Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 95 votes)
5 stars
33(35%)
4 stars
27(28%)
3 stars
35(37%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
95 reviews
July 15,2025
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When all was said and done, I truly liked this book.

However, there were certain moments when it seemed as if it turned into a public psychology session. The author was constantly bemoaning his horrible childhood and expunging his guilt over not visiting his sister.

Nonetheless, I still found great enjoyment in the references to Shakespeare. It was fascinating to see how the author wove the works of Shakespeare into his own story.

Moreover, despite his difficult childhood, it was evident that the author is now happy. He is also making many others happy through his deep love of Shakespeare.

This book offers a unique perspective on the power of literature and how it can transform a person's life. It is a must-read for anyone who loves Shakespeare or is interested in the human psyche.
July 15,2025
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Sad and beautiful.

Beautiful and sad. These two phrases seem to encapsulate a complex and often bittersweet emotion.

Sadness and beauty can coexist in many aspects of life. For example, a tragic love story can be both heart-wrenching and captivating, its beauty lying in the depth of the emotions and the poignancy of the circumstances.

Similarly, a beautiful landscape can evoke a sense of sadness, perhaps due to its transience or the knowledge that it may one day change or disappear.

The combination of sadness and beauty can also be found in art, music, and literature. A painting that depicts a scene of loss or grief can still be visually stunning, while a piece of music that expresses longing or sorrow can touch the heart in a profound way.

In conclusion, sadness and beauty are two sides of the same coin, and their combination can create a powerful and unforgettable experience.

Whether we encounter it in life or in art, it is a reminder of the complexity and richness of the human experience.
July 15,2025
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I truly had a great liking for certain aspects of this book.

The discussions regarding teaching Shakespeare to the elderly were fascinating, offering unique insights into the world of literature and its impact on different age groups.

The author's account of his own life and his relationship with his sister added a personal touch that made the story more relatable.

His experiences during his time at summer stock were also engaging, painting a vivid picture of that particular period.

However, the organization of the book was extremely perplexing.

It wasn't quite what I would describe as stream of consciousness, but whatever style it was attempting to adopt simply didn't resonate with me.

This is a real pity because the individual elements had so much potential.

Overall, while I enjoyed parts of the book, the disjointed structure detracted from the overall reading experience.
July 15,2025
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This unusual book is a memoir of a damaged young man. He appears to utilize his love for Shakespeare as a vehicle to save himself.

Later in his life, he extends this love for Shakespeare to elderly people, seeing it as a means to assist them in re-engaging in meaningful ways.

The author's story is a rather dark one. He grapples with his own sense of identity, burdened by immense feelings of guilt for his retarded sister's difficult situation. Additionally, he experiences disappointment that stems from his damaged and unloving parents.

Throughout the book, there is a somewhat blunt yet painful self-disclosure as the author narrates his tale. In this story, there is a notable lack of love and self-worth.

It is a complex and poignant account that offers a unique perspective on the power of literature and the search for meaning and redemption in the face of personal turmoil.

The author's journey from a troubled youth to someone who finds purpose in sharing his love for Shakespeare is both inspiring and thought-provoking.

It makes the reader reflect on the role that art and passion can play in transforming lives and bringing hope to those who are in need.

This memoir is not only a story of one man's struggle but also a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the potential for growth and change.

July 15,2025
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There were indeed moments of great interest in this. The way the author managed to incorporate snippets of Shakespeare within the stories was quite charming. It was like finding hidden treasures.

However, in general, the skip-around telling of the tale had a certain drawback. It tended to put me off a bit. I found it a bit disorienting at times.

One of my absolute favorite parts, though, was when the harridan math teacher caught him reading Shakespeare tucked behind his math book as if it were a contraband read. That moment was both humorous and endearing.

What made it even more special was what happened next. She then "took off her horn-rimmed glasses and for one minute and fifteen seconds she repeated Portia's famous instructions to Shylock on the properties of forgiveness.
The quality of mercy is not strain'd
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven...
This added a touch of magic and depth to the scene, making it truly unforgettable.
July 15,2025
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"Let her rest," I said. "Let them all rest. Tomorrow morning everything will start all over again anyway, and it will hurt." (Bob Smith)


"And it is a great act
That puts an end to all acts, that chains events
And bars the door to changes;
That makes one sleep and no longer taste
The filth..." (Antonio and Cleopatra, V,2)


In my wretched life as a compulsive reader, few books have turned against me, to bite or pierce me. This book, in fact, is dangerous, like picking up shards of crystal with bare hands: be careful, for God's sake, or you'll cut yourself! And the crystal leaves deep wounds, damn it. So you suck your thumb and read the story of a man, first as a boy and even before that as a child. Who loves Shakespeare, and many of his plays because the Bard, the Swan of Avon, explains them to him. Of course, for Bob, who desperately loves his retarded little sister, considered a shame and a burden by their parents, this is of no use. Tomorrow everything will be as before, but between now and the end, don't you want to put in a little BEAUTY? A long book (actually only 312 pages, but believe me, it will be very long) of heartbreak, of regret, of pain for what will never be. Bob will be for years a "stagehand" at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival (the one in the USA) and will live a marginal life, but he will have the power and the fortune to perfectly understand every word said on stage, every hidden meaning, every subtlety and will write this book, a letter of apology to Carolyn, his "handicapped" sister, for not having been able to do better for her.


"My name is Bob - Bob Smith - Robert William John Smith, a common American name. As far back as I can remember, almost every day there was someone who, joking, asked me, 'But is that really your name?' 'Come on... what's your real name?' It's a friendly joke that I've heard constantly, all my life, and in its own small way, it helped me feel invisible. I saw my name, so common, as a promise to pass completely unnoticed. And for most of my life, I have kept that promise."
July 15,2025
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**Original Article**:
The importance of learning English cannot be emphasized enough. It is a global language that opens up numerous opportunities for communication, education, and career growth. In today's interconnected world, being proficient in English is essential for success.

**Expanded Article**:

The significance of learning English simply cannot be overstated.

It is truly a global language that holds the key to a plethora of opportunities.

For communication, it allows people from different countries and cultures to interact and understand each other.

In the realm of education, it provides access to a vast amount of knowledge and resources available worldwide.

Moreover, in terms of career growth, proficiency in English can open doors to better job prospects and higher salaries.

In today's highly interconnected world, where borders seem to fade away, being proficient in English has become an absolute essential for achieving success in various aspects of life.

Whether it is for traveling, studying abroad, or working in an international company, a good command of English is crucial.

Therefore, it is imperative that we all recognize the importance of learning English and make every effort to improve our English language skills.
July 15,2025
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For you have but mistook me all this while.


I live with bread like you, feel want,


Taste grief, need friends: subjected thus


How can you say to me I am a King?


-King Richard II, 3.2, 174-7


This powerful passage from King Richard II shows the king's vulnerability and humanity. He is not the all-powerful and untouchable figure that one might expect a king to be. Instead, he experiences the same basic needs and emotions as any ordinary person. He lives on bread, feels the pangs of want, tastes grief, and needs friends. Despite his lofty title, he is subject to the same hardships and challenges as everyone else. This passage challenges the traditional view of kingship and reminds us that even those in positions of power are still human beings with their own flaws and weaknesses.


11.10.2013 1 of 22 books for $10 (fill a bag)


This is a great deal for book lovers. For just $10, you can get one of 22 books and fill a bag with them. It's a great opportunity to expand your library and discover new authors and titles. Whether you're into fiction, non-fiction, or something in between, there's sure to be a book that catches your eye. So don't miss out on this amazing offer and start filling your bag with great books today!
July 15,2025
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This is a truly sad book.

However, it is absolutely wonderful to witness the profound impact that Shakespeare can have on people.

Shakespeare's works have the power to touch the hearts and souls of individuals, evoking a wide range of emotions.

His plays and sonnets are filled with complex characters, beautiful language, and timeless themes.

Reading this sad book, one can't help but be amazed at how Shakespeare's words can bring a story to life and make us feel so deeply.

It is a testament to his genius and the enduring appeal of his works.

Despite the sadness within the pages, there is also a glimmer of hope and the knowledge that Shakespeare's influence will continue to inspire generations to come.

His words have the ability to transcend time and place, connecting with people from all walks of life.

This book serves as a reminder of the beauty and power of Shakespeare's art.
July 15,2025
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I initially had the assumption that this piece would predominantly focus on the realm of theater. However, to my surprise, it deviated significantly from that expectation.

There was an overwhelming emphasis on the experience of having a rather difficult and troubled childhood. The aspects related to the redemptive power of theater, which I had been anticipating, were scarcely touched upon.

As a result, my interest began to wane, and by the middle of it, I ultimately decided to give up. It felt as though the narrative was not unfolding in the direction that I had hoped for, leaving me somewhat disappointed and disengaged.

I had been looking forward to delving into the world of theater and exploring its potential for transformation and healing, but instead, I was presented with a story that seemed to center more on the hardships of the past.

Perhaps if there had been a more balanced approach, incorporating both the trials of childhood and the redemptive qualities of theater in a more seamless manner, I might have been more inclined to persevere and see where the story led.
July 15,2025
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My wife really enjoyed the book and highly recommended it to me. So, I decided to give it a try. And to my surprise, I also ended up enjoying it a great deal.

Smith's memoir is truly one of a kind. It takes a path that is less commonly traveled, something I haven't come across before. But what truly won my heart wasn't just its uniqueness. Instead, it was his unwavering and deep compassion for Carolyn.

The way he writes about her and their experiences together is truly touching. It shows a side of him that is both vulnerable and strong.

Moreover, the book is very well written. The language is beautiful, and the story flows smoothly. It keeps you engaged from start to finish and leaves you with a sense of warmth and inspiration.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a unique and touching read. It's a book that will stay with you long after you've finished reading it.
July 15,2025
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This is a truly captivating and deeply heartfelt memoir.

Smith has a remarkable talent for interweaving his personal stories with excerpts from Shakespeare's works. It's an extremely cool approach that breathes new life into those excerpts, even when they are taken out of the original contexts of the plays.

The most engaging aspects of the book are his poignant memories of his mentally challenged sister and the entertaining anecdotes about his experiences working in the theatre.

The narrative seems to gain momentum around the halfway point, which makes it all the more worthwhile to persevere.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone looking for a unique and moving read that combines the power of personal storytelling with the beauty of Shakespearean language.
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