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A very well documented book (46 pages of endnotes) on the repeated errors made by liberals on matters of national security (from Soviet spies to the Vietnam War to the War on Terrorism), and how history is ritualistically rewritten by the liberal-controlled academia and press to demonize patriotic Americans who they considered threats to their cause (J. Edgar Hoover, Joe McCarthy, Richard Nixon, Ken Starr, etc.).The only problem I had with this book was that every third sentence included some insult against liberals. Though I'm sure such comments would be considered funny by people (including myself) who agree with Ms. Coulter's premise, it often distracts the reader from an otherwise compelling argument. This book is great for the target audience, but unfortunately it won't help much to convince the legions of moderates to cast a skeptical eye on (1) broadly accepted historical accounts of the last 50 years and (2) any attempt by liberals to cast themselves as strong on national security.If you can get past the barbs, though, I would highly recommend this book. | 1positive
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This has to be one of the worst books i ever read. I have alwaysliked her Kay Scarpetta books but this was just an attempt to make money or something. How I got through it, I'll never know.If anyone wants to read it, you can have mine for nothing. | 0negative
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Morgan's fondness of his hometown is clearly evident in this book, written by a native son who basically tells a story of Fayetteville...though "Murder Along the Cape Fear" is the title, the author doesn't really make these regional crimes the focus of the book, and they take up relatively little text space in comparison to the rest of his narrative...those local to the area, or who are native North Carolinians, will find this book a light read with interesting facts about the town, its geography, demographics, the emergence of Ft. Bragg, and finally, some of the crimes that occurred there. The author tends to stray on tangents at times, "over-explaining" events that had little to do with Fayetteville, and focusing heavily on his boyhood before returning to the topic some pages later...the goal of the book, which the author claims is establishing a common thread throughout the town's history by way of murder, isn't accomplished...overall, not crime-oriented as the title may suggest, but simply a light read written in a "living room conversation" style... | 0negative
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I can't possibly give this series enough praise. Quite simply it is an easy to read primer on modern Hermetic magick in the form of top rate sequential art. Whenever I meet someone not familiar with ceremonial magick, the occult or the Kabbalah I recommend Promethea. This isn't just a pretty book that portrays magick's philosophy with great insight and a surprising level of subtlety, it really uses the medium itself to its own advantage. The scene with the pair of Promethea's walking around the moebius strip in volume 2 (I'm almost sure it's there) was awesome enough but the scene with them on the sphere in the sephiroth Tihareth (also in volume 2) blew my mind. It portrays a conversation that isn't just circular, it makes sense no matter where in the circle you decide to start reading and it makes sense whether you decide to read it clockwise or counter clockwise (I know it's hard to understand but when you see it you will see why I had so much difficulty explaining it). These as well as dozens of other examples of storytelling mastery all support the aspect of magick being explored in the specific instance by enhancing the mood or suggesting something that would be almost impossible to portray in a classical literary format. In addition to this, it almost hits that level of genius that suggests the creation of a modern myth is a real possibility.For those who gave this a bad review I should point out that it wasn't Allan's purpose to write a simple super hero book but to portray a part of his life that he finds extremely interesting and worth portraying in a format that is much too often derided for it's lack of substance. This book shows that the medium of sequential art is much more flexible than most give it credit for and can be used to bring the more abstract aspects of philosophy to life in a way that isn't possible otherwise. basically what I'm saying is that telling people this book isn't good because it wasn't what you expected is like saying the Fillet Mignon you ate was bad because you thought you were ordering meat loaf.In short, if you are looking for a book that is little more than a fun no brainer, why are you looking at an Allen Moore book in the first place? By the way this isn't a no brainer. If on the other hand you are looking for a unique work of sequential art that combines deep philosophical insight with a pop art expression and not just a small bit of occult history added to the mix you would be hard pressed to find a better example.There is nothing like this series in all of comics. I half seriously want to track down all the original issues in this series, pull out the staples and bind it in leather in a medieval style just to give it the respect it is due (no I'm not kidding, it is really that good). | 1positive
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I cannot sufficiently describe how fascinating I found this book. I bought it because I enjoy a good mystery, but it is so much more! Not only is it a fast-paced novel of suspense full of twists and turns, but it is also packed full of fascinating facts about history, art, science, and religion. Nearly every time I turned a page, I discovered a new fact that made my jaw drop. Given how surprised I was by a lot of the information in the book, I did a bit of superficial research on the web and discovered that his facts and theories are well-supported by many others, as well. I dare say I learned more interesting information from reading this novel than in any science, history, or art class I took in college ... and definitely more than I ever learned from my church.Never before has a work of fiction sparked an academic curiosity in me until "The Da Vinci Code." As a result of reading this book, I bought several resources regarding the religious history and theories researched by Dan Brown -- something I never thought I would be interested in -- and I can't wait to learn more. I have also shared this book with every member of my family, who all also loved it, including my father, who generally only reads non-fiction.If you buy only one book this year, make it this one! | 1positive
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Who wrote "Blow Fly?" Not Cornwell. She must have people writting for her and not paying any attention. I hate to think that she would have made such tremendous errors. Wish I had time to reread it and make notes, but the glaring ones are 1)they have a blind man driving 2)Why does Marino drive to New Orleans in his shape instead of flying? 3) They hear about the missing woman on the radio but none of them hear about the prison escape! | 0negative
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I am a young adult lit fan as well as vampire storylines...but I quit reading this book less than half way through, and I almost never quit a book, even if I'm not thrilled with it. I kept waiting for it to go somewhere, but it never did. I slowly realized this was a kid's book and wouldn't have the vivid storylines I was used to. Then, I started thinking about the fact that Harry Potter, technically YA lit, was full of plot.I'm not exactly sure what the hype is all about with this series, but the freshman effort left me cold and I'm not willing to give the other books my time or money. | 0negative
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�The Last Sherlock Holmes Story� weaves a tale of horror surpassed only by the historical facts behind the �Jack the Ripper� case. In an age too prone to tear down heroes, Dibdin has created a macabre narrative sure not only to disappoint but also to offend true Holmes aficionados. Approximately half way through the book the reader becomes aware that something is not quite right. The Napoleon of crime a common killer? The master detective reduced to patrolling the streets in hopes of finding the Ripper? A mysterious figure that suddenly appears then disappears, never to reappear or even be mentioned again? And finally, the shock, the revulsion, and then the anger the reader feels once Watson has viewed the killer at work on his last victim. One maintains hope until the end of this twisted story that all will be explained, that somehow the author will offer a twist ending that will both satisfy and please the reader. Dibdin does neither. | 0negative
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Boring for the adult, utterly inaccesible to the young reader.Note that this book was written in 1807. If your goal is to expand your child's vocabulary, especially in the direction of archaisms, this might be a useful study text. If your goal is to teach your child to love literature and theatre, this could deal a ... blow to the effort. | 0negative
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This book was a real disappointment. The characters are one-dimensional, the "mystery" obvious, and the relationships unbelieveable. Our detective and his lover wax hot and cold on each other for no discernible reason, many characters (notably the family with the Down's Syndrome child) appear to have no relationship to the plot, and the immediate adversary relationship between the hero and his employers makes no sense. I was expecting something that would do for Alaska what Tony Hillerman has done for the Southwest, but our 50th state really got a bum rap! | 0negative
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Johnny is the main character of this story. He is living a great life when it all turns around for him. It goes from bad to worse. This book has tons of excitement. Just when you think things might get better they turn on him. He then becomes a deliverer for the Boston Observer. There he begins his new life and forms an opinion of his own about whether to remain loyal to King George the third, or become a Patriot.I think that this book is good altogether. It is exciting and keeps you on your toes. | 1positive
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I picked up this book because I had read "The Names of the Dead" and found it a very affecting work about the Viet Nam war, a topic of too few good novels. This one is just not up to the same standard. Karla Faye Tucker meets Stephen King... it's like the TV movies that come out within a week of some sensational tabloid crime. I was not lead to care very much about Marjorie, or anyone else in this book. Nor was I lead to understand her. If, as she says, she accepted Jesus into her life, I am hard put to see how. This book is a gripping page-turner, but definitely "summer reading". If you really wanted to see into the life and heart of a killer, read Norman Mailer's "The Executioner's Song" about Gary Gilmore, and then read the devastating "Shot in the Heart" by Gary's brother Mikal. | 0negative
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Our community theatre group will be performing the play based on this book soon, so I decided to download it to my Kindle and read it ahead of time. Hurricane Irene happened to come through and knocked my power out, so I ended up reading the last 40% of the book or so by candlelight, which was awesome!Great book, great ending -- thoroughly enjoyed it. Should make for an EXCELLENT theatrical production!! | 1positive
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There are a lot of books out there that talk about child development and what to expect for new parents. This book really does not give you any specific things to look out for. Basically it is written like a self help book with not much in the way of guidance. For child development get the book called "Baby Steps" by Claire B Kopp, PHD. In addition, the stuff in this book is made into an applicable 5 step process for calming your baby in the DVD and book called " the happiest baby on the block".The Dr. Spock books dont go into depth in any one area. I suggest finding specific topic books on the areas of interest to you. A lot of things in this book are things that once I had the baby did nothing for me. In addition, when you leave the hospital , the nurses and pediatrician seeing your child at the hospital go over this with you prior to being discharged.Don't waste your money on this book. | 0negative
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William Least-Heat Moon, in an extraordinary first published book, reveals a journey taken far away from the "interstates" of the human experience. In the near-forgotten places and continental corners he passes through, life manages to persist in ways that it does not in the change-racked "fast lane" so many of us are swept into. Nearly two decades have passed and the book is no less relevant in what it says about modernity: In the chain-store franchise 90s, places increasingly appear like every other place, and local color and richness fades--or is bulldozed--into history.Artistically, BLUE HIGHWAYS is a feast. Least-Heat Moon's poetic descriptions of landscape and mindscape are equalled only by his marvelous ability to capture the varied dialects of America. When reading some of the language aloud, I actually succeeded in sounding like a Texan or coast fisherman . . . much more so than if I had ever made the attempt on my own.Like any good travelogue, BLUE HIGHWAYS endures, not only for the above reasons, but also for the honest look the author takes at himself and where his life is going--universal questions. And though there are no universal answers, I think this journey deserves the large audience that has embraced it and, by so doing, perhaps have asked themselves the same questions. | 1positive
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This book is not what I expected. It's more like a written scavenger hunt with clues. I wish it had some pictures to show the different types of hidden mickeys. | 0negative
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I remain firm that Talisman (prequel to this book) can and actually does stand on it's own. But Black House would be a dismal failure without the Talisman.I began this tale and immediately realized I had to read the Talisman first to get the most out of this book.There is one saving grace (actually two) for this book and if you are reading instead of listening, I honestly would chuck the written version and grab the unabridged audio. Frank Muller is a GENIUS - pure and simple. His character's voices are clear and distinct. Muller is what makes this book. Period.I had hoped that the black house was somehow tied to the black hotel in the Talisman, but alas, no. The second saving grace -- the times when we do get to return to the 'other world,' the Territories. Both King and Straub seem to be most comfortable there as well. | 0negative
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I was pleasantly surprised by "Little Women." It was one of the best books I have ever read. I highly recommend this book, it is one of my very favorites. It's a million times better than the movie! I loved how Louisa included so much about "Pilgrim's Progress." Throughout the book I found countless truths and beauties that I shall always remember. Loved it! :) | 1positive
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I have bought 2 books before this ("Professional ASP 2.0" and "Instant ASP Scripts"). It was very difficult to understand - what's going on. When all my friends recommended me this book - I was surprized - how easy it is to understand. It is very difficult not to understand - what's going on, when you reed this book. I think - it's a great work! My friends and I strongly recommend it! | 1positive
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I can honestly say that I rarely read any books. Being made aware of it through my 2nd Platoon Buddies from "B" Co. 2/502 Inf, 101st ABN. Div., it immediately got my undivided attention , because it was listed as "non-fiction". -- THAT WAS LIE #1. This book is just packed with 1/2 truths, innuendos, lies, & egotistical exaggerations, that IT COULD ONLY HAVE BEEN WRITTEN BY A person we would always refer to as a "R.E.M.F."These characters usually secured a job in the rear area, listening to(& collecting) stories from THE REAL GRUNTS IN THE BOONIES, inserting themselves into stories years later, as if no one would ever be living to notice the LIES.Well, mr."Rambo wanabe" manny garcia, MANY OF US ARE STILL ALIVE & here to tell those who read your phony stories, in a book they THOUGHT was "NON-FICTION" , "THEY WERE DUPED" !One TRUTH , in your book, however, did point out that MANY , MANY, times we were far from up to full manpower strength. We DID HAVE TO combine platoons to get (close to) full manpower. In fact, on one occassion, one trooper you refer to as "Jay" Wunder( real name, Ray Wunder),from the 3rd Plt. was with our 2nd Platoon, when "The gooks in the wells" incident occured & Jimmy D. Hale (2nd Plt.) & 3rd Plt. Ray Wunder's name & the story was documented in our own "Screaming Eagle" Magazine. Many of us have this copy, & believe it or not mr. garcia, I have almost every ORIGINAL copy of every (S.E. Mag.)issue for the entire time The 101st ABN.Div. was in V.N.--- Thanks to a considerate, "REAL" 101st WW II HERO , Fred Patheiger, (now dec'd.). Well, isn't it amazing, with all of your "single-handed" attacks & heroic actions, -- I couldn't find your name written about -- EVEN ONCE!!I only wish there were some legal action we ( REAL "B" Co. 2/502 V.N.Vets from 67'-68') could take against you calling this book "non-fiction",but you, "stating that" you are a lawyer, I'm sure you've done some of your "SLEAZY LAWYER CHECKING"& have that "covered".We, from the 2nd Platoon, will be passing your book of trash, to each other, so don't expect very much $$$ from us !Hoping to meet you someday, mr. garcia,( ALONG WITH THOSE REAL HROES FROM "YOUR" 3rd Plt.)Paul "JOE" Penkala[...] | 0negative
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I love all of Nora's books and this was no exception! The only bad part about finishing this book was that it was the last in Quinn Trilogy. It was a very emotional and real story. It made me laugh and cry. I hope to see more books in the future that are about some of the younger children that were in these stories. I would hate to never have the Quinns appear again in my life. I will definately read these again and again! | 1positive
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Ann Coulter is a totalitarian fascist, and would like to remake the world in her own image. If such a world came to be, everyone would look and think like Ann Coulter, and it would of course be an ugly, despicable place. No liberal artists, scientists and philosophers would be found anywhere, not even in the pages of history. Culture would resemble a sick, dying worm. Words such as "progress" and "the advancement of knowledge" would be meaningless. But, strangely enough, there would be happiness! You see, all of the Ann Coulters would eventually find something to hate, and that would make them all quite happy indeed. | 0negative
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As a diehard fan of Linda Howard, I was disappointed with this hybrid of mainstream suspense and romance novel. It doesn't succeed on either level. There is no payoff for the suspense--we hear of the resolution second-hand--just an emotional bathos that far exceeds the excesses of most romance novels and therefore fails to satisfy in that area as well. Nothing kills a good romance like a long, drawn-out tragedy, and even Ms. Howard can't save this one. This is a Sufferin' Oprah book club selection minus the literary content. If you must read Linda Howard, as many of us must, wait for the paperback. | 0negative
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This book was a very disappointing purchase. The book was received promptly and in very good condition for a used book, however, the description did not mention that it was a book club edtion and without a jacket. | 0negative
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I wonder why people love this book so much. I found it too silly and dull even for chick-lit standards. Witty dialogue is just stupid, characters are sterotypes or underdeveloped or uninteresting and the book is way too long. It needs serious editing - the art of everyday detail should be left to more skilled writers. | 0negative
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The book was typical of Sparks' style, and I was fortunate to listen to it on tape. The descriptions of love and bliss made me grin unconsciously and I thought about it often. Until earlier today. I couldn't finish the final disc after it became known of the horrible ending Sparks left us with. The other problems the couple dealt with was enough for one book, the ending was not necessary. Granted I could not finish it...but I would have much preferred something less dismal for the ending. I'm going to pretend the two lived a happy life with Claire and Jeremy got the life he clearly deserved. | 0negative
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I wish I had read these books before. They are great. I will read these again. Haven't seen the movies, | 1positive
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When I was a child, I remember watching the cartoon version of "The Hobbit" and loving every second of it. I was suprised at how well the story was rounded, even though it had been translated into a cartoon. I had no idea, however, that the real magic of the story is told in the pages of Tolkien's masterpiece. When it was first published in 1937, the publisher and Tolkien had no idea that it would blossom and grow as it has (few authors think that their books will do as well as Tolkien's, and can only hope for the high mark which Mr. Tolkien has achieved.) Now, 62 years later, we find that it is perhaps THE most beloved book of the century.The well rounded plot and interesting, dynamic characters make "The Hobbit" the finist book in it's genre. Many other authors have tried to emulate Tolkien's masterful performance, but have all fallen utterly short of the high mark which Tolkien sites at. In my book, J.R.R. Tolkien will be one of the greatest authors in fantasy, and his wonderful and enchanting works will never lose their literary quality or magic. | 1positive
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I have recently reviewed The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring and can only reiterate: Rob Inglis is the perfect narrator for J.R.R. Tolkien works. Rob Inglis stye is perfectly suited to this genre, he does credit to the wonderful and unforgettable work of Tolkien. | 1positive
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The only reason it has one star is beacuse I am technologically incapable of giving it zero stars. I hate this book with every fibre of my being. | 0negative
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I am always amazed at Lewis's imagination. He ties in his fantastic stories with deep spiritual principles and somehow manages to increase my understanding and greatly broaden my vision of eternity. | 1positive
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This is one of my favorite books of all time. i was excited to read it on Kindle. However I was overly dissapointed to see the Kindle price. Deseret Book just doesn't seem to get it. $19.95 is too much for a ebook. Especially when the paperback is a quarter of the price.I recommend the book, not the publisher. | 0negative
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I LOVED this book!I saw it in the bookstore in a section of books related to "The Secret" and went home and ordered it from here.I read it in a few days and thoroughly enjoyed every page.An enjoyable novel that also teaches us the importance of following our dreams instead of suppressing them and doing what seems "right" or "responsible". | 1positive
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I had to stop reading this because the editing was so poor. It was evident that a previous manuscript was sent through a scanner and the results were sent to print without review. At page 13 I had already caught 4 errors. Terrible. Find any other copy than the 2009 Wilder edition. | 0negative
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Great book, I never thought the war was like that. We are lucky we even won that war with what the people had. | 1positive
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I have read the whole series...in a week and its really good. I own the series. Really good and worth the time. REAd aTleast the first one if you want to read one of them. The first one isnt the best though. I enjoyed number 2, into the cold. | 1positive
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Can you read a book and never smoke another cig again? I did, and so have countless others. This book helped me understand a lot of things and although I only smoked occasionally now I don't and I never will again. | 1positive
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I loved this book. Initially, it was given to me in 1983 after the loss of my son to help me deal with my grief. I think it is just a wonderful book and I like to share it with others after their loss. It is a simple story about a butterfly. | 1positive
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This book is not only poorly written, but annoying as well. Weak plot, poor character development, and a portrayal of runners as self-obsessed egomaniacs results in a book of marginal quality. "Runners World" is more inspiring, uplifting, interesting, and better written than this book. The author should stick to running or writing non-fiction. | 0negative
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Read it in high school fifty some years ago, and now it's easier to read and buy, on amazon.com's bookstore. | 1positive
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The book's flaws have been fairly well documented by previous reviewers; I have little to add, other than my assent to the conclusion that the book is so poorly argued, and so insistent in the use of arguments and evidence whose inadequacies the authors must surely have been aware of, that it cannot be interpreted as a case of well-intentioned stupidity; it is, rather, an attempt to intentionally mislead any schoolchild unfortunate enough to be exposed to it. For this, Davis and Kenyon should be ashamed of themselves.Of course, as the November 10 reviewer ("Dr. Ransom") notes, we should "think for ourselves." But the operative word, let's note, is *think*. Thinking for yourself does not mean believing everything you read; it does mean giving every position a fair hearing -- and the majority of those who are giving this book one or two stars appear to have done that. (The question to ask is: what are you supposed to do when you find a poorly argued work? Apparently merely pointing out that it is poorly argued gets you labeled as "foaming at the mouth.")Contrary to Dr. Ransom's entirely unsubstantiated claims, supporters of evolution do not have to "preach" it or suppress challenges to it in order to maintain their position. (These "dogmatic" methods are how religious claims are maintained, not scientific ones.) To criticize a book is not to avoid thinking for yourself; indeed, if the book really is bad (as this one is) and the criticism is reasonable, then such criticism is simply the fruit of the thinking process. And being able to tell the good arguments from the weak ones is indeed precisely what good liberal education is all about. | 0negative
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Having been entertained by Rutherford's THE FOREST, I hoped for a similar page-turning saga in this work about Ireland. Some 350 dreadful pages later, I had to put the book down -- one of the few works in years I haven't been able to finish. Boring, tedious, and not worth the effort. | 0negative
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I have tried three times to read this book............I found this book very boring. Ok, the Moosehead got a little chuckle, but that is as far as it goes. I can not figure out what all the hype is about. I know there are better books out there to read with my time. Don't waste yours. | 0negative
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The first thing that you will need to know about the author, if indeed personal perspectives are important, is that, unless the situation in which he finds himself is self-laudatory, he becomes....boorish. His work is no doubt ground breaking, but he leaves out so much of the ceramic history of Georgia because it would take too much effort to really uncover the truth. For example, one will see much that he has to offer for those potteries that existed above the fault line in Georgia. But, he fails to recognize equally important potteries in South Georgia. Try to find any relevant information about Lanier County, or the area around Lumpkin. Or, more damning, try to find any relevant information in this book about Washington County, probably the earliest pottery center in Georgia. Yes, Burrison does give WACO a passing notice; however, he skims details with the proviso that "more studies need to be done". Instead, Burrison rides the coattails of his protege', Lanier Meaders, who is indeed a worthy beast of burden, and very popular right now with the collector set. Still, the holes in his research are ragged, and we are expected to accept this with the admonition that more will come, later. I believe that as a researcher, Burrison relies on the obvious; that he used his assistants to provide details, and that, in general, as someone who promotes himself to be the primary source of expertise concerning Georgia pottery, he is "not authentic". And so, if you would like what seems to be a well-researched examination of Georgia pottery, but in fact is just a biased snapshot of it, then buy this book. In the meantime, the hope is that someone will take up the fallen mantel of Burrison's book and reveal a complete picture of a fascinating subject. | 0negative
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This book is written by a Harvard lawyer about his experiences as a young man aboard a sailing ship in the 1830's. It is a fascinating piece of California history as well as a firsthand look at the life of a sailor in the early 1800's. It is extremely well written and includes a final dissertation about the powers of the captain and the rights of the common sailor. | 1positive
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I was just looking for something light and entertaining to read. The story isn't bad but the writing is painful. The heroine is supposed to be twenty something but she talks and acts like she's thirteen. It was so painful I had to force myself to finish it. It was like Twilight all over. If you like Twilight or 50 Shades of Grey then you might like like the writing in this book. I feel dumber having read it. | 0negative
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The very best part is when Ozma is returned to her rightful shape. If you like this book (which I'm sure you will) you will also love the other Oz books! | 1positive
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Book is extremely well organized and easy to follow. Color photos and alternate color suggestions are helpful in selecting personal color choices.The small print and four column format on each page is somewhat distracting and a different format might alleviate this situation. | 1positive
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Maximum of 1,000 words? About this book?He is angry. He has been angry for years.I can't take him seriously.This book is the evidence that he could be the next person to walk into a fast food joint and open up with a, oh, wait, he is far to liberal to use a gun. | 0negative
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This is one of the worst books on back pain I have ever read. This guy has no medical knowledge which becomes clear in the first chapter yet he poo poo's the whole medical profession . Basically he is saying that all the medical science and study over the years have done nothing to advance the care for back pain . Yet he has no background or basis toake this claim. And the gist of his book is that it's all in your head, so just evaluate your thoughts and change your thinking and your back pain will disappear. While this may help for some and I do believe in the power of the mind, it is ludicrous to throw out the notion that real injury and pathology lead to pain . And that the solution may be physical and mechanical. This author just loses his credibility with me by dismissing all ideas but his own. Not toe room it is poorly written. | 0negative
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Stephanie Laurens has based her Bar Cynster novels on the premise that even a man who doesn't particularly want to get married will be happily resigned to his fate once he meets his soul mate (even if she isn't resigned at all!).That premise has served her better in some of the Cynster series than others. It's a comforting premise, that we all have a soul mate out there, but adhering to that plot occasionally causes Laurens to churn out somewhat identical stories. The best of the Cynster series retain enough of this "soul mate" premise to be comforting, but also manage to be original and fresh.Thankfully, "The Promise in a Kiss" now joins "A Secret Love" and "Devil's Bride" on my list of "Best of Cynster."Sebastian is pure Cynster, and as Cynster fans all know, even the most boring of Cynster men are pretty ideal. Helena is a wonderful match for him, strong-willed and feisty. In addition, we are given good justification, both for Helena's strong-willed nature and for her resistance to Sebastian's protectiveness. The misunderstandings between them have good basis, and the resolution of those misunderstandings is reasonable and understandable.My only (small) quibble is that, because the "villain" is off-screen (so to say) most of the book, his villainous nature doesn't exactly loom over the book.This is a welcome addition to the Cynster series -- Laurens at her best. Enjoy! | 1positive
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I bought my first copy when my first son was 8 months old. Of course the pages didn't last long. I kept looking for another one but to no avail! Nine years later I was able to find another copy for my second son!! This book is a must have for any baby! Great gift too!!! | 1positive
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Wow is this book boring. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen was PAINFUL to read.PAINFUL!!!!!The book is filled with rich people being super proper. Oh my goodness it was bad.Although a little more than halfway through the book, I did start to enjoy it. Mainly because they stopped being so stuffy and started being a little more real.There were a bunch of funny, underhanded proper comments, similar to something like "Why, doesn't she look pretty today?" but really meaning that she's super ugly and happens to have made herself look good for this moment.The overall story line: Daughters find people to become their husbands.Done.I just couldn't handle it.But it's a classic and I already know some of you are going to agree with me while others are like shouting at the screen in frustration at my review.So tell me your thoughts on Pride and Prejudice!Thanks for reading,Rebecca @ Love at First Book | 0negative
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Love this book - very accessible and VERY helpful. I am buying it for a young court reporter with whom I work. I know it will help her.I find it amusing that the product description on the Amazon page claims that this book will "do more than ass words to your vocabulary." Along with recommending this book, I also recommend, as a general rule of thumb, carefully proofreading a written description of anything with the word "vocabulary" in the title. | 1positive
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If it weren't for the gratuitous sex, this book would have no basis whatsoever in paranormal romance. It is fantasy, pure and simple, right down to the elfin creatures on a quest for a treasure.In fact, that quest took up a massive part of the story, and it was really, REALLY boring. The world Kresley Cole has created is overrun with so many creatures there's a long and detailed glossary you need to study up on before you can even tackle this book with any decent comprehension. The book is overcrowded, and it would have been much better without most of these erroneous characters.But I could overlook all of that if the characters were likeable. The thing is, they spend this entire book trying to kill each other. And NOBODY - not one of them - feels any remorse, not when they've maimed friends, not when they know they might have to harm those who are doing no wrong.The concept of supernatural creatures finding their predestined mate can be done well, can be fascinating. Here, it wasn't. Why? Because we have to believe the leading couple would have loved each other even without the `mating'. Here that simply was not the case. There was so much running away from the relationship, and so much sitting around talking about why the relationship would or wouldn't work, that I was having a hard time caring if the main couple EVER got together.Kaderin has no redeeming qualities. None. Well, apart from the fact she's gorgeous and perfectly-formed. But I couldn't care less if she's been devoid of emotion for a long time, she has emotion now, and she can and should be a better person. Without emotion she shouldn't have taken pleasure in cruelty and violence, but she did. She's more than happy to hurt and kill, even hurt and possibly kill Sebastian, the man she is attracted to. This doesn't really change at any point in the book. She's ruthless, violent, cold, nasty. If poor Sebastian hadn't been destined to mate with her, he would have been running the other way, as fast as he could.Sebastian I could have loved, in another book. He would make a wonderful hero for a deserving heroine. Instead he came off as quite pathetic because he was tied to the nastiest piece of work I've ever come across. Poor guy.I had a major problem with the time travel concept too. In a book about creatures such as vampires and the author's own brand of werewolf, time travel is completely out of place. For me it pushed the boundaries of Cole's world too far.The Valkyrie appear to be the heart of this series, and I wish they weren't. They're of that annoying brand of paranormal heroine. The kind who are supposed to be tough and kick-arse, and yet they're just silly and annoying little girls. Their `quirks' make them seem adolescent, and yet we are supposed to believe they are thousands of years old? Kresley Cole's women are only slightly better than Gena Showalter's insipid bimbos.I didn't mind the first book in this series and I plan to read on, but this one was a waste of time. The hero deserved a better match. | 0negative
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This classic study of the French war in Algeria from the end of World War II to eventual withdrawal in 1963 has been on many recommended reading lists for years. US military leadership has used it as a template for to do, and not to do, in Iraq and Afghanistan. The US's success in following that template, or whether it was the right one to follow, is still being debated. But Horne's book is still worth the read, as it gives an illuminating picture into how difficult winning a counterinsurgency fought over many years is. Not only is this work of history useful for those who want to study US operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, but it should also be on the reading list of anyone who advocates for the US conducting more of these kinds of operations around the world. France was permanently damaged, not only because of the lives and money lost in Algeria, but in the wound against the national psyche. Iraq and Afghanistan have done the same to the US. Who knows what would happen to Americans sense of pride and societal cohesion after many more of these wars. | 1positive
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I think these puzzles are too hard for the user interested in easier "monday" puzzles. | 0negative
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I have, and recommend, "Verbal Judo, The gentle art of persuasion". Thus I thought "Force Option" would be a follow-on or possibly an enhancement of that material. Force Option is an exercise in obscurity. Worth far less than half of its price."Persuasion" is excellent, "Force Option" is the other extreme. Thompson seems to be reverting to his background in education while giving the impression that he has little law enforcement experience. I get the impression he is attempting to re-establish his credentials in use of the English language, all the while ignoring one major point he made in the first book, and I quote; "Great, profound thinkers must communicate simply. They understand the complexities, but they must make them simple so everyone can understand."This book fails in making it "simple so everyone can understand", the exact opposite of the way "gentle art of persuasion" explains concepts. | 0negative
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Who ever said this book was not just for kids is crazy. This book isn't for kids period. It was too long, too confusing, and too boring.It was enough that he traveled to a place with tiny people and another one with giant, but the land with the talking horses was too much. Like someone is going to learn a language(spoken by horses) in less than a year,or at all. This book was Awful! | 0negative
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Product arrived on time; as agreed.Book, reprint, is excellent. One does not need to be a Freemason to read this. The lessons contained in the variouis degrees is applicable to everyone. A timeless classic. | 1positive
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Why would anyone pay more than $9.99 for a kindle book when the paperback sells for less. Give me a break! I am a voracious reader but will go to the library rather than be ripped off and I hope everyone else does the same. | 0negative
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This book tells where along the North Carolina coast that you might see listed birds and what time of year. I suuppose if you knew all the birds and there characteristics it might help you get around the areas. | 0negative
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The book is correct in almost everything it says. One problem, it is mostly obvious. Anyone with half a brain could come up with the ideas in the book.Thus, if you are not too good with tech and understanding it, then this is a great book for you 'cuz it is correct. But then, if you need the book, you probably shouldn't be in business anywhere near the decision-making level. | 0negative
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This book begins with a poem in an unidentified language that is never translated. Take this as a clue to what you're in for throughout the book. Chock full of abbreviations, acronyms, waffles and other items of geekspeak grammar, this book is possibly good reference for super technicians already familiar with the topic. For a user who is taking his first course to become familiar with the basics of computer security, however, this book might as well be in another language. After reading two bad books on this subject, I am beginning to doubt that anyone really knows much about computer security. By the way, I could make the effort to find out what language the poem is in and what it says, but as with the more technical items in this book, isn't that what I paid the author to tell me? This book is a poor value for your money. | 0negative
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Bla, bla, bla, with liberty and justice for all. Another feeble attempt to capitolize on other patriotism by a biased party sycophant, that makes a living cheering for the Republican regime. Mr. Hannity has the right ideas about what our country should stand for but this blatant display of party divisiveness is only making America split apart. Mr. Hannity has no real life experience to fall back on so he portrays factual events through statistics, off of a machine, but that's to be expected. It is part and parcel of a talk show host and they are expected to write a book to fill air time and the heads of their listeners. His book is a valient attempt to follow the principles found in Rick Biesada's book: "Angry White Male and the Horse He Rode In On." The real book that tells it like it is. A book so truthful that it has been blacked out by the main stream media, because this guy pulls no punches, something Hannity should try out on his next attempt at writing...but then...he has no life experience to relate to. Too bad! | 0negative
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I don't think I could have hated a play more than this. How on earth did it gain so much attention? It wasn't that it was dull or boring. It was more so that I just hated the way it was written. The "stage manager"? I don't get it. One rule in plays that I tend to try to follow is, show don't tell. This play was just always telling us how people felt, they never showed it. I even saw it, to give it a chance. I wanted to walk out I thought it was the worst piece of writing I had ever witnessed, but I paid good money for the ticket, so I stayed. YUCK, YUCK, YUCK! Our Town was DRECK! | 0negative
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Good story and illustration. Will definitely buy other books in the same series. My grandson loves the pirate theme. Thanks | 1positive
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I enjoyed it very much and learn alot about this disease"Leprosy" and the Island.The Hardship that people can endure in such a situation is incredible.I hope that the human race has learned from the experiences that they put these people through.but Human nature is always afraid of what it does not understand or can except. | 1positive
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Mr. Goldberg complains about his treatment at CBS, and complains and complains. He complains that the media is biased, but he does not base his books on any evidence, other than his own opinion.The weight of the evidence contradicts Mr. Goldberg's thesis that our media is slanted leftward. Because of massive consolidation over the last 20 years, over 90% of the media (print, radio, television) is controlled by a handful of companies. This is a much bigger influence on what is or is not in the media, than the individual bias of the reporters, even the "super-stars." They are, after all, employees.I would refer people to the following sources for media evaluations that are based on weighing the evidence:1. ...2. Project Censored, 2002-2003 by Peter Phillips3. Manufacture of Consent by Noam Chomsky. | 0negative
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Until this order, I have been very pleased with Amazon and your service. This time, however, was very poor. It took over a month, and at the conclusion I still had not received the correct book. I recieved a "mini" edition of the book which did not include the full book; it measured about 3"X3". When I called to explain the wrong book arrived, the 2nd time I asked to order the version I wanted over the phone in order to avoid the same mistake a 3rd time. Unable to do that I reordered the book and again recieved a "mini" book. The person I spoke to on the phone told me the description of the book I odered said it was I small book; I checked your site 3 times to insure that I was correct in saying there was NO SUCH DESCRIPTION. I there fore had to do without the book as the class I needed it for had progressed too far for me to take part, along with the other two people I was ordering for. | 0negative
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No doubt the voyage was INCREDIBLE, however the author lacked so much discription and ACTION in the writing, that I have not been able to finish the book. BORING!!! As a matter of fact, 1/3 of the way I cannot make myself pick up the book.What a disappointment considering the expedition being such an experience of overcoming odds. | 0negative
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This was my third time to read this classic 19th century romance novel; as always, it was a delightful read. The witty banter, passion, and humor are expertly woven together to produce a story that is not only interesting, but riddled with new, interesting words and facts (this was where I learned what an entail was, long before Downton Abbey). I would recommend this to anyone! | 1positive
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I tried to read this book but there were things that bothered me like the fact that the heroine, Margery learned English from a catholic priest while she was a slave in three different Indian tribes. Really? Are you kidding me? So these Indians in the 18th century was all christians right? How convenient. I mean she was kidnapped at six and was a slave for 22 years and yet her thoughts and demeanor were that of a civilized woman no different from any other romance heroine. This book was rediculous from the beginning. I read "Ride the Wind" the story of Cynthia Ann Parker and the contrast between the reality of a kidnapped white child and this Margery person was completely incomparible. Also, the hero was nothing to write home about. Honestly, other than the fact that he was angry at his father, you really don't get a sense of him at all. At least for as far as I got in the book. Ms. Coffman really didn't give much of a description in the first 50 pages which is all I will give a book to capture my attention. What we do get in this story is that the hero is the slender artistic dreamer type. He paints. In the early american west. This skinny english lord who paints among the cowboys and indians. Ok. Whatever. Personally I prefer the big tough alpha heros like Tor MacLeod.in "The Chief" or at least the super intelligent witty heros who exude charm and charisma like Ian Thornton in "Almost Heaven. Another thing that bothered me was that he turned his back on his English life but yet he cared enough about his title to go back. However, the thing that bothered me the most was the way he just saw this unrealistic slave and married her. It just seemed so made up to me. It was really kind of dumb. I gave up after they got married. I didn't even make it to the part where he brought her to England. I feel bad because I purchased the book based on the editorial and customer's reviews and really wanted to give it a chance. Can someone please give me a reason to pick this book up again and give it another go? | 0negative
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this is a book about a man of italian ancestry who had an appreatiation and a deep love for the beautiful totem pole's carved by the native american's of our country.paul n. luvera had such a love for this form of sculpture and artwork,that he wanted to learn how to carve one.he decided to find a book to show him how and none where availible.so he wrote his own.this is a mamoth achievement for anyone to do.at the time that he wrote and published this book,it was the only book in the world on how to carve a totem pole.this book is written for the amature carver.it kind of repeat's itself over and over and the author admit's this but....the man was determined to share his knowledge and sunk his life saviving's into publishing it,because every major book company regected it.many people have prised him for his work including:CHIP CHAT'S WOOD CARVING MAGAZINE,WHOLE EARTH CATALOG,AND SEVERAL NATIVE AMERICAN CHIEF'S AND NATIVE AMERICAN INDIVIDUAL'S,at the time when he published this book,totem pole carving was becomming a lost art and almost extinct.mr.luvera was somewhat responsable in his own right for getting the native americans back into carving again.now as far as the carving's themselve's,these are his own ideas based on original's.he did not copy,you have to respect anyone for that!he also give's high praise to the native american's,and dedicates his book to them honestly by letting people know that:THEY WERE THE TRUE ARTIST'S THEY HAD NO BOOK'S OR LIBRARIES TO GO TO,NOR DID THEY HAVE ANY OF THE TOOL'S WE HAVE TODAY.do not ever critasize this book too hard.i have done several carving's from this book and was pleased with them as were the people i showed them to.the man inspired thousand's of people.and there no law saying that you can't do your own style after learning from his.the book shows you how to lay out your totem,to roughing it out to carving it,to finnishing it-this alone is worth the cost.he also describes many different totem poles and thier uses.the book is an enjoyable book to read and work out of and in my opinion deserves a spot on every wood carver's shelf.in my opinion it need's to go back in print.THREE CHEER'S FOR PAUL N. LUVERA!!!!!!!!! | 1positive
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my daughter 9 yrs of age, love to read, more than eat sometimes!!! she is a book worm, i figured this was a great book for her, boy was i right! she could not put it down!! i love childrens classics.. it arrived on time and in good condition | 1positive
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I just finished rereading this remarkable adventure story, and must say, some of the capsule summaries above leave a bit to be desired.Yes, John Carter returns to Mars after 10 years absence, and finds himself in a paradise. But ironically, it's a paradise that soon turns into a kind of violent warring hell. The plant men are only the beginning. The bitterest enemies are a race of almost diabolical priests, the Tharns, who set loose white apes and plant men to slaughter thousands of religious pilgrims. I'm not spoiling the plot at all, since this becomes clear in the first two or three chapters.Again, there's a deep bond between the hero, John Carter, and a brave and stunning young woman named Thuvia. John Carter, a warlord, is not content to merely escape. He must somehow end this evil empire of hypocritical priests and mass slaughter.One fine element is the reintroduction of the green warrior chieftan, John's dear friend from the first novel in the series.There are strains of deeper thought woven throughout. For example, the biting satire against mindless "fanatic" religions.Heck of a book. Burroughs writes in a style that would seem a bit heavy today. But after a chapter or two, the reader usually can get in the stride. These books read fast-- you can't put them down. The heroines are GORGEOUS-- but the language is "clean" and the books can be recommended for teens. The description-- often in battle scenes-- is up to anything written in adventure science fiction today. This book was written-- amazingly-- in about 1917. | 1positive
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I read this book the summer before junior year in high school (about 3 years ago). I fell in love with it. The writing is wonderful and the story is amazing.The lifestyle seems far from reality, but the book captures you. All I could think was, "what if this was now?" I recommend it to anyone - men and women, and even those who aren't feminist. It's a lovely read. | 1positive
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Do you like action packed novels bursting with surprises? If you do, you'll love The Hobbit, written by J.J. R. Tolkien. This novel is full of suspense, peril, and adventure. You don't know what will happen next. Mr. Baggins (Bilbo), a hobbit, has a variety of adventures from being assaulted by trolls to being trapped in a cave. The adventure starts when a magical wizard meets Bilbo offering him adventure that he politely refuses, only to find himself tagging along the next day. Bilbo finds that the adventure he has been assigned to is full of peril, and he desires more than once that he could be back in his comfortable hobbit hole. Accompanying him on his adventure are thirteen dwarfs. The dwarfs get into more trouble than Bilbo himself, and he saves their lives more than once. Gandalf (the wizard) helps them on their way, but only for a short while because he also has business that must be taken care of. I would give this book five stars, because it's very well thought out and was written well. If you like books with many twists and turns,not knowing what will happen next, then you will like this book. I loved it! | 1positive
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As someone who tends to enjoy older adventure fiction more than the average person (I quite like Conan Doyle's non Sherlock books, like most Stevenson, love Sabatini, etc.), I was looking forward to plunging into this classic tale of adventure and exploration. Somewhere near the middle its narrator captures the essence of the book with the following unintentionally prescient sentence: "To anyone but myself, who had a great love of the sea, the hours below must have seemed long and monotonous." That's an excellent summation of Verne's story of the almost magical electric submarine The Nautilus, it's imperious and mysterious Captain Nemo, and the three outsiders who circumnavigate the globe in it. Basically, unless you have some kind of strong interest in marine biology, it is an incredibly tedious read. Granted, it is an impressive feat of imagination for its time (the 1860s), but the amazing technologies described don't pack any kind of punch for the modern reader, and the exotic locales are now the stuff of the Travel Channel.The story is very simple. There is some kind of large creature menacing sea traffic around the world, so an international expedition is launched to try and find it and capture or kill it. Among those joining this voyage are the famous French naturalist Professor Aronnax, his heroic servant Conseil, and legendary French-Canadian harpoonist Ned Land. When the American frigate leading the expedition finally encounters the beast, combat ensues and they are thrown into the water, only to wind up the prisoners of the Nautilus. Captain Nemo decides that having seen his vessel's interior, they must remain prisoners for life. Thus, they embark on a grand tour of ocean with this man who has forsaken mankind and its evil ways.Alas this tour turns out to be a barrage of naturalist classifications of everything they see, complete with Latin names and various characteristics. This is fairly evocative the first time, but by the third has gotten repetitive, and by the tenth just downright sleep-inducing. Not to mention a litany of latitudes and longitudes to mark their path, as if one were reading in one hand and following along with an atlas in the other. Which is not to say that stuff doesn't happen, it does--it's just not very interesting. They visit underwater forests, the South Pole, Atlantis, coral reefs, famous shipwrecks, encounter danger from a tricky passage, icebergs, giant octopi, and fierce island people, and yet none of it is particularly dramatic or well done.Matters aren't helped by stilted scenes where Professor Aronnax asks Nemo how some aspect of the submarine works and receives a lengthy lecture outlining the scientific basis and processes for how such and such works. There are far too many instances where Aronnax is simply playing the straight man to Nemo's genius: "Gosh, we're really in a jam now Captain Nemo, what are we going to do!" "My dear professor, yet again you underestimate the capabilities of the Nautilus, all I have to do is...." etc. In that sense, Verne's imagination is deployed in a relatively wooden manner which does little to make it compelling for the modern reader.Finally, the central conflict of the three captives versus their captor is lame. They're stuck, they can't do anything to escape, and that never changes until the merciful end, where they are whisked away yet again. Again, no tension or drama. The one really intriguing character is Captain Nemo, who rails misanthropically about mankind and refuses to divulge his nationality, and speaks to his crew in an unrecognizable language. Throughout, one keeps waiting for a revelation as who he is and why he hates the world of men, but other than brief allusion to his having had a wife and child who were killed, there's no payoff! This final straw is an infuriating end to a stultifying book. Sometimes the "classics" ain't what they used to be. | 0negative
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It is a common tragedy that many high-schoolers and even adults do not read old books because they believe the books are not relevant. My words for them: human nature has not changed one bit since Jane Austen crafted her magic. Many people begin their reviews with "Once you get past . . ." but if any element were left out of this book (victorian society, language, high formality) it would diminish the book. Austen has shown through her characters the importance of valuing a person for who they truly are while 1) making fun of prudish victorian standards 2) showing gossip for the destructor it is, and 3) being one of the first writers to promote free thinking women as opposed to silly girls. Pride and Prejudice is called a classic for a reason: it will always remain a literary treasure. | 1positive
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I read several books a week, however despite being a big basball fan have not read one on this subject in well over a year. My dog recently passed away and I thought this title could be just the ticket help lift my spirits. Although not a short book, I became obsessed with finishing it and did so in just 3 days. I was compelled by not only Gerhig's story, but also the writing style of Mr. Eig, the author. If you are looking on the definitive story on Lou Gerhig's growth, baseball career, personal life, disease and death-look no further.What I thought Eig did particularly well was pacing. I never felt as if he dwelled too long on any particular subject and understood what the average reader/baseball fan would find compelling. Eig also did a good job of not being too dramatic regarding Gerhig's ALS disease, which would have been easy to do. Overall, if you are a baseball fan-this is a must read. Gerhig is as important a historical figure in this game as there is. I was especially pleased that Eig has a newer book out about Jackie Robinson's first year in the majors. That will be my next read.Also, one cannot help but be somewhat overwhelmed at the courage Mr. Gerhig showed in the face of this terminal disease. I certainly feel lucky after reading it. | 1positive
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I have long been an avid reader and supporter of Dorothy Gillman's' work and have enjoyed every book until I read this one. This book is about a pitiful woman trying to get her life back on track, but all she does is whine and feel sorry for her past, present and future life. Nearly the entire story is filled with her self-doubt and insecurities. She is afraid of everything and nearly everyone. I believe this could have been established without beating us over the head with her continual annoying repeated "woe is me dialogue". I had a hard time just finishing this book and the ending leaves a lot to be desired.I will still read Ms. Gilman's' work, but wish had not purchased this book - it will forever make me wonder, when I read one of her books, if I will regret getting it.If you aren't into self-loathing then pick up the Mrs. Pollifax series and have fun escaping. (The reason I pick up mysteries in the first place). | 0negative
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Based on lectures given by Lasker in 1895 before the Hastings tournament these will give any reader the fundamentals of what chess is: s struggle between two carbon-based units, i.e. people NOT computers! Being poorly sighted I find the large print and even larger diagrams quite helpful, others may be put off. But please don't miss this book. It is a treasure to be dipped into again and again. Descriptive Notation. | 1positive
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Albert Pike, an American General who had been enticed into the Illuminati by Guiseppe Mazzini, completed his military blueprint for three worldwars and various revolutions throughout the world in 1871, culminating into moving thisgreat conspiracy into its final stage. These details are as follows:The First World War is to be fought for the purpose of destroying the Tsar inRussia, as promised by Nathan Mayer Rothschild in 1815. The Tsar is to bereplaced with communism which is to be used to attack religions,predominantly Christianity. The differences between the British and Germanempires are to be used to foment this war.The Second World War is to be used to foment the controversy betweenfascism and political Zionism with the oppression of Jews in Germany alynchpin in bringing hatred against the German people. This is designed todestroy fascism (which the Rothschilds created) and increase the power ofpolitical Zionism. This war is also designed to increase the power ofcommunism to the level that it equalled that of united Christendom.The Third World War is to be played out by stirring up hatred of the Muslimworld for the purposes of playing the Islamic world and the political Zionistsoff against one another. Whilst this is going on, the remaining nations wouldbe forced to fight themselves into a state of mental, physical, spiritual andeconomic exhaustion.On August 15th of this year, Albert Pike writes a letter (now catalogued in the British Museum) to Guiseppe Mazzini in which he states the following,We shall unleash the nihilists and the atheists and we shall provoke a great social cataclysm which in all its horror will show clearly to all nations the effect of absolute atheism; the origins of savagery and of most bloody turmoil.Then everywhere, the people will be forced to defend themselves against the world minority of the world revolutionaries and will exterminate those destroyers of civilization and the multitudes disillusioned with Christianity whose spirits will be from that moment without direction and leadership and anxious for an ideal, but without knowledge where to send its adoration, will receive the true light through the universal manifestation of the pure doctrine of Lucifer brought finally out into public view.A manifestation which will result from a general reactionary movement which will follow the destruction of Christianity and Atheism; both conquered and exterminated at the same time.Pike, who had been elected as Sovereign Grand Commander of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonrys Southern Jurisdiction in 1859, was the most powerful Freemason in America. He would retain that post for thirty-two years until his death in 1891. He also published this book, Morals and Dogma of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry in which he candidly states the following,"The true name of Satan, the Kabbalists say, is that of Yahweh reversed; for Satan is not a black god, but the negation of God...For the Initiates, this is not a Person, but a Force, created for good, but which may serve for evil. It is the instrument of Liberty and Free Will...LUCIFER, the Light-bearer! Strange and mysterious name to give to the Spirit of Darkness! Lucifer, the Son of the Morning! Is it he who bears the Light, and with its splendors intolerable blinds feeble, sensual or selfish Souls? Doubt it not!"Interestingly, in the same book, Pike emphasizes that Freemasonry is a religion based on the occult Jewishphilosophy found in the Kabbalah. | 0negative
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An excellent read. Though a parable of Vietnam, it's commentary on the future is relevent to us in many ways. The several societal changes the protagonist witnesses might in several hundreds of years from now become realized. | 1positive
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Dougs last entry page says it all and you do not want him to end now you want to learn more.In Dougs writting he is trying to 'teach' the 'reader' to 'think' like an artist. Doug has not only explained the methods and materials easily but has gone beyond the basics. He has shared his 'insights' and 'knowledge' through his life learning journey as an Artist as though you were with him in person.Reading through the first 34 pages of his book with active mental imagery has been an inner eye ephany that I have never gotten from any other; Art book or magazine, various selective workshops or art classes, color theory course studies, or even through my Associates degree program in Advertising Art and Design.I came to this Web Site to see if he has written any other books or recently, but this site shows none. I will certainly try and follow any future Artistic publications by "Douglas Purdon".And I sincerely look forward to working through his 'basic demonstrations' to comprehend even more 'in depth' with my own 'hands on experiences' with his 'reflected insights' and detailed step by step guides. This is a treasured Art Book that I know I will always remember I have on the shelf as the years go by. (And I do have numerous)This book is comprehensive and clarifying a blessing for any frustrated Artist who wants to design and create, and to know 'HOW' and 'WHY' and understand with simplicity. | 1positive
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Red Sky at Morning is a coming of age novel, albeit a relatively quiet one. Unlike some of the book's fans, I don't think it has the power or emotional depth of Catcher in the Rye, but then, few novels do. There is some intensity in the conflict between the narrator, 17-year-old Joshua Arnold, and the neighborhood tough, Chango, and the absence of Joshua's father that compels his transition to adulthood is well handled. Many of the episodes in Joshua's life are amusing and a few are downright funny, making this an enjoyable read.So here are my quibbles, preventing me from highly recommending the novel: Joshua's father builds ships but leaves home to help the war effort more directly. The father is a likable character. I enjoyed the banter between Joshua's father and the employee he left in charge of the shipyard, and between Joshua's father and Joshua. But when the same kind of light-hearted sarcastic dialog was taken up by Joshua's friends Steenie and Marcia, it seemed to me that too many characters were speaking in the same voice, as if they had all been cloned from Joshua's father. More importantly, I was left with the feeling that the novel was striving relentlessly to be light-hearted even in the face of circumstances in Joshua's life (unnamed here to avoid spoiling the plot for those who haven't read the book) that should have been tragic. Finally, I didn't buy Chango's character change at all. I can accept that the events in the novel would have had an impact on Chango, but the immediate and extreme alteration of his personality that Joshua describes isn't credible.I came to this novel late in life. Perhaps if I'd first read it as a teenager or young adult, or perhaps if I had ever lived in the southwest (which is lovingly described), it would have left a greater impression. At any rate, although younger readers who might most enjoy Red Sky at Morning will likely find it a bit dated, I recommend the novel. I nonetheless feel it lacks the depth that causes some readers to hold it in high esteem; to me it is a fine novel that falls well short of greatness. | 1positive
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The writer captures the broken old style of speaking by some uneducated pioneers. Yet, there is enough educated to keep you understanding. I got transported to an earlier time with beautiful places and romance with mystery. Well done! | 1positive
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James' novel affected me in part because I also fell in love with Paris, though not with a Parisian. The sinuous, difficult prose provides the perfect vehicle for the adventures of aging Lambert Strether as he goes to Paris to try to recover a New England son who will not return to his domineering mother and take a role in the family business--manufacturing an article that is never named. In Europe he meets a degree of sophistication he had never known but also a jungle of moral ambivalences. If I gave the novel only four stars, it is not because of the difficult prose, which I sometimes cursed, but because the crucial instance of moral turpitude which he describes seems practically banal now. I once bundled up all my Henry James books in a fit of pique and was on the way to taking them to a library book sale, but thought better of it. And it was a better thought. | 1positive
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The book has excellent dialog and explanations of grammatical constuctions. My only complaint is that the arrangement and layout of vocabulary at the end of each chapter is totally chaotic and user-unfriendly. For example, the vocab order at the end of the chapter doesn't correspond to the order of appearance in the text, or (more likely) it only loosely corresponds, so that you have to look through 40 vocab words to find the one you are looking for, if it's there at all. | 1positive
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Don't let the title disuade you. Where did the various holidays, icons, symbols and beliefs originate. Many Christians have no idea where their beliefs originated and how these many "Pagan"rituals became adopted by the church. Why do we worship an evergreen tree at christmas? Who's birthday is really being worshipped? What about the rabbit at Easter, birthday cakes, rings and crosses? Such pain staking details provide the reader of the actual Pagan origins of Christian's holyest beliefs. See for yourself and be astounded | 1positive
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I've just finished reading "Miss Julia speaks her mind" at a time when I needed something light to read to keep my mind off other things.Not only did this story succeed in keeping my mind occupied but I was entertained and charmed by this delightful little book.Miss Julia,a recent widow,is just starting to come to grips with her new life when her husbands mistress arrives on her doorstep with a boy that she claims is his illegitimate son.Her husband,like some I've known in real life (not me!) kept her emotionally and financially in thrall to him so that,only now is she able to have her own opinions for the first time in her life and not have to be totally dedicated to doing things his way. For a woman of her generation who has been "guided" byher husband and his church's view on the subjugation of wives and women in general,this is very heady stuff !! The story is pacy,almost rollicking,and told in a Southern style of speech that I found charming,and I will now wait eagerly fot the sequel to come out in paperback. If Southern ladies are anything at all like Miss Julia,I can't wait to meet them ! | 1positive
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I recommend the book "Gurdjieff- A Beginner's Guide" by Gil Friedman to anyone who is interested in making some changes in their lives. You don't have to know anything about Gurdjieff to enjoy reading it. It is well written and full of stories we all can relate to. This book can help you with following through with your New Year resolutions. | 1positive
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As good as this book may be, the print quality is so bad that I cannot read it. Zero stars would have been more appropriate. | 0negative
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Dickens always has wonderful human insights and this book is fairly autobiographical in nature and as a result I felt that he colored the characters with deeper strokes. Great expectations, however, remains my favorite but a tale of two cities definitely is not as fine as this. | 1positive
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Move over soap operas. I finished this book only because I was on vacation with nothing much to do and nothing much else to read. It transferred no feeling to me. Flat and uninteresting. The characters were not very believable or interesting. Sorry Oprah!! | 0negative
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This is one of the best books ever written on basic bidding technique. Belying its title, its really about both IMPS and Matchpoint tactics. It is a long book with encyclopedic coverage of bidding. My only reason for not rating it 5-stars, is that it is dated and needs to be up-dated to account for the now standard ( at least among advanced-expert players) Two over one and Precision bidding systems.Most of the book is still applicable to today's systems. It is filled with reliable solid advice that seems to seldom followed by many players. It also includes many over-looked gems like when an opener should support responder's major suit response holding 3 cards.Any player, intermediate or expert could well invest a month to read and re-learn many of the principles and tactics taught in this book.And Kit, if you are listening, please up-date this gem ! | 1positive
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I just loved Open Season. I have read most of Linda Howards books and I adore pretty much all of them. But Open Season was a delight! I loved the character, Daisy Minor. I laughed throughout the whole book. Mind you, I don't usually go for the humorous books. In fact, I wasn't thrilled with Mr. Perfect. I found it too silly for my taste. However, Open Season was wonderful! I loved Daisy. I loved everything about her. Daisy's make over was so much fun to experience and you just couldn't help but falling in love with her personality.If you are looking for a good book and a very good time - try Open Season. I promise you won't be disappointed!Another very good one that I just finished from Linda Howard was Dying to Please. Order that too! These are two books that you just can't go wrong with.Happy reading! | 1positive
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As a student of urban development and politics, I can confidently say that this book is a forgettable work of a parochial mind. Davis offers a hardline Marxist view of Los Angeles that, by employing only simple and misguided economic analysis, does not allow for the intricacies of the city's problems. Class warfare plays a much smaller role in the sprawl of Los Angeles -- anyone outside of the ISO should be discouraged from reading this baseless piece of propoganda. | 0negative
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As one who aspires to learn more about my spiritual side, the book seemed promising early on. Some of the boxed quotes were inspirational, but the format became annoying after awhile and interfered with reading the book. As the book progressed many of the author's statements were unproven claims with a clear anti-capitalist slant and a naivety of economics and history. He could (and should) have stuck to spiritual issues, but couldn't resist ranting about all the bad things big corporations do to us poor, helpless victims. Much of the stuff he says in the latter chapters is full of myth, mysticism and nonsense. | 0negative
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