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dont let this author publish as vc andrews!!
I was suprised when I first read virginia andrews books, I thought they'd be like the bold and the beautifull or something. I was really suprised to find that they were actually very well written with complex characters. I read the flowers in the attic series when I was 13 and the casteel seies at 15. I'm now 25 and picked up the casteel seies again, I really enjoyed heaven and dark angel but didnt even bother finishing fallen hearts! I was unsure until I looked here if it was written by her but was pretty certain it wasnt as the characters are completly different and the writng style is more suited to something you'd read in a romance book you'd pick up at the supermarket.I liked Heaven in the 1st 2 books but she was stuck up and annoying in the 3rd. And when did it make any mention of Tony having feelings for her other then as a father in 1 and 2, all of a sudden in fallen hearts he became enamoured with her!Poor Virginia Andrews having her name associated with such bad work, it would have been better to have left the series as it was. This book and the ones following it were obviosly written purely to cash in on the sucess of the earlier stories. | 0negative
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Author's Comments
Author's CommentsBefore microbes were discovered and shown to be the cause of infectious diseases, there existed a very rich and imaginative literature concerning the origin of epidemics. Introduced by Hippocrates and blessed by Galen, the role of a 'tainted' atmosphere (miasmas) was central to nearly all systems of beliefs well into the late 19th century. Many causes were imagined to explain the coming of miasmas, including rotting bodies and vegetable matter, volcanic action that freed poisonous emanations from the 'bowels of the earth' and God-driven mechanisms, including disease-carrying demons. Plague Legends illustrates how these ideas evolved as old and new disease epidemics occurred in the western world, particularly in the 18th and 19th centuries.Today, when the threat of bioterrorism is sweeping the world, one might ask of what relevance is such a book. For myself, I think that there are two aspects of this history that are of particular interest. The first is how very recent dramatically erroneous ideas concerning disease causation dominated the medical literature. Only in the latter part of the 19th century did medicine free itself from more than two millennia of false and dogmatically held beliefs. Very quickly in the 20th century medical science advanced to the point where, at least for the western countries, most plague terrors became a thing of history, something to be read about but no longer feared.Secondly, the epidemic threats of the past provoked a terror that in many ways was greater than that of today. There were no cures for any of the major diseases that moved from one part of the world to another, so as the newspapers reported outbreaks the most reliable response, for those who could afford to do so, was to flee as quickly as possible. Such was the case when yellow fever struck Philadelphia in 1793 and cholera New York in 1832 and 1849. Comparing one generation's fear with that of another is in itself a meaningless effort, but for some it might provide a degree of solace to know that the world has seen far worse and has managed not only to survive but to conquer many of the plague threats that once terrorized it.Socrates Litsios | 1positive
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Mayhem in the snows of Dartmoor
Agatha Christie definitely owns the lion's share of the mystery market. Another classic style murder mystery set in the tundra of England's Dartmoor district.The plot begins with a fun type "table turning" which begins with humor but ends with an ominous message that someone has been murdered. Discovery of a dead body belonging to one of the small town's most stalwart figures starts an investigation that brings many colorful characters into play. The snowy, blustery backdrop of Dartmoor adds a somewhat quaint yet foreboding aspect to a story that would transfer to theater with little adaptation.Agatha Christie's books always abound with multi-layered characters who support the protagonists through who we learn about the settings, the local lore, the local mindset and it all serves as a rich reading experience that we can enjoy and escape into.The plot thickens as the newspapers have now learned of the murder and its questionable circumstances. There is already a man in jail charged with the murder yet, the police and the detective who put him there question his guilt. The plot twists and turns and runs into dead ends as the girlfriend of the incarcerated man attempts, with the help of a journalist, to get to the bottom of the affair.As all good murder mysteries, the end involves the throwing open of a door into a room full of potential suspects with the announcement, "Inspector arrest that man". It's all classically quaint in it's tidiness and you almost want to stand and applaud as the motive and execution of the murder are explained to a room full of shocked listeners.Great stuff that only the mind of Ms. Christie could produce. It's a fast read but you can lose yourself in it while you sip tea and eat a scone. | 1positive
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You dont have to be American to enjoy it
I haven't read a book this insightful about how big-buisness food corporations are shaping and changing America and the world, since `Diet for a New America`. These two books, `Fast Food Nation(America)` and `Diet for a New America` are my two all-time favorite books! Which is funny, because I am from Japan! But, these books are not just for Americans to read! These books concern the whole world and all the people in the world. Almost every country or continent (Japan, China, South America, Europe, and many other places) has a McDonalds, a Burger King, or at least a meat industry... so these books are important for us to read. Not only are we effected directly, but we (our health, our environment, our world) are effected indirectly by these industries. I urge people from all over the world to educate themselves about the world they live in by reading these books! | 1positive
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An amazing, profound piece of classic literature.
Fahrenheit 451Ray Bradbury's novel, "Fahrenheit 451" is a fascinating depiction of a world where books are banned and burned. It is a frightening vision of a fascist, future America where dissent and independent thought is discouraged. Supposedly, books conjure up to many feelings and questions; people are better off in ignorant bliss. Reading books is illegal. People are absorbed by huge televisions displaying mindless programming. Written in 1960, the novel is set around our time. In our alternate history, people stopped reading books, and humanities courses in college lost interest and were dropped. Society became ever more automic and fast-paced. War is ever-prevalent, as fighter jets are constantly heard, screeching across the sky. It is a picture of a society in decline.Our protagonist Guy Montag is a fireman whose job it is to seek out and destroy books. Houses are all made of brick now, so they can't burn. He meets a lovely, young lady who asks him questions and gets his mind thinking. In secret, he begins to keep and read some of the books and discovers a new world. He also meets an old man who used to be a humanities professor; he shows Montag his library and helps him to see things in a new light.This is an amazing classic novel. Its implications for our society are profound. People should slow down, stop being brainwashed by television, and open their mind to the world of books. This novel is intelligent, extremely well-written, and a pleasure to read. | 1positive
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One of the Best
This could possible be my favorite novel of all time. Definitley my favorite of Vonnegut thus far. The science fiction elements, the worldly undertones, Vonnegut's trademark style all twist together to form this unmatched work of art. It reads like a movie, so visual it's scary. The characters are unforgettable and the adventure is even more so. A true genius is Vonnegut, and this book proves it again. If I could give it more stars, I would. | 1positive
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Incredibly inaccurate in so many ways....
It's bad enough that this book seems to have been written by someone who has never seen a computer, much less understands such infosec concepts as viruses, cryptology, and programming. But even common intelligence community subjects are beyond his grasp (he claims that there is a single database that holds ALL of the countries secrets... and this database is accessible via dialup connection throughout the world... are you kidding me??) This book is an insult to anyone who ever took a class in PowerPoint. If you are a complete computer neophyte however, I still wouldn't recommend this book. As difficult as it was to get beyond the countless inaccuracies, once I did, the book was dry, and the whole concept was ludicrous. I can't recommend this book to anyone, the Wizard of Oz is more technically accurate that the drivel this guy spewed. | 0negative
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dont read this book!
My english teacher read this book outloud to us. It was the worst thing ever. I feel asleep every day he read it because it was so boring! It seemed like it took forever to finish so dont read this book unless you want somthing really, really boring! | 0negative
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The Only Book I've Ever Thrown Out
I've always thoroughly enjoyed reading Paul Theroux. Normally his twists of humor, description, plot, and perfectly wry self-referencing have satisfied my reasons for reading on several levels. Unfortunately, Hotel Honolulu was a huge disappointment. As more and more characters fell into the book, a slow meandering caused my thoughts to follow one character after another in hopes something might interest me. As I followed dutifully through unending chapters, the connections between scenes, characters, story and time started feeling like huge dusty cobwebs. It became so annoying that I found myself actually rushing through pages trying to find something of clarity or movement to keep me there.The characters themselves were drawn in what felt like large scribbles of black and white and displayed what felt like pushiness to get their own way. And once Theroux dropped them in place it was as if he had indeed opened the doors to an orphanage of never adopted characters who had never learned how to engage anyone and found themselves homeless except for this story.Perhaps I just expected too much of the characters who seemed to be gripped by intertia that didn't allow them to do or be anything. Besides wishing the characters would leave, I became more and more depressed as I turned each page, not by the bad characters, but by my own plight as a plotless reader. In spite of the bizarre sexual exploits of everyone involved, it doesn't get better.Theroux's naval gazing can be strangely fascinating. His language can be curiously engaging, but this time it just blacked out without finding any spark of depth or ingenuity. I found this random set of embellished memories to be banal, trite, unimaginative and worth less than one paragraph of his other work. | 0negative
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No smile....Frown
After laughing hysterically at Nick Twisp's one-liners, I waited and waited for Mr. Payne to whip up another novel to amuse me. I was very disappointed. Unlike Youth in Revolt, the characters and their actions in Civic were totally unbelievable. The story was a little confusing towards the end because you had no idea who was saying what. I regret to say, that I couldn't wait to finish the book so I could read something else. Sorry C.D.! I loved Youth in Revolt and recommend it to everyone but Civic Beauties should be kept on the shelf.... | 0negative
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I can not agree that a good admin book could be like this
I can not believe that a good database administration book could give Oracle Enterprise Manager only two pages (page 173 to 174) plus three line on page 172. | 0negative
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a review from mango
i picked this up after my supervisor recommended this to me and im glad he did. aaron burr is a fasinating character in the american history and most often over looked. he is well known for killing hamilton but he did so much more. a must read for any history lovers. | 1positive
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Articulated Emotions With Poetic Verses - Wonderful Poetry
This is a wonderful poetry book written by Harry Smith. He is an articulate poet, and is dynamic in every way, shape, or form. Harry has truly opened his heart in this text and has delivered some beautiful words regarding his outlook on life. He articulates his belief in God as a Christian and states why he is a Christian in the poem, Why I am a Christian. This poem is just packed with words of inspiration for the soul.This book, Articulated Emotions, is written in eight sections as follows: Section I - Spiritual, Section II - Inspirational Section III - Special Occasions, Section IV - Nature, Section V - Loneliness/Sorrow/Pain, Section VI - Love/Romance, Section VII - Friendship, Section VIII - Haiku/Senryu/Hybrid, and "A Song of Praise" to end the series.He renders tribute to his mother with a Mother's Day Rose poem to start the Special Occasion Section. His special words are "I love you Mom and there is no other to take your place as my dear Mother..." Continuing, he delivers a Father's Day Carnation to his dad on his special day also. His special words of tribute are, "This day I honor you my Father, and give special thanks to you."This excellent poetry book has a variety of haiku poems throughout its pages. The haiku poems cover the four seasons of the year, and also cover specific flowers of various names. The section on senryu poems renders glory to God his Heavenly Father with praises and thanksgiving.He ends this lovely poetic text with a song of praise entitled, Thank You Jesus For Choosing Me. Each chorus section is written in rhyming couplet form and flows in a manner of pure grace.This is such a wonderful, relaxing, and inspiring poetry book to read. It calms the soul and uplifts the spirit. Additionally, the motifs throughout the book give it a picturesque view while reading.Submitted by "Epulaeryu Master."Joseph S. Spence, Sr., is the co-author of two poetry books, A Trilogy of Poetry, Prose and Thoughts for the Mind, Body and Soul, and Trilogy Moments for the Mind, Body and Soul. He invented the Epulaeryu poetry form, which focuses on succulent cuisines and drinks. He is published in various forums, including the World Haiku Association; Milwaukee Area Technical College, Phoenix Magazine; and Taj Mahal Review. Joseph is a Goodwill Ambassador for the state of Arkansas, USA, and is an adjunct faculty at Milwaukee Area Technical College. He has completed over twenty years of service with the U.S. Army.[....] | 1positive
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Thorough, Maybe Too Thorough
I am in the middle of this book now. I chose it because it was the first in this field. It presents so much information, it can overwhelming. Perhaps I should have chosen a simpler book for my first. Oh well, I will plod along. My limited math skills meas I miss out on a lot of the book, but the stuff in between the math is great and is helping me to better understand the ideas.I'm giving it four stars. It is jam-packed with great research and the reader can learn quite a bit, but the heavy math emphasis makes it difficult for many to consume. | 1positive
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Read this again
Sometimes it seems a mistake to force high school students to read 19th century literature. It does take patience to adjust to the "old fashioned" prose, but it's worth the effort. House of Seven Gables is an eerie ghost story based upon actual historical events. Hawthorne knew Salem and its history inside and out, and he also knew how to create a haunting atmosphere and a story that stays in the mind forever. He's one of the few authors who conveys a sense of Puritan fatalism and repression without resorting to gothic romance cliches. This is an excellent piece of literature, and if you haven't given it a chance by rereading it as an adult, you're missing a great experience. | 1positive
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Very good - helds up despite being written decades ago
A study of the events leading to the Russian revolution through a biography of its three main leaders: Lenin, Stalin and Trotsky. Bertram Wolfe wrote this book in 1948. He didn't have the access to official documents that today historians of the Russian revolution have. But as one of the founders of the US Communist party, he knew some of the Soviet leaders himself (including Stalin) and he did a thorough job looking at the Soviet press, the Soviet propaganda, the autobiographies of the exiled leaders (Trotsky and the Georgian Mensheviks were particularly useful in this regard). Through this "archaeological" work (his own term), seeing how different accounts confirmed or contradicted each other, he was able to find a lot about the beginnings of the Russian revolution. Only in writing about the early life of Stalin he made some mistakes, since the Soviet leader himself try to disguise a lot of his early life through the official hagiographies (Wolfe, for example, states that he was born in 1879, not 1878, that his father died in 1890 and not some two decades later, and he downplays his early role as a revolutionary in the Caucasus, following Trotsky). Wolfe's viewpoint is very interesting, and original at the time it was written, that of a disillusioned believer. Many of the things he charged the Soviets were learned some years later to be true, following Khrushchev's secret speech. Overall, a very good work that has stood the test of time. | 1positive
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What a let down..I couldn't even finish the book!
After the excellence of white teeth, this is a poor effort. First I don't think the author should try to write a book based on life in America because she clearly does not understand it. I don't know the basis of her research and I don't want to paint with a broad brush BUT, the children of academics and most middle-upper middle class black and well read people do not speak "ebonics". Most cannot even relate to the characters she miserably attempts to portray. I did not buy into the story or any of the characters. After a few chapters, I found myself annoyed by the baseless story, lame dialogue between the family members. I hope the author goes back to what she knows and does best - stories of characters based in England. Glad I didn't pay for this one!!! | 0negative
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My Grandfather loved it!
My grandfather had told me about this book in a conversation we were having but didn't know I was going to buy it for him. He was so excited when he got it in the mail. | 1positive
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Riveting!
I read The Johnstown Flood on a long weekend trip visiting family. I couldn't put it down! The writing is crisp, informative, suspenseful and entertaining. Despite the horrific events, McCullough does include humor in his narrative.The photos and maps were fascinating as well and helped visualize the devastation of the flood.McCullough structured the novel by ending each chapter with a suspenseful anecdote so that the reader doesn't want to stop.His writing is generous but easy to read.After I finished reading the book, I went online to the Johnstown website and marveled at the way the city has rebuilt and is a thriving Pennsylvania community. Seeing the photos of after the flood and modern times is very interesting! | 1positive
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WOW!
I don't think I have ever "felt" so much during a reading of a book!! I cried, cheered, cried, laughed and yes, cried some more!! This book has stayed with me for some time now and probably will forever. You get so attached to the characters in this story that when it's over you will miss "being" with them...GREAT READ! | 1positive
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davinci goofiness
If this is an example of a good triller or good fiction I am surprised. Although the premise could be interesting the constant chase and riddles detracted from the possible intiguing story that would change history! Don't waste your time on this one | 0negative
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Readers sniff loudly and raise chin at Book 8
Friends the rumors are true, this book is boring. Here again we see that The Wheel of Time, a series that began so strongly, and that quickly accrued so many devoted readers, has continued its downhill slide into trite serial limbo. I read 484 pages of book 8, became supremely bored, and completed the text by reading online chapter synopses written by Jordan fans. A lot of readers throw blame directly at Jordan for drawing out the saga, including far too many characters, and devoting too much time to conversation and braid tugging and not enough to driving forward the plot. And they are right, Jordan needs to revise his focus. But I'd like to draw attention to another culprit in the ruination of The Wheel of Time: The editors. You know, I imagine it is VERY difficult for an author of a saga to limit his words and self-edit content. No doubt every detail seems fascinating and important to the creator of this fictional universe. But an editor exists for this very purpose; an editor has the distance and training to streamline a manuscript and cut away the extraneous matter. Where are the editors when we need them? Have they not seen Elayne sniff loudly and raise her chin one too many times? Have they not seen one too may introductions of yet another Aes Sedai whose face is ageless and whose allegiances are unknown? How many times can a braid be tugged and a dress smoothed before an editor suggests new word choices? These books are in dire need of a red pen. I intend to read the remaining 25 volumes in online synopses...I cannot stomach anymore of this saga in its current, convoluted form. | 0negative
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A Glimpse of a Possible Future
The Handmaid's Tale is sci-fi at its best; take a supposition and follow it out to its most absurd conclusion. In this book, Atwood depicts how the future could be if all the Fundamentalist Christians were allowed free reign to become a new type of Nazis. I read this after watching the movie, which was excellent with Robert Duvall and Natasha Richardson. But, of course, the book is even better. Really made me think about gender roles and the morality of righteousness. | 1positive
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Classic
I would recommend this book to anyone that would like a proper introduction to science fiction. This book is a classic for many good reasons. | 1positive
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third times the charm
i must admit that i started to read Dune on three seperate occassions before i was able to finish it completely. its very hard to get through and for most "star wars" type sci-fi fans it will be a chore. but once you've gotten through some of the more drawn out sections you'll be surprised at what you've just read. Dune is one of the most elaborate and realistically written books ever produced in science fiction. if you were to take out all of the science fiction portions you would still be left with a very real political intrigue story. its easy to relate the spice struggle to our present war concerns over oil, but sadly i find this aspect the hardest part to get through. the politics of it may begin to bore you and Herbert at times is rather long winded when explaining certain points. this is one of many hurdles to jump but once you get over them you'll be much better off for having read it. | 1positive
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MUIR'S PAEAN OF PRAISE TO THE SIERRA NEVADAS
John Muir (1838-1914) was a Scottish-born American naturalist, author, and early advocate of wilderness preservation, as well as the founder of the Sierra Club. He wrote many books, includingJourneys in the Wilderness,The Mountains of California, etc. Muir's majestic, inspirational writing style is evident throughout this book, which was originally pubilshed in 1911.He wrote, "The whole landscape showed design, like man's noblest sculptures. How wonderful the power of its beauty! Gazing awestricken, I might have left everything for it." (Pg. 14) Later, he says, "we can see into the lower end of the famous (Yosemite) valley, with its wondrous cliffs and groves, a grand page of mountain manuscript that I would gladly give my life to be able to read." (Pg. 102)He observes about the twining lily, "Like most other things not apparently useful to man, it has few friends, and the blind question, 'Why was it made?' goes on and on with never a guess that first of all it might have been made for itself." (Pg. 26) About butterflies, he says, "Regarded only as mechanical inventions, how wonderful they are! Compared with these, Godlike man's greatest machines are as nothing." (Pg. 160)He effuses, "In the midst of such beauty, pierced with its rays, one's body is all one tingling palate. Who wouldn't be a mountaineer! Up here all the world's prizes seem nothing." (Pg. 153) He suggests that "everything in Nature called destruction must be creation---a change from beauty to beauty." (Pg. 229) He adds, "In our best times everthing turns into religion, all the world seems a church and the mountains altars." (Pg. 250)The beauty and emotional content of Muir's writings are hardly matched by more recent writers; they are a wonderful legacy to treasure for all lovers of Nature. | 1positive
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It's ok...very dated.
Well just wrapped up this book...And unlike other reviewers, I promise I wont write a book report giving every thing away.Any hoots, this book did have some laugh out-loud moments. After the first few though you began to see the setup long before the punch. Some long roads were traveled to get to the 'funny' and at times were a little too predictable.This type of humor has been played out to death since the time of this books writing. So the wit-factor is just not there.At times I got the impression this book had no idea what it was doing or where it was going. Almost as if it was not really thought out and planned but more just banged out and made up as Adams went along.Well all the reviews loving this back can't be wrong either. I guess this book is really more not to my personal taste. Thats my review and I'm sticking to it! | 0negative
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Good content - annoying audio production
While the content of the book is excellent, the production of the audio version is annoying. The clock ticking throughout examples, cheezy music, use of various voice-overs split through left right and channels, and other unneccessary audio gimics are really distracting, and actually make it more difficult to follow the dialog. While this type of format has long been the norm in business and non fiction audio productions in the 70's and 80's, I would expect a less annoying and updated format for an item produced in 1999. Read the book. Avoid the audio version. | 0negative
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The Visitor - Lee Child
I have just started reading this series and really enjoyed this book. Can't wait to read the rest of them | 1positive
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A Provocative Premise
Brilliantly conceived and masterfully written, Dan Brown tells the story of a religious symbologist and the granddaughter of the murdered curator of the Louvre who uncover mysterious clues that may have tremendous political and religious implications. Brown intertweaves fact with fiction so smoothly that it's difficult to tell the difference. This skill makes the story plausible and frees the imagination to accept the premise and explore the possibilities on its own.Brown's knowledge of art, religion, myth and history is vast and he has equally enormous writing talent which he uses to carve a story that is both educational and entertaining. He interprets the art creations and writings of Leonardo da Vinci to support his premise about the Holy Grail and to unlock the mysteries that have surrounded it through the ages.Brown tells us about the Opus Dei, the Priory of Sion, and the power of the Feminine. He takes the Holy Grail and redefines its meaning in what to some people, may be provocative and offensive. The works of da Vinci and others are interpreted in such a way as to justify and prove Brown's premise. Brown uses the works as evidence which, if brought to light, will drastically alter the Catholic Church and the world's perception of it. Brown populates the novel with colorful characters speaking authentic dialogue which brings them to life. Characters include an albino monk, a paraplegic historian and a persistent and conscientious detective.The Da Vinci Code is excellent. It's intriguing, very readable and highly recommended! | 1positive
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DANGER: EXTREMELY ALMOST DEADLY BORING BOOK
I had to read this damn book last year and again this year. It is the most boring book you will ever read. It kinda makes sense in someways if you have your English teacher explainging to you the foreshadowing of all the boringness going on. Horrible but if you want to read it don't say I didn't warn you. | 0negative
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Great Student Ministry Resource
This particular book is not one of the many sent to me from publishers for preview, it has actually been on the self in my office for two years. I picked it up at the National Youth Ministry Conference (now called Simply Youth Ministry Conference) in Columbus, Ohio in 2009, only to lose it in a well intentioned pile of "stuff to read." I finally rediscovered it a couple days ago.This book is an easy, interesting read, that is of course if your interested or maybe even obsessed with youth ministry. It outlines what should be common-sense student ministry strategy, but is so often overlooked. The author, Jeanne Mayo spend the entire book urging readers to build a "friendship culture" in their student ministries. As lame as that sounds, it really, really makes sense when you read it.We youth workers are armed with the best intentions, but I know if I'm being honest with you and myself, it can be very intimidating for a teenager to visit our student ministry. When a new student walks in I make sure I go greet them. Tell them how great it is that they are here. Make sure that they fill out the student info card, which we all know is high on the Lord's priority list. But then what. Maybe they are with a friend, and at least they have someone to sit with and follow around when everyone else know's exactly what's happening when. But what if they are solo? The very next Wednesday night after reading this book a new, not there with a friend student walked into our youth building a few minutes before the service began. An adult youth worker came to get me to let me know she was there, and I rushed out to say hello and meet mom. With Jeanne's words fresh in my mind, I decided to behave exactly as I normally would, and watch things play out. Kind of a pop-quiz, gauging how effective we are as a student ministry to newcomers. Truthfully, it didn't look good. After our exchange, no one greeted her. No one offered to sit next to her. No one asked her name. I can only hang my head when I consider how awkward it must have been for her.After a call and a facebook to the new girl after the service doing my very best to communicate to her how much we enjoyed having her visit and how we hope she will be back again, with the insight of this book in tow, I have determined to COMPLETELY change the way I do ministry. If your in student ministry, I strongly recommend you grab this book and actually read it, like I should have two years ago, and let Jeanne Mayo point out the should be obvious.more at [...] | 1positive
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A great read - but a mile-wide plot hole (spoiler alert !)
Yes, this is a great read, provided you're prepared not to think too much about it. Pretty graphic, shocking and fast-paced. BUT (spoiler-alert) we find out at the end that the very first rape scene is almost identical to what happened to Sara, and ... she doesn't happen to mention that at the time ? Would you not think someone as intelligent as her might have gone "whoa - perhaps there's a connection ?". But I guess that would have made for a much shorter book ... | 0negative
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So slow! It's so descriptive that I fell asleep
This book is so descriptive that you would fall asleep reading. Everything drags on and on. As a high school student, I wouldn't recommend it. Even though my teacher taught me not to judge a book that has been admired by people for more than a century, Im gonna say it; It's so boring!!! | 0negative
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An Intelligent Man's Guide to Baseball
Full of anecdote, analysis, and opinion, George Will offers an insightful guide to what baseball is really about. I find myself watching a sport I once disliked with renewed interest and enthusiasm thanks in large part to this book. | 1positive
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I found the book useless
This book did absolutely nothing for me. I found it to be very insubstantial and totally inapplicable to real life. Easy to put it back down. Like most pop psychology and self help books, it talks a lot and says nothing. I think that Goleman is just another guy in search of book sales. | 0negative
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Good novel of romance with alot of twists .
This book was about Lucky Santangelo and here life of up and downs. I love the way this novel was written and this was the first romance I've read before. The book was really enjoyable, very lengthy yet you absorb all of it. The style of writing captured my attention and the whole point to the story was intriguing. I loved evey bit of it. Unless someone likes romance and long novels I wouldn't recommend it. Overall a great book!!! | 1positive
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...and that's the truth
A full-front blast against the stupidities of us arrogant humans, with a crazy satirical sense of humor. Erasmus reminds us that we have no freakin' idea why we are here and who we are, so we better be humble and respect each other. "In Praise of Folly" was written during a horse travel from Rome to London, as a gift to Erasmus' close friend Thomas More, who was to die under the axe by orders of his former boss Henry VIII, exactly the kind of lunatic Erasmus pokes fun at in this book.Erasmus strips naked the vanities of politicians, intellectuals, theologians, poets, monks, priests, Popes, magicians, etc. but the most surprising thing about this book first published in 1511 is its relevance to today's world. It even seems more relevant to our times than to his times!! Think about the celebrity system, when people read about soap-opera "actors'" opinions on God, politics and the environment, etc.Very funny, very honest, very brave. Just imagine, in those times, stating the stupidity and sinfulness of the Pope no less. Erasmus wrote an extremely refreshing, smart, witty and wise book. If more people read it, the world would be a little less insufferable and more enjoyable. Please don't pay any attention to its age or to its classical references. The marrow of the book is just what you need to relax and see the world like it really is. In case you've ever read a self-help or "excellence" book, you'll never do it again: you'll be laughing your brain out at how shallow and stupid they are. Read it now. | 1positive
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Timeless and Relevant
This book is surprisingly easy to understand, and Smith's insights apply to current issues of taxation, globalization, and the striving of special interests. Reading the observations of someone who was a contemporary of America's founding fathers, but not one of them, gave me a new perspective on the 1700s. Passing references to the vast, but stagnant wealth of China, as well as to colonial enterprises from South America to Asia, add historical flavor to what could have been a dry summary of economic theory, but is instead a rich and colorful exposition of the world as it was.Having just spent some time in Manila earlier this year visiting historical sites and museums, I was intrigued to read about Spain's "Acapulco ships" that carried silver and other commodities from Mexico across the vast Pacific to the Philippines. Indeed, over and over I found myself putting my finger between the pages so I could daydream for a few minutes, imagining Spanish galleons loaded with treasure, or European merchants bartering and haggling. I suppose a vivid imagination helps to make any book more interesting, but this book in particular lends itself to such flights of fancy.The English of the mid- to late 1700s is not exactly the same as ours today, but it's close enough that few people will have any difficulty with the book. There are a lot of references to weights and measures of gold, silver, corn and other commodities, and their relative value to one another. Frankly, after the first few such references, I simply began skipping over them. Readers who enjoy playing with numbers in their heads may prefer to read those items carefully and playfully -- but I suspect most folks will skip across them as quickly as possible just as I did. It's not the specific values and figures that make this book so important (or enjoyable), but it's ideas about how capital flows, accumulates, is put to productive use and so on.Read this book and gain a new appreciation for the wisdom of the past, and you may also find yourself noting how ideas apply so directly to issues in today's headlines. A masterpiece not only of economics, but of prose as well. | 1positive
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Double trouble, double fun
Excellent writer!Beautifully written story that I didn't want to end. Will need to read more of her work soon!! | 1positive
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it's given me understanding and respect for the people of Israel
I advise everyone to read this book before coming to conclusions concerning the people of Israel. There is much to learn. | 1positive
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it was very slow.
Hawthorne was a excellent writer for the 19th century, however, this book is very slow and often has no dialog for over a chapter. The descriptions get very long, boring and tedious. As you read this book your mind starts to wander and you can't remember what happened for chapters at a time. The only was I was able to get through it was by reading Cliffs Notes then the book. | 0negative
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T......K......A......M
To Kill A Mockingbird BY:Harper LeeThis book is an ok book...its not the best book | 0negative
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No 2002 World Series or Election Results
I've used the World Almanac for the last 30 years and it has been one of the best books around. I cannot say that about the 2003 edition, which became available in bookstores on Halloween. This is because the 2003 World Almanac does not include two features that have made it an institution: coverage of the most recent World Series and of the November 2002 Congressional and Gubernatorial elections. Having these results in book form shortly after they happen has been one of the World Almanac's greatest strengths until now. Those who want and need this information in book form will have to buy another book. If the publishers could have waited just a couple of weeks and published the book with these results as they have in the past, I would have given the book five stars. Publishing the 2003 World Almanac without the results of the World Series and midterm elections leaves a very big hole in the book. It is sad to see a grand 135 year tradition that I'm sure has been very profitable over the years damaged this way. | 0negative
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Click, Clack, Moo: Cows that Type
My daughter, who just turned two, couldn't get enough of the pictures in Click, Clack, Moo from the minute she saw this book. Although she has lots of books, she insists on reading Click, Clack, Moo over and over again. As she falls asleep for a nap or at night, she will recite the story whether she is looking at the book or not! It will be a few years before she understands some of the more sophisticated humor, but she sure finds it hysterical that cows can type. I recommend this book for those under age four who like to read. | 1positive
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King Must Laugh All The Way To The Bank
Having just finished reading The Regulators I must saythat I find all of the enthusiastic praise for this bookperplexing. The premise is ridiculous, even for King. Mixin gore, sex and profanity for mass appeal and you havethe literary equivelant of toilet paper. Useful at the momentand then quite disposable. I also found the use ofdifferent typeface as well as pseudo handwritten portionsnothing more than gimmickry. If anyone would like toexperience a real chill then read Dracula, which is 100years old. Does anyone really believe The Regulatorswill have any literary value (other than to King) in 100years? It doesn't now | 0negative
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African history
I was dissapointed with the book, although I admire the author's resolve to provide an alternate view to the history and culture of the "black" people. From the first pages, I began to see the general intent of book. The term "black" is defined, but never placed in context with the term "negro" (e.g., French "negre"; Russian "negr") - a common term, yet for some reason it has been politicized and downgraded to mean something less than human. Then the author mentions about 'blacks' mongrelizing (mixing)- who are in some cases considered to be "white" or "arab" - all this becomes confusing. Without a doubt this issue, just like the term "Jewish""Isreal""Hebrew""Khazar""Talmudist" has become a no-man's land and where confusion reigns supreme. Second, the author attempts to rediscover "black" historical roots - a time when "black" civilization was superior to all other ("white","arab") and when Egypt had been "black." Unfortunately, this view is based on dubious historical documentation, while archeological finds clearly show the contrary. In many cases the author takes a common belief and simply claims the opposite without justification or proof.The book needs serious editing and convincing evidence to lend it credibility. Without a doubt, the author attempts to provide an alternate response to Black History and Culture - a worthy and much needed objective. | 0negative
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Couldn't put it down
My productivity dropped to Zero the day this book was delivered. I opened the box expecting a business book I had ordered, and decided to "take a peek" when I looked up it was 3 am and I was still in the office. A great read with characters you can't help but identify with, care for and hate. I can't wait for the next one, time to quit your day job Tom. | 1positive
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Glaring mistakes undermine the book's intention
If you have any medical knowledge in resuscitation, there are some glaring examples in the book that the author really doesn't know what happens in a resuscitation event. Examples like:1)"Knickerbocker...noticed that the dogs' blood pressure would increase when he put the heavy fifteen-pound paddles" (50)2)"...or a prolonged pulseless anginal rhythm..." (122)3)"LANKER: She must not even have a 60 [heart rate]. JOHNSON: Well, I feel a carotid [pulse]. So it should be at least a 60." (142)While these examples seem small, the inaccuracies can seriously damage the author's credibility. Using the above examples, here's why:1) The paddles DID NOT weigh fifteen pounds! The doctor needed to APPLY 15 POUNDS OF PRESSURE to the dogs chest to activate a safety switch. This is what caused the blood pressure to suddenly peak in the dog. We still apply several pounds of pressure to defibrillator paddles today; if the author had read a advanced cardiac resuscitation book he would learn of this.2)Angina is the wrong word. Angina, or "heart pain" has nothing to do with the situation. Rather, the word should be "agonal" which means "dying".3)When the nurse here says "60", she is not referring to the heart rate, but blood pressure. (We know this by reading the next line.) There is a big difference between the two, and the difference has clinical significance. (Traditionally, a carotid [neck] pulse, which is mentioned in the next line, indicates that the blood pressure is at least 60mmg.)The book comes to some very strange conclusions ("Mouth to mouth remains an unarousing sexual act" Page 93) and some vivid and imaginative descriptions of CPR. ("CPR is unusual in the way it brings strangers into intimate contact. First the rescuer "kisses" the unconscious person, then "hits" the person hard. We love life, hate death, love life, hate death in a perpetual rhythm." Page 93)This is obviously a well-intentioned book, but I feel disappointed in the many mistakes, strange conclusions and unrealistic suggestions. (The author suggests that everyone should carry some form of ID that states whether or not they want CPR done to them. Not only would this be a logistical nightmare, what happens if the card isn't with the person? Will rescuers fear helping people just because they don't have a card? Terrible and frightening idea!)This is a more of a "thinking" book...it gets you thinking. But if one believes that the book shows all the sides of resuscitation, they are wrong... | 0negative
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Awesome
All I can say is awesome. I was through only 3 chapters and I fell in love with this book. It is well written and full of twists and turns that make it so much more exciting. I enjoyed every moment of this book and now I want to read the rest of Catherine Asaro's books. She is an excellent writer and from the one book I read it can only get better. | 1positive
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This Book Deserves an Award-Biggest Waste of Time Ever Spent
What a horrible, boring, time wasting concoction of cardboard, paper, glue, and stupidity. This book is among the worst I've ever read. It would have been okay if it had what it needs most: a point. Spare yourself, forget this bore of a read! | 0negative
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A True Classic
"The Great Gatsby" is a story full of sound and fury ultimately signifying everything about life in the 20's. A tall full of suprises that make the mind wonder if a novel was ever supposed to be this good. Truly a classic work in every respect of the word.I have read very few books that match "The Great Gatsby's" immaculate construction and storyline. | 1positive
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Another Man's Wife
Another Man's Wife by Shonda Cheekes is an EXCELLENT book to read! I love the way Mrs.Cheekes had set the flow of the novel of her book. I enjoyed every moment of this book from start to finish. Another Man's Wife is a MUST have! I recommend that everyone should purchase a copy for there own personal collection | 1positive
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Enthralling southeastern history in fiction form
THREE NOTCHES is an enchanting story with a well researched backdrop, from the political forces of the 1800's to the Catholic and Indian lore. The Padre is a vivid, quirky man, and his sidekick, Genesis an engaging half-breed just entering manhood; a Holden Caulfield of another era. I'd recommend this book to enthusiasts of general fiction, history, 'western' fiction (though this is set in Southeast, the Indian/Padre theme resonates with Westerns), or suspense stories. I hope Champa writes several more books. | 1positive
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Not Yet African
This book is scintillating and titillating. Kevin really brings the audience into his world...a world of confusion, humor, and a large bee-face. Well worth the read. | 1positive
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Save your cash
This guy is either totally deluded or on heavey narcotics. Unless your into urban legends I would pass this by. | 0negative
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son loves this book
A must have after son refused to check his library book back in after two months. This book is read daily and he never gets tired of it. He was so proud to have his own for his book collection. | 1positive
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PARENTS BEWARE
PARENTS BEWARE! This book gives more than you bargain for. I was browsing baseball books at a bookstore, came upon this series and thought, "What a great idea, child travels through time and gets to meet baseball legends." I quickly bought it for my son who loves sports. What I didn't expect was the author having the main character find himself in a locker room full of naked teenage girls and then saying, "There were tall ones, short ones, blondes, and burnettes. There must have been about ten or more. I didn't want to stop to count. How come you never have a camera with you when you need one? ... This was my all-time fantasy. This had been my dream ever since I was, well, eleven. This, I concluded, must be what heaven is like." Really, why the need to pepper this children's book with sexual images. Let kids be kids. How soon so many forget that our adult brains process images and ideas differntly from a child's brain. I am sad that Dan Gutman feels he needs to add sexual content to his stories he shares with children. | 0negative
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Persuasion "The Winchester Austen"
Of course there are many, many editions of Jane Austen's novels. This is one of a particularly attractive set published by Worth Press, including some interesting literary criticism and Regency background articles by Austen experts. | 1positive
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Really bad!
I was very disappointed in this book. It was so bad, I actually didn't finish it. At some point about half way through I could see where the whole plot was going, I felt no connection to any of the characters that managed to live more than 10 pages, and I was sick of the plot re-runs. Come on, is there anyone on Pern who has been able to speak to all dragons that hasn't lost their own? Lorana is an irritatingly naive character that I could see was going to kill her own dragon through stupidity. I just didn't want to have to read about it. It seemed that any character that had depth was soon to die and only the insipid or barely drawn ones were left. As others have said, there are way too many superflous characters named for no reason. The plot is a re-run of several previous dragon books. Mainly, there is no one to identify with and to like, not dragon or human.Don't waste your money. | 0negative
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Very disappointing sequel..
After reading the masterfully done "Things Fall Apart", I then read the sequel "No Longer at Ease", and found myself cursing at the author for producing such an unworthy sequel. The novel follows the grandson of the chiefian in "Things Fall Apart". The grandson is an honorable man, who tries to break away from the corruption that is all around him, and tries to overcome the old dead customs that prevent him from finding true happiness. But he finds that he isn't strong enough to overcome the past, and his people. He falls into weakness, and he is punished for it. We are left shaking our heads at how it all went wrong, and we also feel ripped off by the protagonist's ultimate weakness. | 0negative
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very good (BUY IT!!!!!)
it was a good book but it had a twist no need to spoil the book but if your looking for a good read step right up!!!! | 1positive
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The Best Book for Twin Pregnancy
I think I may have looked at almost all the twin/multiples books out there and this is the best. It's based on research and experience at a clinic just for multiples. Several other books cited this book. It gives you really thorough and useful information that is specific to multiple pregnancy. A lot of informaiton is on eating and the best methods for preventing prematurity and low-birth weight. It covers choosing medical care, possible complications, what to expect at the hospital, feeding, sleeping, and more. It also has great recipes designed to give you the best nutrition.You might also want to get a general pregnancy book ("What to expect..." or "Pregnancy week by week") since this one doesn't really go into detail on the pregnancy milestones and fetal development. It mostly covers the issues unique to mutliple pregnancy. | 1positive
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Doesn't stand the test of time
Written in a journal form of various character, it chronicles Dracula, the vampire from Romania, venturing into London. The first 100 pages of the book are mesmerizing, the journal of Jonathan Harker traveling and staying in Dracula's castle is amazing. The fear, the dread, the sinister Count and elegant prose all add to feel of a great horror novel.Then the rest of the book comes along. What once was a horror movie becomes pure Victorian drivel, with laughably divination for the two females, Lucy and Mina, that not only destroys the readability with the extreme flowery nature of their banalities, but detracts from the true horror that Stoker brings about in the first 100 pages.The last fifty pages are interesting, as they are on the quest to destroy Dracula, but the drudgery of language and the previous 300 pages destroy all hope of enjoying this book. | 0negative
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Zany illustrations and art deco
The black and white and color cartoons of the social commentary/cartoon book presentation Blab are presented in an oversized, eye-catching publication. Zany illustrations and art deco illustration make for a hard to describe yet appealing presentation. | 1positive
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Excellent!
This is the fourth and final book in the Tripod series. In order, they are: "When the Tripods Came", "The White Mountains", "The City of Gold and Lead", and "The Pool of Fire". This entire set is an excellent read that both young teenagers and adults will enjoy. My daughter and I really enjoyed these books! | 1positive
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Formatting needs repair
I read this years ago as a young soldier. It was required reading for cavalry officers in my regiment. I thought I would load it up on the Kindle and read it again with the benefit of 25 years experience. The text is, of course, marvelous. However, the formatting is awful. Sentence breaks don't line up, but rather break at odd intervals through the page. It makes reading considerably less enjoyable. If there is a way for me to repair this I hope someone will let me know. Otherwise - needs work is the best I can say. | 0negative
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Might just be me
Reading Blue Highways for the last two weeks somehow led me to pick up a copy of Travels with Charley.It reads like a contemporary travelogue. Steinbeck laments the the pollution and human encroachment of wilderness that he finds wherever he travels. If I'd not been told this had been written by Steinbeck, I'd never have guessed it was his child.I liked the book and I didn't like the book. He seems to run into the scruffiest of people, people who have run down to their last dollar, who are down on their luck and down on life. No happy people, John? No cheery optimists?I suppose I'd hoped for more depth. | 1positive
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boring and bland
Being an African-American woman, and craving well-written, educational stories with black characters, I was excited about this book.Like a child on Christmas, I anxiously awaited its arrival. But boy, was I disappointed.It was said that the author Dawn Reno had composed a heart rending narrative.Talk about misleading the buyer. What a joke! I wasn't remotely touched by what I read.The story was under-developed in some enormously significant places.Edmonia was accused of murder, and a few sentences later, she was exonerated.Reno neglected to show Edmonia agonizing over her fate. There was no trial. Nothing.And worse than poor development, and a story that lacked depth, Reno's prose was as flat as three day old Pepsi. I realize that the story was written for young readers, but that is no excuse for drab writing.The book was a waste of money. I'd been better off donating the cost of the novel to a worthwhile charity. | 0negative
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Railway buff's gift
This was a purchase from a wedding gift certificate. It was the perfect gift for my new husband, an extreme rail and bus (basically, London Transport) buff.P.S. to Amazon: There was no way to fill in an answer for question #1. | 0negative
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A FACINATING BOOK!
A book that really made me feel that i was with those four sisters facing the joys and sorrows in their life. The characters actually come alive to you. I liked Jo and Beth. If any of you have not read it, you've missed SOMETHING! | 1positive
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Her best Carpathian Novel Since DARK FIRE
If you don't like hot steamy sex, paranormal action characters, strong heroines with dominating alpha heroes, then this is not the book or the series for you. However, if those things don't bother you or you even relish them, then boy are you in for a treat with Feehan's latest Carpathian release. I an addict to her vampire series, but this book is her best since my favorite, DARK FIRE. Rafael De La Cruz is another Carpathian warrior who has once again captured my heart. He is indeed once of the most dominating characters since Gregory, but he is definitely aware of his shortcomings. Him and his brothers were sent out by the original prince hundreds of years ago to fight the vampires in South America. However, their nature has always been more wild and less disciplined than the average Carpathian male. They were as we say "the bad boys" of the Carpathian clans. This explains the extra wild & even dangerous nature of the De La Cruz boys, they are truly on the brink of their dark/beast side. The love of a lifemate, Colby, however, brings emotion & even compassion into Rafael's life finally after all these hundreds of years of being without feelings or hope. He cannot help but latch on to her for dear life no matter what the cost and how she feels. There are times, however, when Rafael realizes his mistake in his arrogance in forcing his decisions upon her and his regret & confusion so moved me. It reminded me of a little boy who had broken his favorite toy and he is desperate to fix it. Luckily his lifemate, though angry as hell at him, realizes in the end that his love is true and his intentions are good. This book brings back some old characters (telepathically), but it also introduces a brand new long lost bloodline of Carpathian warriors, The Dragon Seeker Clan. The heroine, Colby turns out to be a descendent of that line and her mating to Rafael will produce strong & powerful & most likely female children. I've basically neglected all my house chores in order to finish this book, it is so exciting that new bloodlines & characters will be coming soon. I can't wait! | 1positive
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Not what I expected
This item is the June 1965 edition of the Reader's Digest. I was billed as containing the Book Section "Beyond Fame and Fortune" by Lawrence Elliot. But, when it arrived, the magazine did not contain this story after all. I did some research and found that the story is actually in the May 1965 edition. I have contacted the seller with no reply.Rgds, David | 0negative
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Great bedtime story
We received a collection of Dr Seuss when our son was only a few weeks old. At 16 months he wants The Sleep Book read every night before bed. And now a friend of ours is expecting and we are passing this great story along in hopes she and her child will love it as much as we do! | 1positive
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Wonderful, wonderful
One might well worry that such an epic as The Lord of The Rings, such a universe as Middle Earth, such a wonderful series of books, could not possibly come to a satisfying conclusion. You need not be worried. The Return of The King is a masterpiece, as is the series as a whole. It brings the epic series to a grand, satisfying finale. You will not be disappointed. The prose is so immaculate; it's almost like you're reading poetry. I find that Tolkien is alone with this gift in modern literature. It is one of the many tenents that makes The Lord of The Rings one of the unarguable masterpieces of recent literature. This will be around as long as any book of fiction. The ending is bittersweet, and yet touching. It's perfect. There's simply nothing like this series. It's immaculate literature. It's wonderous writing. It's the best high fantasy ever written, period. I reccommend that you start with The Hobbit, and then definately read the first two books in the series, before reading this one. It's the only logical way to do it; you definately don't want to jump right into this one without reading those, as it will not make any sense to you. Read this masterpiece in chronological order. This is one of the greatest testaments to imagination ever published in any form, and The Return of The King is the series's essential grand finale. Also, very interesting to the LOTR fanatic, it contains a wealth of appendices and indexes of characters and place names. Such chronicles as the events preceding and following the series are included, as are a history of the kings, several dissertations on the various languages of Middle Earth (you can actually learn to write in, say, Elvish.) This shows just what an amazing and almost unbelievably large and complex complete universe Tolkien created with the series. It's a deserved ackwnoledged masterpiece. A must read for anybody, without a doubt. Long after countless other books of the 20th century fictional canon are forgotten, The Lord of The Rings will remain. Mark my words. You owe it to yourself to read this masterpiece of literature. | 1positive
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Something Wicked This Way comes
It arrived in a timely manner in excellent condition. I would not hesitate to use this vendor again. | 1positive
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Best book ever ....
It was the best book I ever read ..... I was always on suspence.... thanks ,Danielle to have written so good books. All the books I read from Danielle were interesting, never been desapointed .... | 1positive
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Dogs Don't Tell Jokes
Dogs Don't Tell JokesBy: Louis SacharReviewed by: J. LeePeriod: P.3This book is about a seventh grader named Gary Boone. He likes to tell joke | 1positive
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Not for me!
Book came highly recommended by an older cousin....but even though I did learn some of our valley history that I didn't know, I feel the authors real goal was to prove that he is smarter than me....& I guess he succeeded. | 0negative
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Complex, Contradictory, Infuriating, Instructive
F. Carolyn Graglia has created a book which is truly remarkable,for better and for worse. A successful attorney who intended tospend her life as a career woman, she changed her mind afterbecoming pregnant and chose to be a homemaker. And now she haswritten this book as a sort of counterstrike against the feminists'highly successful offensive against the traditional family.Graglia is a good writer and--at times--a sharp thinker whosearguments in turns juxtapose careful reasoning, inexplicablelogical leaps, outright fallacies, emotion, morality, and anoverriding political and social conservatism. She somehow managesto combine an impressive number of worthwhile insights and anequally noteworthy quantity of remarkably wrongheaded notions inthe same book. On one page, she may finds herself allied with themen's movement, on the next she may make common cause with AndreaDworkin, and soon after that she may be admiringly quoting PhyllisSchlafly. Strange bedfellows indeed!Domestic Tranquility, while also much longer than it needs to be,nevertheless ultimately proves well worth the effort and somehownever fails to keep one turning the pages. I enjoyed Graglia'stireless championing of the joys of homemaking, as for example whenshe reasonably suggests that "in the sense of what counts most inlife quiltmaking can indeed trump Titian." I have often regrettedthe current antipathy toward homemaker women, even those who haveattained fancy advanced degrees and staked out professional careersbefore giving birth and leaving their previous employment. I am infull agreement with Graglia that feminism has never truly beenabout expanding options for women but rather has attempted to forceall women to focus on career and reject domesticity. As Gragliaaptly writes, "Society never rebuked these women [Jane Austen,Virginia Woolf, etc.] for refusing to compromise their literary andartistic achievements. Neither should it rebuke other kinds ofwomen for refusing to compromise their own artistry of motherhoodand domesticity."Graglia wastes little or none of her sympathy on men. She repeatsthroughout the book that men are animals driven by their sexualimpulses, somehow nevertheless also managing to always speakloftily of her husband. Surprisingly ignorant regarding a numberof men's issues, Graglia seems to believe that current divorce lawfavors MEN. She is apparently blissfully unaware that mostdivorces are currently being initiated by women and for goodreason--because of the female-favorable economic consequences.Nor does Graglia shrink from dredging up several hoary feministmyths. She claims that the maternal custody preference isadvisable because otherwise men will have undue bargaining powerwith respect to women so terrified of losing their children thatthey will trade away anything else. She also trots out feminists'remarkable suggestion that WOMEN are disproportionately affected bysexually transmitted diseases "because, showing fewer symptoms,"--is DEATH a symptom worth considering?--"they often go untreated fora longer time." Even less excusably, she favorably cites LenoreWeitzman's fabricated data on the post-divorce economic situationsof men and women while making passing reference to it being"questioned in subsequent studies" (a more accurate word would be"debunked").At times, Graglia seems to be as bad as the worst feminists at onlylooking at the effects of policies on women, a particularlysurprising trait for an author committed to supporting traditionalfamilies which are dependent on men receiving a fair economic dealso that they can be reliable breadwinners. And her alliance withDworkin is nearly too fantastic to take seriously. She repeatedlyquotes with approval that archfeminist's trashing of heterosexualsex, curiously concluding that the abasement that Dworkin claimssex causes women is actually a benefit to them.Occasionally, Graglia is just downright bizarre, most strikingly inher lengthy discussion of Sudanese clitoridectomy, of which sheseems hardly to disapprove. Given the huge cultural anddemographic differences, the fact that Sudanese women may havebetter family lives than American females and may be moresubmissive to their husbands can scarcely be solely attributed tothis disfiguring procedure, as Graglia apparently attempts to do.It is also clear that the only sex Graglia really cares for isintercourse. She perhaps correctly deems it the distinguishingform of heterosexual sex, but goes too far in characterizingvirtually all other forms of sexual contact as "homosexualheterosexuality."Graglia clearly also has some valuable points to make, as when shenotes that each of the areas in which families' condition hasworsened is an area affected by feminist initiatives. Shecarefully debunks claims by feminists such as Supreme Court JusticeRuth Bader Ginsburg that women could not obtain meaningfulemployment in prefeminist days. It was JEWS, Graglia shows, bethey male or female, not women, who faced nearly insurmountablebarriers when they sought to work at the fanciest law firms, but inany case, any female (or male) graduates of a decent law schoolwould have had multiple employment opportunities. Graglia notesthat she was encouraged at every point in her career, often by men,and that the only barrier she ever faced was an economic one due toher humble background.Graglia also shows that despite feminist doctrine, career womenrarely work due to economic necessity but rather due to their ownself-oriented career goals and the desire for greater materialcomfort. She adroitly skewers feminist contradictions, observing,"It is ironic that a movement which attacks pornography as beingdegrading to women itself has mounted the most vicious attack ofall for the precise purpose of degrading the traditional woman."She analyzes the "tangle of pathology" afflicting Americanfamilies, noting the alarmingly declining birthrates and theparticularly stark plight of the black male, who has been abandonedand even thrown deeper into his hole by the liberal establishment.Yet Graglia can be breathtakingly ignorant and misandrist all atonce, as when she states, "Like many feminist social'contributions," (one can be excused for wondering which othercontributions she has in mind) the sexual revolution "mainlybenefited men and particularly harmed those women who wanted to bewives and mothers." She also repeats another old feminist lie thatmost children who die from physical abuse are killed by fathers andother male caretakers, whereas the inconvenient truth is of coursethat MOTHERS are the greatest killers of children. At times,Graglia's blindness regarding men is truly unbelievable, as when,ignoring the stupefyingly obvious example of the male gender, shesuggests that "feminists... would recoil from characterizing anyother group in society in the degrading terms they have routinelyapplied to the housewife." Worst of all, Graglia may havecommitted some of the same selective concealment of information forwhich she rightly vilifies feminists. When, for example, sheanalyzes "youth suicides," we are given not a clue that the"youths" in question are overwhelmingly of the male persuasion.Nevertheless, I particularly admired some of Graglia's moreintrepid ventures into less-travelled waters, as when she surveysa range of literary and historical documents to disprove thefeminist fable that their movement and the sexual revolutionawakened women to their previously suppressed sexual potential.The opposite, Graglia shows, may be closer to the truth. "Whereverone looks evidence appears that women have never been as ignorantor victimized as feminist mythology would have us believe." Herin-depth development of the parallels between feminism and"totalitarianism," by which she means Communism, was well executed.Why is it, she sensibly asks, that prior to the existence of rapecrisis centers, women were somehow able nevertheless to conductsatisfactory dating relationships, usually avoid unwantedpregnancy, and form stable marriages? I also enjoyed Graglia'sbrazen willingness to confront even the most established offeminist doctrines, as when she unblushingly states, "There isnothing wrong with being a sex object; it can be very gratifying."Graglia does save some of her best points for her final pages,which summarize the book but also continue to move it forward. Iwould agree that "antipathy to woman's sexuality has always been adeep current in contemporary feminism." Naturally, it is nonsensefor feminists to claim that a woman can "have it all." As Gragliasays, "The experience of being a mother at home is a differentexperience from being a full-time market producer who is also amother. A woman can have one or the other experience, but not bothat the same time." And so this complex, contradictory,infuriating, yet instructive work comes to a satisfying conclusion.' | 1positive
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Great book for practical advice.
This is one of the first books that I have read on the topic of depression. I found it easy to read, and easy to apply to my life. I'm always in search of practical, non-medicanal ways to control my health and this book answers the questions.I have subsequently bought copies of this book for family and friends in the hope that they might find some relief in it's practical approach. I have already had one friend tell me she thinks the book has been written about her and for her! | 1positive
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Nonsensical story that has very little value
This book was written for pure shock value and nothing more. The ridiculous slang that he creates makes it almost impossible to enjoy the story in any sense.The story is predictable and not very entertaining. If someone was wanting to read a book on gang rape and the evils of mis spent youth then I am sure that there are other books out there there are at least written in such a way that you don't need an interpreter for all the fabricated words in this little book.I find it hard to believe that so many give this book a 5 star review. It scares me a bit to find out what my fellow human beings find as a quality piece of work.I was expecting more and was terribly disappointed. Certainly won't be reading this one again. | 0negative
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the best
this is an awesome book. READ IT.it took obout a month for me to read it but worth it10 AND UP | 1positive
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Great classic
I bought this book for my wife. She loves it. It brings back old memories. Maybe when she is finished she will let me read it. | 0negative
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This book stinks!!!
I didn't care for it at all. I had to read it for high school and I couldn't even begin telling someone what it was about. I didn't understand the point of the story and now I will probably have to write a paper on a book that I don't know the meaning of. | 0negative
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By Love and Grace
It is a story of finding love, overcoming terrible trials and love overcoming sorrow. She writes the most wonderful books. | 1positive
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Good book
Great book, just like the movie, would recommend it to anyone. my daughter and I enjoyed it. especially it being frer | 1positive
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Don't buy it!
There are way better books out there for the price. The text contradicts itself numerous times, it is hard to use this book as a self study tool.You have to have an instructor at all times to make corrections and guide you through it. I had it as a student in school, and was constantly refering to different sources. Don't waste your money! | 0negative
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too many dead-ends, plot shaky at best
I have read several of John Sandfords "Prey" books and found those worthwhile, so I was eager to read The Night Crew. I was very disappointed in this book. The author introduces the reader to 10 or 12 characters, starts to give details about who they are and how they fit into the storyline, and then never carries through with each character's agenda, leaving the reader with a lot of unanswered questions and many unfilled holes at the end. For example, Jake, a main character in the book has just lost his only son, and within a day is in the arms of the other main character, and the grief over his son is forgotten. They don't ever even mention the funeral. It's totally unbelievable. Also, Wyatt, the investigator on the case is in love with his partner Pam, in fact goes so far as to disguise himself and sneek into the hospital to see her, (she, by the way, has a one night stand with another character, Creek, and is totally in love with him and has abandoned her police career to play nursemaid at his bedside--ridiculous!!) The main characters chase him out of the hospital, thinking he's the killer, and figure out later it was him, just spying on his partner, beacuse he has a secret CRUSH on her--how stupid is that. They never develop anything on this storyline, and the whole thing, like many other dead ends could have been totally left out of the book. The characters chase all over the city starting storylines that ultimately go nowhere, and in the end, the find one simple clue and instantly solve it all!! The book isn't predictable, because it makes no sense. Everyone falls in love with everyone else at first glance and you are given no information on each character to ever really care about any of them. The reader keeps expecting some of the clues and storylines to come together at the end, but they never do. All is left hanging. Total waste of time to read. | 0negative
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Profound in its simplicity
I have read it twice and taken notes. The cookies may be on the low shelves here, but they are oh so good. Plenty to chew on and grow as a person. Follow that dream and enjoy the trip. Very motivational. Time well spent. Worth giving to others as a gift which I just did this Christmas. | 1positive
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a wonderful surprise by Joanne Harris - author of Chocolat
SLEEP, PALE SISTER by Joanne HarrisNovember 3, 2005Amazon Rating: 4/5 StarsFans of Joanne Harris, most famous for Chocolat, will be delighted to read this older work by the beloved author, SLEEP, PALE SISTER. Originally published in 1994, it is quite different from her more current novels. SLEEP, PALE SISTER is a gothic novel, complete with ghosts, evil men and fainting women. Harris' taste for food is not apparent in this novel either. Basically, persons reading this book as their first taste of Joanne Harris will not know that this older novel is not typical of what she is known for today. Whether that is good or bad is left up to the reader.The novel revolves around two characters, Effie, who is introduced when she is a young impressionable girl, and Henry Chester, who is a much older man, an artist who discovers Effie and falls for her, despite their age difference. Effie eventually marries Henry, when she is seventeen and he is in his forties, and Effie soon finds out she's made a big mistake. Henry's ideal woman is virginal and chaste, and the act of sex disgusts him. What Effie doesn't realize is that having sex with HER disgusts him, because he was attracted to her innocence, but his lust for women is lurking underneath his facade of purity and godliness.Effie becomes ill quite often, especially after the miscarriage of her baby, and loses her love of life. Henry thinks she's just a typical weak woman, and lets her sleep away her days under the spell of the laudanum he insists she ingests. In the meantime, Henry meets Moses Harper, who becomes his protege, and Moses falls for the beautiful Effie. He's much closer in age to Effie, and notices how unhappy she is. The two start an affair, a dangerous deed since Henry has never hesitated to punish Effie if he felt she needed it.Effie in turn meets Fanny Miller, a woman of ill repute who turns to Effie as if she were her own daughter. Fanny has her own secrets, one that includes Henry. The plot thickens as the four lives become intertwined.The book is narrated by these four characters, each insisting that their viewpoint of the story is the truth. Henry insists that he is the one that was misunderstood, and the reader may sympathize with him for maybe a few pages, but as one gets to know him, the worse Henry will appear.Those who love these gothic novels filled with dark overtones, paranormal beings and ladies in distress, this if for you. The only complaint I had was that the novel I felt went on a bit too long, but at the same time, I enjoyed getting to know the characters and was very engrossed by the story, eager to know how the book would end. It's not the typical Harris novel, so old fans be warned! I enjoyed SLEEP, PALE SISTER a lot and would have loved to have seen Joanne Harris write more books like this. | 1positive
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book about healing
jess lose is something i can relate to ,i lost my mom 1 year ago .face fact you lose a big part of your self you must go on living.jess going to china show her that their a world out there to live in.keep your memeries but make new ones | 1positive
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A book better not read by anyone who wants to know God
Hank Hanegraaff is foremost known for his struggle against cults - and he has done a fair, and good job in his exposure. The problem is that he unfortunately doesn't seem to be able to divide between occult cults and Christian brethren. I have myself been into cults - been tried and tested, if I may say so. And I know the tricks of the trade as well as anybody else - in that game. Like Hanegraaff I would like denounce certain things within the charismatic movement - but denouncing all of the charismatic movement is like flushing down the baby with the bathwater. God didn't call us to be lawyers. He called us to be lovers. But when Christian Brothers aren't able to love one another - what happens to the testimony towards the world? I cannot recommend -this- book by Hanegraaff. | 0negative
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Amazing Journey
I came across this book by accident and I am surely glad I did.Dolores Price is a wonderful character. She is a human being in a life that was no fault of her own. Her life struggles begin with unstable parents, which in turn molds her unobtrusive life.As we are all molded from our parents this book like no other proofs that fact. You will find a connection with Dolores, maybe her struggles are not exactly as ours are, but it is all relevant. Sit back and enjoy her amazing journey..I did. | 1positive
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Oh Atwood aren't we clever
Oryx and Crake's most enjoyable bits are its occasionally perfect corporate neologisms, such as the computer game KwikTime Osama, the college course in Relativistics and Advanced Mischaracterizaion, the company names Happicuppa and HelthWyzer, a dinner of Buckets o' Nubbins from ChickieNobs.But Atwood writes unnatural, clumsy dialogue unlike that heard in any North American family since the 50s. I don't believe I've been called 'son' even once in my life, but Atwood's less likeable men use it constantly, to the narrator's, and reader's, annoyance.The prose is remarkably unsubtle, as if Atwood has a real aversion to ambiguity, with the obvious point of a passage often closing it off like a door.The climax and denouement are obvious: a cypher of a man attempts to replace us with better humans, the media are satirized, Snowman wanders amidst the detrius and escaped engineered animals.Other than the language, I don't think there was anything new here - neither observation nor understanding, only a polite and bloodless nightmare for the academically inclined. | 0negative
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EXCELLENT!
I really liked this book. I felt like I knew people just like the characters. It's always interesting to see what kind of a person a child is and what kind of an adult they turn into. The author did a wonderful job with the characters. The old trio was just as interesting as the main character. I have to admit I shed a tear or two along the way. To me that is the mark of a good book. | 1positive
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"Let all the poisons that lurk in the mud hatch out!"
The first question is: is this book as good as it's predecessor? The answer is, of course: no. How could it be? There are nowhere near the cast of characters at the end of Claudius' life as there were at the beginning. However, the good news is that it is ALMOST as good. The most memorable new character is Herod Agrippa, who is a rake and will tie Claudius into events mentioned in the Bible.Messalina herself will not be forgotten either. Nor will the contest which she wins!If you've read I, Claudius you HAVE to read this. | 1positive
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Classic Fantasy that all should read
For any fans of fantasy, this is a must read as many fantasy authors looked to Tolkien's masterpiece for inspiration. Good read for early teens to adults. | 1positive
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the weirdo summary
the book is so boring i fall alseep in english class when we read it, and remember 2 words on the last paragraph, so when ihear my name, i know where to start, this book is way to slow, way to boring, i dont even get it at all, if you have test on it, say i dont like this book, to hard, to boring, to slow, to compicated, and i just dont like it | 0negative
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Space Opera With A Difference
BLACK ON BLACK is a nicely realized space opera with a difference. In the ordinary way, we have humans (and allies?) at war against a nasty alien species (the flek) that takes planets and alters the environment, obliterating the native species in the process and exploiting the resources for their own purposes. The planet Anktan, inhabited by the hrinn, has been a backwater in this war. It has a small human outpost, but the hrinn are a low-tech species that don't travel off-planet. When Sgt. Blackeagle, a hrinn who has spent almost his entire life in human society, returns to Anktan looking for his heritage, he finds himself a stranger among his own kind. He also finds that Anktan has become a pawn in the human-flek war.The difference in BLACK ON BLACK is that the humans and flek play a secondary role in the story. The book is primarily about Blackeagle and the hrinn, and is told mostly from their point of view. Telling a story convincingly from an alien point of view is a trick that's not easy to pull off, but Wentworth does a nice job of it here. She makes Blackeagle, with all of his doubts and confusion, and the native hrinn, with their alien customs and habits, seem both believable and sympathetic.BLACK ON BLACK is a notch above ordinary space opera. Wentworth tells her story from an unusual point of view and tells it well. I'm looking forward to the sequel. If you like science fiction, I think you'll enjoy this. I did. | 1positive
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