“Once a teacher, always a teacher” is so true in Marjorie Radcliffe’s book “Teacher on The High Wire”. Radcliffe who taught in the public system was let go, but she later taught kids at Universal and Disney in Orlando until she left there, and went to work for a major circus to teach the children as the circus moved around the country. She tells about her students, the many places she has been, and the different lives of the performers. Her style is lighthearted and takes the reader on a journey behind the scenes of “The Greatest Show on Earth.” “Teacher on The High Wire” reminded me of the movie “First of May” that is also about running away to join the circus.
Teacher on The High Wire
Marjorie Radcliffe
9781482706765, $9.00 www.amazoon.com
Archer began this series with “Only Time Will Tell” that introduced readers to the two families The Barringtons and The Cliftons. As “The Sins of the Father” opens Harry Clifton is in jail in America under another name for a crime he did not commit in the year 1939. Word filters back to the Barringtons and the Cliftons that Harry is dead buried at sea. But Emma refuses to believe it and comes to America to learn the truth. As the story unfolds we see how despicable Hugo is while the events World War II. unfold and how these two families are affected. Once again Archer takes readers along for the ride with great story telling and wonderful characters that are easy to get caught up in. “The Sins of the Father” continues the Clifton Chronicles and does it very well.
Jeffery Archer
St Martin’s Press
175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010
9781250010407, $9.99, www.amazon.com
“The Heaven of Animals” is a great collection of short stories by a rising talented writer in the mold of John Cheever or John Updike. There are at least 15 tales that rapidly move along with interesting characters and an easy style to read and enjoy. Each of the stories in “The Heaven of Animals” is sure to delight anyone who likes short fiction collections.
David James Poissant
Simon & Schuster
1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020
978146729961, $24.00 www.amazon.com