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BORING????
This book has been required reading in High Schools for years. My experience is that school actually demotivates people from wanting to read. How many of us can relate with the feelings of never wanting to read another book after high school. When grades are the motivation to read, people search for the cliff notes and or look for reviews in Encyclopedias. In my High School English class, grades were given on the basis of how many books one read. If you read 8-10 you received an A. The problem was that after knowing one was going to get an A, all reading stopped. Reading is supposed to be done for the joy of it. I hear the word boring used a great deal when reviewing a book. I know so many kids who end up hating reading because they received a poor grade. The classics are challenging books. I would never use boring as an adjective to describe a book however. | 45 stars
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strong collection that's a good place to start with Saunders
Saunders' collections require readers to reorient their viewpoint. often times, you have to reorient your viewpoint at the start of every piece. yet, the worlds often seem to share the same authorities, powers, legal systems, and villains. And, like certain bands -- if you can get into the strange rhythms, suddenly everything will make sense from story to story and even collection to collection."I CAN SPEAK!" starts things off with a fantastic letter written in response to a parent complaining about a device that allows children to speak before they know how to speak. The title piece and "CommComm" are the other strong standouts.Not everything works -- "93990" is nothing more than a gruesome lab report describing the death of numbered animals for the sake of science. While a climax involving a chimp that frees himself from bondage may have crossed a line of natural plot progression, offering nothing more than the current ending (I'll spare the spoiler) leaves the reader wondering why there is so much to read with so little to consider (other then "animal testing sure is awful.")Similarly, "My Flamboyent Grandson" seems to be undercooked, relying more on the world then the characters to impart some greater statement about individuality. Indeed, Saunders often leaves the power to change in the hands of media/advertising, reducing his characters to reactionary personalities instead of actors. A positive outcome is not necessary for a story or even a collection to work, but the individual pieces could do more then hammer home the idea that certain forces are all-powerful and irresistible and that individuals don't triumph very often.Saunders isn't always easy but he's often quite fun. If you enjoy a skewed perspective, give this collection a shot. | 34 stars
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Mourn the Trees
Do not mistake this novel for the far superior medieval mystery of the same title by Michael Jecks. In fact, if you wish to read about the Templars, read Jecks.One of the ciriticisms of Brown's "Da Vinci Code' was that he took so much information from the non-fiction book, "Holy Blood, Holy Grail". Khoury appears to have taken much from "The Da Vinci Code".This book appears to be a reactionary novel, taking up the other side of the argument posed by Brown's book. Khoury's author information lists him as a screenplay writer, and it shows in his prose work. A great deal of "The Last Templar" reads like something that would work better on the screen than it does on the page. Too much focus is given to describing (in very awkward terms) physical beauty and not enough on character personality and development.Many of the actions taken by his characters are not only unrealistic, but show he had done very little research into the nuts and bolts of the things he intends to hold his story together.An inexperienced man, no matter how good a legbreaker he is, cannot weild a broadsword like a war-trained knight the first time he picks it up. Horses *will* panic at the scent of blood, only war-trained horses can keep relatively calm under those conditions. Police-trained is not war-trained. An FBI agent who refuses to collect vital evidence in a major homicide/armed roberry because it conflicts with his religious beliefs will be brought up on charges.The writing is flawed--at the most absurd time, the climactic battle, the male lead stops fighting and looks at The Beautiful Archaeologist and actually thinks (while a dangerous felon is just feet away from him, concious and unsecured, along with the evidence) that 'he knew this was the woman he'd spend the rest of his life with'.In several places, the author interrupts his own story with long-winded lectures on the meaning of the word 'gnostic', the origin of the Cathar heresy, the history of the Knights Templar. Even worse, he fails to provide strong support for his main argument, that the Church doctrine is fundamentally good, the basis of morality, despite its flawed application. The best defense any mouthpiece in the 500+ pages can muster is something along the lines of, 'Well, yeah, there's been centuries of wrong-doing, but really, at heart, it's good and does good,' a wishy-washy defense that collapses under any kind of analysis.The most sympathetic, human, well-rounded character in the entire book isn't the FBI agent, the archaeologist, or any of the Church men, it's the antagonist. Of the entire 'cast', his motivations and actions proceded from a logical standpoint, his actions in keeping with his personality, skills, and knowledge.When the only character worth the paper is the 'villian,' it's a *very* bad book. | 01 star
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Kindle Second Generation
I loved the earlier Kindle and I love this one, too. I've loaned my older one to a friend who is trying it out. This new one is better for turning pages. I often accidentally turned pages with the earlier one. | 45 stars
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Love it!!
I am very very pleased with my Kindle 2. Reading has never been more simple or enjoyable. The ability to have several persoanlly chosen reading mediums all located within the Kindle is tremedous.I love it and would highly recommend it to all!Dana | 45 stars
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Tombstone courage--JA Jance
Great book by a great author. I love her writing and anyone buying her books needs to look at her website and read the books in order. | 45 stars
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Boo, Hiss
Not the Jack Reacher's I have read. Lee is not up to speed on this one. Looking forward to the next. | 12 stars
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A better secret
This book is written for people who need instructions on how to live. I'll tell you a better secret, and you don't have to pay me a dime: get a good education, work hard, and be nice to other people. Believe me, this book isn't going to help you by giving you some mumbo jumbo about positive thinking. | 01 star
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Peace, not bull
Jimmy Carter is an honest man, and this book demonstrates that he is a brave one too. Perhaps the easiest to read, and most positive, overview of the Israeli/Palestinian question in print. By coming from his own personal experience, he offers all Americans an opportunity to see beyond the pro-Israel bias of our media.My only gripe is with his Southern politeness, which at times causes him to be less than clear about what is going on. For instance, Carter is shocked by the Israeli treatment of Palestinian Christians, but he never spells out what the Israelis have been doing that has upset him so. (By the way, anyone who thinks this is a Jew vs. Muslim thing should talk to any of the many thousands of Palestinian Christians either still in the West Bank, or forced to move to the US by the conditions imposed by the Israelis).I recommend this book to everyone, but especially to American Jews, who have for too long allowed their ethnic identification to interfere with good sense about what is best for the US, and for the rest of the world. | 45 stars
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Are you crazy in love?
I can't help myself. I had to give this four stars because of Rice's writing skills. I didn't care for the book at first but kept reading and somewhere around page 60 or so I was drawn into the characters and had to hang on. When the book came to an end I did not want them to go away. There is just something about LuAnn Rice's writing that keeps me coming back for more stories. A sequel to Crazy In Love would be nice. I want to know Tia and Helen and dear Nick a little more. What happens when Pem finally passes and how the sisters carry on. Do Nick and Donald change jobs? Maybe you have to be of a certain age to like this book as much as I did. I have two sisters and an aging mother in law. I know worry and love and jealous thoughts too and since moving my home three times in ten years have learned to become an observer too. I enjoyed the homebody spirit and fierce determination in Georgie's personality to protect the homes and family created by her people. This struggle does go on more than we know. Look around and become an observer yourself. I bet you can find a Georgie and Nick among you! | 34 stars
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Outrageous price for a book that should be free
I bought this book not realising it was a Project Gutenburg free book. Dont waste your money? And seriously, $20+ for an ebook is outrageous anyway! But like an idiot I didnt do my research. Dont make the same mistake I did! | 01 star
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Classic Dickens!
I was forced to read Hard Times for my English class. Although I was skeptical at first, this book turned out to be pretty good. Dickens manages to create an engaging story with believable characters. He definately does an excellent job satirizing England during the Industrial Revolution. This book is not perfect, but is clearly a fine work of literature. A word of CAUTION: If you have a hard time reading wordy, descriptive passages in the Victorian writing style, this book is NOT for you! (I generally enjoy novels written during this time period.) A further note: If you are not assigned to read this book and really want to read some good Dickens, I would choose GREAT EXPECTATIONS, which I think is superior by far. Otherwise, enjoy the novel! | 34 stars
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excited but disappointed
I love the innovation of the product, but was surprised to find how many titles are not available. I'm not just a New York bestseller reader. My subject interest is broad. Hope there is resolution soon, as well as academic text book availability. | 34 stars
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Not as good as the first.
I am through two books of the series and I am conflicted. I mentioned after His Majesty's Dragon that I love Naomi Novik's dragons. While that still holds true, I now wonder how much, if at all, I truly love the rest of the story.Throne of Jade is over 400 pages long and I felt like very little happened for the first (roughly) 300 pages. Once it was time for the few important events to take place, they happened so abruptly I wondered if they were as important to the story as they seemed that they should be.Ms. Novik brought dragons into our world in the first book and here she broadened our horizons with a look at dragons from the far ends of the Earth. I will continue to read the series, at least for now. But I am beginning to wonder if it is the idea that I love and not its execution. It may become difficult to get through what is now already a five-book series if I cannot get excited about what happens on dragonless pages. | 23 stars
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A phenomenal exploration of culture -- hidden and open
Culley's book is a tour de force -- a dazzling, spirited take on the hidden culture of urban bicycle messengers as well as a thoughtful and incisive critique of the broader American reliance on automobiles. He's a writer with both power and scope, able to describe being "doored" by a brutally selfish woman in a taxicab with an immediacy that will make you catch your breath ("Can I go now?" the woman keeps asking the cop, while Culley lies bleeding in the street) and yet he can also explain how our culture and urban architecture almost demand that these kinds of events continue. As a practicing lawyer for several years, I frequently relied on bicycle messengers; yet I never understood what they risked and endured until I read Culley's book. I'm miserably ashamed of that ignorance right now. This book is a keeper, a blow-the-doors-out achievement that should be required reading for every commuter, urban professional, and adrenaline junkie on the planet. Buy it. | 45 stars
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Gifted Blessing
Anything that Dr. Munroe writes is a blessing. His revelatory wisdom from God is awesome. I love him and pray that he stays in the throne room of God for more instruction for the Body of Christ. | 45 stars
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Best book for Christmas
I love Charles Dicken's works, and I think this is the best book for a warm Christmas season! | 45 stars
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Great product
I broke my first Kindle by stepping on it--no insurance. Amazon provided me a new one for only $200. I am greatful. | 45 stars
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The Amazing Amazon Kindle
I bought this Kindle as a new year gift. There is so many good things to be said about it, people has already coverd all of them in previous reviews. I wish that it has colour screen (may be in future generations) but one thing i am sure of here , although there many other e-readers in the market but still Amazon Kindle is the best one so far, because of user friendly interface , connectivity (whispernet) and portability. I have no hesitation to give it 5 stars. | 45 stars
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Truth is Bitter
An honest book. Exposes the truth . A brave attempt to explain reality behind the coverups. Indian negative reaction is understandable---Truth is always bitter. | 45 stars
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A loopy yet adorable love story done regency style (C+ Grade)
Sally Mackenzie has a knack for writing very loopy regency style romances. They are overall fun to read and not be taken seriously. So, if you want a good read with some outlandish scenes that will give you a good chuckle, this book is for you.Robbie our hero has a "small" problem. The least of his problems is trying to get tied down in marriage. But certain parts of his anatomy won't work the way he wants it to. The poor guy can't get over an embarrassing moment he had ten years ago, so he is bereft that he will remain alone and never have sex again.Lizzie is the sister of Robbie's childhood friend (Her brother James was the hero in The Naked Duke). She has loved Robbie forever and is ready for him to marry her. Well, this almost happens as Robbie falls into her window naked trying to escape from a spinster harpy who wants him for his money. (Just read the first chapter and you will understand.)Because Robbie has these issues he tries to stop Lizzie from her marriage minded ways, but that doesn't stop them from kissing and touching everywhere and anywhere they can get their hands on.Along for this ride is a secondary cast of characters that are beyond believable. You will laugh and roll you eyes at their antics along with hoping Robbie can get over his trauma and be with Lizzie, a very sweet girl who adores him for just being him and not for his title or money.One high point is that Mackenzie writes her heroes that are almost as innocent and naive as their heroines- meaning no over experienced men who have a thousand women under their belts.So for oversexed characters and campy conversations you will not find in any other romance historical, enjoy a few laughs with this campy story.KatiebabsThe Naked Duke (Zebra Debut)The Naked Marquis | 23 stars
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The best book i've ever read
I've been reading ever since I was younger, and have always enjoyed it.. After reading all of Nicholas Sparks novels, I decided to go in a different direction and read some classics.. I decided upon Jane Austen after reading reviews of her novels.. So I bought Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, Persuasion, and Emma.. I choose Emma to read first because I thought it would be less interesting than the others.. How wrong I was! I absolutely loved this book, it's the best novel I have ever read.. Now I fear that the others will not be nearly as good as this one.. I agree with the others that the beginning is rather slow, but it picks up towards the middle so just stick with it! You will not be sorry.. I have no other words to describe this book other than amazing! | 45 stars
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Hildegard for experts
This book was well written and readable. I have 2 problems: not enough information was given about life in convents at that time, and the author assumes the reader knows as much as she does about her subject. Both of these are probably due to the author's enthusiasm and depth of knowledge about her subject. But I need the Intro to Hildegard, not the advanced version. | 23 stars
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a mind-expanding exercise of a book
to the person who said "there ARE three dimmensions and we are NOT shapes"....the book is an allegory, and nowhere does it state that there isn't a third dimension. The book uses an IMAGINARY, multi-dimensional universe inhabited by shapes to convey the idea of higher and lower dimensions to us, who live in a three-dimensional world. the shapes aren't the point. the point is, (in my opinion) that we can use the same argument presented by A Square to A Sphere concerning higher dimensions, and apply it to our universe, and our dimension. I had to read this book over the summer as well, for freshman math, and i think it is great. It teaches you to think in entirely different ways, and i realize that a lot of people my age simply aren't up to that. | 45 stars
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Wonderful book!
This series is a wonderful surprise. I read this in one gulp of fresh air - it's humorous, very real and the characters are so detailed that you actually feel that you know them in your real life!So many reviews here compare it to Anita Blake, but I read the first few books in that series - and NOTHING compares to Rachel Morgan.First off, Rachel Morgan is a much more complex individual, and Harrison creates a world of characters that you actually care for. In Anita Blake, I didn't feel any sympany for her or anything bad that happened to her . Moreover, the story is so stupidly plain and simple that leaves no room for imagination.I also tried to read the Dresden files (read 2 books) - AWEFUL!!!!!!The closest I could find to the style of writing and the intricate little things that happen all around in the book is the Sookie Stackhouse series which I also am thorouly enjoying right now. Can't wait for the next book in the Rachel Morgan series!!! | 45 stars
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Horrible!
If you enjoy a read that will leave you depressed and unfulfilled on every level, ths book is for you! An unhappy ending is one thing but an unhappy ending for every character is just awful. | 01 star
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A NEW EARTH
An excellent read for anyone who is seeking a higher level of understanding into the mind. | 45 stars
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Bernard Cornwell author
Mr. Cornwell writes a fantastic tale with lots of historical settings. I highly recommend all of his books! | 45 stars
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What an awesome book !!!
Terrorism and Organized Hate Crime: Intelligence Gathering, Analysis and Investigations, Second EditionThis book is awesome!!! Mike Ronczkowski knows his stuff. A great read for all. | 45 stars
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Don't Wait for the Movie
The entire time I read this book, I kept seeing Rachel Ticotin as Norma. Daniel Alarcon writes in a way that keeps a movie screen running for the viewing pleasure of your mind's eye. "Lost City Radio" is wonderful, thoughtful, with an intimate understanding of the pain of war, especially its aftermath, and more so the unique pain that is today felt in many countries south of the USA. If you enjoy passionate story-telling, you will love "Lost City Radio". | 45 stars
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Gypsy's and more
The book was shocking and revealing, but most of all it was enlightening. It seems it has woken up a can of worms in the Psychic world. When you open this book you need to think about what kinds of darkness are out there and is it real or not. Honestly, I don't know, but it was fun reading it. I would recommend it to anyone that likes fantasy. Whether it is Regina or Gina or Yvonne, the book kept my interest and people that are condemning it need to step back and ask themselves why? It feels a lot like jealousy and that is ugly.Fact and fiction combined are really the success of this book. Loved it! | 45 stars
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Great Read
This book puts into very simple and to the point terms how to set boundaries for what relationships should be held on to and which ones should be given the flick. Great idea to have a think about what you can and can't accept from a relationship and stick to your own rules. Fabulous book! | 45 stars
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Variable
The Tenant of Wildfell Hall sometimes kept me quite engaged and at other times seemed a bit dull. I thought it was at its best when Helen was communicating through her letters. Her character was well developed and I could understand her feelings and why she made many of her decisions. The parts where Gilbert was the main character were more difficult for me to get through. Perhaps it was simply that I had a hard time empathizing with him. He seemed very self-centered, stuffy and unable or unwilling to empathize with others. He often misinterpreted others' comments or actions and I sometimes felt like giving him a piece of my mind to put it mildly.The book gives a good look at the culture at the time. For example, I could see how women in those days were treated as little more than possessions by their husbands and parents. It was interesting to see how a few of the girls and women struggled to be able to marry whom they wished or to obtain rights that we take for granted today. | 34 stars
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The job hunting strategies are informative but dry reading
Great Jobs for Engineering Majors is a good book to pick-up when you are finishing your degree in engineering. The first half covers searching for a job and the second half covers career paths such as careers in industry, consulting, government, education, and non-technical paths. It aids you in assessing your talents and skills, exploring your options, targeting your ideal career, and following through to get the job you really want.I only read the first edition but hopefully there is additional text to explain how to search for jobs using the Internet and various email strategies in this edition. That was the only thing missing from the 1st edition. | 34 stars
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Cavalier and irreverent statement on life and society
The Picture of Dorian Gray is a fine piece of literature- a tale of excess, of corruption, of decay and of facades.Basil Hallward, an artist, paints a picture of Dorian Gary, a handsome and vain young man, whom the artist is besotted with. Dorian Gray sells his soul for eternal youth, in a Faustian bargain, whereby all the age , decay corruption will show in the picture , while Grey's appearance will stay eternally young and fresh.Encouraged by the hedonistic cynic Lord Henry Wotton, Gray embarks on a life of corruption, decadence and cruelty. Lord Henry is also the vehicle through which Wilde put down his many uniquely Wildesque epigrams into the novel, such as " Conscience and cowardice are really the same thing, Basil. Conscience is the trade name of the firm. That is all"; " Those who are faithful know only the trivial side of love. It is the faithless who know love's tragedies"; "There is only one thing worse than being talked about and that is not being talked about" ; "The only way to get rid of temptation is to yield to it." ; " It is better to be beautiful than to be good. But it is better to be good than to be ugly." And " As for the virtuous poor , one can pity them of course , but one cannot possibly admire them".The bargain made by Gray can only lead to eventual destruction , and the novel is a statement by Wilde on humanity and society , in the cavalier and irreverent way that only Wilde could. | 45 stars
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Excellent read
This is a great introduction to Lean software development principles. It makes a logical connection from lean product development and manufacturing systems to software development systems. It was so good that I also started reading the 2nd version. | 45 stars
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A Guilty Pleasure
I first read "Wuthering Heights" 20 years ago as a teenager. I remember at the time being captivated by the star-crossed lovers Heathcliff and Catherine. I decided recently to reread the story because it had been so long and I had forgotten what had drawn me to it.If this had been my first time reading the story, I would probably give it no more than 2 stars. It is definitely a mood piece. As an angst-filled teen, I can understand my former attraction to brooding characters and missed opportunities. As an adult, with much less angst, I have grown to pity the characters I once held in admiration. To say it plainly, Heathcliff is a d*ck. He was so hell bent on his own vision of revenge that he not only wastes his own life, but ruins the lives of others. The bad boy I was so attracted to 20 years ago is in actuality a loser. So is the story of the teenage girl.I have given this book 4 stars due to sentimentality. If you're looking for a happy ending fairy tale, this is not the book for you. If you're 15 years old with a chip on your shoulder, then this will probably become your favorite classic of all time. | 34 stars
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An excellent debut novel!
I thought SCANDALOUS was an extremely enthralling and compelling story, as well as, an excellent debut novel.The story's hero Dominic Mallory, is a handsome, sexy, charismatic rake and an intelligent self made man of means. Unfortunately, he's also the Mallory family secret ~ a bastard son, who was hated by his supposed father, the late Lord Harborough and who taught Dominic's older brother Cole to hate and despise him as well. Being treated like a pariah has left Dominic cynical, secretive and because of the many issues he has yet to come to terms with, completely disillusioned with the idea of falling in love.To all outward appearances Katherine Fleming is a soft-spoken, caring and virtuous woman but her seemingly gentle temperament hides a tenacious strong-will and an intensely passionate nature. She has a clearly defined idea of the type of husband who would suit her needs and has spent the last 3 years looking for a man to meet those requirements. She wants a husband with a fortune of his own and because she'd been a lonely only child, someone who would provide companionship and hopefully friendship. Unlike most women, she's not looking for someone to fall passionately in love with ~ she doesn't want the heartache and suffering that she feels will inevitably follow when lust, desire and novelty of love wares off.Her fiancé Colden Mallory, Lord Harborough, seems the to be the perfect match, until just days before their wedding he shockingly announces that his late wife is ~ miraculously alive. In order to save Katherine from being ruined by the scandal that will surely follow this news, and because Dominic wants the house that he thinks hold the answer to his parentage, they both allow Cole to manipulate them into a marriage of convenience.The story's hero and heroine, Dominic and Katherine, were warm, likable and compassionate, and both had a remarkably poignant and riveting story to tell. These were in my opinion, fully fleshed out and completely convincing lifelike characters that were caught up, initially against their will, in a tempestuous, deeply emotional, and yet, hopeful and surprisingly tender romance. Although I believe a traditional historical romance novel is primarily about the journey the hero and heroine take to find their way to love and their happily ever after ending ~ there was plenty of sexual tension between the characters and the story contained enough steamy sex scenes to satisfy most readers.I also enjoyed the secondary cast of characters ~ the good and the bad ones ~ all were interesting and intriguing. They heightened and enhanced the storyline precisely as secondary characters are intended to do.I felt author's style of writing was both smooth and refined. Her ardent, rousing and sensual descriptions admirably expressed the undeniable attraction felt by Dominic and Kat and her illustrative prose conveyed vivid and stirring imagery that immediately pulled me into the story and kept me turning the pages.I've been reading historical romance for many, many years and I know what exactly what I like ~ for me this was a thoroughly satisfying story ~ Brava, Ms. Petersen! | 45 stars
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Yolks make for good laughs.
I know, that was terrible.In all seriousness, though, The Big Over Easy is probably one of the most fun and energetic books I've read in probably the longest time. Good pacing, good writing, and an amazing idea all come together for the perfect idea for a story. Even the fact that Detective Jack Spratt and his deputy, Mary Mary, are investigating the murder of Humperdink Stuyvesnt Aloysius Jehosephat van Dumpty doesn't seem out of place in this refreshing novel.There are so many places I could start with this book, but I think the best place to go would be the humour. The way it's written makes it one of those books that you're afraid to take out in public, because people are going to be giving you funny looks because you can't stop laughing. I have seriously had a whole Municipal train car full of people just sit and stare for a little bit. I didn't care, until I noticed, and put the book away quietly.Sadly enough, I pulled it back out when nobody was looking and began to read it again, with the same result.And while you may not be able to take it seriously as a murder/mystery novel, Jasper Fforde actually puts up quite an amazing plot. It's not one of those murders that you can just guess who did it in the first interview. It actually keeps you guessing very much of the time. Everyone always has their own theory halfway through the book, but Jack and Mary find enough clues to make you think you're absolutely positive, but still unsure enough as to keep avidly reading to find out what the deal really was with Mr. Dumpty.The insane twists he puts on classic nursery characters is a riot, and on a lot of the pages, you'll find something that'll make you think of the old nursery rhymes you knew when you were younger, and are so creative, you can't help but enjoy them. [I'll spoil one for you: Willie Winkie is narcoleptic.]I honestly can't say that I'll ever look at a nursery rhyme book the same way again, and really hope to see the next Nursery Crime book. [I've already read 'The Fourth Bear' as well, if that says anything.] | 45 stars
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Great book, Great information, Really makes you think
I get tired of people saying this is the same old information. It is not. When has any other diet book gone into such detail about digestion and how our bodies store and use fat? When have you ever heard the word Omentum before? This book really makes you realize what you are doing to your body with fat and sugar. It makes you WANT to eat better. It tells you WHY you should eat certain foods and what happens when you eat food. It's great. I have been following this plan, and it really works. You can eat, be satisfied, and not starve yourself. It has recipes, tells you what to order when you eat out, and puts you in control. I can't even consider eating a cookie after reading this book. If I look at one, I get images in my head of what my body will do with that cookie, and it's not pretty. This book has a scared straight appeal, and it really made me change my life. | 45 stars
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Extremely Thought Provoking & Entertaining
If you're line of work involves evaluating people in any way shape or form, this is a must read. You won't view your job or how you assess what people bring to the table the same way ever again.The book is a highly entertaining read. The central theme revolves around "thin slicing" or how people intuit what they're hearing or seeing. We all recognize that in most every decision making process we undertake, there is a "gut feel" that we have about which direction we should take. Why? Where does it come from and do we act upon it or not? Or, do we consciously reason our way to an alternative solution and if so-does that decision wind up being a good one?The author uses a variety of examples to demonstrate why this process of "thin slicing" is so powerful. There are a number of intriguing studies woven throughout the book that will have you hungry to learn more. The implicit versus explicit views that we all possess, many of them conflicting, are discussed and analyzed via a number of intriguing case studies.Yes the concepts introduced in Blink tend not to "fit" perfectly. The book doesn't satisfy some peoples need to have everything neatly summarized and laid out. But the book is extremely enlightening, thought provoking and leaves you hungry to learn more about the thought processes we all employ to make "people" decisions in life. I highly recommend it. You won't be the same after reading it. | 45 stars
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Good ending for a good series
This is the last book of Colleen McCullough's Rome series and in it she recaptures some of the zest and eyes open worldliness that made the first two books so wonderful. Cato is rehabilitated a bit in this book, as is Brutus. Caesar loses some of his lustre. The bits with Octavian were especially good, showing him to be very cool and calculating even as a young man. | 34 stars
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Hollywood does Imperial Russia
Randall Wallace's "Love and Honor" is the improbable story of Kieran Selkirk, a young Virginian of pre-Revolutionary America sent to Russia by Ben Franklin to convince Catherine the Great, tsarina of Russia, to keep Russian from sending troops to America to help the British subdue the rebellion. Wallace writes of this period like French artist Jacques David painted it: romantic, over-inflated, pompous, and idealistic. The novel starts out with a bang - an encounter with a pack of starving wolves while crossing the northern Russian plain in an open sled is harrowing and suspenseful. But from there, Wallace lurches into an 18th Century soap opera of scheming countesses and debauchery while building a ludicrously unlikely plot. Wallace, a talented writer of feature films whose big scene epics I've enjoyed, unfortunately writes novels like a movie script. Conversation between Selkirk and Gorlav, his Russian sidekick, feels more like "Lethal Weapon's" Gibson and Glover a pair of supposedly hardened mercenary cavalrymen. With more platitude than provocation and its few thrills overpowered by mind-numbing tedium, Wallace is better watched than read. Wait for the movie. | 12 stars
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Perhaps Moore's Best Ever
I'm a big fan of Moore and find most of his books hysterically funny even when the plot line is "way-far-out-there". His dark humor is most evident in this bizarre story of Death Merchants, homeless souls, the three wierd sisters as demon/raven women/ sewer harpies, a 7' tall black fellow who wears only light green and is named Minty Fresh (a visitor from another of his novels) and another inadequate hero battling the forces of evil. No matter how outlandish, he always makes a point for those heroics and the struggle to overcome and "do the right thing". He has a great turn of phrase and can paint a funny picture with vividness. His description of a 1957 Cadillac Eldorado is unforgettable. Can't imagine why his books have not been made into movies - I see Charlie played by Nicholas Cage. You will laugh outloud while you read. Loved it! | 45 stars
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PROFOUND
Byron gets right to the heart of TRUTH. This book isn't for the new-age seeker chasing after some state of perpetual bliss. Bliss is simply another experience, and TRUTH is not limited to any experience. . .I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting a glimpse of our true nature. . .anyone wanting to see beyond the illusion. . . | 45 stars
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An enchanting book of stories for all young animal lovers!
My grandmother bought this book for my three year old. We read the stories together at bedtime and enjoy them immensely. Rudyard Kipling wrote these stories for his young best beloved...don't wait to read them to yours!!! | 45 stars
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If you enjoy reading the New Yorker magazine, you'll appreciate this book.
Provocative book on the positive power of snap judgments, but it also addresses how they can mislead us. The "editorial review" here is good so I won't go on and on about the book. I liked a section on how it is more effective to make decisions when you are 60-70% sure, rather than wasting extra time getting to 100%. | 45 stars
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An amazing story that will touch your heart
This book is particularly relevent given current events. It provides hope in a situation which seems daunting and overwhelming. I applaud all the efforts of Greg Mortenson and his organization.This is a must read that is eye-opening and inspiring. | 45 stars
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Not a book on social commentary; Read for FUN
I hate to read the negative reviews on this book, as I find the accusations that the author is "self-absorbed" to be both unfounded and misguided given the purpose of the book. This is not a book to comment on the author's views on society or on her charitable work, and it is not for her to discuss how fortunate she is in life. It is a book about Gilbert's struggle to find happiness, despite her circumstances, which is something that many people face. I think that many of the people leaving these reviews are being dishonest with themselves;can anybody truly say that they have never experienced unhappiness when, on paper, everything is great? I hope that people aren't suggesting that you should just "get over yourself" when you are in a situation that makes you unhappy. I think that this book is testimony to the fact that being financially well-off is not always the key to happiness, and I don't see anything wrong with that.Gilbert is not suggesting that the only way to find happiness is to set off on a year-long trek around the world, and she recognizes that she is fortunate to have that option available. But I think the point of this book is to emphasize the need to do things for yourself sometimes, and to make yourself happy. I certainly don't have the means to travel around the world, or even to take time off work, but I read the book and was inspired to take up painting, start writing, and bake more. I've read this book several times, always when I'm going through a rough patch, and it is consistently uplifting. It's a shame that people write off this book because of Gilbert's supposed "self-absorption" without recognizing the underlying message of this book; it is important to make your own happiness a priority in your life, by whatever means you can.If you can't accept that somebody in Gilbert's circumstances could be unhappy, don't read this book. I did only give the book 4 stars because Gilbert did willfully ignore much of the culture in the countries she visited. Still, if you are willing to read about her experiences and try to find things in your life that bring you happiness, I think you'll really enjoy Eat Pray Love. Gilbert is a beautiful writer, the book has a great message of self-empowerment, and I highly recommend it to anybody looking for a little inspiration in their own life. | 34 stars
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Sweeping societal/cultural insights by astrological events. And happening now.
Insightful and dense read on the significance of astrological events noting the timing of sweeping social and cultural upheaval, revolutions, renaissance and change. And 2007 marks the beginning of another great opportunity to be part of bringing the best of change that can happen to make the world better. A must read for astrologers and those who wish to be inspired to be part of our own renaissance. | 45 stars
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King Kelson's Bride
Being a fan I've been desperately waiting for the latest edition from Ms Kurtz which arrived over the weekend and I wasn't disappointed. More tales of magic and the middleages church which I digested in two days straight.Those who are already fans of Kelson and friends should enjoy this new tale with the added interest of further interaction with the lands set to the east.One small caveat, you'll most likely be left wanting the next book, but then I guess that's the mark of a good series writer.Thoughly enjoyable. | 45 stars
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Exciting Thriller
Lost Summer is the second MTV Books title from author Alex McAulay. He is the author of the book Bad Girls. Bad Girls should be coming to movie theaters sometime in the future. Gossip blogs have been having a field day tossing around names of young starlets who may appear in the screen adaptation of the book.Lost Summer is a really fantastic read. Alex is a very strong writer and his novels are suspenseful and engaging. Lost Summer is about a young girl named Caitlin who had her entire summer in California planned out when her mother drags her across the country to the remote Outer Banks of North Carolina. Caitlin's mother has issues it would be safe to say and Caitlin is pretty much on her own as far as entertainment. She meets a strange friend named Danielle. Then she meets some cool guys and it seems like the summer might not be so bad after all--until she witnesses a murder. To top things off a dangerous hurricane is headed their way. Lost Summer is an awesome book and hopefully this title will also be adapted into a movie. | 45 stars
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Good, Good Stuff
I really enjoyed this book, but for some reason it's been really hard to write this review.Ombria in Shadow is not the typical fantasy that I normally read. There is not much action or traditional fantasy elements present here, but McKillip creates a fascinating story with rich characters and an intriguing plot. I found it very hard to put down from beginning to end.This is a novel filled with much political intrigue. There are attempted assassinations, power coups, witches with spells for hire and even pirates (although more of just the mention of pirates!) The pacing of the story is fast and the tensions run pretty high throughout. There is a strong feeling of hope and a fight against the oppressive rule of tyranny. We also see that we actually see of the world with our eyes does not represent the whole. There is a world of shadow beneath Ombria, but not necessarily one of darkness that the word shadow brings to mind.Overall, I would recommend this book to fans of fantasy who would like to expand their horizons beyond the traditional Sword and Sorcery-type tale. It is truly magical and I will be looking into McKillip's other works in the future. | 34 stars
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Great Stuff!!
The three novels by Anne Bishop are fantastic! I loved the characters and liked that the story lines were dark but hopefull at the same time. I cant wait to see more novels from Bishop, and I hope she comes out with more stories as good as these three are. Must reads for anyone who doesnt like their books all sweetness and light. | 45 stars
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Sensual Summer Read.
Deborah Raleigh captivates historical romance readers in this second of the "Some Like It..." series with the handsome and dangerous Rutherford Hawksley and the spirited, beautiful, and intelligent Clara Dawson. Clara, left alone after her father's death finds comfort in a pen pal mathmatical equation relationship with a certain Mr. Chesterfield, not knowing that this relationship is to bring her danger and into the arms of the wickedly handsome Hawksley. She doesn't stand a chance with this tall, dark, handsome stranger the moment she looks into his dark blue eyes. But neither does Hawksley, as the beautiful Clara, as beautiful inside as out, rescues him from a life of loneliness and abuse from his aristocratic upbringing. They are drawn to each other from the moment Hawksley saves her from attempted murder and together they work to solve the murder of his older brother. Biddles and Anna are back from the first book, and the sexy Santos. As a fan of the sensual historical romance, this book did not disappoint. It is sinfully delicious, but I was left wanting more, which is why I give it 4 Stars. It would have been wonderful to complete the story and the relationship after Clara and Hawksley's marriage and their acceptance into "The Ton." This story needs a sequel! Maybe the villians can return from the colonies? I look forward to the next in the Some Like It series coming in 2007,"Some Like It Brazen." | 34 stars
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Audiobook: Absolutely great and insightful
I listened to this book on my way to/fro work and I loved it. About first impressions, snap judgments (and misjudgments) and facial expressions and from topics ranging from marriage to military war games, this book kept me interested from beginning to end. It is definitely not a "thriller" since it is not fiction but spell binding nonetheless. The author quotes from relevant research and it does made me wonder how much control my sub conscious actually has over me.The narration for the audiobook is by the author and is read in a matter of fact and conversational way, which is easy on the ears.A must read if you loved Freakanomics and/or The Wisdom of Crowds since I feel the book belongs to same genre. | 45 stars
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Love it!
Wow. This is the closest thing to magic I've seen in a long time. The photos don't do it justice and the praise that has already been written doesn't come close to describing how cool this is. The design feels right to me, starting with the box it shipped in. I was using it effectively within two minutes, and I had already sampled a book and bought today's New York Times (75 cents) within five minutes. It just works.It was shipped to me already connected to my amazon.com account, and it came loaded with a letter from Jeff Bezos addressed to "Terry" which was a nice bit of personalization. The wireless just worked. No setup, not searching for a hot-spot, it just worked. The display is amazing. It looks like paper. I did not realize that the electronic paper technology was here but apparently it is. Even with it asleep, it displays a nice picture that reminds me of an old book. This going to be big. Really big.It seem to me that most of the critics haven't tried one, or they are commenting on the idea of reading a book on an electroni device. You just have to try it to see why the Kindle makes sense. I love it! | 45 stars
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Keep them coming!
Mr, Frazier's second novel is as good as Cold Mountain. I look forward to his third.He paints such vivid pictures of places and people. | 34 stars
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So-so
I bought this book because Akunin was compared James Goodwin. It was quite difficult to keep track of those long and complicated Russian names and you would constantly need to refer to the "Dramatis Personae". Also, there are lines in the book where you would find the same character addressed twice, first by the surname and then by the middle name and so forth. I would rather stick to Goodwin and buy Bellini Card despite it being bit expensive. Either the translation went awry or Akunin is not what some reviewers make him to be. | 23 stars
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Disappointing
It took me three weeks to read this book, for it was just not interesting. The parts in the book where they wrote the lyrics to the songs with that riffs and everything was just too distracting. The ending was good though, I almost cried. But I almost cried while reading the book because it took too long to get to the point. In the space of reading this book, I sat and read three other books, and this one was read as a last resort when I had nothing else to read. It may be interesting to people that are into that stuff. | 01 star
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Good or great depending on where you are in life
I enjoyed reading this book. I thought it was extremely well written. I could easily envision the places that the author was visiting and the emotions that she was feeling. Her struggle to quiet her mind is one to which I think most people can relate.It started out as a great, easy read but it did become slightly arduous during her stint in India. I don't know if this was intentional because she was facing challenges while she was there-- if so, I could feel her pain.There are some great lines throughout the book, again a testament to the author's writing ability.If you are at a point in your life where you are trying to regain control, redirect yourself and focus, this is an exceptional book. If not, you might find it selfish and trite.I liked it, was happy to have read it, but I don't feel as strongly about it as a number of the reviewers. It wasn't particularly life changing for me, but rather life affirming and an excellent reminder that stillness is a good thing and living as your true self is essential to finding inner peace. I did find myself jealous of her ability to take a year to travel and be selfish.I could see how the book could be extremely impactful if you were at a fork in the road or feeling unfulfilled. If you're cyncial, think God looks like George Burns, and peace is only achieved by hard labor, you will hate this book and curse the author. | 34 stars
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Good for old folks
I like my reader because it is easy on my eyes because of the adjustable font. I am 73 yrs old and have run out of anyplace to store books. As I like to read my son suggested I try one of your readers. He said if I didn't like it he would buy it from me. Guess what, he's not getting it!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | 45 stars
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Love My Kindle!
I have had mine for about a month or so and am in love with it! The one small annoyance is the page buttons are located in a place where they can be pushed on accident, and it takes a long time to find your page again if you have moved multiple pages. Otherwise, I think it is wonderful and very useful. I can even read while walking if I make the text larger; fun! It's also entertaining to browse the store and download samples. I adore being able to skip around from book to book: my only concern is that the flexibility will ensure that I take 10 times longer to finish a book than I normally would :) | 45 stars
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Ageless By Suzanne Somers
This book made such a strong impact on me, I bought one for several of my friends. It's clear, concise, and easy to understand. | 45 stars
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Pretty Good
This book was alright. I have read better but who hasn't? I think the writing was a little shallow but the overall effect was better than you would expect. | 34 stars
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Amazing
This product is amazing, I use it everyday, and I love it.It'd be better with a backlight though but otherwise it is amazing. | 45 stars
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Forgotten Classic
Excellent Read! Very much in keeping the Viking culture one would see in the Viking Sagas combined with fantastic writing..... Really beautiful stuff. Highly recommended for anyone who likes Norse culture, of Medieval Lit. | 45 stars
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A Perfect Blending of the Genres!
I wasn't sure I'd like a "futuristic" type novel, even though the alter ego of one of my favorite authors, Nora Roberts, was writing it. Writing as J.D. Robb, she has definitely changed my mind about this genre. Naked in Death was impossible for me to put down until the last page was read!J.D. Robb introduces us to Eve Dallas, a tough New York police lieutenant who has always relied on herself in all situations and has never let anyone get close to her personally. Eve Dallas is one of the best homicide detectives that New York Security and Police Department (NYSPD) has to offer - she's smart, gutsy, and holds nothing back when trying to solve a case.In this first book of the series, a ruthless serial killer is murdering licensed companions (the term used for prostitutes in the year 2058). It's Dallas' job to find the murderer and stop him/her before another killing. Oh what a tangled web the reader is tangled in with a variety of characters that are so vivid you actually feel as if you know them personally.Roarke, a multi-billionaire, is of Irish decent, drop dead gorgeous, smart and just the right combination of charisma and attitude to attract Dallas. Even when the first murder victim links Roarke as a possible suspect.The colorful support cast will have you smiling and shaking your head. They range from the talented lounge singer who has become Dallas' best friend, to the obnoxious senator who rules the senate and his family with an iron fist, to Dallas' partner who reminds me of a Basset Hound with droopy eyes and a penchant for sugared almonds. Ah yes, they are quite a bunch of characters, full of antics that will have you laughing out loud.As Dallas is trying to solve these crimes, she falls in love with Roarke. She hopes she can prove his innocence, but knows that if he is the murderer her job always comes first and she would have to arrest him even while her heart is breaking. Sound like she's a sap? No way! She's never been in love before, so not only is it a new experience, it's also an emotion that has her confused and at times irritable. Even experiencing the sentiment for the first time, she's still tough as nails.The book has a great combination of romance, mystery and even science fiction. I love the AutoChef that cooks up meals at the touch of a finger and the automobiles that are able to go from road to sky at the flip of a switch. How about the airbuses that cruise through the city skies full of tourists? And guns have been outlawed so police use stunners that have various settings from a mild shock to the "termination" setting.Ok, sounds strange, but it is absolutely wonderful. J.D. Robb, AKA Nora Roberts, is the best when it comes to blending the genres and you won't be disappointed with this series. I highly suggest this book if you love mystery, intrigue and romance. I'd also strongly recommend that you have a copy of Glory in Death on hand so you can finish this book and pick up the next in the series. You'll be hooked! | 45 stars
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A multiple-clamatic thriller without an end.
This story is definitely worth reading, if you are willing to take the chance of disappointment near the end. I have to admit, I loved this book all the way through until the so-called dramatic climax at the finish. There are a number of questions unanswered at the end, which makes the reader feel somewhat ripped off as opposed to the promise of satisfaction. The technology described in the book, although easy for everyday internet users to comprehend, may challenge the interest of those readers who are not "computer literate". Although, Iles did a fairly decent job of explaining most of his computer terms. Overall, this book deserved at least 4 stars due to the multiple climax moments in the book, and it's ability to capture attention, but due to the lack of a decent ending (which happens to be the most important part of a book), it got my 3 stars. Iles, however, is a magnificent writer. | 23 stars
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Excellent book
It is so sad how the injustice takes away our freedom. This book is awesome. My heart goes out to the families who have lost love ones in this tragedy. | 45 stars
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Tempting tidbits
Some have said that this book was when Riley's story started to pick up, I say, this is when Keri flicked the switch into overdrive. This book was sizzling sauciness at it's best! | 34 stars
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Interesting...but
I thought that this book was an easy read and very interesting, but I was expecting an analysis. The author basically provides the reader with some background information about exclusive organizations and gives the names and professions of some of their most prominent members. After reading the book, I knew the names and some historical background about the organizations founded by and for the Black elite, but I felt like the book was more of an overview rather than an "inside look". | 23 stars
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addictive
This writer is addictive. My husband told me to order all of Jack Reacher novels. We both love this guy. Everyone we know would love a guy like this in our lives. Great read!!!!!! Great writing and from start to finish non-stop action. Loved it!!ThanksJAS | 45 stars
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3 and 1/2 Stars: Fairly Entertaining Installment in the Bride Series
Cat racing? Really? Perhaps it was an interesting way to begin a romance, and though it was actually something done historically in England, it seemed so fanciful to me I put the book down and started another. However, since I committed to read this (among many others) for my Best Irish Romances list, I eventually picked it up again. I have to say while I could have done without the cat racing, it turned out to be a fairly entertaining read.Set in 1823, this is 7th in the Sherbrooke series (see list below) and the only one of Coulter's romances set in Ireland (and really only the last part). Both the hero and heroine are English, but they do end up in Ireland...at a castle called Pendragon. Having not read others in the series, it was clear that I was coming into the middle of things. I do think it can be enjoyed as a stand-alone but particularly at the beginning the names won't mean as much.The story tells of Meggie Sherbrooke, chief cat racing trainer and daughter of a vicar (Tysen Sherbrooke, also a titled lord). Since she was 13, Meggie thought herself in love with Jeremy. At her coming out, she meets Jeremy again and hopes he will see her as bride material; but Jeremy soon weds another. On the rebound, Meggie meets Thomas Malcombe, young earl of Lancaster, and marries him. Neither professes love; he wants her because she makes him laugh and he hasn't laughed in a very long time.Coulter gets full marks for very witty dialog and the wonderful heroine who delivers it, though her sentence construction had me tripping over passages at times. There were several things that detracted in this romance. First, the conflict between Jeremy and Meggie was a bit contrived. Why would he be angry at her for a girlhood crush? Please. She married him, after all. It made Thomas look petty, not the tall, dark strong man we first thought him to be. When he decided to be cruel on their wedding night, I hated him. (This from a guy who is supposed to love her?) Her capitulation after that was a bit of a letdown. And who takes his bride home to meet his mother on his honeymoon?? After that, I just never warmed to the man. And it was a bit hard to believe they eventually loved each other. Though the latter part of the book takes place in Ireland, there isn't much of an Irish feel to it. Actually it could have taken place in England. (I decided not to include the book on my Best Irish Historical Romances list.)If you want to read more in the Bride Series (Sherbrooke), here's the list:The Sherbrooke BrideThe Hellion BrideThe Heiress BrideMad JackThe CourtshipThe Scottish BridePendragonThe Sherbrooke TwinsLyon's GateWizards DaughterThe Prince of Ravenscar | 23 stars
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A Delightful Grease-Fire of a Book
I don't go to restaurants. I don't watch FOOD Channel. I don't even order take-out. I'm just a pizza and burger guy with an occasional side trip to Taco Bell for my veggies. So why was I reading this book?My lunch partner was reading this weirdly yellow hardback and slowly choking on his burrito as he chuckled through Page 230 where the author had become a walking grease fire. Now, I can understand the humor behind being lit up like a Christmas tree in my kitchen (I'd done that after turning on the burners without removing my Hungryman TV dinner carton on top of it.) But a whole book of such mishaps?Ah, my friend urged this book on me and predicted I'd be converted! He would be able to persuade me to go to an eatery that didn't have paper boats of onion rings or plastic packets of mayo. I would want to eat ramps (huh?) and autumn squash! I would want to eat fennel pollen!!And he was right! I was plastered to this book for the next week and a half. Buford started his quest to understand what goes on behind the professional kitchen, in Mario Batali's restaurant, Babbo. He offers himself as an unpaid servant. He promptly cuts himself while deboning ducks and hunting for their "oysters."And his whole world is never the same again. After months of culinary bondage, he flies to Italy to roll pasta with Betta (why you make pasta like an old woman, eh?) and butcher tall cows with warbling Dario and carve thighs with the Maestro (of the Monster Hands) in Tuscany.I suffered with him as Molto Mario roots in trash cans, retrieving celery leaves and lamb kidneys that shouldn't have been tossed in the garbage. I puzzled over the importance of broccoli floret heads to customers. I winced as he burned himself --- dropping ribs in popping olive oil--- by hand. (There's some tremendously good, bloody vivid descriptions of Buford's kitchen's injuries.) Its almost like reading a Clive Barker book with lard and chickpeas!I laughed as he hauls a whole pig (not a mere piglet) to his home in Manhattan so he can butcher it. I cackled as he drops munchkin pasta on the floor-- trying to roll it to impossible thinness. I marveled at how Buford "touched" meat for "doneness" and the resemblance of tortellini pasta to "innie" belly buttons. I snickered at the almost pornographic way . . . sausages were made. I groaned at creepy Riccardo and the ever-swelling polenta.This book is pullulating with such jewels. And I haven't even spoken of the bizarre personalities behind that reduction of liver in butter sauce. There's Mario Batali, bigger than life and much engaged with pig fat. Marco Pierre White and his restaurant empire and his tasty thoughts on the aging of game birds. Yuck! Then there's the sous chefs, the prep chefs, the grill guys and the pasta guys. All fascinating and as unforgetttable, in their way, as Batali and White's tantrums! Andy and Frankie, Memo, Tony Liu and Alex with their dreams of owning their own restaurants. The clan of Latin cooks and servers who inexplicably all come from the same town . . .Read this book. Even if you're not a foodie. Even if your idea of fine dining is a tin of sardines on instant rice! You'll love every minute of it. 5 Stars Plus Plus Plus! | 45 stars
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The journalistic re-write does not do the book justice
Although Mortensen's achievements of building schools in remote inaccessible mountian villages are admirable, it must be pointed out that his personal life is quite boring and need not figure in the story at all. I mean, what do the readers care if he has to use a U-haul to lug all his stuff to storage?? Or how he meets his wife? His personal trivia take up the whole beginning and end of the book, totally unneccessary.The writing style, obviously that of the journalist co-author, is overly descripive with superfluous superlatives regarding the majesty of the Himalayas blah blah blah, and is often quite irritating. Mortensen should have attempted to write his own account perhaps, it would have been more credible, less detail-oriented, and with a lot less boring stuff about mountain climbing.Moreover, the mistakes he makes in fundraising, mobilizing, project design and construction, are those of an amateur. So while his intentions are noble, his methods are primitive and wasteful. He would have done better to involve the beneficiaries of his projects in a more constructive way, using their experience of life in the rugged dire Himalayan conditions to build sustainable projects that would meet their needs and not end with the return of the Taliban. One wonders what has become of all those schools and all those kids... All murdered by zealots for being educated? Perhaps he should have built a few schools for Taliban children also, and thus contributited more tangibly to gradually changing their world view and bringing them closer to the global community... | 23 stars
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delightful romantic suspense thriller
Twenty-four years old former cat burglar Samantha Jellicoe decides to go legit by setting up a security firm. Meanwhile her lover thirty-tree years old Richard Addison tries to persuade his beloved that they belong together permanently, but she has doubts that she would lose her identity and become one of Rick's chicks at best or worst Mrs. British Billionaire though he tells her that her penchant for breaking into his homes keep that from becoming a reality.In Palm Beach wealthy Charles Kuntz hires Sam to protect him. However, before she can begin the job, someone kills her "mark" and jewels are missing. The cops target Sam as the prime suspect, but her troubles are not just with the law. Rick's ex Patricia arrives to inform him that she is divorcing her latest spouse and is available to renew what they once had.The sequel to the delightful romantic suspense thriller FLIRTING WITH DANGER is am amusing tale that returns the two protagonists for another enjoyable gender war. Rick is terrific and Sam's former felonious partner Stony is as incorrigible as ever, but once again the tale belongs to the heroine who fears she has become the star of Die Hard instead of To Catch a Thief. Though the fun story line is overfilled with the rich and amoral, readers will look up for more amusing contemporary suspense from Suzanne Enoch.Harriet Klausner | 45 stars
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Great supplemental story to the comics
Really great novel. Not necessary to read the series, but will add to the enjoyment of both as they both reference specific events occurring at the same time in both. The ending climax was especially great. | 34 stars
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Harrowing
This book is like a train wreck - an awful truth that is impossible to look away from. I hated it yet didn't want it to end. I also found the ending a bit unsatisfying. It is however an excellent read. | 45 stars
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Love it, love it, love it!!!
Was on the fence with the Kindle and the Nook. I did extensive, almost anal comparisons to determine which product would best suit my needs. I finally told my husband I was sold on the Kindle and flip-flopped for a moment, because I thought the idea of book sharing was neat. However, my final decision came when I received the email that Amazon was offering FREE wireless!!! How cool is that? I don't have to wait until I get to the next hot spot to download a new book. My husband ran with that and ordered it for my birthday (7/26). I simply could not wait; got it early!!! I take it EVERYWHERE I go. I think I download books more than I read!The reader voice is a bit mechanical, but doable! You can also download audio books and surf the net. This lovely device if full of endless possibilities. For anyone struggling with which one to buy...hands down it should be the Kindle. Unless having a few colorful squares at the bottom of the screen is important to you! Overall, I am VERY VERY happy with my Kindle. | 45 stars
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Kindle
Great product. I travel and it allows me to download new books from any airport (US). Battery life is fantastic. | 45 stars
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Mistitled, yet excellent.
The title is totally misleading. It is an economic history of India that concentrates on the period in which India came into significant contact with Western Civilization and its greatest contributions lie in the period of the dominance of the East Indian Company and later Raj.2700 years of ancient, classical and medieval Indian economic history get short shrift in my opinion. All the more surprising as in the joint work of Kulke and Rothermund ( History of India ) the author(s) displayed an acute understanding of the pre-colonial period from 1200 BC - 1500 AD. One cannot lightly dismiss these eras which created the India into which European powers, especially the British penetrated.Anyone wishing to understand this period should consult the writings of Romila Thapar of Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.Yet the author has brilliantly examined and analysed the economic history of India from approximately the early 1700s up to 1990. However it is exactly the last 20 years that modern India's most significant economic advances have been made and one would hope that a revised edition dealing with this period will be forthcoming. | 34 stars
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Excellent
An excellent book, you have to read it to understand but it can be life changing. Gives lots of practical advice and then gives a new way of thinking about... well everything. A must read. | 45 stars
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Love hurts
I do indeed love my Kindle - so much so I bought one for my son and have recommended it to many others (and my brother bought one on this recommendation). The screen is so very easy on the eyes and I can set the font size so I don't need my reading glasses. I have really come to enjoy the 'Read it to me' feature as I just read along with it and I find that it maintains the pace at which I read as before I might drift away from the story for a short time and need to re-read that section. It is easy to hold and I find it much easy when reading in bed since the thick paperbacks are hard to comfortably read when propped up on one arm.The reason I say Love Hurts is that I purchased these Kindles for USD$259 and soon after the price dropped markedly to USD$189. It would have been nice for Amazon to say - as a thank you for being an early adopter in this growing market, we'll offer you an extra 20% off your next 10 e-books. I would love it more in that case. | 34 stars
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The most "historical" of JJ's historical novels
This is my favorite John Jakes novel. I love the way it covers the history of a city from the early 1700s to the 1860s. The treatment of the slaves is more clearly defined than most history texts will ever describe. I also much enjoyed the inclusion of the Caribbean nations' relationship to Charleston. | 34 stars
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The Golden Lion of Granpere
This little book (180pps) is certainly not Trollope's best. But even on this small stage we see displayed two of the author's favorite themes: the plight of women in a Victorian age who are treated like chattel and the conflict between inclination, on the one hand, and self-restraint and duty, on the other -- "aristocratic virtues" as de Tocqueville called them, and values we seem to have lost. We see Trollope's chauvanism at its worst, as the heroine must choose between the weak man her well-meaning uncle has selected for her and the "manly" man she prefers, the man who will be her lord and master and reduce her to the submissive position Trollope seems convinced women prefer.But there is no one who saw more clearly, or felt more deeply, the agonies of a Victorian age (for all its faults) that was in its death throes, with capitalism and industrialism bearing down and the sense of something outside the self, something to whom or to which we have a duty, weakening in the face of self-absorption. The book is worth reading, but not as a sample of Trollope at his best. For that I recommend The Warden or, perhaps, La Vendée. | 12 stars
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Light Read
"A Quick Bite" was a wonderful, light, one-time read. Although it isn't one of my favorites, I am going to keep reading the series just to keep up with the fun characters. (If I didn't continue, it would be like stopping midway through a great chick flick!)This is not your typical vampire story. (Ah, isn't that refreshing?) This novel circulates around a family of vampires that are ridiculously kind and they're just like a typical (human) family. These vampires are alive, not undead. Strange, right? Like I said, not your typical vampire story.Lissianna, our main vampire lady, arrived at home only to realize a sexy man is tied to her bed. Hmm...? Turns out her mommy dearest had him there as a birthday surprise! (For blood, not sex, perverts!) She is just going to take a quick bite, thinking no one would realize she had ruined her own surprise... after all, he isn't going to remember.Uh oh, she thought wrong. He IS a birthday present but he wasn't for dinner. He's a doctor and he's been kidnapped to help Lissi get over her ridiculous fear of blood. (Yes, she is a vampire who faints at the sight of blood!) Lissi has to feed the old way- "off the hoof." All of her family gets to feed from bags of donated blood like good little vampires do!This book was very predictable when it came to the "who did it??" aspect. There were a lot of plot twists and humor that kept me interested. The unique origin of vampires in this book also kept me reading. It is always good to get a new twist on an old (and awesome) genre. | 23 stars
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Kindle 2 as a Travel Companion
As a book publisher for many, many years I was reluctant to give up on the literally thousands of books in our Hollywood Hills home. But we spend a least one month a year somewhere in India or Asia and I am always lugging tons of books. Who knows, may get hijacked and end up in the slam. Gotta read. So far I have read one book on the K2, downloaded about eight so far and am off to the Kathmandu Valley and then on to Bhutan. A couple of ounces of books. My wife, I am sure, will be dragging hard copy. I must say I do miss the tactile feel of a book, the jacket, identifying the paper, cover material, fonts, etc. But I am going to love having the K2! | 34 stars
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Two's Company, Three's A Crowd
Marquise is coming home! Marquise is coming home! Terelle, a young single mother, is overjoyed that her man and the father of her child is finally coming home after serving time on drug charges. She has waited two years for this day. Terelle spent that time struggling to keep her head above water by working herself to death to make a home for Marquise to return to. It's all worth it, isn't it? After all, Marquise upon his release has promised to work - legitimately - to take care of Terelle and their daughter. Gone will be the days of working overtime at her menial job, catching buses, and rushing to and from daycare. But once he has his freedom, will Marquise come through or were they just jail house promises? Will Terelle get her happily ever after? And what happens when Kai Montgomery - an insatiable woman who wants what she wants and will stop at nothing to get it - enters the picture?2 women + 1 man = DRAMA, DRAMA, and more DRAMAAllison did a wonderful job with her portrayal of obsession, betrayal, love, and lust. I was sad to see it end. Strebor Books is really doing big things and this is just another for the win column. Good story. Good editing. What more can you ask for in a book?!? | 45 stars
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It's OK but...
I bought a Kindle for my girlfriend. It's an impressive device with a few problems.Charging: It can be only charged from a computer. It doesn't work from a wall-plug charger. It can be quite annoying, because you cannot simply use your iphone/ipod's or any other USB charger on your trip. You have to purchase one from Amazon or carry your laptop for your trips.Battery Life: The standby battery life quite short, it's completely dead after a week or so. Although you can turn it off completely to save the battery. I just don't understand what's the point of running the device on standby until it totally dead. Why doesn't it shut down after a day or two of inactivity?Margins: So much screen real estate is wasted on useless margins. The whole point of margins on paper that you can hold a book without covering the text, but the Kindle has a plastic enclosure to do just the same. There is no full screen mode to hide the margins, title bar and the footer.Buttons: You have to click a button to "turn" a page, but the button makes a click noise. It's OK if you never read in the bed or you're single, otherwise it can be quite annoying to listen that clicking noise every 10-15 seconds.Otherwise the device is quite handy to use. | 23 stars
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I loved it.
This one was great. If you love P&P I think this one is true to the story and very fun. | 45 stars
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Great, positive read.
This book is awesome. It is a motivation to change your life and focus on the presence. | 45 stars
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Slow
This book is hard to get into. I put it aside and will try at a later date. | 23 stars
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Definitely better than ALONE, Gardner delivers a great mystery
All Anabelle Granger can remember from her childhood is moving from city to city and constantly changing her name. But she has no idea why her father forced his family to move every two years. Tired of hiding, she returned to the town where she grew up, Boston. One morning, she hears on the news that the body of a dead little girl has been found, and that her name was Anabelle Granger.Seargent DD Warren is the lead detective on a case where six bodies are buried in an underground pit. The pit bears a striking resemblence to the pit that Catherine Gagnon was buried in (her story was featured in Gardner's ALONE, a prequel of sorts), so Warren asks state detective Bobby Dodge to help on the case. The question is, why and who was Anabelle and her family running from, and how does it relate to the six dead girls buried in a pit.You don't really have to read ALONE to enjoy this book, but I found HIDE to be much better than its predecessor. Gardner excels at creating a mystery that occurred in the early 1980s then exploring several possible explanations and suspects. She follows the formula for this kind of novel and does it very well. The theme of abused and endangered children is once again present. Gardner must really have a passion for this subject, and it shows. Gardner is an author worth checking out. I've added her to my must read list. Males and females both should enjoy her suspense thrillers. | 45 stars
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Pop Science and Psychology Gone Awry
I read "blink" and "The Tipping Point" together over the span of a week. Both books were very interesting and touched on similar insights into human behavior and psychology. "The Tipping Point" was similar in style to "blink" in that it presented a small handful of themes over and over to prove the premise the author initially laid out at the beginning of the book. Which is, of course, very convenient for the author. Gladwell essentially has a theory for why cool fads and trends catch on, and in writing this book he appears to have scoured a mixed bag of scientific and non-scientific psychological studies and historical observations to support his theory. The problem with this method is that its not the best way to prove the validity of a theory.One of the most excruciating passages in the book is when Gladwell tries to argue that former ABC news anchor Peter Jennings successfully swayed voters with his facial expressions in the early 1980's. A study apparently suggested that Jennings made favorable facial expressions while introducing stories about Regan but had a neutral face when introducing stories about Walter Mondale, and this caused viewers to change their voting habits. The author seriously tries to make his case solely on the fact that post-election ABC viewers were more likely to say that they voted for Regan than Mondale. It never even occurs to the author (even for a fleeting moment) that maybe ABC news viewers were/are more conservative as a group and thus predisposed to vote for a conservative candidate anyway. The sentence "Because serial killers drink milk, milk drinking must cause people to become serial killers" is a classic example of a Gladwell "proof."Taken as a whole, this book is a bit scary because its a likable best seller, but its unfortunately a sort of misguided Fox News or USA Today version of what could be a very interesting discussion. I hope more books will be written in this area, because it truly is a realm that needs more analysis. | 12 stars
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Thank you all reviewers
Here's one more reader who finds Pride and Prejudice an excellent novel. I appreciate the positive reviews as they motivated me to start a classic which I may not have begun without some encouragement. | 45 stars
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Not as Good as Scarlet
I found this to be much slower and generally more boring than the Scarlet Letter and many of the stories in Twice Told Tales. However, it's still Hawthorne and worth reading. | 23 stars
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Not as good as his first books
It is strange that all my favorite authors seem to go the same way; their first book is fantastic, the second one is great, the third pretty good and it keeps going down. Why is that, I wonder. You would think that experience improves the writing, but apparently not! | 23 stars
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Amazing read total worth checking out!
This book is loaded with suspense, love, loyalty and friendship. Not what you would expect from a vampire book. I loved it can't wait to start the next one. | 45 stars
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Three Cups of Tea
This book is my cup of tea! It's an inspirational story with an intimate look at the hardships and determination of some tribal communities in the mountainous areas of Afghanistan, Pakistan, and other remote -stans where terrorists threaten both local and global communities. One man's quest to help the mountain dwellers and to secure local schooling for their daughters, in particular, is impressively challenging. But the true story illustrates how small steps and carefully developed friendships can change the world, one village at a time. | 45 stars
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