into a similar situation.

Annika preferred her meat from a butcher rather than on the foot. I had to chuckle at her reaction to skinning a rabbit. It brought back memories.

She did show the inner strength of her mother in making the best of a situation and finally coming to grips with her lack of survival knowledge.

Buck Scott turned out to be a patient teacher [and in my mind] a loving, lovable man. The seduction scenes were not overly done and in keeping with the story.

Zach Elliot was back and as great as ever in his supporting, humorous role. Kase was stronger, of course he is 5 years older, and is presented as a more powerful, loving character. And his wonderful wife, Rosa, she is pregnant. Love her character.

I was really happy to see that Kase has taken on the role of collecting amd protecting the Buffalo.

These characters have such real depth that you wish you could go to Wyoming and visit them.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED -- should be listed as a keeper and a plus.

Friend wouldn't give it back!.......2002-08-05

I hale from Wyoming and encourage all readers from the state to read this book. If you love history, and which native doesn't?, this book will enchant you. Although there are no "Laramie Mountains", it becomes apparent she is talking about our beloved Rockies. This book touched a chord and I sent it to a friend, who won't return it, which makes me laugh. Enjoy a wonderful story and a real capsul of our state!

Average customer rating:

When Spring Comes (An Owlet Book)

Manufacturer: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Nature & Ecology | Science | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0805047050

Book Description

Spring is the most joyous season of the year.From early buds and rising sap to plowing and planting; from newborn ducklings to nursing foals; from Easter to Passover to Maypoles to Memorial Day, this exuberant photo-essay introduces young readers to all the high spirits of spring.

Average customer rating:

Spring Will Come
William N. Zulu
Manufacturer: University of Kwazulu Natal Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Memoirs | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

South Africa | Africa | History | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1869140702

Average customer rating:

A true American classic
Come Spring - Ben Ames
Best read in a long time
Wonderful 1940 classic
Come Spring in Union, Maine

Come Spring
Ben Ames Williams
Manufacturer: Down East Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Historical | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | New Age | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 089272014X

Customer Reviews:

A true American classic.......2007-06-26

I first read Come Spring around the age of 12, on my father's recommendation. He had read it when he was 12, when the book was new. Now I've read it many times, and am still enchanted with this work of historical fiction. Oddly, I am not a fan of historical fiction, but Ben Ames Williams' depiction of the Robbins family founding a town in Maine, against the backdrop of the Revolutionary War, blends warmth, tragedy, and romance. As a pre-teen reader, I loved the story of Joel Adams and Mima Robbins and their courtship. As an adult, I love the strength of the family bonds, though hard times and good. I would love to see this book as a recommended book for history students. It brings to life the real pioneer spirit of early Americans.

Come Spring - Ben Ames.......2004-12-04

This is a good read, and significant as it documents an early settlement in Maine, and typifies life in the those early times, and what our Maine ancesters went through to settle those remote regions, of which Maine has many. Enjoy!

Best read in a long time.......2001-08-19

Just finished reading a borrowed copy of 'Come Spring'. Ordered a copy for myself (something I've never done before). When it arrives, will read it again (again, something I have never done before). Full of good story, history, and earthy philosophies. Ben Ames Williams has a way of putting it all together. It takes a few chapters to get into the mood of the book, but once there, watch out!

Wonderful 1940 classic.......2000-09-01

Come Spring is one of my all time favorite books. When I read this book (about every other year) it's as engrossing as the first time I read it. I can close my eyes and picture the wildllfe Williams decribes, I find myself trying to copy the accents of the characters and never fail, I end up reading late into the night "just one more chapter". For more information on this wonderful book, contact the Union Historical Society at 207-785-5444.

Come Spring in Union, Maine.......2000-06-13

This is a wonderful historical novel, well worth reading and re-reading. It's full of romance and adventure, and readers will enjoy knowing that many descendants of the characters still live in the lovely town of Union. In fact, they can visit the Union Historical Society's website for more information about the town....

When Comes the Spring (Canadian West #2)

Average customer rating:

entertaining
Survival and the bitter cold
The Book of Suffering and Survival
Not as good as the first book
Delightfull

When Comes the Spring (Canadian West #2)
Janette Oke
Manufacturer: Bethany House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Romance | Fiction | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | Fiction | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Regency | Historical | Romance | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0764200127
Release Date: 2005-02-01

Book Description

Elizabeth, the cultured young schoolteacher from the East, has braved the western frontier and spent a year teaching in a one-room schoolhouse. How she and Wynn are planning their wedding and their new life together at his outpost in the far north. While Wynn is accustomed to life in the north, Elizabeth is not. Can their love for each other sustain them through a harsh winter, loneliness, and rigors of life without any of the conveniences they're used to? Book 2 of the bestselling Canadian West series.

Customer Reviews:

entertaining.......2006-08-12

I am really enjoying this series and seeing how Elizabeth gets through her experiences. I am not sure if I could handle all that she needs to. This was a great read on relationships -- especially those girlfriend releationships -- it makes me realize how important my own girlfriend friendships are. I am looking forward to reading part three of this series in When Breaks The Dawn.

Survival and the bitter cold.......2004-05-07

I sort of liked the book "When Comes The Spring." It had a bit of adventure, if any at all. It's a quiet book mostly, a bit dull too.
My favorite character is Elizabeth Thatcher. She is the main character in the book. I think she's funny when it comes to hurting animals. Funny like over-reactive funny, not laugh out loud, joking funny.
I wouldn't recomend this book, but I wouldn't not recomend this book either. It's a type of book that you'd have to read for yourself and get your own opinion.

The Book of Suffering and Survival.......2004-04-27

The book "When Comes The Spring" is an okay book. I would most likely give it a four on a scale of one to ten, ten being it's the best book ever.It's a book that has a tad of mystery, but very little if any at all. I would say it's a quiet book really, no real excitement.
My favorite character would have to be Elizabeth Thatcher, or Beth for short. Beth is the main character in the story. I like her best because she loves animals, and is funny when it comes to hurting animals. Well a little funny, funny like over-reactive funny.
I wouldn't exactly recomend this book, but I wouldn't not recomend this book either. You will understand when, and if, you read the book.

Not as good as the first book.......2002-05-19

The first part of this book, in which Elizabeth and Wynn prepare for the wedding, actually get married, take their honeymoon, and travel to Wynn's station out in the wilderness, is all pretty good and interesting. Once Janette Oke gets Elizabeth settled out there, however, the book lost its appeal for me for two reasons. First, the author obviously relied quite a bit on "Mrs. Mike" to supply her with incidents. Second, whatever she couldn't take from "Mrs. Mike," she made up for with stereotypes and unbelievability. I recommend that you read "Mrs. Mike" instead of this book once you get to the point where Elizabeth and Wynn get settled in the wilderness.

Delightfull.......2000-01-17

Another one of her grand old books. However I do believe the auto version of this book has about the sweetist voices I've have ever had the pleasure of listing to. Just wish the theme song to Dudly Doright wouldn't have entered my head everytime she mentioned Canadian Mounted Police. Hope you all do better, because it's well worth it.

Average customer rating:

Nice suprise...
Uniquely unique
Poetry That Demands New Terms
The last, best hope for poetry
Spring Comes To Chicago is amazing, rich and wild.

Spring Comes To Chicago
Campbell Mcgrath
Manufacturer: Ecco
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Anthologies | Poetry | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Poetry | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0880014849

Book Description

Capitalism and American Noiseintroduced readers to the musical, comedic, and impassioned voice of poet Campbell McGrath. Now, in Spring Comes to Chicago, McGrath pushes deeper into the jungle of American culture, exposing and celebrating our native hungers and dreams. In the centerpiece of the book, "The Bob Hope Poem," McGrath confronts the paradoxes that energize and confound us--examining his own avid affection for People magazine and contemplating such diverse subjects as Wittgenstein, meat packers, money, and, of course, Bob Hope himself. Whether viewing this life with existential gravity or consumerist glee, McGarth creates poetry that is at once public and profoundly personal.

Customer Reviews:

Nice suprise..........2006-09-25

I'm not sure how I stumbled across this book, but it's one of my favorite finds. I can't recommend it enough.

Uniquely unique.......2000-09-08

McGrath's poetry combines the lyricism and lines of Whitman with 500 channels of cable television. Even though I hate the word "postmodern," that's probably the best adjective for this book. It is truly a stunning statement to the author's knowledge and grasp of American culture.

It's refreshing to see a poet who displays almost no allegiance to formal styles and is stunning in his originality.

Poetry That Demands New Terms.......1999-12-29

I must confess two of my opinions concerning Mc Grath's "Spring Comes to Chicago": 1) it is an often confusing collection of lyrical thoughts and flashy originality, and: 2) it is truly one of the most gorgeous experiments in contemporary poetical forms.

I agree with one of the previous reviewers that Mc Grath immediately reminds one of Whitman and Ginsberg, especially in his use of the catalogue-length lines and his often satirical commentary on American life and living. However, he seems to lean more towards Ginsberg than Whitman, for the American Bard has not Mc Grath's and Ginsberg's sense of humor and irony. The title poem (or should I say section?) "Spring Comes to Chicago" is the closest to Ginsberg as this collection gets...the opening lines are especially familar in cadence to the famous lines from Ginsberg's polemic, "Howl."

Nevertheless, while Mc Grath's lines often remind readers of other poets (did everyone catch Williams in there too?), Mc Grath's collage of prose pieces are used in an awe-inspring and masterful way. They are not, as someone noted in a review on his "Road Atlas," simply journal sketches or a rough blue-print for the spirit of this poem. Instead, they are isolated moments where philosphical, scientific, or literary speculation bring us back to the matters the poem discusses.

My favorite device of the entire volume is the what I term "the Squirrel stitch." Mc grath playfully and sensitively writes his meditations on the habits of these creatures, sewing a few lines here, then there--- almost as if too unite the thought patterns of the poem with a common element of praise and bewilderment.

Anyway, enough of my banter. Read this collection for yourself. You will see how clearly it stands out from the muck being written and sold today. Mc Grath should stick to his guns! If he remains true to the voices recorded in the lines of "Spring Comes to Chicago" he is sure to do something more important and amazing in a future collection.

The last, best hope for poetry.......1998-11-23

Two years ago, I sat down with this thin book and a bottle of expensive bourbon. I remember becoming aware of my breathing as I read "The Golden Angel Pancake House" and soon, without having touched any liquor yet, my head started to spin. I had forgotten that words could have such power and irresistible momentum. Only Whitman had ever done that for me.

The following day, I read "The Bob Hope Poem" in one sitting, pulled along by the language at great speed. The thing is a glorious beast of a poem, a swooping roller coaster that raises your spirits to nose-bleed heights, sends you careening downhill under 5 g's of sadness, and then redeems you with pure happiness. Never mind "I laughed, I cried" - you will gain a new understanding of emotion.

That someone can write like this is inspiring and renewing; it reminds us why poetry matters.

Spring Comes To Chicago is amazing, rich and wild........1998-06-11

I can't say enough good things about Campbell McGrath's third book of poems. It's nothing short of breathtaking. Really. I think the Bob Hope Poem is the new Howl, the new Song of Myself; it has a little of both in it. It takes on American culture aggressively, intelligently, whimsically, and more interestingly than any other poem I've seen in twenty years. I'm dying to know how McGrath does it, to tell you the truth!

I liked it so much that I made it a required book in my intro to poetry writing workshop. I think it's the kind of book that gives writers a sense of what can be done with America still, what kinds of voices we're made of. It's refreshing too that the book doesn't play into that old tired routine of the obscure poet simply playing with words for his or her own amusement while we get to look on passively. Spring Comes To Chicago is much more democratic in its outlook, hopeful, even--dare I say it?--joyful. God knows we need that right about now.

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books