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Thank You
Every single word of this great work rings true for me. Thank you so much Eckhart. | 45 stars
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Fun!
I really like this product and being a technophobe,I had to be convinced to buy it. It has been fun learning to use it and have books instantly at hand. I haven't yet mastered some of the other applications but the instructions are so clear, I feel certain that I'll be able to if the need arises. | 45 stars
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Best non-fiction work to come out of the Civil War
Several years ago I urged John Seelye to edit this work for Penguin. A couple of years after that, he asked me to do it instead, and I did. This is a remarkable book about a literate Yankee (Higginson "discovered" the poet Emily Dickinson) who "discovers" the South. It's also "about" Black soldiers in a white war, white officers in a Black regiment, self-discovery, rivers, and hope. Much of the imagery and characterization in the movie GLORY seems to have been lifted from this book: it is, after all, a first-hand narrative of war by an idealist sorely tested by politics and physical hardship. Higginson's writing of the book is in part his attempt to deal with what today we would call Post-Traumatic-Stress Disorder, and it is no wonder that the tone sometimes reminds the reader of Hemingway's "Big Two-Hearted River." Because the teller of this story emerges as an interesting person per se, this edition includes some of his other essays, ranging from his fascination with slave rebellion to his appreciation for poetry. | 34 stars
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I wanna be a Test Subject!
I know it's too late now but I would have loved to be a test subject. I've been into ebooks for two years now - spent $$$$ and love my ebookwise device. I tried the SONY Reader and didn't like it much. The ebookwise was still easy and I have it with me always. I'm on my second reader and have #3 reader for when the current one dies. They seem to last good for about a year - maybe more.I'm constantly on the lookout for better readers. Kindle? A bit pricey and I may try it eventually. If Amazon needs test subjects for the next Kindle device - I'm ready!I wish I'd have known the first time though - I missed out. Not for lack of being on Amazon since I buy from Amazon on a regular basis - even have Prime Shipping.The Kindle looks....intriquing. Need a good honest reviewer as well as someone who'll give you the Techhie recount of the device?ME! | 45 stars
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Riveting
This book is a parable.The writing is spare, concise, exquisite.The imagery is spectacular. More than "seeing" it, one feels it.The story is beautifully paced and remarkable in itself.One must realize that "The Road" is not a new story but an extraordinary reinterpretation of Man's Journey. This is exemplified in tales from Odysseus to Pilgrim's Progress.We are all on some road and the only thing we know for sure is that it will end in death. We must consider our responsibilities, our duties, our human obligations on this journey.Life is a series of challenges. How we tackle them or resolve them is forever our moral legacy.Few of us realize the demands of love and this book epitomizes difficulties which arise as we go forward, some nights so dark we see little hope of reaching our goal, the depths of love for another and great will to survive.Look again at what you have read. | 45 stars
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Gorgeous
I love this book so much! It is as much of a masterpiece as Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights.This is actually the most feminist Bronte novel and the most corageous in dealing with social issues. It deals with the evils of drink and with domestic violece in a realistic way. Yet it is a beautiful lyrical book at the same time.It explodes the Victorian myth of "the Angel in the House", and savagely attacts the 19th century assumption that women must be kept innocent and ignorant for their own good. It is the Bronte novel which was panned upon its publication because it so strongly attacked the status quo of the time and this maybe why she is to this day wrongly regarded the inferior writer of the three. | 45 stars
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Beautiful
Another heart filled love story that opens the closed doors of the heart and fills it with true warmth and compatation. | 45 stars
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Powerful
Every trifling male and female on this earth should read this book.............It might actually have the power to give the wanna be players a conscience. Marissa had a bitter taste in her mouth from all of the "wonderful" experiences that she's had with stupid, ignorant, vindictive and abusive men in her life. Charmaigne wanted the fairytale life so badly that she couldn't see the devil himself unleash the gates of hell trying to push her through. Brandon lived a life of ironic proportions. How can you make money showing people how to be honest and get a serious reality check when you could not? This book hit home in more ways than one. Sometimes we go through life not wanting enough and always looking up to someone or something. Other times we think we're too much and go through life looking down at someone or something. This book gives you a rude awakening either way. You will definitely end the pages of this novel with a lesson. It is food for thought and you should feed your mind. I gave this book a 4 chocolate rating. | 34 stars
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...
I didn't really love Mary at first. She was a bit bossy and prissy, and I never understood why she thought of Rogan as a rake either. The romance was just too slow for me. They're so hostile to each other the whole time, and that is so annoying after a while. It's an okay tactic to use, but it can't last too long, otherwise the reader gets fed up and doesn't understand how they could possibly end up together.Though the sex scene (that's right, there was only one) was very steamy, the book was written sort of...well, not professionally. It was too easy to read.Also, Caskie wrote the losing-virginity scene the same way in The Most Wicked of Sins. And it's a horribly unrealistic and unromantic scene. | 23 stars
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Loved it
This is a story that will affect each person differently according to your own experiences, your age, male or female, etc. | 45 stars
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A Missed Opportunity
With the fertile history of Charleston, I hoped for an intriguing historical tale of romance, suspense, conflict and entertainment. Unfortunately, Jakes delivers a drawn out and at times boring tale of unappealing characters.The novel follows three generations of the Bell family from Charleston, SC. Through the revolution to reconstrucion, Jakes weaves the story of their lives through the historical events of the city, state and nation. He does a mediocre job at retelling the historical events which lend themselves to storytelling, and he does a poor job of creating an interesting cast of characters. None of them are very likable or well developed and they come and go quickly in flashes, so we don't really get to know any of them but the main character Alexandra Bell who I found to be uninteresting and annoying.Since I live in Charleston, I am interested in learning more about the history of it, but this novel did not deliver much insight. The history lesson of the novel seems elementary and offers little enlightenment.I fought the urge to quit this book several times due to its droll nature. Jakes gets rid of several characters by killing them off...eaten by an alligator, killed by falling off a horse due to the ice on a bridge (a rare event in sunny Carolina), killed by a falling tree during a hurricane, burned to death by knocking over a lantern, murdered by an angry slave, a freeman murdered by angry whites, small pox, attacked by a swarm of bees,poisoned by killer iced tea...way too contrived and unlikely.I don't think Jakes applied himself too well to this novel and it shows. I am disappointed in it. | 12 stars
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Kindle
I absolutely love my Kindle. I carry it with me everywhere. It's like my cell phone as far as I have to have it with me. I find it easier to read than a regular book. Before I bought it, I was afraid I would not feel like I was reading a book. But, it's so much easier. I would recommend anyone that is a book lover to buy this. It is amazing how easy it is to find books and load them. I can't imagine not having my Kindle. | 34 stars
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Can't put it down!
This book is excellent! It was so hard for me to put it down last night and go to bed. Its amazing what this book tells you! | 45 stars
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Facts mentioned in this book
I have read the opinions of some that this is such a bad book written by an idiot. People say there are inaccuracies. I keep looking and looking but I just don't see anyone giving anything specific about inaccuracies. I ask you to look at these critics, and see how they don't give details.If you really feel you are a patriotic American and you want to protect this country, wouldn't you want to know that we are using some intelligence in what we do, or would you rather just say, hell, let's go bomb anyone we don't like and maybe we'll stop the threats to this country?The fact is that the war in Iraq was a horrible mistake and just because we point that out it does not mean we are unpatriotic. And the fact is that W does not have this country's interests at heart. The best news is that W is not our friend. With an enemy like W things could be a lot worse and he IS our enemy. He is hurting this country.But this good news can only be good if people in this country are smarter than he is. PLEASE use your brain, get the facts, stop just listening to the limiting views of conservatives and think. That's all I ask. Open your mind to what is really happening even if it means dropping the idea that you should be part of the "old boys" network. This book will help you think. | 45 stars
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The struggle for what is good in humanity
I got this book a couple of weeks after it first came out, upon recommendation from a co-worker who did not like it (our tastes in movies, literature, etc. are such that one will like whatever the other doesn't, and vice versa).I began reading with the expectation that this would be a suspenseful survival-horror novel, but I quickly came to be drawn more towards the relationship between the man and the boy, and how hard the man fought to protect him and instill in him all the good qualities of humanity in a bleak, nearly hopeless world in which survival seemed to favor the selfish, the cruel, and the barbaric. This is especially powerful when the man must act out of self-preservation for himself and his son, despite his child's pleadings to give mercy or aid to those even less fortunate, although, "less fortunate" hardly has the ability to describe just how devoid of hope and life this world is.The man and the boy grapple with near-starvation daily, as everyone else in the world does. All but the occasional human are dead - no animals, no trees, not even the buzz of insects - and the only sources of food are those scraps that remain from a now dead civilization. But there are worse things than starvation; there are the men who visit unspeakable horrors upon their fellow survivors. Some may be nothing more than simple thieves, but then there are the gangs of cannibals, roaming in search of their next meal. This is the world the man must keep the boy safe in, and it is not an easy or enviable task.But throughout this draining, terrible ordeal, the one hope that remains alive is the love of a father for his son, and how it drives him to ensure his son will be able to survive after he's gone, perhaps long enough that his child might yet find somewhere not yet consumed by the slow, grey death of the lands they travel across.More than anything, this book is a tribute to the bond between father and son, and I strongly recommend it. | 45 stars
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A lengthy journey
I had a great love for Dickens in high school and decided to give Bleak House a go to see if it was a teenage crush or if Dickens was an author with lasting merit. While Dickens is verbose and is overly fond of lengthy descriptive passages, his books deserve their high esteem. He is wonderful at developing entertaining, quirky characters that the reader will remember long after and at examining important life themes as love, loyalty, and youthful mistakes.In Bleak House we follow the stories of Esther Summerson, an orphan and main character who tells the story and two young cousins Richard and Ada who live with their guardian John Jarndyce at Bleak House. They have been awarded his guardianship and their lives all put on suspension through the court case Jarndyce and Jarndyce which is in the chancery to settle an estate. The case has been going on for years with no end in sight.Esther is truly a Dickensian heroine with her obscure heritage, strength of character, gifts of kindness and loyalty and her ability to remain ever optimistic. While she loves deeply those around her, Esther also is analytical and is able to see their weakness and thus give sage advice and allow the reader to see other characters as they are.This is a complex story with many twists and turns and interrelationships between the lengthy cast of characters which inhabit the book. We see disease, poverty, spousal abuse, jealousy, charity, murder and deceit along the lengthy path through the book. In the end, it was a truly satisfying journey although wearying. | 34 stars
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Son of a Feminist
The book examines many women's perspectives, but never once examines the sons' perspective and the obvious question of the negative impact of feminist male bashing on sons. I was "orphaned" by feminism as it lead my Mom not only to divorce my Dad, but also to champion women at every turn over even me, her own flesh and blood. Now at 53 I see the hollowness of my Mom's assertions that men always have advantages and that there is some male conspiracy out there to ensure my success over women. My Mom's feminist teachings merely made me a tool for women's agendas, which could never include my own success since I was a man. My Mom's feminism not only separated me from my father, it separated me from her and set me up for a life of exploitation by less deserving but more politically savy feminists in the academy. | 01 star
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An excellent first novel
I enjoyed this book immensely, and I'm a very picky reader. I usually stay away from books picturing angels with swords on the cover. I gave Campbell a chance only because the chain city was an idea I've never seen before. Scar Night is seriously lacking in backstory, but it's so well done that the sense of mystery kept me turning pages and now I plan to read the sequels.A word of warning: it does start out pretty slow. Both I and a friend I loaned the book to spent the first five chapters wondering "where is this going? is it going anywhere?" But when it picks up it really does pick up.In short: there are a few rough spots, but it's definitely good enough to justify the cover price. I'll expect more polish in subsequent books by this author, but for a first effort it's a pleasurable read. | 34 stars
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So far, so good
I just received my Kindle today, and I've been impressed with it so far. Here are my initial thoughts, and how I've arrived at my rating.-The design, look and feel are better in person that from the pictures onscreen. I know that is hard to believe, but its true. The Kindle feels solidly put together, altough very light. It doesn't have that pasty biege look of an old computer. Very pleasing to the eye, and the bright frame helps the contrast of the words.-I think the type and screen are superior to the eReader. My son said, "Wow, how do they get that to look like paper" when he saw it.-The wireless is seamless so far. I've obtained subscriptions to IBD, WSJ and Fortune. I read these in paper format, and so far they have everything I need and will probably cancel the paper subscriptions. They downloaded without a hitch.-The manual is one of the best I've ever seen. Lots of white space on the pages, and easy to use.-The Kindle comes already hooked up to your account when you buy it through your Amazon account. I don't know what you do if you buy it as a gift, but I thought it was a neat touch.-One gripe is that the ergonomics on the bottom of the unit could be improved. The corner of the unit (particularly the corner resting in the left hand) might get annoying as it pushes into your palm.I have one major concern, which is whether Amazon will ultimately pass the cost of the wireless service to owners. I see that the manual seems to indicate they will charge you for sending a file through Amazon to reside on your Kindle, but won't charge you if you send it back to your computer for download to the Kindle manually. I get the sense that they're passing this wireless cost along to the consumer, and one has to wonder if they'll pass more to the consumer later.All in all, this product is not an incremental change over the eReader, but more of an evolutionary change. It is what it is, a unit produced by a bookseller to please the customer, and to sell books and subscriptions. Amazon is clearly trying to build a Kindle community, and so far I'm hooked. I applaud the effort. Any time technology and service evolves to address a need, we should applaud. You buy this knowing its limitations with respect to DRM. Buy it or not, but if you simply like to read and you use Amazon, then it makes sense to get one.My rating probably would be a 4 1/2, becuase nothing is perfection. But since I can't leave a half star, I'll bump it up to 5.UPATED: 11-25-07While using my Kindle to read Slate, I clicked on a hyperlink embedded in the blog for more information about a topic. I was taken to the website and was able to read the additional information with no problems. The web browser if very basic, but sufficient for this purpose. In short, the Kindle allows you a full reading experience.I also showed the Kindle to a friend yesterday, who also commented how difficult it is for him (and me) to read articles on a computer for any length of time. Kindle solves that issue. | 45 stars
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I love Kindle!
I am so pleased with my recent purchase of this amazing gadget! Huge selection of all sorts of books delivered wirelessly in under a minute, the ability to change font size, the automatic bookmark so you never lose your place, and I've been spoiled by the handy page 'clicker' instead of the old fashioned 'manual mode.' I have also added a 4GB SD card to use exclusively for downloading audiobooks so I now have the best of both worlds in one small and easily transported personal library! | 45 stars
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Why Did I Wait So Long?
I LOVE IT! I guess I waited so long to purchase this because I thought it was too expensive. When it went on sale for $189, I had to have it. I have already saved enough on the cost of books to pay for it. Anyone who reads a lot will benefit from buying it. | 45 stars
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Time
For the price I think it excellent, the convenience of a digital format is fantastic. I for one prefer it to the magazine, I am not buying a picture book I want what it is offering informed review and reportage. | 34 stars
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Excellent read
I read this book many years ago and I was happy to read it again. Coulter has a way of getting you close to her characters. Lindsey was raised by a horrible father. Always treating her like an outcast and constantly putting her down and abusing her verbally. The biggest deception and hurt happened when she was 18 years old and raped and beaten by her sister's husband. Lindsey's father blamed Lindsey and claimed to the press that she was a slut and a Lolita. Finally several years later Lindsey discovers herself. She becomes Eden a famous model and meets the man of her dreams. And now someone is out to kill her. Is it her Father, who was disinherited by his mother and gave Lindsey/Eden all the fortune, is it her old professor from college who is a crazy, is it her sister, or her sister's husband, or is it someone else who wants her dead. Good surpise at the end. This book keeps you guessing. | 45 stars
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Awesomeness!
I got my purchase in time to read it for my college course!I wasn't prepared for it to be written in already :( but it was still really helpful :)Thanks a million! | 34 stars
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Sentimental liberalism ...
This book is in some respects interesting, but suffers from two major flaws, one methodological & one theological. Diana Eck is a professor of religion at Harvard. Her thesis is that America not only is a highly pluralistic country in terms of religion, but that this is a good thing & should be celebrated rather than deplored. The two flaws: the first is that the evidence, such as it is, for her thesis is purely anecdotal. Eck has traveled all over the country, visited many shrines, temples, mosques, etc. & attended numerous festivals & religious conferences of every conceivable descriptiion. She met hundreds of lovely people whom you would be happy to have for your neighbors. But that's the problem -- everyone & every religion is too lovely. All are benign. No one dislikes let alone hates America. Not only are they lovely; they're all patriotic & thrilled to be here. She never acknowledges the existence of anti-Americanism, anti-westernism, anti-Christianity, or anti-Judaism, let alone analyses how to respond to these attitudes. All immigrants & all religions to her are, by definition, wonderful, & should be unquestioingly welcomed to our shores. Even her addendum to the paperback edition, written after 9/11, refuses to acknowledge any problems. The second flaw in her argument is that from a theological viewpoint -- & she does identify herself as a Christian, albeit a very liberal one to be sure -- she refuses to acknowledge, let alone grapple with, the concept that all these conflicting truth claims cannot possibly be true. Eck never met a religion she didn't like or a practice she disapproves of. There's no judgment here at all -- not even common sense. While she (rightly) approves of freedom of religion in the civil sphere, she confuses this with assessment of truth claims in the theological sphere, & seems to suggest that all religions are equally valid. That view in itself is a particular theological stance, but she never identifies it as such but implies that it is an unquestioned given & that, consequently, we should all not just accept, but celebrate, all religions whatsoever. In short, an example of pluralism gone berserk. | 12 stars
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Disturbing, but worth it
In Bart Yate's evocotive and moving story about two gay brothers, you may at first think it is going to be the same old story. One golden child son who has confidence and everything going for him, versus the moody and introverted brother who just needs to loosen up. It does not take long into the book before you get the feeling that something is wrong, and before long you become aware that something terrible is going to happen and there is nothing that anyone can do to prevent it. The book was totally unexpected and while I was very disturbed by the issues that it brought up and a tough climax, I cannot reccommend it enough. | 45 stars
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It was an excellent book, I recommend it to everyone.
This was an excellent book and couldn't put it down | 34 stars
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Same old tired tale
I've enjoyed a few Ann Rule books over the years but with this one I guess I'm just tired of the same old same old. Burnt out.Women marries violent, controlling psycho, regardless has children by him, then can't get out from under him. I was ina violent/abusive situation myself for alittle while so I know how devastating/paralyzing fear can be. And I feel all these guys should not be allow to live. BUT you would think getting the children out would break that paralysis. But then again she brought these children into this hell knowing full well so what do expect. Caring?What I find repulsive is that most of the people A. Rule writes about are in/from the upper socio-economic classes. These women have money! to work with, friends and family to help, outside connections etc. Yet they do nothing. To me these rich women are guilty of enabling and endangering.Any women, imo, who allows herself to get pregnant in a questionable relationship is committing the ultimate sin. There ought to be a law against a women endangering/risking a child's live like that.Like I said it's the same old story. | 01 star
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Of immediate importance.
This story is not only emotionally moving and satisfying, but is of immediate importance for ones appreciation of the cultural situation our troops and diplomates find themselves in while serving in Afganistan. | 45 stars
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Great way to end the trillogy
This book is a great conclusion it was an excelent plot, story line, and the characters have matured alot even though it isnt long after the unseen queen.So luke seeing how the jedi order is beggining to deteriorate does somthing drastic in order to bring them back together (cant say anything else).All in all great bolok easy to understand however you should read the first two if you truley want to understand the issues. | 34 stars
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On the appearance of SexGod
I bought this book in new condition and that is how I received it- in perfectly new condition. | 45 stars
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A Way to Better Understand America
Once again, another Grand Slam from Jonathan Eig. I never thought there would be a book on sports better than Eig's previous book, Luckiest Man, but Opening Day is.I'm not a sports fan at all, so it is even more remarkable that I loved both books. The reason that I did is that they both far transcended sports. Both are about universal struggles. The first was about the very personal struggle of Lou Gehrig to come to grips with an unfathomable disease that slowly but surely stripped him of his strength and life. The new book, Opening Day, is about the very public struggle of one man, Jackie Robinson, to integrate baseball.Eig could have used flowery language and soaring rhetoric to tell this story, as so many before him have done. Ironically, it is precisely because Eig used stripped down, economical language and let the facts and actual, contemporaneous quotes speak for themselves that the book is so powerful. Eig has mastered the first rule of writing: "show, don't tell." The book is thus a matter-of-fact masterpiece. Because it is so understated, you may not realize what a tour-de-force it is until you are done reading and figure out that it knocked you for an emotional loop.The book is masterful in describing the odd way in which Robinson was merely another worker trying hard to succeed after getting a big promotion (in this case from the minor leagues to the majors), at the same time he - and the world - knew he was making history. That resulted in an odd paradox - while much of America was wishing with all their might for Robinson to be a "credit" to his race (to put it in the patronizing parlance of the time) , and some bigots were hoping that Robinson would prove them right by disgracing his race -- Eig shows that Robinson thought that the outcome of that grand debate hinged more on whether he got base hits or not than whether the nation was emotionally ready to accept black people as equals.Opening Day is also full of understated, dry humor, which the reader has to be on his or her toes to always pick up on. But such attention by the reader is well worth the effort.Unlike so many other sport stories, which tell the story only from the perspective of the players, Opening Day is pitch-perfect in also telling the story from the perspectives of the fans in the stands, listening on the radio, or watching on new-fangled TVs at bars. More than that, it tells the story from the perspective of both the insanely-devoted Brooklyn fans and average Americans.Perhaps the book's greatest achievement is how well it explains just how much Jackie Robinson meant to Black America. It reminded me that Robinson's feat came almost a decade before Brown versus Board of Education and the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Eig convincingly explains how revolutionary it was for Black people to have one of their men be able simply to slide into the leg of a white man in public - in the most famous national game, no less - and not only not be lynched, but be hailed as a hero. Before this book, I always thought: "So big deal, a Black guys got to play sports. Surely, segregation in baseball had to end, but it wasn't a big deal like school de-desegregation or voting rights." But this book reminds us that powerful symbols do indeed matter. By helping me understand how important Jackie Robinson was for Black America, the book helped me understand how important he was for all of America.While the nation is still far, far from perfect, this book is a vital reminder of just how bad things were and how much progress we have made on some fronts.I particularly enjoyed Eig's repeated quotes from African-American newspapers from around the country, who almost always had a different take on America--and Jackie Robinson - than the mainstream white press. Many of these paper's are still around today - albeit struggling -- and Eig gives them some long-overdue recognition in the wider community. To them, this just wasn't about one ballplayer - it was a crusade. Readers of Opening Day will surely agree. | 45 stars
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Humanized China
I have been to China on my own three times in the last year and I think that Peter Hessler's books, both this and his first books are excellent ways to prepare yourself for the China of today- modern, dynamic and yet with a rich history. For a Westerner, Hessler has an amazing ability to get underneath the official stuff and deal with real people. In doing so he lays bare the contradictions that are modern China. Everywhere I have been in China (both south China and Beijing so far) there are construction cranes and a bustling, active people, ugly high rise apartment blocks next to exquisite temples, and people in uniforms everywhere. Hessler's writing style portrays very well this activity and the people behind it. The people in Hessler's books, whether the students in his first book (many of whom he follows up with contacts in this book), or the doomed archaeologist who is the focus of much of this book, or his Uighur friends, all of them are people you would like to meet because Hessler portrays them with warmth and clear affection. A great read- I couldn't put it down. Can't wait for his third book. Also try, Ian Johnson'sWild Grass: Three Portraits of Change in Modern Chinafor more of the same kind of writing. | 45 stars
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O' Pioneers
It was a good read - not difficult to follow the characters, interested in their life story. Not a really indepth look at the expansion west, but an enjoyable, easy read. | 34 stars
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I can remember when books were better than t.v.
If you pick up a mystery at the grocery store, you don't expect Hemingway. Or even Russ Francis. But this is really just like a bad novelization of a middling episode of "Law and Order CI". The good men are all craggy and strong and sensitive to women. The women are all good unless they're hookers or junkies. All of them, at some point, beat up or kill a man. The bad men had bad experiences with their mothers. Wives are more successful than their husbands, who are as petulant as a teenager with a used Chevrolet.In all fairness, there is a decent plot, but it has petechial hemorrhage from the ligature of Dr-Phil-level psychology and daytime-drama characters.The least you expect from a cheap mystery is that it will be better than the average police-procedural tv show. This one fails the test. Save your $5 and watch reruns of Bones or NCIS. | 01 star
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SHE'S BACK
I have read almost all of MHC's books. I enjoy romantic suspense stories, and was disappointed with the last one, Two Little Girls in Blue. I decided to give it another chance with this book, and was glad I did. It was written in the style of her previous mystery stories in which you keep guessing throughout the book who might be involved with the murders. I couldn't put it down because each clue just made you want to keep reading to find out who it was. This one was really enjoyable. | 34 stars
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Good story with a lot of clever humor.
Maybe Cornwell is trying to tell us that she has broken out of the dark mood that has dominated her last few books. I sometimes felt as though I was reading Carl Hiassen or Elmore Leonard, and laughed out loud a number of times as I read along. Yes, the story is a bit cobbled together and some of the characters border on the outrageous, but it was a very entertaining read that shows a humorous side of Cornwell's talent. I think that the author had a good time writing this book, and I enjoyed it very much. PDC, humor becomes you. | 34 stars
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AN EPIC SEQUEL
I must start by commending Edgar Rice Burroughs for writing such an awesome, epic sequel to the Tarzan of the Apes. In many and unfortunately most series of books, the sequels are never quite as good as the first novel. Not so in the Tarzan series. The Return of Tarzan is just as good as the first book, which is saying something. The characters still exhibit the same personalities, the storyline is wonderful, and definitely not a letdown from the Tarzan of the Apes!!! A Great Read!!!! 5 stars from me! | 45 stars
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Too Blunt to be an Awesome Mystery
GOOD PART ABOUT THE BOOK:It was interesting, good plot and it went on a fast pace.BAD PART ABOUT THE BOOK:There was no suspense. Coulter laid down the story in a straight-forward way and it didn't let you think and worry what's going to happen. The character's dialogue is too blunt and there's no secrecy in the book and one thing I really hated was how the characters had to state their feelings instead of the reader "feel" what the characters felt. Another thing was that the dialogue was really blunt and everything just came out of the mouths of the character. If they were feeling a certain way, they would just say it and I don't think that, that would have made a good suspense because it's like popping the balloon before it has even been blown.I really hope that Coulter could improve her writing style because although her ideas are really interesting, Coulter doesn't do the ideas justice with her straight forwardness. | 23 stars
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Wonderfully Evolved
This is a marvelous study of a character -- George Eliot was a genuine craftswoman -- you cannot help but feel her love for her characters, nor can you help delighting in the way she so finely sculpts them into souls. The story gives us a wonderful heroine - Maggie - and we feel her struggles and her passions. We see her evolve upon her very human path -- we come to love her family and friends, even with their faults. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel - even though it bogged itself down in spots - it was worth trudging through. The ending is beautifully written. I had tears streaming down my face - it was so moving. | 34 stars
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3 years of R&D and they come up with this?
Being an avid reader and waiting for well over 7 years for a decent e-book reader I must say, it's amazing how these companies keep falling short. Why in the world would anyone want an e-book reader that does not read .pdf e-books? Like another reviewer said, this is just a store front device for amazon. I would get Nokia's internet tablet (which is an internet tablet, but has pdf viewer support as well as gps navigation) and use it as a e-book reader any day over this. Also Sony's reader would work better than this for an e-book reader, just due to the fact that you can read unprotected pdf's and pdf e-books but is overpriced and needs work as well. Why not get real and informed test subjects for R&D; before attempting to create a product like this? By the way this is way over priced. If I was to pay this much I would go ahead and shell out just a bit more to get a Nokia N810 internet tablet and use it to read e-books.Looks like Nokia is serious about their internet tablet and i am sure in the future will incorporate the e-ink technology and bundle up the e-book reader with their tablet making something like this a dinosaur real quick. They continually strive to be innovative and deliver good products. Thanks amazon for the disappointment. I would rather just buy a hardback than get something that will not go the distance unless the strategy changes. I guess some companies don't learn from other's mistakes. Remember when apple made the i pod to only support DRM protected songs? They changed their i-tune real quick when the public spoke. Amazon's DRM e-books will become a fossil of a dinosaur real quick if they don't re-think their strategy. I hope this helps people in making an informed decision about purchasing one of these. | 01 star
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Original and fun
I've been reading a bunch of books in this genre recently and really liked this one. The author writes very well and builds believable characters. Generally not a likable character type, Mead's succubus is engaging with multiple dimensions. You can't help rooting for her despite some of the damage she must do as part of her nature. I can't wait for the next offering in this series. | 45 stars
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Too bad this wasn't published earlier!
When my first child was born in early 2005, I spent months researching information about organic food, plastic toys and bottles, cloth diapers, etc. Now that I'm expecting my 2nd, I'm pleased to find that basically everything I painstakingly researched earlier is now available in one well-written book. In fact, I think the advice outlined in this book is not only valuable for expecting and new parents, but for anyone looking for a healthier lifestyle and home.This book is organized into three sections--transforming (pre-conception), growing (pregnancy), and living (babyhood). In each section, the authors cover food, home environment, work environment, fitness, play, etc. The text is easy to read and accurate, and broken up by essays written by various journalists. I find these essays to be a pleasure to read, not something to skip over. The perspectives are varied and many of them are quite amusing. There is also an abundance of website recommendations throughout the book--a nice perk in any recently published book.The best sections are the ones that cover food (which are most important to eat organically and why), your house (why not to remodel when pregnant, lead, mold, water filters, plants that can actually filter your air), beauty products (phthalates, what to toss out now), household cleaning products (what's really in them and why it's dangerous), labor (natural or epidural--a great non-judgmental summary of your options), and plastics (why they're dangerous for you and for baby). Some of the advice may be a bit over the top for the average person (can you really afford an organic mattress for you and for baby?), but their advice is sound and not alarmist at all. I'm surprised by the review "Go, Fear Culture, Go!" If it seems like there is danger lurking around every corner, it's because there probably is, not because the authors are trying to scare their readers. I have read far more alarming books about the environment and our health, and I found this one to be a great balance between telling their readers the truth about what's lurking in their aluminum cans and not making you feel helpless.There are a few sections that I found disappointingly lacking, but most notable was that on diapers. For a book that tauts organic, healthy, and environmentally friendly living, how can the section on cloth diapers be less than two pages? There are so many great cloth diaper options and the authors really gloss over this topic. It appears that in an attempt to cover as many topics as possible, some leave you wanting more (such as the repeated advice to avoid peanuts--if there are no food allergies in your family, why?)But I still think that this is one of the most important books you'll read while pregnant. It's the only book on the market that I have seen discuss important issues pertaining to mom and baby's health (seriously, even my own doctor had not heard of phthalates or the dangerous chemicals leaking out of my child's #7 plastic baby bottles). I only wish it had been available sooner! | 45 stars
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brilliant and engrossing hard science fiction
this book is ever so many kinds of awesome that i would not stop reading it for more than two hours at a time. the characters are deeply thought-out and the storyline endures a thousand years. the technical concepts are intricate and well-used. this is the first book by charles stross that i have read and i do hope it will be not the last. | 45 stars
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A Christmas Carol
I wanted to do something for my family to bring back the Christmas Sprit of old. This was just the thing. The book is wonderful and the art work is excellent! This is a treasury that can be passed down through the family for years. | 45 stars
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Good book for learning and reference.
I found this book to be an outstanding tool for learning Crystal Report. It's an easy read and has many easy and relevant examples.Furthermore, since this is my first few weeks of using BOXI, I find myself referencing this book a lot. So far I have not been disappointed! | 45 stars
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Chasing Stats
Great book! -- the author does a great job showing how the competitive nature fantasy baseball -- chasing stats --- can overshadow just enjoying your favorite baseball team, or any baseball game. And yet its still fun to join a league.(The anecdotes at the beginning of each chapter are hysterical.) | 34 stars
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Not worth it
I had to read this book for english class for some dumb reason. First of all it is really slow, secondly, I hardly got anything from this book, all I got was that if you think there is no hope there really is, and you dont have to read a long slow book with fluffy writing to learn that, you've probally heard it bfore anyways DON'T READ IT! | 01 star
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Love It
the book came right away and it was great.Mary C Hinson | 45 stars
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Wonderful device!
Since purchasing my Kindle, I have enjoyed reading with it. I think I read more now than I did before. The Kindle is easy to operate and it is very easy to make purchases of books on-line. I get many questions when seen out in public with my Kindle. I carry it with me all of the time so that I can read when ever I have a few spare minutes while waiting in a doctor's office or out in the car when picking someone up. | 45 stars
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Refreshing
Bode, love him or hate him, tells it like it is. The complete opposite of politically correct, he is, in this interesting, hallarious, insightful autobiography, truthful in the way most people have forgotten how to be. | 45 stars
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Inspired
I am a long time fan of Gladwell. This book is recommended reading for all of my university business ethics courses. When lecturing at community and corporate events it is a great resource for inspiring stories. It is a great reward to share something with people trying to improve their lives and especially work and see a light go on in their heads. Of course- I have to reference Mr. Gladwell's light. | 45 stars
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Kindle
Kindle is a great product if you are in the market for a wireless reader.-books are downloaded in the blink of an eye-book prices are cheaper.-most titles you are looking for are available.-the highlight, note taking, and look-up features are great!-access to books for someone living in a rural area is no longer an issue.My negative of this product is trying to find your place, say, if your teenage son starts messing with it. Yes, you have a location bar, but if you didn't notice where you are, it can be tricky. This is part of the learning curve that comes with any electronic device.I also am getting used to the fact that I can't easily flip forward in the book and read ( a bad habit). It also takes a bit of an adjustment to figure out the length of the book using the location bar.In summary - Kindle is super cool! | 34 stars
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Eastern Oregon ranch life at it's best (which is HARD!)
This book was absolutely wonderful- a beautifully written gripping story. It has marvelous descriptions of that harsh and brutal land and the people who have to sometimes be harsh and brutal to survive it. Having been there, she described Eastern Oregon to a tee, although I have no first-hand knowledge of the ranch life (thank heavens!). I chose this for my book club, and everyone loved it. I knew the author when she was in college, got in touch with her after 20 years, and she agreed to participate in our club's meeting via phone. She was as interesting as her writing. I can't wait for her next book! | 45 stars
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look past its flaws and you'll find a gem...
Okay, so despite the reviews noted about procedural errors in this book about a psychic FBI agent, I read it anyway. I am so glad I did. It's an excellent tale not to be missed.This book was not about the FBI. It was an intensely personal thriller about the visions and methods of an FBI agent who can see through a killer's eyes. Yes, there are some procedural errors, but then, it is also about a fairly implausible story line - a psychic crime fighter. This book took me on a satisfying journey. I'm glad I didn't miss it, I'm glad I looked beyond negative reviews and took a chance on this book.Suspend belief for one day or one weekend and immerse yourself in the life Bernadette Saint Clare and go on a hair-raising journey into the tortured mind of the agent and the tortured mind of a killer. | 45 stars
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Rising Tide -- Falls
Shallow. Definitely lacking in any sort of history: political, military, sociological or human. Page after page of insidip dialog and ruminations, often by characters only obliquely related to anything having to do with WWII, Torch or the basic nature of armed conflict.A great idea to create an inside look at Torch and the early history of WWII, but it didnt happen in this book. | 12 stars
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Study, Study, Study!!
Right or wrong, deserved or not, you're sentenced to hang for the murder of a king's heir. For over a year, you're forced to live in a dank dungeon and be subject to the cruelty and boorish ways of the guards. Never any privacy or even a glimpse of sunlight.. no fresh air. You eat at their leisure, your body craves movement and the lack of that with malnourishment take their toll. Suddenly, you're called from your cell, and instead of the hanging you've begun to long for as a means to an end for your miserable life, you're offered a job. Tasting the food of the King, to ensure he isn't poisoned.This is the way the story of Yelena begins. From the beginning, this story.. this author's style.. had me completely drawn in. One of those reads that you can't put down, for fear if you abandon the character something dire will happen to them. The plot will change, if you take your eyes from the text for too long. This work has action, some minor adventure, and an underlying romance that takes an achingly long time to fully bloom.I am certainly looking into more by this author. Her style and ease of writing believable and easy-to-relate to characters leaves a craving for more, and also leaves the reader with a sense of fulfillment in having a clear end to each story. | 23 stars
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Just the facts Ma'm!
Alex Delaware finally gets to be Milo's full time helper and the saga sags. What made Delaware interesting was the sidebar pieces about the other patients and the rest of his life. While still readable, this book offers little other than an investigative journey with a pretty unbelieveable cast of characters. Kellerman needs to jump start this series. | 23 stars
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Laughed till I cried
Finding this series was a strike of luck. The characters are fun, the dialogue is quick and the mysteries are interesting.I have definitely laughed out loud at some of the antics and, especially, the dialogue. There is a scene with Edwina and a horse at the end of the book that had me wiping my eyes. | 45 stars
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Brilliant!!!!
I am a 12 year old male and I read this book in 3 days. Not because I didn't have anything to do but because I simply could not put it down. This is a great book that shows how one bad thing can lead to another. I know that everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but to give this book a 1 star rating is absolutely absurd! The characters were normal people, yet they commit such horrible crimes and do not hate themselves for it. If you have not read this book, do yourself a favor and read it. You will really feel for the characters and get wrapped up in the twisting plot. | 45 stars
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Great read!
She is such a great author...her books never disappoint! This is definitely a must read that is hard to put down! | 45 stars
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For the Birds
This is a diet that would be hard to follow and live a normal life, such as eating out, etc. | 01 star
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US History in its purest form.
This should be mandatory reading in schools along with the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. It is a crucial piece of our national history as well as a great lesson in morals, political action and free thought. | 45 stars
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Wonderful In Every Way
This is a beautiful book in layout and design. Oscar Wilde was many things, but for me he is an Artist first and foremost, and with this book The Belknap Press pays homage to a brilliant writer. The novel's reception is an intriguing story. I have recently purchased OSCAR WILDE: THE CRITICAL HERITAGE, and it beautifully relates the history of the book's reception. One unsigned review, In PUNCH, begins, "The Baron has read Oscar Wilde's Wildest and Oscarest work, called DORIAN GRAY, a weird sensational romance..." Another review, in DAILY CHRONICLE, begins, "Dullness and dirt are the chief features of Lippincott's this month. The element in it that is unclean, though undiniably amusing, is furnished by Mr Oscar Wilde's story of THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY. It is a tale spawned from the leprous literature of the French Decadents--a poisonous book, the atmosphere of which is heavy with the mephitic odours of moral and spiritual putrefaction..." (How I'd LOVE to get such a review for one of my wee books!) What seems clear is that the novel could not be divorced from Wilde's reputation.But as a novel, THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY is wonderful and strange--if not entirely "successful". With this Annotated and Uncensored Edition of Wilde's book, we have its history and definitive text. The Contents:General IntroductionTextual IntroductionTHE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAYTextual NotesAppendix A: Accidental Changes Introduced into the Text by J. M. Stoddart or His AssociatesAppendix B: The 1891 Preface to THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAYNotes of Wilde EditionsFurther ReadingThe annotations are in-depth, fascinating and informative, reflecting the era in which the novel was spawned, aspects of Wilde's biography, &c.; Illustrations are plentiful and superb, with many in color, illustrations from the book, photographs of Oscar Wilde and his chums and lovers and enemies, various pictorial representations of the book's title character, and many of Aubrey Beardsley's irreverent illustration for SALOME.I enjoy the novel as a novel. It is now a classic of supernatural fiction, and I think it has been in-print ever since its first book appearance, or shortly afterward when Robert Ross worked so diligently to bring Wilde's works back into print. This is a beautiful and definitive edition. | 45 stars
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Campanella's socalistic utopia for the common good
Tomasso Campanella was a Calabrian monk who published "The City of the Sun" in 1623, a utopian vision that certain reflects the idealism and revolutionary trends of thought in the Age of Reason. Campanella was a student of logic and physics who formulated the first scientifically based socialistic system, which makes "The City of the Sun" important because it serves as the model for all subsequent ideal communities. The earliest version was written in Italian in 1602, and was later revised in an abbreviated Latin version two decades later. It is this Latin version, which is better known, that is provided here, although the Italian work was published posthumously in 1637.The tale here is told by a sea captain who has visited an island called Taprobane (quite possibly Sumatra). He tells of finding a land where there is community property, labor is divided equitably among the people, and there is no need for money. In "The City of the Sun" all of the inhabitants work towards the common good, entrusting their government to the wisest and ablest among them, and prizing equality and self-sacrifice for the sake of the community above all. The system is so efficient that all work is completed in a four-hour work day. The influences of not only Sir Thomas More but Plato is clearly seen in this utopian vision, especially in the notion of scientifically controlling breeding.However, like More, Campanella discourses on the topics of religion, justice, and war. The religion of the City of the Sun is clearly Christianity, but with sun figures representing God in the temples and the clergy being pure in their conduct (remember, Campanella lived the monastic life). The head of the government is called Hoh, and his chief ministers are Pon (Power), Sin (Wisdom), and Mor (Love). Clearly the Hoh (which means metaphysics) is fashioned after Plato's philosopher-king, since he has to know all of the sciences, as well as metaphysics, theology, and the history of all kingdoms and their governments. Science is what drives this utopia (which comes from Telesius rather than Plato), which develops power-propelled ships and flying machines, and which will create the ideal world Campanella envisions.Clearly More's "Utopia" is the font of all that follows, but in terms of other early utopian works Campanella's "The City of the Sun" compares quite favorably with Francis Bacon's "New Atlantis" and Johann Valentin Andreae's "Christianopolis." The obvious comparison is between the utopias of Campanella and Bacon, but the former goes much farther is developing his seven-sided city than the latter, where Bacon is concerned primarily with emphasizing the duty of the state to foster scientific research. However, both utopias underscore the idea that science will solve the evils of this world. These early utopias do not usually receive as much consideration as the dystopian novels of the 20th century, but the works of Campanella and these others certainly represent the utopian ideal in its purest form. | 34 stars
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I loved it, but she chose the wrong guy!
I was a little skeptical at first but I have to say that I REALLY enjoyed this book. But I don't like Seth. Not at all. Roman is my kind of guy. I hope he comes back in the second book. | 45 stars
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A truly Ruthian effort from Montville
It takes some nerve to write a biography of Ruth, given that there are already 20+ books in which he's the main focus. However, Montville has done more than find a niche in a crowded field - he has written what should be remembered as one of the best, most comprehensive, and authoritative biographies of baseball's biggest legend.From the beginning, Montville makes it clear that he's not going to fall into the trap of speculating about Babe's early days, a trap into which too many biographers tend to fall. The opening chapter deals with his time before the famous years he spent at St. Mary's in a creative but no-nonsense manner that sets the tone for the rest of the book.As he did in his biography of Ted Williams, Montville has done exhaustive research to find voices from Ruth's day, in an effort to create a full picture of that era. He freely discusses past efforts at chronicling Ruth, praising especially Creamer's book, the one to which I would compare this effort. He knows he's not breaking a lot of new ground, and he has obviously done his work about what has already been written.The book is comprehensive without being boring or overlong, and even those already knowledgable about Ruth's outsized life will likely still learn something. Montville's writing is crisp, and the pages move very quickly for a biography.This is an oustanding biography worthy of its subject, one that will be enjoyed by even those who aren't normally fans of baseball. Ruth was much bigger than the game, and I think this book will appeal to more than just diehard fans. Montville is now batting a perfect 2-for-2 when it comes to chronicling the biggest names in the game. | 45 stars
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Kindle Krazy
Bought Kindle November 2009:Recently got the new Kindle for my wife the book junkie.She was thrilled and uses it everyday.I also got the leather cover for $30. Recommend it, as you handle the Kindle a lot, pick it up and put it down and the Kindle fits well in it.And they both shipped quickly and arrived in good shape.Had to unregister me and register her, which was a bit of a pain,but it worked out. (Must have missed that step in ordering) Downloads books easy.Make sure you have at least 3 bars for wireless signal to download books or any wireless activity. I'm happy her books won't be all over the place.A win-win. I recommend it. | 45 stars
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WOW - WHAT A BOOK!!
Hi all, if you read the star trek novels and have plenty of them this is THE STARTING POINT to figure out what books are placed where in the star trek chronology. Thuis one shows the books covers and gives a synopsis of each book - simply amazing. And its a thick book too, so perfect fot that rainy day to sort through your star trek novels = ) And the price if great too, so click that mouse and get it sent you - highly recomended!!! | 45 stars
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Impressive writer -- Elusive theme -- Unpleasant
From what I can gather, it is commonly considered that the primary theme of Wuthering Heights is a type of love that transcends all else. Great passion, transcending mortal life, consuming one's soul. Something noble in and of itself, more powerful than reason. Supposedly, this somehow partially excuses any evil stemming from it. Heathcliff is seen as having a wild, passionate, "bad boy" attraction.If one reads quickly, without really absorbing it all, some scenes do give Heathcliff this allure. But integrating all that he does, he is too evil. And in the end, nothing but deranged evil. His deranged, so-called love excuses nothing. Nor does the mistreatment he received excuse mistreating innocent bystanders. Though it does show insight that abuse tends to engender hatred of life and abuse of others.In his resentment, Heathcliff destroys all rational values in search of some personal satisfaction which is too mean and limited to ever make him happy. Such a man cannot love himself or anyone else. He may have an obsession for something of his imagination, but not appreciation for real people and the give and take of real relationships. Bad treatment may have led to him becoming a monster, but once a monster, he must be recognized as a monster.At that time Bronte was writing, in the 1840's, mystical notions of other worldly love and passions and existence were fairly common. But they are irrational nonetheless.I reject the popular view of the book's theme, whether Emily Bronte intended that theme or not. I think the story illustrates the theme of people being responsible for their own choices and suffering the unexpected consequences of their actions. In other words, the story does not glorify some superior love, but actually ridicules the delusion of it.The idea that souls of loved ones will be reunited after death is common. However, this is a spiritual thing; so, Heathcliff's desire to have the coffins opened on the side makes no sense in this light. He was simply deranged. How Bronte thought up such a thing is strange. Perhaps the idea is that Heathcliff is not spiritual enough, not properly religious, to imagine the mystic reuniting of souls? So he imagines a more physical reuniting?Bronte, as shown by her poetry, seems enamored with notions of life after death; so, it is difficult to know what she felt about life. There is evidence both that she enjoyed it and that she hated it. I wonder if she didn't simply have different moods? Anyway, she was often intelligent and insightful about the natures of different types of people, and Wuthering Heights is cleverly and inventively presented. The ending, which implies that the new generation will find lasting love and happiness, saves the book. I also liked the way religion was shown to be of no positive use for anything, which I doubt was Bronte's intention, but engenders meaness and abuse. | 12 stars
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Superb writing and deft translation
A loss to humanity that this book was never finished. A fictional, straightforward telling of the fall of France in 1940 from a wide spectrum of viewpoints: a spoiled author, a conflicted wife, an elderly couple and an entitled aristocrat. The character portraits are moving and affecting, and I was really sucked into their stories.Nemirovsky is a patient writer, able to let stories develop and presents the views of both the conqueror and conquered. A fantastic work with a great translation by Sandra Smith. Definitely kindles a desire to read more of Nemirovsky's work. | 45 stars
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good book
I enjoyed reading this book and the price was right. I intend to get the next one in the series. | 45 stars
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Great book
This story was much more engrossing than I originally expected. There were times when I couldn't put it down. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone, even those that don't usually enjoy classic literature. | 34 stars
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FANTASTIC!
By the time I got to page 117, this was already the best book I've ever read. Ever. In the world. If you like golf and you like to laugh, read this book. It is hilarious. And not goofy, Will Ferrell hilarious where ridiculous things happen. It's smart humor. The circumstances are real. It's how the author describes them that is so funny. He is now my favorite author. I absolutely feel like Tom Coyne wrote this book for me. I felt like I was doing everything he was doing. And it was fun. | 45 stars
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Worth every penny!
This is my first electronic book device so I can't really compare it to anything else but, I did stuggle with the purchase. I wasn't sure how I would like going to this type of format. I can say now, after reading five books on the Kindle, that I don't know why I waited so long. The Kindle Store makes it easy to aquire anything I want to read, at a great price and in literally moments. It's easy to navigate and small enough to pack around anywhere I go. I love it and it's been worth every penny! | 45 stars
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MUCH FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Thomas Paine was a man truly blessed with a keen, observant mind. I rate this book on my 10 most favorite reads. Everyone would profit from reading this book. Thomas Paine is the TRUE father of our freedom JIM | 45 stars
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Wuthering Heights- a must read
Wuthering Heights was perhaps the first book that i read which made me cry, laugh and allowed me to become more attached to characters than any other book i had read. When i read it, i knew it was going to be one of my favourite books for life.Emily Bronte's tale of incest, death, insantiy and fate never seems to grow old whilst leaving a testement to the past at the same time. Without a doubt, Wuthering Heights also contains one of the most powerful and potent settings of any book. The book's narrative is divided into two stories- the first of Cathy and Heathcliff and the second of Catherine and Hareton. Which did i prefer? Heathcliff as the hero, but i couldn't not love him as the villain too.Perhaps the main reason i adore this book so much is the obscure complexity of Heathcliff and Cathy and the undying list of themes that seem to grow in number everytime one picks up the book. Any author who succeeds in forcing the reader to like the bad and hate the good has done an amiable task and Emily Bronte does that to the fullest degree. Let's not forget the brilliant insults either. A fabulous read for anyone old enough to appreciate greatness. | 45 stars
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Love the Times, hate the formatting errors
I have long enjoyed the Times, especially on Sunday. It remains the very antithesis of the London tabloid papers and has none of the shrillness of The Guardian. Unfortunately, the Kindle edition is very annoying to read as a consequence of the numerous errors in formatting. Paragraphs start mid-sentence, subtitles are handled as sentences, and some articles simply end in the middle. Inevitably, this goes from tiresome to unbearable. Canceled my sub while still in the trial period. It does not take too long to get too annoying. | 12 stars
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Wonderful book
Laura Shanley is an amazing woman and her wonderful book really inspired me. It provides a totally different way of looking at birth. It was wonderful to read the words of someone so courageous and true to herself. Our son was born unassisted and Laura Shanley's book helped point me down the path to such a beautiful, gentle experience for my family. It is definately worth reading. | 45 stars
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complex, haunting, well-written
I really like everything about this book. It's compelling and well-written. The characters are believable, strong, interesting, and complicated. It reminds me of a very complex, creative kind of twist on Hamlet. It raises very interesting philosophical and theological questions and is entertaining and intelligent at the same time. | 45 stars
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A Christmas Tale With Sincere Heart and "Spirits"
"You will be haunted by Three Spirits." So forewarns Jacob Marley's ghost to Mr. Ebenezer Scrooge, a miser of stingy, unfavorable traits. And so begins the enduring Christmas classic distinguished by almost everyone. Come along on an erratic journey with the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, all of whom attempt to point Scrooge onto a virtuous path. Meet the most notable characters ever introduced in literature: Bob Cratchit, angelic Tiny Tim, and good-natured Fred. With vivid descriptions of Victorian England and enlightening dialogue, 'A Christmas Carol' will enrapture both the young and old throughout the year with a vital lesson on hope and benevolence for humanity. This, I find, is treasured most of all in this brief story marvelously crafted by the creative Charles Dickens. No matter how many adaptations of the book one has seen on television or as films, the real source is highly recommended and should not be missed. For if you do pass the book up, you are being just a Scrooge (metamorphically speaking, of course!).--P.J. Persad | 34 stars
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Romatic Suspense without the suspense
I really liked the first book in this series, Flirting With Danger. This sequel felt like it was more about the "romance" and she forgot about the "suspense." The whodunit was not a surprise and there wasn't much of a mystery getting to the conclusion. | 23 stars
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This is a very enjoyable read
Alexis Morgan continues her tales of the Paladins in Dark Defender, the second book in the series. Dark Defender is the story of Brenna Nichols, an historian, and Blake Trahern, a Seattle Paladin whom we met in the first book of the series, Dark Protector.Blake Trahern was taken in by Brenna's father, Judge Nichols, when Blake was a troubled teen. Brenna, who is several years younger than Blake, had a tremendous crush on him, but had no idea what had happened to him after disappeared from the Nichols' household after graduating from high school. Brenna knows nothing of the Paladins or that Blake had become one of the secret warriors that defend Earth from the Others. When Brenna's father is murdered, Blake returns to St. Louis to help in the investigation and protect Brenna.This is a very enjoyable read. Brenna must come to grips with the return of Blake Trahern and revelations about her father, Judge Nichols, and the Paladins. At the same time, Blake is trying to solve the mystery surrounding Judge Nichol's murder, protect Brenna, and deal with his attraction to her. In addition, the plot deepens concerning the blue stones carried by the Others as they try to cross the barrier between worlds and also who is helping them on the Earth side of the barrier.Reviewed at Bitten by Books Paranormal Fiction Review Site by SallyThe Bitten by Books review score for this book was 4.5 Tombstones | 34 stars
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GET THE BOOK, NOW!
no seriously! don't live another day without Gladwell's insight into what makes each person unique and 'tipping' to the right point ?!?! seriamente! non far passare un'altro giorno senza le intuizioni di Gladwell su che cosa rende ogni persona unica e 'ribaltante' al punto giusto ?!?! | 45 stars
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Found it not as good as I hoped
By far this is not the best CD I have heard on this topic. I think that too many intruptions when intoducing each speaker. And the accent of the author I found to be very distracting. I do not recommens this | 12 stars
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One of the best practical books and socially impoertant in history.
a must have for anyone who is a parent, teaching, working with individuals, groups, or to make family gatehring fun, meaningful and looking forward to more! | 45 stars
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Had it for 2 days and so far completely satisfied!
I got my Kindle Friday afternoon. I love it completely--it does everything it promises and is SO easy to use. I'm reading two books and trying out the free 14 day subscription of the NYT. EXCELLENT. I was reading book samples within a minute of opening the box! It's the perfect cross between a book and a computer, with the book part being the main focus. Totally revolutionary, it doesn't mean that I will never buy a printed book again, but it will make reading much more fun and easier, especially on the go. | 45 stars
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A picture says a thousand words...
In roughly three weeks Dorian Gray starring Ben Barnes comes to DVD in the UK (and I intend to buy it. I have a region free DVD player and sadly there was never a US release of this film). I haven't seen this film version yet and I know it strays from the original novel but that's not the worst thing in the world. I've seen a version where Basil was a woman and it was set in the nineteen sixties with really bad acting. Now that was terrible. And there's also the 1944 version of The Canterville Ghost that turned it into World War 2 propaganda. So I don't mind what they've done with the Ben Barnes version of Dorian Gray.But since I am waiting for this adaptation I would like to write a review now for the novel The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde. I LOVE the work of Oscar Wilde. Allow me to stress that. I absolutely love the work of Oscar Wilde. My two favourite works of his are The Canterville Ghost and The Picture of Dorian Gray.The Picture of Dorian Gray tells the story of a young man who sells his soul for eternal youth and beauty. While he remains flawless, a portrait of himself grows uglier every time he sins. He cannot die unless you destroy the painting.Thanks to temptation and vice Dorian falls into hedonism and debauchery. As he externally remains pure and untainted his soul bears the burdens of his actions as reflected in the painting. Dorian learns the hard way that it's not physical beauty that matters but the inner beauty of one's own soul in qualities of kindness, mercy and compassion, things that he had lost along the way for selfishness, hedonism and greed.Dorian's fall from grace is a road lined with wit and humour. The story is riddled with clever epigrams (witty, short sayings) mostly said by the morally questionable character, Lord Henry.Lord Henry is a surprisingly naive character who plants bad ideas and temptations into Dorian's head while he, himself, doesn't seem to actually commit any sin he talks about. He even has the naive notion that people of their status don't do things like murder, as if such crimes are vices only of the lower classes.The picture of Dorian Gray is a very good and interesting read that talks about social conformity, morality, hedonism, and good and evil. The messages are not heavy handed and it's an intelligently written story.People of Oscar Wilde's era who called it an immoral book were made uncomfortable by Dorian's descent and lack of redemption but ultimately he was punished for his sins. Others noticed the subtle hints of homosexuality and bisexuality in the story but these things were kept subtle as this was a Gothic Victorian novel.Many people over-estimate how much homosexual content there is in this book or they don't see it at all but in fact it was actually very subtle and you only notice it if you are looking for it.However lines such as 'The world is changed because you are made of ivory and gold. The curve of your lips rewrite history.' - which was engraved in a cigarette case given to Dorian by Lord Henry make the relationships obvious to the astute reader.The sexuality of the characters isn't even an issue. Poor Oscar Wilde was far ahead of his time in this regard.It's Dorian's decadence, hedonism and selfishness that cause his downfall and prove the moral lesson of the story; the value of the soul and inner beauty over external eternal flawlessness.Dorian might have had eternal youth and beauty but it was at the price of the eternal beauty and youth that comes from a good natured and kind soul. And Dorian, being an aesthete could only see this transformation when his soul was physically manifested in a portrait that changed with the changing of his nature.The 1940s movie adaptation of the story (the first film adaptation of The Picture of Dorian Gray) held the hope of redemption in showing that in acts of compassion the portrait could change for the better. This was something the novel lacked though it is still a fine novel.Oscar Wilde was right when he said there is no such thing as a moral or immoral book. There's only well written or poorly written books and The Picture of Dorian Gray is very well written.This isn't an action packed thriller (though there are some intense moments). This isn't a romance about an immortal with a teenage lover (though something of that does happen). This is NOT Twilight. This story actually has substance.This is more of an exploration of a character's nature and all of human nature in the process, the flaws of modern superficiality, selfishness and hedonism and the power the spiritual can still have over human consciousness. It's sad that for all of Dorian's shallowness he had to physically see it to feel the weight of his conscience instead of just knowing what he was doing was wrong but this is the flaw of the character and the reason behind his downfall. Dorian was a true aesthete to a dangerous extreme. Oscar Wilde was making a statement about society that many even today either don't get or don't want to get.The Picture of Dorian Gray is written in a nice flowing prose. It's written in a third person perspective novel, not first person perspective, not alternating, and certainly not epistolary (which was a very popular style of fiction writing in Oscar Wilde's time).I strongly recommend The Picture of Dorian Gray. It is a true classic. | 45 stars
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Multidisciplinary Mastery
I've taught psychology at a university for twenty years, and was prepared to be dubious about Malcolm Gladwell's "The Tipping Point"; he is, after all, a journalist, not an academic. Despite his highly readable style, though, I was amazed by the level of sophistication and scholarship that he brings to his subjects. You can cavil about details, but the vigor and intellectual energy of the book is formidable. "The Tipping Point" assembles sometimes arcane findings from the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, the Journal of Consumer Researcher, Journal of Nonverbal Behavior, American Journal of Sociology, International Journal of Criminology and Penology and other scholarly resources. It explains and builds upon research by such major social-science figures as Marc Granovetter, Jonathan Crane, and the legendary Thomas Schelling. And the project is infused with an interdisciplinary ease: a special pleasure is the unexpected juxtapositions of research in linguistics, medical science, social psychology, marketing, political science, and mathematics All of which is to say that the erudition and theoretical sophistication of this work is truly impressive. It may be aimed at "civilians," but the guy can teach us scholars a few things | 45 stars
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Good for reading a limited selection of print materials
Kindle is great for reading mass market paperbacks, text only books/books without illustrations, and newspapers in Kindle format. The screen is easy on the eyes, unlike a computer screen, which can also be read in bright sunlight.However, Kindle has shortcomings both due to the device and the content offered by the publishers.The biggest disappointment is not being able to read downloaded pdfs from research journals easily. I purchased the Kindle to avoid reading these on my computer screen or printing them out and wasting all that paper. The device needs to have the same functionality as a computer in manipulating pdf files so the text can be enlarged. The text is usually too small even in the landscape orientation which only makes the text slightly bigger.The publishers do not include all the content of the printed version and/or are sloppy in creating the Kindle format. The book covers are oversimpified and are not as they appear in the Kindle store. Some links might be missing - one book did not have a link to the table of contents. The illustations, photos, geneology charts for biography and history books are often missing in the Kindle format or are too small to read and cannot be enlarged. The maps in the travel books I purchased were sparsely detailed or too small to read. You cannot browse the material easily unless you know exactly what to search for.The Kindle store search function is cumbersome and does not sort the results intelligently. A search for travel books on Japan yielded all the books on Japan in the whole store, not just the travel ones. The "try a sample" option does not show enough of the book to get a good feel for it's content. I purchased a couple of travel books which didn't have the information I was looking for.I was hoping the Kindle could replace all the books and papers I carry for on the go reading - that's not the case yet. There are a lot of things to be worked out before that becomes reality, despite what amazon says in its marketing. | 23 stars
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Haunted in Death belongs in morgue
I have read and enjoyed every "in Death" book. They are so compelling, exciting, and sexy I find it difficult to put them down.I had to force myself to finish this one. Nora, I know you can do soooo much better. If Eve Dallas read this she would turn in her shield and stunner. | 12 stars
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A Journey to the Center of the Earth
Jules Verne is one of my favorite authors. This book has mystery, adventure, and very good characters. I would recommend it to all ages of readers. | 45 stars
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Nice Gift
This was a gift for my parents-in-law. They were celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary so I wanted to get them something special for the couple that has everything. This hit the mark and then some. They had talked about making the purchase, but I'm not sure they would have ever made the jump. After a few minutes of instruction on the Kindle, they were buying their first book(s) and loving the technology. I don't think we could have made a wiser choice. They are very happy with it. | 45 stars
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I've learned to love Dickens
Reading Dickens was hard at first, but he is a wonderful story teller. Get over the old language and enjoy the story.I have heard and seen many tellings of A Christmas Carol but none do the justice of the original wording. | 45 stars
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TOUCHING, AWAKENING, THIRST QUENCHING READ!!!
LOVED this book!!! Every single sentence!!! This book took me on a journey and gave me insight into my own life. Lately, I had been struggling with some things in my own life, but this story not only touched my heart, but touched my spirit and awakened my soul. It reminds you of what is REALLY important in this life. I read this book on a recommendation from a friend, and I am so grateful! This is a MUST read! It is also a very fast paced read. I consider myself a "slow reader" and I simply breezed through each page. The story is gripping and unforgetable! My compliments to the author. I intend to read all of Mitch Alboms books now! | 45 stars
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True conservatism values reflective, curious leadership
John Dean has put his finger on the corruption of conservative principles that reached its crescendo in the 109th Congress, K Street Project, and authoritarian one-party rule that has weakened our country. We should be greatly relieved that in conservatives like Dean, the ability to ask deep, penetrating questions, intent on understanding that which escapes easy categorization, still exists. Because, this is where the neocons have most let themselves and their country down. In a world as complex as the one we face, there is little survival value in promoting leaders who by disposition and habit refuse to lead by asking open-ended questions. There is a world of difference between dead-end rhetorical questions such as "Why do they hate us?", and those posed by the knowledge-seeker, more along the lines of, "What is it about American policy that is alienating and radicalizing Muslims, and what can we do to reduce their provocation?" The thing that most poisons the authoritative conservative's thought process is a reflexive tendency to use words and forms of argumentation that turn off debate, stifle creative thinking, and avoid self-criticism at all costs. Labeling a perceived adversary as "evil" has just this effect, for once the label is stuck, no further exploration is needed, and the path to conflict resolution is cut off. Who would make a deal with the devil? Yet, the problems we face, whether child sexual predation or radical jihad terrorism represent late stages of processes that have gone amok much earlier on. The true conservative isn't satisfied to merely demonize child predators and punish the ones that can be caught, because in the end, this leaves the process that creates new molesters (terrorists) completely unchallenged. Only with deep understanding of cause and effect is there any hope of interrupting the cycle. Thus, the conservative who is an effective problem-solver is learned in the art of Aristotlean question-posing, and depesonalization of conflict. Such an individual's reaction to Bush's 2002 "axis of evil" State of the Union address was, as most thinking Americans who have leadership experience and responsibility, "what the hell is he thinking?" This book will give you a much overdue foray into closed-mind leadership, and hopefully, re-energize the positive, reflective, conscientious breed of conservatism that Dean has kept alive all these years. This is exactly what America needs to sort out the choices in 2008. | 34 stars
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prozac for kierkegaard?
As I finished Peter Kramer's new book on depression, I read an article about a recent scientific study led by epidemiologist Ronald Kessler of Harvard that concluded that about half of all Americans report at least one symptom of mental illness at some point in their lifetimes. But I suspect that very few people needed Kessler's study to appreciate the ubiquity of depression in particular; we all know people who have suffered from depression. Peter Kramer, a psychiatrist at Brown University and author of the best-seller Listening to Prozac (1993), has written a sort of cultural history of depression that raises an interesting question: if depression is such an insidious disease, as Kramer believes it is, why does our society ennoble it rather than do everything it can to eradicate it?Advances in science the last decade have confirmed the horrible symptoms and devastating consequences of depression, including abnormal brain anatomy, cellular pathology, chemical imbalances, and clear correlations between depression and coronary disease, early death, and other ailments. Depression destroys families and careers, causes massive economic losses in public health and employment through poor job performance, and robs people of joy. But in both overt and covert ways society can distort, glamorize and romanticize depression. Unlike cancer, malaria, or most any other disease, we suggest depression is a source of "heightened awareness, (justified) social-disaffection, moral insight, and creative genius." In an entire chapter Kramer examines the "charm" that attaches to depression. Depressives can be desperate to please, attractively and even erotically vulnerable, compulsively generous, attuned to life's absurdities, and full of ironic-self-awareness. Kramer considers the role of the tortured artist who is so productive, the melancholic hero, the depressed writer, and so on. After all, he asks rhetorically, what would have become of Kierkegaard or van Gogh if they had been "cured" with Prozac? Would we have lost the legacy of their genius? Their deep insights into our human condition?Kramer admits he has written a "polemic, an insistent argument for the proposition that depression is a disease, one we would do well to oppose wholeheartedly." He draws on a broad variety of sources, including art, literature, philosophy, recent scientific studies, interactions with readers from his book tours, case studies from his clinical practice, and his own family history ("most psychological theory is veiled autobiography," he admits). I found it hard to argue with the final sentence of his book: "How glorious it will be to free ourselves from depression." | 34 stars
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Review of Jonathan Winters "A Christmas Carol"
A very intertaining & interesting rendition of my favorite Christmas story, "A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens". I have over 30 different versions of this classic and this one is the most unique. If you are a collector of "A Christmas Carol" you need to at least take a look. | 34 stars
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My favorite Austen
I've read everything by Jane Austen, even her juvenalia, and *Persuasion* is my favorite. It's one of her shortest. It was published posthumously, and I think that she meant to flesh it out or add subplots, like her other books.As it stands, it's a wonderful work. *Emma* is supposed to be Austen's masterpiece, but I think *Persuasion* is a more mature work and, probably, more personal. The main character Anne Eliot is Austen's best character: mature, responsible, intelligent, and more wise than witty. She was persuaded to not marry for love when she was young, but to wait for a chance at a wealthier man. That chance never came, and now Anne is past her bloom, probably unmarriageable, and her inane father and sister are shoveling the family's little remaining money out of the coffers as fast as they possibly can. Anne gets a second chance with the man she loves, a chance that Jane may not have had.It's beautifully, and poignantly, told.I love Jane Austen. I tend to love writers and read everything that an author has written, and Jane was the first author who I fell in love with.V. | 45 stars
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Worth Waiting For
I thoroughly enjoyed "Cold Mountain," so of course I ordered this book when it was announced. My reaction: well worth waiting for! The author is such a good story teller, such a great wordsmith, that its a pleasure just to read his work, whatever the topic. That the topic of this book is a time and place little dealt with in historic fiction is just frosting on the cake. I feel this is one of the best books of the year. | 45 stars
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