The Greatest Thing Since Sliced Bread

by Don Robertson

Book Overview

On a quiet autumn afternoon in 1944, nine-year-old Morris Bird III decides to visit a friend who lives on the other side of town. So he grabs the handle of his red wagon and, with his little sister in tow, begins an incredible pilgrimage across Cleveland . . . and out of childhood forever.

Set against the backdrop of one of the worst industrial disasters in American history, Don Robertson's enduring, beloved masterwork is a remarkable story...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0061452963
• ISBN13: 9780061452963
• Release Date: April 2008
• Publisher: William Morrow & Company
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.49 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.3" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

Only the beginning... you'll want to read more

I first read this book in 1973 and it, along with 14 more of Robertson's novels, are top-shelf volumes in my personal library. His writing is addictive. In my opinion, he's America's greatest "unknown" author. This novel is the first of the Morris Bird III trilogy -- all truly American classics. I don't believe that the other two books -- "The Sum and Total of Now" and "The Greatest Thing That Almost Happened" have been reissued since their initial publication over 30 years ago, but readers who enjoyed "Sliced Bread" should definitely seek these out. And if you really want to learn more of the back story of Paradise Falls, Ohio (which weaves its way into many of Robertson's books), read the two volume "Paradise Falls." Regarding the only one-star review to date, the reviewer's spelling speaks for itself. Consider the source of this one, readers. Meanwhile, enjoy "The Greatest Thing Since Sliced Bread".

Pay no attention to the naysayers.

Do you want your opinion of the book tainted by someone who can't even spell "dull" and "bratty"? This was the first full length novel I ever read.My mother brought it home from the library. I had no desire to read it , but she forced me to. I thank her for that now. The book is especially relevant to Clevelanders, but everyone can benefit from reading about the trials and tribulations of Morris Bird the Third . Filled with humor and angst, this is a classic example in American literature. I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Mr. Robertson shortly before his death. I had the opportunity to thank him for writing such a fine novel. He was genuinely pleased, and even gave me an autographed copy of a later novel of his , "Barb". I recommend this book to anyone 12 and older. You will not be disappointed.

Memories Are Made of This

And to think I was alone in the world of remembering this amazing book. I was on summer vacation from college when I read it, finding a beat up paperback copy quite by accident on a shelf in my parents house. Because we were Clevelanders, I thought at first that maybe this was just a "Cleveland" book, but it didn't take me too long to realize I was reading a classic. Morris' story, like Scout's in To Kill a Mockingbird, touches the human condition on all levels and has both an adult and kid sensibility which makes it a great read for all ages.

Better than Anything

I was introduced to this book when the greatest teacher of my school career to date read aloud to the class 'The Greatest Thing Since Sliced Bread'. Morris Bird the eye-eye-eye and his heroic actions brought tears to my eyes. Sandra, the legless man, the poor burnt lady, and NOSMIRC KAERTS added to the fun of the book. It was such an amazing book that whenever our teacher announced that it was time to read, everyone's face brightened and eyes lit up. Each day, it became more intense as the journey started, continued, and then finally, the explosion hit. The description had everyone either wide-eyed or teary. The dialogue and the humor thrown in here or there added to the warmness of the book. And the determination of Morris Bird III was so realistic that each member of the class felt the way Morris felt. As it is out of print, 'The Greatest Thing Since Sliced Bread' is hard to get your hands on. But it made it all the more fun to hear. If you are looking for a funny, dramatic, descriptive, and overall unbelievably well-written book, 'The Greatest Thing Since Sliced Bread' is the book for you.

Absolutely unforgettable

I read this book, at my mother's suggestion, when I was eleven. I have never forgotten Morris Bird the eye-eye-eye. I have been searching for this book for the last eight years and am waiting like a five year old at Christmas for it to arrive so that I can at last be reunited with a most beloved character. I would also strongly recommend reading the other Morris books to follow through his life.