Question: How did you like the book?

I am no snob when it comes to reading material.  In my teens I devoured Jackie Collins and Judith Krantz and even plowed gamely through Danielle Steel.  I've read my share of bodice-ripper romance novels.  I'll admit to a secret enjoyment of Laurell K. Hamilton's Meredith Gentry novels, also known as "elf porn."  Hell, I'll even read fan fiction if it holds my interest.  So when I heard about the phenomenon of "Fifty Shades of Grey," supposedly birthed as a "Twilight" fan fiction piece but with super-graphic sex, I figured I'd check it out.I will say that it's a page-turner--but not for the reasons EL James hopes for.  It's because I was absolutely horrified that something this badly written not only got published, but got popular.  If I hadn't known James was forty-something I'd swear on whatever you hold holy that this thing was written by a 16-year-old girl who's never been kissed.  The "hero", Christian Grey, is impossibly rich, impossibly handsome, impossibly well-endowed and, of course, falling in love with beautiful innocent virgin Anastasia Steele, who despite her virginity seems to get right into the whole whips and chains thing while uncovering Christian's "damaged" side and therefore immediately falling in love with him because she thinks she can save him.  The vaunted BDSM stuff is, in my opinion, fairly tame--the Sleeping Beauty series by Anne Rice was much worse, but then again it was much better written too.  The dialogue is ludicrous, as are the constant references to Anastasia's subconscious and inner goddess, who between them do so many gymnastics they should try out for the Olympics.In the end, "Fifty Shades of Grey" is a very typical romance novel disguised as BDSM porn and since the average romance reader is unfamiliar with that it makes the book OMG SO TITILLATING AND ROMANTIC.  In the hands of someone who could actually write, it might have been a better book, but EL James shows herself for what she is--a crummy fan fiction writer.  And we all know there's WAY too many of them.

Answer: it might have been a better book

I am no snob when it comes to reading material. In my teens I devoured Jackie Collins and Judith Krantz and even plowed gamely through Danielle Steel. I've read my share of bodice-ripper romance novels. I'll admit to a secret enjoyment of Laurell K. Hamilton's Meredith Gentry novels, also known as "elf porn." Hell, I'll even read fan fiction if it holds my interest. So when I heard about the phenomenon of "Fifty Shades of Grey," supposedly birthed as a "Twilight" fan fiction piece but with super-graphic sex, I figured I'd check it out. I will say that it's a page-turner--but not for the reasons EL James hopes for. It's because I was absolutely horrified that something this badly written not only got published, but got popular. If I hadn't known James was forty-something I'd swear on whatever you hold holy that this thing was written by a 16-year-old girl who's never been kissed. The "hero", Christian Grey, is impossibly rich, impossibly handsome, impossibly well-endowed and, of course, falling in love with beautiful innocent virgin Anastasia Steele, who despite her virginity seems to get right into the whole whips and chains thing while uncovering Christian's "damaged" side and therefore immediately falling in love with him because she thinks she can save him. The vaunted BDSM stuff is, in my opinion, fairly tame--the Sleeping Beauty series by Anne Rice was much worse, but then again it was much better written too. The dialogue is ludicrous, as are the constant references to Anastasia's subconscious and inner goddess, who between them do so many gymnastics they should try out for the Olympics. In the end, "Fifty Shades of Grey" is a very typical romance novel disguised as BDSM porn and since the average romance reader is unfamiliar with that it makes the book OMG SO TITILLATING AND ROMANTIC. <hl> In the hands of someone who could actually write, it might have been a better book , but EL James shows herself for what she is--a crummy fan fiction writer. <hl> And we all know there's WAY too many of them.

I am no snob when it comes to reading material. In my teens I devoured Jackie Collins and Judith Krantz and even plowed gamely through Danielle Steel. I've read my share of bodice-ripper romance novels. I'll admit to a secret enjoyment of Laurell K. Hamilton's Meredith Gentry novels, also known as "elf porn." Hell, I'll even read fan fiction if it holds my interest. So when I heard about the phenomenon of "Fifty Shades of Grey," supposedly birthed as a "Twilight" fan fiction piece but with super-graphic sex, I figured I'd check it out.I will say that it's a page-turner--but not for the reasons EL James hopes for. It's because I was absolutely horrified that something this badly written not only got published, but got popular. If I hadn't known James was forty-something I'd swear on whatever you hold holy that this thing was written by a 16-year-old girl who's never been kissed. The "hero", Christian Grey, is impossibly rich, impossibly handsome, impossibly well-endowed and, of course, falling in love with beautiful innocent virgin Anastasia Steele, who despite her virginity seems to get right into the whole whips and chains thing while uncovering Christian's "damaged" side and therefore immediately falling in love with him because she thinks she can save him. The vaunted BDSM stuff is, in my opinion, fairly tame--the Sleeping Beauty series by Anne Rice was much worse, but then again it was much better written too. The dialogue is ludicrous, as are the constant references to Anastasia's subconscious and inner goddess, who between them do so many gymnastics they should try out for the Olympics.In the end, "Fifty Shades of Grey" is a very typical romance novel disguised as BDSM porn and since the average romance reader is unfamiliar with that it makes the book OMG SO TITILLATING AND ROMANTIC. In the hands of someone who could actually write, <hl> it might have been a better book <hl>, but EL James shows herself for what she is--a crummy fan fiction writer. And we all know there's WAY too many of them.

In the hands of someone who could actually write, <hl> it might have been a better book <hl> , but EL James shows herself for what she is--a crummy fan fiction writer.


Question: What is the benefit of that book?

Alphabet Kids delves into one of the most confusing aspects of childhood health in an easy to understand manner.  It gives parents and general health officials a place to start to understand these types of health concerns in children.  ADHD seems to be a catch-all for kids exhibiting behaviors that may very well be something else.  I found this book to be a helpful resource when I questioned the diagnosis of one my children when the diagnosis just did not match.Alphabet Kids is not necessarily thorough regarding each alphabet disorder, but gives a good introduction to each, including terms doctors will recognize, a list of symptoms, and a story to help readers understand what kind of behaviors may indicate that disorder.  This book is easy to read, easy to understand, and well organized.This book also gives basic information on what the diagnosis would mean for the child and treatments available.  Unlike many other books of its kind, Alphabet Kids also lists reputable resources to turn to for further information on each disorder.  It is an excellent introduction to these disorders that are often very confusing or relatively unrealized and is a good resource for any family or caregiver library.  I serve on my school district's Wellness Committee and will be introducing this book to supplement the resources of our school nurses.

Answer: I found this book to be a helpful resource

Alphabet Kids delves into one of the most confusing aspects of childhood health in an easy to understand manner. It gives parents and general health officials a place to start to understand these types of health concerns in children. ADHD seems to be a catch-all for kids exhibiting behaviors that may very well be something else. <hl> I found this book to be a helpful resource when I questioned the diagnosis of one my children when the diagnosis just did not match. <hl> Alphabet Kids is not necessarily thorough regarding each alphabet disorder, but gives a good introduction to each, including terms doctors will recognize, a list of symptoms, and a story to help readers understand what kind of behaviors may indicate that disorder. This book is easy to read, easy to understand, and well organized. This book also gives basic information on what the diagnosis would mean for the child and treatments available. Unlike many other books of its kind, Alphabet Kids also lists reputable resources to turn to for further information on each disorder. It is an excellent introduction to these disorders that are often very confusing or relatively unrealized and is a good resource for any family or caregiver library. I serve on my school district's Wellness Committee and will be introducing this book to supplement the resources of our school nurses.

Alphabet Kids delves into one of the most confusing aspects of childhood health in an easy to understand manner. It gives parents and general health officials a place to start to understand these types of health concerns in children. ADHD seems to be a catch-all for kids exhibiting behaviors that may very well be something else. <hl> I found this book to be a helpful resource <hl> when I questioned the diagnosis of one my children when the diagnosis just did not match.Alphabet Kids is not necessarily thorough regarding each alphabet disorder, but gives a good introduction to each, including terms doctors will recognize, a list of symptoms, and a story to help readers understand what kind of behaviors may indicate that disorder. This book is easy to read, easy to understand, and well organized.This book also gives basic information on what the diagnosis would mean for the child and treatments available. Unlike many other books of its kind, Alphabet Kids also lists reputable resources to turn to for further information on each disorder. It is an excellent introduction to these disorders that are often very confusing or relatively unrealized and is a good resource for any family or caregiver library. I serve on my school district's Wellness Committee and will be introducing this book to supplement the resources of our school nurses.


Question: How is the series?

I have read many of Molles novels and enjoy them. The Remaining series was great and very entertaining. I hope for additional books to follow.

Answer: The Remaining series was great and very entertaining

I have read many of Molles novels and enjoy them. <hl> The Remaining series was great and very entertaining . <hl> I hope for additional books to follow.

I have read many of Molles novels and enjoy them. <hl> The Remaining series was great and very entertaining <hl>. I hope for additional books to follow.

<hl> The Remaining series was great and very entertaining <hl> .


Question: What is the sentiment of the story?

I tried to read this book once before...  and I didn't like it, I wasn't interested in dystopian novels and I didn't like that all the characters had such bizarre names.  So I closed the book and let it go.  When the movie came out and was a huge success I decided I wanted to read it and see the movie, I read about 6 chapters before going to the movie and the writing was really good, after seeing the movie I went home to finish the book.  It did not disappoint.  In fact it had me buying book 2 immediately after and now I'm halfway through it.There isn't much to add to other reviews because everything has been said.  Reading the book at the same time as watching the movie I think they did an excellent adaptation of the story and Suzanne Collins has a beautiful style of writing even when it's something as sad and serious as The Hunger Games. What a creative idea.  This book is just so full of imagination and you can tell she put so much into writing it.  Definitely a 5 star and it's no wonder she's the next big thing in book and media headlines!

Answer: imagination and you can tell she put so much into writing it

I tried to read this book once before... and I didn't like it, I wasn't interested in dystopian novels and I didn't like that all the characters had such bizarre names. So I closed the book and let it go. When the movie came out and was a huge success I decided I wanted to read it and see the movie, I read about 6 chapters before going to the movie and the writing was really good, after seeing the movie I went home to finish the book. It did not disappoint. In fact it had me buying book 2 immediately after and now I'm halfway through it. There isn't much to add to other reviews because everything has been said. Reading the book at the same time as watching the movie I think they did an excellent adaptation of the story and Suzanne Collins has a beautiful style of writing even when it's something as sad and serious as The Hunger Games. What a creative idea. <hl> This book is just so full of imagination and you can tell she put so much into writing it . <hl> Definitely a 5 star and it's no wonder she's the next big thing in book and media headlines!

I tried to read this book once before... and I didn't like it, I wasn't interested in dystopian novels and I didn't like that all the characters had such bizarre names. So I closed the book and let it go. When the movie came out and was a huge success I decided I wanted to read it and see the movie, I read about 6 chapters before going to the movie and the writing was really good, after seeing the movie I went home to finish the book. It did not disappoint. In fact it had me buying book 2 immediately after and now I'm halfway through it.There isn't much to add to other reviews because everything has been said. Reading the book at the same time as watching the movie I think they did an excellent adaptation of the story and Suzanne Collins has a beautiful style of writing even when it's something as sad and serious as The Hunger Games. What a creative idea. This book is just so full of <hl> imagination and you can tell she put so much into writing it <hl>. Definitely a 5 star and it's no wonder she's the next big thing in book and media headlines!

This book is just so full of <hl> imagination and you can tell she put so much into writing it <hl> .


Question: How was the book?

I absolutely LOVED this booked.  I started it around 11pm, and finished at 6am without a single break.  The plot, the charaters, the co-dependant relationship are simply amazing and thought provoking.  While I feel like I could relate to Abby at times, and America, it was Travis' intense longing and Abby's absolute denial of their attraction, that kept me turning the pages to see when they would finally connect.  Its a story line that still sticks in my mind, and I will definately read it again!

Answer: I absolutely LOVED this booked.  I started it around 11pm, and finished at 6am without a single break.  The plot, the charaters, the co-dependant relationship are simply amazing and thought provoking

<hl> I absolutely LOVED this booked. I started it around 11pm, and finished at 6am without a single break. The plot, the charaters, the co-dependant relationship are simply amazing and thought provoking . <hl> While I feel like I could relate to Abby at times, and America, it was Travis' intense longing and Abby's absolute denial of their attraction, that kept me turning the pages to see when they would finally connect. Its a story line that still sticks in my mind, and I will definately read it again!

<hl> I absolutely LOVED this booked. I started it around 11pm, and finished at 6am without a single break. The plot, the charaters, the co-dependant relationship are simply amazing and thought provoking <hl>. While I feel like I could relate to Abby at times, and America, it was Travis' intense longing and Abby's absolute denial of their attraction, that kept me turning the pages to see when they would finally connect. Its a story line that still sticks in my mind, and I will definately read it again!

<hl> I absolutely LOVED this booked. I started it around 11pm, and finished at 6am without a single break. The plot, the charaters, the co-dependant relationship are simply amazing and thought provoking <hl> .


Question: How did you like the story?

The Lost City of Z is a non-fiction book by David Grann. It tells the story of British explorer Percy Fawcett.Percy Fawcett disappeared in the 1920's with his son and his son's friend while looking for an ancient city in the Amazon, a city that he had named Z. For decades, explorers then went in search for Fawcett in the hopes of finding either him or what had happened to him, often without much luck (often disappearing themselves). Grann, a journalist who never did ANYTHING in the outdoors (and took the elevator up two flights to his apartment instead of walking it) decided to go in search of Fawcett himself AND he was able to reveal new evidence how Fawcett died and whether he had really found his city or not.I found this book to be alternatively captivating and then quite boring. There were parts that were absolutely fascinating. I found the parts about Fawcett's early life and the author's life and motivations to be really, interesting. Oftentimes, the parts about the various explorations that Fawcett went on before his latest and greatest were boring. They were all the same and they all ran into each other. There was nothing to distinguish them and I found my attention lagging at those parts. I would have to put the book down and then come back to it later on. The book itself was very well written and very well researched. I was very impressed about the depth of information that was presented - Grann went all out.I walked away generally liking the book, in spite of its slow points.

Answer: The book itself was very well written and very well researched. I was very impressed about the depth of information that was presented

The Lost City of Z is a non-fiction book by David Grann. It tells the story of British explorer Percy Fawcett. Percy Fawcett disappeared in the 1920's with his son and his son's friend while looking for an ancient city in the Amazon, a city that he had named Z. For decades, explorers then went in search for Fawcett in the hopes of finding either him or what had happened to him, often without much luck (often disappearing themselves). Grann, a journalist who never did ANYTHING in the outdoors (and took the elevator up two flights to his apartment instead of walking it) decided to go in search of Fawcett himself AND he was able to reveal new evidence how Fawcett died and whether he had really found his city or not. I found this book to be alternatively captivating and then quite boring. There were parts that were absolutely fascinating. I found the parts about Fawcett's early life and the author's life and motivations to be really, interesting. Oftentimes, the parts about the various explorations that Fawcett went on before his latest and greatest were boring. They were all the same and they all ran into each other. There was nothing to distinguish them and I found my attention lagging at those parts. I would have to put the book down and then come back to it later on. <hl> The book itself was very well written and very well researched. I was very impressed about the depth of information that was presented - Grann went all out. <hl> I walked away generally liking the book, in spite of its slow points.

The Lost City of Z is a non-fiction book by David Grann. It tells the story of British explorer Percy Fawcett.Percy Fawcett disappeared in the 1920's with his son and his son's friend while looking for an ancient city in the Amazon, a city that he had named Z. For decades, explorers then went in search for Fawcett in the hopes of finding either him or what had happened to him, often without much luck (often disappearing themselves). Grann, a journalist who never did ANYTHING in the outdoors (and took the elevator up two flights to his apartment instead of walking it) decided to go in search of Fawcett himself AND he was able to reveal new evidence how Fawcett died and whether he had really found his city or not.I found this book to be alternatively captivating and then quite boring. There were parts that were absolutely fascinating. I found the parts about Fawcett's early life and the author's life and motivations to be really, interesting. Oftentimes, the parts about the various explorations that Fawcett went on before his latest and greatest were boring. They were all the same and they all ran into each other. There was nothing to distinguish them and I found my attention lagging at those parts. I would have to put the book down and then come back to it later on. <hl> The book itself was very well written and very well researched. I was very impressed about the depth of information that was presented <hl> - Grann went all out.I walked away generally liking the book, in spite of its slow points.


Question: How is the message to the reader?

There is something truly unique about don Miguel Ruiz's "The Four Agreements."  While it reads like a cross between a religious text and a science fiction novel, its message is simple, clear and powerful."The Four Agreements" is about simplifying and taking ownership of your life.  It's a practical "how to" guide for casting off the social expectations and standards that you've collected and made "fact" over the course of your life.  Ruiz coins this web of overlapping societal truths as the dream of the world; suggesting that - just like we have created our own belief system as to what we're capable as individuals - so to have we, as a global entity, created a mass belief that people should act in a certain way and (with rare exception) are only capable of certain things.  Ruiz shares that while this belief system is strong (and widely accepted, making it easier to submit to than to challenge) it is invalid and extremely limiting to us as individuals.Ruiz teaches that the way in which we see and interact with the world is entirely created through thousands and thousands of tiny "agreements" - situations we experience, form an opinion on and then solidify in our minds as actual fact.  An opinion is not a fact.  It is simply an opinion; one way of viewing the world.So, to clarify an important new term here: Ruiz defines an "agreement" as an effective "thought habit"; something you've been told so many times, or repeated to yourself so many times that you believe it to be irrefutable fact.Ruiz hypothesizes that we make and reinforce thousands of these agreements every day and, unfortunately, a lot of them are negative.  We have preconceptions and criticisms of individuals, organizations, events or ideas that we allow to color our experiences.  As an aside, the film "Traffic" does a great job of exploring this topic  Ruiz suggests that while we have been "programmed" by thousands of little agreements we've made with ourselves and society, the active pursuit of mastery of four key agreements can counter balance the lot of them.  The purpose of doing so is in creating an "authentically you" lifestyle.  Think of the timeless bliss of five year olds in play.  Those kids are authentically themselves.  They don't know how to be any other way.  And they're happy.  This is what we're working towards.FAVOURITE TAKEAWAY: Over the course of his smart, quick little book, Ruiz identifies the four key agreements we can make with ourselves that will have the most dramatic impact on the happiness in our lives. Those agreements are as follows: The first agreement is to be impeccable with your word. The second agreement is don't take anything personally. The third agreement is don't make assumptions. The fourth agreement is about the action of the first three: Always do your best.While the agreements themselves are extremely simple in nature, they are also brutally challenging to master.  Society teaches us to gossip.  To criticize.  To cut corners.  To exaggerate or outright lie.  Mastering these four agreements take time, patience and an incredible strong will.  Ruiz's belief, however, is that the effort is worth it.  With these four agreements in place, we can learn to "roll back the fog" of our existence and live the life we were truly meant to lead, rather than plod along on the path dictated to us by social programming and peer expectation.  While we don't have time to go into all four agreements in detail, here are a couple key thoughts for mastering these agreements."The Four Agreements" is different.  While I don't believe this book (and Ruiz's writing style or language) is one that everyone will be comfortable with, I do strongly feel the message is universal and can be lived by everyone.  We do submit to societal pressures and expectations.  Unconsciously, we conform to what the world tells us we should be and do.  We're typically not happy about it, but we end up blaming everyone else for that - our bosses, our parents, our partner - it's always someone else's fault.  The message of this book is clear - you need to take ownership for your own life and destiny.  You choose the path, and the way you want to live your life.  My personal opinion is that the four agreements are collectively a powerful set of tools for setting you down the right path; your path.  As I said, not for everyone, but powerful stuff for the spiritually inclined.--Visit ActionableBooks for over 170 summaries, author video interviews and easy ways to implement the concepts for managers and their teams.

Answer: message is simple, clear and powerful

There is something truly unique about don Miguel Ruiz's "The Four Agreements." <hl> While it reads like a cross between a religious text and a science fiction novel, its message is simple, clear and powerful ."The Four Agreements" is about simplifying and taking ownership of your life. <hl> It's a practical "how to" guide for casting off the social expectations and standards that you've collected and made "fact" over the course of your life. Ruiz coins this web of overlapping societal truths as the dream of the world; suggesting that - just like we have created our own belief system as to what we're capable as individuals - so to have we, as a global entity, created a mass belief that people should act in a certain way and (with rare exception) are only capable of certain things. Ruiz shares that while this belief system is strong (and widely accepted, making it easier to submit to than to challenge) it is invalid and extremely limiting to us as individuals. Ruiz teaches that the way in which we see and interact with the world is entirely created through thousands and thousands of tiny "agreements" - situations we experience, form an opinion on and then solidify in our minds as actual fact. An opinion is not a fact. It is simply an opinion; one way of viewing the world. So, to clarify an important new term here: Ruiz defines an "agreement" as an effective "thought habit"; something you've been told so many times, or repeated to yourself so many times that you believe it to be irrefutable fact. Ruiz hypothesizes that we make and reinforce thousands of these agreements every day and, unfortunately, a lot of them are negative. We have preconceptions and criticisms of individuals, organizations, events or ideas that we allow to color our experiences. As an aside, the film "Traffic" does a great job of exploring this topic Ruiz suggests that while we have been "programmed" by thousands of little agreements we've made with ourselves and society, the active pursuit of mastery of four key agreements can counter balance the lot of them. The purpose of doing so is in creating an "authentically you" lifestyle. Think of the timeless bliss of five year olds in play. Those kids are authentically themselves. They don't know how to be any other way. And they're happy. This is what we're working towards. FAVOURITE TAKEAWAY: Over the course of his smart, quick little book, Ruiz identifies the four key agreements we can make with ourselves that will have the most dramatic impact on the happiness in our lives. Those agreements are as follows: The first agreement is to be impeccable with your word. The second agreement is don't take anything personally. The third agreement is don't make assumptions. The fourth agreement is about the action of the first three: Always do your best. While the agreements themselves are extremely simple in nature, they are also brutally challenging to master. Society teaches us to gossip. To criticize. To cut corners. To exaggerate or outright lie. Mastering these four agreements take time, patience and an incredible strong will. Ruiz's belief, however, is that the effort is worth it. With these four agreements in place, we can learn to "roll back the fog" of our existence and live the life we were truly meant to lead, rather than plod along on the path dictated to us by social programming and peer expectation. While we don't have time to go into all four agreements in detail, here are a couple key thoughts for mastering these agreements. "The Four Agreements" is different. While I don't believe this book (and Ruiz's writing style or language) is one that everyone will be comfortable with, I do strongly feel the message is universal and can be lived by everyone. We do submit to societal pressures and expectations. Unconsciously, we conform to what the world tells us we should be and do. We're typically not happy about it, but we end up blaming everyone else for that - our bosses, our parents, our partner - it's always someone else's fault. The message of this book is clear - you need to take ownership for your own life and destiny. You choose the path, and the way you want to live your life. My personal opinion is that the four agreements are collectively a powerful set of tools for setting you down the right path; your path. As I said, not for everyone, but powerful stuff for the spiritually inclined.--Visit ActionableBooks for over 170 summaries, author video interviews and easy ways to implement the concepts for managers and their teams.

There is something truly unique about don Miguel Ruiz's "The Four Agreements." While it reads like a cross between a religious text and a science fiction novel, its <hl> message is simple, clear and powerful <hl>."The Four Agreements" is about simplifying and taking ownership of your life. It's a practical "how to" guide for casting off the social expectations and standards that you've collected and made "fact" over the course of your life. Ruiz coins this web of overlapping societal truths as the dream of the world; suggesting that - just like we have created our own belief system as to what we're capable as individuals - so to have we, as a global entity, created a mass belief that people should act in a certain way and (with rare exception) are only capable of certain things. Ruiz shares that while this belief system is strong (and widely accepted, making it easier to submit to than to challenge) it is invalid and extremely limiting to us as individuals.Ruiz teaches that the way in which we see and interact with the world is entirely created through thousands and thousands of tiny "agreements" - situations we experience, form an opinion on and then solidify in our minds as actual fact. An opinion is not a fact. It is simply an opinion; one way of viewing the world.So, to clarify an important new term here: Ruiz defines an "agreement" as an effective "thought habit"; something you've been told so many times, or repeated to yourself so many times that you believe it to be irrefutable fact.Ruiz hypothesizes that we make and reinforce thousands of these agreements every day and, unfortunately, a lot of them are negative. We have preconceptions and criticisms of individuals, organizations, events or ideas that we allow to color our experiences. As an aside, the film "Traffic" does a great job of exploring this topic Ruiz suggests that while we have been "programmed" by thousands of little agreements we've made with ourselves and society, the active pursuit of mastery of four key agreements can counter balance the lot of them. The purpose of doing so is in creating an "authentically you" lifestyle. Think of the timeless bliss of five year olds in play. Those kids are authentically themselves. They don't know how to be any other way. And they're happy. This is what we're working towards.FAVOURITE TAKEAWAY: Over the course of his smart, quick little book, Ruiz identifies the four key agreements we can make with ourselves that will have the most dramatic impact on the happiness in our lives. Those agreements are as follows: The first agreement is to be impeccable with your word. The second agreement is don't take anything personally. The third agreement is don't make assumptions. The fourth agreement is about the action of the first three: Always do your best.While the agreements themselves are extremely simple in nature, they are also brutally challenging to master. Society teaches us to gossip. To criticize. To cut corners. To exaggerate or outright lie. Mastering these four agreements take time, patience and an incredible strong will. Ruiz's belief, however, is that the effort is worth it. With these four agreements in place, we can learn to "roll back the fog" of our existence and live the life we were truly meant to lead, rather than plod along on the path dictated to us by social programming and peer expectation. While we don't have time to go into all four agreements in detail, here are a couple key thoughts for mastering these agreements."The Four Agreements" is different. While I don't believe this book (and Ruiz's writing style or language) is one that everyone will be comfortable with, I do strongly feel the message is universal and can be lived by everyone. We do submit to societal pressures and expectations. Unconsciously, we conform to what the world tells us we should be and do. We're typically not happy about it, but we end up blaming everyone else for that - our bosses, our parents, our partner - it's always someone else's fault. The message of this book is clear - you need to take ownership for your own life and destiny. You choose the path, and the way you want to live your life. My personal opinion is that the four agreements are collectively a powerful set of tools for setting you down the right path; your path. As I said, not for everyone, but powerful stuff for the spiritually inclined.--Visit ActionableBooks for over 170 summaries, author video interviews and easy ways to implement the concepts for managers and their teams.

While it reads like a cross between a religious text and a science fiction novel, its <hl> message is simple, clear and powerful <hl> ."The Four Agreements" is about simplifying and taking ownership of your life.


Question: How is story?

It's rare that I find a book that I so look forward to reading. Gillian Flynn has done a masterful job of combining a riveting plot with great writing. It doesn't feel naive and it contains just the right amount of tension to keep things interesting. The story wasn't predictable and the ending was deliberately left open ended.

Answer: The story wasn't predictable

It's rare that I find a book that I so look forward to reading. Gillian Flynn has done a masterful job of combining a riveting plot with great writing. It doesn't feel naive and it contains just the right amount of tension to keep things interesting. <hl> The story wasn't predictable and the ending was deliberately left open ended. <hl>

It's rare that I find a book that I so look forward to reading. Gillian Flynn has done a masterful job of combining a riveting plot with great writing. It doesn't feel naive and it contains just the right amount of tension to keep things interesting. <hl> The story wasn't predictable <hl> and the ending was deliberately left open ended.


Question: Why was the book too short?

I have loved both books so far... my only grip is the books are to short and the ending cliff hangers are driving me crazy. I just wished this was one big long novel. Just as you get deep into the book and it gets really interesting it ends and you half to wait on the next book. The characters and story line are great.

Answer: the books are to short and the ending cliff hangers are driving me crazy

I have loved both books so far... <hl> my only grip is the books are to short and the ending cliff hangers are driving me crazy . <hl> I just wished this was one big long novel. Just as you get deep into the book and it gets really interesting it ends and you half to wait on the next book. The characters and story line are great.

I have loved both books so far... my only grip is <hl> the books are to short and the ending cliff hangers are driving me crazy <hl>. I just wished this was one big long novel. Just as you get deep into the book and it gets really interesting it ends and you half to wait on the next book. The characters and story line are great.

my only grip is <hl> the books are to short and the ending cliff hangers are driving me crazy <hl> .


Question: Is the book redundant?

I asked for this book for my shower because a lot of moms on a discussion forum I read raved about it.  Just a few pages into it, I wondered if there was really any need to read the entire book.  The other mommies assured me it was worth it.I am not convinced.There is absolutley nothing in this book that is in any way a breakthrough in the area of baby care.  Swaddling, swinging, shushing, sucking, and stomach positioning to calm a baby are all as old as the hills.  Some of these have fallen in and out of fashion at one point or another, but none of these tips are so unique that they can't be found as helpful suggestions in other parenting guides or by asking older parents... (I can't even begin to count the number of times my mother or father has suggested I calm my extremely fussy baby by "Try putting him on his belly" or "Why don't you give him a binky?")This book suffers from a number of flaws.1. I can't even begin to say how irritated I am that the author claims to have found a "new" way to calm fussy babies.2. This book would be nice as a PAMPHLET handed out at the hospital to new parents...  it should NOT be a book.  My original impression that this book is extremely repetitive was correct.  It's not so much that none of these methods work, it's just that all can be explained very quickly.  It does not take a full length book.  Luckily, I read this book before my baby got here - any parent already dealing with a fussy or colicky baby would be at their wits end trying to read this entire book.  (Therein lies the irony of childcare help books...  those who need them the most don't have the time or ability to read them!!!)3. The methods do NOT work for all babies and despite Karp's claim that colic does not even exist in some cultures due to parents using his methods...  Colic does NOT always respond to these methods.  Living with my baby was agony for the first few months.  It didn't matter what I tried - days and evenings were horrible.  Anyone who claims to have a cure for colic has clearly never really dealt with colic!  What seemed to matter more to my baby was the clock...  once 11pm hit, swaddled and nursed, he would sleep well at night.  Between 6pm and 11pm, though, it didn't matter WHAT I tried, he was fussy and needed to be held and nursed constantly.  I could nolt put him down no matter what I tried.  There was no magic "off switch," despite Karp's claims.In short, this book was a waste of my time.  Skim it in a bookstore if you wish, but do not spend your money.In response to others claims that babies can become hooked on the methods in this book...  I don't think this is a serious issue.  We swaddled at night until my baby was big and strong enough to weasle his way out of his wrappings, no matter how many diaper pins I tried to fasten him with.  Once he was too big to swaddle, he had no problems sleeping at night.  (I mean, at 4 1/2 months he has yet to sleep through the night, but he sleeps no differently unswaddled than swaddled...)Maybe some babies require the calming methods a little longer than others, but sooner or later they should all outgrow them...  I hope!

Answer: There is absolutley nothing in this book that is in any way a breakthrough in the area of baby care

I asked for this book for my shower because a lot of moms on a discussion forum I read raved about it. Just a few pages into it, I wondered if there was really any need to read the entire book. The other mommies assured me it was worth it. I am not convinced. <hl> There is absolutley nothing in this book that is in any way a breakthrough in the area of baby care . <hl> Swaddling, swinging, shushing, sucking, and stomach positioning to calm a baby are all as old as the hills. Some of these have fallen in and out of fashion at one point or another, but none of these tips are so unique that they can't be found as helpful suggestions in other parenting guides or by asking older parents... (I can't even begin to count the number of times my mother or father has suggested I calm my extremely fussy baby by "Try putting him on his belly" or "Why don't you give him a binky?")This book suffers from a number of flaws.1. I can't even begin to say how irritated I am that the author claims to have found a "new" way to calm fussy babies.2. This book would be nice as a PAMPHLET handed out at the hospital to new parents... it should NOT be a book. My original impression that this book is extremely repetitive was correct. It's not so much that none of these methods work, it's just that all can be explained very quickly. It does not take a full length book. Luckily, I read this book before my baby got here - any parent already dealing with a fussy or colicky baby would be at their wits end trying to read this entire book. (Therein lies the irony of childcare help books... those who need them the most don't have the time or ability to read them!!!)3. The methods do NOT work for all babies and despite Karp's claim that colic does not even exist in some cultures due to parents using his methods... Colic does NOT always respond to these methods. Living with my baby was agony for the first few months. It didn't matter what I tried - days and evenings were horrible. Anyone who claims to have a cure for colic has clearly never really dealt with colic! What seemed to matter more to my baby was the clock... once 11pm hit, swaddled and nursed, he would sleep well at night. Between 6pm and 11pm, though, it didn't matter WHAT I tried, he was fussy and needed to be held and nursed constantly. I could nolt put him down no matter what I tried. There was no magic "off switch," despite Karp's claims. In short, this book was a waste of my time. Skim it in a bookstore if you wish, but do not spend your money. In response to others claims that babies can become hooked on the methods in this book... I don't think this is a serious issue. We swaddled at night until my baby was big and strong enough to weasle his way out of his wrappings, no matter how many diaper pins I tried to fasten him with. Once he was too big to swaddle, he had no problems sleeping at night. (I mean, at 4 1/2 months he has yet to sleep through the night, but he sleeps no differently unswaddled than swaddled...)Maybe some babies require the calming methods a little longer than others, but sooner or later they should all outgrow them... I hope!

I asked for this book for my shower because a lot of moms on a discussion forum I read raved about it. Just a few pages into it, I wondered if there was really any need to read the entire book. The other mommies assured me it was worth it.I am not convinced.<hl> There is absolutley nothing in this book that is in any way a breakthrough in the area of baby care <hl>. Swaddling, swinging, shushing, sucking, and stomach positioning to calm a baby are all as old as the hills. Some of these have fallen in and out of fashion at one point or another, but none of these tips are so unique that they can't be found as helpful suggestions in other parenting guides or by asking older parents... (I can't even begin to count the number of times my mother or father has suggested I calm my extremely fussy baby by "Try putting him on his belly" or "Why don't you give him a binky?")This book suffers from a number of flaws.1. I can't even begin to say how irritated I am that the author claims to have found a "new" way to calm fussy babies.2. This book would be nice as a PAMPHLET handed out at the hospital to new parents... it should NOT be a book. My original impression that this book is extremely repetitive was correct. It's not so much that none of these methods work, it's just that all can be explained very quickly. It does not take a full length book. Luckily, I read this book before my baby got here - any parent already dealing with a fussy or colicky baby would be at their wits end trying to read this entire book. (Therein lies the irony of childcare help books... those who need them the most don't have the time or ability to read them!!!)3. The methods do NOT work for all babies and despite Karp's claim that colic does not even exist in some cultures due to parents using his methods... Colic does NOT always respond to these methods. Living with my baby was agony for the first few months. It didn't matter what I tried - days and evenings were horrible. Anyone who claims to have a cure for colic has clearly never really dealt with colic! What seemed to matter more to my baby was the clock... once 11pm hit, swaddled and nursed, he would sleep well at night. Between 6pm and 11pm, though, it didn't matter WHAT I tried, he was fussy and needed to be held and nursed constantly. I could nolt put him down no matter what I tried. There was no magic "off switch," despite Karp's claims.In short, this book was a waste of my time. Skim it in a bookstore if you wish, but do not spend your money.In response to others claims that babies can become hooked on the methods in this book... I don't think this is a serious issue. We swaddled at night until my baby was big and strong enough to weasle his way out of his wrappings, no matter how many diaper pins I tried to fasten him with. Once he was too big to swaddle, he had no problems sleeping at night. (I mean, at 4 1/2 months he has yet to sleep through the night, but he sleeps no differently unswaddled than swaddled...)Maybe some babies require the calming methods a little longer than others, but sooner or later they should all outgrow them... I hope!

<hl> There is absolutley nothing in this book that is in any way a breakthrough in the area of baby care <hl> .


Question: How is the end?

I couldn't wait to read this book because everyone was raving about it.The beginning was dull, the middle was wtf?, the end was stupid.It was overly dramatic, extremely contrived and neither character was developedenough for me to be interested in them.  They should have both died at the end.Don't waste your time.

Answer: the end was stupid

I couldn't wait to read this book because everyone was raving about it. <hl> The beginning was dull, the middle was wtf?, the end was stupid .It was overly dramatic, extremely contrived and neither character was developedenough for me to be interested in them. <hl> They should have both died at the end. Don't waste your time.

I couldn't wait to read this book because everyone was raving about it.The beginning was dull, the middle was wtf?, <hl> the end was stupid <hl>.It was overly dramatic, extremely contrived and neither character was developedenough for me to be interested in them. They should have both died at the end.Don't waste your time.

The beginning was dull, the middle was wtf?, <hl> the end was stupid <hl> .It was overly dramatic, extremely contrived and neither character was developedenough for me to be interested in them.


Question: What novel is great?

This novel is really good and takes you on a ride through the museum. I like the characters and the mystery involved. I also love to read Preston and Childs. Thanks for the journey!

Answer: This novel is really good and takes you on a ride through the museum

<hl> This novel is really good and takes you on a ride through the museum . <hl> I like the characters and the mystery involved. I also love to read Preston and Childs. Thanks for the journey!

<hl> This novel is really good and takes you on a ride through the museum <hl>. I like the characters and the mystery involved. I also love to read Preston and Childs. Thanks for the journey!

<hl> This novel is really good and takes you on a ride through the museum <hl> .


Question: How is the habit?

To me, Mockingjay did not live up to Hunger Games or Catching Fire.One disturbing factor of this series and, in particular, this specific book is the sheer gore that Collins sheds so freely. When comparing the last book of Harry Potter and the last book of The Hunger Games, it becomes abundantly clear to me that there is no need for the imagery and language which Collins uses to describe the terrible scenes of war. It is overkill. Did we not all mourn and feel the full impact of loss and violence in the last Harry Potter without the need of graphic detail? Part of this is that Harry had wizardry and Katniss has arrows and guns, but it truly seems like Collins is determined to give her readers PTSD in this last book. I have problems when books are labeled as "young adult" novels, yet if they were transcribed exactly into a screenplay the movie would undeniably be given a hefty "R" rating.This book also feels rushed and shallow compared to the rest of the series. Far too many new characters are introduced without any depth added, and the ending is abrupt and anti-climatic.It is uncharacteristic of Gale to have left Katniss, and for Haymitch to fizzle out of their lives as well. Snow's life is snuffed out so quietly it barely makes sense and enough allusions to Cinna are made during the book to make the audience think he is possibly alive, yet Katniss never grieves him intensely enough for us to realize he's truly dead. Above all, the epilogue of Peeta and Katniss having kids is sadly uncharacteristic of Katniss and completely unnecessary to the end of the series, though the closing line is good.I was disappointed by the plot choices in this third novel, but glad I finished the series (and glad she ended up with Peeta).

Answer: Mockingjay did not live up to Hunger

<hl> To me, Mockingjay did not live up to Hunger Games or Catching Fire. <hl> One disturbing factor of this series and, in particular, this specific book is the sheer gore that Collins sheds so freely. When comparing the last book of Harry Potter and the last book of The Hunger Games, it becomes abundantly clear to me that there is no need for the imagery and language which Collins uses to describe the terrible scenes of war. It is overkill. Did we not all mourn and feel the full impact of loss and violence in the last Harry Potter without the need of graphic detail? Part of this is that Harry had wizardry and Katniss has arrows and guns, but it truly seems like Collins is determined to give her readers PTSD in this last book. I have problems when books are labeled as "young adult" novels, yet if they were transcribed exactly into a screenplay the movie would undeniably be given a hefty "R" rating. This book also feels rushed and shallow compared to the rest of the series. Far too many new characters are introduced without any depth added, and the ending is abrupt and anti-climatic. It is uncharacteristic of Gale to have left Katniss, and for Haymitch to fizzle out of their lives as well. Snow's life is snuffed out so quietly it barely makes sense and enough allusions to Cinna are made during the book to make the audience think he is possibly alive, yet Katniss never grieves him intensely enough for us to realize he's truly dead. Above all, the epilogue of Peeta and Katniss having kids is sadly uncharacteristic of Katniss and completely unnecessary to the end of the series, though the closing line is good. I was disappointed by the plot choices in this third novel, but glad I finished the series (and glad she ended up with Peeta).

To me, <hl> Mockingjay did not live up to Hunger <hl> Games or Catching Fire.One disturbing factor of this series and, in particular, this specific book is the sheer gore that Collins sheds so freely. When comparing the last book of Harry Potter and the last book of The Hunger Games, it becomes abundantly clear to me that there is no need for the imagery and language which Collins uses to describe the terrible scenes of war. It is overkill. Did we not all mourn and feel the full impact of loss and violence in the last Harry Potter without the need of graphic detail? Part of this is that Harry had wizardry and Katniss has arrows and guns, but it truly seems like Collins is determined to give her readers PTSD in this last book. I have problems when books are labeled as "young adult" novels, yet if they were transcribed exactly into a screenplay the movie would undeniably be given a hefty "R" rating.This book also feels rushed and shallow compared to the rest of the series. Far too many new characters are introduced without any depth added, and the ending is abrupt and anti-climatic.It is uncharacteristic of Gale to have left Katniss, and for Haymitch to fizzle out of their lives as well. Snow's life is snuffed out so quietly it barely makes sense and enough allusions to Cinna are made during the book to make the audience think he is possibly alive, yet Katniss never grieves him intensely enough for us to realize he's truly dead. Above all, the epilogue of Peeta and Katniss having kids is sadly uncharacteristic of Katniss and completely unnecessary to the end of the series, though the closing line is good.I was disappointed by the plot choices in this third novel, but glad I finished the series (and glad she ended up with Peeta).


Question: How do you like the author?

Although the book moved at a reasonable pace I felt the ending was very weak ... I was disappointed with this offering.I have read 5 other Lee Child books and found this to be his weakest to date.

Answer: I was disappointed with this offering

Although the book moved at a reasonable pace I felt the ending was very weak ... <hl> I was disappointed with this offering .I have read 5 other Lee Child books and found this to be his weakest to date. <hl>

Although the book moved at a reasonable pace I felt the ending was very weak ... <hl> I was disappointed with this offering <hl>.I have read 5 other Lee Child books and found this to be his weakest to date.

<hl> I was disappointed with this offering <hl> .I have read 5 other Lee Child books and found this to be his weakest to date.


Question: What is your impression of this interaction?

Love the storyline, the main character is very likable. I will definitely buy more of this authors books, especially since this is part of a series. I will for sure purchase the rest of the books in this series.

Answer: Love the storyline

<hl> Love the storyline , the main character is very likable. <hl> I will definitely buy more of this authors books, especially since this is part of a series. I will for sure purchase the rest of the books in this series.

<hl> Love the storyline <hl>, the main character is very likable. I will definitely buy more of this authors books, especially since this is part of a series. I will for sure purchase the rest of the books in this series.

<hl> Love the storyline <hl> , the main character is very likable.


Question: Does his life empty?

Despite having nearly everything going for it, Delirium rarely engaged me as a reader. And yet, I am going to rate this a strong 4 stars because I can see why this series has appealed to so many. Author Oliver has a unique ability to write about common people, giving them personality and life. For once, a story about love isn't soppy or cheesy. And the reader really does want to root for the characters and see them together in the end.Story: Lena lives in a part of America where emotions, specifically love, have been controlled through a surgical procedure.  It was done to keep society peaceful and placid and stop the 'delirium' - the love 'disease'. But when she meets Alex, a boy supposedly 'cured', everything changes. Suddenly, Lena doesn't want to get the procedure done on her 18th birthday. But in this America, choice isn't an option and she will lose all she feels for Alex forever if she goes in on her birthday.Delirium is a slow burn story with most of the action near the end. It's a girl-meets-boy story, a little Romeo and Juliet in a world that doesn't allow romance. But the angst of forbidden love isn't the story so much as Lena awakening from torpidity into emotion. Since the story is all first person POV, we see Lena's change unfold organically through her interactions with Alex.Side characters aren't left bereft and given as much personality as our protagonists. From best friend Hana to Lena's adopted family (her mother committed suicide due to the love 'disease'), each person is distinct and doesn't fall into the cardboard character cliche. All the same, Alex was a bit too good for my taste, lacking in nuance and enough quirks to distinguish him beyond idealized love interest.So why did Delirium fail to engage me personally? I think it has to do with having read the Shatter Me series first. Both series deal with angsty emotion but I preferred the more full on emotion of Shatter Me rather than the slow burn of Delirium. It seems a shame to even compare the two books; honestly, as much as I loved Shatter me, it definitely was not as well written as Delirium.  The strength of Delirium is Oliver's writing and characters.As with most YA dystopian, the premise is pretty bonkers and doesn't hold up to close scrutiny (I felt the same way about Oliver's Panic setting). But Delirium is all about the awakening of a normal girl and a sweet love story.I listened to the Audible version of this story and the narrator was one of the best I've heard. She lives and breaths the story, not just reads it.

Answer: a story about love isn't soppy or cheesy

Despite having nearly everything going for it, Delirium rarely engaged me as a reader. And yet, I am going to rate this a strong 4 stars because I can see why this series has appealed to so many. Author Oliver has a unique ability to write about common people, giving them personality and life. <hl> For once, a story about love isn't soppy or cheesy . <hl> And the reader really does want to root for the characters and see them together in the end. Story: Lena lives in a part of America where emotions, specifically love, have been controlled through a surgical procedure. It was done to keep society peaceful and placid and stop the 'delirium' - the love 'disease'. But when she meets Alex, a boy supposedly 'cured', everything changes. Suddenly, Lena doesn't want to get the procedure done on her 18th birthday. But in this America, choice isn't an option and she will lose all she feels for Alex forever if she goes in on her birthday. Delirium is a slow burn story with most of the action near the end. It's a girl-meets-boy story, a little Romeo and Juliet in a world that doesn't allow romance. But the angst of forbidden love isn't the story so much as Lena awakening from torpidity into emotion. Since the story is all first person POV, we see Lena's change unfold organically through her interactions with Alex. Side characters aren't left bereft and given as much personality as our protagonists. From best friend Hana to Lena's adopted family (her mother committed suicide due to the love 'disease'), each person is distinct and doesn't fall into the cardboard character cliche. All the same, Alex was a bit too good for my taste, lacking in nuance and enough quirks to distinguish him beyond idealized love interest. So why did Delirium fail to engage me personally? I think it has to do with having read the Shatter Me series first. Both series deal with angsty emotion but I preferred the more full on emotion of Shatter Me rather than the slow burn of Delirium. It seems a shame to even compare the two books; honestly, as much as I loved Shatter me, it definitely was not as well written as Delirium. The strength of Delirium is Oliver's writing and characters. As with most YA dystopian, the premise is pretty bonkers and doesn't hold up to close scrutiny (I felt the same way about Oliver's Panic setting). But Delirium is all about the awakening of a normal girl and a sweet love story. I listened to the Audible version of this story and the narrator was one of the best I've heard. She lives and breaths the story, not just reads it.

Despite having nearly everything going for it, Delirium rarely engaged me as a reader. And yet, I am going to rate this a strong 4 stars because I can see why this series has appealed to so many. Author Oliver has a unique ability to write about common people, giving them personality and life. For once, <hl> a story about love isn't soppy or cheesy <hl>. And the reader really does want to root for the characters and see them together in the end.Story: Lena lives in a part of America where emotions, specifically love, have been controlled through a surgical procedure. It was done to keep society peaceful and placid and stop the 'delirium' - the love 'disease'. But when she meets Alex, a boy supposedly 'cured', everything changes. Suddenly, Lena doesn't want to get the procedure done on her 18th birthday. But in this America, choice isn't an option and she will lose all she feels for Alex forever if she goes in on her birthday.Delirium is a slow burn story with most of the action near the end. It's a girl-meets-boy story, a little Romeo and Juliet in a world that doesn't allow romance. But the angst of forbidden love isn't the story so much as Lena awakening from torpidity into emotion. Since the story is all first person POV, we see Lena's change unfold organically through her interactions with Alex.Side characters aren't left bereft and given as much personality as our protagonists. From best friend Hana to Lena's adopted family (her mother committed suicide due to the love 'disease'), each person is distinct and doesn't fall into the cardboard character cliche. All the same, Alex was a bit too good for my taste, lacking in nuance and enough quirks to distinguish him beyond idealized love interest.So why did Delirium fail to engage me personally? I think it has to do with having read the Shatter Me series first. Both series deal with angsty emotion but I preferred the more full on emotion of Shatter Me rather than the slow burn of Delirium. It seems a shame to even compare the two books; honestly, as much as I loved Shatter me, it definitely was not as well written as Delirium. The strength of Delirium is Oliver's writing and characters.As with most YA dystopian, the premise is pretty bonkers and doesn't hold up to close scrutiny (I felt the same way about Oliver's Panic setting). But Delirium is all about the awakening of a normal girl and a sweet love story.I listened to the Audible version of this story and the narrator was one of the best I've heard. She lives and breaths the story, not just reads it.

For once, <hl> a story about love isn't soppy or cheesy <hl> .


Question: What do you think about book?

I read Twilight and New Moon in two days a few years ago when I was home sick for a week in high school. I had read them at a time when few people knew what it was. Twilight is an okay book, to be frank. The first time I read it, I did really like it, but after a few more reads, I began to have more and more problems with the book. It's good for a one time read, however, the character of Bella is way too self-sacrificing to be real, and Edward much too perfect. Also, it's a little disturbing that vampires are doing what? Sparkling. I wasn't aware that immortal beings who were as hard as diamonds had to literally look like one in the sunlight. I admit, an interesting concept, but not to my taste. There are also a ton of grammatical errors. It has nothing amazing in it that wowed me, and I'm also tired of people comparing it to Harry Potter. This book is no where near JK Rowling's genius. This whole fan girl hype about the books and movies is also disturbing, and a complete turn off to the books. I will recommend a read through once if you like vampire novels of all kinds, however, if you're looking for something like Anne Rice's novels, I suggest you stay away.

Answer: I suggest you stay away

I read Twilight and New Moon in two days a few years ago when I was home sick for a week in high school. I had read them at a time when few people knew what it was. Twilight is an okay book, to be frank. The first time I read it, I did really like it, but after a few more reads, I began to have more and more problems with the book. It's good for a one time read, however, the character of Bella is way too self-sacrificing to be real, and Edward much too perfect. Also, it's a little disturbing that vampires are doing what? Sparkling. I wasn't aware that immortal beings who were as hard as diamonds had to literally look like one in the sunlight. I admit, an interesting concept, but not to my taste. There are also a ton of grammatical errors. It has nothing amazing in it that wowed me, and I'm also tired of people comparing it to Harry Potter. This book is no where near JK Rowling's genius. This whole fan girl hype about the books and movies is also disturbing, and a complete turn off to the books. <hl> I will recommend a read through once if you like vampire novels of all kinds, however, if you're looking for something like Anne Rice's novels, I suggest you stay away . <hl>

I read Twilight and New Moon in two days a few years ago when I was home sick for a week in high school. I had read them at a time when few people knew what it was. Twilight is an okay book, to be frank. The first time I read it, I did really like it, but after a few more reads, I began to have more and more problems with the book. It's good for a one time read, however, the character of Bella is way too self-sacrificing to be real, and Edward much too perfect. Also, it's a little disturbing that vampires are doing what? Sparkling. I wasn't aware that immortal beings who were as hard as diamonds had to literally look like one in the sunlight. I admit, an interesting concept, but not to my taste. There are also a ton of grammatical errors. It has nothing amazing in it that wowed me, and I'm also tired of people comparing it to Harry Potter. This book is no where near JK Rowling's genius. This whole fan girl hype about the books and movies is also disturbing, and a complete turn off to the books. I will recommend a read through once if you like vampire novels of all kinds, however, if you're looking for something like Anne Rice's novels, <hl> I suggest you stay away <hl>.

I will recommend a read through once if you like vampire novels of all kinds, however, if you're looking for something like Anne Rice's novels, <hl> I suggest you stay away <hl> .


Question: How is parent?

This book is definitely the worst of the divergent trilogy, which is surprising because I was extremely critical of the first one.What makes this book so bad? For me, a major part is a shift in how the story is presented. In the first two books it is entirely from Tris' perspective. You would think after reading two books that do not deviate AT ALL throughout, the third book would follow suit. Not the case at all. For whatever reason Roth decides to jump back and forth between Tobias and Tris. This made the story incredibly hard to follow because after a few pages I would forget the chapter switched to Tobias' narrative and wonder why Tris would say, think, or do something totally out of character. I'd flip back to the beginning of the chapter only to realize it switched again, which removes you entirely from the story. Think of it as watching a DVD and you see an actor you recognize but you cannot for the life of you remember his/her name. You decide to stop the movie and check the credits. A few minutes go by and you forget the name, so you check again. Yeah, it gets annoying really quickly!The cliffhanger at the end of the second novel was simply amazing as the possibilities were literally endless. Anything could have been outside of the city walls. Sadly, the truth was much less exciting than many of the possibilities I dreamed up while waiting to read the third book. Roth should have spent more time developing the world outside. Instead, she went the greed route and put out a book before it was fully ready and hoped fans of the earlier two would come flocking to read it. Sadly I fell for it, but I do feel better knowing I borrowed the book from a library and can give it back. Having it in my collection would depress me to no end.

Answer: which is surprising because I was extremely critical of the first one

<hl> This book is definitely the worst of the divergent trilogy, which is surprising because I was extremely critical of the first one .What makes this book so bad? <hl> For me, a major part is a shift in how the story is presented. In the first two books it is entirely from Tris' perspective. You would think after reading two books that do not deviate AT ALL throughout, the third book would follow suit. Not the case at all. For whatever reason Roth decides to jump back and forth between Tobias and Tris. This made the story incredibly hard to follow because after a few pages I would forget the chapter switched to Tobias' narrative and wonder why Tris would say, think, or do something totally out of character. I'd flip back to the beginning of the chapter only to realize it switched again, which removes you entirely from the story. Think of it as watching a DVD and you see an actor you recognize but you cannot for the life of you remember his/her name. You decide to stop the movie and check the credits. A few minutes go by and you forget the name, so you check again. Yeah, it gets annoying really quickly!The cliffhanger at the end of the second novel was simply amazing as the possibilities were literally endless. Anything could have been outside of the city walls. Sadly, the truth was much less exciting than many of the possibilities I dreamed up while waiting to read the third book. Roth should have spent more time developing the world outside. Instead, she went the greed route and put out a book before it was fully ready and hoped fans of the earlier two would come flocking to read it. Sadly I fell for it, but I do feel better knowing I borrowed the book from a library and can give it back. Having it in my collection would depress me to no end.

This book is definitely the worst of the divergent trilogy, <hl> which is surprising because I was extremely critical of the first one <hl>.What makes this book so bad? For me, a major part is a shift in how the story is presented. In the first two books it is entirely from Tris' perspective. You would think after reading two books that do not deviate AT ALL throughout, the third book would follow suit. Not the case at all. For whatever reason Roth decides to jump back and forth between Tobias and Tris. This made the story incredibly hard to follow because after a few pages I would forget the chapter switched to Tobias' narrative and wonder why Tris would say, think, or do something totally out of character. I'd flip back to the beginning of the chapter only to realize it switched again, which removes you entirely from the story. Think of it as watching a DVD and you see an actor you recognize but you cannot for the life of you remember his/her name. You decide to stop the movie and check the credits. A few minutes go by and you forget the name, so you check again. Yeah, it gets annoying really quickly!The cliffhanger at the end of the second novel was simply amazing as the possibilities were literally endless. Anything could have been outside of the city walls. Sadly, the truth was much less exciting than many of the possibilities I dreamed up while waiting to read the third book. Roth should have spent more time developing the world outside. Instead, she went the greed route and put out a book before it was fully ready and hoped fans of the earlier two would come flocking to read it. Sadly I fell for it, but I do feel better knowing I borrowed the book from a library and can give it back. Having it in my collection would depress me to no end.

This book is definitely the worst of the divergent trilogy, <hl> which is surprising because I was extremely critical of the first one <hl> .What makes this book so bad?


Question: How was the book?

I have read all of Ms Picoult books, and this one isn't great.  some of hers are really terrific. As a matter of fact, her more recent ones aren't as good as her other ones.

Answer: I have read all of Ms Picoult books

<hl> I have read all of Ms Picoult books , and this one isn't great. <hl> some of hers are really terrific. As a matter of fact, her more recent ones aren't as good as her other ones.

<hl> I have read all of Ms Picoult books <hl>, and this one isn't great. some of hers are really terrific. As a matter of fact, her more recent ones aren't as good as her other ones.

<hl> I have read all of Ms Picoult books <hl> , and this one isn't great.


Question: What is the most exciting part of the story?

Yann Martel's Life of Pi is a wondrous novel, a marvelous novel--there is much to wonder and marvel at.  The story is simple, yet complex at the same time and can be read on many levels.  On the surface, this is the story of a young man who grows up in India and at sixteen, en route to Canada with his family, finds himself the sole human survivor of a shipwreck, afloat on a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger.  The story is divided into two sectins.  The first occurs before he gets on the boat and tells of his life as a young zookeeper's son.  As a boy, he decides to become a practicing Catholic, Muslim and Hindu, all at once. His ruminations on zookeeping and religion lay the groundwork for how he could possibly survive on a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger.  Beyond the story, however, is an examination of religion and of writing, of how to write about religion and the religious experience.  It is an examination on the strengths (and weaknesses) of religious belief.  The novel also ends with a philisophical bang, which I won't give away, but which did blow me away.  It wasn't until I got to that point that I became truly impressed with what Martel has done here.  Before that, I thought it was a very well done novel, but with the ending, it becomes much more.  Life of Pi is not a typical novel.  The story, its charming main character and his narrative style are all different than most everything else you can get today.  That uniqueness makes it that much more special.  I highly recommend Life of Pi.  Enjoy.

Answer: The novel also ends with a philisophical bang, which I won't give away, but which did blow me away

Yann Martel's Life of Pi is a wondrous novel, a marvelous novel--there is much to wonder and marvel at. The story is simple, yet complex at the same time and can be read on many levels. On the surface, this is the story of a young man who grows up in India and at sixteen, en route to Canada with his family, finds himself the sole human survivor of a shipwreck, afloat on a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger. The story is divided into two sectins. The first occurs before he gets on the boat and tells of his life as a young zookeeper's son. As a boy, he decides to become a practicing Catholic, Muslim and Hindu, all at once. His ruminations on zookeeping and religion lay the groundwork for how he could possibly survive on a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger. Beyond the story, however, is an examination of religion and of writing, of how to write about religion and the religious experience. It is an examination on the strengths (and weaknesses) of religious belief. <hl> The novel also ends with a philisophical bang, which I won't give away, but which did blow me away . <hl> It wasn't until I got to that point that I became truly impressed with what Martel has done here. Before that, I thought it was a very well done novel, but with the ending, it becomes much more. Life of Pi is not a typical novel. The story, its charming main character and his narrative style are all different than most everything else you can get today. That uniqueness makes it that much more special. I highly recommend Life of Pi. Enjoy.

Yann Martel's Life of Pi is a wondrous novel, a marvelous novel--there is much to wonder and marvel at. The story is simple, yet complex at the same time and can be read on many levels. On the surface, this is the story of a young man who grows up in India and at sixteen, en route to Canada with his family, finds himself the sole human survivor of a shipwreck, afloat on a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger. The story is divided into two sectins. The first occurs before he gets on the boat and tells of his life as a young zookeeper's son. As a boy, he decides to become a practicing Catholic, Muslim and Hindu, all at once. His ruminations on zookeeping and religion lay the groundwork for how he could possibly survive on a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger. Beyond the story, however, is an examination of religion and of writing, of how to write about religion and the religious experience. It is an examination on the strengths (and weaknesses) of religious belief. <hl> The novel also ends with a philisophical bang, which I won't give away, but which did blow me away <hl>. It wasn't until I got to that point that I became truly impressed with what Martel has done here. Before that, I thought it was a very well done novel, but with the ending, it becomes much more. Life of Pi is not a typical novel. The story, its charming main character and his narrative style are all different than most everything else you can get today. That uniqueness makes it that much more special. I highly recommend Life of Pi. Enjoy.

<hl> The novel also ends with a philisophical bang, which I won't give away, but which did blow me away <hl> .


Question: How can I write something terrifying?

I didn't hate the protagonist as much as some other critical reviewers, but I also didn't see what was the fuss.  The story did not seem original or particularly interesting. The writing was fine, but nothing close to mind-blowing; there was nothing particularly revealing about the art form or the subject matter.

Answer: there was nothing particularly revealing about the art form or the subject matter

I didn't hate the protagonist as much as some other critical reviewers, but I also didn't see what was the fuss. The story did not seem original or particularly interesting. <hl> The writing was fine, but nothing close to mind-blowing; there was nothing particularly revealing about the art form or the subject matter . <hl>

I didn't hate the protagonist as much as some other critical reviewers, but I also didn't see what was the fuss. The story did not seem original or particularly interesting. The writing was fine, but nothing close to mind-blowing; <hl> there was nothing particularly revealing about the art form or the subject matter <hl>.

The writing was fine, but nothing close to mind-blowing; <hl> there was nothing particularly revealing about the art form or the subject matter <hl> .


Question: How is the series?

Answer: This series is wonderful

<hl> This series is wonderful but the ending is sooooooo sad it makes you wanna cry someone told me the ending but I still was surprised :( <hl>

<hl> This series is wonderful <hl> but the ending is sooooooo sad it makes you wanna cry someone told me the ending but I still was surprised :(


Question: What is the feeling toward is brother?

What a great debut by Rebecca! I have had this book on my to-read list for a while and just made sure to push it up since book #2 Undone is going to be coming soon.Let me just say I love everything and everyone Garcia in this story! I will get to Gabe in a minute…. I loved the support from the Garcia’s to Jessica – their connection with her alone broke me a bit later in the book.Jessica is the female lead in this book… she is a high-school senior, independent, responsible and mostly in control of her life. Because her father works a lot, for most of her life she has essentially lived with the Garcia family…. You have her best friend, Ava, and then her big brother, Gabriel. With this book we pretty much jump right into Jessica and Gabe’s relationship. Yes, it does happen quickly, I don’t think that we need to see how they got there with flashbacks from their childhood, etc. Sure, I may have liked to see a little more of their building relationship, BUT It really is not that important as the story is not about them getting together, it in the end is if they are going to stay together. My heart breaks for Jessica (and all the characters) throughout this story.“I can’t remember a time when I haven’t loved you. You have been a part of my life for over fourteen years. When you were younger, it was a different kind of love, but now, it’s the kind of love that won’t let me breathe if you’re not with me. It’s the kind of love that makes me not want to live if I can’t be with you”Ok, back to GABE! He has to be one of the best book-boyfriends out there! I love a caring, sweet, thoughtful, supportive, romantic, faithful and loving man especially one who has a dream and will do whatever he has to put that plan in place. Totally swoon-worthy … I am sure he will win you over!I want to be very careful not to write any spoilers here, because I want you to have the same journey that I had. With the title and the book blurb, you can assume there is some sort of tragedy was going to come… you don’t know what exactly, but you expect it… you also don’t know when it is coming (that made me a little anxious LOL – because things were too good to be true and I began to worry).Rebecca wrote a beautiful story of unconditional love that brought tears to my eyes… a bunch of them! Can’t wait to read the companion novel coming up! (This book does not have a cliffhanger)“Will their love prove to be UNBREAKABLE, or will it shatter and prove fate is just another lie?”Pick this one up and find out for yourself.

Answer: this book we pretty much jump right into Jessica and Gabe’s

What a great debut by Rebecca! I have had this book on my to-read list for a while and just made sure to push it up since book #2 Undone is going to be coming soon. Let me just say I love everything and everyone Garcia in this story! I will get to Gabe in a minute…. I loved the support from the Garcia’s to Jessica – their connection with her alone broke me a bit later in the book. Jessica is the female lead in this book… she is a high-school senior, independent, responsible and mostly in control of her life. Because her father works a lot, for most of her life she has essentially lived with the Garcia family…. You have her best friend, Ava, and then her big brother, Gabriel. <hl> With this book we pretty much jump right into Jessica and Gabe’s relationship. <hl> Yes, it does happen quickly, I don’t think that we need to see how they got there with flashbacks from their childhood, etc. Sure, I may have liked to see a little more of their building relationship, BUT It really is not that important as the story is not about them getting together, it in the end is if they are going to stay together. My heart breaks for Jessica (and all the characters) throughout this story.“I can’t remember a time when I haven’t loved you. You have been a part of my life for over fourteen years. When you were younger, it was a different kind of love, but now, it’s the kind of love that won’t let me breathe if you’re not with me. It’s the kind of love that makes me not want to live if I can’t be with you”Ok, back to GABE! He has to be one of the best book-boyfriends out there! I love a caring, sweet, thoughtful, supportive, romantic, faithful and loving man especially one who has a dream and will do whatever he has to put that plan in place. Totally swoon-worthy … I am sure he will win you over!I want to be very careful not to write any spoilers here, because I want you to have the same journey that I had. With the title and the book blurb, you can assume there is some sort of tragedy was going to come… you don’t know what exactly, but you expect it… you also don’t know when it is coming (that made me a little anxious LOL – because things were too good to be true and I began to worry).Rebecca wrote a beautiful story of unconditional love that brought tears to my eyes… a bunch of them! Can’t wait to read the companion novel coming up! (This book does not have a cliffhanger)“Will their love prove to be UNBREAKABLE, or will it shatter and prove fate is just another lie?”Pick this one up and find out for yourself.

What a great debut by Rebecca! I have had this book on my to-read list for a while and just made sure to push it up since book #2 Undone is going to be coming soon.Let me just say I love everything and everyone Garcia in this story! I will get to Gabe in a minute…. I loved the support from the Garcia’s to Jessica – their connection with her alone broke me a bit later in the book.Jessica is the female lead in this book… she is a high-school senior, independent, responsible and mostly in control of her life. Because her father works a lot, for most of her life she has essentially lived with the Garcia family…. You have her best friend, Ava, and then her big brother, Gabriel. With <hl> this book we pretty much jump right into Jessica and Gabe’s <hl> relationship. Yes, it does happen quickly, I don’t think that we need to see how they got there with flashbacks from their childhood, etc. Sure, I may have liked to see a little more of their building relationship, BUT It really is not that important as the story is not about them getting together, it in the end is if they are going to stay together. My heart breaks for Jessica (and all the characters) throughout this story.“I can’t remember a time when I haven’t loved you. You have been a part of my life for over fourteen years. When you were younger, it was a different kind of love, but now, it’s the kind of love that won’t let me breathe if you’re not with me. It’s the kind of love that makes me not want to live if I can’t be with you”Ok, back to GABE! He has to be one of the best book-boyfriends out there! I love a caring, sweet, thoughtful, supportive, romantic, faithful and loving man especially one who has a dream and will do whatever he has to put that plan in place. Totally swoon-worthy … I am sure he will win you over!I want to be very careful not to write any spoilers here, because I want you to have the same journey that I had. With the title and the book blurb, you can assume there is some sort of tragedy was going to come… you don’t know what exactly, but you expect it… you also don’t know when it is coming (that made me a little anxious LOL – because things were too good to be true and I began to worry).Rebecca wrote a beautiful story of unconditional love that brought tears to my eyes… a bunch of them! Can’t wait to read the companion novel coming up! (This book does not have a cliffhanger)“Will their love prove to be UNBREAKABLE, or will it shatter and prove fate is just another lie?”Pick this one up and find out for yourself.


Question: How is the writing style?

After reading a very clever, funny novel in this genreMy Life on Craigslist: Award Winning Finalist of USA Book Awards(great book, I highly recommend it) I realized that this genre is more interesting than I had previously thought from my literary ivory tower. So I decided to go deeper and try the queen of chicklit, Sophie Kinsella, and see what the fuss is all about. This book is lighter, the humor everywhere, in every sentence, light and breeze, and although the characters are a bit unidimensional and the plot slightly predictive, it is nevertheless charming and a page turner. Hard not to love it. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to have a fun read. And who doesn't?

Answer: the queen of chicklit

After reading a very clever, funny novel in this genreMy Life on Craigslist: Award Winning Finalist of USA Book Awards(great book, I highly recommend it) I realized that this genre is more interesting than I had previously thought from my literary ivory tower. <hl> So I decided to go deeper and try the queen of chicklit , Sophie Kinsella, and see what the fuss is all about. <hl> This book is lighter, the humor everywhere, in every sentence, light and breeze, and although the characters are a bit unidimensional and the plot slightly predictive, it is nevertheless charming and a page turner. Hard not to love it. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to have a fun read. And who doesn't?

After reading a very clever, funny novel in this genreMy Life on Craigslist: Award Winning Finalist of USA Book Awards(great book, I highly recommend it) I realized that this genre is more interesting than I had previously thought from my literary ivory tower. So I decided to go deeper and try <hl> the queen of chicklit <hl>, Sophie Kinsella, and see what the fuss is all about. This book is lighter, the humor everywhere, in every sentence, light and breeze, and although the characters are a bit unidimensional and the plot slightly predictive, it is nevertheless charming and a page turner. Hard not to love it. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to have a fun read. And who doesn't?

So I decided to go deeper and try <hl> the queen of chicklit <hl> , Sophie Kinsella, and see what the fuss is all about.


Question: How is the one?

So, I loved the first book; couldn't get enough of it. The second was good, but nowhere near as good as the first. And this one was just terrible. I felt like I was reading a completely different story. It had poor character development and made you not really like the characters you loved before. Why did she do that. The only possible redeeming quality is the last chapter. I was looking so forward to a great closer and was very disappointed.

Answer: And this one was just terrible

And this one was just terrible .

So, I loved the first book; couldn't get enough of it. The second was good, but nowhere near as good as the first. <hl> And this one was just terrible . <hl> I felt like I was reading a completely different story. It had poor character development and made you not really like the characters you loved before. Why did she do that. The only possible redeeming quality is the last chapter. I was looking so forward to a great closer and was very disappointed.

So, I loved the first book; couldn't get enough of it. The second was good, but nowhere near as good as the first. <hl> And this one was just terrible <hl>. I felt like I was reading a completely different story. It had poor character development and made you not really like the characters you loved before. Why did she do that. The only possible redeeming quality is the last chapter. I was looking so forward to a great closer and was very disappointed.

<hl> And this one was just terrible <hl> .