84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff
|
List Price: Our Price: $7.18 You Save: $5.82 (45%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $3.72 (click here) Category: Book See more book details and other editions |
|---|
Book Reviews of 84, Charing Cross Road
Book Review: A funny, sweet story of correspondence
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a funny, sweet story of correspondence that was a delight to read. It is a story told in letters between Helene and a bookstore in London. I am a fan of diary style, journal and epistolary style books and this book fits that style pefectly. The time period of the letters was from the 1940's through the early 1960's. Helene was a writer and enjoyed the used books the bookstore sent to her. She got to know the employees and their families and their lives through the letters that they sent back and forth. It is sad that Helene never made a visit to England. She tried on many occasions but something always came along that she had to put her money towards instead.Book Review: Relationships Formed Out of the Written Word Alone
Summary: 5 Stars
This little collection of numerous letters back and forth across an ocean at a time when 'globalization' was just beginning to find its definition shows at the very best how words alone, when chosen carefully, can give birth to a relationship that will soon be treasured. If e-mail messages have begun to grate, here is a book that will remind you how sweet letterwriting can be and how wonderful a thing it can accomplish...if one only takes the time. 84, Charing Cross, I've concluded, is also the perfect gift for friends with sensitive souls who already seem to have everything. It is also a fine thing to read before turning off the light next to your bed.Book Review: 20 years ago......
Summary: 5 Stars
I read this book around '84. In 1988, my uncle Rich, a retired college dean and my fabulous Aunt Cecilia went off to London for a year, American College, I think. I went on a road trip to the UK...England, Scotland, Wales, spent a few days with them, brought my aunt a copy of 84 Charing Cross Road. My uncle didn't get the concept, economist that he was. Letters? Who wants to read someone else's letters? Lurch forward about a month. The end of my road trip, both had read and loved this book. I gave the vid to them when it came out, it's a wonderful movie. They came home, at any gathering my Aunt Cecilia always asked...what are you reading?Book Review: Lovely book...everyone who loves books should read this one!
Summary: 5 Stars
A great little book of letters. If you don't tear up at the kindness between these people so far away geographically from one another, but so close in spirit, you are made of stone! Helene Hanff writes her letters from New York City to London to bookshop that deals in used books and happily ships them to her. She responds by shipping them food and nylons in the early 50's, a time when England was still very much recovering from the war with little help in recovery (especially from the US).
So glad I finally got the opportunity to read it, and Ms Hanff would approve; I only paid .88 cents!
Book Review: A Treasure
Summary: 5 Stars
Before eMail, before chat rooms, and before "Instant Messages" there were letters. In this beautiful, true story, an outspoken New York writer and a rather more restrained London bookseller carry on an increasingly touching correspondence, via letters, for a period of 20 years. Most likely you will read this book in one sitting and use a few Kleenex on the way. You may get to the end, and read it again. In the collection's penultimate entry, Helene Hanff (the author) urges a tourist friend, "If you happen to pass by 84, Charing Cross Road, kiss it for me. I owe it so much.