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It's Only Philosophy!
These reviews (with two notable exceptions) are as likely to turn the interested reader away from this eminently readable, enjoyable, prescient, sui-generis philosophical bomb shell of a book as anything I've ever read. - Isn't there a "philosophical forum" here on Amazon where one can vent one's petty quibbles about which version constitutes the "definitive" Hume? - Hume's Treatise is so refreshing and full of joie de vivre in comparison with any other philosophical work that all this squabbling seems quite out of keeping with the tenor of the work.So, why do I think you should read Hume? As Hume states in the Introduction, philosophy was, and remains in such a state that "Principles taken upon trust, consequences lamely deduc'd from them, want of coherence in the parts, and of evidence in the whole, these are everywhere to be met with in the systems of the most eminent philosophers, and seem to have drawn disgrace upon philosophy itself."It is my simple intention here to give the prospective reader examples of a few of the sacred philosophical cows Hume topples in order to whet his/her appetite. This is an Amazon review, after all, not a tedious dissertation:1.) Cause And Effect - This is the notion which Hume is most famous for exploding. Various philosophers, most notably Kant, have attempted to upright this particular cow since its toppling, but to little effect. Our whole notion of cause and effect, says Hume, is based on our experience of the "constant conjunction" of events in our experience. When you release a ball from your hand, you, quite sensibly, expect it to fall to the floor. But there is no "necessary cause" involved. There is no reason that it might not fly up heavenwards the next time you do so. As Hume puts it in his whimsical manner, "One wou'd appear ridiculous, who wou'd say, that `tis only probable the sun will rise to-morrow, or that all men must dye; tho' `tis plain we have no further assurance of these facts, than what experience affords us." Stating it more properly, "We may observe that the supposition `the future resembles the past' is not founded on arguments of any kind, but is derived entirely from habit, by which we are determined to expect for the future the same train of objects, to which we have become accustom'd." So much for that grand philosophical notion of necessary cause!2.) The Self - I'll let Hume do the talking here: "For my part, when I enter most intimately into what I call `myself', I always stumble upon some particular perception or other, of heat or cold, light or shade, love or hatred, pain or pleasure. I never catch `myself' at any time without a perception, and never can observe anything but the perception. When my perceptions are remov'd for any time, as by sound sleep; so long am I insensible of `myself', and may truly be said not to exist." Hume then whimsically mentions that there may be "some metaphysicians" that have such an idea apart from perception, knowing full well that the entire philosophical community clung to this notion of an intransient self. All one has to do; it seems to me, is to look at one's baby pictures and to try to discern if there is any immutable "self" that has survived from the time the picture was taken and the present moment. This notion of the transient "self" or of many coexisting "selves", it might be well to mention, is explored even more deeply by Proust.3.) The Soul-I think it well to put this matter into some historical context. Today, such matters are explained by "faith" or some other notion not in the realm of philosophy. One is "surprised by joy" or something of the sort. Such an approach was unthinkable to Hume's contemporaries, and all manner of proofs for the existence of God and the soul abounded. Hume dismisses all of these: "Thus neither by considering the first origin of ideas, nor by means of a definition are we able to arrive at any satisfactory notion of substance; which seems to me a sufficient reason for abandoning utterly that dispute concerning the materiality and immateriality of the soul, and makes me even condemn the question itself."I hope I've given in this brief overview covering so few topics so briefly, as befits an Amazon review, how instructive, original, thought-provoking and FUN it is to read Hume's Treatise, even if you disagree with him. As Hume puts it: "Generally speaking, the errors in religion are dangerous; those in philosophy only ridiculous." | 1positive
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Outstanding
This book is the epitome of a post-revolutionary society literature. Dickens has insight on the turmoil of the time, as well as making the book exciting and enjoyable to read. | 1positive
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Great Book for Toddlers
This book is a must have for any parent of a toddler that loves Elmo and also loves dogs! My 15 month old can't get enough of this book! The hidden pictures are a plus too! Enjoy! | 1positive
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Kelly Optimization Criterion meets an Old School Trader
Before there was John Kelly and Edward Thorpe, it appears that Mr. Loeb knew early that concentration with a well thought out plan was much better than a diversified portfolio. As some have said, and as I apprehend to be somewhat true over the years, a diversified portfolio are for ones that don't know what they have as a diversified portfolio tends to let the losers run, and teases one to take early profits on the winners.Mr. Loeb is not totally anti buy-n-hold, just that he advises that one should spend more time on studying and trying to find a more sure, or statistically possible, big thing verses just hoping for market averages. As Mr. Buffett ascribes, one should only have twenty (20) punches and use those punches very wisely. If so, and if followed, then toss in some Charles Munger and some Kelly Optimization and bet big.Is this method for all, probably not, but the experience Mr. Loeb provides should help all to both become better investors and evaluating advisors whom ascribe their sometimes suspect knowledge that really is a veiled sales pitch. His wisdom still passes the test of time as it still reads somewhat contemporary though written many years ago.All in -- A good compilation of articles and book, and the hardback edition should be a part of any serious investor's collection. | 1positive
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Great Book
I purchased this book to help with my husbands lymph drainage problem. His sister is a Physical Therapist and has looked over the book and says it is a great book. I also like it for the pictures that it includes and the "self Help" section so that he can do the exercises without always having to have me to do them. Thanks for such a great book. | 1positive
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Very Poor
After waiting six weeks for this book to arrive I was sorely disappointed.At least 150 pages of trivia to say that this is an In Depth book is a joke. save your money. Overall I believe that Adobe should vet these types of books | 0negative
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setting up your medical billing business
Merlin Coslick's book on Setting Up Your Medical Billing Business is written in a clear, no nonsense, step by step approach to the do's and don'ts of starting your own Electronic Medical Billing business. Everything you need to know to get started is included and delivered to the reader with both humor and an easy to follow format. I've read it three times, refer to it often, always gaining new insite or a jump-start on what I've already learned. It has proven to be a very important business tool to us. I recommend this treasure to all entrepeneurs looking to start a business. Thanks Merl for all the time you have saved me.Sincerely, KKH&A MEDICAL BILLING SOLUTIONS | 1positive
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It didn't make any sense for me!
*WARNING!!! This critique contains major spoilers!*Sometimes I wonder if I read a different book than everyone else, that just happens to have the same title. Everybody seems to love this book, but I really hated it. The basic story idea was good enough, but the ending came off to me as a cop out because Dekker just couldn't thing of anything else to write. Also, am I the only one who noticed the big plot hole that the ending created? The girl that turned out to be a figment of the main guy's imagination, was in earlier parts of the story, without him, conversing with other characters. How can a figment of one man's imagination be so involved with other people? That just really bugged me. Now on to the cheesy, cheesy, freaking cheesy dialog. My pet peeve in any book or movie is cheesy dialog. I can't stand it. First of all, let me say, I think it's wonderful that this guy doesn't use profanity. But what was with the ridiculous insults he used in place of the curse words.If you don't want to call someone a $^!/head, God bless you, but come on "toilet water," "squat." Jerk would have worked just fine. Or, who says that you have to use any insults at all.Bottom line, I thought this book was really stupid, and because of it, I am very hesitant to ever read anything else written by Ted Dekker. I'll just read John Grisham, and mark over the swear words with a sharpie. | 0negative
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realism is as mute as it's protagonist
Perhaps I entered this book from the wrong state of mind, just finishing the Perks of Being a Wallflower and being a fan of the Catcher in the Rye, but I thought it was grossly over-rated. The Supposedly "realistic" voice of the adolescent character doesn't speak true to the age, but reflects the familiar sitcom or saved by the bell influenced teenage voice. The blatent stereotypes and unrealistic events in this book make me question wheather Laurie Halse Anderson went to high school at all. Needless to say, I did not care for the novel. Perhaps I missed something, or maybe, being a highschool student, I am too stupid to realize my own environment. So, If you want to read a book acurately depicting adolescent behavior, may I sugest such classics as A Seperate Peace or The Catcher in the Rye, if you prefer contemporary, I also was very impressed with The Perks of Being a Wallflower. If you enjoyed "Speak" you may want to look into similar books...I hear Mary-Kate and Ashley Olson have their own series. | 0negative
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Excellent; heartfelt and honest
I am writing a paper on Paranoid Schizophrenia and found this to be an excellent story. I didn't know a lot about Schizophrenia before I read this book and it helped me to understand the diagnoses and the various hardships that Schizophrenics have to face, both mentally and socially. Much better than any textbook on mental disorders, this story is not only entertaining but educational as well. Highly recommended! | 1positive
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This is a Reprint of a History Book written almost 200 years ago.
It's not only written almost 200 years ago but it's also free online on Gutenberg.org I could have easily gotten it from there for free instead. It's also a lot cleaner and easier to read online. A waste of money, do not get, just use the online version. That's not all, this book only contains the First 22 Chapters of what John Gibson Lockhart wrote, the online version has all 42 including an introduction and an index. I strongly recommend against this. | 0negative
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Only junk food when you needed meat & potatoes
I was also disappointed in this novel. I do realize that authors must try different directions once in a while to remain fresh and explore their limits, but Southern Cross was filled with forgetable characters, a forgetable and fragmented plot, and a forgetable ending. I did find it humerous at times, but the whole book didn't quite make it into satire territory.As much as you don't want to, Ms. Cornwell, please return to Kay Scarpetta. We miss her and the excellent writing you did for her. | 0negative
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Great story
The jungle book was an adventurous fun and thrilling collection of stories I would recommend this book to anyone into adventure. - Emily | 1positive
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didn't like it until the very end, which doesn't mean it doesn't have anything to recommend it
If I were to go back and read a Bronte book, I would readJane Eyre. For 85% of Wuthering Heights I thought, This is just a book full of miserable people. I can't sympathize with any of them. I almost stopped listening (it was an audiobook) a few times. But...1. It has a lovely ending.2. It has an interesting narrative structure: The whole story is narrated by Mr Lockwood, who observes very little of the action firsthand, instead hearing most of it from Nelly (the story within a story) who hears key parts of it from other minor characters (the story within a story within a story!).3. The best of the characters love to read. How can I not sympathize, at least a little bit? | 0negative
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The Detective in the Courtroom
Fenced-In Woman & Reluctant ModelErle Stanley Gardner was "the World's Greatest Author" in his time, his novels outsold the combined totals of his rivals. Gardner wrote the "Perry Mason" novels from 1933 to 1970, and other works. Gardner, and others, formed "The Court of Last Resort" in the 1940s to investigate the wrongfully convicted. The background of the stories tells of the era. Gardner never put dates in his novels, but the monetary figures date these stories."The Case of the Fenced-In Woman" (1972) begins when Morley Eden visits Perry Mason because a woman has placed a barbed wire fence through the middle of his house! Half the lot belonged to his wife, she claimed her share. Judge Goodwin hopes to use this conflict against the contractor Loring Carson. Perry visits Nadine Palmer to tell her about Morley Eden's suit against Loring Carson. Nadine was wrongly accused in Loring's divorce suit, she will get unwanted publicity. The dead body of Loring Carson was found in Morley's house. Perry calls the police, then Paul Drake so he can trace Nadine Palmer. Vivian Carson arrives home and is shocked to hear of the murder on the other side of the house. Perry questions Morley about his whereabouts. Lt. Tragg questions Vivian, then searches around the house and pool. Perry catches a plane to Las Vegas to talk to the woman who knew Loring Carson. Perry finds Nadine and talks to her until someone official shows up. Genevieve just got back from Los Angeles. The police arrive to question Perry about a trip. The police advise Perry to leave; he returns to Los Angeles. "The best defense to circumstantial evidence ... is the truth". Morley and Vivian will be charged with the murder of Loring. Nadine testifies to what she saw on the day of the murder. The cross-examination of Nadine begins. Perry asks a question that results in Nadine's fingerprints being taken. Perry calls Lt. Tragg to testify about the briefcase found in Perry's room and the unknown fingerprints on it. In his closing argument Perry uses the facts to arrive at a different explanation from the prosecution's theory. Finding fingerprints of a person will not tell you when they were made. Perry asks the jury to compare the sets of fingerprints and decide for themselves. The jury returned with a not guilty verdict."The Case of the Reluctant Model" (1962) begins when art dealer Lattimer Rankin visits Perry Mason to sue for slander because a rival hinted Lattimer sold an imitation. Perry explains why this would be a mistake; let the owner of this picture sue for disparaging its value. A suit is useful for publicity. Be careful about making comments in public. Perry and Della attend the press conference on Otto Olney's yacht, he bought the painting. They meet Collin Durant, who questioned the authenticity of Olney's painting. Something about this doesn't seem right to Perry. Maxine Lindsay, the witness in the suit, calls Perry to tell him that she has to leave on an urgent personal matter. Maxine gives Della a key to her apartment to feed her canary. When Perry and Della show up at the apartment they find a dead body! Perry finds where Maxine went and talks to her just before Lt. Tragg arrives. The murder weapon was owned by Maxine. Paul Drake discovers that Collin Durant ran up big bills at an art supply shop for an artist who was a talented copyist. One of the copies was of that disputed painting. The mystery is where Durant got his thousands in one-hundred dollar bills. The preliminary hearing begins. The ballistics expert testifies that Maxine's revolver fired the fatal shots. Perry elicits important information from a resident at Maxine's apartment house: she only saw someone wearing a baggy tweed coat from the back. Perry takes a calculated risk: he calls the defendant to the witness stand. Maxine tells what happened that night: Durant came over about 6pm and told her to get out of town fast, and she did so because he had some hold on her. Perry now has a bombshell to explode on the prosecution's case (time of use of the locker). A witness visits Perry. This leads to new evidence and the solution of the murder. Perry's defendant is cleared. | 1positive
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Amazing!
This book is truly amazing. Just to know and learn about what these men and their families went through to serve our Almighty Lord is heart warming. Jim Elliot is such a man of inspiration - as are the rest of the men and their families that were involved in the mission to the Auca indians. It brought me to tears in more ways than one. I highly recommend this book! | 1positive
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Good perspective
Great read for anyone who knows someone with Downs Syndrome. My 2 year old son has it. The book is a good perspective and kind of emotional. There are a few parts that are a little outdated. I did appreciate those parts to see the progress that we have made as a culture regarding Downs. | 1positive
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Disappointing
When I discovered that there was a sequel to the Talisman, I was so excited. Talisman was a classic with me.Mr. King has drawn yet another of his creations into the Wizard series. Now, although I have read and enjoyed 'Dark Tower', I don't want everything to relate. A lot of my disappointment stems from this.I also found that the comments directly to the reader were disruptive and unnecessary. | 0negative
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Would compare to Tolkien only because there'es noone better to compare to
Great book, great author great, series. This is one of the best high fantasy author's I have read in quite some time. I can only compare to Tolkien the work is exceptionally complete, all the sub stories wrap together with pure beauty. The kind of books you can't put down till there none left I have already ordered the pre-release on the next book. | 1positive
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THE PRESENCE OF AN ABSENCE
It's a fact that the absence of something - or in this case, someone - that has loomed very large in the lives of people can be felt as a presence. In Dwight Allen's debut novel, that presence/absence is the title character, Judge William Dupree. As the book opens, his clerk of twenty years, Lucy, is gathering together a few of his personal effects that she has found in the office. Through her thoughts - and those of the Judge's widow, his two sons, his cousin Louis and several friends and members of his extended family - we come to know, understand and appreciate this man. The journey to this understanding is a comfortable one, filled with remembrances and anecdotes, humor and, most of all, an overpowering sense of the importance of love in the life of a human being. We are ushered through all of this with warmth and grace, thanks to the writing skills of Allen. I first came across his writing - chapter 5 from this work - in the 2002 edition of NEW STORIES FROM THE SOUTH: THE YEAR'S BEST, accompanied by a note that the piece was a chapter from a forthcoming novel. I was very happy to see it arrive.The Judge's family has its ups and downs - but these are basically decent, everyday people, striving to find some happiness and satisfaction in their lives and careers. His wife is gently domineering - there are not many who know her who will stand up to her in a dispute. His sons - grown by the time of his death - wrestle with personal and professional quandaries, guided by the Judge's advice and opinions, but never dictated to. Lucy, with whom the Judge `almost' slips off the `fidelity wagon', is fiercely devoted to him - so much so that, counter to the advice of others, she remained with him as his caseload declined, well into her own middle age, pretty much closing any doors to any law practice of her own. His cousin Louis is an alcoholic - and while the Judge had little tolerance for those who drank too much, he was always gentle and caring with his cousin, helping him time and again to attempt to plant his feet on a more sober path. Judge Dupree is sometimes shocked or disappointed with things that happen around him - but his love for his family and friends is alive at his core through it all. He is a religious man, but not one who preaches to everyone around him - his is a quiet faith, and strong, and the example of his own life and happiness with it is the most effective witness.The chapters of the novel look at incidents and events in the life of the Judge and those who shared it, told from various points of view, and not necessarily in chronological order. Rather than make the novel harder to understand, this technique, in Allen's hands, actually lends a feeling of comfort to the story - rather like the stories that pour out of those attending a wake, fond (and often humorous) remembrances of the departed.The Judge himself - in the form of a ghost - makes an appearance now and then, but never in an attempt to overtly affect the lives of his loved ones, more as an observer. His spectral presence is felt from time to time, but those who sense it are never quite sure that they're not `seeing things'. One of the most poignant passages in the novel is in one of the final chapters. The Judge had a life-long love affair with railroading - and after his death, now that he has the opportunity, he takes to riding trains back and forth across the country. On one of these soirées, he inadvertently observes a couple in his boxcar making love - `...the Judge, who had always been a firm believer in the right to privacy, concentrated on the scenery and removed his hearing aid.' He muses about the physical vs. the spiritual aspects of love: `...he hadn't found the sexual act itself all that rewarding. What he had really hoped for more was kissing, nuzzling, hand-holding, things that women (as opposed to men) were supposed to require.' He examines these thoughts carefully and honestly - and they are a great indicator of what a gentle soul he possessed. He sees things in the lives of his family and friends that at first upset him, but comes quickly to a love-borne understanding, and finds it easy to forgive.Allen's novel comes in a just over 300 pages - but it seemed to fly by for me. The pleasure of reading such a well-written work made it so. Get to know the Judge - your life will be the richer for it. | 1positive
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Unsound
Wendy Doniger has joined hands with Sudhir Kakkar (who knows no Sanskrit and one wonders how he could have been of any help) and produced another unsound translation of an Indian text. | 0negative
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The Montreal that is gone forever
Weintraub has painted a wonderful portrait of what life was like in Montreal back in the days before the separatists wreaked havoc on the fabric of the city with their language police and sign laws. Daily life in Montreal during the 1940s and 1950s is vividly portrayed in all its variety, from the infamous Padlock Laws of Premier Maurice Duplessis, to the padlock that held stripper Lili St. Cyr's chastity belt in place. The style is journalistic rather than scholarly, and breezy but informative. Weintraub (who is a Montrealer himself) interviewed dozens of people, and their stories are neatly integrated into his historical account of the major events and figures that shaped the era. Highly recommended for anyone who loves Canada's most flamboyant and fascinating city. | 1positive
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Really can't see how this is a romance
I don't get this book as a romance. Nick explains several times how he would never be interested in Lucy. She says several times how Nick would never be interested in her. I kept reading hoping that the author would make this believable when they finally get together. She never did although I learned a lot about making chocolate.It's just no fun starting a book from the first knowing that the characters are so totally miss-matched!Even the secondary characters are boring. Her father, a brilliant surgeon who can't do anything in the real world. A cute cousin who needs her to tell him he is not gay. Her mom who no longer is interested in her brilliant husband the surgeon.Weird triangle between Nick's older brother & grandfather. The same story plays out with the older brother not marrying the mother of his child. Grandfather loses all respect. Nick doing the same thing with Lucy. Surely we can come up with something more original. | 0negative
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Pleased...
My son needed this book for a book report he was doing. He was really enjoyed the story and since I've never read the story, I'm next. | 1positive
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All Time Favorite Book
"To Kill a Mockingbird" is my all time favorite book. It is a treasure trove of life lessons that never grows stale. I highly recommend this title for every reader, young and old. | 1positive
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The Author Is In Desperate Need Of An Editor!
This book is just a mess, and I'm at a loss as to how it got published for mass readership. The author is sorely in need of a good, qualified editor, as she rambles on over several chapters without managing to say anything worthwhile to story development.The story of Una does manage to somewhat entertain for roughly 300 pages. (It is fictional romance, so I doubt many men would find this interesting) From about that point on, Una meets and "marrys" Ahab and the book goes downhill from there. Ms. Naslund spends a great part of the novel having Una contemplating her navel, much to the torment of her reader. She also manages to preach on every liberal agenda known to mankind, and it only gets tiresome and wearisome. Plus, while the reader might come to know every contemplative thought that enters Una head (though....why do we care??), and we are introduce to the people that cross her path as wooden space holders in time, we know no warmth of individuals, let alone Una. I didn't really feel that Una loved Ahab, despite the author telling me she did. I didn't feel that Una cared about anybody - not even her own child. And I certainly didn't care about Una.There were several examples of just plain bad writing/nuances. Ms. Naslund seems to have a pre-occupation with household china. That's all fine, but she must understand that men simply do NOT share that pre-occupation, nor do men notice such things, nor do men comment on such things! Her insistance that they do is annoying! Also, doing things such as having people call Una "Mrs. Captain"? Is Ms. Naslund serious? She is supposed to be a professor and heads up a writing department! Captain, as it applies to the character of Ahab is a title, not a name. One would not call a doctor's wife "Mrs. Doctor"! Granted, we do not know Ahab's full name, but this is known as "poetic license." Ms. Naslund should have taken it, as it is, again, annoying.If you feel compelled for some unknown reason to read this mess, spare yourself and only read the first 300 or so pages. When it comes time for Una to marry Ahab, simply stop reading. We really already know how the story ends, anyway. | 0negative
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The Facts!!
Perhaps her cause was just in writing this book, but her short-sighted ignorance of the repercussions was inexcusable. Because of the ban on DDT which largely resulted from Silent Spring, the WHO has estimated that around 20 MILLION children have died of malaria.DDT was, & still is, one of the very best insecticides to control mosquitoes, the sole transporter of this deadly disease. Best of all, DDT is very NON-toxic to humans.The need for DDT is so urgent that even the Sierra Club is justifying it's use inside houses in malaria stricken locations of Africa, South America, & Asia.Way to go Rachel. Save the Birds, Kill the Children...Wake Up People!! | 0negative
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This book is vile!
First let me say I do not disagree with spanking as a punishment. I have 4 children age 9 to 9 months and yes the older ones have been spanked. This book is not about that it is about abusing children. They reccommend whipping children as young as 6 months with a willow switch on their bare skin, pulling the hair of a 4 month old nursing infant if she bites or pulls your hair. In one secton of the book a 15 month old is whipped repeatdly because she does not want to play with a toy she is given. The Pearl's have no child education or religious training they have no bussiness writting this book. I am a born again christian and can say that in my heart I know this is not what Jesus wanted. | 0negative
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"The Return of Tolkien's Masterpiece" By Ted Bowen
"The Lord of the Rings" book series are considered Tolkien's masterworks and for good reason. The third book begins as Frodo Baggins, Bilbo Baggins's nephew and the Ring-Bearer, is captured by orcs and taken to a tower in the dark land of Mordor. Sam, Frodo's servant and a member in the Fellowship, tries to get Frodo out of the tower. The story then turns to Aragorn, heir to the throne of Gondor and the only thing that stands in Sauron's way, and his army. They came to the Black Gate (the entrance of Mordor) to buy Frodo and Sam time, for their only hope was the destruction of the Ring. Tolkien describes each scene with so much care and detail that you'd think you were actually there. He takes you to a world of fantasy and adventure that grips you from the start and does not willingly let you go. Tolkien puts the "good triumphs over evil" genre and adds unexpected twists and turns that are thoroughly entertaining. I would recommend this book to everyone. The plot is thoroughly enjoyable and exciting. The story line and flowing and beautifully written. J.R.R. Tolkien has truly written a masterpiece in fantasy novels. <:) | 1positive
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It's all a dream, now isn't it?
Never have I read and seen such hypocracy as in Kuki Gallman's books. She considers herself the Joan of Arc of the Masai Plains, not keeping in mind that she was a colonist and not Jesus Christ. The western world has a completely different idea about the life in Kenya. Was the movie to be shown to the people who lived the colonial times, they would spit right in her face. The land that she today calls her own and made herself a fortune out of belongs to the Masai and their cattle. I am a Kenyan and I know what life was like during the colonial times. Kuki Gallman really needs to humble herself, at least to the people whom she and her husband have been feeding off of. Please, get a life! | 0negative
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Great read
I LOVE every Janette Oke book I've read so far, and this book didn't disappoint! I get so wrapped up in the stories and families that I read dangerously late into the night! Can't wait to read the next one. | 1positive
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Suprised that this book is by Mark Twain
"The Prince and the Pauper" is a rather dull story about a prince and a beggar whose physical appearances are uncannilly similar that accidentally switch identities due to trying on each others clothes and being separated by fate at that moment, with the nobility believing the prince had gone mad with a lapse of memory rather than believe he was someone else. The story details how the beggar deals with the situation of trying to ajust to the life of a prince under those circumstances, and how the prince deals with living the life of a beggar. Events occuring to each of the two during their role reversal is long winded and uninteresting with the book's ending being predictable, and the story often depends on annoyingly implausible behaviour of supporting characters. I thought it would be interesting to read the book as I have an original 19th century printing, but I was suprised to find a Mark Twain book to be so boring. I got a good amount into it and then just read the Cliffs notes for the rest. Thumbs down for this one. It would be interesting to read reviews written about the book at the time. | 0negative
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Born To Be Bad? At least the title is true...
I am a fan of Sherrilyn Kenyon's writings, but this book was just soft-core porn, and not even erotic porn! I was so disappointed while reading these three short stories. Really, I can enjoy a good (or bad) sexy Dark Hunter with everyone else, but reading about these uninspiring heroines and their sexual (but not at all sexy) encounters was just sad.I really thought the worst thing she had written prior to this was Vane Kattalakis humping Bride McTierney in Night Play, which to me read just like a National Geographic desription of how dogs have sex. Now she's just fallen into bad role-playing. I would not recommend this book to a Kenyon fan. | 0negative
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excellent service and product
I was very pleased with the book,"Wurthering Heights" and the service in sending it to me. THank you. | 0negative
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Ashes to ashes ...
A thoroughly tepid and uninspired collection of short stories, poetry, and prose that will no doubt prove disenchanting for those of us who champion and cherish works published by independent presses. With few exceptions the prose/poetry in this anthology resides on the shallow, anemic, and dissolute side of underground literature available today. Although many of the featured writers have gone on to either achieve a modicum of fame, success, and/or notoriety (Kathy Acker being a notably conspicuous example) most of their work in this collection suffers from an insipid "ameteurism". Oh, to be sure, Creation Press billed this book as "estranged from the binds of linear narrative" (supposedly) in defiance of "the estabishment which seeks to perpetuate" all manner of drivel upon a predominantly infantilized mainstream audience inured to the schlock that is excreted by the media/press/etc. on a daily basis. But in order to produce good prose we still need/crave something intelligible, coherent, and honest before it can be recognized as art, literature, creative expression, whatever. So please do yourself a favor and don't bother even looking over this volume. | 0negative
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The last run
If you like a book that you can't wait for the last page(no peeking,)then this book is for you. The action in the storm is breath taking.You get to know the lives of each men and their families. I read many books and I rate this one number one. Peter Bowers | 1positive
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Excellent historical fiction
I found this book well-written and interesting, especially in its descriptions of New York City in the 1890s. What's most important to me is that it piqued my interest in Teddy Roosevelt and caused me to read two biographies of him. What a fascinating man. | 1positive
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Where's the Beef?
Having thoroughly enjoyed Stones from the River, I really looked froward to reading The Vision of Emma Blau. As I read, I kept waiting for the story to begin. It seemed that characters were always being introduced, sketched in and then relegated to the backround as yet another character stepped into the limelight. A most unsatisfying book , leaving me with the feeling that the whole thing was just an outline, and the real book has yet to be written. | 0negative
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Trust & Triumph
This is the weakest sequel I have read. The story is weak, and she slips farther and farther out of Regency speak as the book goes on. My main problem is that she has no knowledge of punctuation in publishing so the sentences are very hard follow. SAVE YOUR MONEY -- DO NOT BUY THIS BOOK.CELESTE, FOSTER CITY, CA | 0negative
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Dancing through the night.....
Shadowdance was my first introduction to the world of SciFi & Fantasy. Few books I've read have brought both tears and joy to my eyes. I loved Robin's poetic words to describe ordinary objects and the way the author took me to the dark side of sex and mankind. Robin's character development and use of gay overtones added a beautiful dimension to the fantasy. The love between Innowen and Razkilli gave me, a gay reader, an emotional feeling I could identify with. | 1positive
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Gotta love Tess!!
She never lets me down. I have read all of her books and have loved all but one, The Sinner wasn't one of my favorites, but she is back in the goove again. She keeps you guessing from the beginning to the end. Her characters are well rounded and keep me thinking about them even when I'm not reading. I love Maura and Jane. I will be reading all of her books. | 1positive
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a thorough understanding
No one was able except M. Gadalla of a thorough understanding of the Egyptian spirit. Being of an Egyptian origin himself, he could trace the musical instruments available to the modern Egyptian people and track their diversity, origin and functions. Further, being originally a civil engineer he is versed in numbers and numerology thus identifying the meaning of numbers. Plato preceeded him in their significance to the Egyptians. But unlike Plato who was Greek, Gadalla grasped the Egyptian spirit and tries to fetch for a unifying theme which relates music to religion to mathematics and astrology. This book adds up to the other masterpieces of Gadalla. For someone seeking to read for a professional rather than an amateur here is one book indeed.Assem Deif, prof. of mathematics | 1positive
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Holy Adjectives, Batman!!
Let me begin by saying that I'm not even finished reading this thing, but have so far forced myself through 65% of it and am on the verge of sticking a hot poker into my eyes. This is a painful book to read. There are so many adjectives that I think the writer has used every single one available in the English language... multiple times. I find my inner dialog constantly repeating the phrase "okay, all right, I get it, move on." Just for fun, I picked a random paragraph and in those four sentences, counted over 20 adjectives! -- I'm the sort of reader who likes to finish books, no matter how bad, but this one has tested my limits and I am, for the first time since childhood, seriously considering not finishing... and in this case, deleting it from my Kindle library. (I am now kicking myself for reminding myself that I paid full price for this POS.) There is nothing that can be said in the last 35% that will change my opinion. I don't generally write reviews, but I do read them and the high number of glowing reviews, along with recommendations from two co-workers, prompted my purchase. The truth needs to be heard. Clan of the Cave Bear is a terrible read! This book comes nowhere near to earning such high praise and for that reason alone, I submit my rating of 1... only because I can't give it a zero. -- Now, where's that hot poker? | 0negative
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Haddon does not understand Asperger
Since I have been diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome, let me just say that Mark Haddon should spend some time interacting with individuals who have Asperger Syndrome. The character he has created is not an Aspie, it is a sick coagulation of characteristics that span the broad range of autism all thrown together and labeled by him as "Asperger" because he needs his character to be gifted enough to write a book.Most people with Asperger Syndrome lead very normal lives and are able to learn to function and interact in society. I'll admit that I would much rather sit and read a book then go to a party, but I wouldn't sit and read this book. I couldn't finish it because the portrayal was so upsetting, and the foul language was overwhelming. It is this kind of trash that makes life for people with Asperger so difficult, and increases the misunderstanding that society has for us. If you really want to understand how a person with Asperger thinks and feels then talk to one of us, or look up information on the internet. Don't go to a fictional book written by an uneducated author. | 0negative
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An attempt at Historical Revisionism
Pagels' works understandably warm the cockles of heretical hearts everywhere. Hers is simply another in the line of works attempting to recover the "suppressed voices" of early Christianity. As Dr. Luke Timothy Johnson of Chandler Divinity School at Emory University rightly notes, such writings have become a "boom industry." This academic revisionism, pressing its own politicized and ideological agenda, seeks to undermine the traditionally accepted biblical canon. That it may be done brilliantly does not at all mean that it is done accurately or with ultimate value. As Dr. Johnson points out, "...since many of these Gnostic writings appeared at first sight to have a lot of positive things to say about women and a lot of negative things to say about authority structures, it did not take long for some scholars, like Elaine Pagels...to argue that such texts should be read as the development of voices that the canonical writings had suppressed." It is this aspect of Pagels' writings that has made her so popular with religions, such as Mormonism for example, that have a vested interest in undermining the authority of the canon of biblical scripture as traditionally accepted. For the superficially inclined, the fact that the Book of Mormon claims that many "plain and precious parts" of the Bible have been suppressed by evil priests seems vindicated by Pagels' revisionist work. And so the way is open to make rather silly claims about the need for "continuing revelation" to "restore true Christianity." And, of course, any number of contemporary claimants from Mormons to New Age sects want to insert their own particular "scriptures" or "channeled" revelations as a restoration of the "truth" which the early Catholic Church suppressed for its own evil ends. Thus, Pagels should be read with the full realization of her own ideological agenda, and the appeal of the latter to those who have a vested interest in undermining classical Christian orthodoxy by any means avaliable. | 0negative
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Paradoxically sexist while preaching free love
The first half of the book is very interesting, although it already appears sexist just in the highly unbalanced ratio of speech. Male characters pontificate on and on about whatever subject and are always "teaching" women. This alone did not bother me too much, and the story was interesting. However, the author makes a huge early investment in Ben's character, just to later move him into nearly complete nothingness, and basically replace his role with that of Jubal, who pontificates ad nauseum just as Ben did. This feels clunky, as if he got tired of Ben's character and, rather than reworking Ben into someone else, or distributing his speeches among other characters, just replaced him with the nearly identical character of Jubal and forgot to kill or do away with Ben with a good (or any) explanation. This is mildly annoying and just doesn't feel very expertly done.Then, the story shifts and starts going into free love, and that too is fine. I enjoy cultural relativism and get that part of the perspective offered in the book. I also understand its place and appeal when the book was written. However, there is a bit of a ridiculous sexist paradox in the story: the author basically preaches that everyone who is not evil is equally worthy and has God in themselves, and that everyone should love everyone freely... Except homosexuals. Indeed, the messiah of the book would probably "sense a wrongness in them" and not share water with them. WTF!!! I am heterosexual and have no dog in that fight, and even then this seems vastly hypocritical to me, particularly when couched in this whole free love preachery context. Then, to top it off, the author goes on to say that "9 out of 10 times, when a woman gets raped it's her own fault". Of course, this is very "smoothly" said by a woman. Please. I will continue to listen to this in hopes that I am just not missing some crucial turn around or valuable message that my liberal upbringing, my interest in cultural relativism, and my 22 years of formal education and PhD. candidacy have not helped me see so far, in which case I will update this review in order to do it justice. But in my humble opinion, despite my love for literature and scifi, and self-labeled open mind, so far this is looking like a paradoxical, hypocritical sexist joke covered up in a moderately interesting plot with a very interesting (but apparently homophobic) main character, and a not so interesting at all sidekick who thinks that women cause themselves to be raped. | 0negative
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the book seemed a little confusing
this book made no sense at all.i enjoy reading but i did not like this book.it had no point at all and the dialect was terrible. | 0negative
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The Stranger
I thought that the book The Stranger was a book that could have been better. The book was not suspensful, and I really did not enjoy it. It had no climax, almost no plot, and the action was not built up at all. However, in this book, the author Albert Camus makes a few good points about our society. The book started with the death of the main character Meursault's mother. Meursault went to her funeral, which was at the nursing home in which she lived. He showed no signs of sorrow over his mother's death, and even fell asleep during her vigil. When Meursault returned home he concluded that "really, nothing in his life had changed." The next day Meursault went to his neighbor Raymond's house for dinner. Raymond was a pimp, although he told people that he was a "warehouse guard." Raymond explained to Meursault the problem that he was having with a girlfriend of his who he said "did him dirty." He asked Meursault to help him out with his problem, and when Meursault said yes, Raymond stated that he considered them pals. Meursault's life went on, with nothing eventful happening until Raymond invited Meursault and Marie, Raymond's girlfriend who was considering marriage between the couple, to his friend Masson's bungalow. Meursault accepted the invitation, and went to the bungalow. However, right before they left, Raymond informed Meursault of a group of Arabs that had been following him ever since he had tried to resolve the conflict with his ex-girlfriend. The Arabs followed them to the bungalow, and through a series of complications, Meursault ended up shooting and killing one of the Arabs. The rest of the book is about Meursault's time in jail, and his court hearing, in which he is sentenced to the guillotine, and his reaction afterwards. Although I don't think The Stranger was a good book, I can make one positive observation about it. The author, Albert Camus, did a good job in this book of using indirect characterization. He did not tell us that Meursault was a man of little or no feelings, but left us to figure it out for ourselves. As the book moved on, we became more and more aware of the fact that Meursault was a shy, quiet, disturbed character. I stress the fact that I have several legitimate criticisms of this book. First, the book didn't really have a plot. It did have a series of events, each related to the next, but the plot was not built upon itself. This relates to my other point, which is that the highest point of drama, the climax, was not near the end of the book where it should have been, but in the middle of the book, making the ending long and drawn-out. I think that the theme of this book was that everyone should enjoy life. Don't take it for granted, every new day could bring something unexpected. No one should go through life as Meursault did, lazily, boringly, lifelessly, and blankly. We should get out, enjoy life, and make the best of it. This may be what Albert Camus is trying to tell us in his book. The tone that Albert Camus took in this book was one of pity and shame. The author pitied the way Meursault went through life, and he was ashamed of it. By taking this tone, Camus was able to make us aware of the theme of the book. In this book, Meursault symbolized many people in life today for two reasons. First, many people take life for granted, just as Meursault did. Also, they don't take any pride in anything that they do. Second, Meursault committed a "pointless crime" for apparently no reason at all. Many people today are guilty of those same pointless crimes. All in all, this was a fair book. I did not enjoy it, but if you read between the lines like I did, you can see that Camus is trying to give us a few important messages. However, the book was written in 154 pages when it could have been written in 80 and been just as good. | 0negative
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An Eternal Instant
While some aspects of this novel are dated and a bit annoying, John Brunner delivered an eerily prescient and haunting epic on the human condition back in 1968. This is mostly thought of as a story about overpopulation, but that is actually just a background setting that weighs down upon the bizarre near-future society Brunner has created. Social pressures of population have led to twisted morals and ethics. Discrimination and xenophobia have been mechanized with eugenics legislation, people have become over-reliant on the cold logic of supercomputers rather than human reasoning, corporations are buying and controlling entire nations, and crime, terrorism, and social sabotage have become endemic. Back in 1968 these may have seemed like creative aspects of Brunner's imagination, but they are becoming disturbingly familiar over the intervening decades. Brunner's writing style here can be a real trip too, with a montage of styles incorporating quick cuts between the viewpoints of different characters, along with constructed snippets resembling newspaper reports, government documents, advertisements, and even folktales from Brunner's imaginary world. This style of writing is becoming rather dated, and the book gets off to a slow start as you try to digest the writing methods. Also, the ending is a bit anti-climactic with the long and extensive build-up fizzling out into an off-screen denouement. But in the end this novel has the power to implant rather disturbing thoughts in the back of your mind about the near-future course of humanity. [~doomsdayer520~] | 1positive
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Great book!
This is easily the best book I have read in recent years. You need to be emotionally prepared before you read this book. Once you get started, it's hard to put it down. It's on the heavy side; and if you are looking for light reading, do not choose this book. The story is strong and the studies of its characters are thorough. The story is long but the story line is clear and consistent. You may need a tissue box next to you. The story stays with you for a while after reading it. I high recommend this book! | 1positive
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not worth it!
This book had me lost in Bharatpur, stranded in Rajasthan, and completely confused in Cochin. The maps are mediocre, and the bulk of it generally not very useful. The only useful parts the ones that tell you how to get into and out of major cities, and where you can change your money. Otherwise, do not follow this guidebook--not only will you be following the tracks of every tourist in India, but also because you will be as lost as every other tourist in India. | 0negative
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Third time around "In Cold Blood"
This was my third copy - thanks to lending and forgetting to reclaim. Every so often I re-read it, making it my own "cult classic". What a story - still grim but exciting after all these years. This time around, I also had to re-purchase "To Kill a Mockingbird" - lost from the same causes as "In Cold Blood". I enjoyed a week of reading both books and delving into more research regarding the long relationship between Capote and Lee. | 1positive
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A Lot of Words...A Little Learning
I bought this book on a recommendation from a very talented artist - she suggest I get this book and study it. She said she thought it was the best book on the market - even though it's slightly old. (I think this edition was written in the 1980s.)I have a lot of respect for that artist - and I trust that she got a lot out of this book. I, however, did not.Rather than a "how to" manual, which is how I learn, this book is more of a novel. It has a lot of information - but the style didn't mesh with the way I learn. At least I think that's what the problem is...I just know there seemed to be a lot of useful information when I scanned the headings, but it didn't hold my attention. I love art books - but this one is probably my least favorite. I didn't get much (if anything) out of it...but it could also be that it's above my comprehension level for jewelry making. I don't do wax or "fancy" techniques - like making gold and diamond rings - so maybe that's the issue. It makes me sad to give a review like this - I really did want to like it. I really thought I'd get a lot out of it...and apparently, many people do benefit from this book. (Just look at the reviews.) I much prefer Mark Lareau's "Getting Started Making Metal Jewelry".I have tried to get into this book countless times - and just can't. I'll be giving it away. If you choose to purchase it, I really hope you get more out of it than I did. | 0negative
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AWEFUL
What did I do Santa ?Why did you leave me this lump of coal in my stocking?I am not sure if this was left by santa in my stocking or by the neighbors dog on my porch.The main character was unlikeable.The dialogue was repetitive - IT REALLY WAS.I got very tired of the format " Pronoun REALLY is/was/did/etcIf I had a dollar for every time he used - It REALLY was, they REALLY do, I REALLY am, blank REALLY blank...I know this was controversial in its time, but I dont think anyone thought it was particularly subversive or thought provoking. I think they just had something against crumby fiction with excessive and meaningless profanity.If Santa leaves this lump of coal for you, shoot that fat bastard! | 0negative
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Dust is a bust.
The cover and author's name caught my eye in a bookstore. Having read Pellegrino's excellent "Her Name, Titanic," I looked forward to reading "Dust." I bought it without a second thought. Mistake! The book is filled with wooden characters, repetitious dialogue and every ridiculous cliché imaginable. Badly in need of editing and shortening. I find it impossible to read this book for any length of time. I already read three others while "Dust" collected dust on my bookshelf. This is a book that tempts me to skip whole chapters...the only problem is I am afraid to miss an important twist in the plot. Too late do I realize I did not miss a thing and should have skipped the chapters. I still haven't finished it...maybe I will, maybe I won't. Perhaps I will wait for the movie (if they make one), rent it and fast forward to the end. "Dust" is a bust. | 0negative
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I really enjoyed this book.
This off shoot of the "Star of the Guardians" series is another great work. I enjoyed the series and now I will enjoy the continuing work. Please don't stop. I would like to see more stories on both | 1positive
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The Invention of Self
Is there any sub-genre of confessional or autobiographical writing more troubling and problematic for both reader and writer alike than the story of the life and death of the writer's parent? What are we poor readers to make of these tales of grief and guilt and painful confessions and embarrassing revelations in light of the fact that they were actually published, for all the world to see and to make money just like the writers' other works? And what is the poor writer to do, unable to deal with the event or make sense of it except through writing, but bring the powers and tricks of the novelist or poet to bear on this tale the same as any other that was simply imagined or invented?"Portrait of an Invisible Man," the first piece of "The Invention of Solitude," is Auster's literary attempt to come to terms with his father's death through writing about his father's life. In doing so, he discovers how little he knows not only about his father's childhood and early married years, but about his father's mental life as well. Along the way Auster stumbles on the story of a family tragedy so full of coincidences that it begins to resemble his fiction.The writing is never anything but splendid here. But is it seemly that we enjoy it as much as other writing by the same author that is clearly labeled fiction? I have no answer to that.Auster's "Invisible Man," written in 1979, has its literary antecedent in Peter Handke's "A Sorrow Beyond Dreams," written in 1972 and translated into English in 1974. Handke's story of his mother's life, written immediately after her suicide, is, like Auster's piece, full of extraordinary writing, and equally devastating. The length and techniques of both works are similar, down to the ever-shorter sections toward the end and the numerous comments on the writing itself. Handke's book ends with the following: "Someday I shall write about all this in greater detail." On one of the last pages of Auster's piece we find this: "It occurs to me that I began writing this story a long time ago, long before my father died." Handke and Auster are writers; writing is what they do.One tip: To preserve the mental taste of Auster's "Invisible Man," the reader should pause for a decent interval before taking on "The Book of Memory," the second piece in Auster's book (or skip it altogether). "The Book of Memory" is a more difficult work and quite possibly a bit more than many readers will want to tackle so soon after finishing "Invisible Man." | 1positive
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Another National Book Award Flop
Apparently there's something special about Philip Roth and his writing that escapes me. This novel was a complete waste of my time. I struggled to the middle then simply dumped it. The story is about a self-loathing, conflicted, sexually addicted misogynist who has lost all connection to anything humane. The writing style is dull and after 200 pages I didn't find a single character likable. The story is laced with the main character's sexual escapades but after a while even that loses it shock value and becomes numbing. It's good to see that I am not alone in my assessment of this novel. From the reviews posted you either really enjoy it or not. For me . . . NOT! Can't recommend this one. | 0negative
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Earthsea more like a puddle
First of all this book was too into names of things. How could naming something give you power over it? I don't know, it was not explained. Also, why did everyone have 2 names? As a coming of age novel, this novel was a pretty good book. But I wish there was more action in this novel. Sometimes Sparrowhawk or Gad or whatever name the main character in this novel was going by just seemed to sail and sail and sail. Boring. Thats ok there are plenty of other fish in the ocean (no pun intended), like the Gor novels which have plenty of action and more of an interesting storyline.PS. I didn't really understand that last part where sparrowhawk/gad goes head to head with the shadowy creature who has hunted him all threw the novel. It was not very clear what happened. | 0negative
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Annoying
The only way I can describe this book is 'annoying'. I barely got through the first quarter of the book and couldn't go on. The abrasive characters and bland story made reading this book painful. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone. | 0negative
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one of the best books out there
When i first bought the book, i had heard what a great book it was and how it was one the best books out there. As i began to read i wasnt sure if i was gonna like it as much as others had but i read on anyway. After the starting the second chapter, the book had literally absorbed almost all of my attention. While reading it i felt as though the characters were living next door and i knew them for my whole life. Its a complicated book about a girl living in brooklyn scrounching for money, learning about life, and basically growing up. I would have to say that no words i write can describe the book to its best. It is one of the best books i've ever read in my life and i recommend it. | 1positive
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A Must Have
This book has every prayer you can think of. It has been so helpful to me. This is excellent for people in learning. | 1positive
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A pitty, especially from great authors
Maybe I should give a better rating to this book, but both authors have already wrote very good books & papers, so...Honestly, I don't understand why they write this book. The experiment doesn't reflect the field realities (2 gurus working together, for an internal project !), the book is rather short and filled with uneeded source code (if I want it, I get a Java book). At the end of the book, I didn't get the impression to have learn something valuable. My advice is to prefer (for the same target) "Extreme programming installed" which gives a true return on experience about XP, or even "Extreme Programming Explored",called "the XP FAQ" by myself.Bob & James, you are great guys. Really ! I lot of your writtings is more than valuable, and I got them. That's why I owned this book blindly. I'm afraid to say that it was my "disapointment of the year". Sorry. | 0negative
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Nice drawings but no substance.
This book has a great deal of intricate drawings, some of which are atributed to particular tribes but most of which are just referred to as tribes in general. What are the sources of this information? We don't know because the author gave us no sources, no footnotes, no references, not even a bibliography. In the the frontispiece about the author it says she "gained spiritual insight into the world from an early age". It goes on to say "When her life was threatened by a severe illness, she maaged to recover with the help of meditation, relaxation and a self healing method she developed herself.--today she passes her knowledge on in cosmic pictures, illustrations & through writing." Not exactly a glowing resume with no mention of any formal or informal education concerning Native Americanor their symbolism. Did she live with a tribe or just make this up in her basement while meditating? We don't know so how can we determine it's acuracy? Did she learn from books or a teacher or ...the internet? The publisher advertizes the book as "NEW AGE".In the previous review a comment was added saying "the deer depicted is the Roe Deer, specifically. There are no roe deer in North America." That is correct. Clearly the author has symbolism from other countries mixed in with Native American cultures in her quest for spirituality. Many of her other drawings are simply lacking in accuracy or plain wrong. For example the arrows she shows are from a European context & totally different than the ones I've seen on the actual plains tribes artifacts. The authentic symbol shows feather barbs on one side only while her arrow symbol has no feathers at all. Most are not tribe specific and some of them have multiple meanings yet ony one is referred to. Being tribe specific is absolutely esential to get the corect meaning from symbols. Tribes didn't copy everything from each other, They spoke several hundred different languages.I wish I had a good reference book to refer readers (& myself) to, but as yet there doesn't seem to be one... Being spiritual is fine but I was looking for an accurate reference to Native American symbols. Sadly this is not it. | 0negative
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Another great book about Ayn Rand's ideas on writing
It's not often that an author of renown will reveal all her secrets, but this is exactly what Ayn Rand does in her book taken from lectures she gave to a select group of people. She goes into great detail about all her writing methods and the do's and don't's of a good writer. | 1positive
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SuperDome was imploded,we're next
This book is a primer for preservationists. Pittsburgh lost Forbes Field,Oakland--a classic baseball only venue..Pitt just demolished Pitt Stadium, & 3 Rivers stadium, a 'cookiecutter' of Cinn.,Ohio will be gone..for TWO! more such.Only major city to lose 3 stadiums | 1positive
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Anderson perfects the art of characterization...and more.
"Magnolia" is a film that should go down in history. And for the mere reason of Paul Thomas Anderson. Anderson's brilliant screenwriting is seen the best through his characters. By this talent the piece truly is an ensemble film, for no character outshines the next. Linda Partridge and Claudia Gator, my personal favorite characters, go through the gamut of emotions throughout the script, while likewise staying true to their original motives and feelings.Basically, the thing that makes Anderson's characters real is that they ARE real. They are normal people whose lives have, along the lines, come apart at every possible seam. No people live absolutely perfect, happy lives, and this is what Anderson gets across. Many of the characters in the script on first look seem invincible, strong, glorified, and beautiful. It does not take long for the reader to see, though, that the most perfect people have the weakest constitutions and strength.The film is superb. The actors and actresses Anderson used were the ones that could get the job done, not just the big names (okay, despite Tom Cruise and maybe Julianne Moore) that would pull in the crowds. Anderson's direction is also brilliant, for you see that he and his script pulled every ounce of his characters out of his cast.Anderson is somewhat like the Mel Brooks of the modern, dramatic realm of film. He writes his scripts, does the directing, and he uses the actors and actresses that he knows will deliver. Many of the castmates in Magnolia also appeared in Boogie Nights, and some even in the earlier Anderson film, Hard Eight. He...in truth...is brilliant, and this script is his best one yet I think. My fingers are crossed for him at the Academy Awards this March for his Screenplay nomination, but I'm only upset that no more than three people (Anderson, Aimee Mann, & Cruise) were recognized by the Academy for their amazing performances in the film (especially Melora Walters).And the bottom line...Anderson is pure brilliance and is one of the next great film makers of our time, and I cannot wait to continue following his career. | 1positive
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The best book I have ever read
A year ago I was in a bookstore here in Virginia.I went in and sure enough the store had only one copy of the book left.The next day I started to read it and was imediatly hooked.Chbosky wrote this book briliantly.The book is honest,gripping,sad,and at times humerous.Everyone I know who has read this book has loved it.This is one of the few books I have read all the way through twice.This is definatly a book every teenager should read. | 1positive
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A must-read for people who love the game of twenty-one!!
This book tells the amazing story about how the M.I.T. Black Jack team totally beat the hell out of Vegas. It shows you all the insides of the system, the recruiting process, but above all, takes you on a trip to Vegas you'll never forget.Since I work in a casino as a dealer, I found the "secrets" that were revealed in this book both astonishing and exciting. I never really expected that anyone could ever beat the system, but these guys did, and they did it big time!Thus, I would highly recommend this book for anyone who loves the game of twenty-one, and even if you're not really into it right now, this book may get you head over heels... | 1positive
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Used review
When purchasing a used book I realize you are taking a chance, but I never expected a book with such colorful kid markings where a small child apparently used it to play school. Sometimes a sample of the inside would be helpful in making a better choice. | 0negative
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Small Hardback edition for the Collector!
I've been looking for these editions since a certain bookstore stopped carrying them a couple tears ago. They are small, about 4x6. So they are perfect for carrying around in your purse or bag for a bit of reading wherever you may go. My book doesn't have the picture on the cover but its almost identical other than that. (I believe the ones with cover pictures came as part of sets.) My copy does have some illustrations inside in black and white.If you want a really cute, small hardcover Alice in Wonderland, perfect for reading anytime, pick this up.***As per the reviewer above... the writing is small. Has to be for the book size! So if you need regular print, look elsewhere. | 1positive
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No Shogun
This one's a real stinker. I began reading it hoping that it would at least be a cheap knock-off of Shogun, but it's much, much worse. The story is lame, the writing pathetic. It's a travesty that trees were felled so that this book could be published. | 0negative
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Classic Book Gets Classic Reading
I purchashed the Hobbit on audio for use in my classroom. Most of my students find it easier to follow along with a person reading aloud than when reading on their own; the problem is that if I am the one reading my attentions are on the book, and the classes can sometimes take that as a cue to misbehave!Enter the Hobbit on audio. This is an unabridged reading by classically trained actor Rob Inglis, who specializes in Shakespearean and Tolkien readings. His reading is consistent: his voice work stays the same for each character throughout the reading. A nice touch is the actual singing of the poetry Tolkien included. Music, songs, and poetry are an integral part of Tolkien's travel narratives, and the use of actual singing makes this reading a delight to listen to. Inglis's smooth voice is easy on the ears, and he performs this recording beautifully.My only complaint, and that of my students, was that sometimes the pace of the reading was too slow, which made tedious parts of the book even more so. Other than that it was a huge asset to my classroom, and truly served its purpose. While I don't really use audio books for personal use, I would still recommend this item to people who do. If you want an introduction to Tokien's world but don't have the time or interest to sit down with the text, this may be for you. | 1positive
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J Carter leads the way again, to understanding ourselves.
Really terrific book. Carter leads then way again, this time to help us understand a part of ourselves, our culture, our history, that we have not had the courage to remember. We look backwards over our shoulders, and wince with embarrassment at that time in the south-- a time that doesn't make much sense now. But this book helps us look with nostalgia at the touching relationships we need to remember, and with stealthy bare honesty at the complicated mysteries.I grew up in the same places but a little later, hearing stories of my grandparents as farmer and employers of share-croppers-- later learning of slavery on the family farm. No one talks much about that time, and sacred secrets avoided can be felt even when they are not spoken. Carter helps us delicately peak at those dark secrets and to learn from them, while laughing and loving the memories of friendships. | 1positive
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A church musician hoping for better
As a church musician, I am always intrigued to discover something related to my field finding currency in "pop" culture. A book called "The Choir" a bestseller? I could hardly believe it, so I had to pick up a copy.Alas, I was disappointed. Like other reviewers, I did not find Trollope's writing nor her characters compelling. I was yearning to find a character with whom I could relate, but Trollope's soap-operish world is peopled with caricatures. I was unable to finish this book.I admire Trollope's attempt to publicize the struggles of the English cathedral choir tradition, and for the attention it brings to this issue, I'm glad it's on the shelves. However, if you really want to learn something about English Cathedral music, pick up a recording by a real cathedral choir. The music itself has all the drama you could hope for.P.S. A previous reviewer mentioned the lack of discussion about girls in the English choir tradition. I'm happy to report that several cathedrals in England now have separate girls choirs, including Salisbury, Norwich, Peterborough, and Liverpool. | 0negative
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It was sad
Anne Rice does her best to make a tale which drains the very personality out of her beloved vampires Lestat, Louis, and David. She has this silly witch Merrick who puts charms on everyone to fall madly in lovw with her, taking away the romance and mystery out of Louis and Lestat's relationship. Arelationship die hard fans have loved since Interview and which helped make her famous. It seems like Anne Rice is constantly trying to reform her male character's from the love they have for each other by providing them with women which are frankly boring, women like Merrick, Dora, and Sybelle. It's almost like she sees love between two male characters an inferior love that needs to be fixed with providing them with a woman, this is sad, it makes her characters Louis and Lestat sadly trite, and comercial. And worse it's a very negative message to gay readers that same sex love is inferior to love between a male and a female, Anne has drained the romance out of the chronicals. | 0negative
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Great Book
This is a great book. I have news for Pat Wang (reviewer below)Communism didn't claim those lives. Totalinarianism did.Get it straight. | 1positive
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Pretty bad, pretty bad...
In all fairness, this book is sometimes fun to read, but there are SO many errors---grammatical and otherwise--that I would skip this one and do some research on some really good ones. They're out there! This will just frustrate you ---especially if you have any knowledge of these wonderful women. In short, skip it. | 0negative
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Disappointing
I was anxious to read this book after having been swept away by A Million Little Pieces and was very disappointed by My Friend Leonard. Much of the content was superfulous and didn't add to the storyline... There were too many characters to keep track of that weren't central to the plot. He should've focused more on convincing the reader why his relationship with Leonard was so significant. To sum it up, Frey falls very short of striking the emotional chords he struck in A Million Little Pieces. Wait and take it out of the library if you really want to read it or buy my copy. I'm sorry I wasted my money. | 0negative
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Greatly Disappointing
I had high hopes for this apparent classic by J.D. Salinger. Like everyone else, I had heard immense praise for the book, and was expecting an American classic such as To Kill a Mockingbird. I was extremely disappointed. I would venture as far to say that it is one of the worst books I've ever read. For starters, there is no plot. The book is just a haphazard collection of stories that are mostly insignificant and confusing. I kept waiting and waiting for something to happen, but it never did. Holden just kept wandering and doing the same thing over and over. Another point, the book is ridiculously and unnecessarily repetitive to the point that I wanted to rip the book to shreds. Every time I read the word "phony", "madman", "crazy", or the like made me angrier and kept me wanting to get the book over with. Also, the way Holden talks about "giving old Jane Gallagher a buzz" (and then never doing it) about 100 times adds to the frustration (he calls almost everyone "old"...). I do see the meaning behind this book, and the symbols, but that does not make up for a poorly written, boring book. The use of language, the endless repetition, and the lack of plot truly disappointed me. In my opinion, this book is not worth a read. | 0negative
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Nothing great about it
I like to think of myself as an open-minded person, willing to embrace any good story that comes into my life, as long as there is some meaning behind it. Hell, there doesn't even have to be a profoundly deep meaning hidden within a novel for me to like it, just as long as there is some redeeming value to it all. The Great Gatsby has neither enjoyment nor meaning, despite what all the critics and analysts may think. Of course, that is only my opinion and I can't tell others what to think.When I began reading The Great Gatsby, my opinion of it was entirely neutral, (as it goes with every novel I read). I knew that it was considered a masterpiece. I saw that it was number two on the Modern Library's 100 greatest novels. Yet, I didn't roll into my reading with extremely high expectations; I just let the book speak for itself, as the pages unfolded in front of my eyes.The Great Gatsby is told from the point of view of Nick Callaway, a middle class man who moves back East into a wealthy neighborhood. The book opens with him at his cousin's house. A small get together is in progress, and we are introduced to some of the main characters. We meet Tom, an athletic, hot tempered, adulterous man. We meet Daisy, Tom's wife, a cheerful and rather innocent girl. Finally, we meet Jordan. Jordan is Daisy's good friend, a rather gossipy and dishonest woman. They drone on about nothing in particular and the first scene ends.In the scenes that follow we encounter Jay Gatsby, who is supposedly the hero of the story. He is the American Dream. He is the typical "rags to riches" story some of us might envy. He is a very mysterious man, and rumors fly in every which way about him. Rumors such as how he inquired his money and where he came from. He throws large parties and invites Nick to them, along with countless other shallow people whom Gatsby has no interest in.The reason Gatsby engages in all these parties and hoopla, is an attempt to win back the love of his past, Daisy, (Tom's wife). He has acquired all this money and attempts to take her from her husband Tom. Tom, meanwhile, has a mistress across town that he uses for sex and is quite abusive towards.Well, all the parties and conversations eventually lead up to the climax at the end of the novel. I won't reveal too much except for the fact that a lot of sparks fly between Tom, Daisy, Tom's mistress (Mrs. Wilson) and the mistress's husband, Mr. Wilson. If I were to say anything else it might ruin it for you. Although by that time, if you are like me, you won't really care. The narrator, Nick, meanwhile just fades into the background and tells us the story in an offhanded kind of manner.The Great Gatsby fails on so many levels. I don't know where to start. The novel is supposed to be highly symbolic. I have nothing against symbolic novels, I usually adore them, but in this case it was different. I read the Cliff Notes and it still did not change my opinion. What good are symbols when their meaning doesn't really add to the depth or meaning of the story?Another major failure is the dismal writing style. I couldn't stand it. To me, it seemed Fitzgerald just wanted to show off his vocabulary. I don't have a problem with that, but he mixes words together in a rather strange and incoherent fashion, which does not make a whole lot of sense or add any power whatsoever to the story. Another failure: The characters are extremely one dimensional. I didn't feel like I really knew any of them by the time the novel was complete, and I certainly did not care about them.That brings me to my final failure of the novel that I will mention: the ending. I have said this in other reviews I have written. How am I or why should I care when tragic events occur to characters that I don't even care about? It is impossible. I really didn't care about anyone in this book, because the author did not shape and mold them into the vivid, memorable characters we read about in so many other masterpieces. Endings like this always worsen the overall credibility of a novel when adequate preparation has not been put in place, as if the author is trying to manipulate us into thinking how grand of an ending it was. Tragedies are great, if they have been properly framed and constructed from the beginning of the novel.The Great Gatsby has been said to mean things varying from "Social Stratification" to "Religion", to the seven deadly sins, and so on. Rest assured that I don't rely on others to tell me whether or not a novel is great. I did not hate this book, but as a "classic", it fails miserably, and it was not enjoyable to read. In my eyes, it is a shame that a book so mediocre can place number two on any list, let alone be considered one of the greatest books of all times. If I had to some up The Great Gatsby in one word, it would be "empty." If I could have one more word it would be "hollow." You be the judge. The only thing more mysterious than Jay Gatsby, and his infamous title, is the fact that this tale could be considered great by anyone.Grade: C- | 0negative
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The old standard--but outdated
This book is still used a great deal in law schools, but there are better casebooks now with modern, more interesting cases and more thoughtful analysis. Instead, try Goldberg, Sebok and Zipursky, Tort Law: Responsibilities and Redress. | 0negative
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Copy Protected
The course is great in essence, but there are two major trade-offs:1. I was unable to rip the whole set into iTunes - and put it on my iPod. That was very annoying! (But, maybe, that was just me being unable.)2. Some syllables are difficult to distinguish (is it ending with n or with m?) when you have nothing in written.Besides that, I really enjoyed the course, and I'd recommend it when you can overcome said two issues. | 0negative
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Very Disapointed
As an avid Catherine Coulter fan, especially her previous books including FBI agents Sherlock and Savich, this is not at all what I expected. I would have placed this in the category for fiction, maybe suspense, but certainly not a Romance novel. Story was dull and lacking in romance. The first Coulter book I didn't care for, but still a Coulter fan. | 0negative
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This stunning book deftly reveals the horrible truth.
As someone who reads widely and often, I can honestly say this: Very few books I have ever read have had as profound an impact upon me as Dr. William Pepper's meticulously and exhaustively researched "Orders To Kill". Dr. Pepper spent upwards of 18 years researching the facts behind the King Assassination and is probably the world's leading authority on the subject. "Orders To Kill" contains the results of those 18 years of investigation.What he found is chilling and disturbing, and should make us wonder what happened to our "democracy": The government of the United States, among others, was deeply involved in the killing. And in a testament to Dr. Pepper's tenacity and skill as an investigative journalist, many of those responsible for King's political murder have actually admitted their complicity in the book (These facts do not 'give away' the plot, since this information is contained on the outside back of the book and because it takes a book of over 500 pages like this one to fully explain the enormity of the event it describes).In fact, one of the men implicated in the assassination, witnessed the shooting himself and names the individual who actually fired the bullet that killed Dr. King (Hint: it is not James Earl Ray). Of course, this individual named names only after being assured by Dr. Pepper that he would be immune from prosecution for his role in the killing.Dr. Pepper, through sheer persistence, an iron will, and a burning desire for the truth, has written a book that will grab the reader from page one, and not let go until the bitter (very) end.The tale it so skillfully tells is a tragic one and is of epic proportions. But it is a tale that must be told, for if truth is to prevail in this world, as I believe it must, then books like this one must be written. I cannot recommend a book more highly than I recommend this one. Read it and prepare to be disgusted, frightened, saddened, and in the end, amazed and hopefully glad that the truth has finally prevailed. | 1positive
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There are two words for this book--Ignorance and Racism
I find it unfortunate that books such as these get any respect in terms of serving as a guide to a culture. This book is loaded with errors and unfounded stereotypes. I will list a few to give you an idea:1) The author refers to the "Mexicans" and the "North Americans" as two separate groups of people. Mexicans are North Americans as are Canadians and people from the United States! (Did an editor look at this book?)2)"Overt discrimination by Anglo-Americans is no longer a major concern of Mexicans..." One only needs to watch a news program in Mexico to see that this concern is very alive and real.3) When the author makes claims about mestizos he writes, "Mexican social scientists now say..." Interestingly enough, he does not reference which social scientists and where they make their claim. But why would he? This book has no footnotes or bibliography! It is primarily based on the author's own impressions of Mexico and a few Mexicans that he happens to come by.4)"Mistreatment of the Indians and mixed-blood by the Spanish for generation after generation created in them a latent blood-lust which was eventually to engulf Mexico and make it one of the world's most violent countries." "One of the world's most violent countries," this claim is based on what evidence? After all, north of Mexico's border whole populations of native people were decimated.On this same page, the author goes on to quote numbers of killing in Columbia. Columbia is not Mexico, and the author makes no connection between the two countries other than they are both Latin American countries (he also does not cite where he is getting his numbers about killings in Columbia).The author keeps returning to this theme of the "violent" nature of Mexicans, and basing its existence on his interpretation of the country's history. Yet he has no statistics to support his claim. For example, what are the numbers of shootings by handguns? (in a country where selling handguns is illegal). These subjective statements do not build a "Complete Guide to Mexican Thought and Culture." What they build is a narrow-minded view of Mexican culture.5) "...Mexico will not begin to reach its full potential until Mexican women are free of most of the cultural and economic restraints of the past." This statement could be directed towards any country in the world, including the author's own. The author plays the "oppression" of the Mexican woman over and over again. However, there are no opinions from Mexican women and no research from Mexican women about Mexican women included in this book. He speaks for them (and shows his own patriarchal bias).If you are looking for a book that will give you a patronizing cultural-imperialist view of Mexico, this is your book. If you want to continue the grievous misunderstandings that "Americans" and other foreigners perpetuate when they visit Mexico, then this is highly recommended. But if you want to actually learn about this country and culture, do not bother even opening the cover of this book.P.S. As another reviewer said, "If Amazon made it possible, I'd give this book a negative star rating." | 0negative
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Sagan was a true genius. Pretty bombastic, huh?
I've devoured every Sagan book I could ever get my hands on, but this one did some serious mind numbing. Try this, get out under the summer night sky with a flashlight and read this book. Vega is overhead most of the night and it feels like it is watching you.This book is not about aliens -- it is about how we see ourselves. Carl was underhanded in his writing because your ordinary moke would think it is supposed to be about his view of the future or some factual account. Only it wasn't. Carl wanted to make the reader think about their own life and humanity from a human perspective. I am a true believer that life exists in the Cosmos, but that is completely irrelevant to this book. It is an excellent account of humanity - our flaws (many as there are) AND our triumphs. It is unfair to Carl to subject it to literary or factual critique. What is fair to say is that it most assuredly will make you think. Carl will definitely be missed. | 1positive
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Pure Frost Without Editorial Heat
Are you someone who buys for the art of the book as much for the art of the contents? If so, you can't do better than any of the stellar titles from the Library Of America series of books... This splendid collection of Frost will not dissapoint...One of the many treats of this volume as is virtually true with all of the Library Of America volumes is the ease with which you can hold it comfortably in your hand...Exclusively thin acid free paper is the secret and this volume packs in a two inch thick volume what normal paper would weigh you down with five or six inches of...What nice unedited and thorough Frost you get here!...Speaking of editing, the true Frost afficionado will want to be sure to avoid items edited by an Edward Latham...This edition is Latham free and contains Frost's work as he originally wrote it...Unfortunately, from the late sixties on, several editions of Frost went forward with unnecessary "clean up" editing by this very punctuation weilding word meister...He added to many editions extra commas and punctuation in places Frost never originally put it...If you'd like to read a much more thorough analysis of this than I can describe here, be sure to pick up a copy of writer Donald Hall's " Breakfast Served Anytime" and read the article he wrote exposing Latham and his added cleansing of Frost's work...This Library Of America edition captures Frost unedited and at his purest and best...The reader can choose here from a smorgasbord of outstanding selections and offerings...Poetry, prose, plays...there is quite a variety of choice fare offered here...In the words of Mr. Frost.." I'm going up to the meadow to check the newborn calf,...I shan't be long...You come too!" | 1positive
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Best sci-fi book I ever read. Great epic story.
This story has three major sections that could almost be split into a trilogy. DO NOT see the motion picture based upon this book. John Travolta et. al. destroyed this wonderful story. | 1positive
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This read was not as gripping as The Wedding.
Judy has failed in this book to keep the readers interest from not only the first chapter but for most of the book. The book was boring and heavy going in parts and lacked her usual sense of humor. | 0negative
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Get a whiff of this--
Although Fish! is a light-hearted read, the authors provide no scientific evidence that the principles discussed will lead to any major changes; however, that is not to imply that the four principles are not effective. The authors do little to provide any real-world solutions to companies where a "Play Team" and "Sand Box" would probably be whimsically discarded for lack of credibility. Additionally, the main character's role is poorly developed and reads more like a cancelled soap-opera than a practical solution for overwhelmed managers. A tremendously easy-to-read book cleverly celebrating employee morale at work, this story reads like its title smells-FISH! | 0negative
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The Diaper Lady
I have had this cookbook for a couple of months now and have been able to try numerous recipes. Admittedly, we do not have food allergies, so that is not a concern of ours. But contrary to some other reviewers' statements, the substitutes given for spelt (such as oat) does not make the outcome horrible. We barely even noticed a difference.As for this cookbook not being appropriate for children, I have a 5 year old and 3 year old, and they eat the foods made from this book. Most children who are picky eaters (I would have one if I wasn't so darn stubborn) are children who grow up with a limited selection of foods, who are not encouraged to try new things. This is not the author's fault.Thanks to this book, I have spent more time in the kitchen, trying new recipes every week, and cooking better food for my family. I appreciate Cybele's stance on organic and whole foods and that is why I bought the book to begin with. The book claims to include both gourmet and homestyle recipes and that's exactly what it delivers. Thankfully so, since my mother was not a happy cook and I really needed some recipes from somewhere! | 1positive
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I was tricked
I liked the idea of meeting 5 people in heaven that had meaning in your life. And the first few pages do get you interested. BUT I read it with my mouth open wondering why anyone would praise this book. Mr. Albom made heaven sound like a place where people hang around waiting to dump guilt on the new guy. I found the war stories ugly and the entire book depressing. So glad that its not my version of heaven!! | 0negative
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Great book for Apollo history fans
Full of great stories of what went on with the various groups of engineers in the programs that were part of the American space race. Really enjoyed it. | 1positive
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Great Book
Very informative and helpful. It covered some of the topics missing from the first book "Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner" | 1positive
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Eh.....
It is a semi interesting book. I personally love to read about pirates. But the book was somewhat boring and it went really slow. The book is always throwing you off with big vocabulary. It's not bad. I just personally don't like the book that much. | 0negative
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Mah-jongg interest
Wonderful book in very good condition, came promptly and well packed. Thanks. ***** | 1positive
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Because there is no way to rate "no star"
Vacuous, self-indulgent, self-involved, and ultimately tragic because his existence in the media is a reflection of what the current market is willing to support and encourage.Read it and weep. | 0negative
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Very Tedious
This is my first Stephanie Laurens book. I picked it up after reading the reviews here. I found the book difficult to finish and tedious in some parts. However, I haven't given up on Stephanie Laurens books. I already have Scandal's Bride with me and plan to start on it soon. | 0negative
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whos being discriminated here again?
Well, if you love to: torture, murder, stab, punch, shoot, kill, cut, or inflict pain in anyway on yourself, THIS BOOK CAN HELP! if you're like me, you'll put down the stupid book burn it and then scatter the ashes over an indian grave. it because its so bad. the only people who think that this would be a good bok whatsoever would be the stupid english teachers. haven't you noticed how they always say that they love a certain book or genre, and then like EVERYBODY thinks that they're wrong? yea well here's another example. i mean also if you think about it, all of the people in the education industry are racist to themselves because they just LOVE to beat up on your on own culture. especially since they're like "oh yea, the indians are so great and have such peaceful minds" even though they dont even know what a stupid light bulb is. they are so advanced that they're not. woah. | 0negative
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