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Not much more than a good history book
Given the date this book was written, I understand the many positive reviews.Offcourse we now are almost 2012 and 10 years of evolution in IT makes a vast difference which makes this book dated.With today's ORM tools like JPA, (N)Hibernate, Torque, .. more than 50% of the book is irrelevant.It might come in handy when we would like to create our own 'sort of' implementation of such tools, but why should we...The best way to look at this book is as if you were buying a Windows Millennium book for your windows seven OS.Some things might seem helpful and maybe even are, but there is no good reason to spend 50$ or 40 on this. | 0negative
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Kindle-ishous!
This device is great for avid readers because it allows you to find a book on anything ever written. Suggestions for future Kindles: 1.Put the on/off switch on the front, side, or top. 2.Change the size of the page turn buttons because it's too easy to turn a page when you pick up the Kindle. | 1positive
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A pass on future purchases.
This format excluded the charts which is the backbone of this publication. Useless without them. You should with draw until charts included. | 0negative
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A Great Book That Keeps You Guess Til The End
This was the first book that I read by author Greg Iles and all I can say is that I will be reading more!In this excellent piece of fiction, readers are kept guessing who is who, who is doing what, and why who is doing what. There is never a dull moment in this book, so it's extremely hard to put down. To provide any more details here would be to ruin it for you, so I'll just leave it at this: read it because, if you enjoy a suspense thriller, you'll love it! | 1positive
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More than Kit Carson
I enjoyed this book a great deal. It was much more than a straight biography of Kit Carson. Although the story was disconnected here and there, it nonetheless captured for me the era of the early-to-mid 19th century along with an ambitious incursion into Western Geography. One real plus for me was the focus on the Navajo nation, which has motivated me to read more about their culture and history (I grew up in Ohio; sorry). It was also a very interesting and poignant narrative transition into the post-Civil war modern and industrial age. At the time I was reading this book I was also reading a bit in Smithsonian magazine about Frank Lloyd Wright; Kit Carson's death and Wright's birth almost coincide. And the beat goes on. | 1positive
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Text-Size adjustment is invaluable to those with troubled eyes
I love my Kindle. I absolutely love it. There are those that complain of this feature or that feature, but in the end, the ease of getting a book, the space I save on books--just too invaluable.One feature that I took completely for granted was the text sizing adjustment. I was sitting in the airport over the holiday reading. An elderly woman kept looking at me and smiling. I finally put my Kindle down and smiled back. She wanted to talk about the Kindle. She had gotten a Kindle back in October. Previously a voracious reader, she had suffered a slight stroke which had really slowed her down and affected her eye sight. She beamed when she relayed how empowered she felt with the Kindle. Not only could she adjust the size of the font and actually see it, but size increase made her move through the screen faster, giving her a bit more confidence as a reader. She felt like she had regained a little of what she had lost.I was so pleased. It's a great device. Keep it up, Amazon! | 1positive
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Better to look elsewhere
Waste of time, waste of money and waste of brain power. Better franchise books out there. | 0negative
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First Cook novel
This was my first Cook novel,having depleted my favorite authors my wife insisted I give Cook a try.To her defense she has not read this one yet.I will go back and read his medical thrillers.I hear they are great.But this was awful,I have never quit a book after starting one and was determined to finish this one.And that is the only reason I was up late reading this one.The ending I dont have a problem with, it is that no one seemed to be punished for crimes committed and some punished for no crimes committed.I dont mind an ending that stirs controversy but jeez come on,give us something. I would like to hear what Cook had in mind when he wrote this novel.And if it is a earlier work,just released.Several things make no sense such as why abduct the divers when all they wanted was the woman.And Mr.Cook should meet some military vets,because while the two divers are not completely impossible the retired vet was way off base.I served as did my father and an officer as most vets can leave it behind once retired. | 0negative
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Boring
it was boring until the end ghosts were boring ending was happy get get get get get get get chair | 0negative
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On topic, but needs much better editing
I read and studied this book," Official (ISC)2 Guide to the CISSP Exam", for my one study aid in quick preparation for the CISSP exam. I found the book's coverage of topics and the common body of knowledge to be fine; indeed the book is tuned to the CISSP exam's intended scope rather well. The problem with this book is quality control and the details. Just to get it out of the way, what annoyed me the most is that many of the sample "exam questions" are flawed lacking quality control. Not flawed like the CISSP exam questions themselves are known to be, but simply poorly written. The answer section for the sample questions has many flaws and mistakes: such as mixing up answers for other chapters' questions, unfinished text, etc. A frustrating way to end each chapter.The main body of the book suffers from major reuse of subject matter, and at times contradictions on subjects. A whole-book editorial review is needed to tighten the thing up -- it suffers from a high-level sloppiness that makes reading and studying more tiring than necessary. Lastly, in some subject areas the book is inaccurate and/or out of date. As it stands, do not use this book as a security-subject expert-reference. Too many little mistakes of omission and half-correct contexts, and at times too little detail to give a subject "enough" coverage to put the important issues in the right light. | 0negative
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Gift for the man who has everything!
I saw this item on Oprah. My son travels from Norwalk CT to NYC every day by train. I thought it would be a convenient way for him to read while traveling. It is portable and wireless, so he can order and download while traveling. He loved it. Great gift idea!!! | 1positive
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i love books
The description was exactly as written. Fast shipping and great costumer service. I would recommend the product and the seller. | 1positive
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Excellent
I treated myself to a birthday present. I ordered the Kindle Thursday night and Friday at 10:00 AM had it in my hands. It is amazing. I am an avid reader and love how easy it is to get the latest bestsellers in seconds and for less than half the price. I was able to operate it just by scanning thru the manual. The cover was a little hard to put in place but once on it felt just like a regular book but much lighter. I am in love with my Kindle and will recommend to friends and family. Of course, it is a little pricey, but is worth it in the long run. | 1positive
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For the mentally supine and amoral individual.
Carter has outdone himself yet again. With another rubbish book of his ultra-left wing amoral and factually void drivel Carter continues to solidify his legacy of being America's worst President. I wonder if Carter would do a work on the Zabaleen Coptic Christians that live as cattle in Egypt. I'm actually very sorry I purchased this book for a quarter at the local book fair. Well, cheaper then a roll of toilet paper. Should any wish worthy works on the subject I'd suggest "Bible and Sword" by Barbarah Tuchmann, "From Time Immemorial" by Joan Peters or "Israel Under International Law" by Howard Grief. On entirely related subjects I'd suggest the works by Bat Ye'or, Robert Spencer, Andrew Bostom, Ibn Warraq and Sam Solomon. Happy reading... | 0negative
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Serial Killers or Myth?
Who are the Straw Men? Are they real, or myth? How do the three storylines twisting through this book connect? What did it mean when the dad on the video asked his baby, "What will you become?" Who is the girl in the floor, and why is she there? Can an ex-cop and an FBI dame resolve their relationship issues long enough to get a bead on a Hollywood kidnapper?I loved this book, and was drawn in to the narrative fully. I loved the part where the protagonist waxes poetic on why there should be geriatric gang members trolling the malls of America. I recommend this to any fan of thrillers, and look forward to treading the sequel. | 1positive
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What happened to the fabled northern Ontario butter tarts?
Truly nasty psychopathic serial killer? Check.Dirty cop sub-plot? Check.Internal police politics and interagency squabbling? Check.Superb characterization and just a hint of misplaced romance? Check.Magnificent, spot-on accurate description of an atmospheric setting with plenty of local colour? Check.Some typical complementary Canadiana from a new Canadian author? Check, eh!Algonquin Bay is a small city in northern Ontario and its young people are squarely in the sights of a skilled serial killer and his demented partner who are eluding the best efforts of an intensely focused manhunt. But, surprisingly, if you're looking for a nail-biting suspense thriller, "FORTY WORDS FOR SORROW" definitely won't fill the bill. On the other hand, if you're looking for a profound combination of psychological thriller and police procedural, Giles Blunt has definitely scored a home-run with this novel debuting the partnership of John Cardinal and Lise Delorme. They're not quite as angsty as Michael Connelly's Harry Bosch but they're definitely edgy with lots of quirks to build on. As you are pulled more deeply into the story, I'm sure you'll agree that comparisons like this are both inevitable and well-deserved.And when you get to that first-rate ending, you'll understand (with considerable gratitude) that there's lots of mileage left in the Cardinal-Delorme partnership and more exciting novels to come.Highly recommended.Paul Weiss | 1positive
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Length
Whatever one might think of Tarnas' theories, the fact remains that the thoughts expressed in first two hundred pages of this book could have been dealt with more than adequately in about ten -- with room left over for a few jokes. | 0negative
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Not the Paula Deen her PR has presented
After this book, I will never watch her shows or buy her products again. Paula had a good childhood and was a typical "Daddy's Little Girl." Paula's life was pretty easy, from what this book indicates. Her PR so far seems to have been deliberately misleading about her life. By her own admission, she "is not so lily sweet and innocent." That's an understatement.As a child, she admits causing an innocent black woman to go to jail and never fessed up the truth until this book was released. I wonder how long that poor woman sat in prison because of Paula being, basically, a cruel brat. Child or not, it was an early indication of character.She admits that she didn't apply herself to anything in school other than chasing boys and cheerleading. It sounds like she did plenty of that, as she seems to have been quite sexually active in high school in an era when that was very unacceptable. She also carried on an affair with a married man for 10 years. Her husband had a drinking problem, but she said he was always good to her and was not abusive. I guess the "for richer or for poorer, in sickness and health" part of the vows eluded her.I was expecting a story of a self-made woman, but instead got the story of a tootsie whose had it good all her life, then got famous. Big deal. Martha Stewart and Sandra Lee are genuinely self-made women and I'd rather support them. | 0negative
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Love the Kindle
I love this e-book reader. I have both versions of the Sony reader and when I read about the Kindle I just had to get it. My only complaint so far is the placement of the on/off switch and the cover. I wish the reader "locked" into the cover. Other than that I have read several books on it so far and love the ease of use, downloading and the freedom to read anywhere without lugging tradition books with me. I highly recommend the Kindle. | 1positive
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Revelations
After reading this book I felt a little confused, kind of after I read Unified Field theory by Hildreth Atkins.Just like that book goes against conventional physics, this book goes against some very traditional and well established raw food teachings.This book is a combination of String theory with Daoism. Her explanations on how lifeforce flows and the energy that we see in everyday life basically puts George Lucas to shame. I am basically totally sick of going to nutrition books and reading the same crap. 4kcal for carbs, 9 for fats, ect... Rose basicalliy breaks all that stuff down into words that an average Raw Food dieter can better understand.Her thoughs on the different frequencies and energies of food was in my opinion revolutionary. I am also glad that she decided to include some fish recipies and other non-plant based proteins. She is correct in saying that consuming these foods have the resonant vibrations of death and fear, however as well all know these emotions and feelings are all part of life, and in a way by eating them we are somehow conquering them. Also, the japanese have very high consumption of raw foods and they have a well studied and documented highest life expectancy in the planet. It was very gutsy of her to incorporate this into her second book and in my opinion, totally right.Some reviewers of the book feel that the book is informative and good basics for the raw food starters. Some also feel that some of her advice can somehow be selectively followed, and that is not the case. Immagine doing the Atkins diet and eating carbs. That does not make any sense. You have to follow the diet to the letter.I think that the more controversial part of the book is her reccomended use of colonics. Colonics are very common in the medical field. In a lot of cases they are curative. Such as in patients who present volvulus or impactation. So if doctors use these procedures to cure patietns why not incorporate this into your ever day life. An amateur phylosophist may counter, "too much of anything is not good for you". And I would rebuttle, "how about brushing your teeth?". Is brushing your teeth after every meal too much? The answer is obviously No.I personally tried very hard to follow this diet to the letter. However I had some family issues and shamefully fell of the wagon when I went to McDonalds and ate a Double Quarter Pounder with cheese. I immediately went back to the green lemonades and raw vegetables and started feeling better about a week later. So stuff like this happens to everybody.I totally reccomend this book and the only reason I did not give it 5 stars is because of that internet rumor that said that the cover of her book has some biblical implications. | 1positive
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Terrible Reading
While most of the negative reviews of this book focus on the fact that it is not the "normal" Robin Cook, I think it was great to see a change in focus from the medical thriller to sci-fi. I agree with the review that stated Robin Cook's novels were starting to all sound alike. The problem I had with Abduction was with the overall writing and character development, or should I say lack thereof. If the Interrans were so "advanced" why did they giggle so much? Why were Richard and Michael so immature? Why was it so easy for the Americans to escape? For those that are looking to find the typical Robin Cook novel, don't buy this one. For those that are looking for a well developed sci-fi novel, don't buy this one. | 0negative
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fun, interesting, complex
this book takes an awesome and serious look at punk as a social and cultural phenomenon, and examines the roots that made punk into what it was. it is a very enlightening read, but is the kind of book you must read in the front and the back at the same time to have it all sink in. hebdige uses a number of endnotes throughout the book, which made me have to jump back and forth to understand what he was saying. i think a second reading would provide an even deeper understanding-- there were definitely times on the first read when i had to reread passages. i definitely recommend this book and have greatly enjoyed it. | 1positive
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KINDLE
I think the Kindle is the next best thing after sliced bread!!!! I have arthritis and it has been very difficult for me to hold a book long enough to enjoy reading. Now with the kindle, I am reading again! I enjoy it so much since I have litlle to no pain after an hour or so of reading. That is something I couldn't do before.I also enjoy the fact that when I decide I want to read a certain book, I can do so within a few moments of ordering it. I don't have to wait days and lose interest before the book arrives.The fact that my whole library is right there with me is outstanding. It has never failed in the past that I needed or wanted to refer to something in a book that was back home. Now I have the luxury of being able to look up whatever, whenever.Thank you for giving me back a pleasure that had been lost! | 1positive
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Happy Reader
My wife loves to read. She is voracious, devouring whole books two and three at a time. I purchased a Kindle for her after seeing it on the Oprah show. She loves it, reads it all the time and orders new books with ease. I would say it is one of the top three gifts that I have ever given her. | 1positive
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Reflecting On Morality
Back in a world where vanity is a good trait to have and beauty is worshipped. This is a time where the most important thing is preserving a good appearance. Sin is thought of as merely an adventure and the past is only a forgotten bother. The life of Dorian Gray is a race to see who will win his young mind and form it into his being. A most handsome boy, he never had much opinion and was content just to sit and be painted. Basil Hallward loves him for his features. Basil also was in love with the inspiration he felt whenever he was painting Dorian or whenever Dorian was near. Basil thought of finding beauty and living only through art, but none of this was appealing to the impressionable Dorian Gray.Upon meeting Dorian Gray, Lord Henry Wotton becomes completely intrigued. A man who loves nothing more than observing the behavior of human beings and implanting his ideas into anyone who will listen is quite a companion. Where many do not agree with his words, Dorian couldn't agree more with him. As days and years pass, Dorian is shaped into the perfect being that Lord Henry has only begun to imagine.Where there is beauty, worship, and incorrect influence there is flaw. There is hatred, there is jealousy, and there is corruption. Dorian has the strong belief that everyone will love him and he will forever be preserved the angel of time. To himself he is everything, but to everyone he is bad luck. His ideals, taken from Lord Henry, seep into the minds of others and cause them to fall. Precisely because of these beliefs he would never understand he was wrong.With the horror of the ego and the love of oneself there is no clear path again to the light. This is Dorian's story, his desperation, his trials, his losses, this, good people, is his soul.Lovers of philosophy and gothic idealism will find nothing to hate in The Picture of Dorian Gray. I am still baffled by many of the perspectives created and endorsed by Lord Henry. Though there are undoubtedly sections that could put a hyper person to sleep, this book is filled with so much philosophy and plot twists that it is worth the read despite the at times slow plot. Broaden your mind and reflect on your morality. It is time to rediscover your path. | 1positive
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Thought I had a book in my hand
You know the Kindle is the way to go when you try to actually turn a page as if it is a paper book!This is the best money I have ever spent and my husband can't complain because he complained about how many boxes of books I have in our new storage unit(new husband too) then I told him I had spent the money on the kindle-just pay attention to how many books you buy they make it way too easy!!!! | 1positive
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Great system to read on the "GO"
I really appreciate the size and portability of this "book".I do miss the "old fashioned" book habits of actually turning the page.SAVE A LOT OF TREES! | 1positive
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Love at first sight
I purchased the Kindle as a surprise for my readaholic husband and I have not seen him or talked to him since it arrived! He absolutely LOVES it.It surpasses any other brand that is out there.I am now saving up money to get my son and my daughter their own kindles. | 1positive
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The best and first tutorial to the sociology
Durkheim says at the beginning; the sociology is the current science, but nobody knows what it is. Even now, his words sound contemporary. This study aims at introducing the necessity and importance of the sociology to the public, but not at sophisticatedly professional people.It matches the orientation of the primary students to study the sociology, because the preliminary knowledge isnft necessary. Actually, I could read this book at the first year of the university without any sociological knowledge. After finishing to read the first part, which proves that the suicide isnft the psychological phenomenon, but the sociological, you can investigate the present situation as he did in the 19th century by using the statistics of the international organization like WHO. You will find the manipulation of the statistics not only easy, but also important with Durkheimfs tutorial. It may be your first experience of the scientific study at the society.I can recommend it to the youth. | 1positive
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Could have been better edited
This is the first book I have read by Mary Higgins. I am very fond of suspense novels and was eager to try one of her books. But I was left unsatisfied by the flow of this book.The plot, though straight forward, seemed convoluted for the purpose of audience. The story moves from a first person commentary to third person speech so fast that one needs to make sure to read the next line to realize who the speaker is. The biggest disappointment though was that the novel did not maintain integrity/continuity with the facts mentioned just a few pages earlier. A better proof reading needs to be done before publication.Although I have to admit that the suspense was taut, the above mentioned points kept spoiling my enthusiasm and I just hoped that Mary's next book will be better and crisply edited. | 0negative
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It helps little to read document
It is hard to understand how this famous e-reader does not provide with the option to read pdf documents at different sizes by using a zoom, as other e-readers do.Many of the documents I need to read in an e-reader are pdf documents, so I must read with tiny size of lettering when I use the Kindle device. | 0negative
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made me feel
icky. I like MNS. A lot. I like the things he says in interviews, I like his movies. I don't think they are perfect, but they speak to me. This book, while an interesting and easy read, is not fun. I can't imagine that he would like how he is depicted in it....he hasn't really publicly commented on it, other than to say the author had his full support. I don't know--it just seemed a weird portrait of someone...it seemed over-dramatic and Vanity Fair article-esque. Or like Confessions of a Shopaholic. Ew. I don't know what MNS is really like or if Bamberger interpreted things accurately. I just try to remember that everyone perceives situations differently.[...] | 0negative
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With so many books to read, why read this?
I understand the author's pain and respect her journey to heal her heart. However, I found the book woefully lacking in depth. I cannot fathom why people have found this book inspiring. I would not recommend it to anyone. | 0negative
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"Angel Face"
I was absorbed in the first several chapters, but wasn't sure where the author was going with the plot. Once I passed halfway through the book. I was glad that I stayed with it until the end.CIA agent Edwin Truitt went to see Jordan Carpenter, a cardiologist well known for his patented inventions. Truitt told Jordan that the CIA needed his help. There is a serial killer, Angel Face, on the loose who has been targeting high profile doctors. The CIA kept local law enforcement and the FBI out of the loop. Jordan said, he wasn't interested. On his way out the door, Truitt gave Jordan Angel Face's dossier.Angela Lowe works for Smart Tech lab as a research assistant. Smart Tech is well-guarded and known for their secrecy. Very few employees working at Smart Tech are actually aware of the lab's real research. CIA agent Truitt is trying to frame Angela for the serial murders.When Jordan was in medical school, he wrote a paper on a remote sensor for monitoring the electrical impulses of the heart. The paper was never published. Jordan was concern that it might get into the wrong hands. One of his colleagues at Smart Tech stole his idea.The author finally put the pieces together. I've read several of Suzanne Forster's books. Her older books have a distinctive writing style and are inclined to drift. Angel Face was written in 2001. Suzanne Forster has since improved compared to her earlier writings. | 1positive
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Dreams from My Father
It was very interesting to see what was going on behind doors of the Senate. The Barack Obama in this book has the same personality of the person (people) my Mother told me to be in the company of. A foward thinking person, by looking at how things were in the past in order to get it redirected in a positive direction. It is good to know that there is someone out here doing for the children of the future. I would call Barack, my older brother, because of how he goes about doing things, except for the fact that, I am much older than him, he has a better memory than me.Enjoyed the book but, keep a dictionary handy. | 1positive
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Bloated, meandering mess
I really hate it when I get suckered into a novel; especially when I get about halfway through the story, and I figure out that not only is it a bad novel, it's a really bad novel. Usually one of the signs is that I tend to find any excuse to go and do something else than read the book -- even if it is sorting laundry or washing up the dishes from dinner. Couple that with my determination to finish reading whatever book I do start, and one of my chiefest pleasures in life stands to be ruined for several days.Such was the case with this Margaret George novel that takes the story of Helen of Troy and renders it into a long, cradle-to-the-grave historical novel. Told as a first person narrative, we are treated to the story of Helen and her involvement in the long war between the Greeks and the Trojans.But even before there is a mention of Troy, the reader is treated to Helen's story, right from the very very beginning. We first meet her as a very young child, living with her parents and her elder siblings in the Greek city of Sparta. Unlike her brothers and sister Clytemnestra, Helen is forbidden to leave the palace, and even to pick up a mirror. Even her beautiful and rather vain mother Leda keeps any reflections from Helen's gaze, and as it is with many young children, Helen is convinced that she is a monster, that something horrible and disfiguring is what keeps her away from others. But one day, her sister takes pity on her, and slips her out into the wide world outside of the palace, with the stern warning that she keep her face and form covered.And as Helen is to find out, she's not a monster at all. Instead, she is dazzlingly beautiful, but she takes little pleasure in the knowledge. Instead, Helen mopes about, wishing that she could just be like everyone else, and trying to fit in. We follow Helen along, from the courtship of her sister by the King of Mycenae, Agamemnon, and meeting his brother, the much quieter Menelaus. There are also the ugly rumors that surround her mother, and the wild story that Helen herself was born from an egg -- stories she scoffs at until she attends the rites sacred to the goddesses Demeter and Persephone.It's here that Helen finds out that she's been touched with the divinity of the Olympian gods, and that her father might be Zeus himself, who seems to have a special regard for his only daughter born of a mortal woman. Bit by bit, Helen puts her own story together, and when it comes time for her to marry, there are numerous suitors, all willing to claim the most beautiful woman in the world. Prophecy has decreeded that not only will Helen bring ruin, but also cause the deaths of many Greeks - no matter that, it seems that every man is eager to have her as his alone. When Helen finally makes her choice, her father forces the other suitors to swear a terrible oath, one that is going to have bloody consequences.Helen's parents turn over the rule of Sparta to Helen and her husband, none other than Menelaus. But there is a problem in this seemingly happy marriage. Helen feels no passion at all for her husband, and she inwardly bewails her fate, wishing for Aphrodite to bless her, and pleading for some fulfillment. Not even the birth of a beloved daughter, Hermione, can ease her unhappiness, and slowly it poisons everything around her. So naturally, when the young prince of Troy, Paris, arrives, Helen falls into a searing state of lust, and makes plans to run off with him.To say that this makes problems is an understatement. The terrible oath that was forced at Helen's marriage is invoked, and all of Greece rises up to avenge Menelaus' outrage that his wife has run off with a teenage boy nearly a decade younger. And the welcome in Troy isn't that much better for Helen either -- her inlaws, especially her mother in law, Hecuba, dislike her or want her for themselves, and Helen finds her only solace in Paris, and a friendship with Andromache, Hector's wife. War rages around her, and Helen can't do very much but helplessly observe the ruin around her.To say that this is one of the worst historical novels that I have ever read is an understatement. Margaret George's attempt to rework the legends of ancient Greece is a travesty -- she uses known historical facts to make a realistic world, then ruins it by making the gods and goddesses real, having them step in with miracle working wonders, and confusing the readers. Too, Helen is an extremely passive character, rarely acting on her own behalf, making very stupid choices, and abandoning her only child that she claims to love to go chasing after some young stud -- I wonder if this is where the brainless blonde joke started? Paris isn't that much better, turning sulky, selfish, and unable to think his way beyond the next five minutes.Indeed, no one in this story is very likeable. Helen is just plain thoughtless and selfish, the men are thinking with their groins, women are nasty and b!tchy towards Helen, and that's just the people involved. It's pretty clear that George knows little of ancient warfare, giving the battles and encounters outside of Troy not much more than a curisitory glance, and then the reader is back to Helen's eternal self-pity and whining.Sadly, the reader is treated to nearly seven hundred pages of this drivel, and by the end, I was ready to hurl this book through a window in annoyance. No one grows up, changes, and seem to be perfectly happy to be pushed around by mocking, insensitive deities who whisper endlessly in ears. Women are terribly abused in this as well, not much more than either baby-machines, sexual toys, or as princesses being offered up in public, gory sacrifices to indifferent gods. In fact, George saves her most descriptive writings for when things get nasty and gory.The biggest sin here is that there isn't any of the glorious poetry of Homer in here. Instead, the story is humorless and bleak, and it just trudges along from battle to battle. There isn't any insights or new knowledge about the Greek myths, and it's just a pit of misery and delusion.I don't recommend this one at all, giving it a sparse two stars, and suggesting that the reader turn to the excellent translations of the Trojan War and Greek myth by Robert Fagles.Not Recommended. | 0negative
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Sample is not formatting correctly.
It is concerning that even after downloading the sample again and restarting the Kindle this sample book is not formatting correctly. The text runs off the bottom of the page no matter what font size is utilized. If the text to speech function is used there is audio that one cannot see. No other samples or books that I have fail this way. | 0negative
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Awesome
I have been looking at the Kindle since it was released. The time was finally right for me to make the purchase and I am SO happy with the product. It lives up to every expectation. Compact, portable, easy to read, books arrive in seconds and there is a wide variety of reading options available. I love the Kindle! | 1positive
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Opens a stage for thought and discussion
This book can be picked up from the library, not worth buying. In fact I would rather read about the topic online.We do need to think about how we can synthesize our L and R brain centric qualities better so that our experiences will be richer, we will be able to do tasks efficiently, so on and so forth. Most importantly we owe it to our kids to raise them to think. Not to do things conventionally but to think why is it so and how they can be made better. We can also understand our children, family and co-workers better once we know which side of the brain they prefer. And THAT should have been the purpose of this book.Should we do all this because jobs are being outsourced to another continent? Shouldn't we be doing these things anyways? Are we saying that all the progress made so far is solely on basis of the L brained thinking?What we have to realise is that over the centuries world has been moving closer. We now live in a global economy. A global team. We need to empower each other with the strengths that each half can offer.This topic could have been written beautifully. Instead the author through endless talk of outsourcing has made it seem as if this book is only for the ex computer programmers, financial analysts and legal assisstants whose jobs have been taken away.The author also seem to have a narrow minded approach in presenting analogies, anecdotes and choosing the people to interview. I am mostly disappointed that Thomas Friedman quoted this as the "my favorite business book". | 0negative
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Lighthouse Lady
Another job well done by Catherine!! Outstanding story with so much humor and with so much understanding and love. Not only does she build such wonderful charactors in Zeke and Natalie, but to bring in a little girl that you fall in love with right off the bat and then a 'killer' gander!!! Too funny for words, but Catherine did it again!! Great job Catherine. | 1positive
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Lack of customer service
It's been over a month and I still haven't received the book I ordered. I've sent the vendor two e-mails and, although I received responses, I'm still waiting . | 0negative
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College Textbook market please
A natural progression for brisk marketability of this fine product would be college textbooks. I currently have 4 family members enrolled in college and would like to gift them each with a Kindle. My only hesitation is lack of textbook Kindle. Why do I want a Kindle with college textbook downloads? Personal student ergonomics for book transport issues; less hassle with heavy books may translate into more actual reading of class assignments; Ecofriendly paperless; college courses usually require nontextbook reading as additional source material (more Kindle business), easily managed in an integrated textbook/public book handheld device; and Notetaking features of Kindle could enhance long nights of college study leading to actual absorptive learning into long-term memory of book content. Being from Houston, Texas, I realize that control and management of the textbook market is fraught with State-controlled politics. I also realize the threat of stolen Kindles is high on college campuses. Perhaps an integrated security system (retinal scan) or computer embedded tracker device would help with that issue. At a time in our nation's history when higher education is directly correlated to our ability to defend and cultivate our future democratic process, why not invest in a product such as Kindle that would enhance our long-term survivability as a nation that leads the world in free market enterprise? We live in an interconnected universe. Kindle enhances this experience. The Amazon innovation team has my deepest respect. | 1positive
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Suzanne Enoch is one of my new favorites!
This was the first Suzanne Enoch book I read, and I was hooked! I liked that the rakes in her books were really naughty--not just bored dillettantes--before they fell in love and became reformed. Evie was perhaps the least interesting of the three Lessons in Love heroines--Georgie being my favorite, but Saint was wicked enough to make their encounters funny and interesting. | 1positive
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Evans the arrogant traveler takes on China
I really liked "It's Not About the Tapas" so when I saw this I was expecting something fresh and fun. Well, Evans actually planned her trip for Spain, (granted with a lot of wine--but at least she had a map and Spanish dictionary!) But for Fried Eggs, she seemed to think she could just plop herself in rural China and everyone would come running to meet her every need--even if she couldn't be bothered to learn the language or take along a pocket Mandarin Dictionary. She didn't even know the word for RICE!!!I needed a good long scrub after reading her incessant descriptions of spit, snot, phlem, vomit, nose picking and public bowel and bladder elimination sprinked in every chapter. I never needed to read a description of vomit as it's spattered on a bus window, or know what someone's butt looked like as they poo. Some things should be left to the imagination (or not!)If you think I'm graphic, then this isn't the book for you, she goes into GREAT detail. Honestly, there was just lots of stuff I didn't need to know, but not nearly enough of what I wanted to find out.I felt she did some historical research--as seen in her constant swings into random history lessons--but she didn't plan for the realities of current life in China. I can't imagine going solo in rural China without even knowing the words for "rice, noodles, vegetables, chicken, beef, and pork" in Mandarin. I winced at her describing how she wandered about restaurants pointing at people's dinners to let the waitress know what she wanted. How rude! Granted I found the copiously flowing phlem to be disgusting, but her behavior was equally rude and ignorant. I felt she really enjoyed feeling superior to the rural Chinese and their way of life. She certainly didn't give me any reason to visit China based on her experiences. Truthfully, If I was stupid enough to travel to China as unprepared as she did, I wouldn't write a book celebrating my ignorance. I would have been embarassed.I had to force myself to finish as I lost interest (and my appetite) about half of the way through. I had considered traveling to China, but after reading this I was initially scared off--but then I realized Polly Evans had not done her homework or prepared herself for the trip and I shouldn't let that keep me home. Perhaps it would have been better for everyone if she had hired a travel companion that spoke Mandarin, or at least hooked up with a tour company that could line up the ferries and other transportation for her. I also would have liked a chapter on what she might have done differently since she seemed to have such a miserable time. | 0negative
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Long Overdue ...
While perhaps not as sumptious as the last books in which we saw Kelson, Morgan, Duncan et al, this is further excellent writing from Ms. Kurtz. The only downside (for me) was that I could not shake the feeling it would have worked better as 2 books, with a third book yet to come to tie up loose ends concerning a new adversary.Clearly, few write *better* than Ms. Kurtz. I just which she could write *faster*! | 1positive
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Where's the integrity?
The NYT digital subscription is like the old roach motel - you can get in but you can't get out.First problem they hit your credit card every 28 days instead of once a month. Sneaky. After a while you have no idea when is the end of the billing cycle (which is when you want to cancel).Second, to cancel you have to call, on a telephone. WHY IS THAT??? Believe me, the wait is long, looong. When (if) they finally answer, the struggle begins.Third, the reps are such liars. Mine said, "Sir, you are cutting out, I am going to have to hang up..." and she did. I was calling on a land line! It was infuriating. What am I to think of that company's reporting truth if they have such little regard for it while talking to a person?The 99 record clubs of my teenage years had more integrity than the NYT! | 0negative
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Anti semitic view from a renegade.
With all due respects to a former U.S. President, Jimmy Carter never appeared as a strong leader to the world. Now that he is no longer an active President, instead of withdrawing to the background, Jimmy Carter is traveling around the world scheduling meetings with terror group such as Hamas AS IF he is representing the U.S. States Department.In my personal opinion, this book is basically just that. It's about a failed President who is trying to take political matter into his own hands. What is worse is that he did not provide an unbiased view of the situation. Israel was portrayed very unfairly in this book. There are many things Carter could do but instead he chose to be a political renegade running around in the world political arena. | 0negative
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Unenjoyable rehash
There is nothing in this book that a person seeking to better themself doesn't already know. I'm shocked at how many 5-star ratings this book has received.Tolle rehashes, repeats, and rephrases over, and over, and over. The main points of the book could have been presented in half the pages. | 0negative
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Outstanding
The Iraq war was preached as the liberating creation of an exemplary Arab democracy. Did US post invasion efforts match the rhetoric? The most charitable answer, based on this work, is quite contrary.`Imperial Life' vividly profiles postwar Iraq under Garner's brief Office of Reconstruction and Humanitarian Assistance (ORHA) and Bremer's Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA). It's a fascinating, tragic tale of squandered opportunity, gross incompetence, and blatant corruption.Experienced health specialist Frederick Burkle MD (appointed to handle post-war Iraq health care) is one of many examples. Told the White House preferred a `loyalist,' he was replaced a week after Baghdad fell by well connected, faith-based social worker James Haverman. Ideas for anti-smoking campaigns and simplified drug inventories surfaced in the ensuing months - while looted, decrepit hospitals (many lacking electricity) coped with devastating levels of increasing casualties.Posts in the CPA were vetted by James O'Beirne, for whom ideology trumped practical skill and experience. Thus the Iraq stock market delayed opening because a 24 year old Republican Yale graduate (with no relevant experience) thought it essential to adopt western standards. All while investor funds languished (and families went bankrupt).This work ultimately reveals a cynical (if not criminal) disregard for the Iraqi people. Readers believing Administration spin on establishing democracy shouldn't read this work - so long as they're willing to trade reality for life in a bubble not dissimilar to that constructed in the Green Zone.Well written and highly recommended. Also worth reading: `The Assassins' Gate;' `Fiasco,' `Cobra II,' and `State of Denial' | 1positive
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No Shortcuts To The Top
This book was very interesing. I like reading about people who have climbed the highest mountains, and this book was very exciting. | 1positive
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Broke after a year
I purchased a Kindle that broke just days after the warranty expired. I turned it on one day after it had been sitting on a shelf in a protective case and the screen was no longer functioning. I called customer support, and they told me they couldn't fix it and OFFERED TO SELL ME A NEW ONE. When I pointed out that there was no way I would buy a new one after this one broke so quickly, they assured me that this one probably wouldn't be defective. Seriously??? If it's defective, give a new one for free or fix my old one. I'm sad to say that I purchased so many Kindle books that will go to waste now, but there is no way I am giving this company more business. | 0negative
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No Satisfaction
The reason I bought this book was the finer print inside of it's title: "Surviving One That Isn't." This book gave countless examples of mega-(_|_)'s in the workplace, but unless you're a trust-fund baby, we've all worked with our share and don't need endless examples and reminders of why we bought this book. What we need is, what we expect the book to deliver, sound advice on how to navigate the corporate landscape that's riddled with these bastards, while not becoming one of their roadkill along the way.I really wanted to like this book. It had been highly recommended by a colleague and I'd researched the author and read some of his previously published articles before I actually purchased the book. However, that's precisely my other issue with this book-it was my experience that the author had taken a few previously published articles, and then tried to stretch them out into a book. To that end, throughout the book there were the same few corporate case-studies being used in the examples.If you want to be reminded of how awful these types of jerks can be, go buy the book, but don't expect any relief from it. | 0negative
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Good!
I like reading NYT on my kindle much more easily. Thanks a lot and I hope to enjoy NYT everyday. Hope the service from Kindle can be better. | 0negative
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ZZZ ZZZZZ ZZZZZZ ZZZZZZZZ
That's right, this book will put you to sleep. This has to be one of the most excruciating novels I have ever read. There is hardly any conflict in the plot. If you would like to read about people going to balls and other formal occasions every night, then you will like this book. ****Spoiler Ahead Don't read if you don't want to know.****** The climax of the novel is when Catherine finds out the General kicked her out of the house because she was not rich. BORING!!!!! This book is extremely overrated. The novel is also hard to follow at times since Jane Austen jumps from one time frame to another time a lot longer down the road in only one sentence. If your teacher or professor makes you read this book, then good luck. I would pass on this book if you are looking for an intellectual stimulation or just plain old good story. | 0negative
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Murder and antiques in Carmel
This is the second in what I hope will be a long series (and one of the few I actually pre-ordered to be sent to me upon publication!) The protagonist is a wonderful female antiques dealer "of a certain age" who has escaped to Carmel to start over after an unpleasant parting with her former husband. Some characters in this second installment were more fleshed out and more interesting characters were introduced. The author evokes the California landscape skillfully and throws in lots of tidbits about antiques, all which I find fascinating. I agree with the previous reviewer that some of the editing was spotty, but nontheless I highly reccommend this and the previous book to any mystery lover. | 1positive
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Amazing item.
The three things I love the most about my Kindle is that it is NOT backlit (so easy on the eyes), the battery lasts a very long time, and that I never had to figure out how to hookup, download, transfer and/or whatever other nonsense that would be necessary without Whispernet. That I can stay in bed on a Sunday morning and "go get a paper", is something that will never cease to amaze and tickle me. That alone is worth the cost. I've seen complaints that it takes too long to turn pages. I hadn't noticed that, maybe because I automatically got into the pattern where I know at what point on the current page to press the next page bar so that I am comfortably at the bottom of the page when it turns. Literally 2 seconds or less. I'd rather it was black. However - I LOVE THIS ITEM! | 1positive
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just not good
Many of the references Austen made in Northanger Abbey were meant to be satirical towards the gothic writing style prevalent in her time. Certain elements of wordplay in her characters' dialogue will also sound dated to a modern reader. For example, Catherine describes a popular gothic novel as being "Horrible", which can be taken as "Awful" or that the book was scary, which is a way the word was used in the author's time.Having said this, the book is slow, and is not as easy and interesting to read as her other novels, which can be explained by saying that this is her first attempt, and improvement was inevitable. The characters were not well-developed; I didn't understand the love-interest and I didn't believe that these two people were suited for each other. Again, she improved later.If you choose to read this book, try to get an edition with notes on the text.It will help a great deal in clarifying that which is now a centuries-old inside joke. | 0negative
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Not all that bad, really!
I like what Amazon has done with the physical package, the Whispernet, instant download of Kindle books, the chance to get your own content published, the large amount of memory with SD cards, the battery longevity, and all that. To get to the point: I read a lot of maths and physics including uploading free texts that I get on the net to Kindle for conversion. No matter how I get the content to the Kindle reader all the equations, symbols, operators, etc. are mutilated to the point of uselessness. All I can do is read the words to get the idea when the equations are the whole point. You guys, please use a better client for converting books that we order from Kindle store and any PDF files (or html, doc, or whatever)we happen to upload for conversion and download to the Kindle. Thanks! | 1positive
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Read 3 Cups of Deceipt
When I first read 3 Cups of Tea, I loved it but now know that much of of it is fabricated.. Read Jon Krakauer's book, "3 Cups of Deceit" to find out the truth. Don't spend money on Mortenson's book-he just pockets the proceeds (according to Krakauer) with none of it going to help build schools. | 0negative
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Something I don't understand...
How is the big "secret" in this book all that different from the Mary Magdalene/Holy Grail stuff in Da Vinci? It just seems to me like a different way of saying the exact same thing.Besides that, I was hoping to like this book, and was disappointed. I would not recommend it to anyone. | 0negative
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Thrilling! Lehane has a fan for life!
After reading A Drink Before the War a few weeks ago, I quickly ordered all of Dennis Lehane's other books so that I could read them chronologically without having to wait in between books. Darkness, Take My Hand is, without doubt, one of the finest suspense novels I have ever read-and I've read a lot! Patrick and Angie feel like friends to me now, and the horror they are faced with during the course of this novel was almost unbearable. Most novels have "stick-man" villains that I feel never really pose any real threat to the heroes. Not so here. The bad guys here are REALLY bad guys. Kudos to Lehane! What a craftsman. I'm almost done with Sacred now, Dennis, so write faster!!! | 1positive
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A TRUE STORY, A DOG STORY, A DISNEY MOVIE, A GRANDE BONNY BOOK
This is a wonderful dog story about a small terrier who is devoted to one old man, Old Jock. The dog picked his true master, but after the old shepherd's death, the dog, "Bobby", was the only true mourner. Bobby found a way to lay upon the man's grave every night for the remainder of the dog's life, inside a gated cemetery that allowed no dogs. It is a true account from the mid 1800s, although embellished a bit by this author for the sake of making it a childrens' classic book. A CLASSIC it is.The small dog, in real life, became known as "Greyfriars Bobby", the name of the book, as well as a Disney movie made from this author's account of the life of this famous Edinburgh canine. Not only is it a wonderful story of tenderness and devotion, but it is a beautifully written pictorial account of life in Victorian Edinburgh and the magnificent countryside of Scotland. It tells a story of loyalty and affection that can only be told by man's best friend.The author is an Indiana author known for her stories for youth but because of Walt Disney, and his recognizing the human interest in this historical dog plus bobby's inspiration, well...Disney put this version of the story of "Greyfriars Bobby" at the front of the pack.This classic is highly recommended as a gift for all readers, not just youth, as well as a must in every library. Perhaps every classroom should have a copy on both sides of the Atlantic.Read the book first--then get the Walt Disney DVD version. | 1positive
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looks huge
this looks so big, the coolness factor is nil. Wonder who would buy this big piece ( almost looks like a brick). Good luck amazon! | 0negative
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Disappointing ...
This book is best described as insipid and a waste of time. Very disappointing for a 'historical account'. Worst book I've read in over a year. | 0negative
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Future Shocked By The Singularity!
This novel covers three generations of the Macx family, and how they cope with technological progress from the years just prior to the Singularity (for those who are unfamiliar with the term Singularity, it just refers to a time of extremely rapid technological development, actually feeding upon itself) to many decades post Singularity. This is really an amazing story that veteran writer Charles Stoss weaves here, mixing the human element in with a future that becomes more difficult to comprehend to mere humans, even ones augmented with mind enhancing devices. Along the way immortally becomes the norm, and transcending ones body is easily done. Non-human artificial intelligences far surpass human abilities, and non-terrestrial intelligences prove to be problematic.Overall, I found this book very well writen, and the ideas and issues presented by Stross will make a thinking person think more. However, I found this novel to be a bit too long and drawn out, and the parts about the computronium converting much of the solar system to more computronium a wee bit far-fetched...as a limited amount of data input will require only a limited amount of processing power to analyze all possible aspects of the data. This is all minor criticisms of a great novel, do yourself a favor and read it. | 1positive
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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. | 0negative
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A Gripping Quest!
One of Wilkie Collins' lesser known works, THE LAW AND THE LADY is nonetheless a gripping read! Valeria's quest to acquit her husband of the murder of his ex-wife is top-notch Collins. Like token Collins' detective novels, the reader is taken deeper and deeper into the psychology of his characters. Meserimus Dexter is one of Collins' most frightening characters. His mental degeneration within the novel's gripping pages will leave you breathless. Valeria's involvement with the unstable Dexter is some of the most suspenseful reading you are likely to find in modern literature. Highly recommended to any Collins' enthusiast, or anyone looking for a great read. | 1positive
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Good American, Bad American?
It would have been easier to judge this book and Greg's characters if Greg was more forthcoming and honest about what he did and did not do. Instead the whole truth, Greg gives half-truths and hidden facts. | 0negative
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Same ol' same ol'
Having read the previous book by this duo about biblical archeology I looked forward to a good and interesting read. I was hugely disappointed. There was nothing new in this book: it seemed to be a re-hash of some of the material in the earlier book. It may well be interesting to those who have not read the first book, but for me it was very tempting to put it down. (However, I did read it through to the end.) | 0negative
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Not a writer whose mind I enjoy
At first I was impressed with Susan Cheever's apt writing, and excited at the prospect of reading about some of my favorite writers. But reading this book is a little like listening to a friend who enjoys malicious gossip -- embarassing, distasteful, and finally just boring. I get the feeling that some parts are whomped up; she's trying to raise questions that the facts don't justify raising. But mostly there's an edge of bitter glee here -- as if she's enjoying anything negative she can dig up. This isn't the kind of writer with whom I enjoy spending time. | 0negative
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Great Adventure
Very well written story. Would recommend this to everyone. I've enjoyed this author for many years. You will have a great adventure with this story. | 1positive
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Great book
These authors are two of my favorites.I enjoyed this book very much,but, can we get away from the museum for a while. I am aware that one of the authors worked there and it is a facinating place, just the right setting for these stories. However, it seems as if there is always a new exhibit with a gala opening that turns into chaos.I would like to see some more stand alone books from these guys. I like the idea of using characters fron previous books in stories that are not set in the museum. Agent Prendergast and brother Diogenes are like evil twin Sherlock Holmes. It would be nice to read about their family history. We have seen glimpses here and there, but not enough for me.I will continue to buy every book published by these authors and cannot wait for the next on. | 1positive
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Customers outside U. S. BEWARE
I am rating one star for the following reason: I live in Puerto Rico and recently purchased the Kindle Global Wireless. I was hoping to start purchasing my favorite titles before the arrival of my kindle device only to find out that not all kindle editions of my favorite books are available to all countries. I wrote an email to amazon.com customer support about this issue and was told that I would have to contact the publishers of a book of my interest and request not only to make the title available in its kindle edition but also request availability for my country. What's the point of a GLOBAL wireless device if not all titles are available to all countries? This means that everytime a title pops into my mind I would have to cross my fingers and pray it will be available for purchase in my country. What a let down. I was hoping never to step into a bookstore again. I hope the Kindle Support Team addresses this issue PRONTO!!! | 0negative
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Doormats aren't sexy
Unfortunately, the story was predictable and boring. Salvatore is supposed to be some kind of knight in shining armor but he's comes across as too controlling. The last straw is when he goes behind Elisa's back and had her replaced at her job--and she just rolls over and accepts it. For me, that's when the story really died. Elisa was supposed to be this strong, independent woman, but she's not very intelligent and it shows. | 0negative
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Fast and Creepy
CHASING THE DEAD is a sleek bullet of a suspense/horror novel. I know that both of those genres exist independently of each other, but sometimes have elements of the other within them, but this book is first one, then the other in a blend like I haven't seen before.I picked the book up because the cover caught my eye. I couldn't help wondering who was driving that car at night down such a desolate road with the forest all around. From the provocative title, I knew whoever it was couldn't be out day-tripping - primarily because it's night. I was also attracted by the brevity of the book. At 250 pages with a generous font instead of tiny type, I knew I could probably get through it in an hour or two. So I added it to the stack I was getting.At home, still curious, I opened the cover and intended to read a chapter or so just to get the feel of it. I do that a lot and let my subconscious choose the order of the books I read when I don't have a definite plan.However, I had definite plans. I've got an immense TBR pile. But I read the prologue and remained curious. After all, a prologue doesn't necessarily tell you how a book is going to read.On the first page of Chapter 1, I met Susan Young, newly divorced and still not sure why, who's about to close a major real estate deal, and is just trying to get home to her young daughter through the late-evening traffic. Within six pages, she arrives home and finds her daughter and the nanny aren't home.Then she gets the phone call.The voice of a man she doesn't know informs her that she has a beautiful daughter, then proceeds to describe her. I was hooked. As a parent, having my child in the hands of a madman would be terrifying.By the end of the next two chapters, just ten short pages away and I'm suddenly 15% of the way through the novel, Susan is forced to obey the machinations of the evil man who holds the life of her child in his hands.I was totally stuck at this point. For a first-time author, Schreiber really knows how to keep a reader turning pages. I finally gave up and settled back to just follow the book through to the end. I had no choice. I was held completely in thrall.In just a few more short chapters, Susan is commanded to dig up a grave. By hand. During the confusion, she inadvertently left the shovel she was told she had to bring. By the time she gets back to her SUV, there's another body waiting for her that turns her world upside down again.Schreiber's story moves relentlessly, till the anticipation becomes an adrenaline-laced blur. The twists and turns come faster and faster, and I can't really remember when the story jumped from suspense to out-and-out Stephen King style horror because the dread inside me continued to come from the same place. The dread grew larger and larger, though, because what Susan faced seemed to grow exponentially as well.Although CHASING THE DEAD isn't going to change your life or even stay with you long after you finish it, the novel will definitely take you to the darker places of your mind and root around in old fears resurrected from childhood. It's a fun, fast read that will keep you nailed to the pages as you try to stay up with the whipsaw of obstacles Susan faces as she struggles to save her child.Now I've gotta pick up Schreiber's new book, EAT THE DEAD, that just hit the bookshelves. And when I read it, I'm gonna do it at night just for that extra adrenaline spike. I'll make sure the doors are all locked and the windows are closed first. | 1positive
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Advertising for Author's Business
I read this book as part of a technical book club at work. The concensus of the group is that there is very little useful information in it. It contains many diagrams and charts that provide little benefit other than to increase the page count. It contains mis-information concerning competing technologies such as CORBA and constantly treats SOA and Web Services as if they are interchangeable terms. Much of the information is superficial. The bright spot in the book was that the large number of nearly identical charts made reading the chapters go very quickly. Finally, the author often seems to be using the book as advertisment for his company. There are much better resources for gaining an understanding of SOA and Web Services. Don't waste you money on this one. | 0negative
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FIrst try needs work
The Kindle is a decent start on a great idea but falls short on the implimentation. I have used the Kindle daily at home and travelling ~ 50:50. With the page forward and back buttons on both sides it is very tiring to hold the kindle for long periods trying to avoid touching those buttons. Also, inadvertantly touching any of these keys seems to send the book I'm reading forwards or backwards an inditerminate number of pages. Which brings up the problem of no page numbers. I know that changing the font may cause the document to repaginate but it actually doesn't, it just changes the page size in my opinion so the total number of pages doesn't change. Really makes it very difficult to move around in a document. Which takes me to my next complaint. Importing PDF documents happens without creating a table of contents etc and that makes putting something like the laws of the game for soccer on the kindle nearly impossible to use.All in all, since I was out of town for the last week and my 30 days trial has expired and I can't return this now I will probably pass this over to my kids and let them play with the toy. Hopefully the next version will be useable because this one isn't, for me. This is my opinion and I could be wrong. | 0negative
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Bummed at Amazon hijacking my computer time after time after time...
I am so SICK of Amazon hijacking my computer time after time after time, every time I sign onto Amazon, and taking me kicking and screaming to look at Kindle! Kindle! Kindle! Electronics and Kindle! when I TRIED SO HARD to select BOOKS!! Over and over and over and over and over and over and over, and if I wanted to look at, review, shop for Kindle, I know where to find it! The truth is, since they're been trying to shove it down my throat, and I suppose every other loyal customer's throat, I'm NOT EVEN INTERESTED!! Amazon, wake up! Grow up~!!!!!!!!! Kindle is NOT why millions sign onto your web site! Quit jerking us around! Or, I'll (we'll) just find ANOTHER booksite that respects us, and doesn't try to force our hand! Now, QUIT IT! YOU HEAR?? (I tried to comment via the question/comment mechanism, and they acted like they had no idea what I was talking about. Amazon, GET A CLUE!!!!!!!!!)Dr. James Hufferd | 0negative
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ridiculous...unreadable
If you want to read every word of the Wall Street Journal in order, this is for you. If you want to browse a newspaper and read what you choose, this is unworkable. | 0negative
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Ready to take a second look at life?
Unlike The Tipping Point, which gave us terms like Influencer and Mavens, and spawned a tiresome new set of buzzwords and "influencer" marketing companies, Blink may not have that handy instantly-applicable nugget that transforms your business or spiffs up your next presentation. And yet, like everything I've read from Gladwell, it is well worth reading. Why? Because it will make you think, and if you apply its lessons, become a better, more thoughtful and aware human being. (And ok, there are a few things that might help you do better in job interviews, for example--see p. 56, for example.)As usual, Gladwell's writing strikes that perfect balance between research and analysis, anecdotes and conclusions. The scholarly backbone of the book is strong, yet the academic studies and statistics are never trotted out for their own sakes, but to contribute to the larger argument of the chapter and the book. These arguments or lessons are often deceptively simple--so simple that we may have overlooked or forgotten them (as in the introduction, about trusting one's hunches if one is an expert in a given area, or that we subconsciously judge people by their appearance, in chapter three)--but the academic studies used to prove the point are the sort of thing regular folks would never bother looking up. Some of the other lessons, however, are quite unexpected: contempt as the most damaging emotion for spouses to use on one another; doctors' tone of voice with patients being a key determining factor in whether they got sued.All in all, a well-documented, smoothly-written, and tightly-constructed book, whose lessons--from my numerous pages of notes and quotations--I will attempt to apply. The only reason I don't give it five stars is that unlike with the best works of fiction, one thorough reading is probably sufficient.) | 1positive
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Trite, Fluff. Rubbish. Written for those who cannot think logically and believe what they are told.
So far, I can't believe what fluff this book is made of....a most trite book you will come across in the bookstores today. There is so much flaw in the theories expressed in the secret that it is a daunting task to identify each and every one. My favorite part is how the author claims to know, for a fact, how Einstein and Socrates and the great thinkers of our time used to THINK. Perhaps she had a rare opportunity to interview them through a channel!! I wonder if she can tell us the secret to the Roman Empire's architecture perfection like the Pantheon........oh wait, they probably just woke up everyday thinking very very positively and poof, the Pantheon was built! And the millions upon millions who have terrible fortune in this world, yes, you got it, according to the Secret, they simply were not positive enough and did not want a good life. What a sad state our society has become when people read without thinking and without questioning, when people read and believe everything they read. | 0negative
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Great Item
Easy to use and enjoy. Lots of extra stuff. The dictionary is a big help.Basic internet for free is great. This item is worth more money than a high price desk top or lap top computer. | 1positive
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The Proper Care and Feeding of Marriage
For a Marriage to work you both need to be working together and headed in the same direction and working for the same goals. Is you don't all of the books in the world will not help a marriage. But if you work together, I think most marriages can overcome the problems, challenges, or hard times. Remember it is not greener on the other side of the fence, it is just the other side of the fence. Don't throw it all away for what you think might be there, work hard to keep and improve what you have... | 1positive
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Humorous read but....
I will say Tom Coyne got me from the jump; I was intrigued from the beginning upon referral from a friend.. I bought in, settled in, and gave the book a go.. The first couple chapters flew by, I thoroughly enjoyed the "hacker's ascent to respectability" portion of the book.. I enjoy his writing style, the self deprecating humor and everyman's take on golf..Then it all fell apart.. In my opinion, there is much more fantasy than reality in this book.. The constant failure to post legit scores combined with a GHIN lookup of Mr. Coyne made me doubt the author's recollection. But I plodded on, hoping for a dramatic finish.. It never came..In my opinion this was a golf odyssey failure turned marriage proposal; a writer moonlighting into his hobby, the end game not happening, and turning to Plan B, true love...If a better golfer wrote this, it would have been more believable that he was a +HCAP.. But then, that better golfer probably would have been an awful writer..For me, I just couldn't buy in 100% because I just don't believe Coyne posted the HCAPs he claims.. This is proven time again in his failure during public qualifying events.. | 0negative
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False advertizing.
I would love to read a neutral book on Barry Bonds, I hate cheerleader type books about players but I also hate one-sided ones as well. The only good things he really has to say about Bonds are about his baseball brain and his relationship with the famous Marge (whom he then sarcastically remarks that Bonds was only her second favorite player).The book covers a wide variety of topics, some are puzzeling. While most of the book bashes Barry Bonds is also bashes his ex-wife for being an exotic dancer. I was pretty upset to read that, I was a fan of Pearlman but I thought he had more class then that.This book came out right after (or because of) Game of Shadows. This book here actually praises Game of Shadows while bashing Bonds for illegal activities when 3 weeks after the book came out the writers of Book of Shadows are being subpeoned for illegally optaining information, guess that backfired Pearlman. In fact Game of Shadows may be taken off the shelves soon as well.The book uses many annoymous sources (there is a reference sheet in the back, most of those articles all include quotes from many unidentified sources), so its really hard to take alot of the harsh quotes that Bonds says seriously because it is heresay.The book pretty much discredits itself at the end when Pearlman proclaims that sports writers do not actually try or want to dig up dirt on people, they like to find good stories. That quote alone will have any Bonds hater rolling thier eyes at the sheer stupidity of it. Sports writing has became essectially a tabliod now. Even Skip Bayless publically admitted that most writers do that.So once again, the biggest problem is that it fails to stay on neutral ground. This would be like writing a book about Babe Ruth and only mentioning that he beat up umpires, ran into the stands to attack people, slept with hookers, drank all the time, was mean to Lou Gherig, etc.While that may be true it would also only tell one part of the story and would be a waste, just like this. | 0negative
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NO!
DO NOT BUY A KINDLE! You are accepting the absolute downfall of civilization if you buy a kindle, and I am being completely serious when I say this. Oh, children? Why have children when you can just have a robot? Yeah, they are just so much more convienient!Think of the value of going to a library and picking out a book or two, enjoying the silence of peers who are also enjoying the quest. Smelling the crisp smell of the pages as you turn, holding the novel in your hands. Feeling accomplished as you find just the research you need, or feeling a connection to an author or reader who you have never met.It may appear just a simple electronic device, but I believe with the growing popularity of this device, soon there will be no more books; no more libraries. In Indiana, there is a few towns where libraries were completely emptied out in place of kindles. Would you want to live in that kind of world? Say a computer or kidnle fails, gets some water on it. All imagination and thinking are gone.I am a rational fifteen year old girl from Boston, and I am astounded that we as a society would forgoe core values and connections between people for a nonmeaningless piece of plastic. Only people like me and you can prevent our world from heading into an Armaggedon. Do not become a spiritual tramp. | 0negative
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A great read for anyone into music business
This book isn't just about Jerry Heller and NWA. The whole book talks about the good side and the bad side of music as well as trying to make it as a business. Regardless of how you may think about Jerry when it comes to NWA, the undertone of the content behind the title is about how the business worked in the 60s and 70s.You probably wouldn't know that Heller's clients included people such as Marvin Gaye, Elton John, Ike & Tina and so on. Heller is not just someone who came out of no where, he probably was responsible for bringing some of the USA's favorite acts.I enjoyed the amusing stories of Jerry and Miami Mike sitting at the table with David Bowie, Eric Wright snatching the ticket book away from the meter maid, Jerry being tricked into learning the top 100 billboard before going to a job interview when it wasn't necessary, Eric and Dre sharing a groupie while asking Jerry to look over the royalty statements, Jerry yelling out the window to his competitor across the street from his office.It really has a great insight into the business world and I would encourage anyone to pick it up if you are wanting to learn more about a history of music. So, go get it! | 1positive
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Amazing
THE BEST BOOK EVERIt is amazing truly amazing, great, creative, different,and so much more that words can't even describe how great this book and this series is | 1positive
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BEWARE
I had high hopes for this book. I have read many hsitorical romances and I have read Ms. Coulters FBI series. I assumed that I would love this book and would be running out to buy all her historical romances. Well you know what happens when you ASSUME.This book was awful. The charaters were not inviting, the story was too drawn out and the cat racing. What was up with that!?!? I should have stopped right there. I think the characters had potential but the dialog was so convoluted you simply didn't care. As for the mystery, it started more than half way into the book. By the time I got to it I just wanted the pain to stop so I read the last two chapters and put the book away.I will not be reading any more of her historical romances but I will keep up with the FBI series which also has its faults but it is much more enjoyable. | 0negative
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Writers abilities
After reading Mistral Kiss, along with several of Ms Hamilton's books, I want to say that I'm disappointed with her writing style. I love to read all styles of literature, the classics, historical romance, science fantasy, science fiction, young adult, horror, vampire, lycan, just to name a few.I judge a book by how stimulating it is, how it takes me into the story and lets me become apart of the story. Then the creativity of the writer is a large part of keeping the story line going. Another reason for picking up a book and reading it is that the reader becomes the invisible person who learns to love the character, becomes obsessed with main character, living their ups and downs just like they are right there with them. When I say invisible person I mean that I feel that I'm standing right there along side the character, with a fertile imagination I'm able to become apart of the world the author is working so hard to create.I judge most books by the classics and the ones that I judge most Paranormal romances/paranormal fiction books by is Bram Stokers Dracula. They should follow the outline of Bram Stoker's book to a T; it has everything that a story needs. Love, loss, suffering, release from a curse started centuries ago, a story line that flows along all the lines that most books try to follow in this time and era. One of the authors that are able to do just this is the infallible paranormal fiction writer Anne Rice, along with Anne Bishop just to name a few.Many readers, along with me have come to realize that sometimes real life will invade into the author's books. Sometimes causing them to beat and ostracize one character more than the others. Or the main objective of the story begins to follow the author's life more and more. It has been known that some authors want their readers to know just what they do in real life by putting it into their books.Ms. Hamilton, all of your Anita Blake books up to Cerulean Sins were excellent reading. They led the reader down avenues where most have never gone. You enticed them with the beautiful men, and the exciting stories, along with a growing need to know all about each and every character. Merry Gentry series just led them down the garden path without anything to hold them. Then you stopped the character growth and changed your writing style from paranormal romance/fiction, to paranormal erotica.I do not think that your readers hate your stories, as they just do not like where they are going. All authors have to take themselves out of their comfort zone to help enrich the story. Some have even taken to writing their main characters in as the person on the wrong side of the law. Taking them through the process of finding out where they went wrong and bringing them back just enough that when needed they are there to help, sometimes even giving their lives for the cause. Your stories do not stimulate the mind anymore; they are just there as if waiting for you to add the meat and potatoes to the sides. Your stories used to flow and made it easy for the readers to fall into the story, but now they bump and grind, move like gunk in a clogged up pipe. When you finally think the story is moving along it grinds to a halt.I really miss your stories; I will keep checking your books to see if and when your old writing style comes back, right now I think it is on hiatus. So until then I will just be a passing judge waiting for the rewrite on most of your books. | 0negative
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Confused
I don't quite understand why this book is so well-received. Perhaps there is a flaw in my education or experience, but I found it dull. And dull in a gloomy, hammer-to-the-head sense. Apologies to all those who loved it... | 0negative
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if i liked it when i was sixteen, you can too!
Read it, no matter what, no matter if you have to read a page a day for two years, get into it and you won't be able to put it down and then you'll think, that reviewer was right I love this book. It was the best book that I read in my junior year, it wasn't required reading, BUT IT SHOULD BE! And Miss Havisham and Estella! After reading about the endless virtues of Lucy Manette in a Tale of Two Cities, I found those two very refreshing and intriguing and completely unexpected. Read the book, love the book, accept the book and all of its truths, and then name your cat Pip. | 1positive
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BOOOOORing
You know that somethings's wrong when you reach a sex scene and say, "OK, this is a nice, dull place to put down the book for a while."Like so many other readers, I loved the early Anita Blake books. After "Narcissus in Chains", I stopped buying them. After "Danse Macabre", I might even stop reading library copies. Laurell Hamilton is free to write whatever she wants, but her temper tantrums at readers who don't like the direction she's taken have just become childish and ridiculous. I had to laugh out loud at the scene with Ronnie at the beginning of the book. It was an obvious slap at readers who don't care for the direction the series has taken. Everyone who doesn't like it is just jealous that Anita has turned into a whiney, promiscuous little slut. The promiscuity isn't the problem as much as the whining, lack of plot, and plain old boring writing.As other reviewers have commented: No plot, boring sex. If you must read it, get a copy from the library. | 0negative
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All's fair in love and "Vanity"
Greed, gold-digging and deception sit at the heart of "Vanity Fair." It's no joke that it's subtitled "a novel without a hero" -- William Makepeace Thackeray mercilessly skewered the pretentions and flaws of the upper class all throughout it. The result is a gloriously witty social satire.It opens with two young women departing from a ladies' academy: dull, sweet Amelia (rich) and fiery sharp-witted Rebecca (poor). Becky Sharp is a relentless social climber, and her first effort to rise "above her station" is by trying to get Amelia's brother to marry her -- an effort thwarted by Amelia's fiancee. So instead she gets married to another family's second son, Rawdon Crawley.Unfortunately, both young couples quickly get disinherited and George is killed. But Becky is determined to live the good life she has worked and married for -- she obtains jewels and money from admiring gentlemen, disrupting her marriage. But a little thing like a tarnished reputation isn't enough to keep Becky down..."Vanity Fair" is actually a lot more complex than that, with dozens of little subplots and complicated character relationships. Reading it a few times is necessary to really absorb all of it, since it is not just a look at the two women in the middle of the book, but at the upper (and sometimes lower) social strata of the nineteenth century.The main flaw of the book is perhaps that it sprawls too much -- there's always a lot of stuff going on, not to mention a huge cast of characters, and Thackeray sometimes drops the ball when it comes to the supporting characters and their little plots. It takes a lot of patience to absorb all of this. However... it's worth it.Like most nineteenth-century writers, Thackeray had a very dense, formal writing style -- but once you get used to it, his writing becomes insanely funny. Witticisms and quips litter the pages, even if you don't pick them all up at once. At first Thackeray seems incredibly cynical (Becky's little schemes almost always pay off), but taken as a social satire, it's easier to understand why he was so cynical about the society of the time.Becky Sharp is the quintessential anti-heroine -- she's very greedy and cold, yet she's also so smart and determined that it's hard not to have a grudging liking for her. Certainly life hasn't been fair for her. Next to Becky, a goody-goody character like Amelia is pretty boring, and even the unsubtle George can't measure up to Becky.To sum up "Vanity Fair": think a period soap opera with a heavy dose of social commentary. In other words, it doesn't get much better than this, Thackeray's masterpiece. | 1positive
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Book Lover's Review
I love my Kindle! I purchased it prior to a long road trip, and it saved me from taking my normal 10 paperback books along. I have a home library that is overflowing from book shelves onto the floor, and packed into banker boxes stacked in the corner, as I reread my books and hate to give any up. This will help my storage problems, and allow me to keep reading new books. Learning to use it was quick and easy. The screen is easy to read indoors or outside. I could read my kindle in remote areas that had no cell phone service, so stocked up in areas that did without any problem. Being able to find a word definition without getting up is helpful! The Kindle bookstore has a good selection of fantasy, science fiction, and mystery. Check the kindle store to see if it has your favorite authors, then order a Kindle before you buy your next book! | 1positive
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Why read this book?
Johnnie Mac muses in print on why he even wanted to write this book, and figures it's largely because he wants to keep out there, loves the attention. Could be; it certainly wasn't to bare his breast and tell all he could be telling.This is not to say he doesn't try to be honest. Mac is refreshingly frank about his tantrums, the emotional triggers which set them off, his crushing fear of failure, his feelings after a mood hits. No doubt Mac was able to win a lot of matches by tapping into his emotions, but he lost more than a few by letting them get out of control. One can feel McEnroe's pain and sense of loss after blowing a couple of chances he'd never get again, losses mostly his own fault.Beyond that, you get almost a match-by-match history of Mac's rise and fall in tennis, starting when he's playing at his parents' club, some of which can get tedious. This kind of thing could have been left for an appendix. People naturally want to read about the Wimbledon battles with Borg, or the struggles with Connors, but not every match rises to this level. Also, he occasionally will have trouble giving credit where due; some of his excuses for losing matches are pitiful or laughable.What you don't get would be far more interesting. His problematic relationship with Tatum - and her problematic relationship with drugs - is touched on all-too-lightly, considering this first pushed his career into limbo and then into its decline; the parties with Gerulaitis and later Borg are mentioned so obliquely that if you didn't know what they were doing you'd never guess it from this book; and more information on the difference between commenting on a game and playing in it would have been welcome. Even a chapter on his art gallery project would have been better than the couple of lines he writes.John McEnroe may at times have been a colossal and self-centered jerk, but he was also one of the greatest tennis players ever to have lived, a magnificent athlete when one could still compete internationally without having to transform oneself into a machine or a freak. His was an exciting and honest game. There have been bad boys before and since; his talent made him a standout. McEnroe haters will ascribe some blame to him for the decline of civility or decency in sports in general; perhaps. But if the spectators really wanted it any differently they would vote with their dollars. McEnroe was an American original, encompassing both the good and the bad.The book is worth reading as light gossip about Peter Fleming, Farah and Ryan O'Neal, Borg, and Connors (a presence Mac can't seem to grok or figure out or get over), and of course there is the tennis. But Mac's full story has yet to be told. | 1positive
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Much better designed than I expected..I love it
I was one of those that loved the Kindle concept but was concerned about the reported design flaws given the price of the product. However, the $100 off CHASE deal brought it closer to my "price range" (I had a target price of $200 in mind) and made it hard to resist. I figured that if the design issues were too cumbersome, I'd have 30 days to return.Well, I have to admit, I'm hooked. The past few years, my eyesight hasn't been what it was...although sometimes I can read without reading glasses, sometimes I can't..depending upon the book's typesetting and lighting. The strain on my eyes is noticeably increased and reading tires me out. With the Kindle , I find myself reading like I used to without strain (and its still set at the default font size of 3!). Its no surprise that many report buying MORE books after purchasing a Kindle.Rather than repeat what others have said, I'll just provide my personal take on some of the concerns others have mentioned:THE PAGE BUTTONS: I read in all sorts of positions and now that I'm used to it, actually think the button placement/design makes sense. I'm a fast reader and turning pages needs to be a smooth motion without reaching. When I read with one hand, I like the NEXT PAGE on the left. When I read with two, I like the NEXT PAGE on the right. (I hold it below the scroll wheel but actually keep my thumb on the scroll bar just to the left of the NEXT PAGE key so changing pages is just a flick of the thumb)I saw the Sony Reader and it only has small circular buttons on the right (do they have a left handed model)? Anyway, with the Kindle, I can easily turn the pages without shifting my hand..no matter how I hold it. My guess is if they changed the design, many will be disgruntled about the new placement as well. So I see the placement of the buttons as well-thought out as it is more accommodating to a variety of preferences.Do I sometimes accidentally press the buttons? Yes, unfortunately that does happen quite a bit..typically when I am first getting settled into reading or get interrupted and have to put the book down for a second. But once I am settled into book, I like where the buttons as I can turn the pages with the flick of a finger (easier than a real book!).So I am one person who would love to see the buttons stay where they are; however, one suggestion might be a "hold" button that I could press easily with a finger when I have to stop what I am doing for a brief second (common on the train or when someone in my family interrupts me) as that's when I tend to accidentally flip pages. It would also be helpful when someone wants to hold my Kindle to see what its like. (Note: As others have mentioned, I put the unit in sleep mode when not reading).THE SOFTWARE INTERFACE: I would rate the software as good but basic...nothing amazing. It does what it needs to. I can't see keeping hundreds of files as some do without more ability to organize (e.g. suggested folders). Likewise, I still find it easier to browse for new books and read reviews on the computer, so I still do my browsing here at amazon.com and then download a sample to my Kindle when I think its something I am interested in. When I am ready for a new book, I read the sample on my Kindle and then buy if its something I want to keep reading (Note to self: Remember to check the price when buying as they do change).I think there are clearly software improvements that can be made and this is where the product clearly acts like a "first version". Hopefully, Amazon will work on this and we'll see upgrades pushed through Whispernet.THE COVER: After reading all of the complaints, I almost purchased one with the unit. After all, I didn't risk having the unit fall out of the cover. When I first saw the cover, I thought "Oh my, this really is terrible". But then I placed my unit in, lifting the back tab to make sure it hooked like it was supposed to and bringing the elastic around the bottom right corner like others suggested...AND MY UNIT SEEMS QUITE SECURE with no velcro! (Knock on wood). I am happy with the standard cover for now. You may not be but I would recommend holding off until your Kindle arrives to see if you want another cover (and also what type of design will work best for you).LIGHT: I like to read in bed...so I was one who said I would never buy an eReader without a backlight option (yeah, I know the current technology doesn't support). That being said, I bought the Mighty Bright one recommended by others and its much better than the clip-on lights I've used in the past...works fine, clips onto the covers and is stable. Ended up not being as big an issue as I thought (Although I would still love to see someone come out with a cover that has a light feature similar to the one Sony just put out).OTHER DESIGN THINGS:- The Kindle looks much nicer than the pictures show.- I don't like the power and wireless switches on the back (and if they need to be there, would like a cut-out access on the case)..a minor peeve.- I also don't like the SD card placement and wish it were easier to swap in/out.- Currently, I use the Kindle for reading and nothing else, so really don't use the keyboard except to put it in sleep mode and go to the menu. I personally don't see the keyboard as being well designed for a lot of typing but like that its there. I definitely prefer it over a touch screen as it keeps the reading area finger print free.- A lot of my co-workers expressed interest if it were better designed for reading technical manuals. Important for a lot of gadget geeks who adopt this type of technology early. I could see the Kindle coming out with a larger unit to satisfy this audience but don't see it replacing the current size for recreational readers such as myself. Personally, I like to have hard copies of technical manuals for reference and have no desire for them to be electronic.- I just hope the unit is reliable in the long haul given the price. I do wish Amazon offered a replacement policy (like cell phones) or an extended warranty. I do take some comfort in the 1 year warranty and that Amazon seems to be very accommodating when replacing defective units.THE EBOOK INDUSTRY: Price is and will be the gating factor, even for many avid readers, until the price drops below $200. Until then, I don't see it having mass market appeal. Another major drawback is that books can't be shared unless on the same Amazon account (my friends/non-household family have often share books in the past). That being said, I understand the publisher concerns about sharing, look at the music industry. So I'm all for the current model if it will convince more authors/publishers to jump on board. (I'd say 8/10 books on my wishlist had Kindle versions). The fact that most books are $9.99 and/or below discounted hard-copy prices (having never paid full retail before) did me justify the cost of not sharing. I am hoping there is another Kindle deal so I can buy one for my mom who I often share books with.In short, I don't think the Kindle is just for early adopters. I'm the type that usually waits until the major kinks are worked out before buying. And usually reported "flaws" annoy me right away as I know they are there. Surprisingly, that wasn't the case with the Kindle (After reading so many complaints, I honestly thought there was a good chance I'd be returning mine after trying it).If you're comfortable with gadgets and love to read, then I'd highly recommend the Kindle. It really is much better designed than some of the criticism its receiving. Now that I've been using my Kindle for a week, I decided to play with the Sony demo unit at Borders (is that a bad word? I still like browsing the brick-and-mortar stores). While, its not as slim, the Kindle seems much better in the ways that matter to me...and Sony has been doing this for years. Calling this a "version 1.0" device truly understates how much thought has been put into the Kindle's design. For me it works very well and the Kindle is a device that has taken my reading experience to the next level. | 1positive
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Never a dull moment!
After being disappointed by Cook's last two novels, Shock and Seizure, I picked up Marker with some trepidation. However, my doubt soon disappeared, and I read the book well into the wee hours of the morning -- I was completely engrossed! It was nice to see Jack and Laurie back on the case, and as usual, Cook tells their story in a humorous yet suspenseful manner while delivering the completely unbelievable twist ending that leaves you saying, "Oh! Now I understand what happened on page 352!" The book offers some neat clues if you have a science background, but it in no way ruins the plot of the story.True, there are some (huge) typos and editing errors throughout the book, but it doesn't really take away from the action.Bottom line -- buy the book! -- but only if you can afford to stay up until 5 AM finishing it! | 1positive
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Best Book I Have Ever Read
This book gives incite to what was going through the minds of the highest ranking firefighters as they departed from the station right until the end. A neighbor of mine, I couldn't thank him any more for sharing his joyous story with the world. Thanks Mr. Picciotto! | 1positive
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Best invention in a long time
Excellent, fun, addicting. Perfect for poolside reading. The sun doesn't affect visablity. It's lightweight and perfect for lounging by the pool. Long battery life, easy to work with. If you don't have one and read often, it's worth every penney!!! | 1positive
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