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books:

The Fledgling (Hall Family Chronicles, Book 4)

26 reviews
Jane Langton

HarperTrophy, 1981

Beautiful, Heartbreaking, and Healing
This is the story of a young girl who knows she can fly, and finds a friend in a goose who teaches her more than just how to have wings. This is one of the first books I remember reading about the true cost of living outside of harmony with nature. It's a tender, beautiful book that talks about how frail dreams are, and how fragile the world can be, but also the strength of both nature and the ...

The Astonishing Stereoscope (Hall Family Chronicles, Book 3)

2 reviews
Jane Langton

HarperTrophy, 2001

One of my most favorite books
Stereoscope was given to me as a gift when I was 10 years old (back in 1971). I thought "oh great, a book. :(" It sat unread for a few months, but one bored day I picked it up and couldn't put it down. Over the past 30 years I have read it again and again and come to realize how profoundly this book influenced my thinking about the natural world, religion, and our role as human beings. I kid you ...

The Time Bike (The Hall Family Chronicles)

6 reviews
Jane Langton

HarperTrophy, 2002

The Time Bike
Well The Time Bike is a great book to read in your spare time since its short but still I may be wrong ,right?If your 9,10,or 11 this book would be great for you.It might not be better then Jane Langton's other books like The Fledgling but i may be wrong I havn't read it yet but I am!I dont really want to give the book away but ill say one thing so im warning you if you dont want to know STOP ...

The Dragon Tree (The Hall Family Chronicles)

2 reviews
Jane Langton

HarperCollins, 2008

Wonderful!
Jane Langton is one of my favorite authors. I enjoy both the adult Homer Kelly novels, and the Hall Family chronicles, which are geared towards younger readers. They are all charming and thoughtful reading experiences, and this latest is no exception. I am hoping for a new Homer Kelly soon!

The Deserter: Murder at Gettysburg

5 reviews
Jane Langton

St. Martin's Minotaur, 2003

A Jane Langton mystery -- must more be said?
I don't read a great many mystery novels, although there are a few authors for whom I keep an eye open. Jane Langton is one of that small group. Her mysteries are far from any stereotype of hard-bitten private eye or police detective tales. Langton's books are quirky and literate, peopled by eccentric characters and, more often than not, deeply linked to some aspect of history. All involve ...

The Swing in the Summerhouse (Hall Family Chronicles, Book 2)

13 reviews
Jane Langton

HarperTrophy, 1981

Claudia in Venice: This is the Book!
Edited February of 2002--Finally, this book is back in print!!!! I read this book so many times as a child and as an adult. I probably borrowed it from the library more often than anyone else in my town. I am buying this book today now that it's back in print! This is the book you're thinking of. I too read this book as a child and was fascinated by it. There were a number of areas the kids ...

The Transcendental Murder (Homer Kelly Mysteries, No. 1)

3 reviews
Jane Langton

Felony & Mayhem, 2008

It stays in the mind
I first read this book in 1966 in high school and remember becoming instantly attracted to the characters and the New England setting. Even after all these years I remember worrying that Mary and Homer would never get together. They were both so different and eccentric they belonged together! Langton also manages to keep a respectable mystery going that keeps you guessing and with an ...

Steeplechase: A Homer Kelly Mystery (Homer Kelly Mysteries)

5 reviews
Jane Langton

St. Martin's Minotaur, 2005

entertaining intelligent mystery
Harvard Professor Homer Kelly has the New York Times number one nonfiction seller, Hen & Chicks. His editor demands he write a follow-up immediately so he can stay on top while the iron is hot. Homer works on his next tome Steeplechase, a look at the historical churches of New England. His wife Mary persuades him to begin the treks starting in Concord and eventually nearby Nashoba. They will ...

The Escher Twist: A Homer Kelly Mystery

7 reviews
Jane Langton

Penguin (Non-Classics), 2002

A Lovely Math Mystery
First off, I have never read Jane Langton before. I picked this book up from the New Mysteries section of my local library, based entirely on its intriguing cover (yes, I judged the book based on its cover). Having never read Jane Langton before, I knew only what the back of the book stated. After reading it, I am ready to rush out and find more of her books. I give this book five stars because ...

The Diamond in the Window (The Hall Family Chronicles)

44 reviews
Jane Langton

HarperTrophy, 1973

A book for all ages.
While I was a voracious reader as a child, there are a very few books from my childhood that stand out in my memory like beacons. This is one of those books. I was probably eight or nine when I first read it, and I still remember to this day lessons I learned from this book -- like putting the interests of others before your own, for example. One of the author's gifts is that she was able to ...

The Fragile Flag (Hall Family Chronicles (Numbered))

6 reviews
Jane Langton

HarperTrophy, 2002

an important book for parents to discuss with their children
I read this book many years ago and I still have a copy on my shelf. I think all parents who have strong feelings about nuclear disarmament should read this to their children and use it as a jumping off point to discuss nuclear weapons, war, and the impact that softspoken leaders like Mahama Ghandi and little Georgie (the book's main character) can have when our nations' leaders let fear prevail ...

Divine Inspiration: A Homer Kelly Mystery

4 reviews
Jane Langton

Viking Adult, 1993

Great Characters + Great Plot = Great Book
I was a bit reluctant to begin this Homer Kelly mystery - my third (after getting hooked with Escher Twist and then Dark Nantucket Noon). The reason for my reluctance was the subject matter - churches and organists. Sounded boring. I know very little about either of those things and couldn't imagine wanting to learn more. Well, once I started reading, I couldn't put this book down! I loved ...

The Shortest Day: Murder at the Revels (A Homer Kelly Mystery)

3 reviews
Jane Langton

Penguin Books, 1996

A Christmas Mystery
Set amidst a production of the Christmas Revels at Harvard, the mystery is solved by Homer Kelly, the big oaf, and his much more intuitive wife Mary. Intertwined with the richness of the Revels is the encampment of homeless people on Harvard's campus, themes of love and jealousy, and the author's beautiful line drawings of Cambridge. One of Langton's best.

The Dante Game: A Homer Kelly Mystery

5 reviews
Jane Langton

Penguin (Non-Classics), 1992

Well-plotted, great setting
I haven't read the rest of the series, but enjoyed this one. Very well-plotted. If you're lucky enough to be in Florence when you read it, you'll enjoy all the references to locations. It works well, and whetted my appetite for more by this author.

Saint Francis & the Wolf

2 reviews
Jane Langton

David R Godine, 2007

A terrible wolf is terrorizing the fortified town of Gubbio, gradually starving its people
Saint Francis and the Wolf is a picturebook retelling of one of the less well-known legends of the beloved Saint Francis of Assisi. A terrible wolf is terrorizing the fortified town of Gubbio, gradually starving its people; Brother Francis sets out to rescue them. The villagers watch in amazement as Francis calls to the wolf, tames it, and makes it pledge never to harm the people of Gubbio so ...

The Memorial Hall Murder: A Homer Kelly Mystery

4 reviews
Jane Langton

Penguin Books, 1981

hilarious
This book is one of my favourites. It combines my liking for mysteries and love of classical music. Homer and Mary Kelly assist some students at Harvard to find their lost and loved professor. We follow the rehearsing of Handel's Messiah, and I laughed out loud by the description of a characters tries to learn the music, playing the violin. (probably not as funny for non musicians though) ...

The Mysterious Circus (Hall Family Chronicles)

7 reviews
Jane Langton

HarperCollins, 2005

The Mysterious Circus
The Mysterious Circus (Hall Family Chronicles) This is a great book for all ages. If you begin with 'The Diamond in the Window" as I did as a teen, you will have a great introduction to the Hall Family. If you haven't read it, you will have no problems in getting to know them in this book as new developments in their personalities come forward. Jane Langton has a great talent for interweaving ...

Dark Nantucket Noon: A Homer Kelly Mystery

7 reviews
Jane Langton

Penguin (Non-Classics), 1981

This is a WONDERFUL book!!
I love this book. I just finished it...for the second time. It is beautifully written. The mystery almost takes a back seat to the fantastic descriptions of Nantucket, and sea and shore. I found myself delving into Rachel Carson and websites about marine life, while reading it. Jane Langton is one of my favorite authors because her books make you think about so much more than just the mystery. ...

Emily Dickinson Is Dead: A Homer Kelly Mystery

5 reviews
Jane Langton

Penguin (Non-Classics), 1985

Emily Dickinson Lives!
I chose the book because a friend is an Emily Dickinson fan, I'm a mystery fan, I was charmed by the author's sketches, and delighted by the snippets of Dickinson's poetry. What a fine discovery! The characters are complex, subtle, and interesting. The college town setting is vivid. The plot had unexpected twists and turns that kept me guessing. I learned something about the workings of ...

Natural Enemy: A Homer Kelly Mystery

3 reviews
Jane Langton

Penguin (Non-Classics), 1990

Wonderful Series!
I just finished rereading this book and I think I enjoyed it even more the second time. I absolutely adore Jane Langton's books. I have every one, including her series for children. I find the books enjoyable on so many levels. There's the mystery and you want to find out how the "bad guy" will finally be exposed. But then there is this whole other level. The books make you see the world in a ...

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