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Didn't do anything for me
Maybe this book was too subtle for a dunce like me, but I didn't get the allure. It was given to me with rave reviews by my boss. I thought the info on the silk industry at the time was interesting. But I didn't get how he could fall in love with someone from such a distance. I didn't have any emotional investment in the characters. Like someone else said, maybe something was lost in the translation to English. Short read, so not a huge waste of time. | 12 stars
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Great study guide
This book is a solid starting point for the serious student. It does give basic scriptures as a reference point for alot of the symbols. Main understanding will come from The Holy Spirit.Hbr 6:1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,Hbr 6:2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.Hbr 6:3 And this will we do, if God permit. | 34 stars
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12 steps and traditions rock
Part of working the program is literature - the twelve steps and traditions book is wonderful - practical and very helpful. I listen to a step workshop on CD that you can get from glennkaudio.com named Lila R. - her workshop is based from this book. | 45 stars
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Good, but not for most of the "real" world of women.
The book is vastly different from what I expected. I most appreciated the before and after shots with overlays showing detailed outlines of the work done in the after photos. These women didn't need much enhancement though and many of the makeup ideas were more practical for the catwalk than for "real" women. The difficulty came in trying to read the pages of text with light gray lettering on white. Uh-oh. Perhaps my age is showing. | 23 stars
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The Incredible Journey
This story is about two dogs and a cat whose master goes away on a hunting trip. He leaves them with his friend who doesn't get home in time and the animals leave to find their master. The trio get into a lot of adventures throught out their journey. They get seperated, hurt, and even help a little girl get rescued. Overall it was a great book. I recomend it for people ages 10 and up. | 34 stars
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The Best!
I have read numerous mystery/adventure books by authors such as Tom Clancy & John Grisham. After reading this book I found it to be as exciting, interesting, adventurous, & suspenseful. I always looked forward to picking up where I stopped each time. The way the story is put together also gives the reader a very educational insight on the culture & history of Afghans and there rebellion strength & courage. I would highly recommend this book to others. | 45 stars
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Balm for the Grieving Soul
This is a book about grief that I can go back to again and again on my own journey of grief. Some of his words are beautifully poetic, some are piercing, some are raw, but all of them touched me. | 45 stars
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The hitchhiker's guige to the galaxy
Arthur Dent is a human on earth and Ford Perfect is an alien from a different planet. Ford had the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy witch told the Visigoths were going to blowup the earth for an express root. So Ford and Arthur hitched a ride from the Visigoths, and they didn't like hitchhikers. So the Visigoths throw out them in to space and Ford's friend Zaphod Beedlebrox who had two heads peaked them up. And Zaphod was with Arthur's friend Trillian. Arthur and Ford where in a room in their ship, and Trillian sent Marvin a depressed robot to get them. They reunited and they went to planet to get an improbability drive. And Zaphod had to give him one of his heads so Zaphod would get him a gun. Zaphod couldn't think with his one head. And on the planet the Visigoths captured Trillian. So Arthur, Ford, and Zaphod went to free her, and left the Vogon. And went to a planet called magrotha and on the planet they went to a super computer to find the meaning of life.And on the planet Arthur left behind went Ford, Zaphod, and Trillian went though a portal. So Arthur met a guy were he was. This was a contractor who built planets. So this man took Arthur around the planets they where building. Arthur found out that the built earth. Mice paid for it and designed it. So the man took Arthur to his home. When Arthur walked in the door Ford, Trillion, and Aphid was there. Then they fell a sleep and Arthur was awake and the mice. Started expeofmenting on him so he killed them. They all went outside on the Vogons where out ready to take Zaphod. And Marvin was out there and a gun that in super computer made and wiped out the Vogons. Arthur deseeded to travel space instead of staying on earth. THE ENDThe book wasn't fun and funny as some books I read.It was exicuting to read.It is a good book and has a lot about spaceIt wasn't that good because they spent too much time in one place.They spent a lot of time on earth which made it disappointing. | 23 stars
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Human Fates
A relative of mine recommended me this book because I was going to Patagonia. So I bought it to read during my trip.But it is not exactly a travel book. Well, it does describe a lot of weird details of the region's history, geography and zoology some of which might be kinda funny when you're travelling there.However, In Patagonia is more of a potpourri of human fates. Often it is pretty confusing to hold together the different characters and story-tellers and historical figures. So if you're not prepared for a not-too-easy read, refrain from this book. | 23 stars
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Good book if you read it for what it is
I enjoyed this book very much. I will not get into the story of what the book is about because the reviews made before me has done the job remarkably well. Especially the fact that it is a true story. It seems to me that fiction has taken prominence over fact sometimes in this modern world that we can not disern which is which any more. We live in a world that sometimes cannot put things like this in there proper perspective. Folks, it did happen. If its not on the six o'clock news we think it never happen. Well, what is history for? Never the less it is a great read,unless of course you happen to be stranded on a island or on a life boat. Enjoy every morsel. | 45 stars
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and on the first day God created Tolkien..
Some have come close (Eddings,Jordan,Feist) but none have ever surpast Tolkein.Do'nt bother buying just one book to see if you like it,go for the boxed set and save the aggro of having to wait 48hrs for Amazon to send you the rest! The Hobbit is the perfect place to start your romp through Middle Earth, it's easy going and leaves you with a warm feeling!LoR starts off the same way, then BANG it hits you with the hardcore stuff and you'll never be the same again!For you die hards out there the Silmarillion will be the cherry on the cake(Middle Earth is not all Hobbits u know! ) | 45 stars
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Be warned, you have to pay attention
I loved this book, for the following reasons. First, in Dicken's usual fashion, he makes his characters memorable. There is no character that Dickens does not take the time to make an intricate work of art. The criticism that these characters are "stock" seems ridiculous to me, since very few authors could create "stock" characters as memorable and lively as what Dickens does.Secondly, this book has an amazingly intricate plot that Dickens somehow manages to keep under control. In some of Dickens' novels he loses control of the narrative and has to introduce last-minute characters and wildly hilarious coincidences in order to resolve the plot. Not the case here. Dickens does not have to resort to any desperate last-minute tricks to tie his plot strands together. However, there is so many plot strands to track, that if you read this book lazily, you will surely be lost already in the first 200 pages. So pay attention!Thirdly, Dickens' satire of the court of Chancery and human foibles in general remains timeless, as it is in most of his novels I have read. Even though this novel is firmly set in the 19th century, I found myself recognizing today's situations in it. Not so much has changed, after all.So why only four stars? Ultimately, I think Dickens could have served his purpose better with a less complex novel. Some of the stories which are told serve only as filler, and are a little tiring to work through. Also, sometimes Dickens' characters' behaviour is a little unbelievable, thinking especially of some characters' insane affection for one another.However, I highly recommend this book. Dickens' style takes some getting used to, but it's well worth the effort. | 34 stars
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Read it = enjoyment Guaranteed
Stephen Hawking's universe is one of the best books I ever read in my life.It is a great book for beginners, as well as advanced scientists. It explains the universe and other subjects, without the use of complex equations. This book is written in the form of a science timeline, which includes lots of Titans of the science world. These great people include Albert Einstein, Newton, Stephen Hawking and others. No matter how smart the reader is, if he likes science he should read this book. This book is like a database of scientific facts and theories. In the book, journey through time and find out about the earliest Greek mathematicians to Newton's Infinite Universe. Then 500 years later read how his theories were being proven wrong again by Einstein and others. Read about the people who started science and then the others who improved it. Here in this book you will find all the facts of science. I loved this book and I hope you will too. Two Thumbs up. | 45 stars
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fantastic
utterly pleasurable... a fantastic read illustrating poignantly cultural struggles and dichotomies. | 45 stars
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The Outsiders
Shalin ..This book is called The Outsiders. This story was about a boy named Ponyboy who had three brothers and their parents died.Their were these Socs who were rich boys and always bet up Ponyboy and Ponyboy's friend Jonny. The main characters in this story is Ponyboy, Jonny, Sodapop, Darry. Darry which was Ponyboy's brother he was very pertictave and he takes care and loves Ponyboy a lot.Jonny which was Ponyboy's friend always hang's out with Ponyboy.Sodapop which is Ponyboy's older brother lets Ponyboy do what hewants but takes care of Ponyboy. Jonny ran into a lot of problems what happened is the Socs bet him up and they also bet Ponyboy. My favorite character was Darry beacuse he was taking care of the family and loved Ponyboy and Sodapop but he wasent the oldest he is in the middle.I felt like Ponyboy because many people make fun of him and beat him up. Because it goes by the rich poor or in the middle I know I'm not rich and im not poor im in the middle and Ponyboy wasen't he was poor thats one thing that isn't alike about me and Ponyboy, but what is, is that we both get hitten by others and made fun by people. One more thing is that we are both loved by our familys. I liked the book a lot because it was intresting and it is a kind of book that you want to know what happens next. My favoite part of the book is when Darry yellled at Ponyboy when he got home and then Ponyboy ran away from home. my least favorite part of the book was when Jonny and Ponyboy got betten up by the Socs. I think a 12 year old like us or older, and male because they have more alike. I would want to change the part when when there were Socs and Greasers against eachother. | 34 stars
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Bernie Hits a Homer Again
I think I have every one of Dr. Bernie Siegel's books. I started in 1990 when I was diagnosed with cancer and needed some support and information. I have recently returned to them again due to a heart attack. Bernie is the most compassionate doctor I have ever encountered. He understands the connection between mind, body, and emotions thoroughly and offers concrete suggestions for making life better no matter what physical ailments may assail you.His other books dealt heavily with getting what you need when hospitalized and from your doctor and other medical staff. This book focuses on simply living life to the fullest, as he says, "between office visits". It is a wonderfully uplifting and encouraging book and I highly recommend it to anyone: patient, loved one, medical staff, and general public. I believe there is something in it for everyone. | 45 stars
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Racism and cover-up in a small Florida town
A sad but true story about massacre and cover-up, unfortunately close to home, is told in Michael D'Orso's Like Judgment Day. D'Orso, a journalist, tells the story of Rosewood, Florida, a small, black, paper mill town that was basically wiped off the map when white vigilantes believed that a black man from Rosewood had raped a white woman. D'Orso makes clear that, at the time Rosewood was occurring, it was national news, appearing in the New York Times and elsewhere, yet Florida law enforcement personnel simply stood by and allowed the carnage to continue. D'Orso basically tells two stories: First, the massacre itself, as recounted in both contemporary sources and in the memories of octogenarian and nonagenarian witnesses in the 1980s. Second, he tells of successful efforts to bring a claims bill through the Florida legislature to compensate, however meagerly, the survivors and their descendants. This is not a portion of our past for which we should have any pride; however, the story must be told so that, if at all possible, this history does not repeat itself. | 45 stars
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The Shadow of the Wind
This book was recommended to me in Tel Aviv before a long flight back to the States. It couldn't have been a better choice. I was brought into the characters and the twists of the story and loved every nuance. I have recommended it for my book club and I am loving reading it again! This time I am reading more slowly to once again taste the words and feel the passion. | 45 stars
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Accessible Meditation
H.E. Davey excels at communicating an approach for the Westerner to Japanese concepts of universality, aesthetics, and human spirituality. Written in a very accessible form, this book is an excellent introduction to those topics for the beginner; as well as being a great reference book for those already practicing any form of meditation, martial art, or fine art. Full of concrete descriptions of ideas and relationships that often go mute in Western culture. Read it over and over! | 45 stars
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Goodbye Tylenol
This book strategically resides over the dent in my edit console, where I used to bang my head every time I needed to integrate Photoshop docs into my NLE. Now instead of mercilessly hitting my head against the desk in frustration, I can find the solutions to my problems.I`ve used book since it came out. What amazes me is how useful it continues to be in solving the mysteries (frustrations) of integrating Photoshop and video. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned pro ...this book is the answer to your prayers.I wish Richard wrote this book years ago...I would have saved a lot of money on painkillers and desks. | 45 stars
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GENIUS PANAPLY
Voltaire can teach the dumb, eucate the masses and disabuse Richelieu, Due de.My own smiles and heartfelt laughter, emendations and marganilia only return me to the Mayor of Recrudesce, Voltaire. How fun.Ensuing Candide, the "Philosophical Dictionary" is the mortar to the pestle for another to try to best him. The highest kudos for any attempt I say. | 45 stars
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This Game Is Dangerous
When Connor Buckley And His Friends Find A Game Called Be AFRAID, They Start Playing It. But When They Play The Game, The Same Thing Happens On The City. One Day Emily Became The Dragon In The Game, Then Outside They Hear A Woman Screaming. Oh I Forgot One More Detail, When Something Came Out, It Came Out To Break The Nelsons' House. Looks Like Conor And His Friends Have A Terrifying Mystery. | 45 stars
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Pure Joy
It was a joy to read such intimate slivers of so many influential literary lives. I love both Hemingway and Fitzgerald and to see the candid and tragic portrayal of the latter from a close friend was really a treat. There will never again be a post war Europe like the one you will visit here. The personal insights into Hemingway's struggles and writing process were invaluable. I highly recommend. | 45 stars
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Better than fiction!
This well-written collection of true stories reads like Sherlock Holmes meets The Big Apple. The author really knows his world, and the people who traveled through it. Although the events written about happened over 100 years ago, they seem to be taken from today's headlines.What more could you want for free? | 34 stars
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Tasty Purees
We were pureeing fruit for my daughter before we purchased this book. But the advantage to this book is having other options for bigger meals and what types of food to combine into one meal.We have tried several of the recipes and all have been very simple to make. The one-pot chicken has onions, sweet potatoes, carrots and chicken mixed together. My daughter had not tried chicken or onions before this meal but seems to enjoy it.I have a few small complaints about the book:1) It doesn't list temperatures for cooking2) I would have liked to see more recipes that included herbs and spices3) Many recipes include strawberries, which are not recommended for children until age 1Overall, I am very pleased with this book. It has encouraged us to make new foods for my daughter who seems to enjoy whatever we place in front of her.I would (and have) recommend this book to any parent of infant children. | 34 stars
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A GREAT READ
Like many of the people who have rated this book, I am reading it for school (over the summer, doesn't that bite?). Anyways, I found this to be a great book. The storyline is fascinating and unpredictible, and the characters are marvously developed. The reason I gave the book only 4 stars, though, is because it is such a long read. | 34 stars
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A great book to read about life...
The Lives of Girls and Women is written by one of the most observant writer Alice Munro. A wonderful written book about a girl's live. A book that's very hard to capture its theme. I am a student studying this book. So if you have any useful information about of the book, please mail it to me. Thanks | 34 stars
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Beautiful edition, but could've been even better
There's no point in reviewing the novel itself, so I'll only talk about the 50th anniversary edition in particular. It is without question amazing in quality, from the leather binding to the golden gilded pages and even the slipcase. Unfortunately there are a few flaws, one of them glaring, that I need to subtract a star for.First and foremost, the fold-out maps enclosed in the front and back covers, while nicely constructed on parchment-like paper, are glued to hold them in place when first shipped. I carefully managed to remove all of the glue in the map behind the front cover, but I was not so successful with the back cover's map, resulting in a bit of a tear. Considering this is a collector's copy, I consider this fairly unforgivable, not to mention completely unnecessary.Also, the spine seems a bit thin, as a few other reviewers also noticed. As for the pages themselves, I was mostly pleased, fearing they would indeed be transparent-thin as one reviewer claimed. All in all, this is a book that would stand up to a few readings, which is all it should be subjected to considering most of us will have other copies for casual reading.As I stated before, this is a beautiful edition of the (single, 6-part) novel, and the best edition I've ever seen, though I've never had the pleasure of owning the British, Harper Collins edition. Certainly well worth the price, though, frankly I would've preferred an even better, more expensive edition. | 34 stars
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Leaf
This book is full of great wisdom. Was borrowing my friend's so often, I had to get a copy for myself | 45 stars
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a rare treat
i found this book at an ancient book store somewhere in India.It was lying there in the shelves with dusts and webs.The moment i saw it i have to have it.And since i'm a huge Tori Amos follower,anything with her name is a must!.But i found something else too,and i also loves the Sandman Comics,this book is a lot of things to discover.Written by well known and acclaimed writers in various fields,its a bonus to have this book if you are an avid reader of the Sandman comics.Some of the stories are realy disturbing and dark,some are also enchanting,true to the Sandman style.Its a collectors dream. | 34 stars
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Absolutely Loved This Book!!!
This is a great historical-fiction book written by one of the best historical-fiction writers out there. It is a book, loosely based on Tudor England, about Ann Boleyn's sister Mary Boleyn, who also slept with the notorious King Henry VIII. It is very entertaining and it does give the reader some true historical background, which is always important. This is a great period in England's history and this book really brings it to life. I've read numerous other books by Philippa Gregory and they are all pretty good but this is the best. | 45 stars
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Someone needs to do their homework
Someone needs to do their homeworkMaybe the next book will reflect some actual and factual data!!! | 01 star
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Unforgettable Love Story
I would definitely have to say that this was an outstanding love story. Really one of the best i've ever read. The author did a great job of bringing her characters to life so to speak. But the only qualm i have is the ending. It felt rushed and lacking in information. But althogether i would still have to say the story is definitely a must read. | 34 stars
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Uncle Tom's Cabin
This was such an amazing book! I can only imagine what black people of that day went thru, and because of Harriet Beecher Stowe's written account, though fictional, I was able to better realize some of their agony. It truly touched my heart in a wonderful way and I don't know how anyone reading it could fail to be touched as well. | 45 stars
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Too predictable
I've read several Tess Gerritsen books and enjoyed them very much. Body Double was a little disappointing for me. The plot had a lot of potential but the way it was executed was a little too predictable. Dr. Maura Isles is a medical examiner in Boston and comes home from a trip to Paris to find a murdered woman in a car in front of her house. What is more startling is that the women could be her twin. Anyone would be curious but Dr. Isles is obsessed given she was adopted as a baby. She finds some unsettling truths as seeks her biological parents. There are a few twists at the very end that I didn't anticipate but again the plot was very predictable. | 23 stars
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My favourite book!
This is my favourite book ever, and definitely my favourite Tom Robbin's book. Hilarious and entertaining on a surface level, and an insightful and unique perspective into philosophy and sociology (yes, I know it's just fiction).Tom Robbins has a wonderful writing style and a creative mind. If you like unique books (how about ninja assassin Catholic monks or missplaced messiahs?), this is for you.I had this book stolen (hope the thief liked it), but liked it so much I purchased it a second time. | 45 stars
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Perhaps the best Beatles book yet
As someone who has read nearly 30 books on that little bar band from Liverpool, it was difficult for me to believe a new book could offer anything, well, new. This one, however, might be the best one yet.I consider it the most objective, offering more insight into the inner workings of the group than anything else published. Sorry if you don't like his depictions of individual members. The general tone of the book and the fact he points out positive and negative qualities of all of them should make it clear he had no axes to grind.All of the members turned out to be likeable people after they escaped the insanity of their Beatle lives, so it's easy to forget now that they weren't always regarded so highly by people who knew them when. I doubt anyone who's studied the group closely would find many points to argue.Strange that it was left to a recording engineer to offer such a detailed, objective account. But then it was going to have to come from an insider and there were so few of those. Fortunately Emerick was able and willing to rise to the challenge. | 45 stars
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Christy by Catherine Marshall
Christy is the moving story of a 19-year-old girl who leaves her home to teach school to the poor children of Cutter Gap, Tennessee, in the Smokey Mountains. Christy's faith severely tested by her unruly pupils, the proud and superstitious mountain families, and the many problems therein. Christy's heart is also torn as she has to decide between the love of two very different men. And yet, she grows to love these wild mountain people, all the while discovering God's plan for her life and growing closer to him. I loved the book very much. I finished it in two days. It has everything one could want in a book---action, adventure, romance, and through it all, it is Christ-centered. I would recommend this book to anyone! I loved it! | 45 stars
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Fascinating cultural insights and great love story to boot
Golden is somehow able to speak from the sole of a woman and from a culture not generally known to westerners. He excells in paying attention to the details. Damm good love story as well! | 45 stars
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Other tour guides TAKE NOTE!
Everything you ever wanted to know about Japan. Just ask, the answer is here. Ms. Reiber, with Ms. Spencer, have given me the confidence to plan my trip without going through a tour guide. But if I wanted to, that info is covered as well.Not just hotel and dining recommendations, but maps, history, travel within Japan, passport and visa info, currency conversion rates, useful Japanese phrases, phone and internet procedures, Japanese characters used for some signs (like businesses and subway stops); even the proper way to hold chopsticks and slurp soup with noodles are included in this book!I already feel as though I can navigate the streets better (which, the book informs, is challenging because most of the streets DON'T HAVE STREET SIGNS) because of the detailed maps supplied.Huge as this tome is, it's thorough, and I don't think I'll be leaving home without it! | 45 stars
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Great book. I read the first 8 chapters in the store.
The doomed love story of Bendrix and Sarah in "The End of the Affair" forced me to reflect on the power of faith and God himself, a creature I'm none too eager to embrace. Because it did this, I found myself very wrapped up in this book, moreso than I even wanted to be, for I was just browsing through the bookstore when I picked it up. I read the first eight chapters while I was still sitting in the store.At the point where I was still reading it after my fourth cup of Earl Grey, I realized that Graham Greene is a genius, and the book is incredibly smart. It's a fictionalized account of an affair between an author and his married neighbor during the air raids in WWII London that ended suddenly one day without explanation. Though their love was passionate and real, though Bendrix and Sarah were mad for each other, she ends the affair and all contact with him the day one of the shells goes off near the house they're occupying, momentarily knocking Bendrix unconscious. Something happened to Sarah while Bendrix was unconscious, something intangible, spiritual and rooted in her love, that scared her to death and forced her to break things off. But Bendrix, knowing Sarah is not one for cruelty, won't explain what happened and won't really even see him.Months afterward, Bendrix is still obsessed and hires a private investigator to find out what's become of Sarah and figure out why she dumped him so abruptly to return to the life with her husband that she didn't want or enjoy.All of this makes for, of course, fascinating mystery. It also leads in an unexpected direction regarding spirituality, the existence of God, the need for suffering and the occasional torture that rational thinkers face when dealing with the unexplainable. Bendrix, being a skeptic regarding God, can't quite deal with exactly what happened to Sarah, which he eventually discovers but cannot completely accept.This book affected the way I think. Brilliant novel. | 45 stars
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Good visuals
A good comic has both good story and good art to tell it with. The story here is good: japonisme moderne (OK, I'm a sucker for it), revenge, and white-hat hacking. The good guys win, the ladies have good roles, and the bad guys get something bad.The art is what drew me in. I'm a nut for fine prints, and most of the style is like etching with heavy plate tone, almost monoprint. Drawing is strong and more expressive than realistic, a stark linear style. Color is daubed on, like an etched plate inked au poupee. Color is restrained too - black linear drawing plus one "plate tone" in each panel, and maybe a little highlight color. My only disappointments came from breaks in this strong style. Some scenes, esp. pp13-15, tried a soft focus that just broke the mood. Also, the background color, what I've been calling 'plate tone', is different in different panels on a given page rather often. Send this artist back to Ms. Tree! There is strength in restraint, and this work can be stronger than it is.I don't recognize the names of these artists. Perhaps this is their early effort. I certainly hope so, because I want to see this work in mature form. That will certainly be worth waiting for.//wiredweird | 34 stars
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A timeless Christian classic for all!
This ranks as one of my all-time, absolutely VERY favorite books...I have it on display in our breakfast room, it means that much to me. Such a lovely, lovely read, and inspiration. I cannot recommend it highly enough. In my opinion, it ranks as one of the best Christian books EVER written...wonderful pearls of wisdom throughout!! | 45 stars
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Not what I expected
Having read the DaVinci Code, I was really anticipating this novel. However, three-quarters of the way through, I am asking when is it going to take off? The topic is indeed intriguing, and the book should not be boring, but for me it is. By the way, I happen to think Dan Brown is an excellent writer. I like Umberto Eco too. | 12 stars
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A Welcomed Perspective
A refreshing insight! It is a frequent criticism of history books that they focus too much on the history of war; but like it or not, our world has largely been shaped by war. As an avid reader of global history, it was enlightening to find a book that does so much to explain the forces behind the conflicts we so often read about. For example, I have often read about the countless steppe peoples who time after time ravaged everyone from China to India to Europe; but normally it is simply recorded that such-and-such happened without there being any given reasons. The explanation that the Mongols became so powerful simply because their tribes were consolidated under one determined and ruthless leader ignores the fact that they were conquering similarly united and powerful peoples. What gave these steppe people the edge, therefore?In 'A History of Warfare' Keegan postulates less on what happened, and more on why and how it happened. To continue my example, I now have an appreciation of what it was that gave these steppe peoples an advantage over many millennia, from their skills as herders and hunters, to their hardened attitude and approach towards battle. Keegan's work is not meant to be a step-by-step account of any war in particular. (The two world wars of the 20th century receive only sporadic coverage, and never with the same attention to the chain of events as can be expected in other histories.) Rather, it offers an explanation as to how our attitudes and technology were shaped towards such a climax in the first place. Thus, Keegan's history focuses thoroughly on his chosen thesis with a refreshing perspective that must ultimately complement any arm-chair historian's book collection. Such details and explanations are outside the scope of most history books, and so I was thrilled when 'A History of Warfare' gave me the deeper considerations that I was looking for. The book was also clear and very well-written, and it made for a highly compulsive read that I would recommend to anyone. | 23 stars
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A memorable view of slavery
Williams has taken us into the mind and soul of a slave and recreated Dessa's experience with a searing feeling of authenticity. This is a notable piece of fiction; it should be part of history courses studying slavery. | 34 stars
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Nice Story
Cute book to add to my table of Christmas Stories. Will make a cute addition this Christmas. | 45 stars
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great story but it took a little while to get into the rhythm of the language
Loved it! | 34 stars
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Slow build-up, but worth it
This 6th book in the WoT series is slow to pick up. It does lack a sense of direction for a while, for around 1/3rd of the book I was a little lost on what really Mr Jordan intended to present. However, as ever, the pieces began falling together and then the book does deliver, in a big way. Matt doesn't get a lot of time in the book, which is a shame as he seems to be everyone's favourite character, but Rand does, and his whole Rand/Lews inner dialogue is beautifully portrayed and leaves you hungering for more.In short, very recommended read, just be patient at the beginning. | 34 stars
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Not the best book of Grisham
This was a strange reading, at first very interesting with the life of three lawyer in jail and then when the CIA director decides to have a new president who wants more money for the army, but when the book explains the debate of the candidates and the trips for their campaign, is really boring, you just don't know if you want to read it till the end or just leave the book and start a new one. | 12 stars
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You've got to hand it to Follett, this is a solid, good read
This here is one very satisfying book. I only just recently picked up my first Follett book with `Night over Water' and was taken in by its suave structure and pacing. `Pillars in the Earth' was the second Follett book that I have tried and all I have to say is "If they are all this good, cart me over the rest of them.'It's not as thought Follett is breaking any new ground with `Pillars in the Earth.' This book hovers dangerously over slapstick Sydney Sheldon chasm of ludicrousness. The steamy sex scenes are straight out of the PG-13 daytime soap opera fare. And you are guaranteed to come up against at least one per chapter. As someone who admires the prowess of authors such as Dellilo and Richard Ford, Carver and Vollman, I have to say that I am a bit embarrassed to be giving `Pillars' five stars. When you approach this book, keep in mind that this is nothing more than a first rate trashy time consuming novel. It's not going to press your mental facilities or awe you with prose. This is a meat and potatoes kind of book.I would highly recommend this book to anyone but my friends who try to be overly intellectual. | 45 stars
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The Hobbit
This book is good for beging to the end.This book is the best book of all of the lord of the rings books. I will racomend this to enyone that likes to read about fantacy and adventures. If you have not read this book you dont know what your missing. This book tell you how Bilbo get the ring and how he uses the ring in the book. I will recomend you to read The Hobbit befor you read the lord of the rings. | 45 stars
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Death Of A Warrior
I like mystery and adventure novels and this is both. I live in the Pacific NW and enjoy the local places and descriptions. I hope he has a sequel soon. This is one book I will recommend to my bookish friends. 5 stars and 2 thumbs up ! Thank you for such a good read. | 45 stars
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Important book!
Everyone with any kind of interest in law and the Constitution should read this book. It very meticulously addresses how activists have hijacked the Supreme Court throughout history, moving United States' common law even further from it's original intent. Levin has crafted a masterpiece, one that is as important to our future as a country as it is to our past. | 45 stars
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"Shadow of A Bull"-A story of self-realization.
Manolo is a young teen age boy who finds himself in a very difficult position in his life. He is the son of one of the greatest Toreros(bullfighters) in Spain. He lives in the small village of Archangel, and his father's memory(he was killed by a bull in the ring) is held sacred by the town people. Of course, the town people expect, and even more, deeply hope that Manolo will follow in his father's footsteps and bring fame once again to the village. This is a great read-aloud book for teachers, and it is a very introspective book for upper elementary school students. Read of Manolo's struggles with his own future and with the hopes of the village. Read of Jose, his close friend, who really wants to be a bullfighter. Top Ten on this teachers read aloud list!!!!!!!written by Bob Townsen | 45 stars
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Kind and sweet--an excellent book!
In a sense the book is sad because of its ending, but nevertheless it is a great read. The anecdotes are kind and sweet, and the writing is truly excellent. It touches the heart and most readers will shed a tear here and there. After reading this book we will have received valuable insight and useful wisdom that we can apply in our lives. Another book that I really liked and has helped me immensely as it is a great handbook for living and contains many pearls of wisdom, is Dietmar Scherf's "I Love Me: Avoiding & Overcoming Depression" which is also available at Amazon.com | 45 stars
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The original adventure story
Surely all modern adventure stories, movies, etc. must trace their roots back to Sir H. Rider Haggard. H. Rider Haggard's books must be the original adventure stories. This one is a classic, no, the classic.To get the full worth from this book, you must transport yourself back to 1895 or whenever this story was written, when Africa was unexplored, when gentlemen were gentlemen and savages were savages. Yes, it's very un-PC, but that's the price you must pay. Remember, you are reading the first adventure stories, at the time of your G-G-G-G-great grandfather.Cons-The prose is very old fashioned, and is somewhat difficult to read, you must read it slowly as it's so different from modern books. And like one of the reviewers said, "it's full of cliches" because it has been copied so many times. It reminds me of part about the eclipse, apart from HRH, I've also seen it used in an Enid Blyton book, and a Tintin book, surely HRH was the first to use it, but not the last.I first read this book in the 60's before the plethora of modern adventure stories, so I don't know if any modern reader will get as much out of it as I did, but give it a chance. | 45 stars
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A "feel good" book
This is one of my all time favorite books. It is the book I most often turn to when I'm feeling down, and it has never failed to lift my spirits. Francie Nolan is an unforgettable character that will stay with you long after you've read the book. | 45 stars
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Novel
It is same with this book has the previous book. I have not read this as yet, but I know it will be a great read in the future. Purchase awhile back through ebook, amazon kindle. Thanks. | 23 stars
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Great Presentation
This book, has a great presentation, information is nothing new but presented in a way that is simple and straight forward. | 45 stars
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Conquering Math Anxiety
I found this to be an exceptional book. It provides excellent practical strategies to be successful in math. It covers everything from psychological/personal blocks that may hinder students from learning math to practical success strategies that students can apply immediately. I especially enjoyed the discussion on learning styles and the accomodations that can be used for better understanding of coursework. I found the chapters on positive self-talk, conquering test anxiety and study skills very helpful as well. Every math teacher should have this book on their shelf! | 45 stars
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hopelessly romantic
I LOVE this book. I love Anya Seton and this is another magnificent book. This is one for the hopeless romantics like myself. Not the smut romantics that want details of sexual acts because you will find none of that here. Seton writes magnificently and leaves much of the down and dirty to our imaginations. She leads us on a beautful trip that reminds us that there is someone out there for everyone and when that person is found no matter what you can be happy in their embrace. Full of right on historical details with real people. I can not wait to read this book again. | 45 stars
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Exactly as I had hoped.
I was very happy with the experience. They cookbook is easy to follow and has great recipes. Even I can make edible food now (which borders on a miracle). | 45 stars
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A book I treasure
Frank J Sheed's Theology for Beginners, is a book I have come to treasure, and have shared with many others, who have also come to value this authors easy writing style, and simplicity of argument. I found this book enlightening, and very satisfyingly logical in the arguments and examples provided in the text. Frank Sheeds writing style turns what could be an intimidating topic, into an easily readable test with an attractive style. I have recommended this book to many people who have also found its contents very satisfying. This is one of those books that sits in the section on my bookshelf for only the most treasure books. It is a really good introduction to understanding what Theology is and also for laying a foundation for future exploration or study of this subject. Read it. You won't be sorry. | 45 stars
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College requirement
This book is a required read for most philosophy programs across the country for both undergraduate and graduate studies. If you're not in a college class where you can find other minds to chew this with I would recommend reading journal articles or other writings from philosophers that responded in some way to the premise this author is putting forth. | 45 stars
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A useful overview, but hardly authoritative
As a collection of photographs and art, this book is superb. The series of photos of Warren Harding posing dramatically tell you a great deal about the man, while the engraving of Washington playing the flute is properly mind-bending. And yes, the organizational device does, in and of itself, spark the mind to some interesting considerations of the ties that bind these men.The text itself, however, is a disappointment, which is perhaps no surprise: this is after all the companion volume to a TV show, so I suppose I can't complain too much that the visuals are terrific but the content is on the thin side. (And that the emphasis is overwhelmingly on personalities rather than policies.) What else would it be?As an overview, then, for someone just beginning to look into the American presidency, this volume has a lot to recommend it. But if you already have some familiarity with most of these men (as I do, after a rather odd 5th-grade obsession) then there really isn't anything new to be found in the chapters. If you want a stellar collection of photographs then, without reservation, the book is terrific. If you want something more substantial about the men who have been president, you might want to look elsewhere. | 23 stars
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I've read The Message
This item came in a timely fashion. The copy is very small so that is disappointing but the book isin good shape.Thanks | 23 stars
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Good read
I enjoyed this book. I wish this book was written sometime after India's independence as more important events unfolded later. I also think that the reader needs background on India and its culture to understand some chapters. Overall, a good one! | 45 stars
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Time travel with a twist ¿ meet the REAL King Arthur!
Who hasn�t heard of King Arthur and the knights of his Round Table? Along with Robin Hood, the tales of King Arthur are the most exciting tales that British history has produced � tales of grand chivalry, as gallant knights in shining armour rescue damsels in distress, and fight for courage, truth and justice. But were the knights really so noble and courageous? Through the eyes of a nineteenth century Yankee (Hank Morgan) who goes back in time to King Arthur�s sixth century court, Mark Twain suggests that the sixth century wasn�t quite so glamorous. Here�s a taste of his delightful humour: �As a general thing � as far as I could make out � these murderous adventures were not forays undertaken to avenge injuries, nor to settle old disputes or sudden fallings out; no, as a rule they were simple duels between strangers � duels between people who had never even been introduced to each other, and between whom existed no cause of offense whatever.� Twain compares it to boys going at it on the spot: �I had always imagined until now, that that sort of thing belonged to children only, and was a sign and mark of childhood; but here were these big boobies sticking to it and taking pride in it clear up into full age and beyond. Yet there was something very engaging about these great simple-hearted creatures, something attractive and loveable. There did not seem to be brains enough in the entire nursery, so to speak, to bait a fishhook with; but you didn�t seem to mind that, after a little, because you soon saw that brains were not needed in a society like that, and, indeed would have marred it, spoiled its symmetry � perhaps rendered its existence impossible.� (p16) As for the quest for the Holy Grail? �The boys all took a flier at the Holy Grail now and then. It was several years� cruise. They always put in the long absence snooping around, in the most conscientious way, though none of them had any idea where the Holy Grail really was, and I don�t think any of them actually expected to find it, or would have known what to do with it if he *had* run across it ... Every year expeditions went out holy grailing, and next year relief expeditions went out to hunt for *them*.� (p54)Sound wickedly funny? Hank Morgan doesn�t stop there with his nineteenth century heroic arrogance. Using his superior knowledge of solar eclipses, blasting powder, reading and writing, and electronics, he soon becomes The Boss who single-handedly helps sixth century Britain take a short-cut to nineteenth century civilization. Chivalry becomes a thing of the past, and the knights of the Round Table are converted to more worthwhile endeavours as baseball-players and business men � some commissioned on more nineteenth century style quests as �missionaries� to advertise soap and toothbrushes on sandwich boards. It helps, of course, that the magician Merlin is a faker and con-artist, and that hero Hank can do much more impressive �miracles�, which are nothing less than elaborate scientific stunts with blasting powder and cement. Camelot soon finds itself with a functioning telephone system and newspaper. All is wonderful, until our hero is commissioned to go on a quest to rescue forty-five princesses locked in a castle by three ogres. He discovers that being a knight isn�t as glamorous as it�s made out to be, because you can�t even use your handkerchief, and you get dust in your nose. Along with the dim-witted King Arthur, Hank�s plan to walk around in disguise as a peasant backfires when they are nearly executed as rebellious slaves, rescued only when Launcelot and the boys arrive in the nick of time - on brand new bicycles.Twain�s irreverence in dealing with the beloved Arthurian traditions garnered him a great deal of criticism at the time of publication. Yet as the peels of laughter fade, it becomes clear that Twain is using his humor to make a very serious point. Is he merely critiquing the vices of medieval feudalism and warning against over-sentimentalising the past? If he is critical of King Arthur, surely it is not a criticism directed at the monarchy or the noble virtues that the knights of the Round Table pursued, but rather at the vices of an unbalanced class structure. Or is Twain using a comparison between the sixth and the nineteenth centuries to make an argument for or against the scientific machinist age of the nineteenth century? It is clear that the protagonist � the first person point of view used by Twain to embrace the reader in sharing his convictions � embodies one set of ideals and arrogantly looks down on King Arthur who embodies another set of ideals. The sixth century holds fast to the concept of greatness and position being attained by birth, whereas the nineteen century has little reverence for rank and file, replacing it by a respect attained by achievements alone (p46ff). Morgan is sharply critical of injustices created by the medieval class structure, where people are slaves to �King and Church and noble� (p74ff), and is especially negative towards orthodox Christianity (specifically the Catholic church), feeling it safer for power not to be concentrated in one single organization (p56,108). He also mocks the simplistic medieval beliefs in the supernatural, and his own scientific �miracles� appear to be a reflection of nineteenth century liberalism and atheistic philosophy, where beliefs in supernaturalism were exiled through the advance of scientific naturalism, and where the Christian God was dethroned and replaced by science. The failures of the faker Merlin appear to be symbolic of the failure of medieval supernaturalism, since it is Morgan�s scientific knowledge that can perform the true miracles. What Twain unconsciously shows is that faith in natural science is just as much a religion as faith in supernaturalism, because the protagonist doesn�t convert King Arthur�s court to naturalism. By projecting himself as a supernaturalist, and taking advantage of King Arthur�s court ignorantly attributing his scientific miracles to the supernatural, Morgan proves to be just as much a political manipulator as Merlin or the established Church.I cannot believe that Morgan is totally a mouth-piece of Twain, or that Twain uses this work to advocate Protestant America over against Britain, since Twain was in fact an opponent of American imperialism. It is true that eventually Morgan proclaims and defends a republic with electric fences, revolvers and dynamite, exterminating the whole chivalry of England and replacing it with American imperialism and technology. But in the end it proves to be a hollow victory, with Morgan on his death-bed having second-thoughts about his technological achievements, and speaking about medieval chivalry with emotional longing and passionate love. The nineteenth century symbols prove to have the same destiny as those of the sixth century � they are conquered and die. Is Morgan�s death a symbol of the fate of the Western machine age, and is Twain asserting that nineteenth century American arrogance over earlier civilizations is misplaced, because it will share their destiny? The final cynicism in which the novel ends can not be overlooked, and is a suggestion that society�s optimism and faith in technology and science are misplaced because these can never improve humanity. Twain�s disenchantment with technology and progress is a reflection of the failures experienced in his own life: science in the end is not mankind's god or saviourTo get maximum enjoyment and understanding of Twain�s humour, I highly recommend reading a version of the Arthurian legends before Twain�s parody. He occasionally quotes Malory�s fifteenth century classic �Morte d�Arthur� � deliberately assigning a very different context and meaning to what was originally intended. To appreciate the conventions and ideals he is mocking, a read of Malory is essential, such as the English rendition produced by Sir Frank Knowles.It�s a brilliant concept, and makes William Goldman�s farcical and popular �The Princess Bride� look like inferior literary fodder for kindergarten kids. Not only is it funny, but there�s a great deal of depth beneath the surface, which Twain uses to convey a great deal of seriousness. Yet even while critics argue about just what it is that Twain is being serious about, there is no doubt that this is thoroughly enjoyable and humorous work, just as enjoyable today at the end of the twentieth century as when it was written at the end of the nineteenth. It is not so much the dark and serious underlying tone that has made this work a classic but Twain�s brilliant humour, creativeness, and story-telling. | 45 stars
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"I wish every woman I dated had read this!"- A man from NYC
I originally bought a copy of this as a way to "get the other team's play book" and got intrigued with the authors' principles the more I read it. I often found myself saying out loud "Yes, Yes! I really really wish that _____ woman had done this because I would probably still be interested in her."If you're like me, you hate that we all have to play such games in dating, but let's face it - we do.I think that any woman who really practices what this book says will be able to improve her chances of "hooking" Mr. Right dramatically. | 45 stars
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A Rare Instance of the Movie Being Better
Like many others, I read THE BOURNE IDENTITY because I enjoyed the movie so much. The book is always better, right? Well, not always. Although THE BOURNE IDENTITY is an okay book, it is an example of the fortunately rare event of the movie being better. The book does not have the swift pace and action of the movie and often bogs down in useless plot twists that add little to the plot but protract the book to an unnecessary degree.For instance, in the movie, Bourne discovers the implant in his hip, goes to the bank, discovers large wads of cash and weapons, withdraws it, leaves and - BAM - onto the action. The book, by contrast, has Bourne facing the intracacies of -GASP - an arcane banking regulation that prevents him from withdrawing his cash. Not exactly the reason I read a political espionage thriller.Bourne's relationship with the woman Marie is also rather tough to swallow. After Bourne takes her hostage and really treats her rather roughly, she realizes that he is really a good guy and so her feelings of hostility turn to feelings of love instead. Come on! Even if her hostility were to abate, it is too much of a stretch for her to fall for Bourne that hard, that fast and under those circumstances.The portrayal of Bourne's relationship with Marie is further undermined by the truly sappy language the author employs. The text is full of references to "my love," "my darling," "love me Jason, just love me" and further such wince-inducing dialogue. I am sorry, call me a purist, but the only times the words "my love" or "my darling" should appear in a book of this nature is when a man is talking about his feelings towards a particular piece of semi-automatic weaponry to get an assignment done. Over the top writing is, alas, not limited to Bourne's and Marie's love fests but pervades the entire book. Bourne's flashbacks are written in a similar fashion.Again, THE BOURNE IDENTITY is not bad. In fact, it is pretty good. But if a reader is looking for the excitement and action of the movie, well folks, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but you will not find it here. | 23 stars
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A classic
This book appeals to a wide range of ages. Teens will appreciate the story on the superficial level while adults will be drawn by the deeper social commentary. The symbolism here is artfully constructed and each reader will interpret the book a little differently. There's a reason this book is considered a classic | 34 stars
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FABULOUS DESIGNS
I was truly impressed with this book. I learned how to cross-stitch a long time ago and had since forgotten alot of things. This book was perfect to get back into it and refresh my memory without overdoing it and making myself crazy. They also have diagrams of the stitches in the back of the book. Great for me, who can never remember the French Knot. This book came in very handy at Christmas time when I ran out of ideas for my family. I'm constantly picking it up and combining designs now to make my own creations. I recommend this book to any cross-stitcher out there. | 34 stars
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I loved this book.
Martin Scorsese should have read it before doing "Gangs of New York". Boorstin captures not only the details of life in nineteenth century New York City, he captures the language, worldview and psychology of his characters. A good twisting plot drives it all. Highly recommended. | 45 stars
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Great Book for Beginner Readers
Ahoy!In the softcover book Castaways!, Uniqua, Pablo, and Tyrone pretend that their leaky ship was lost at sea, and now they're stranded on a desert island.What they don't realize is that Austin has been "stranded", too, but he's too shy to say "Ahoy!" to the rest of the castaways.While Uniqua, Pablo, and Tyrone look for wood, vines and leaves to build a hut for shelter, they soon realize that everything they need mysteriously shows up. Where did it come from? Could it be that they aren't alone on the island?Castaways! is a Level 1 Ready-to-Read book which uses simple stories and rebuses to help teach reading. My son loves this book and can now read it on his own. It's a colorful, engaging bedtime story for younger children, and good for older children who are beginning to read. | 45 stars
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Textbookl of Ayurveda Fundamental Principles
I loved the book and the seller was very prompt in delivering it to my house. There are couple more books in the series by Vasant Lad that are on my list of things to buy. Very knowledgable guy | 45 stars
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Classic clear-eyed view of saints
Butler's four volumes on the saints are the classic work in this field. If you hope to wallow in saccharine syrup and pious platitudes, look elsewhere. There are tales in this work, revised by a modern Jesuit scholar, that make it look like precis of some rather racy old French novels. Pull it down from the shelf to pass a quarter of an hour when you're killing time. Open at random and you'll probably find something that will teach you what you did not know of history or give you some insight into your life. (Or maybe not if luck isn't with you. There are some bores in here because it's a complete overview, so just turn a page.) Another pleasure of this kind would be Helen Waddell's classic, The Desert Fathers. Gorgeous English prose by a sophisticated, worldly scholar and splendid translator who deeply understood the relation of mysticism to erotic passions. | 45 stars
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America's Greatest Novel
I began this novel in the 11th grade prepared to hate it to the core. Everything I knew about it made me expect a silly, eye-batting trip into a fairy tale world of the Old South with its impossibly virtuous ladies, its foppish gentleman and grinning content slaves, and I was actually looking forward to making fun of the characters, story and author.I could NOT have been more wrong about this novel. Margaret Mitchell, I salute you!This is to American letters what Les Miserables is to France, or War And Peace is to Russia. Nowhere else are characters like these to be found or is the human spirit portrayed as so unconquerable. I fell in love with this book. From its would-be detractor I became its most vocal champion. I was stunned over and over at how inutterably magnificent this contribution to literary greatness was. As one reads along about the lives of these larger than life men and women all set against the backdrop of the fall of an entire civilization, any sensitive person can only be compelled to acknowledge that there on the open page is a book that shall live in literary eternity.Of any work of fiction a person might feel compelled by "duty" to read at some point in a lifetime, Gone With The Wind deserves to be at the head of that list. | 45 stars
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Taking back the runes
There is a movement happening, as the previous reviewer implies, for Northern Heathens to speak out against the exploitation of their sacred traditions by New-Age cultural pirates.I was once told by a Native American that the most frustrating thing to him was seeing his traditions parodied by buckskin wearing New-Age gurus, who really had no idea of the culture they were stealing from.This is just how Heathens feel about Blum's work. The runes are held sacred by many Northern traditions, and this is yet another book that cashes in on runes as a popular vehicle to carry the author's real message.Surely, we can talk about relationships without bringing runes into it. | 01 star
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the white nile
I was particularly interested in the history of the white Nile because I lived near it in Sudan and crossed it many times at Juba. It was the only bridge for hundreds of miles.... I also followed it to the south to the border of Uganda. | 45 stars
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Love it.
Nothing is more fascinating than to see how Jung interprets dreams and symbols, this book is a wonderful adventure for the mind. | 45 stars
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Understanding the larger world of wrestling culture
Here's another excellent wrestling history book for any involved in the sport: SLAPHAPPY: PRIDE, PREJUDICE AND PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING provides not just a history of the sport but a lively, involving survey of America's involvement with pro wrestling. There's a healthy dose of anthropology and critical theory which enhances rather than bogging down the report; and there's a reporter's observation edge to the survey which blends a touch of humor into the mix. The recipe is a perfect formula for understanding the larger world of wrestling culture. | 34 stars
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Boredom At 30,000 Feet
Some time ago, I read _Sole Survivor_. While not the best thing I've ever read, it was enjoyable as a guily pleasure/vacation kind of book. Hoping that _Heaven_ would be similar, I picked up a copy for a flight. A mistake.I believe that these reviews should be primarily written to guide potential buyers/readers, as opposed to trying to get cute and prove that 1) you have read the book and/or 2) you are clever. I could go on for days about his ridiculous use of simile, his annoying attribution of human intelligence to dogs, and the fact that he was evidently under contract to write a 700 page book when all he could really muster was the content for 400. But I won't.Instead, I would point out for the potential reader that this is likely to be a disappointment if you are expecting a good novel, a good science fiction/horror, or even just a plot that keep the pages turning because you have some time to burn and don't want to watch TV.While theoretically "about" bioethics, Mr. Kontz spends a total of about 3 pages discussing this. It's almost as if he overheard a conversation at a cocktail party and let his research on the subject stop at that. Even more insulting is his explanation of quantum mechanics, which I think is one and a half pages of half-baked buzzwords. He'd be better off not trying to explain the scifi aspects at all.I can't claim to be an expert on Koontz's work, and after reading this one, I know I never will be. | 01 star
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Gotta Love Those Faieries
Merry and the boys are back, fighting crime and making love. I was particularly amused by the thought of one woman and five men in a one bedroom apartment (one bathroom, too!) Kitto grows into a full-blown character and new fey are introduced to the mix. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and have already raved to my friends. (I burned a pot of green beans because I was so caught up in one passage!) If you enjoyed Kiss of Darkness, you'll love this book, too. | 34 stars
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Great Pop-ups!!! Very Fun Book! For for everyone
This book was awesome!!! I dont know why several reviewers complained. Norman is right, they are WAY to critical! If you want a full version go and buy a full version. This is a great compliment to any full version. I would Highly Recommended it as the pop ups are really fun and look awesome. If they overloaded the book with all of the original material it would take away from the Beauty of the pop-ups. The colours and pages are very Beautiful, all of the pages are glossy and its a hardcover (which is about 1 square foot surface area btw. I thought it would be a smaller book b4 i received it). 5 of the 6 pop ups have tabs that you can pull and make the pop-ups move. The suspension pose looks really cool when you move her up and down, up and down hehehehe :) I'm sure that if its a party a couple or just a person reading it, they will find it very enjoyable and get a good laugh here and there. Very Fun book! | 45 stars
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The tale of a country girl....
I've read this book over and over. Polly's simplicity, sensibility, and virtues are an encouragement to me to be 'an old-fashioned girl' in today's crowd. I'd encourage you to read this book. | 45 stars
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Best Flawed Book Ever
East Of Eden is my favorite book of all time. It is not nearly the best, the most respectable, the most polished or most intellectually compelling, but it is my singular favorite. It reminds me a bit of Chaucer's Cantebury Tales, often enough relying on the bawdy, even the implausible-- or occasionally knowingly dubious science-- to further plot entanglements, but ever weaving hooks of melodramatic delight. Steinbeck writes inside a woman's brain as can very few men. He artfully meanders through different lives and generations, often willfully steeped in bits of caricature as with Adam,Samuel and his wise Chinese friend, frequently surrounds us in contrived circumstances, all by design. How else can we be introduced to Catherine/Kate: the single most deliciously evil bad seed who ultimately emerges as the single most deliciously willful, outrageous,independent and morally indifferent woman of her century, a woman who, in recollections well prior to the film's focus, gives birth to unlikely twins in the most amazing of circumstances.One of those third generational boys is portrayed- in his single most brilliant performance riviting from its opening moments(among only three films in which he ever appeared)- by James Dean as Cal Trask. That film version commences fully two thirds through the book. We watch a young man following an older woman who pretends to be unaware of his presence. That particular slice of drama slowly builds to shocking enlightenments. For me, the other book (of roughly that time) to film leap a single character's brilliant portrayal so effectively is Rostand to Ferrer's Cyrano, but I digress.At first I had difficulty with the author's opening in East of Eden, which takes us through nearly a score of scene setting Salinas Valley pages before Steinbeck begins his masterly hypnotic storytelling. When I posed this personal dilemna to a classrom of students, they were fairly evenly divided on that author's decision. The half who loved it were almost all studying art as their elective, whereas the other half had chosen another course. Later in life, when I came to draw as a hobby, I too appreciated Steinbeck's initial soft scenic opening before many following tempests.From too perfect paternal men both Asian and American of one generation through too flawed authority in another, there finally arrives in a third at least one character who has a chance at something both plausible and good. We herein also encountered women too hot, too cold and like, in the fable, one just right, once again all by design.My beloved shrink sister-in-law (at the time) gave me two great pieces of advice: get a shrink (which I did) and read East of Eden (which I did). My favorite memories of teaching involve that book multiple times in the context of an NYC gifted program.Finally, I am so jealous of most who are reading this indulgent review. The presumption is they have not yet, for the first time, realized the joy of savoring this unique treasure, perhaps both in the literary and film version. Steinbeck is, for me, along with Hawthorne, the greatest American writer and storyteller. I would love a selective bout of artful amnesia to experience such memorable firsts once again. | 45 stars
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This book was great!!
I had to read this book for my English class and I loved it. I really recommend this book. | 45 stars
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How can you top FREE? !!!!
outstanding prodcut free...can't beat that can you?? haven't finished to book but so far it's outstandinghope you enjoy it as much as i am.....what's up?? | 45 stars
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A disturbing tale
I have read this book for a week now and managed to finish it just a few hours ago. It's slim, very, probably an evening's read, but I found it too disturbingly real at some places to continue and had to put it aside for some time.Caren Gussoff gives us an excelently written story of a young girl's life that is full of details that have haunted her for a long time and still do it in the present. As others have mentioned, the plot evolves around the girl's siter's death and her inability to tell that to her parents. She soon understands that before she can do that, she has to find her own plays in the world and her siter's life.The most important features of this story are the words and sentences it is told with. Gussoff surely knows how to handle them in just the right way, especially so for a newcomer. In some places, it is almost impossible to stare out of the window for a while, wondering how it is possible to convey such deep feelings merely through some ordinary and everyday expressions.This book is certainly one of the best of the last year. Hopefully Caren will continue writing the same way or maybe even better. | 45 stars
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The other side of history
This was probably one of the most interesting history books I have ever had to read. It definitely showed the rougher side of US History. It wasn't so "Go America." It definitely had a lot of criticisms toward the United States and the actions it had taken in the past. Zinn writes this book from the victims perspective basically. Most of the time he makes the United States look like the bad guy, but even then I thought it was really interesting to see American History written and viewed in that way. Definitely gets you to think. | 23 stars
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Let the water wash you clean
This author-attorney has created a not-so-nice, intelligent protaganist, who relies on brains more than brawn to solve the mystery of his not-so-nice brother's death. After a slow start the pace gets rolling and the last third of the book holds you to the end. Lots of action and realistic fight scenes mixed with a plausible puzzle reward the reader. | 34 stars
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Yes, it's like all Ann's books -- thank goodness!
Sure Ann Rule's books follow a formula. And, like TV's LAW & ORDER, it's a successful way to tell a crime story. In this book, as in all Ann's books, there's the set up, the crime, the investigation, and the final judgement. Her books aren't fine literature, like Truman Capote's IN COLD BLOOD, but classics like that come along very rarely. What Ms. Rule does well is to keep the victim in as clear focus as the villain. Often in books of this genre, the victim and the impact of the crime are lost because criminals such as Blackthorn are so complicated and interesting. Not so here. Shelia, Jamie, Carrie, the older daughters and the quads are never forgotten. | 34 stars
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Funny and depressing look at war
The comical view of war from those involved was very entertaining, but depressing due to the lack of hope/control over fate and note to mention the dreaded Catch-22. | 34 stars
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Pretty Boring- zzzz
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott is a (boring) fiction book about the four March Girls- Meg, Amy, Jo and Beth, who I can never tell apart. They are poor and their father is at war,and they have all sorts of, um, not really adventures, but you get the point. Well, it tells about their daily lives- not that interesting. Alcott devotes whole chapters to something as trivial as making dinner- and doesn't make it even that interesting. In the end, they are all happy and married with kids, thus giving the message to reach true happiness the ultimate goal must be marriage- not.I can't believe Alcott managed to write 647 pages of this- it was so dang boring! Of course, it had its interesting moments, but for the most part, I can't believe I'm alive, writing this review. Overall, this book hasn't affected me much- just another book.Plot- boringEnding- pretty satisfying, especially because it's the endingFlow- I still don't know which character is which, and the book went from, say, a tea party, to a dinner, and back to the tea party; confusing!Would I buy this book- I already did, but it was free (meh heh heh)Would I reread this book- NO!Bottom line: Must I say it again? BORING! | 12 stars
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Not Puzo's Best
This was not Puzo's best work, that much is for sure. Found myself flipping through pages as the plot droned on and on and on. The incest was disturbing, to say the least. I just really did not enjoy much of this book. Some of his other books are worthy of re-reading over and over again, but this one will remain on the bookshelf for a very long time...at least until I trade it in to the used book store. | 12 stars
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Still the greatest vampire story of all
Deep and Freudian, full of unconscious images and atmosphere. Shows up Ann Rice for the writer of trash that she is. Unsurpassed | 45 stars
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i love this book
I absolutly love this book. Suze is just great. She's a mediator, in other words she "sees dead people". She moves to California from New York to live with her new step-dad and step-brothers who she calls Dopey, Doc, and Sleepy which is so funny. She's a girl not afraid of kicking a little ghost butt or a little human butt to. My favorite part is when she says to a girl who called another girl a freak: "I wasn't calling you a freak," the girl said, quickly. "I'm aware of that," i said. "That's why I'm only going to break one of your fingers after school, instead of all of them." Read this book. Read it! | 45 stars
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Blink 182
And they improve again, with a more, heart-felt album. With tones of hits off this cd already, well, make that four, and much earned success. They put together a tablature book for us to play along. Most of it, is fairly simple. But they improved over the years, and this is their best work to date. Ok, here we go:Feeling This- Droped D tuning and a Capo on the second fret. The song is in E major or can be transposed to D major as well. It's cool though.Obvious- Droped 1 and 1/2 steps, into C# tuning. The song is simple, but really cool! It has the old punk style to it that Blink used to have.I Miss You- Same as the last song, drop C# tuning, the song is mostly just sliding your fingers up and down the frets. Still cool. With some very high notes as well.Violence- Again, drop C# tuning, but almost all these songs can be played without droping it down, except Obvious. The song only has three parts to it, the intro where he vibrates A, and then the chorus part, and the bridge(which is has a unique solo to it).Stockholm Syndrome- They even tabbed the piano part at the beginning, but I wouldn't try it on guitar. And the first song in the book that isn't dropped. And is one of the best songs on the album, I must say. The verse part is cool.Down- Drop C# tuning again, but can be played in E major as well. You'd probably find it easier in E major, but if you want a challenge, then C# is good as well. It's not terribly difficult to learn.The Fallen Interlude- They tabbed it, lots of high notes, so you have to know your picking quite well. It's more a drum song though.Go- Back to Blink basics, easy and fun!Asthenia- Starts out with the unique intro, and then jumps into the song, which starts out with finger picking, and then chords. It's fairly simple, but unique just the same. Drop D tuning.Always- It's a cool song! Alot of picking and it sounds very cool when you play it with the song!Easy Target- Fast paced and very rockish!All of This- The song is different, and fairly simple.Here's Your Letter- Like Shut Up in ways, because it's Mark's final song of the album, punk/rock, with less swearing. Overall, it's a nice song to play.I'm Lost Without You- Beautiful, but so easy. I love this song, but it's very repetitive.Overall, a good buy. I definitely recommend it if you want to know the songs the RIGHT way! | 45 stars
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A doll book with great information
Loved this book. I am a collector of black dolls for many years. I saw several of my dolls in the book. | 45 stars
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