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There are an assortment of books that every Bond aficionado should have in their respective collection, of course the list is headed by Ian Fleming's literary adventures and expands to include such works as Raymond Benson's The James Bond Bedside Companion. A new book has now entrenched itself of the list of `must haves', James Bond The Legacy by John Cork and Bruce Scivally.The first thing that anyone will notice about James Bond The Legacy is its sheer size. Like the Bond legacy itself, this book is big! The only real way to describe it is as a coffee table book, yet it's still slightly bigger. I sized it up against other coffee table books and it still about an inch or so bigger than any of the others.Continuing with physical attributes, the book is put together quite nicely. If you remove the sleeve, which I found tends to crease on the top and bottom edges because of its size, the black cover is embossed with a gold `007' logo, and the spine also has the books title and other details embossed.However, its what is in side the James Bond The Legacy that makes the book such a good buy; pictures. I would seriously buy this book for the pictures alone. When it first arrived, I sat down with the intention of flicking through the pictures, expecting to have seen most of them before now. I hadn't. Four hours later I finished `flicking' through the pages looking at so many unique photos, including some brilliant shots from Die Another Day. The unique photos extend from Ian Fleming, right through all the films until reaching Die Another Day.The books content is also unique. Cork and Scivally have put together a book that does not tend to go into filming occurrences in depth, rather, the book tends to mainly highlight social influences. For example, the book speaks of changes to the scripts of a particular Bond film and the social influences that caused such a change. The opposite is also true as James Bond The Legacy looks at how Bond has influences society.Understandably, the book isn't perfect. Its coverage of Die Another Day is `careful' as the authors purposely try not to give away any spoilers. Moreover, the Die Another Day coverage is already, sadly, outdated due to its publication before the film is released. With the early release date it misses being able to cover an attempted return to Bond-fever, though it does mention the early progress of the new licensing campaign. And it also misses mentioning the real life events currently unfolding with North Korea's secret nuclear weapons project.Despite such `problems', this is still one hell of a James Bond book, and is definitely one of the best released to date. | 1positive
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Long story short about "Cider House Rules" - I adored the book for its lyricism, its uniqueness, its style, and its scope; I disliked the movie for lacking most of those elements. I received "My Movie Business" as a gift, and was interested in reading Irving's reason for making the changes to the story from page to screen (aside from this being par for the course when translating a 500 page book into 2 1/2 hours of screen time). What I found instead was a sanctimonious, self-righteous and self-congratulating view of Irving's work as the author complains about everything from screenwriting to the state of the motion picture industry at large (a word of advice, John - if you're that dissatisfied, let another writer take your five- or six-figure salary and write the script themselves). As for the changes and omissions in getting the book onto the screen? Irving offers nothing more insightful than fundamentally pouting about having to shorten his novel to recreate it as a screenplay, and consequently just throwing in the towel and making a movie about how cute orphans are. Those looking for insight into Irving's writing process should look elsewhere; Irving openly admits his disdain for screenwriting as "not really writing". Those looking for an in-depth and far more even-handed view of writing for the movies should check out William Goldman's "Adventures in the Screen Trade" (Goldman may complain about the insane nature of show biz, but he at least has the humility to admit his own complicity in its madness). For a book about a book and movie whose shared central theme is being "of use," Irving has certainly missed the point with this narcissistic and ultimately unneccesary memoir. | 0negative
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Horton Hatches the Egg is my all time favorite Dr. Seuss. I loved it as a child, and I still love it! | 1positive
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My husband and I went through the DVD series at our church. While the material was good for starting dialog, I find the bias and blame of women disturbing. Particularly the idea that if husbands are unloving, it's because they aren't respected by their wives. It's her fault not his. As someone else pointed out in another review here, didn't Christ LOVE first without asking for respect?Another point of contention for me is the idea that if a woman isn't there sexually for her mate, SHE places him at risk??? As if he has no control??? That somehow he's going to fall victim to some other woman because she wasn't there for him?? I really didn't get the point he was trying to make here at all. It came across as women should submit sexually whether htey like it or not because this is some NEED of men and they're placed in a vulnerable position if the wife doesn't take care of his needs. Again, all her fault if something goes wrong.The placement of men above women is even seen in the title. What he want is presented as a NEED while what she wants is only a desire. Men are definitely the important ones here. However, if you can get past the anti female bias, the material might be useful from a perspective of trying to understand your mate. The idea that men and women speak different languages is not new. How many books have said before that men and women are different? The difference here is the idea that love motivates women and respect motivates men.I'd recommend the book with more than one grain of salt. There are some good things but a lot to overlook. | 0negative
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Chase hasn't seen his beloved stepsister for 20 years, but when he receives a letter from her asking her to care for her daughter Raegan after her imminent death, he drops everything to flee to her bedside. Alas, he arrives on the day of her funeral, and discovers that his "little" niece is a young woman of 18 years, and an extraordinarily attractive one at that. In order to protect her from the rough and randy men in the area, he introduces her as his wife. But who's going to protect her from HIM?Without a true blood tie between these two, I felt the hero's initial guilt was a bit contrived. Their romance needed a bit more conflict. . . another man, another woman, anything. . . to make their love special. The revelation of their love for each other took place relatively early in the book, causing my interest in the subsequent pages to drop off considerably. Other books by Ms. Hess--although not without other flaws here and there--kept me on the edge of my seat all the way through to the end. | 0negative
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What's so great in this book? The characters lack profoundity, and I soon tired of them, because they were so nondescript in personality (other than glitz and glamour) that I lost all interest, given also the oblomovian lack of emotion they display whatever happens to them. As for the humour, this novel has as much fizz as a can of cola drink left open for a week. It just didn't catch. | 0negative
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I would like to recommend this book to anyone who wants to find out what it's like to be an everyday grunt in WWII. From the real heroics of a sniper from the american south.Descriptions of bullets to the head from football fields away to pure acts of courage from ordinary soldiers. Men in their foxholes facing their feers along with final triumph and victory. You can't put this book down and in my opinion, it ranks as one of Steven Ambroses most entertaining books along with "Undaunted Courage". I was able to get a great appreciation of the sacrifices that many young men gave to preserve our freedom. | 1positive
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How this ever got into print is beyond me. Can't you find anything decent to write for children or are we just writing this generation off like the last one? This is one of the most disgusting books ever offered for sale. What ever happended to good literature for young people from the likes of G.A. Henty? I hope this book tanks! | 0negative
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First of all, I want you to know that I am not a JW but I am very familiar with them and their teachings. I was chocked when I saw so many people felt for Ray lies. I want you to know that Ray has no formal education. Ask yourself those two questions: Where did Ray Franz obtain his Bible knowledge that you,guys are so fascinating with? How did Ray learn the Spanish language? Remember, Ray was born in 1932 and became a JW and Bethelite in 1940 at 18. Therefore, he has no chance to learn anything from anybody else. He should be paying the Watchtower for all his knowledge instead of writing "stupidity" about them. There is one concession that I am going to make though. Anybody who decides to abnadon the JWs and their outstanding teachings should go to therapy because I notice that all of you guys, former or EX-JWs become pathetics and frankly "COUCOU"; you can not let go. You, guys do not have to be JWs. It is a choice. We have Religious freedom. You can decide to be immorals and pretend there is no God but you do not need to attack the JWs. Nobody has to be JW, it is a choice. | 0negative
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I got this book on a whim and glad i did. The rich story telling can transport you to a rinky dink store in Arkansas or a trolley in san francisco or even the back streets of st.louis. I really enjoyed reading about her life and would recommend it to anyone! | 1positive
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Another book that is definately a "must buy", especially if you're a logo designer.Funny thing is, the publisher has released another book that is especially focused on logos named "logo index" but i find this "idea index" to be a hundred times more useful when it comes to logos.So what kind of book exactly is it ?It's a book about design principles.In other words, the book consists of hundreds of instructions, guides and examples of ways to apply certain design principles.Every principle is illustrated with one or more examples, most of them being logos.While many of the principles do not reinvent the wheel, it's *the* book to have handy when having a "designer's block" staring at a white sheet of paper not knowing where to begin or just when you're looking for ideas to start.What makes this book so much more valuable than any of these logo collection books is that its focus is on principles, not nice logo examples only.In other words, this book helps you to develop your *own* ideas instead of seduce you into copying a logo you found in one of the collection books.It also does apply for not only logos but anything where good graphic design principles are asked for.It's a real workbook just as Cabarga's book "Logo Font & Lettering Bible" is (which i highly recommend as well) and i would not want to be without it. | 1positive
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Another example of an author trying to capture the moment by rushing to the market with the "inside story". The book was a disappointment since all it did was gather public information and lay it out in an orderly fashion. No insights into the man and his possible motivation for betraying his country, his wife, and his family. In order to fill out the book, we get explorations of Opus Dei, exact reproductions of every letter sent between the Russians and Hanssen and pictures of his old high school, houses, and a group photo from the State Department. No pictures of his wife, children, or other family members. No details of the internal life of the Hanssen family when Robert was a boy. What was the relationship between Hanssen and the father, which I have read about in the press but not in the book. Possibly the book was already in galley proof before this information became available. Buy the book that is on the best seller list if you want to read about this tragic figure. | 0negative
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This book starts off quite well in a grim, seedy out of season holiday resort but then just floats off into overlong cliche-ness. The chracters are paper-thin; tough, wise-cracking mother who's dying, blues playing wise old black guy, fat, cowardly but ultimately nice kid, pantomime villains, liberace-like camp villains and of course the good kid ripped off from Mark Twain (Jack SAWtelle anyone?). Any emotional envolvment this book entails is played upon like a harp (Wolfs death....) and the book is much too long. There is far too much detail as well telling of the main characters every move and breath. I suppose its alright if your in hospital or something and bored but this is mainly a pulpy, trashy, derivative piece of work. | 0negative
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If you're interested in finding out about the lives of prostitutes in the early West, don't start here. If you'd like a little trivial fluff about some famous prostitutes and dance hall girls, go ahead, click the buy button. This is mostly a tabloid-type overview of the sensationalized lives of some (in)famous hookers. It reads like a very rudimentary senior thesis on the topic and borrows most of its substance from other books. The bibliography and resource lists for this book are far more useful than this book. Interested in the subject? Get the books that Seagraves used to research her flimsy book. | 0negative
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Since the wizard is pretty straight forward the book wasn't much use. I would have liked more discussion of when to use the default and when to customize.The book advises a minimum 8 gb system drive. Even with Exchange et al on another partition the updates eat up most of the 8 gb quickly causing performance problems. I suggest 14-16 gb wth hard drives so cheap and the time wasted if you have to repartition.Another place the book recommends the hard drive be at least 2 gb. That may be the minimum per MS but the author should provide realistic minimums. | 0negative
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Tess Gerritsen doesn't fall victim to the sophomore slump with her second medical thriller, Life Support. A peaceful evening in the ER is broken by the arrival of a delirious elderly man. Dr. Toby Harper does her best to treat the patient, but he mysteriously disappears from the hospital when left unattended. Toby searches for her lost patient and tries to determine the cause of his behavior when another patient with similar symptoms dies under her care. Her concern is deepened when the cause of the patient's death is determined to be Creutzfeldt- Jakob, or mad cow disease. Following this disclosure, Toby is beset by personal tragedies as someone is trying to prevent her from discovering the evil truth and unthinkable research responsible for this outbreak.Life Support is a fast-paced medical mystery full of intrigue and suspense. The plot-driven story grabs the reader and never lets go. I couldn't put this book down. Gerritsen effectively uses medical terminology that's not over the average reader's | 1positive
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Black Notice, Southern Cross, The Last Precinct. Three little doggies after a terrific string of great books. I blame myself for being dumb enough to read The Last Precinct after I read a glowing review in the newspaper (probably written by the publisher). I won't be suckered in again in the future. It's kind of sad, too, because I really liked Kay and Marino and Lucy. They are now like old friends who have moved away. Another thing that frosts my ... is that I paid big money, four dollars and forty nine cents at Costco for this book instead of waiting for it to go on sale at the library overstock sale for about eighty cents. This book isn't worth eighty cents. This book is an economic anomaly, like a cat, it has negative value. Aside from the usual transgressions of the previous two dogs, such as no story, no resolution of key mysteries, etc., this book sacrifices a poor little dog named Mr. Peanut so we are supposed to buy the next book to see his killer get justice. No way. I haven't seen a ploy this transparent since I didn't care "Who shot J.R." on the TV show "Dallas" twenty years ago. | 0negative
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Excellent, seminal book on the topic. It is frightening that so little has been done to change the situation even now. | 1positive
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One of Hemingway's earlier works, THE SUN ALSO RISES remains one of his best. This roman à clef has it all -- drinking, misbehaving expats, more drinking, humor, sarcasm, irony, unrequited love, beautiful descriptions of Spain, did I mention drinking?, femme fatales, handsome bullfighters, fishing trips, a tad more drinking, manly-man themes, and outstanding dialogue.About halfway through the book, a character named Bill Gorton about nails it when he tells the protagonist narrator, Jake Barnes, exactly what an expat is. It's meant to be funny, but in many ways it defines the book's sense of itself: "You're an expatriate. You've lost touch with the soil. You get precious. Fake European standards have ruined you. You drink yourself to death. You become obsessed by sex. You spend all your time talking, not working. You are an expatriate, see? You hang around cafés."Luckily for us, Hemingway wrote and didn't just talk, but his novel is delightfully "talky" and the reader can't resist but listen in as a beautiful Brit named Brett makes verbal love with our protagonist Jake; or as Jake mercilessly excoriates the "phony" writer Robert Cohn (yes, Virginia, there IS a whiff of anti-Semitism in play here); or as Jake and Bill engage in witty and sometimes drunken badinage as they go on their memorable fishing trip in the Spanish hills. From the cafés of Paris to the running of the bulls in Pamplona, this book is a roaming holiday. And just when things get ugly and everyone is sick to death of each other, there's the memorable scene where Jake swims into the sea as if to cleanse himself of everything -- the drinking, the fighting, the frustrating impotence. The chapter is vintage Hemingway.While I admire some of Hemingway's later work, I still feel THE SUN ALSO RISES, along with his early short stories (IN OUR TIME, THE NICK ADAMS STORIES), remains one of his strongest works. It is forever youthful both in its excesses and its beauties, yet it ages quite nicely, too. I heartily recommend it either as an introduction to Hemingway or as a reread. It will bear up in either case. | 1positive
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The reviews of this book show that it's helped a lot of people, but I would urge men who are kinky or into BDSM to stay away.In the section on abuse, the book says that many survivors of sexual abuse "seek out others to bind, whip, chain, and otherwise brutalize themselves." (146) I don't know whether Downs intended to convey this message, but it's hard not to hear the implication that kinky sex is unhealthy and that people who practice BDSM are typically victims of abuse. Both implications are false. Most people who are into BDSM have never been abused, and BDSM can be good, clean fun when it's practiced in a way that is safe, sane, and consensual. There's no acknowledgment of these facts elsewhere in the book.The desire for sex that involves erotic power-exchange can be as deep-seated as sexual orientation. To use some of Downs' favorite words, for kinky men to get away from "toxic shame" and to lead "authentic" lives, they need to feel that their desires are healthy and normal. This book will not help them. I hope for the sake of Dr. Downs's clients that his views on kink are more open-minded than his book suggests. | 0negative
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The women are silly and it seems that money is the main focus along with the men and especially the women marrying well. That means to someone with wealth. How these stories became movie material I don't know! | 0negative
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I agree with Jon Pike and C. Thomas below (other reviewers). I certainly agree that someone needs to end the farce that Virginia Woolf is a good writer. Her work, to me, is neither thought-provoking nor well-written. I was really disappointed with this "work" and actually threw my copy into a box headed for Goodwill (not really good will to pass it on, but I had to get it out of my house)...and I never give away books. Let's stop pretending folks... | 0negative
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This book is not a book most people should read. I wouldn't call it horrible but it is intensly boring. Dickens takes a whole chapter to say something anybody could say in a sentence. Im in the eighth grade and am required to read it. At times i dont have a clue wats goin on but i get the basic gist of the story and plot. I only recommend this for reader lovers, highly advanced people in litereture and who can understand something not written in english. | 0negative
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In the novel The Catcher in the Rye the author J.D. Salinger writes of a teenage boy who has once again been kicked out of school and leaves a few days before the start of break. He leaves to New York city where he goes through many hardships and we find that he has had a nervous breakdown. I find this story to be boring and repetitive, and I find the amount of bad words disturbing though possibly correct for a boy of his age.Holden Caulfield is a sad, depressed young man but I never feel sorry or bad for him. He never seems to be very important to me and I do not care for the character, though there is much that I would wish to change about him. | 0negative
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This book is full of errors and does not reflect the changes in the new exam. I teach GED students, and I am extremely disappointed with this book. | 0negative
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Our faculty formed groups to do a book study of several professional titles. As a veteran teacher I wanted to brush up on any current trends and rejuvenate my midyear enthusiasm. We have only 2 chapters left, and we are still waiting for some real insight from this author. We have found this book to be repetitive and to offer no real suggestions. There is a lot of common sense in this book and some good guidelines regarding ethics and professional standards. However, a new teacher looking for specifics on how to become a "great teacher" will be disappointed. | 0negative
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This is not a book for light reading. This is a book for deep ontological self-analysis and, in fact, meta-analysis. Given the ontological constraints intrinsic to the tome's underlying topic, the author writes with immense precision, coherence, generality, and compactness. You do not need to know anything about either Buddhism or System-Cybernetics as prerequisite to this treatise, but you do need to be prepared to look up words and concepts as you read it, and to deeply contemplate its intricate abstractions.Furthermore, on a personal level I have through self-application found its extracted therapeutic model exceptionally enlightening: constructive toward both richer cognitive self-regulation and ratiocination.If the book still interests you, then you will not be disappointed. | 1positive
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The book is true to the two predecessors. Far fetched as all of Burroughs' creations, it weaves an exciting tale. True to all his work, Burroughs never kills off a hero, so there is not much suspense, but how they principles get to safety is a good ride for the reader. Most interesting is the concept of progressive evolution in a lifetime. What an idea! There are theological implications and a bit of philosophy. Puzzling is the obliviousness of the hero to romantic feelings. But that is another tendency of Burroughs' heroes. A fun story that concludes the trilogy. | 1positive
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I was very dissapointed in this book. It's not up to date and and seems more focused on bag growing than anything else. It would help if the author would add some illustration to this book. If you want a good book to read on hydroponics you'd better look elsewhere. | 0negative
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Don't buy this book thinking that you will see photographs of the palaces of Naples and rooms in the palaces, because you won't. You will see a closeup of a fresco, and another closeup of a fresco, and here's an arch, and here's that same arch from another angle, and here is the marble floor, and here is a old engraving of the palace, and here is a view from the window...Where are the photographs of the rooms? Isn't this an architectural book? Apparently they went into the palaces since they set up the cameras and photographed plenty of pretty details, but they did not give the reader any idea of the structure itself. There is not even more than one photograph of the exterior of each of these palaces. This book is the equal to the book on the palaces of Sicily that I bought previously which did almost the same thing, so I have been burned twice~~you have been warned! | 0negative
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Easily the definitive road trip guide for the country. With the growth of the climbing community since its last printing it could use an update, access issues are such a constantly changing thing that there cold be a national update every year.. Anyway, great book, worth it for any climber anywhere in the country! | 1positive
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People speak often of the sadness and pathos of this book but its rare humour is as provocative. Specifically, I refer to the moment when, after years of waiting, the protagonist has finally remarried and had children. The woman he suffered so much for has lost her looks and the mundane and frustrating efforts of child rearing replace romance. Then he discovers that his wife has cancer. His first though: he hopes she doesn't die before the twins start kindergarten. This reminds me of a similar passage by one of America's most famous Jewish writers. His male character, frustrated by married life, decides to leave home. Just as he is about to walk out the door, he turns to his son and says something to the effect: I am leaving your mother. Can you spare me taxi fare?I howled at the awful hilarious sadness of both scenes. | 1positive
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I found it preachy and long and got.very bored to claw my way through the very wordy prologue.Then tried to find the.actual novelFinally gave up!!! | 0negative
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I was really struggling with all of the information that I needed to pass the instrument test. I saw Rod Machado at Sun 'n Fun in Lakeland and was really impressed with his grasp of the difficult.I bought his Instrument Pilot's Survival Manual and found that everything in it was clear and easy to understand as promised. The author has a way of explaining things that I had never found in any other source. There were facts and ways to understand them here that no other book had bothered to go through.I was amazed that I was laughing and learning at the same time. Machado has a way of expressing things that make them easy to remember and fun at the same time. The chapter on Thunderstorm Avoidance was worth the price of the book alone.The only down side to the book is that is too short. I wanted to keep reading to keep learning.If you have to buy one book to pass your instrument test, THIS IS THE ONE!P.S.- I passed my instrument ticket with 'flying' colors! | 1positive
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Every time you think you have it figured out, you're wrong. A wonderful saga about a dysfunctional family trying to make a go of it. It was in turn heartbreaking, funny, scary and intriguing. It takes a long time to read it, but it's well worth it. | 1positive
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There were so many things wrong with this book that it is difficult to know where to begin other than to simply give a laundry list of its flaws.1. Poorly researched: Tom Clancy clearly loves the idea of an imperial president who is unencumbered by any constraints such as treaties, international law or the Constitution. In this novel, Jack Ryan commits the US to a war in Russia without even pausing to consider the fact that the power to declare war resides in Congress. Most people who have taken a freshman level Poli-Sci course have at least heard of the War Powers Act or the Constitution. Clancy should probably look these things up. If only to refute them in one of his typical straw-man arguments. The only hint of restraint comes when one character suggests that the NATO treaty does not allow the US to enter the war on behalf of Russia, the alliance's newest member. Ryan dismisses this idea by saying that the NATO treaty means what he says it means. I'm not sure that is the NATO charter and I would guess Clancy could not point it out to me either.2. Clancy needs a thesaurus: I became increasingly annoyed that the only word Clancy seems to know to describe someone who belongs to a different agency of the government was "a puke". It was almost as annoying as his overly repetitive use of the word "whore." Those few times he used the word prostitute came as something of a relief.3. Racial slurs aplenty: It is perhaps inevitable that any novel that depicts a war with China will include the word "chink". The last third of the book seems to have this word on nearly every page. To break the monotony Clancy occasionally throws in "raghead" in an allusion to Iranians and his previous novel. Of course, no one bats an eye at "chink" and when the Secretary of Treasury uses it in a meeting with the President, Ryan's only counsel is to not use that term in front of the press because they would not understand and react negatively. Of course, toward the end of the book Clancy has a Chinese character use "monkey" to describe an African-American to underscore Chinese bigotry. Clancy never seems to be phased at this inconsistency.4. Poor understanding of history: Early in the book Clancy makes the statement that the US military never fought a war of conquest, rather it always fought wars of liberation. This would of course come as something of a surprise to America Indians who were only liberated of their lands and way of life.5. Jack Ryan is annoying: The Jack Ryan of the earlier books, and movies even, has given way to a Jack Ryan that is a passive-aggressive whiner. Here is the character arc for Jack Ryan in the last two Clancy novels - "Why me, why me - just because I am President I don't see why I have to actually talk to other US citizens or take their views into account. I'm stressed give me a smoke. The press [is demanding] - they ask tough questions rather than simply let me do/say whatever I want. I'm stressed give me a smoke. It [terrible]being President when you are an ordinary guy like me - steward bring me some more expensive wine before my wife takes a government helicopter to work as she does everyday. I'm stressed bring me a smoke. I am bound by the Constitution and laws - except when I get ...[upset] then all bets are off. Let's bomb somebody. I feel a sense of relief, bring me a smoke."6. Horrible sex scenes: These were laughably bad, but not too frequent. Although I did get tired of the phrases "honey bunny" and "Japanese sausage."7. Clichéd characters: Most of the supporting characters in this novel are little more than clichés. The main women characters are all fantastic cooks in addition to being world class surgeons or deputy heads of the CIA and all of the Russians drink incessantly without apparent ill-effect. Apparently, Clancy has never heard of successful women who cannot cook, or successful men who can, let alone alcoholic Russians or Russians who do not drink at all. Of course developing actual characters would take away from Clancy's political diatribes or technology descriptions.Overall, "The Bear and The Dragon," was a major disappointment. At first, I kept reading it to see if it got any better. By the time I realized that this novel stinks, I was so far in that a perverse sense of curiosity forced me to keep going until the end. | 0negative
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I made the mistake of buying this book for my son and my nephew without reading it first. What a disappointment. My son has loved the original Rolie book from the start. It was a must-read every night for close to a year. But he never chooses Snowie Rolie from his stack of Christmas books- I think he's had me read it a total of 2-3 times.If Joyce wrote this book, then I won't be buying his future works. I guess he sold his reputation and his soul for the big dollars- shame on him! Actually, I don't think anybody "wrote" it at all-I suspect this book is a sloppy adaptation of a Christmas TV episode.Much time was spent on the graphics, which are as cute as those in the original "Rolie" book. But there was no attention paid at all to the language, or even the story line. It's very disjointed- events on one page don't even flow to the next. The story seems almost random. I have to conclude that they selected specific pretty or memorable frames from a TV production and then tried to tie them together with some text. An unimaginative person sat there and probably said "we need an analog to the "rolie polie rhumba dance" and then spat out "they did the chilly cha cha". Totally uninspired. I really have the impression that the text was edited for grammar and typesetting errors and that nobody ever sat and wondered if the story was good or whether it even made sense.For years we have loved the original "Rolie" book: the language is wonderful, the illustrations enchanting, and the moralistic story is perfect too. The original Rolie Polie Olie book certainly qualifies as a great piece of children's literature- but don't be confused by this pale imitation. | 0negative
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Everybody is entitled to translate from another language, but FitzGerald did it as a quasi-translation and wound up with a recognized masterpiece. If you want to know what Khayyam really said, read this book. If youn want literature, read the FitzGerald version. | 0negative
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Stone Fox by John Reynolds Gardiner was not a very good. It�s about this kid named Willy whose grandpa gets sick. His grandpa is going to lose his farm because of back taxes. Willy goes into to a race to save the farm and his grandfather. This book is o.k. It has a surprise ending. | 0negative
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The book was in good condition but was not the edition I expected to receive. I expected the US edition and instead got the international edition--not the same quality of binding or printing. | 0negative
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This book is scary stuff! I read a story, "Me-Tie-Doughty-Walker" that scared the stuffing out of me! Now I'm in seventh grade, and the book still gives me chills when I'm reading it alone! The pictures are so trippy and disturbingly graphic! | 1positive
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I read this book for the first time when I was 12. I loved it then and didn't fully comprehend it. I love it now more. People seem to misunderstand the purpose of this book and Ayn Rand herself. She didn't misunderstand socialism and communism, she lived through it. We the Living was written about the time period and the events one who lived it saw and experienced. It was a dark and brooding work, but more realistic than anything else of what living under such a regime was like than anything else you can find. | 1positive
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I've been a fan since the beginning and even followed the duos side projects on Crydamoure and Roulé. This has to be some of the most hollow and soulless music they've ever done. It's extremely repetitive even for electronic music. All the signature Daft Punk sounds are there, but they lack the proper song structure that would make them really catchy tunes. In other words, they lack an intro, verse, chorus, breakdown section, and outro. The majority of the songs go right into the verse or a chorus and repeat over and over until the end of the song. There aren't any hooks that make you want to hum the tune all day. It's just too boring and repetitive. You don't even need a lyric, just a nice bass line would do. I am convinced that they know how to make a good song, so I'm not sure why they moved in this direction with their style of music. Maybe they did it just to be anti-pop, but I don't care for it at all.Don | 0negative
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This is a series to be enjoyed by sf-readers as well as fantasy fans, as the magical elements are subordinate to an involving and suspenseful plot. This second volume brings to a pitch the increasingly intense and violent struggle between Timura and Protarus, while it continues to hint at their common destiny. Wolves is no simple story of clear moral good; we see both characters struggle with the compromise of their ideals and the acceptance of wrong action to achieve necessary ends. High level of suspense and engaging episodes of adventure. While the story is dark in tone, it's well balanced with moments of humor and sentiment. Terrifically paced, hard to put down. An exciting read. | 1positive
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I was very disappointed in this book because of its vulgar language! | 0negative
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This is one of the great English language novels of the 20th century. The sheer beauty of language in this book raises it to the level of poetry. A well-told tale, this is probably the one book in which Crowley presents his ideas in something remotely approaching a linear fashion. Even those who have no interest in the occult should find this singular work of English letters worth their time. Can be re-read endlessly. | 1positive
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Catherine Morland is a naive 17-year-old country girl with a love of gothic novels.When the family friends(The Allen's)invite her to the spa town of Bath,she readily agrees to go.Her first week in Bath,she meets a witty young clergymen named Henry Tilney who she quickly falls in love with.When Henry's sister and father invite her to their country estate Northanger Abbey,Catherine having read all about Abbeys in her beloved gothic novels is ready to encounter murders,secret rooms and other myham.When her imagination runs wild it is up to her love Henry Tilney to make Catherine see how absurd her thoughts and ideas are.As in all Austen's novels you will meet some very ridiculous characters like the fashion obsessed Mrs.Allen and Mr.Thorpe today's version of a guy who loves to talk about how great he is,how much money he has and how fast his car goes.Jane Austen loved a laugh and in Northanger Abbey she takes great delight in mocking the gothic novel.Compared to Austen's other work like Pride and Prejudice,Northanger doesn't have the character development,plotting and pose of her mature work but is still a joy to read. | 1positive
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This two cassets are useful, especially if you already know some Spanish (it is better if you know some basic verb forms, for example).However, I use Vocabulearn only when I am getting ready for bed, I found it a bit monotonous. And those sharp sounds between the sections! I don't see why they were necessary.Also, I would like to add that the listener has to pay attention to the words, otherwise they just go into one ear and come out of the other. I naively expected them to just stay with me. | 1positive
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Reading this was a lot easier than I thought it was going to be. It is a recommended read for sure, only about 100 pages. Don't be scared because it is authored by Charles Dickens. | 1positive
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I just finshed Holes and it was good. The book was so good you did not want to put it down until you were finished. Through the book characters change their mood and new things happen each time. One thing that the boys mostly do is dig holes every day.I liked this book because it has a twist. | 1positive
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I found this book very entertaining. There are those parts which I chose to gloss over (the songs, lengthy descriptions), but all in all, I was compelled to finish it as quickly as I could. I recommend this book for all who love tales of adventure. | 1positive
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It was hard to believe I was reading Hemingway - but then again, not really. His style of rambling sentences and thoughts was there. But he jumped around a lot. And the subject matter (an insider view of bullfighting) was despicable. Most of the book was spent trying to demonstrate that one was close-minded if one did not appreciate the art of the bullfight instead of getting hung up on the petty issue of the goring of the horses and the killing of the bulls. It was the first book in as long as I can remember that I did not finish. I kept saying it had to get better, since this was Hemingway. Instead, it kept getting worse. | 0negative
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At first I was overwhelmed with enthusiasm to read Ehrenreich's book as, I consider myself nothing short of a class warrior. However, Ehrenreich more than "missed the boat" on her attempt to capture the life of the working poor.Coming from the working poor and still being quite close to it, I can tell you that the lifestyle Ehrenreich pawned off as that of the working poor was greviously understated. While she spoke of her co-workers who lived in their cars or held sometimes three jobs, she herself lived in hotels and whined about working one job. She complained about mundain tedious tasks suck while working at Wal-Mart as if tediousness was truly the worst thing about being strapped by cooperate America. When work got too hard, she quit. She took months off in between stints at different position and ate fast food (a luxury item for most poor people). She even "bargain shopped" as if people who are poor don't know the number one places to go for cheap clothing items- shelters or thrift stores.There are just too many complaints to list. However, I gave the book two stars for existing as a bridge for those people of the upper class who might encounter this as their first exposure to poor people. I say to them, buy this book if you are thinking about ordering it while sitting in front of an Apple Power Book in your 1100 square-foot Apartment you share with you "partner." But realize this isn't even half of the story. Barbara Ehrenreich is a hack. If you think after reading this book that she is someone special who sacrificed herself to give you an experience of what it is like to struggle, you are a hack too. | 0negative
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I had chosen this book to read for my outside reading material in my English Honors class. The cover of the book seemed a little childish, so that made me a little apprehensive about it at first. But I knew that there had been a movie about this book, and I had seen it a long time ago. I had once heard someone say that the book is always better than the movie, so I decided to read it and compare it. It started off very slow, talking about Sara's life with her father, and how lucky she was to have all this money. I immeadiatley wanted to stop reading after the first few chapters. But in the back of my mind I was always saying, "Well, what happens at the end?" "Will it be the same as the movie?" So I decided to keep on reading, trying to find the answers to my questions. What I found kind of shocked me! The characters and details of the story were very different. In the book Sara's father really was dead, while in the movie he was just presumed dead because of his lose of memory due to the war. The war that did not happen in the book. In the movie Becky, Sara's friend was made out to be the poor, illiterate black servant girl. While in the book, Becky's racial status was never mentioned. And other small things that caught my attention, like Sara's age, hair color, and the description of her friends. This left me dissapionted. Because of the books extreme differnces compared to the movie I became bored. But one thing was very important for me to find out. In the movie Sara is reunited with her father who was persumed dead. Would this happen considering that there was no war, but in it's place diamond-mines. So once again, I kept on reading. But what I found only frustrated me more, Sara is never reunited with her father again. He is in fact , dead. But the story does have a happy ending. Her father's friend has been searching everywhere for her so he can care for her since he felt guilty about his friends death. He does find her and welcomes her into his family. So Sara is off once again. Living the life of luxury with her mink coats and expensive dolls, as she leave behind her the cruel teacher Miss Minchin and the snobby school girls who only liked her for her money. She even leaves behind one of her only friends, the girl alone in the attic, Becky. | 0negative
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I have extensive experience in language learning, including graduate level courses in Applied Linguistics. I shied away from Pimsleur for years because I scoff at the (usually unfounded) claims that this or that method will have you speaking a language in no time. Finally, with limited time and a desire to learn Russian via a full-audio method, I tried Pimsleur. I am now starting comprehensive Russian II and give Pimsleur courses to committed language learners as gifts. Its secret -- a good method underpinned with the best of 50+ years of applied linguistic research, classroom experience and common sense. For many languages, the best materials were developed during World War II and never significantly improved afterward. I wish Pimsleur existed in levels I thru III in ALL languages! Be diligent, listen to each tape 3 or 4 times, give yourself 4 months per level, and you shall speak! | 1positive
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I think this book will end up hurting the human struggle, though I do believe Campbell means well, and he is an intelligent man to be sure. Selective bias works in all of us, including myself certainly, but then I did not write a book stating that any amount of cholesterol is unhealthy in our diets and presenting it as if it were scientifically supported.I would suggest to all to read Gary Taubes' excellent book "Good Calories Bad Calories" for a much more scientific and cited discussion of food and human health as it pertains to cholesterol, saturated fat, and their implications in heart disease, diabetes, cancer, etc. Amazingly well cited, with a 180 page bibliography.As one who has been into the health movement since I was a little kid, being macrobiotic, vegetarian, vegan, raw-foodist, and now omnivorous, I can say that reading Weston Price's opus titled Nutrition and Physical Degeneration changed my life. I don't believe there is one human diet, but I must concede that even though initially a vegan diet made me feel great, I now believe firmly that it took me a while to recover from that period of my life, especially from yeast problems and adrenal issues created by all those whole grains and fiber. High fat diet is the key for me, I definitely know that now. It seems the original monograph of the china study supports that too, arguably. | 0negative
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I have been an on and off fan of Ludlum's for many years. The Janson Directive is one of Ludlum's best. Not since The Bourne Identity has the reader had such an honest human character, one with faults and weaknesses as well as sometimes impossible strengths. The story take the reader across the globe, Asia to Europe to the U.S. The storyline appears simple at first, but develops well into a true spy mystery. A very good book, especially considering its post-cold war subjects. My only complaint would be that the main character, Janson, is just a bit too lucky in all of his actions -- but that's a fault of many of Ludlum's characters. | 1positive
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The language of Shakespeare is so beautiful, and I have always been a fan of it. It has this magical ethereal quality that so awe inspiring and inspirational. So I was very excited to be able to get a complete collection for my Kindle. And when I read about these extra plays that I know nothing about, I was even more excited. I'm really enjoying reading my favorites and these news ones! | 1positive
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At the beginning of the book its hard to follow, but once Jane Austen gets to the developing the main plot the book is wonderful! Definately worth all of its praise. | 1positive
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You know, I'm not a big fan of Kathe Koja, despite having read most of her works. Her subject matter and writing style usually rub me the wrong way, like in "Skin" and "Strange Angels," too books I very much disliked. However, "Straydog" is a much stronger and different work.Koja eschews her usual over-the-top melodrama for a more restrained tale that resonates very strongly in truth. 'Straydog" is about a very cynical high school girl named Rachel who doesn't like much in life besides taking care of animals and writing. She isn't full of self-pity though, she's a sharply sarcastic and biting one, full of life. She meets a dog who animal officials at the shelter she works at declare is a lost cause, much too violent, but she is determined to rehabilitate it and upon the encouragement of her teacher, decides to write about the process through the dog's point of view. She also meets an outsider, a boy named Griffin, who helps her in this task.The whole "story within a story" aspect of this slim book works very well, and each level is written smartly and with a minimum of flashy, unnecessary pretenses by Koja. There are very smart viewpoint and tone changes from the book Koja is writing to when it becomes the passages that Koja is writing that Rachel is writing through the view of the dog. A very clean transition that makes the whole thing believable.To sum up my feelings, this book doesn't really hit any of the false notes that many of Koja's other works do, and I think it has something pretty useful to impart to all of its readers, not always the same for each reader. I would definitely recommend this book, it's a quick and smart read. | 1positive
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I do not normally read such books as this but in school we were assigned to read it. While reading this play I realized the time it was written in and accepted the poor dialogue as a way to show the period of time. Also, the reoccuring display of flasbacks was a tedious yet effective way of showing Willy Lomans inability to accept himself as a failure as is his sons. One more thing, the women being showed as either prostitutes or as inferior housewifes was demeaning to women. The play was good in terms of the theme it showed and how we as humans prefer not to accept the reality of our lives but to choose American dream illusions to make ourselfs feel like we are well liked or well known but other than that I would have to rate it as a one star play. | 0negative
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This book is quite interesting and very well written. Reading it prior to a visit the Granada will enhance your experience. | 1positive
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wow! what a book! it is so helpful. especially with the pictures and, it shows you how to make fantastic quilts in an easy step-by-step guide. i can't recommend it enough! buy it!!!! | 1positive
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I have always been a lover of Sherlock Holmes, and when I saw that you had some of the Sherlock Holmes stories that I could read with the Kindle, it was just perfect! I have really enjoyed reading these stories. | 1positive
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John Pascucci is is not only an embarassment to the Marshals Service but a convicted felon on top of that. For anyone to support this scumbag by buying his egotistical account of his "wonderful" career, makes me ill. Pascucci lost all of his integrity when he pulled his little blackmail stunt and should be considered the dirtbag that he is. | 0negative
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What could I add to the praise already given to the Poisonwood Bible by all of the other reviewers? In my opinion, it's perhaps the best novel of the last 20 years.Kingsolver's prose style is more bold and dramatic than her previous novels, making it evident that she has set out to write "the great American novel," as did Steinbeck in The Grapes of Wrath. Her use of storytelling through the voice of several separate characters is the most successful employment of the technique since Faulkner's As I Lay Dying. Everything comes together perfectly in this novel: a powerful prose style, marvelous character development, and a captivating plot. Novels this good come along only once in a generation. | 1positive
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I did not like this book because the answers are not available and my teacher is lazy and probably wouldn't give us the answers if we asked. I think it was a waste of money and good trees. I think this belongs in the trash along with all the other study guide books I have bought. On a side note, the main textbook is too big and heavy and I hate carrying it around. I think the type should be bigger or get rid of some of the content because when you are reading late at night it all runs together. I think that's enough ranting and raving so I will leave it at this my book is going to be out the window July 29 the day of my final. Good riddance!!!!!!!!! | 0negative
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The diplomatic wives depicted in this book were a hardy lot. Many of the stories brought forth the visions of the proper Englishman dressing for dinner each night in the jungle. Ms. Hickman grew up in the diplomatic service and displays much affection and admiration for these unsung ladies. The letters diary excerpts are interesting, sometimes poignant reminders of how isolated and far from home the ladies were.The book has a peculiar organization, not by date or individuals, but by their duties. I found this annoying and difficult to follow. We meet a lady on page 6 and do not hear of her again until page 200. It skips between the 17th century to the 20th and back within two paragraphs. Consequently, I had never had a clear idea of who they were and when their stories were taking place.Ms. Hickman is almost too discreet. Some of the incidents beg for clarification. (She is not a diplomat's daughter for nothing!) I didn't expect a tell-all tabloid style, but neither did I expect an almost Victorian reticence. The author clearly had done a great deal of research and took advantage of her own and her mother's recollections, but was in great need of a good editor. | 0negative
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Everyone who is interested in balancing their home finances, or balancing the budget of the Federal Governemt MUST read this book. Alexander Hamilton, the first Secretary of the Treasury of this country based many of his financial ideas on the ideas he garneared from this excellent analysis of economics. | 1positive
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... I think I may just be turned off by the way he writes. I only made it through the first half of this book before I was completely confused and turned around and frustrated. I felt exactly the same way for his "Satanic Verses"... only got about half way through that one, too. I am very well versed in Islamic culture and religion, but I know next to nothing of Indian culture, so I was very confused by his profusion of culturally-rich references and descriptions of Indian mindset and history.I am only giving it two stars because he does have a very lyrical and descriptive writing style; I saw another writer compare it to Nabakov's style of writing, and that seems pretty apt. Very colorful, very imaginitive, very pleasing to the mind's eye.However, all the prosaic narration in the world will not help you understand a complex, stuttering, warped, fiercely non-chronological tale. I think it's safe to say that if you have read one Rushdie novel and you like it, you'll like them all. If, on the other hand, you find one novel to be scream-inducing, it's probably best to avoid the rest of them. | 0negative
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I don't know if I am alone on this as I didn't read all 1,000+ reviews, but I thought Sue Monk Kidd was trying way too hard...I get it, you are good with prose, but please don't cram it down my throat. It was "pretty" to the point of annoyance and it made me sympathize less with Lily in the end....overall, I'd say this book is overrated. | 0negative
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Truly these are all very cute valentine's cards. I was disappointed that there were only 8 envelopes. I had thought there were equal numbers. Some of the cards were just folded over and a small heart tab holds them closed, but others needed an envelope because of the cute 3-d pieces that were added to them, and there were more than 8 that needed to be in an envelope. I am glad I purchased this, but wish I had known and I could have bought additional envelopes at the store. | 1positive
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Ms. McMillian should have taken a little while longer to write this book. Athough she has a lot of knowledge about the automobile industry, this still made this book just plain boring. None of the characters had any depth. Was there a plot to this book? I will advise everyone to read the epilogue first before buying the book, it is the only exciting part. Usually Rosalyn has some really raunchy sex scenes in her books to at least keep you interested but of course that was not the case with Blue Collar Bore!!!!!!! | 0negative
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Love this book..... so well done... A++ to the seller too for fast shipping ! | 1positive
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No, this may not be Leonard's best work, but that isn't a criticism at all. His "average" work outshines nearly any other on the market today, and his dialogue continues to be theabsolute best. When you read what the low-lifes or Detroitcops are saying in his books, this one included, you can be sureit is about like being right there in the middle of that conversation. And he makes us feel like we are part of it.Plus, he has the ability to give us more to think about with hishints of action than most authors can whip up in many chapters of writing.In this one, the older, retired "Mr. Paradise" gets such a kickout of watching old U.of M. football games (only the ones theywon of course) on video at home, with a real live bouncing cheerleader adding to his enjoyment, he pays his favorite somuch she can afford to quit all other business, and she becomeshis regular. But in order to liven things up, the regular cheerleader prods her roommate, another beautiful young model,to join her in a one-time performance.But Mr. Paradise has a couple of employees who have some ideasabout enjoying some of the wealth, and through a mix-up on dates, when the two roommate cheerleaders are at his home, 2"workingmen" hit men invade the house to kill Paradise, butthen quickly decide to shoot Chloe, the favorite, just becauseshe is there and in the way.Everybody quickly developes a plan of their own on how they might share in the wealth, and one of the household employeesprevails on the surviving roommate, Kelly, to assume the identify of Chloe, so she can claim some big, rich legacy Mr.Paradise promised her.But the lead investigator, Frank Delsa, knows something is notadding up, and he quickly gets some idea what is going on, andhe decides to play along to see just what the scam is. He questions the witnesses and others, and they start acting out their parts, so Frank has to wait a little longer to try toreel in all the bad guys.But, of course, he is a lonely widower, and he practically can'ttake his eyes off Kelly, so all the while he suspects her of some part in the crime, he fantisizes about what it would be like to have such a beautiful, sensitive creature as his girl-friend.With that conflict, Elmore is off and running, and he brings inadditional characters, including some very seriously-warpedgangbangers, and the characters slide in and out of the action,and he keeps us wondering just what part each will play at theend.There is plain crime, stupid crime and criminals, off-beat characters, and some loveable characters as well here, andthe author gives us a very nice time while reading this latest book. | 1positive
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The subject is grand and the author is respected and prominent, so why has this book failed in its stated purpose? It reminds me most of the college student realizing at the last moment that his semester paper is due the next day and then scrambling to throw material together without regard to scholarship. I can only ask, "who really wrote this book?" and I speculate that it was written by Professor Ambrose's students in History 101. Either that or the author has resorted to churning out material just to capitalize on his popularity.Ambrose's cheerleading of the accomplishments of the common American man - he does it in his WWII books and others - makes him seem a little like the Tom Clancy of the history field. Clancy succeeds because of his terrific imagination and captivating style. Ambrose succeeds when he backs it up with good writing but in this book the poor scholarship and terrible editing is a real downer!How can any modern historian state, "The Chinese . . . needed little or no instruction in handling black powder, which was a Chinese invention . . ." (p.156). Really now! Perhaps all Chinese are good at flower arranging as well.How can an historian of Ambrose's stature totally invert a well known event of the Civil War as he does on p.292 with the statement that "George B. McClellan's uncoded orders were captured by the Confederates before the Battle of Antietam, giving Robert E. Lee a chance to read them." For those who are unfamiliar with this incident, it was Lee's orders that were discovered by Union troops near Frederick, MD, providing the bumbling McClellan with the information he needed to head off the attempt to invade Pennsylvania.Ambrose needs a new editor if this is what his current handler does. He tells us time and time again of the process of moving rails into place as the teams of Irish, Chinese, or Mormons try to beat some production goal. Other material is tediously repeated as though he was trying to meet his own mileage goal, further suggesting the college student padding his term paper to meet the professor's required number of pages. And little facts change from page to page - at one point the CP is 590 miles from Sacramento on April 9, while a page later the end of the CP tracks are 578 miles from Sacramento on April 27 - did they really regress during those 18 days?Maps! Wow, would they be helpful if they were positioned relevant to the material around them. The CP work in California is discussed early in the book, so why is the map of their route placed at page 342 where the discussion is about the CP and UP competition in Utah? And even if you locate the map you want, they frequently do not show the locations that Ambrose has identified as important milestones in the progress of the transcontinental project - the lack of detail is appalling.Professor Ambrose should have stuck with his first instincts as expressed in the acknowledgements. When his editor suggested the subject matter to him, "I hesitated. . . I wanted nothing to do with those railroad thieves." My response is only to note that when I see the Ambrose name on books in the future, I also will hesitate. | 0negative
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I thought the book was really good and informative about the Savannah area. It makes you want to go there and check it out. I was kind of dissapointed in the ending though. I guess that is what happens when you are basing a fiction book around true characters. It is definately worth reading. | 1positive
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Autopsy room 4 and 1408 are the best tales in this collection and are already worth the price of the book. The real Stephen King fan must be cautioned though the some of the tales here are rehashed stories in different guises and some in my opinion are just plain lemons. | 1positive
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...the story, of recourso, is a lovely ellipse, Vico. Great rivers inspire great minds. For the life of Joyce that river was the Liffey. Anna Livia. Finn, again. Up the wall. Falling down dead. Thud! I am, I do, and I suffer. I yam as I yam. A touch of Irish whisky to wake him. Eggburst, eggblend, eggburial and hatch-as-hatch-can. Mounds of fun in the wordplay. Obscure as Kells. Shocking as the lightningmotifs. Thunderation! Characters drawn like Remembrandt. Good ole Shem the Pen Man. A brilliant work of heart to a degree excelsius. Life, he himself once said, kills himself very soon, is a wake. Tip! But what I love most is... | 1positive
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im in middle school and its one of my favorites. i highly recommend this book for anyone who loves a good Steven King book | 1positive
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This book confirmed to me what was always apparent for the fan willing to read between the lines of Ms. Sarton's "journals". She was a totally self- involved woman, as well as an intellectual and name dropping snob. My instincts were correct; both she and her journals were a fraud!On the other hand, I found most of her novels delightful and her poetry touching. It's okay with me she had feet of clay. At one time or another, don't we all? The disappointment: hers were constant.By way of explanation--the 3 rating was for Ms. Peters' disjointed writing, and at times, introduction of a character without giving the reader a clue to who she was. Particularly, Judy.She just dropped in by way of a new paragraph. Might be others too, but I rather gave up trying to adapt to the author's style of prose. | 0negative
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I usually enjoy the Stephanie Plum novels by Janet Evanovich but I did not like this one at all. It was simply not up to par with the past stories about Stephanie Plum. | 0negative
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It's a great read would rec amend it to any one that wants to succeed. | 1positive
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I am already on a lean protein and vegetable diet. I was given this book, and started to read it. I stopped reading it and put it in the yard sale pile when I got to page 18, where Dr Bernard stated emphatically, "carbohydrates boost your metabolism."I am one of those people that carbohydrates have the opposite effect on me, especially those found in grains, pastas and rice. Instead of boosting my metabolism, these carbohydrates bring it to a standstill. When I eat carbs, I feel bloated and lethargic, NOT energetic. If I were to do as he suggests and eat loads of pasta, rice, baked potatoes, etc., I'd end up weighing twice what I do now.Be warned that a high carb diet may work for some - even most people - but for those of you who DON'T feel like running a marathon after eating a plate load of pasta, avoid this book at all costs and grab a copy of The South Beach Diet instead. | 0negative
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This has to be the worst book I have ever read. One of the other reviewers talked about the necessity of having a dictionary at hand - that is an understatement. The book is written at an intellectual and vocabulary level well beyond that of most college graduates - including those holding advanced degrees. The amount of arcane information is incredible and the reader (at least this reader) spends an inordinate amount of time attempting to comprehend what is written. As far as comprehending the "plethora of insights contained in the book", I found the text so laborious that whatever insights were intended were completely lost on me. I had read reviews for this book prior to buying it that praised the revelations, insights, humor, creativity, etc. of the author and his writing style. After plowing through the book - no small task, it is very difficult reading - I have to say whatever the publisher meant by "packed with meaning" is completely lost on me. The story is not all that riveting, although the suspense does build throughout if one is dilligent enough to filter out the academic garbage. The ending is not surprising and is somewhat disapponting. Overall, upon completing the book, I found myself thinking that Mr. Eco is very impressed with himself and his academic mind and outdid himself in this attempt to show the world his vast command of language, semiotics and arcane data. I can only imagine that a student of semiotics or perhaps a select and quite small audience of highly educated literary scholars would find this book at all rewarding or enjoyable.As far as the rest of the intelligent, educated, thoughtful and/or introspective readers in this world go, my advice is not to waste your time - this book is not worth the effort. | 0negative
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I purchased Man, God, and Civilization written by Dr. John G. Jackson from a local bookstore. I asked the owner of the bookstore what books would you recommend for people to read. Out of all the books in the bookstore the owner recommend people to start with Man, God, and Civilization. I am glad he did.This non-fiction book is the best book I have ever read. The author is clearly a genius, brilliant, smart, and knows his stuff. This book is about the origins of man. The origins of the universe and man from a scientific view are explained. The author then states the origins of when people started believing in magic, religion, and science. He gives sufficient evidence of where the concept of a monotheistic god came from. You will learn the origins of Christianity and where the concept of the trinity of God, Jesus, and the Holy Ghost was invented. For people that want more information on the invention of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam; and the inventions of God, Jesus, Allah, the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Ghost I will refer you to videos and books of my favorite historian, the great Dr. Ben Yosef Jochannan. The reader should also read The African Origin of Christianity (1981) and Christianity before Christ (1985), both by Dr. Jackson.Throughout his book are references from many scholars, scientists, mathematics, historians, archeologist, and other professions that give sufficient evidence to his statements.One of the main goals of this book is to tell the historical contributions that Africans have made to people and society. The contributions of Africans have been largely ignored and rarely taught in public schools, colleges, and universities. People are indoctrinated in schools of all levels with information that is an European version of history. This book will explain the many inventions and contributions of Africans before, during, and after Egypt and Mesopotamia and across the world.What the reader will like about the book is the deep level of scholar work. The entire book is deep knowledge, facts, and scientific information. | 1positive
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There are certain books that manage to be authoritative, entertaining and thought-provoking and are also well-written and richly exemplified. Few authors are able to fashion this attractive mixture. Alvin Toffler and Charles Handy can craft it, and in education, David Hargreaves has the knack. I shall add Ken Robinson's absorbing account of creativity to my personal list of gems.Creativity is one of those topics that excites some and enrages others. In the wrong hands it can be twee, syrupy, smug, territorial, giving the impression that you have to belong to a special club, with its own argot and conventions. For Ken Robinson it is none of these, but rather a universal talent that people have, often without realising it. Society in general, and education in particular, can squash the imagination and rock children's self-confidence.What I like about this book is the breadth of its scope ... and the fascinating little stories that illustrate the points being made, tales from history, social and economic background factors, test items, incidents from school life. The book is peppered with these vividly recounted vignettes about thinking and learning, or lack of it ... Many of the illustrations and anecdotes are personal to the author, about people he has met inside and outside the university world, organisations he knows, stories he has been told.Robinson's line of argument is carefully constructed through the seven chapters ... Because imagination and invention do not progress in straight lines, or along predictable routes, whole organisations must create and sustain a culture that promotes creativity, rather than stifles it. On the surface, relatively little of this book is directly about education, for many of the chapters describe society generally, human functioning, the arts, and the imagination. But you could also argue that all of it is about education. ... I was sorry to reach the end of the text, as it had maintained its momentum throughout. The reading may finish, but the thinking goes on, just as you would expect from a book on this intriguing subject. | 1positive
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This book seems to never end in misery. It thrives on it. Right up until the very confusing end. It pretends to build up the book but then towards the last few pages it is prone to arid dryness except the last 10 pages, this book leads you on.. and then leaves you with nothing. I had to reread the last 50 pages to see if I missed anything... it gives vague ideas of what could have happened. It ended up being a wanna-be suspense book.The drama of the book is chaotic at times but I would still give it 2 stars only because I couldnt put it down the last 150 pages or so... dont let me convince you of that being its redemption.. | 0negative
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In and around the Seven Cities, the wind blowing from the holy Raraku Desert carries the warnings of a rebellion brewing in the whole continent. As Sha'ik unlocks the Whirlwind and sends her followers out on a holy war, the continent becomes a very dangerous place for the Malazans.We were in Darujhistan when we turned the last page of the Gardens of the Moon. However in Deadhouse Gates Erikson brings us to the Seven Cities, on a different continent.As soon as I decided to read Deadhouse Gates, the first question that came to my mind was: "Will I read about the same characters in this book?" Well... If you're asking the same question then let me tell you that the only characters from the Gardens of the Moon that we encounter in Deadhouse Gates are Fiddler, Crokus, Apsalar and Kalam. The story of the first three is told in one of the story threads as Erikson masterfully manages four main story lines in parallel. We find the charismatic Kalam in the second story thread. The third thread is about a trio who just fell into slavery: Felisin Paran, a noble teenager (whose family name should be familiar), Heboric, an excommunicated priest of Fener the Boar God, and Beneth, a brute. The last main story thread revolves around the imperial historian Duiker (whose name was mentioned in the first book) who accompanies the Seventh Army in a perilous journey. Contrary to Gardens of the Moon, though, the characters in each story thread in Deadhouse Gates are most of the time separated by very long distances.From the first page to the last, Deadhouse Gates progresses as a runaway train that imprisons the reader's attention. The parallel story lines are well crafted and have well balanced weights. These stories pull the reader in different directions, most of the time in different parts of the continent. Furthermore, Erikson continues his world building without overwhelming the reader. He's not afraid of showing gore and blood, and he proves that he is one the best fantasy writers to describe martial action and battle scenes.I also noticed two things after reading the second book of the series: There is not any deep romance in Erikson's books, at least not in the first two books of the Malazan book of the Fallen. And Erikson seems to be just like George R. R. Martin in that no protagonist is safe in his books. There's something good about being caught off guard that way but it's also sad to see one of your favorite characters disappear.All in all, in Deadhouse Gates, Steven Erikson raises the bar one more notch. It was an incredible read and I'm definitely thirsty for more. My mind is already set on Memories of Ice. I can't wait... | 1positive
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After buying this book in an airport bookshop (at the advice of my English Lit teacher) I expected it to be worth flicking through for the duration of the flight - I actually had no idea of the lasting imprint it would leave on my thoughts and thinking patterns of the way I view the social structure in which we live. In the "utpoic" society of the future, humans are genetically engineered to ensure their function in a pre-destined social role. Huxley carefully examines the place the individual has in a society, reviewing how self-analysis, questioning and individualistic thinking patterns can disrupt the equilibrium which keeps our community at a balance. Questions raised include - should we sacrifice individual pleasure and "want" to ensure the creation of a society where everyone has enough to eat, where no mass violence or brutality takes place and every-one has adequate sanitation? Or should we rebel from this lack of conrol of our pre-destined social role, and have the free mind and morals to construct our own social niche, one which we aren't conditioned against deciding? Huxley carefully creates a fully balanced, well constructed argument which relays to the reader the full, horrific consequences of what can happen if the fibre of society is dissrupted. Read this book if you want if to be presented with a convincing and stimulating examination of the exact social structure in which we function. | 1positive
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I truly hope that this book is widely read by the general public. I say this in the sense that I wish Mein Kamph would have been more widely read. If people would have been more familiar with the author's ideas it would have averted horrible tragedy, and outright evil, in the world. As Ayn Rand is the author most quoted by "libertarians", "free-traders", and advocates of "hands off" capitalism this also applies.Her philosophy of Objectivism is the philosophy of sociopathy, of the ego freed from the restraints of social conscience. All that is important is gratification of the ego. There is no room for community, no room for humanity, no room for God- the individual ego is God. To the objectivist, "altruism", lending a hand or doing good for it's own sake, is a dirty word. I have heard a leading spokesman for Rand's philosophy denounce Hitler primariy because he was too "altruistic." Make of that what you will. In our own time, the proponets of unrestrained corporate power, and of the dismantling of elected government, love Rand. They tell you that only governments can "initiate force." This is the Big Lie- there is no moral difference between shooting a man and starving him to death through economic control of resources- or controlling people through the threat of it. Rand and her objectivists are usually very adept at formal argument and logic. However, their basic premises are so absolutely inhumane that their arguments are mere castles in the air. Castles empty of humanity and God, but filled with evil.I sometimes wonder what sort of childhood abuse in her native Russia could have warped Rand so seriously. It is obvious that her philosophy is an extreme over reaction to communist collectivism- in the same way that Satanism is an extreme overreaction to Christian fundamentalism. | 0negative
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What a book! I have never been exposed to a book like this. The author's brillance is seen at the turn of every page. She offers a detailed insight into each character which allows the reader to become really involved. Alice's perception and cynical character makes the book great. The more you get to know Alice the easier it is to see and fully understand her constant battle. The two extremes Grant uses, Maeve and Syd, to show what Alice idealizes in each is phenomenal. I completely understand Grant's purpose in having lesbianism part of the story. Yes the sex scenes were shocking, but deal with it! They were necessary. The ending is very intriguing. I feel it leaves the reader with many answers, and the promise of a bright future. | 1positive
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As a computer science graduate and a developer, I have learned quite a few languages, including C++, and Java. Many aspects of C# are similar to both of these languages. This book does an excellent job of explaining all the intricacies of the C# language.Although the book contains more than a handful of errors, it provides a very thorough description of the language. It is fairly easy studying for a technical book, and a must have for anyone studying C#.I purchased this this book as a supplement to the MCTS 70-536 Self Paced Training Kit. It explains topics in much greater depth, providing a solid comprehension of the language which is often lacking in the test prep book. | 1positive
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This was the first novel that I read by Charlie Huston. I thought his take on the Vampire genre was interesting and a bit different than most authors who have jumped on the bandwagon. I thought that the beginning of the book was good and character development was interesting. I can't give it more than 2 stars because of the following:1. Chapters would have been good. Was this a Kindle mistake - I don't know. I had this overwhelming feeling of reading one long run on sentence that never ended. The reader is taken from one scene to the next with NO break ... it was sometimes confusing. Also I don't have time to read a book in one sitting so I always ended up backtracking a little to figure out the time and place. This is annoying.2. The ending seemed to appear out of no where. Referencing the above point - it almost seemed like the author ran out of time and had to wrap the book up in a few short pages. I am not a fan of this - the main antagonist just seem to exit the story line with no real explanation.Overall it was a good freebie for the Kindle but the layout of the book would prevent me from purchasing another by this author. | 0negative
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I found this sequel as bad as I found the first book good. It was unrealistic, rambling, too many minor characters, too predictable, and altogether tedious to slog through. | 0negative
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As a response to one of the reviews that speaks quite highly of this novel, I would like to say that despite my understanding and comprehension of the book, I still found it entirely dull, boring, and a waste of my time. Since it was required of me to read this book in school, I was forced to make my way through each dragging chapter, but I would have never on my own time, and it's not because I didn't understand the book that I feel this way about it. My class discussed quite thouroughly about the book's symbolism, which was Golding's intention to start out with. Despite its hidden meanings, the novel still remains absolutely ridiculous in the sense that these young British boys turn completely salvage and kill their fellow islanders. If the book was looked at through a totally symbolic perspective, it would make more sense, but in order to understand its symbolism, one still has to read it, and it is really not worth it. | 0negative
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pg. 79: "I perceived it (the Holy face of the Angel) perfectly and sensibly, yet without seeing it."Though it would be a great story to say Cecy Cony who would become Sister Maria Antonia saw visions of her Guardian Angel, the truth is discovered in these pages, that indeed, the young girl had, to possibly use the best word, a telepathic type of relationship with her Guardian Angel, that they understood each other, that she sensed and perceived ( but not with her "bodily eyes" - pg. 63) her "Good Friend" as she refers to this Heavenly Being who was with her all the time and that the Angel helped keep her from sinning, from doing wrong and to be strong against temptation. There is no parting of the red sea here or spinning suns but I believe the real spiritual lessons are very great and true and accessible to all of us. Cecy would avoid sin because she did not want to "put a thorn into the Sacred Head of Jesus."Indeed, much of what is contained in this book which contains an imprimatur and is approved is conventional Catholic teaching. Her understanding of God, the Blessed Sacrament and so on. "It is a very sweet book" is really what my banner headline should have said, about a girl growing up in Brazil, born in 1900 and living until 1939. Interestingly, followers of the Divine Mercy prayers and who are devout to that doctrine would find it interesting that Cecy's life shares a time line, close to that of Sister Kowalska who indeed had "visions" of Christ. I'd really be pressed to say Cecy saw her guardian angel as we would envision but sensed her guardian or saw her guardian angel in "a different way." St. Faustina Kowalska lived from 1905 to 1938 in Poland, Sister Antonia (as referred to by her convent) lived from 1900 to 1939. Both had experiences with the Divine world. Okay, sorry about that little off-topic note, but I do find it is important and I think, Cecy's book is a great treasure like the Divine Mercy devotion.So basically, this book follows Catholic Doctrine, however as a little girl, Cecy did things such as use a beaded necklace of her sister as a rosary before she received a proper one. Yes, a blue beaded rosary without a Crucifix and in fact, Blessed it herself. She taught the invalid mentioned in the next paragraph how to pray the rosary but not with this blue beaded homemade rosary she had because her "Good Friend", her guardian angel would not allow some things but later did with a real Blessed rosary she eventually got from her teacher.How does that sound? Furthermore, she baptized someone, a someone who was a paralyzed old man living in a "beggars asylum" building that was across the street from where she and her family lived. Cecy befriended him and Cyprian was the name of the afflicted: she visited him as her family fixed him meals. The asylum provided shelter but not food and such. She took it upon herself to baptize this poor paralyzed man, bedridden with only the use of one arm and hand so he could enjoy going to heaven because Cecy, Sister Antonia that is, was told by a Nun at her school that only those baptized could go to heaven and Cyprian, Joseph by his new Baptismal name given to him by Cecy passed away the very next day after his baptism! But we would have to think, being accepted into eternal glory.This is indeed, a very sweet story of a young Brazilian girl with a child's wonderment of the world at times, growing up in the early 1900s; her sister Acacia, was very sweet, basically Cecy's caretaker growing up though of course, their family unit was solid and she had a Mother and Father, the latter of whom apparently, Cecy was very fond of and who was in fact a ranking officer in the Brazilian military along with her countless sisters it seems. The above story on the baptism is in fact, just an example of many contained in this book. This book was written by Cecy during her years in the Convent as Sister Antonia as a recollection and narrative of her experiences. There is a photo of the lovely Sister Antonia with glasses in the book too.I would agree though, the stories within this book do involve the intercession of the angel, to overcome temptation or to ask for favors and indeed, humble favors like Cecy wanting to be able to make her first communion which the Nun at the school deemed as for a more mature grown child. Cecy or Sister Antonia would have us believe our Guardian Angel is always near by, for us to talk to, to converse with, "to light and guard, to rule and guide our way" as she does mention this prayer frequently within the book. She also says from a young age, she saw the famous painting of a Guardian angel leading the two children across the bridge. She relays to us, that this is truly the way the Guardian angels are, so in fact, that is a bit contrary to what in other places, she says, she just knows the Angel's presence is there. Physically, we would be led to believe that the angel once kept Cecy from stealing a peach on a tree by halting her reaching arm, another time, during the great Mardi Gras party held in the city square of Jaguaro where she lived at the time, Cecy as a little girl still became separated from her sisters and a man like so many other partygoers wearing a mask to that party, this is Brazil after all, picked her up and was carrying her in all of the commotion and this was an alarming situation but something made the man loosen up and let go of her. This Cecy attributes is due to her Guardian Angel. I definitely believe, there are lessons and inspirations in this book that we all can use to converse with and be aided by our Guardian Angel; because the Angel is always right by our side! I think she's right!I believe her persona is playful and serious to her humble own station in life but not as one of the listmania articles says "humorous." She describes herself as a simpleton. Did she really have this relationship with this heavenily being? These pages are to be read to consider that. I personally think so though, I have nothing against skepticism. Many children have "imaginary friends", so we can look at it but also ponder if the source of having those "imaginary friends" could be Guardian Angels as well.I must add, the little details of her writing are darling and tender. Here is one example of which the book is full of:"One day I received from Captain Texeira (pronounced Tay-shay'ra) a very pretty little box of bonbons. The cover had an elephant mounted on a bicycle, the wheels of which really revolved...."- pg. 63I think I found this book, because my Guardian Angel wanted me to read it! Perhaps, we can try to cultivate the same relationship in our personal lives that Antonia was blessed with in hers.On this page, it reads above, that the reading level is for years 9-12 years old and perhaps it is "simpler" to read than something like the 'Imitation of Christ', but be confident, it can be an aid to everyone, perhaps better than drudging through 700 pages of some other books out there. I think it somehow is one of the best books I've ever read and it's lessons are more valuable than gold and yet, very underrated.In some ways, it is very consistent with a book like 'Imitation of Christ', Cecy gets accused of stealing something, she is so humble, though she knows who the person is who stole, she keeps silent and does not point an accusing finger. Her Guardian Angel may assist her in this trial. The objects stolen did eventually find there way back to the original owner afterwards.Sister Antonia Pray For Us! And thanks for the great insight! I looked at a list of great Christian books, well, you've read the rest, now read the best! This is it! | 1positive
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This was a replacement for a well worn copy from our childhood. We wanted a copy for our kids that had a cover and not torn pages. The book came in better shape than was described on the site and we were very satisfied. This book is up high on a shelf until our kids are old enough to read it responsibly. | 1positive
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Although I'm a great Stephen King fan, I simply hate this book and don't understand all the hoopla around it. The characters are absurd, the "scary" parts (like the animated stone animals) are histerically laughable and I couldn't wait for seeing when will this mess would do me the favor to be over. I've noticed that King is a writer that gives multilayered book, like a bad novel with a good ending (read Cujo) or a good novel with a bad ending (read Pet Semetary) but nothing of that happens in this book. The Shining is absurd, ridiculous and by far, the worst book he's ever written. If you want to see children in a scary book, that really scares you, go and read some John Saul. | 0negative
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It's too bad I can't return this, as there are much too many mistakes in formulas and example problems. What's the point if every time I think, "wait a minute, that doesn't seem right" (which happened a lot), I end up having to look through my text books for correct formulas. I found a handful of mistakes in just the "Dynamics" portion. If you are at all wanting to spend your money wisely for a primary studying guide and review, do NOT buy this. If you know the material already and need more practice exams, then MAYBE this might be for you. | 0negative
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