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We by Charles A Lindberg
Book was just what I needed for a special 70th. birthday gift - shipping was faster then fast and price was the best. Brand new book - thank you | 45 stars
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This book contains wonderful solo or group projects.
Dina, George and I had a wonderful party, just creating the Mac & Cheese. The instructions were easy to follow and the end product was delicous. The recipes, under Patti's guidance, were also very easy to adjust to accommodate both diet and taste. Patti, you worked it babe. Thanks | 45 stars
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Not a well-argued defence of creationism (if there is such a thing!)
When I was a high school student, a religious great aunt sent me this book because she had heard that I was interested in science. Up to that point it had not actually occured to me to question the account of creation in Genesis. After reading this book, however, and considering its contrived arguments, I became convinced that the proper scientific explanations based on refutable conjectures (e.g. Darwinian evolution and modern astophysics) offered better explanations for the origin of the world. Ironically, this book helped lauch an intellectual journey that led me completely away from Christianity to the secular (or at most, Deistic) viewpoint that I now hold while working as a research scientist. | 01 star
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Fantastic book.
This book is certainly a classic. It should be required reading in school. A must read for every human on the face of the earth. | 45 stars
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I think I'll order from Barnes and Noble from now on
Sorry Amazon...this is more of critique on you. You've lost me as a customer and I'll do my shopping on ebay or bn.com from now on. Just like SNL...AL has not been funny in years and his Harvard boorishness is comming through loud and clear.If there's anything we need right now...it's a good debate on what we're doing as a country but leave it to the Baby Boomers (to which AL is a perfect example) to take us down the rat hole a bit faster. | 01 star
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beautifully written
lovely story about life's triumphs and struggles. insightful reflections on the good and evil in men. steinbeck's writting is beautiful | 45 stars
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Please
I won't go through what everyone else has already said about this book, but I found it to be consistently quite poor on the biblical interpritation and exigesis of the passages she uses, (especially 1 Corinthians 7) and the rest is mostly her opinion. This book is a merely one woman's opinion with little to no proof or backing biblical or otherwise. Someof her myths that she takes to task need to be, and she does point out how out culture's view of marriage has crept into the church, but mostly this book echos the ticking of a biological clock and its good points certainly do not outway the multitude of errors and bias in this book. | 01 star
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A Keeper
After having read thousands of romance books over the years, I still rate Savage Thunder as the best. Colt and Joselyn were made for each other. Their interplay is worth reading again and again. Is there any woman who reads this story who doesn't want to "soothe the savage beast"? Johanna Lindsey's books can vary in depth of story and characters. This the best of all of her books. | 45 stars
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It keeps you on the edge of your seat
This book will keep ypu wanting to read the rest of Michael Connelly's book like The Black Echo. It is a great book to read. 5 stars on my chart. | 45 stars
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No sugar coating
I was surprised to see the treatment of Nell (the mom). As the book has a copyright of 1940 I didn't expect much at all, but her character had won a trophy for best all-around athlete at Bryn Mawr and she thinks of the difference of being a woman in the west on a ranch as opposed to in a big east coast city. So that was kind of a neat find. (I mean, she still cooks and cleans all day but we see her chafe a bit under these restraints, have fond memories of her active girlhood, and see her wonder at, and perhaps dislike, how she's required to be MORE feminine now that she represents the idea of WOMAN on the ranch).Dang. I forget, sometimes, that it was once the norm to not "sugar coat" childrens' books. Life is rough and sometimes horrible things happen. We see Ken struggle with this. However, life is also sweet and precious. The blend in this book is perfect. Very real and wonderfully written. | 45 stars
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deep and true
The author dives deep into her life and the choices she made. She doesn't hold back. Up front and personal. | 45 stars
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Lovely little book
I am a sucker for large format print fabrics - oriental, juvenile, you name it, I have a stash full of it! What a pleasure to find a sweet little book to kick-start my brain on what to do with all this beautiful fabric without having to cut it into tiny pieces.Only 48 pages long, this isn't a huge book, but it IS huge on helping you start your thought process on how to work with large print fabrics.A sweet little investment for my quilting library! | 45 stars
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Awsome
Despite what the reviewer below said (who didn't even bother commenting on the book, talk about an innappropriate review) this book is good. It contained a little unique information and was well written and easy to understand. | 45 stars
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And Then There Were None
And Then There Were None, by Agatha Christie, is a great book. There are twists and turns, which make the book more exciting and pleasurable to read. I think Agatha Christie is a talented author and makes all of her stories unpredictable. I have read other books by Agatha Christie as well, but this one in particular was very suspenseful. I also think this book is challenging and will make your mind work harder than other books would. This is not an easy book fit for a fifth grader, although from its thin size you may think so. There are hidden meanings in some of the phrases and words that even I had to look up in the dictionary. The plot of this was great. It was exciting how the whole story ties in with a nursery rhyme. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a suspenseful mystery.By Sarah | 45 stars
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Herman Melville - Typee (1846)
What I gather from some of the reviews here is that because Melville wrote some complex novels later in his career, some people will probe and muse upon everything he writes until some deep meaning or intent can be wrung out of it. I'm sure many academics in the world of publish-or-perish have concocted quite extravagant analyses of books such as 'Typee' in order to keep their jobs.From a more sensible vantage point, while Melville certainly evolved into a more complex writer, there's no reason to believe he intended writing a 'deep' or symbolic book with 'Typee'. 'Typee' was his first book, and it became an immediate success because of its colorful handling of Melville's experiences among the inhabitants of Polynesia. End of story.Melville's account is what would today be classified as 'narrative fiction', meaning he took his actual experiences and molded them slightly to communicate a larger idea he had in mind. With 'Typee', Melville's larger idea is the comparison of civilization and savagery. His conclusion is that so-called savages - like Typees - are in many ways superior to their civilized counterparts. Great message, but it doesn't make this book something you can dwell on for days or analyze to death.Most readers will find Melville's writing pretty crisp, especially given the time he was writing and the time we're reading. His theme and his approach make 'Typee' far more readable than a straight travelogue but less exciting than an adventure novel. Bottom line, this is a good read. While the plot is rather thin, Melville's digressions into the culture of the Typee are really the point of the book and he doesn't stick to any subject long enough for you to get bored. On the contrary, his observations are very interesting especially given that he had no way of understanding or explaining much of what he saw.Read 'Typee' for what it is and enjoy it as so many people have before. Take away the message Melville intended, which I promise you will not need to be especially sharp or penetrating to tease out. Please don't make 'Typee' out to be a piece of esoteric literature (like 'Moby Dick') when it clearly is not. | 34 stars
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I'm not a big poetry reader but I like this book.
I want to read poetry, I really do. But something about me--poor memory, poor ear, poor intellect--makes the poetry-reading experience a slog. I don't typically read poetry because I actually enjoy it, I read it because I feel I should enjoy it.Even so, there are a few poets that I really do connect with and enjoy and Edwin Arlington Robinson is one. I've enjoyed most of the poems in this volume and return to it periodically. Highly recommended for the everyman. | 45 stars
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Save your money and read it online
Go to any literature website and read it for free | 45 stars
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Most informative book on Lake Superior Agates on market
This book has all the information you need on becoming framiliar with lake superior agates and contains some very nice stories of agate finds around Wisconsin and Minnesota. I've read it several times and I have Scott's poster hanging above my computer. Thanks Scott! | 45 stars
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One of the Best Ever
I first read this book in 7th grade, and I find myself rereading it about every three years (I am now 30). This book and the trilogy that follows are are nothing short of brilliant. | 45 stars
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Terribly written and repetitious
This book is so terrible I don't know where to begin... there is so much to comment on. First, the woman who wrote the book repeats the same things over and over again - I struggled to keep interested but since I paid for the book I made myself keep reading. Second, she comes across as unbelievably stupid - I can't believe she stayed in a house that was terrorizing her and her daughters for 10+ years. If what she claims was happening truly was happening, letting it go on that long borders on child abuse. Third, why was her family "upset" that she finally after 10+ years had the house "cleaned"? Makes no sense, and makes me wonder if maybe she is suffering from a mental illness and was having hallucinations all along... Please save your money - I am astounded so many people gave this book a decent review, it doesn't deserve one. | 01 star
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The Lies of God:
That may very well be an apt alternate title for Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness. There is something so intense about the legend of Kurtz, about the mythologized rumor of a White Man of heightened civilization plunging headfirst into the purest and most naturalistic of the human abyss. The Jungle, that lost and unexplored place where all the benefits of wealth or education are washed away in the murky hindsight of the thrill of survival. Heart of Darkness explores that taste, that bitter residue left in the mouth after struggling up to our feet and building a modern world around all this unchanging nature. It speaks far into the past of that natural root, that call it poison or call it cure which once grew so feral on the yet to be tamed planet earth. God was more of an idea then, not so much a broken apart and compartmentalized Super-Being that ruled benevolently over a variety of chosen faiths. Here is the bubbling foundation of the beginnings of organized belief.For Kurtz is God, or at least 'a god', who's myth has grown so spectacular that even reality will not crush his lingering worship. Heart of Darkness is a story of words put into action (Kurtz is a preacher who has somehow mastered the technique of converting his listeners). The words are The Idea, the marginalizing of God into a single aspect, with a face plastered on and a motive and agenda made perfectly clear. Kurtz is this God, this Holy Messiah and pained Anti-Christ. Conrad is attacking not religion but belief itself. He attacks humbling one's self, attacks humility at the core by exploring the myth of a man who struggles with neither. Marlow merely questions (Marlow always questions) and tends to seek ways to expose the foul stench of the absolutes of faith.Kurtz is not a hero and yet is to be admired. He comes across, at times, as a cross between a benevolent slave-master and a bloody-thirsty ivory trader. He is every good and every bad of all the extremes combined. Such is not the very middle but is a world waiting to explode.Heart of Darkness is not about blasphemy, is not about tragedy or sadness, about darkness and light. Heart of Darkness is about the death of the human soul. It only seeks to discover what caused the destruction of humanity. Conrad seems, in most of his work, to take no sides with anything and so cannot be said to be suggesting a new way to live. All he does is expose, in a frequently crippling fashion, many of our modified or wholly mythologized most sacred and holy beliefs. | 45 stars
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Segovia en la Calle Vuelo
Segovia is by far the best guitarist of our time. Durarte captures the Segovia spirit in its pages.This book certainly has duende | 34 stars
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New research
This book provides new research into the whole concept of the few people that create the most value for an organization.The concepts are clear and practical and are enhanced by the stories from the people interviewed | 45 stars
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Best book I ever read
Milosz's writing style is the most intricate that I have ever seen. His vocabulary and phrasing are an aspect than we do not see any more these days. This book is definitely for the intellectual who wants to be enlightened. After I read this book I can definitely say that I was inspired to write more intricately and detailed. I agree that with the other review that this book is difficult to read. About as difficult as Aristotle's "Metaphysics." Each sentence should be read and thought about individually to uderstand the ideas to the authors expectations. I HIGHLY recommend this book. | 45 stars
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Amazing
A High King has risen out of the midst of his people. By his side stand a wise councilor, a beautiful Queen, and faithful companions. This man has a vision of peace and prosperity, but to make that dream a reality he must overcome a terrible evil and a petty Prime Minister. That's right; Arthur is no longer a mythical figure from the dark ages. He lives on in Steven R. Lawhead's masterpiece about near-future England.Everything changes when King Edward the Ninth dies and leaves the government with the means to dissolve the monarchy. For most of England, this event comes almost as relief. The monarchy has been in steady decline and nearly everyone is saying "good riddance" to the whole thing. James Stewart only wants to hold-on to the home that was left for him by his parents and which is being battled over by numerous people with claims to the property. When James comes home and discovers a man -who identifies himself only as Embries -his life changes completely. This book does not take the story of King Arthur and magically transform it into a modern tale. It carries it on, fulfilling the prophecy of Arthur's return. "The throne of Britain shall become an iniquity to the nation, and a reproach to the people, ere Arthur returns. But, when Avallon shall rise again in Llyonesse, and the Thamesis reverse its course, then also shall Arthur take up the kingship of his nation once more."- Anerin, the Black Book of Anerin (ca. 643)-preface of Avalon. Avalon goes far beyond the traditions of Arthurian tales, and yet the Old World feel and enchantment remain unchanged. Whether or not he ever drew a breath or sword, Arthur inspired anyone who heard his tale. Now we have a new hero; James Stuart.Lawhead's genius is apparent in his characterizations. No matter how absurd the idea of a reincarnated King Arthur may seem, James is completely believable. He is confident and modest, and feels like a real person. I found myself wishing that I could be present at one of his awe-inspiring speeches. Arthur's closest friends and allies have also reappeared. Everyone fits into modern society perfectly, while retaining qualities that instantly identify them. Jenny is strong, and supportive; just as before, she is James' backbone. Cal McKay is James' fiercely loyal best friend; "the brother James' parents never got around to giving him." Even Prime Minister Waring is portrayed flawlessly as the ladder climbing politician whose entire life's work is crumbling out from under him.This book has something for everyone; Arthurian legend, political intrigue, fantasy, romance, adventure -you name it. There are places where suspended disbelief is necessary, but in a book this amazing it doesn't matter. At just over 400 pages, Avalon is not a book for someone looking for a quick read, but once you start, putting it down ceases to be an option.Stephen R. Lawhead is the author of many other wonderful books. His works include The Pendragon Cycle, the Dragon King Trilogy, and The Song of Albion trilogy. The Pendragon Cycle is recommended for anyone who would like more background on Lawhead's version of King Arthur's tale; it consists of five books, each of which tells a story leading up to or about Arthur, beginning with that of his grandfather; Taliesin. Avalon can certainly stand by itself, but these novels give further insight into the story. | 45 stars
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book arrived damaged
This is a thin book and it was shipped in just a padded envelope. It arrived practically bent in half. | 01 star
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Jung for the non psychologist
Man and His Symbols was the last work that Jung wrote before his death in June, 1961. He was asked to write a general introduction to his lifetime of work, and his introductory chapter does just that. It was written in English. The other chapters are by different first generation of analysts who practiced as Jungian analysts and taught at the Jung Institute in Zurich and other places around the world. The authors of this book are some of the most serious of Jung's students. This book gives a wonderful view of how the people around Jung thought.Thomas Kirsch | 45 stars
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Great Reference!
This book is invaluable to any University or College student, or anybody that writes at all for that matter.Great book! | 45 stars
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BOOK REVEIW
HAD TO READ FOR SCHOOL- BEST MYSTERY EVER! ALWAYS KEPT ME GUESSING AND WANTING TO READ AHEAD. AGAIN, BEST MYSTERY EVER!!!!!!!!!! | 45 stars
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Totaly unprepared Battle of Korean War--US 24th Infantry Div.--Maj.Gen.William F.Dean !
Totaly unprepared,1st Sacrificed Buckler--US.24th Infantry Division,Commander Maj.Gen.Wiliam F.Dean !Immediate out break of Korean War on 20,June,1950.Commander of US 24th Infantry Division,Maj.Gen.William F.Dean was ordered from Tokyo,On night of 30,June,1950,asCom.of US.24th infantry Div.plus the over-all Com. oe Land Expeditionary Force.Emergency Air drifted Task Force Smith,a part of 1 Batt.21st.Reg.made Front LineNear of Osan.No Tanks with only Totaly ineffctive 2.75 Inch Bazooka against theWW11,famous Russian T-34 tanks with 2,3 and 4th strongest N.Korean Infantry Div.Memorable, 1st Land Battle between US and N.Korea was started on 5,July,1950.i Immmediatate over run by T-34 Tanks dis integrate Smith Task Forces.Continuous,repeated withdrawal of 34th Reg.reached at Daejeun whichis most importantintersections of many traines.at Daejeun was nearly encircled with pincers.Against, MG.Gen.Deans suggestion of retreat, Gen.Walton H.Walker orderd .During Street-fighting, Gen.Dean worked with New 3.5 inch Bazooka Anti-tANK teams.On stret fighting out numerd,encircled ,strong T-34 Tanks,24th.Div.demolished andindividual escapes. On july,20,Gen Dean separated with Comrades.and wandered nearChunju and.Chinan,He was captured nearly 35 days after separation.He was MIA until,18,Dec,1951, by French Newspaper, he was found alive--POW-Highest Ranking POW,Gen.Dean received special treatment,without Tortures.He spented prison life WIth taking his evreday walking also playing Korean Chase"Chiang-gi". on 4,Sept,1953, Gen.Dean's Reopatriation was made---His "homecoming"with mother and wife on23,Sept,1953.All Americans recognive hith "Hero" but he had been continuous as--"Defaced Soldiers.He Died at Age 82. His Cemetetry is SanFrancisco Cemenary, SanFrancisco !tTotaly unprepared,1st Sacrificed Buckler--US.24th Infantry Division,Commander Maj.Gen.Wiliam F.Dean !Immediate out break of Korean War on 20,June,1950.Commander of US 24th Infantry Division,Maj.Gen.William F.Dean was ordered from Tokyo,On night of 30,June,1950,asCom.of US.24th infantry Div.plus the over-all Com. oe Land Expeditionary Force.Emergency Air drifted Task Force Smith,a part of 1 Batt.21st.Reg.made Front LineNear of Osan.No Tanks with only Totaly ineffctive 2.75 Inch Bazooka against theWW11,famous Russian T-34 tanks with 2,3 and 4th strongest N.Korean Infantry Div.Memorable, 1st Land Battle between US and N.Korea was started on 5,July,1950.i Immmediatate over run by T-34 Tanks dis integrate Smith Task Forces.Continuous,repeated withdrawal of 34th Reg.reached at Daejeun whichis most importantintersections of many traines.at Daejeun was nearly encircled with pincers.Against, MG.Gen.Deans suggestion of retreat, Gen.Walton H.Walker orderd .During Street-fighting, Gen.Dean worked with New 3.5 inch Bazooka Anti-tANK teams.On stret fighting out numerd,encircled ,strong T-34 Tanks,24th.Div.demolished andindividual escapes. On july,20,Gen Dean separated with Comrades.and wandered nearChunju and.Chinan,He was captured nearly 35 days after separation.He was MIA until,18,Dec,1951, by French Newspaper, he was found alive--POW-Highest Ranking POW,Gen.Dean received special treatment,without Tortures.He spented prison life WIth taking his evreday walking also playing Korean Chase"Chiang-gi". on 4,Sept,1953, Gen.Dean's Reopatriation was made---His "homecoming"with mother and wife on23,Sept,1953.All Americans recognive hith "Hero" but he had been continuous as--"Defaced Soldiers.He Died at Age 82. His Cemetetry is SanFrancisco Cemenary, SanFrancisco !Totaly unprepared,1st Sacrificed Buckler--US.24th Infantry Division,Commander Maj.Gen.Wiliam F.Dean !Immediate out break of Korean War on 20,June,1950.Commander of US 24th Infantry Division,Maj.Gen.William F.Dean was ordered from Tokyo,On night of 30,June,1950,asCom.of US.24th infantry Div.plus the over-all Com. oe Land Expeditionary Force.Emergency Air drifted Task Force Smith,a part of 1 Batt.21st.Reg.made Front LineNear of Osan.No Tanks with only Totaly ineffctive 2.75 Inch Bazooka against theWW11,famous Russian T-34 tanks with 2,3 and 4th strongest N.Korean Infantry Div.Memorable, 1st Land Battle between US and N.Korea was started on 5,July,1950.i Immmediatate over run by T-34 Tanks dis integrate Smith Task Forces.Continuous,repeated withdrawal of 34th Reg.reached at Daejeun whichis most importantintersections of many traines.at Daejeun was nearly encircled with pincers.Against, MG.Gen.Deans suggestion of retreat, Gen.Walton H.Walker orderd .During Street-fighting, Gen.Dean worked with New 3.5 inch Bazooka Anti-tANK teams.On stret fighting out numerd,encircled ,strong T-34 Tanks,24th.Div.demolished andindividual escapes. On july,20,Gen Dean separated with Comrades.and wandered nearChunju and.Chinan,He was captured nearly 35 days after separation.He was MIA until,18,Dec,1951, by French Newspaper, he was found alive--POW-Highest Ranking POW,Gen.Dean received special treatment,without Tortures.He spented prison life WIth taking his evreday walking also playing Korean Chase"Chiang-gi". on 4,Sept,1953, Gen.Dean's Reopatriation was made---His "homecoming"with mother and wife on23,Sept,1953.All Americans recognive hith "Hero" but he had been continuous as--"Defaced Soldiers.He Died at Age 82. His Cemetetry is SanFrancisco Cemenary, SanFrancisco !t | 45 stars
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Informative & thought-provoking work
This illuminating book published in 1902 remains a landmark study and one of the most influential books ever on psychology and spirituality. The style is accessible and engaging, consistently interesting with well-reasoned arguments. Religions are not compared; the study is restricted to the experiences of the individual. It has nothing to do with churches, doctrine or dogma, concerning itself only with the religious experiences of everyday life.James considers the feelings, actions and experiences of people insofar as they understand themselves to be in a relationship with whatever they consider the Divine. He emphasizes the passionate aspect of religion and its power of adding enchantment to life. Dealing objectively with a wide spectrum of observed and personally related religious experiences, James also quotes from the autobiographical writings of famous authors, theologians and mystics from many traditions including Whitman, Luther, Voltaire, Emerson, Tolstoy and many others.The terrain of study is clearly identified and circumscribed. Chapter titles include Religion & Neurology, the Reality of the Unseen, the Religion of Healthy-Mindedness, the Sick Soul, the Divided Self & the Process of Unification, Conversion, Saintliness, Mysticism and Philosophy. This book offers a treasure trove of insights, revelation, wisdom and points to ponder that contributes substantially to the reader's understanding of consciousness, psychological processes, mystic states, thought & emotion, and the relationship to the Eternal Divine.In his own words: "Both thought and feeling are determinants of conduct, and the same conduct may be determined either by feeling or thought. When we survey the whole field of religion, we find a great variety in the thoughts that have prevailed there; but the feelings on the one hand and the conduct on the other are almost always the same, for Stoic, Christian and Buddhist saints are practically indistinguishable in their lives. The theories which religion generates, being thus variable, are secondary. If you wish to grasp its essence, you must look to the feelings and the conduct as being the more constant elements."Although it is not a difficult text to grasp, patience is called for since every sentence is loaded with so many layers of meaning that one often has to reread a previous paragraph in order to fully comprehend and properly process the insights and information. A mindful, meditative study of the text will richly reward the reader.Chapter 14 ofCracking the Bible Codeby Jeffrey Satinover contains interesting information on William James and his views on freedom of choice within deterministic influences. Other works on religion and/or spirituality that I have found illuminating, inspiring or thought-provoking areBible Mystery and Bible Meaning&The Creative Process in the Individualby Thomas Troward,Religion in the Makingby Alfred North Whitehead,The Hidden Power of the Bibleby Ernest Holmes,Alter Your Lifeby Emmet Fox,The Thirteen Petalled Roseby Adin Steinsaltz andOne Cosmos Under Godby Robert Godwin. | 45 stars
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banks county high school mrs t
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is a very mysterious novel. It shows how people can have a good and a evil side. Stevenson is a extremely good writer. He knew that this book was going to his big break. I would recommend this books to people who enjoy short and mysterious novels. | 23 stars
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Thank you!
My family and I are loving the series. I am looking forward to using it with my students at school too. Thank you for making it affordable! | 45 stars
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Very engaging
I gave this five stars because it was a good story and fun to read. The characters are well developed and the writing much improved over the first book. Both the heroes and the villains have good story lines and I liked the strengths of the female characters in particular. A good book for young adults too since there is plenty of love without all the sex you find in adult fantasies. | 45 stars
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Romance at it's Finest
Although this isn't really a romance novel--and I wouldn't have read it if had been labeled as such--the story of Anne Neville and Richard III is full of suspense, intrigue, drama, turmoil, love and longing. This is a story that has not been captured or told properly, and Sandra Worth takes your hand and guides you into the ancient world of England. Kings, Queens, and King Makers. Before I was even halfway through with this first of three novels, I decided to purchase the second book so I could gobble it up immediately when I finished this one. The story flows and you will never find yourself wanting to skip a page, because each page is full of emotion, and you are on a journey with each and every character. Worth's research is in-depth and historical, and she is able to ply history and fiction together beautifully. If you don't buy this book, you are missing out on an adventure of the mind and heart! | 45 stars
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Summer
I have never read anything written by Edith Wharton and I enjoyed this book. The characters were interesting. It did take me a little while to get into the book. | 34 stars
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Very Good
This was a good book.i liked it very much | 45 stars
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Great starter book
I loved this book. Its very easy to read and covers more info than I ever knew was involved when planning a kitchen. Great for those of us who don't have endless space or bank accounts. | 45 stars
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burning books
This is Ray Bradbury's 55-year-old futuristic masterpiece about a time when firemen burn books instead of extinguishing fires. (451F is the temperature at which book pages burn.) His fireman protagonist, Guy Montag, has suddenly changed allegiances and become interested in preserving books rather than destroying them. The book is supposedly about censorship, but to me it seemed to be more about apathy. The book burning started after everyone had stopped reading anyway, and the liberal arts schools had mostly disappeared. Montag's professor friend Faber lists the three things that books provide: texture, leisure to absorb the information, and our response to what they teach us. The texture is the fabric of life that books describe, and the more densely woven the fabric, the better the quality of the book. Bradbury's writing style is not very fluid, but his take on the future is noteworthy at times. Not all of his predictions have come to pass, but the bug that Faber puts in Montag's ear made me think of people wearing their cell phones today. Also, the author mentions that the television is used as a babysitter, and he was spot-on about that. However, we don't have vicious mechanical hounds, at least not that I know of, nor do we all live in fireproof houses, unfortunately. | 23 stars
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Grisham back to old writing style!
Being from Mississippi, I truly enjoy reading Grisham. When Istart them I can usually relate the story to something that hashappened here. I did not care too much for the Runaway Jury but I think The Partner is getting back to his former writing style. The twists and turns were exciting. The end left me feeling as if we need a sequel!Laurie Browning (allicat@kopower.com)Kosciusko MS | 45 stars
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A winning mystery
The unidentified voice informs retired DC police officer Leigh Ann Warren that he snatched her beloved Nunna and the elderly woman's new husband. Leigh Ann becomes worried when he mentions Nunna's pink pill. The voice demands she give him the Silver Star awarded her deceased father in Nam that the angry abductor says belongs to him.Leigh Ann has no known living relatives having lost her parents when she was a young girl. Nunna raised her. However, the case takes a wicked twist when the FBI, who joins the investigation, not only cannot find a record of her parents or other relatives, but insist there is no Leigh Ann. With the Feds trying to hide an elephant in a living room and the realization than Nunna is safe, Leigh Ann begins to look for her missing heritage and her first five years of life.KILLER RICHES is a fabulous tale that keeps reader's attention from start to finish. When it appears that the plot is obvious, Chassie West pulls a sleight of the hand that sends a clever twist to the story line. Leigh Ann is a wonderful protagonist struggling at first to save Nunna and ultimately to learn who she is. The relationship subplot that anchors the main sleuthing story line makes for a complete tale that fans of both genres will enjoy and seek previous works by the talented Ms. West (see SUNRISE).Harriet Klausner | 45 stars
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Vonnegut Shines Again
A classic example of Vonnegut's views of human morality and nature in the face of determinism, Cat's Cradle entices you with a beautiful combination of science fiction and philosophical exploration. | 34 stars
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Classic history of the American West
I read this book as a young man. That was a long while back. I am now recommending it to my son who teaches Creative Nonfiction at the university level. This is a great treatise on the handling of the Western Indian tribes by the U.S. Cavalry, which is being treated pretty much as lost history today. My wife gave me a framed photographic portrait of Chief Joseph of the Nez Perez Indians and it now hangs before me in my office, along side of George Washington. | 45 stars
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fine Regency
In 1814 London, Nigel Boscastle jilts his bride Jane Welsham who stands stoic at the altar by herself. As Nigel's cousin, host Grayson Sedgecroft knows he must do something to make this right as he admires Jane's butt that he has had a delightful look at for hours and her strength of character. Grayson offers his sympathy to Jane who knows that Nigel has eloped with his governess Esther. Grayson vows to make this right.While he sends his brother Heath to find the hiding groom, Grayson vows to make Jane acceptable in polite society by escorting her around town and fake a courtship so that others will follow his example. Still he cannot resist kissing her and both lose some control. Grayson begins escorting Jane not just because of noble intentions as he finds her intelligent and desirable. She reciprocates but worries once he learns the truth of her involvement with her fiancé's elopement.The cast of this fine Regency make for a delightful romance as the lead couple is a strong duo and the superb support characters, mostly their respective families, bring depth and insight to the protagonists as well as fun to the tale. To Jillian Hunter's credit, the entertaining story line contains no phony pretensions of late suspense; instead is just a straightforward pleasant novel. More information about the background of Nigel's beloved Esther would have clarified their relationship as she seems much older than he since she was governess to him and his cousins. Still that is minor and THE SEDUCTION OF AN ENGLISH SCOUNDREL is a fine story.Harriet Klausner | 34 stars
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This edition contains many typos, and the odd grammar error
This printing of the book is definitely not up to King's usual standard, though much of the blame may be placed on the publisher. There's numerous typos (at least in this edition of the book), with letters like h substituted for n (she raised her nands to her face, for example), and there is the odd grammar mistake. It also appears disjointed, with things happening without any explaination, or only a partial explaination. For example, a demon that possesses a woman is killed (we know this because the gunslinger says it is dead) but no explaination is given for how it was done, etc. | 12 stars
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The perfect novel
I have read many, many novels including all of Jane Austen's; and still there is nothing to compare to "Pride and Prejudice." It is unquestionably my favorite novel of all time, and what I consider to be the 'perfect novel.'and I've decided to break down the aspects that I think make it so.The Characters:Elizabeth Bennet is my favorite literary heroine of all time, for the simple reasons that she is probably the most consistent, well-rounded character that I have ever come across. Not to mention that she is extremely likable. Mr. Darcy, though not a very intricate character compared to Elizabeth, is undeniably well thought out, and perfectly drawn. But, for anyone who has read this(I think I can speak for just about everyone)there are three particular characters that are memorable, and even lovable, just for their perfectly delightful absurdity; Namely Mrs. Bennet whose "sole object in life was to get her daughters married; and it's solace was visiting and news." Then there is Mr. bennet's pompous cousin Mr. Collins, whose proposal to Elizabeth is one of the best scenes in the book. Finally, there is Lady Catherine, Mr. Darcy's haughty Aunt, whose class consciousness, and condescending airs are wonderful!The Plot:A simple love story, and a Cinderella story at that. Though there is no really important issues covered, no intellectual depth to fathom, it remains one of my favorite plots, becuase it flows so easily, there is no awkwardness, is tied together so well in the end; there is nothing I would ever dream of changing.The Diolouge:This is it's absolutely flawless point; the diolouge is perfect; perfect and consistent with each character, it moves the story along, and charms the reader non-stop.Language:Who can resist a novel that makes frequent use of the words:folly, felicity, ductility, oddity, and every other charming "ity" Austen uses.I really can say nothing else. I have read this book so many times I have so many different perspectives, so many opinions on it, have so much to say that I could not possibly say it all, so I decided to take the literary view, and build on that. All I can say in conclusion is go out, buy this book, and read it! | 45 stars
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It was exactly what i needed !
I was watching my daughter's lacrosse game with Thomas Buechners son, Mathew, (whose daughter was also playing) and talking about my summer plans : how to jump start a for -reasons -beyond- my control stalled career as a painter. Whereupon Mathew whipped out his father's just - released book for us all to see. Published by Abrams,Mr. Buechners paintings are beautifully reproduced. It contains excellent technical information and the deep philosophical insights of an elder in the arts. It was exactly what I needed. I rushed home to order one for my own studio, and one for the library at the school where I teach art. I recommend this book for all working artists and people of all ages who just love art.Buy it today! ! | 45 stars
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Read this and agree
I have not had the chance to read this book yet but I am sure it will be par with all the other R.A. Salvatore books. The only thing I want to know is why Wulfgar? A whole book dedicated to Artemis or a prelude to the Dark Elf Trilogy about Zak's life would be far more intresting than a book about Wulfgar anyday. While I'm B*tching I may as well mention that Salvatore should write another book about Cadderly, Danica and the Bouldershouldr brothers or a brand new searies set in the forgotten realms. | 45 stars
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Just like the movie!
I have seen the movie to this book. I knew what was going to happen before I read the book, but when I read the book, I felt as if I were watching the movie all over again. There are so many details that are in the book that you may not see in the movie. I highly recommend this book for anyone who is interested in finding out what really happened in that day and age. | 45 stars
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The Treasure Chest - Steinbeck Lives On
I read this book twice and intend to read it again. The first time was when I was 10. It, along with Tobacco Road (Erskine Caldwell) was forbidden me as unfit literature for children (my mother was an avid reader, but she protected my childhood as long as she dared) so naturally, it became my goal to find where she had hidden them, and read both, which I did, having wasted nearly all of one summer looking for them. Finding them buried deep beneath some old clothes in her large Cedar chest, I curled up on the old sofa beneath the sunny kitchen window where the yellow June blooming roses were alive and vocal with the buzzing of bees, eagerly opened the pages and began to read........This book, obviously, parallels the story of Caine and Abel in many mortal ways. It's an incredible tale of betrayal, that I understand had roots in truth, woven around the totally depraved character of one woman, who, though amply endowed with charm, intelligence and ambition, it's but an outward veneer, and she is without the things that make such a person whole - conscience, loyalty, mother love, or any other human emotion that separates us from the primitive - and gets what she wants by using others. Killing someone is not something she worries much about.This woman, taken in by the Trask brothers after being found nearly beaten to death on their doorstep, marries one, beds the other and bears two boys who are by the brother not married to - twins - just before she leaves the good man who thinks he is their father - from her childbed, without a backward look. The story gets better and more incredulous with each passing page. You are given insight into any number of human conditions, characters, motivations, and finally, betrayal of yet another trust between brothers.It's one of Steinbeck's best works. He is a master of the written word - one who can pull you into the story even if you come from a different world than the one you are in as his fascinated reader - and ask you to feel it move you all the way there and back. There are these others by Steinbeck that number among my favorite reads and grace my personal library:"Grapes of Wrath""Cannery Row""The Red Pony" which is an unusual story about a young boy and his horse - of a love lost, but with responsibility and maturity painfully gained - book from my youth, but which is much more than a child's story. | 45 stars
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Preachy Book With Pricey Recipes
I love to make soap for my family and to sell. I find "The Natural Soap Book" to be a great disappointment. The recipes produce huge batches, so you'd better be an expert because after buying the expensive ingredients needed, if you are just learning or mess up you've got a very pricey addition to add to your trash. I didn't appreciate the preachy tone of this book either. I know it is important to broaden the horizons of the reader but Cavitches style was off-putting rather than transforming. The useful parts of the book are the explanations of ingredients sans the opinions and 1 or 2 recipes. Best to check this out of the library unless you enjoy burning your money. | 12 stars
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The Girl in the Vermeer Portrait
This book is a fictionalized account of a woman in a Vermeer portrait. Chevalier recreates the landscape and environment of Delft, Netherlands while exploring Vermeer's relationship to Griet, the family's maid. The book follows Griet as she enters Vermeer's household first as a maid and later as Vermeer's assistant. Vermeer asks her to pose for a painting and suggests she put on his wife's pearl earring.The book's style is gentle and depictive, evoking a sensibility of place and time with undercurrents of passion and longing, usually understated but clear.This is a very good novel. | 45 stars
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If you suffer from boredom, this may help ...
...but otherwise, there's a plentiful selection of better books to read before this one. This book contained likable and despisable characters, a rather uncommon trait these days. The plot and character interaction were at times confusing, yet really didn't go anywhere significant. Remember, old and british doesn't necessarily equal good. | 23 stars
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GREAT
A few years ago my mother INSISTED on getting me this book. I am not a fantisy type reader so i blew it off in a sec. Thats when the magic of Rowling took over. I picked up the book read a few pages and was hooked I read for 2 hours every night till i was done.(about a month) Now 2 years later i have all the books and 2 on Tape. Its GREAT! Hey you dont have to be 6-12 to know a good book! <|:-) | 45 stars
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Payed too much and was left deflated...
I was not extremely impressed with this text. For the price, I expected more reading. It was a book I could fit into my front pocket. I read it in its entirety in two settings. I thought it would be a little more humorous. I was expecting sarcasm but found it bordering cynanical. | 12 stars
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The Baby Whisperer's techniques really work
I have been a big fan of The Baby Whisperer since I read and tried the techniques of the first Baby Whisperer book: How to Calm, Connect, and Communicate with Your Baby. Tracy has a practical approach that is easy to follow so you can learn what your baby is trying to tell you.Our little one slept through the night for the first time at 3 months thanks to this book. I learned how to put the baby down for naps before he was asleep and now he is an independent sleeper. I never once let him cry it out in his crib. The pick up put down approach really works you just have to be consistent.I would recommend this book to any parent who wants to prevent accidental parenting which can lead to chronic problems with: sleeping, schedules, feeding and tons of other things.Tracy's techniques really work and have made parenting for me the ulitmate joy and experience. Buy the book; you won't be sorry. | 45 stars
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Charming Follow-Up to FORTUNE LIKE THE MOON!
Murder raises its ugly head once again at Hawkenlye Abbey and soon those 12th Century sleuths Abbess Helewise and Josse d'Acquin are on the case. Fans of the first book will enjoy this leisurely paced outing which is set against the forbidding menace of the great Wealden Forest where creatures really do go bump in the night.The appeal of this series lies not in large body counts or frenetic action but in the evolving friendship of the two main characters. Helewise and Josse are, in many ways, two of a kind and their slow dance around each other is appealing. In this case, the two eventually venture into the dark reaches of the forest to uncover the mystery which has broadened to include a second murder and the increasingly odd behavior of two young female wards of the abbey.All in all, a nicely done, straightforward murder mystery with characters that linger in the memory. | 34 stars
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An excellent book!!!!!!!
This book was a great read. It was slow at times but overall was very rewarding. Hegi paints such accurate and detailed portraits that by the end you feel you know every person in the village of Burgdorf. I highly reccomend this book. | 45 stars
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The Scarlet Letter
Who hasn't read The Scarlet Letter in High School? I didn't, instead of reading classics such as this, my teacher had us reading books like Go Ask Alice and Jay's Journal. Did I miss out by not reading this book back then, I think I did, and I think it's a shame that teachers are taking books like this out of their curriculum.There were times where the story seemed to drag a bit, and at times it was hard to follow the dialect, but that's to be expected with a classic. I did have a hard time getting drawn into the book, as the first part of the book is a mini-autobiography of the author and how he came to write the book. Once I got past this section though, I was drawn into the story of Hester, Pearl, Roger, and Mr. Dimmesdale. How strong Hester must have been to have endured the critisism of her fellow towns people, and not allow it to stop her from being charitable to others in need. My first thought of Mr. Dimmesdale is that he was quite the weak man, but then the guilt of his secret was probably much harder mentally then what Hester went through publicly. Evil doesn't even begin to describe Roger, however a man in his position is probably not going to be thinking straight to start with. Then there was Pearl, her character was the hardest for me to accept. I think the author went a little too far with some of her persistance and insight into thing beyond her years. Overall, the book was well written, and the story gripping. | 34 stars
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mediocre story!
I really don't understand why this is hailed as such a monumental work of fiction. I just checked the book out today from the local library. I have reached 38 years of life and never had the opportunity to read it. The only reason I did so was because of a song by Streetlight Manifesto, in which the lyrics refer to both Holden Caufield and Salinger himself. So in an attempt to find a deeper meaning in the song, I decided to read the book.It only took about 3.5 - 4 hours read, but I didn't draw any deep or meaningful insight from it. It's not really a great book, and it's not really a bad book, so I gave it a 3. | 23 stars
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exciting fiction
I first read this novel in college and I found it very inspiring. I still pick it up occasionally now (20 years later) and read a chapter or two. Rand's presentation of man as a heroic being is still very uplifting, particularly in a culture laden with religious ideas such as original sin, guilt, etc. I also think Rand's use of metaphors is among the best of any novelist. Her passionate, attacking style is also quite exciting and in stark contrast to most novels that are just simply boring. How many novelists really push the envelope and cause you to think? I haven't come across many. Of all Rand's novels, this is my favorite and I highly recommend it. Paul Gehrman, Author, Kaleidoscope | 45 stars
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formatting and grammar...where is it?
I have to admit that I have real problems with books that lack editing. This is a case in point. This book is difficult to read because of all the grammatical and spelling errors. Misplaced modifiers abound, too. Perhaps these errors have been corrected in subsequent printing, but at least, the one that I read had multiple errors on nearly every page. By the way, what is with spaces between paragraphs?Living on the North Coast as I do, I understand that people living in Ohio might find the story intriguing because of the subject matter; however, I found it difficult to enjoy the story because of the stilted conversations and implausible situations. | 01 star
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A great value for the entertainment! A summer read!
Beach Music is the type of book that provides entertainement forvarious types of readers....romance, love, family, murder, war,racism, history, death/suicide, amongst a few. The story line captures youin the beginning and leads you along by the nose. The story resolution couldhave perhaps been a little different and perhaps not so hokkyand pretictable, but nonetheless, the cost and the entertainmentfor the cost was exceptional. A great summer book! | 34 stars
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Worth waiting for
It took the post office 4 weeks to deliver my book, but it is a great read. I never got to read this in school and heard good things about it. Thanks for having an affordable copy for me. | 34 stars
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The most incredible book on the planet!!!
I really enjoyed this book, mr pullmans writing reaches the level of JRR Tolkien and outstrips by far many other fantasy writers. I read the book for the first time 2 years ago and recently when i re-read it, i couldnt put it down till i had turned the last page and read the last word!!!! it is an incredible book, and i totally reccomend it not only for people of my age but for everyone who wants to read a marvellous and breath-takin fantasy adventure story. | 45 stars
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Good book
I have read this book and I believe it. Anyone else that has posted about suicides going to hell I don't care for your comments, even if they were in the best interest of readers. I don't know where every single suicide goes, and I don't really want firsthand experience. I don't NEED to know. What I DO know is that God cares for every individual on this earth. I know that this woman died. I know that this woman saw what she wrote in this book. I know that she saw God the Father and Jesus the Christ, and that they gave her a second chance in life.I know that the lessons the author teaches in this book are true. I'm glad I bought this book and it has been a blessing for me.Again, I don't know where suicides go, but I know God loves me. He's asked for me to pick up my cross and follow him and thats just what I'm going to do. | 45 stars
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A Christmas Carol read by Jim Dale
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens has always been a holiday tradition in my home and now joined with the versatile voice talents of Jim Dale, the story takes on a new life and vibrancy. This reading by Mr. Dale will now be a holiday tradition in my home. | 45 stars
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Clear, concise, a great intro to atheism
This was my first book on atheism three years ago, and I couldn't have asked for a better introduction. It's concise, relatively short, and effectively debunks the main arguments for God's existense. I kept saying to myself, "So *this* is why that argument never made sense to me!" Someone who has already read a book or two on atheism may not be as impressed, but the author uses enough clever analogies to be well worth a run through. | 45 stars
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Dover Thrift Edition of "Center of the Earth" ISBN:0-486-44088-5
This Dover Thrift edition (1995) of "Journey to the Centre of the Earth" published by Routledge in 1876 is one of the three translations which are faithful to the Verne original. The usual translation refers to "Prof. von Hardwigg" and adds and changes much material. This translation refers to "Prof. Lidenbrodk", thus retaining Verne's original nomenclature. Although an anonymous translation, it may have been made by Henry Frith who translated other Verne books for Routledge. A note of caution: Amazon lumps all versions of this title together in reviews, so be aware that this review applies only to the Dover Thrift Edition, ISBN:-0-486-44088-5, 1995. | 45 stars
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Fasten your seat belts!
This is not your typical boy meets girl story line here. The story line is riviting and takes you on a journey. I became intimately engaged in the life of each character. I cried, I laughed and rejoiced. This books draws you in and it won't let you go until the end. The end leaves you wanting for more. Not to say that the story is left open you just want to follow the characters as they grow in to one another. I certainly hope that a sequel is on the horizon. "She Touched My Soul" has touched my soul. | 45 stars
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Boot Camp Daddy
"The Great Santini" makes for a strong debut when it comes to establishing the distinctive literary voice of a fine prose stylist, Pat Conroy. In terms of storycraft, dialogue, length, and especially resolution, what you get is a rather flawed package, but a book that contains such a variety of engaging vignettes, occasionally heartrending descriptions, and a gloriously crude and vital main character deserves a look.The title character, Bull Meecham, is a lieutenant colonel in the air wing of the U. S. Marine Corps, who we meet just after he has received his orders to return Stateside and assume command of a squadron for the first time. Also awaiting his command back home is the Family Meecham, in particular eldest son Ben, who both admires and fears his tough father as he counts down the days before becoming a man.Knowing this novel just from reading many of these reviews, or in my case, seeing bits and pieces on cable TV of Robert Duvall hollering at his cringing clan in the popular screen adaptation, is to be surprised. Meecham is tough and hard, but not nasty at all unless he's been drinking, which admittedly does happen a good deal given this takes place in 1962-63 when drinking was seen as a cornerstone of manliness for Americans both civilian and military. For the most part, Meecham is a big kid, who encourages his kids to act up and even attack him some mornings as a way of letting off steam. They can insult him with impunity as long as they are doing what he wants them to. His problem isn't unremitting cruelty, but the lack of a softer side.Meecham then is a character that is hard to hate, because you aren't supposed to. He talks rough, uses the N-word, treats subordinates harshly, but all of this is packaged in ebullient humor which, however lewd or physically dangerous, gives him a likability I found lacking in the rest of the book.Especially when Bull is in the background, which he often is, "Great Santini" plays less as a novel and more like a series of short stories with big build-ups and weak endings. Written as a coming-of-age story about Ben Meecham, who is a thinly disguised Conroy, we witness his encounters with bullies, his friendship with a stuttering black and picked-upon Jew, his Catholic guilt about sexual "self-abuse," a sister who pushes his buttons as ruthlessly as his father, and his relationships with more nurturing male characters like the school's gutsy principal and an inspiring English teacher.All of this feels like typical nostalgia-novel stuff circa 1976, the year "Great Santini" was published. The dialogue, particularly between Ben and his sister Mary Anne, is clever Neil Simon-type wisecracking banter that amuses for a while but then gets tired and strained, and feels wrong for the novel. Conroy even throws in sudden violence, including an odd rape episode that like much of the book is left hanging. Much of this seems shoehorned into a second draft, after some editor asked Conroy to "Mockingbird" up his Southern-set story a bit."Great Santini" also weighs in too long at 440 pages, problematic especially given the lack of a driving plot. Conroy can write, though, if more in the micro than the macro sense. Whether its watching Bull play a sick-but-hilarious joke on an indignant Navy officer and his wife in the book's opening chapter, or a description of savage death lurking under a placid marsh near the novel's end, my flagging interest found cause to rally. "Great Santini" is not a great novel, but it does contain a memorably multi-dimensional title character and some terrific writing. | 23 stars
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Evaluation of Mining Reserves
This is a well-outlined book explaining the simulation approach to the evaluation of mining reserves. It starts out with the statement of the problem, gives the notations used, and notes the objectives of estimation and simulation. After the simulation approach is explained, volume-variance correction alternative is discussed. There are very good application examples with the sample reference data set used. More than 200 pages of excellent reading material in the subject. Highly recommend it. | 45 stars
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Great to begin with
Honestly, I enjoyed this book. Especially since it was pioneer for me. It was my first official read into the style of John Grisham. I've only recently become intrigued with plots, suspense, drama, and mayhem. Once the pages of "The Brethren" separated, I was engulfed. I could not put it down. I would encourage any novel novice to read this intriguing tale of suspenseful-drama. It could open up, or maybe even expand those analytic components of your mind. It may also help you to appreciate other pieces of plot-filled literature in a way that only a novice could. | 34 stars
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Spiritual Journey memoir
In this short memoir, C. S. Lewis describes his spiritual journey from youthful atheist to firm and faithful believer. This isn't really a memoir of Lewis' life, although it does contain some interesting anecdotes about his school years. Mostly, he only focuses on incidents in his life that impacted his spiritual development. I have read many spiritual development memoirs, and this one is like the others...only it stands out because it is a classic. It was written when these types of journeys were not as commonly shared in memoirs. (In fact, I suspect that this book was one of the ones that inspired so many of the spiritual-journey memoirs that we see today.) One thing I found interesting about this book is it explained to me why so many people retro-diagnose Lewis with Asperger's syndrome. He talked about his difficulties dealing with other students...not knowing how to respond in social situations and being told to "take that look off [his] face" when he was trying very hard to keep an appropriate facial expression. I think it is important to recognize that we can't accurately retro-diagnose people with today's syndromes, but it IS interesting to see how such personality traits were present in Lewis' day, and how he excused them with stories about how childhood events affected his social interactions. It was definitely an interesting read...and anyone who likes to hear about others' spiritual journeys really should start with C. S. Lewis. | 34 stars
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Great
Clean good story. Full of wisdom. Enjoyed it.I found lots of really great quotes. Some parts were hard to read/understand. | 34 stars
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wonderful opportunity to involve others in prayer
we are starting a second session with the ladies of our church. we have seen many wonderful answers to prayers and changed lives. a great book | 45 stars
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Dark vision , tainted lite
Being one of the first Anti- Utopian stories I've read, it was very formative on how I look at life. The facts that society can have it's way with us, and we sometimes miss what it did to us in the first place. Going along with the what everyone does , seems to be another point here, and that the ones that stick out, are the ones with open minds, and not set patterns. This book is crucial reading material... | 45 stars
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A Masterful American Novel
It's a big, masterful book written in commanding prose and it overflows with big issues. The big psychological and moral ones as they occurred to me were: 1.) Acceptance and rejection by God and father, 2) nature-versus-nurture and "Timshel," and 3.) the contrast of the self-imposed suffering from living a lie (Trask) versus the natural suffering experienced by an open and loving family (Hamilton). These are good big themes; everybody suffers about in equal measure and the West is opened. To explore the established major themes in East of Eden, you can borrow your kid's Cliffs Notes and see charts of the parallels to the Bible.Keep in mind that this was written in the era when the relatively new concept of "psychology" was emerging into the American consciousness. Before this time we just worked and, if the mule didn't go lame, we ate- all angst was real and there wasn't the luxury of pondering psychology.The real meat and potatoes of this huge 20-year story lie in the expertly crafted telling of daily life at the opening of The American Century. The dramatic unraveling of the Trasks and the decent but painful lives of the Hamiltons are deeply driven by the yielding of the fathers' horse-and-buggy era values to the relentless societal pressures at the onset of the 20th century. Steinbeck creates a beautifully detailed log of the period, a movie for the mind shown in the sharpest contrast and brilliant color. The delightful character of Lee, the Trasks' Chinese-American servant, forms a perfect fulcrum. Through his enduring wit and insight as an outsider we see the Trasks in perspective, not just a family in crisis but as symbols of the crash of the polite balance of the 19th century as World War I looms and global thinking arises. I can think of no other character that better fulfills this role except perhaps Tyrone Slothrop in Pynchon's Gravity's Rainbow. Both of these great novels tell of a transformation in American values in a period of rapid change (relative to their era). Both are the masterworks of their respective times and authors.It seems clear at the end of the tale that Caleb Trask sets forth from his troubled Eden with the beautiful Abra, after shattering his brother and father's dream world resulting in their destruction. This escape troubles me and is made only a little more tolerable through the allusion to the Biblical story of Cain and Abel. Cal is left to deal with his evil side and bear the burden of his sins as was Cain. He hasn't departed his father's home with any clear moral lesson, so where is the mark on this latter-day Cain that he should receive from his father that will protect him from the "curse that is too strong?" The film is killer; Elia Kazan nailed it casting James Dean as Cal, masters of unresolved tensions but he rather blurred the ending. | 45 stars
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A Satisfying Finish
I have to say that the Anasazi Mysteries is my favorite book series, and I was pleased by this conclusion to it. It has all of the elements I have come to expect from the authors' work: Realistic setting, realistic charachters, a suspenseful plot, and three of my favorite things to read about, archaeology, mystery, and psychology. I was a little disappointed that I was able to figure out "whodunnit" before the protagonists, and also by the fact that Dusty's evil mother went basically unpunished, but perhaps that opens the door for more books in the series or a related series. I also have to wonder about The ancient charachters; how will Bone Walker turn out after such a horrifying childhood? Will Stone Ghost be able to make her more human? My heart wants to say yes, but my head says no... | 45 stars
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The Lake, the River, and the Other Lake
As a lifelong Michigan resident, I am pleased with the way Steve's book rings true to northwestern lower Michigan, though the terrain he creates could be drawn from several in-coast lakes along the Lake Michigan coast. As a narrative, it is a "hoot"; the implausibilities are really part of the fun, the politics of the deputy sheriff's position is well-drawn, as is the earthy pathos of the retired minister's discoveries about life. In 36 years of college teaching I could well imagine the aggressive "girl fatale" and the outcome of her story. Nice work by an author from whom we can expect much in the future. | 45 stars
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This is NOT a biography, it is fiction
Don't be misled, "Woman Warrior' is not a biography or 'memoir' as it is marketed. Her publishers expected her to win an award with this _novel_ (read: fiction) but didn't want it to compete with Toni Morrison in the fiction category so they changed 'Woman Warrior' into 'non-fiction' or biography or whatever and it did win a presitigous award. However, it is incredibly insulting to the intelligence and to Asian-American sensibilities to approach this work of fiction as a personal narrative. I think it was very involving and written in a non-linear and entertaining style. I appreciated the fact that Kingston voiced her intense anger and articulated the feelings that I'm sure many Asian-American women can identify with. (I sure could identify with boycotting house chores as a political statement.) In this sense, I think her book is refreshing as it features an UN-apologetically pissed off Asian-American woman as opposed to other authors who beat around the bush, use pseudo-artistic and obtuse metaphors, or apologize for any 'resentment' they may feel towards anyone or anything. From the rave reviews that I'd read about it I guess I was set-up for a let down. Kingston is just one Asian-American author writing about 'Asian-American matters' and this is not a definitive work of Asian-Ameriacan literature. In fact, I don't believe such a definitive work exists. While this book does delve into the matter of identity and race in a more complex and realistic manner than most books, it still falls short by my standards. The world view is still a bit too binary and it seems that the allusions to 'life back in China' is romanticized if not out-right exoticized. Otherwise, it's entertainment value is a good deal higher than most popular works of fiction. I think it's a good read for anyone, as it will at least make you think. | 23 stars
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Replace this review with the current one!
Please substitute the following review for the book. The current one is SO negative!Reviewer's Bookwatch September 1994: Alice & Eleanor by Sandra R. Curtis "Alice Roosevelt Longworth was an outrageous media star and a strongheaded individual: her cousin Eleanor had an entirely different political style which endeared her to many. Curtis provides an intriguing contrast between the personal and political psyches of the two related women, examining their lives, effects, comparing their experiences. This is an unusual probe." | 45 stars
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Unconventially beautiful
** spoiler alert ** The first time I read this book, I got to the suicide scene really late at night and it freaked me out so much I vowed never to read it again. But then I had two professors assigned as required reading in college English classes and after a second and third reading, I came to really like the book. Esther is an interesting character and I like how Plath uses language -- this novel and her poetry both have an unconventional beauty about them. | 45 stars
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"A better quality of life is the universal goal of humanity"
In my education and career background in Electronics Engineering, I'm accustomed to complexities in mathematics, physics and technology---but this excellent book was an INCREDIBLE stretch! Wilson's primary achievements are in biology, but his mastery extends to every field of knowledge. The natural sciences of physics, chemistry and biology; the social sciences of anthropology, sociology, economics, and political science; the humanities, philosophy, ethics, and religion, are all addressed in his attempt to find "consilience," a word he chose over "coherence." Physicists since before Einstein have been trying to formulate a "unified theory" to consistently explain the effects of gravity and electromagnetic fields. Wilson is considerably more ambitious, trying to promote the idea of common scientific theory and method for ALL areas of human knowledge--- and he makes a compelling and interesting case for this concept!!His ideas about genes and culture are a convincing case for evolutionary origins for culture, with strong relationships between the two. He strongly argues that "human nature" has resulted from interaction between genes and environment, and that nature and nurture work together in ways that could be examined more deeply, scientifically, to better understand the roots of culture.He advocates the extension of common scientific method into the social sciences, which he believes have largely failed. The reasonable expectation of these sciences is the ability to predict what will happen if society selects one course of action over another. How are they doing? "Not very well, considering their track record in comparison with the resources placed at their command." Hard to argue with that assessment! "Today various factions favor ideological positions ranging from laissez-faire capitalism to radical socialism, while a few promote---post-modernist relativism that question the very idea of objective knowledge itself." His criticism of the social sciences is harsh, but consistent with my own views.He discusses art, and the potential for better understanding and interpretation through scientific analysis of the mind, psychology, and creativity. Didn't find much insight here.He makes a strong case for biological, evolutionary roots for ethics and religion. He sees a dichotomy between the transcendentalist (god-given rules) and the empiricist (man-developed rules), and summarizes each case in what may have been the most interesting chapter for me. Wilson is unabashedly in the empiricist camp, and characterizes his religious orientation as "deist," but not "theist." (Believes in supreme being, but not concerned with our individual lives).His final chapter is called "To What End?" Here he gets into the state of the world, and describes what another writer has called the "Litany"---the standard forecasts of imminent ecological disaster, with lots of supporting statistics. (For another view of the same statistics, see "The Skeptical Environmentalist," by Bjorn Lomburg.) To describe those who disagree with the apocalyptic view of the environment, Wilson coins the term "exemptionalist" as opposed to "environmentalist", much like another author coined the terms "takers" and "leavers." These kinds of terms are pejorative, and do not advance the discussion of environmental policy issues, in my opinion. (The intellectual equivalent of talk-show hosts who like to talk about environmental "whackos"!)To his credit, Wilson closes this chapter by urging those with differing views of the environment to GET TOGETHER, with the following tacit understanding: "No one can seriously question that a better quality of life for everyone is the unimpeachable universal goal of humanity."A VERY interesting and compelling piece of work. I admire the author for tackling such an ambitious and broad subject, and it will surely be found to be valuable by many!! | 45 stars
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A Necessary Resource
I've added this book to my arsenal and recommend it for anyone looking to continuously hone their non-verbal communication observation skills. | 45 stars
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Very informative
I thought this book was fantastic! Once I started reading I realised how little I knew about getting pregnant. It is a great book for women trying to get pregnant for the first time. It is easy to read and understand. I would absolutely recommend this book. | 45 stars
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A classic of 19th century American literature
Ambrose Bierce was a man of many distinctions - writer, journalist, humorist, and Civil War veteran. We all remember reading his classic story "An Occurrence At Owl Creek Bridge" in eighth grade English class. Bierce is best known for his ghoulish horror tales, which were on a par with Edgar Allan Poe, but his greatest work was The Devil's Dictionary. A scathing parody of Webster's dictionary, Bierce's volume was a showcase for his brilliant, caustic wit. This is Bierce at his best, mixing comedy with social commentary, unleashing his anarchistic convictions to the hilt! Bierce blasts away at God and country and all that is respected and proper. He defines patriot as "the dupe of statesmen and the tool of conquerors", a Conservative as "a statesman who is enamored of existing evils" and a clergyman as "a man who undertakes the management of our spiritual affairs as a method of bettering his temporal ones" and so on. Nothing is sacred and no one is safe in this classic work of 19th century American literature which continues to attract just as much controversy and outrage today as it did when it was first published. A must read for all students of literature, dissenters, and fans of caustic humor! | 45 stars
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Murder for Breakfast
Phil Link did an excellent job researching and writing this book. As soon as I heard about it from a lady at our pharmacy, I ordered it and though I had loads of books on my list to read, I moved this one up, read it and really enjoyed it. It has been passed on to a group of ladies that read to the elderly at an assisted living in Reidsville. They are enjoying it a lot! | 45 stars
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AFICIONADO = PASSIONATE ONE
In "The Sun Also Rises," Hemingway, through his alter-ego, Jake Barnes, tells us that the true meaning of "aficionad' is passion. In Spain, there is a more restrictive meaning. 'Aficianado' only means one who is passionate about the bulls. In fact, the concept is so restrictive that some bull fighters are considered to be just 'commercial' bull fighters and are not passionate enough about their chosen profession to be considered 'aficionados.' This is so according to Hemingway.In the broader sense of the word, Hemingway, in this book, reveals himself (as Jake Barnes) to be an aficionado when it comes to boxing, drinking, fishing, and bull-fighting.I had a problem with one aspect of "The Sun Also Rises." I found Hemingway's excessive use of negative ethnic stereotyping to be troublesome. For starters, he has created in Robert Cohn, a character who is emotionally unstable and thoroughly unlikeable because of his 'Jewishness.' Following are a few examples of this portrayal:In reference to Cohn (observations of Barnes and his friends):"He had a hard, Jewish streak."Brett's gone off with (other) men, but they weren't ever Jews.""That Cohn gets to me. He's got that Jewish superiority.""That kike."In reference to Jews in general: "She gets five hundred quid a year and pays three hundred and fifty of it in interest to the Jews. They're not really Jews. We just call them Jews. They're Scotsmen, I believe."There are numerous other instances, but these already cited should suffice as examples of Hemingway's Jewish stereotyping.He went after other groups too. To wit:On Blacks: "The n , , , , drummer waved at Brett. He was all lips and teeth."On gays: "I wanted to swing on one . . . . to shatter that superior, simpering composure."He didn't quit there either. He went after the French and, on numerous occasions, showed his disdain for all casual tourists.There is so much of this sort of prejudicial stereotyping throughout the book that it was ruined for me. It's too bad, because his bull-fight descriptions obviously came from an aficionado but were, for me, tainted by his attitudes. | 12 stars
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Started slow but got much better.
Good read. I enjoyed it much more starting about page 100. Book club book success. Glad I was some what m made to read it. Not one I would have picked up on my own. | 34 stars
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Words of Wisdom
Renowned Poet Nikki Giovanni describes Terri's passion and words as dew on the flower. Ms. Giovanni believes Terri's commitment is the word in the step and encourages her to climb higher and higher. Ms. Giovanni is quoted as saying "I love what Terri is doing with her spoken word and wishes her the very very best. | 45 stars
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Entertaining, and quick but thoughtful read.
I read this book because I adore Spinoza, and figured any crook who has studied Spinoza can't be all bad, as of course Bernie is not. And Abel, his fence, is not. Abel is simply given to excess. His lifestyle, including his eating habits, he supports through non-legal efforts. Bernie, the narrator, one of Abel's partners in crime, has "pretty much" gone straight, probably because he knows--sooner or later-- crime really doesn't pay. But when you have a hobby...well, you've got to apply yourself to it, at least occasionally. The love interest is early on fairly predictable, but you don't want to bet the farm until the last few pages. The 3 main characters are fully formed. Their needs and fears, their hopes and dreams--everything that makes us human--are explored, Spinoza fashion, through relationships, deeds, and the solving of a murder. Sometimes the "bad" guy gets away, sometimes not. Sometimes the "good" guy gets a raw deal, sometimes not. There is a little bit of everything in this book...men, women, children, animals, relationships, theft, big money, murder, philosophy, psychology... all overlapping in a complex but not complicated fashion. It's the way life does us. | 45 stars
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Horsemanship for the Backcountry
Delightful treatise on horsemanship, keen insight, well-written. Information, storytelling, wisdom, and insight portraying Montana wilderness and horsemanship ethics.Sid Gustafson DVMNothing regarding horses is complete, however ;-) | 34 stars
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GREAT BOOK. BUT NOT PERFECT
I Realy like these books. I think sometimes they go overboard with more models than they should. I found some great things in here but also ran into some I wish they would go more into detail.I am glad I bought it. For the price on Amazon I could get two or three models of books and cover everything for less than a new one at the store. | 34 stars
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History repeats itself
This is true for today's assimilated Jewry, no less than in all previous generations. As for the consequences, the day always comes, whether it was Spain or Germany or, I predict, eventually America. | 45 stars
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Okay, so I have to ask what happened?
Was Mr. Clegg not feeling well? Was he being pressured by The Man and had to rush the writing? As I sit here in a state of bewilderment and confusion I have to wonder- what went wrong? I have read quite a few books by Clegg and he always managed to thrill me. This book, on the other hand, was depressingly bad. So, again, I ask, What Happened?With a plot that has been retold umpteen times, Clegg adds neither originality nor stimulation to an old tale. The atmosphere starts out with an air of mystery and soon begins to generate a feeling of being in a trance. The characters were my biggest problem with this book. Concentrating more on the backdrop of the story, Clegg never takes the time to develop what could have been a fascinating cast. Unable to get past the embryo stage, the characters appear lifeless and stagnant. The most interesting characters were transient, the remaining characters given only a brief dialogue and to top it off we are force-fed a weak romance.The only saving grace in this book is the inclusion of the novella. "Purity". A thriller about a sociopath living on a small island that has decided love is for the taking. Written in a tone reminiscent of Lovecraft, the story is dark and subversive. In only 117 pages, Clegg managed to rouse me from my slumber.My rating? I give it a 2 . Although the main story was inert and spiritless, the novella is a must read. Next time your at the local library, pick this book up.-Bloodymary | 12 stars
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Orwell's shadow
'Fahrenheit 451' is a powerful story that imagines a future world where literature is burned and readers are imprisoned. Bradbury creates a whole dumbed-down society of people who are robbed of creative and independent thought, and where this deficit is enforced by law.I felt that the major shortcoming of the book was that the entire book smacks of '1984,' but it is not nearly as powerful as Orwell's story. 'Fahrenheit 451' focuses much more intently on the relatively narrower issue of censorship in our society, whereas '1984' looks at the complete robbery of free will. I thought all of the characters were a rip-off, from the young girl to the protagonist to the mean authority figure who tries to "help" the protagonist and turns on him in the end.This is a good book, and I like the metaphor, I just felt like the same idea was espoused in a much more gripping fashion in '1984.' | 34 stars
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You don't want to miss this one...
This easy-to-read novel, The Bluest Eye written by Toni Morrison, grabbed my attention only five minutes after I started reading it. The descriptive manner that Morrison used to tell the story is very touching.It is a story of 11-year old Pecola Breedlove who is faced with hatred and racism everyday. To others, she is considered ugly and looked down upon because of her dad's past. Her only wish is for blue eyes, so she too can be beautiful. | 34 stars
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Definitely a read-again book! Great Job!
I found out about this book in my 8th grade U.S. history class. I had to read it for a report but being a slacker I rented the movie instead. After seeing the film I rushed out to find the book at a local bookstore. I finished it in two days and started reading it all over. Great job Bernstein & Woodward! | 45 stars
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Some Came Running
Another lumbering Jones' book that takes the reader on a tortuous journey through the lives of unfortunates while attempting to illuminate the lasting mental and emotional effects of war. Amazingly, all of Jones' books made it to the big screen (except Whistle), and in all cases the screen writing adaptations were far superior to Jones' original projects. By far the best screen adaptation was The Thin Red Line, which, fortunately, can't even be recognized as being inspired by Jones' laborious novel. | 12 stars
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