28 Barbary Lane: "Tales of the City" Books 1-3 (Tales of the City Omnibus, 1)

I read these in the early 1980s and they changed my life. Back then the 3 separate novels came in a box set. Now they've put them all in one larger single book format.I felt moved to read them again - and get reacquainted with all the characters who actually became my friends. Netflix is coming out with a "Return to Barbary Lane," type special soon. I can't wait.

Back in the '80's when my husband was sick and dying, I found the first book in this series printed in the newspaper. I followed it daily, and was entranced with the loving, supportive, familial story. Due to my husband's illness, I was completely alone with my 2 year old, abandoned by my mother and brother. I really needed that comfort during that time, and so bought all the books, even though we were extremely poor. These stories comforted me in a way that I cannot properly convey. I read them over and over during his illness and after his death. I gave them away 15 years ago to someone who I thought would enjoy them. Now, 34 years later, I have bought and am reading them again. I won't be giving this set of books away again.

One of my dearest, most favorite, treasured reading experiences. The first three books in this series are nothing like the TV movie. DONT WATCH IT! Read this! And even better if you can have a friend read it at the same time so you can call each other and scream “OH MY GOD! CAN YOU BELIEVE .......?” And there’s a million of those moments throughout. I wouldn’t trade my experience reading these books for $1 million dollars. And I mean that. They made me who I am today.

I picked this up after watching a documentary on the author and wondered how such a prolific, gay writer flew under my radar for so long; after reading this, I know exactly why. The author is a product of his time and experience, which is not a negative thing in and of itself, however it becomes apparent quite quickly that he had never actually spent time with drug users or anyone who was even remotely poor. The soap-operatic quality of the story is one that appeals to me, which was why I finished the entire 3-volume omnibus. The lackluster writing style combined with the aforementioned lack of real-world experience on part of the writer prevented me from truly becoming invested in any of the grossly stereotypical characters. What could have become an interesting social commentary (the cast of characters is vastly diverse) is, instead, soap-operatic drivel. If you're looking for a pretty mindless read to pass the time, give it a whirl. If you're looking for style or substance, go elsewhere.

Just excellent. Maupin provides a well-written portrait of a particular time and place that many of us remember nostalgically. The characters are compelling, with a depth that makes them come alive on the page. Highly recommended for anyone with an interest in mid-to-late 20th century American culture.

I found this to be a most interesting book. The characters are believable, in the time and place, and you become easily invested in their problems and successes. You can easily see how one would be anxious to receive their newspaper each day to read the next installment of this story as it was originally presented. If you enjoy good character studies, if you remember the 70"s and 80"s, if you have ever lived in a big city, you will like this book.It is light easy reading a great beach or poolside read.

I'm rereading my original set now that the new series is out on Netflix. I ordered this for a friend, who is also now hooked. One can't beat Maupin's fast-paced, clever dialogue, wonderful characters, and surprising twists. It's hard to reach the end of the series and say goodbye, which is why I reread it every few years.

I lived in San Francisco from '74-77 and read the serialized "Tales" in the newspaper at my apt. across the street from Golden Gate Park. It has been great fun revisiting those days and reading Maupin again!

This is such a lovely anthology and the print isn’t tiny which is what I like. The books are wonderful and filled with human characters depicting an era of the 60s and 70s in San Francisco. Just love it. Just dive in. Collect all the 9 books. I will.

Todos los libros de Tales of the City son una obra de arte y de gran importancia literaria y social, por forma y tiempo en el que fueron escritos.

Amazing writer. Great stories of that great city San Francisco before Ais. Fascinating characters.

Came with slight damage to the cover, and some folding to the pages. Wonderful series, a must read!

Ein Klassiker, den ich immer wieder gern lese