The Carousel

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: 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: 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: 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.

Rating:
Summary: Richard Paul Evans at his best!
Review: This is a tale that is classic Evans. It is an inspiring story of life, love and loss. It is a story that makes you look at the perceived obstacles in life. Are they really obstacles and stumbling blocks, or are they really building blocks. The Carousel begins with a decision of a couple to marry secretly, at a very young age as they both begin their journey towards their own goals. The secrets they are forced to keep and the feelings they hide work against everything they thought that they wanted. This story wraps itself around every emotional chord and touches your heart with truth and honesty. Although Evans creates a very simple tale, it is by no means simplistic. It is probably the simplicity of his writing that makes The Carousel so wonderful and inspirational without being "preachy". It remains in your heart long after this book has been tucked back onto it's shelf.

Rating:
Summary: good
Review: This is a tale that is classic Evans. It is an inspiring story of life, love and loss. It is a story that makes you look at the perceived obstacles in life. Are they really obstacles and stumbling blocks, or are they really building blocks. The Carousel begins with a decision of a couple to marry secretly, at a very young age as they both begin their journey towards their own goals. The secrets they are forced to keep and the feelings they hide work against everything they thought that they wanted. This story wraps itself around every emotional chord and touches your heart with truth and honesty. Although Evans creates a very simple tale, it is by no means simplistic. It is probably the simplicity of his writing that makes The Carousel so wonderful and inspirational without being "preachy". It remains in your heart long after this book has been tucked back onto it's shelf.

Rating:
Summary: EXCELLENT READ! You will not be disappointed.
Review: This is the first book I have read by Richard Evans (aside from the children's book "The Dance"). I was not disappointed. While usually a reader of non-fiction, I am very "picky" when it comes to novels and work of fiction. This story was extremely satisfying. This book read very well, the story flowed nicely, the characters were well-defined, and everything happened for a reason. While some people may call this a "sappy love story", I choose to look at it as a painful, but must-have lesson about life and love. Growing up and coming of age - you know - the twenty-something years where you are no longer a child, but not yet a "real" grown-up. I will definitely go back and read some of Mr. Evans' other pieces - beginning with the prequel to this story. I highly recommend!!!

Rating:
Summary: good
Review: Though I must admit the story was poignant and I agree that life is like a carousel at times, it left me unsatisfied... This is the first book I've read of Evans, and he's a good author, but at times I was left hanging and wondering...it felt like a soap opera episode... It's a decent read, though, and the publishing company did a really good job designing his books, so don't be surpised if you're drawn to this book.